I AM A DEMOCRAT – ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BE!
By Darlene G. Snyder
Although my campaign for Madison County Circuit Court Clerk is barely off its feet, there is already a lot of buzz about it in Richmond. I plan to enjoy the trip and along my way, I will get to know more people in our county. If you want to know more about whom I am, you can check the “Candidate Information and Bio” tab at the top of this page.
I am a candidate for the Office of Madison County Circuit Court Clerk
Tuesday January 10, 2012 was a gorgeous day. One in which, you could say, “God was showing off.” I picked that date to file for the office of Circuit Court Clerk. Not that date has any particular significance to me; I just picked a date the week before and went with it. The warm sunshine was an added bonus.
On what ticket did I file? Democrat, of course – that’s what I know, how I was raised to vote. It’s like belonging to a particular religion or denomination. Most people vote and worship how they were raised. That’s how it is with me. Being a democrat is what I know.
My father was a staunch democrat. I’ll always cherish those times when he and I would sit at the kitchen table and talk politics. He would ask what I thought about a particular candidate and then he’d talk for an hour telling me why he believed the democrat ticket was the only way to go.
Before my husband became sick, back in the days of Brereton Jones, I was deeply involved in the Madison County Democrat Women’s Club. I enjoyed attending the meetings on a regular basis, traveling to conferences and conventions and being in the forefront of everything Democrat. I formed a lasting bond with many of the women in that club.
After my husband became very ill and as his health declined, I made a choice to give up some things in my life – my involvement in the Democrat Women’s Club suffered and declined along with Mike’s health. I gave up church leadership roles and resigned from Richmond’s Altrusa Club. All this was done in order for me to help my husband during a very difficult time in his life. This is something I don’t regret doing.
I am still a member of the local Madison County Democrat Women’s Club, but I’m happy to report that I just became a member of The Kentucky Women’s Network. This does not replace the democrat women’s club, but it is an organization for democrat women, but the focus differs. The Women’s Network advocates for Democratic Principles. We are in the process of forming a Madison County Chapter and I will be a participant in that process.
So you see I am a Democrat – Always have been, Always will be.
For My Caregiver Friends…
The out building sitting behind our old farmhouse, was stuffed full of freshly cut corn – shucks and all, as well as some of my father’s old tools, which were shoved in a corner of the building.
On one particular visit, Jack and George were playing outside with us while their mother visited with my mother. They were a few years older than my brother, sister and me, but usually the boys played well with us. Jack opened the door of the old out building. Peering in, he pointed to a large ear of corn sitting sideways at the top of the pile of corn. “I bet you can’t climb up and get that piece of corn,” he dared. “Yes I can,” I said, and began the climb to the top. About midways, I heard the door shut and felt the darkness closing me in. Scrambling down I started sliding out of control. My knee landed on a weed blade, and I felt the blood gushing as I let out a blood-curdling scream.
When the adults reached me, mom mentioned stitches and I begged her not to take me to the hospital. Somehow, I convinced her I would be ok. Her care and comfort was a great example of a caregiver’s heart. Afterward Jack’s mother sent him to the store to buy me a bag of candy. That small brown bag filled with sweets is all it took for my knee to begin to heal.
Later in my married with children years, I unwittingly became a caregiver – nursing became a part of motherhood. Caring for my sick child came naturally. However when my spouse became my patient, when a cold, surgery, or some other ailment temporarily disabled him, I wasn’t very compassionate. Usually his temporary disability kept me from doing something I wanted to do. I wasn’t a nurse, never wanted to be one. The very thought of it annoyed me.
My husband became very ill when he was in his forties. Colitis destroyed his colon and nothing could be done except totally removing the damaged organ. The results of the surgery left devastation and life changing consequences in its wake.
I’m convinced God has a sense of humor. Why else would he put me in a marriage to a farmer when I hated farm work, with a husband who not only loves country and bluegrass music, but also sings it and plays guitar, mandolin and banjo? Moreover, the nice office job I had in a Nursing Home of all places. I adjusted with my sanity in tack to all of this, but me changing bandages, taking temperatures, cleaning wounds, changing soiled bedding and performing other nursing type duties – no way. I let God know in uncertain terms that I did not want to be a nurse and putting me in a position where I was forced to be a one wasn’t funny at all. He knew I was not good at this type work and I blamed Him. In other words, I threw a fit.
Sometimes I’m rebellious enough not to like it when God rebukes me with that still small voice of His. I wanted to continue sulking. Nevertheless, after much prayer, tears and a remorseful heart, I finally calmed enough to realize I had to do what I had to do, and it wasn’t God’s fault – it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Sickness, diseases, and chronic illnesses are part of life.
Being a caregiver is a part of life. Caring for my spouse taught me to be more caring to others. I still don’t like nursing and I’m thankful that part of my life was short lived, although it seemed an eternity when I was going through it. I’m happy my husband – in spite of his health issues is able to care for himself. However, I know if the time comes when I have to become his nurse again, I can do it.
During those difficult times, God whispered a reminder to me that everything was going to be all right – maybe not in the way I hoped, but it would be all right – and it was.
Inexplicable Thrills
The sound of the knock on our door and then a big, Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!” sent all three of us (my siblings and me) squealing and running for cover. We just knew Santa had come, caught us awake and out of our beds. He won’t leave us toys, I thought. I’m quite sure my siblings thought the same thing.
We had just spent time with family who had come to visit on Christmas Eve. We were anticipating Santa to arrive any moment. Of course, back then we didn’t have the luxury of the GPS monitoring, but the news people reported what continent Santa just left and where he was headed next. Excitement filled the air; waiting for Santa gave us an inexplicable thrill.
I tried to pass on to my child that same sensation; always falling a little short. It feels as if I have spent a lifetime chasing that thrill; trying for a repeat performance. Each year, Christmas over, the tree down and the decorations put away, I was left with just a little disappointment. Maybe I should have bought more presents, or spent more money, I thought. That illusive thrill was all but gone.
As with most Christians, with age, life experiences and a stronger faith, I finally came to my senses. I realized it wasn’t my belief in Santa that should bring me delight, it was my belief in the Christ child born in a lowly manger, who grew to become the perfect Man and eventually my Savior who should fill me with that childlike excitement, the feeling of anticipation and an inexplicable thrill.
For the first time ever, I know if I don’t receive one gift or if I can’t afford to give any gifts, if there isn’t a ham or turkey on my table, or a Christmas party to attend, I will still be excited about Christmas. The thrill is back, but in a larger than life way.
I’m celebrating the birth of my personal Savior. I could have never made it through this year or even this lifetime had I not had Him in my life. He has pulled me up, calmed me down, and given me a new life. Now that is something to celebrate! This year, instead of writing a letter to Santa, I think I will write one to Him – The giver of Life – my Lord, thanking Him for all He has already done in my life. I’m looking forward to Christmas again with anticipation and excitement.
By the way, after we settled down that night when I was a child, and all the Ho, Ho, Hoing stopped, dad opened the door and discovered the person on the other side stomping the snow off his boots wasn’t Santa, it was my uncle. He’d forgotten his hat!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Information about my books…
Press release for my book Casting Bread Upon the Water. http://tinyurl.com/nk7xnm
I also have a book now available. It is titled, Girlfriends On… Marriage, The early Years. Check out this link to order the book or find out more about it. http://tinyurl.com/4q6kykj
If you like this post, check out some of my older posts on http://thememorywriter.wordpress.com/
Gaining Confidence in Who I Am
I’m a writer.
There, I said it!
When I started attending writer’s conferences a few years ago, one of the first things I learned to do was to call myself a writer. Those of us in attendance who were new to writing were a little apprehensive about giving ourselves the title. During classes, instructors encouraged us to take ownership in what we were. One of the things suggested to us was to place paraphernalia, notes and quotes all around to remind us who we were.
At my desk where I write, I have a set of pens in a box that says, “Write,” on the top of the box. Sometimes I wear a hoodie that has “Writer” screen-printed across the front. A Bible verse is posted on my bulletin board reads, “We write this to make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:4) NIV. I save copies of my printed magazine articles; I have a certificate framed and hung on my wall I received as an award at a writer’s conference. All of these are little reminders of who I am and what I do.
The advice received at the conferences helped give me confidence in my writing ability and eventually the courage to submit articles to magazines, complete a self-published book on our church history and become the author of a series of pocket type books on the subject of marriage.
What if as Christians we used this advice to remind us of who we are? Think about it. Reminders on our refrigerator, desk or workplace that says, “I’m a Christian.” Maybe, if I had a sign like that at my desk last week, I wouldn’t have become so annoyed at work. On the other hand, had I posted that reminder on my refrigerator, maybe I wouldn’t have felt discouraged and would have remembered that my strength comes from Him.
Maybe having “I’m a Christian” signs around us would inspire and motivate us to do the job God has given all Christians – to spread the good news about Christ. Maybe we would be more confident and bold in our witness. Instead of whining about our problems, maybe we would be provoked to be more concerned about those around us who are hurting.
What does it mean to be a Christian? It is to be Christ like. We are set apart, and sometimes we need reminders plastered around us to remind us of who we are and what being a Christian is about.
I’m a Christian.
There, I said it!
Information about my books…
Press release for my book Casting Bread Upon the Water. http://tinyurl.com/nk7xnm
I also have a book now available. It is titled, Girlfriends On… Marriage, The early Years. Check out this link to order the book or find out more about it. http://tinyurl.com/4q6kykj
If you like this post, check out some of my older posts on http://thememorywriter.wordpress.com/
Spiritual Fitness for Marriages
Here is a portion of a chapter in Girlfriends on…Marriage, The Early Years The chapter title is Spiritual Fitness for Marriages
“When Christians gather, the emphasis should be on individuals worshiping the Lord. You can be in a congregation with others, but you are showing reverence to Him as an individual.
Second, to fellowship with other believers is a benefit often overlooked by some Christians. The encouragement and friendships found in other believers is invaluable. It is wonderful to have people in our lives who understand and can relate to what we are going through daily.
When a person trusts Christ as their personal Savior, they become a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For the body to function correctly, all parts need to be present (1 Corinthians 12: 14-20). Likewise, a believer will never reach spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other believers.”
To purchase my new book, Girlfriends on…Marriage, click on the buy now button.
Girlfriends on…Marriage: The Early years
To purchase my new book, Girlfriends on…Marriage, click on the buy now button.
Almost a Rotarian!
Just wanted to let my friends know, I””m almost a Rotarian. My pinning ceremony is next week! I””m excited to become a part of this great group and very anxious to learn more about all the good works they do in our City, County, State, Nation as well as internationally. I””m joining the Richmond Bluegrass Club.
Yea me. 
Information about my books…
Press release for my book Casting Bread Upon the Water. http://tinyurl.com/nk7xnm
I also have a book now available. It is titled, Girlfriends On… Marriage, The early Years. Check out this link to order the book or find out more about it. http://tinyurl.com/4q6kykj
A New Look
I LOVE TO SHOP!
Whether it is clothes, shoes, makeup or new things for the house, I enjoy shopping. I also like changing things up a little. Sometimes, I change my hairstyle, my home office gets a makeover, or I re-organize cabinets and files.
I don””t know what it is about the month of January, but I like to use that month to re-organize something. This year it was my home office, my closet and now my website.
I have a new look. You are one of the first to see my new look. Each day, I””m adding new content, giving the old material a new home and making this an easy way for you to get to know more about my writing, my photography and my interests.
Look around while you are here and remember to check back later.
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Information about my books…
Press release for my book Casting Bread Upon the Water. http://tinyurl.com/nk7xnm
To order the book, hit the buy now button.
I also have a book available on pre-order. It is titled, Girlfriends On… Marriage, The early Years. Check out this link to order the book or find out more about it. http://tinyurl.com/4q6kykj