Sunday, January 17, 2010

Priorities

I observed a pickup truck, one day, with a bumper sticker that proclaimed, "When the Church ruled the world they called it the 'dark ages'".

I have been pondering that statement, and though I did not follow the vehicle and talk with the lady that was driving, I want to take a moment to look at that statement.

Today, more than at any time in my life, we are experiencing an all out effort to rewrite Amercian history, to remove any reference to God's involvement, or the involvement of the Christian Church in the founding of our country. For years, now, I have listened to radio announcements regarding graduation that proclaim, "Whenever a small community began to grow, the first public building that was built was a school." I don't think that is true.

When a group of people decided to form a town, the first public building they built was usually a church. It was the church that took on the resonsibility of teaching people to read and write, and do their numbers. The initial textbooks were the Bible. For the most part, the pastor, or parson, was the most educated person in town; and it was understood that he would do the Christian thing to educate everybody.

The first colleges and universities were also started by the Christian church, for the purpose of training clergy to continue the good work.

In the Continental Navy, the chaplain was also the purser, and the person who took care of the administration. Again, not only was he the most educated person onboard, he was also the most trustworthy.

Finally, hospitals in this country were founded by the Christian church, as a means of taking care of sick people, keeping them near the doctor, and isolating them until they could get along on their own again.

If that was the "dark ages", that is the life for me. I am tired of living in the age of enlightenment, where morals and ethics are dependent on each person's interpretation and perception.

At the end of his long life, Moses spoke these words to the Israelites: "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;...I call heaven and earth as witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

Today, we would do good to pay heed to the words Moses spoke. Our post-modern world is driving us farther and farther away from "loving the LORD our God, and obeying His voice"; and farther away from life and the length of our days, and especially living in the land which the LORD swore to our Fathers. Those who refuse to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The time has come,for all good men & women to come to the aid of their country

OATH KEEPERS: ORDERS WE WILL NOT OBEY

Click here to read full length version.

1. We will NOT obey orders to disarm the American people.

2. We will NOT obey orders to conduct warrantless searches of the American people

3. We will NOT obey orders to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to military tribunal.

4. We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state.

5. We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty.

6. We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.

7. We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.

8. We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control."

9. We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies.

10.We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

Click here to read full length version.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Bless = Bliss

My special friend, Sherri, authors periodic thoughts for email, entitled "mind medicine". If anyone is interested in receiving these thought provoking emails, simply send an email to "bahasherri@yahoo.com", subj line: Mind Med, including the email address you would prefer they be sent to.

This morning's thought:
"Bliss. Bless.
Bliss = Bless
Bless = Bliss

These two words seem interchangeable to me."


Got me thinking. To my understanding, to bless is to show approval. Biblical history shows us that when people were where they were supposed to be, doing what they were supposed to be doing, and being who they were supposed to be, they were blessed. Should they be off in any one of these areas, there was a sense of having lost the blessing.

Sadly, today, we talk about encouraging self-esteem in each other; which is consistently difficult to accomplish. Self-esteem, is how we feel about ourself...especially as it relates to others around us. So, we hear platitudes about respect me, I am your equal. Generally, when we are seeking to feel good about our self we have lost the blessing, and we compensate for that by demanding that others recognize us for who we want, or used, to be.

There was a time, when a father would "bless" his children. I don't know if we use the idiom much anymore, but there was a time when a man would ask a woman's father for his blessing on their marriage. You see, in reality, blessing is a blessing; and to our disadvantage we have chosen to not bless our children, and instead seek to encourage their self-esteem building.

Henri JM Nouwen in his book, "Life of the Beloved", Crossroad, New York, 1994, page 56, said: "Let me first tell you what I mean by the word "blessing". In Latin, to bless is benedicere. The word "benediction" that is used in many churches means literally: speaking (dictio) well (bene) or saying good things of someone." On page 57 he continues by saying: "A blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her Belovedness." I am amazed at how close the two words appear to be: blessedness and belovedness; because, you know they are basically the same. Oh, if only we could get each other to again recognize the value of being blessed.

Father Nouwen, then goes on to relate an incident in a home for mentally challenged people, where he was resident priest. At one of the prayer meetings, one of the members asked him if he would give her a blessing. He responded by making the sign of the cross on her forehead with his thumb. The member, exclaimed, "No, that doesn't work. I want a real blessing!" At the close of the prayer service, he invited her to come forward, and offered to give her a hug. As she closed in for the hug, he wrapped his arms around her. Of course he was wearing his sacramental robe, and in the process of enfolding her into a hug, he completely covered her with his robe. That picture still brings tears to my eyes. Yes, that is a blessing! What an affirmation of her blessedness, her belovedness. For me, that presents what I believe about God, that when we go to Him in repentance, He draws us close and enfolds us in His humongous arms, and we are loved like we have never been loved. Yeah! that's what its all about.

And that, conveniently leads me into the second part, the word "bliss". How should we define bliss? Is it not a feeling of extreme well-being? How much more can we possibly have a feeling of well-being, unless we are where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there, and doing what we are supposed to be doing? That definitely sounds like being blessed. On the other side of the coin, we have the angle where we experience the bliss of having blessed someone, of having affirmed them, of having touched their original goodness and bringing to their mind their belovedness. You see, when we are blessing, we are receiving a blessing, and everyone comes out a winner. No need to demand equalness, or respect. We know we are at peace, and the world is copacetic.

Oh, if only we were able to understand and accept this simple bit of information; how much different this world would be. Wanna talk about hope and change? Look at the hope that would be engendered by blessing each other. You wanna talk about change? Just think of the change that would be wrought simply because we are all affirmed of our belovedness, and none of us worry about be shut out.

Thank you, Sherri, you have stimulated my mind. I love you.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Pause for the cause

While traversing the internet this morning, I came across the following post by Cassandra at http://www.villainouscompany.com/vcblog/.


Defining Conservatism

A while back I was asked by a very lovely and intelligent lady to write an essay on conservatism.

I did quite a bit of research and was rather surprised by what I learned. Yes, I do have an opinion on this subject. But I hear so many people say, "He/She isn't a conservative" that I can't quite resist throwing the question back at you all: "OK. Exactly what IS a conservative? Define it for me."

So that's my challenge to you, whether you are a blogger or a reader. Define conservatism for me. Better yet, do it for yourself.

Have at it in the comments section. And if you are a blogger and want to post your reply, let me know and I'll post a roundup of responses.

Should be an interesting discussion.


So, how do I understand conservatism?

I think it is about personal responsibility. I know that is a big umbrella to start out with, however, I must go back to the understanding that the God who created this world, universe, and all living creatures, thought it pertinent to bestow on us, human critters, free will. We have the ability to do what we want to, but we also have an "owner's manual" that tells us what happens when we choose to live a certain way.

The human heart cries out for freedom. All across the history of mankind, we find those in bondage, crying out to be free. And all across this history, we find those whose whole purpose in life appears to be enslaving others, and having power over them to refuse them any opportunity to exercise their free will.

Involved in my idea of being free, is the ability to earn and hold private property. I grew up in the forties and fifties. I well remember watching "Victory at Sea" at the local theater, and watching the news items that showed how people over in Europe lived. I read the Declaration of Independence, and learn that the people most instrumental in beginning this country, left Europe to get away from onerous taxation, and overbearing government. I grew up with the story of Robin Hood...not the Robbing Hood we have today, of the government taxing every aspect of our lives, but the Robin Hood, who battled the oppressive government of the day, to take back what rightfully belonged to the people.

Since I graduated from high school, I have had the privilege to visit places like Seoul, Korea; Manilla and Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Hong Kong, Guyana, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and parts of Guatemala. I have also had the privilege of being able to live in Quito, Ecuador for nine months. I have been able to see the lifestyle of people who do not have the freedom we have been inherently provided by God. I have watched children take off their clothes to go swimming, because it was the only pair of pants and shirt they owned. I have seen how people live because the government controls everything in the country.

Conservatism, means respecting each other's right to freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I have experienced some moments of hillarity, when I have read the billboards that say: "Respect me". Respect is a two way street, and I find it really hard to respect someone who does not respect me. The hard knocks of the school of life have taught me to give the benefit of the doubt to everyone I meet. I choose to respect every person I meet, or come in contact with; however, when someone disdains my respect, or uses it to gain power over me, I lose respect for them. Sometimes, I can understand the words of Linus from the Peanuts cartoon where he said, "I love humanity, it's people I can't stand.

I guess, respecting each other's right to freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness goes beyond "Live and let live". I believe that God created mankind to be in communion, with each other, and with Him. Being in communion with each other means lending a hand when needed; encouraging someone who is losing courage, helping to raise each other above the level we think we are only capable of reaching. I do not consider government taking hard earned money from earners, and giving it to non earners to be humanitarian. In fact I find it to be humiliating. Again, this goes back to individual responsibility.

Our collective consciousness shows us how beautiful life can be when we all work together, encourage each other, and strive to be the best we can be. I guess in a kind of a nutshell, that would be conservatism for me.

Friday, January 1, 2010

New year, new rant. same ole same ole

January 1st. The first day of the new year. Everyone has been talking about change for over a year now, and this may be the year.

Come September, the end of the federal government's fiscal year, I will be removed from the health care program I have been with since I retired from the military. Which will require me to sign up for Medicare, or whatever that government health care insurance program is. The silly part has to do with whether or not I wish to keep the Tricare program, labled; Tricare for life. That program requires you to be signed up with medicare, and medicare part B.

I know no one has asked me for my two cents worth; but I'm gonna give it anyway, cuz this is my blog, and my opportunity to get it off my chest. I completed 29 years of active duty in the US Naval service. According to the VA, I have less than 5 percent disability. Guess what the VA, the VFW, the American Legion, and all them "service oriented clubs" have in common! Yep, they are all oriented to supporting the disabled. So, since I am not disabled, the better way to go would have been to stay on active duty, and perhaps be in a combat zone, and; well, you know the rest. However, con-gress decided some time ago, that a person could only spend so much time on active duty. I am a firm believer, that someone, at some time, decided young blood flowed better on the battlefield, than old blood.

Yeah! I turn 65 this year. In some ways, I cannot believe this many years have gone by already. George Jones, in a recent record stated: "I ain't ready for the junkyard yet, I still feel like a new corvette; my body's old but it ain't impaired, I don't need your rockin chair." I can't say I feel like a new corvette, but I can say I don't feel like a run down Hudson Hornet either. Yeah, I agree, "I may be slow, but I'll get there, I don't need your rockin chair." All things being considered, my dad died at age 54; his dad died at age 34; his mother was 89 when she chekked out. Some tell me, that based on the mortality figures of my paternal predecessors, I should chekk out at age 74. We'll see. I am not one of those people who hope to live a looooong life. Now, if I knew that I was going to live to be a hundred and twenty years old, and I would be able to say at that time what Moses said, many centuries ago, I would have no qualms living that long of a life.

I am reminded that one of the benefits of dementia, is that you are always meeting new friends...I like that. It is a new year, and I do look forward to meeting new friends. Oh, in about three n a half years, will be my 50th high school reunion...wonder if I will still be around for that; and wonder how many of the 140(?) in our graduating class will still be with us. Have heard it said that, time heals all wounds; and wounds all heels. "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus, is all I'm asking of you, just show me the way to be everyday what I ought to be; yesterday's gone, Dear Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine, teach me today, show me the way, one day at a time." An email I received some time back said, "Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift; that is why it is called the "present".

With the new year, comes change. There are some in this country who have been hoping for change for a long time. I guess change is good, but it depends on what is being changed. President B Hussein promised that there would be no tax increases for anyone earning less than 250 or 200 thousand dollars a year. Lo and behold...my retired pay doesn't even amount to 50 thousand, and according to the defense finance command, my income tax whitholding is increasing $9.30 a month beginning January 1st. Now, don't that beat all? Reminds me of that joke I heard many years ago..."If you had ten male deer, and ten female pigs, how much money would you have?" Now, that's something to contemplate, ain't it? Of course, you would have "ten sows and bucks". What did you think?

Rush Limbaugh coined the phrase "Hoax and chains" for the administration's logo of hope and change. If you ain't feelin the chains yet, don't worry, they be comin.
I have found it interesting to see the information that was put out by the State Department, identifying what a terrorist is. You see, those who fail to learn from history are doomed to relive it. I just wonder how many of us remember that back in 1994, {Yep, democrat administration} then attorney general Janet Reno informed a reporter from 60 Minutes of what a terrorist looked like. Yah, shure, ubetcha! Almost word for word the same as what just came out. You see, back then, when the firestorm hit, the dutiful minions of the democrat propaganda wing, {spell that mainstream media, or drive-by media} went to general quarters to quash the information, and within a few days there were no more references to be found anywhere on the internet. Including the You Tube clips. Ain't it interesting that when the firestorm hit this time, the democrat propaganda lackeys again went to general quarters to cover and make sure that there could not be any continued argument? Seems to me I heard someone say, that is not the official stance of the government, and any reference to it has surely disappeared. Well, "WTFO"!?! Just one more instance of the "elect" telling us to "bend over and grab our ankles". Sheesh!!! give me a break, and I don't mean a Kit Kat bar, neither.

Well, I think that is prolly enuff of a rant for one day. I want to wish everyone in America a healthy, happy, prosperous new year. Of course, I understand that no one is going to realize all that, unless they have a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ; may each and everyone of you come to that understanding, so we can turn around the craziness that is going on in this country.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Ded in the water

Motherboard in computer went graveyard ded a week ago last Tuesday. So, ain't gonna be no communicating for a while.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Cuz I kin

This morning’s newspaper poll asks the question: “Should education be spared from cuts in this year's state budget process?” As of 7:33 am the results are: 50.7% Yes, and 49.3% No. I wonder why there is even any debate about where to cut monies in the budget; be it city, county, state or federal.

Why, are we so exuberant about making sure there is public money available for statues in the city? Most of the statues I see, as I drive downtown, are ugly, and more of an eyesore than a landscape enhancement. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…Any reason that money couldn’t be better utilized in repairing the streets downtown?

Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how come the affluent people, who desire these sculptures to be available, don’t fund them their selves? Why do we always have to use public monies? Public monies are taxes paid by honest hard working citizens.

Why do we have to use taxpayer dollars to build a “convention center”? Every convention center I have ever seen, seems to be collocated with a major hotel chain. If the hotel chain wants the events center so bad, why don’t they build it? Have you ever tried to stay in one of the hotels at the convention center? I have never made enough money to participate in that extravagance.

Well, I am afeared, that the reason the governor is going to “cut” funds for education, is because the affluent in this state, would rather see tax income going to artificial beautification, than to actual beautification. You see, when you want the general, hard working public to get behind something, you scare them into believing there is no other way, than to cut the funds from areas that we really need.

You see, I question why we need to have homeless shelters paid for by tax dollars. Back in the “boom years” of this country. When taxes were almost non-existent, there were itinerant workers all over the place. No one worried about building hotels and “projects” to give them a place to live. Employers, made sure their employees had some kind of a roof over their head. Even if it was a tent. Whole communities sprung up, because of employment needs. Look at the towns around mines, and large factories, like steel mills, and automobile plants.

We are informed that a considerable number of our homeless are mentally unstable in one way or another. There was a time when these people were committed to “non-profit” institutions. Places where they received the care they needed, and received their medications on time, every time. Yet, in the name of all that is “humane” we shut these institutions down, shamed the people who made them work, and turned this part of society loose on the world. Yep, you got that right…let the taxpayers figure out what to do with them, instead of private funding.

Well, for those of us who have taken the time to read “The Communist Manifesto”, and taken the time to learn about world affairs, it is a no brainer that for more years than I have been alive, we have been slipping down the slippery slope of surrendering our personal freedom and liberty, for the artificial security the affluent tell us we really need because of the situations they put us in.
Yes, folks, evil really does exist. Especially the evil that perpetrates envy, and jealousy between the people of this great nation.

Unless the people of this nation, realize how far we have slid from the founding fathers’ ideas for a great country, predicated on the grace of God, endowing each citizen with the right to pursue excellence, and individual freedom, we will find ourselves living in the hell our forefathers left Europe to get away from.

May God have mercy on our souls.