Another interesting sidelight from the reunion dinner, for me, is having people recognize me, that I didn't even know existed!
How exasperating to walk into a room, and have someone come running up, and offer a hug, and, using my name, tell me how good it is to see me again. Specially, when I cannot place the face, or the name...
Leaves me wondering what has been happening these past decades.
Maybe I should chekk with Mamacita to see if she can shed any light on this.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Beyond tired n retired
I am exhausted...I was not able to sleep last night, and I did catch about an hour nap on the drive back from Denver.
I am now back in Sioux Falls, did enjoy the reunion dinner last night...
The thought occurred to me, and I suppose it is prolly politically incorrect, but I was wondering why it takes us forty-five years after graduation to be able to sit down and get to know each other.
I think back to school, and there were the jocks and the cheerleaders/pep club; there were the cool kids who motor scooters, or their own car. Then as we got into our senior year, there were the older kids who could buy beer, cuz you only had to eighteen to buy 3.2.
That brings a chuckle to my mind, cuz, growing up in the Denver area, 3.2% beer was available to anyone eighteen years or older, and it was understood this was Colorado kool-aid; of course reference was to the beer not being stronger, and in inference being for the children. So, when I heard the song on the radio about drinking Colorado kool-aid, that it is powerful enuff to blow your head off, I really had to laugh, and say, HUH?!
Anyway, because of our age, I guess, we had ideas of who we would spend time with, and who was persona non gratis.
And now, forty-five years later, we realize that everyone was successful in whatever endeavor they set out to participate in; and we realize that there are similarities that we either ignored, or were not interested in seeing.
We realize that high school was a time of forming who we are, and what we thought was important in this life.
It seems time has a way of stripping away all preconceived ideas of life. Reality really is a bitch!
After our job firings, divorces, business losses, and family member losses, we realize that there really is not a lot of difference between us, and we cherish that common bond of having been a part of the graduating class.
For about a half an hour, we brainstormed on other students we recalled, but had not been to any of the reunions. Funny, the people you remember, that really did not fit into your group.
Well, that is my random rambling report on the reunion.
Oh, and to show where I fit in in the pecking order, one of the students married and they have a winery where they make their own wine. The husband spent about an hour or so explaining to me the particulars of wine, and what to look for. I ain't never claimed to be sophisticated; but I am always ready to learn.
That's all, I'm going to bed, it has been a long day.
I am now back in Sioux Falls, did enjoy the reunion dinner last night...
The thought occurred to me, and I suppose it is prolly politically incorrect, but I was wondering why it takes us forty-five years after graduation to be able to sit down and get to know each other.
I think back to school, and there were the jocks and the cheerleaders/pep club; there were the cool kids who motor scooters, or their own car. Then as we got into our senior year, there were the older kids who could buy beer, cuz you only had to eighteen to buy 3.2.
That brings a chuckle to my mind, cuz, growing up in the Denver area, 3.2% beer was available to anyone eighteen years or older, and it was understood this was Colorado kool-aid; of course reference was to the beer not being stronger, and in inference being for the children. So, when I heard the song on the radio about drinking Colorado kool-aid, that it is powerful enuff to blow your head off, I really had to laugh, and say, HUH?!
Anyway, because of our age, I guess, we had ideas of who we would spend time with, and who was persona non gratis.
And now, forty-five years later, we realize that everyone was successful in whatever endeavor they set out to participate in; and we realize that there are similarities that we either ignored, or were not interested in seeing.
We realize that high school was a time of forming who we are, and what we thought was important in this life.
It seems time has a way of stripping away all preconceived ideas of life. Reality really is a bitch!
After our job firings, divorces, business losses, and family member losses, we realize that there really is not a lot of difference between us, and we cherish that common bond of having been a part of the graduating class.
For about a half an hour, we brainstormed on other students we recalled, but had not been to any of the reunions. Funny, the people you remember, that really did not fit into your group.
Well, that is my random rambling report on the reunion.
Oh, and to show where I fit in in the pecking order, one of the students married and they have a winery where they make their own wine. The husband spent about an hour or so explaining to me the particulars of wine, and what to look for. I ain't never claimed to be sophisticated; but I am always ready to learn.
That's all, I'm going to bed, it has been a long day.
Friday, August 22, 2008
change of scenery
Today I am in my old home town of Thornton, CO.
Tomorrow, some of us from the Mapleton High School class of 1963 will be getting together for our 45th reunion.
So, for all practical purposes, I have been gone from the area for forty years. I am awestruck at the changes in the area.
The little town I grew up in has now connected with Denver, is spread out all over creation.
And driving the interstate reminds me of being in southern California. In fact, coming into the area from the north east, I was aware of the dark haze covering the Rockies...Yassir ubetcha... smog, u know, just like in CA.
I asked the lady on the desk, here at the motel, if the price of my room was so high due to the dem konvention coming next week; she said yes.
So, here I am, back home again...
Interestingly, five years ago, when I came here the 40th reunion, my engine blew on my escape.
So, we'll see how the old crew looks.
Tomorrow, some of us from the Mapleton High School class of 1963 will be getting together for our 45th reunion.
So, for all practical purposes, I have been gone from the area for forty years. I am awestruck at the changes in the area.
The little town I grew up in has now connected with Denver, is spread out all over creation.
And driving the interstate reminds me of being in southern California. In fact, coming into the area from the north east, I was aware of the dark haze covering the Rockies...Yassir ubetcha... smog, u know, just like in CA.
I asked the lady on the desk, here at the motel, if the price of my room was so high due to the dem konvention coming next week; she said yes.
So, here I am, back home again...
Interestingly, five years ago, when I came here the 40th reunion, my engine blew on my escape.
So, we'll see how the old crew looks.
in hoc signo vinces
This morning's newspaper poll asks: "Do you think an anti-abortion ad should have been included in a school district directory available at Sioux Falls schools?"
Firstly, I understand ads included in school directories/yearbooks are paid for, and help allay costs of printing. If the ad is indeed a paid advertisement, then it should be included.
Nextly, it is well understood that abortion is the law of the land...it is also axiomatic that the gummint school systems are online to teach children anything that is immoral...for years now, we have been inundated on how, we are all sexual creatures, and therefore we should encourage our children at an early age to embrace their sexuality.
Teaching five - eight year old children how to use a condom? No problem, it is more important for them to know how to use a condom then to understand how the United States of America came into being; and what was important to the founding fathers.
In my younger years we used to joke that you either had a birth certificate or an apology letter from BF Goodrich. That ain't the case any longer...condom broke, didn't have time to put one on? Oh, well, if she is preggers, just head on over to planned parenthood, they will take care of it, and it will be paid for with tax money.
Sadly, it has become chic for girls/women to have children; even without visible means of support. R.I.G.H.T! Gummint will take care of her and the children, no problemo!! It is time, Scotty...
No wonder, it appears that the largest majority of supporters of the dems are younger unmarried women...uncle sam will take care of you, regardless of what you may do, or want to do.
According to post-modern thought, the anti-abortion ad undermines the ability of the school, and the gummint, by default, to define appropriate behavior.
But, who would be insensitive enough to claim that not including the ad would be exercising censorship? Just like refusing to teach intelligent design in school, it is too deleterious to allow another "idea" to come into the arena.
SHHHEEEEEEEESSSSSSHHH!!!!!
Gimme a break...and I don't mean break off a kit-kat bar...
Firstly, I understand ads included in school directories/yearbooks are paid for, and help allay costs of printing. If the ad is indeed a paid advertisement, then it should be included.
Nextly, it is well understood that abortion is the law of the land...it is also axiomatic that the gummint school systems are online to teach children anything that is immoral...for years now, we have been inundated on how, we are all sexual creatures, and therefore we should encourage our children at an early age to embrace their sexuality.
Teaching five - eight year old children how to use a condom? No problem, it is more important for them to know how to use a condom then to understand how the United States of America came into being; and what was important to the founding fathers.
In my younger years we used to joke that you either had a birth certificate or an apology letter from BF Goodrich. That ain't the case any longer...condom broke, didn't have time to put one on? Oh, well, if she is preggers, just head on over to planned parenthood, they will take care of it, and it will be paid for with tax money.
Sadly, it has become chic for girls/women to have children; even without visible means of support. R.I.G.H.T! Gummint will take care of her and the children, no problemo!! It is time, Scotty...
No wonder, it appears that the largest majority of supporters of the dems are younger unmarried women...uncle sam will take care of you, regardless of what you may do, or want to do.
According to post-modern thought, the anti-abortion ad undermines the ability of the school, and the gummint, by default, to define appropriate behavior.
But, who would be insensitive enough to claim that not including the ad would be exercising censorship? Just like refusing to teach intelligent design in school, it is too deleterious to allow another "idea" to come into the arena.
SHHHEEEEEEEESSSSSSHHH!!!!!
Gimme a break...and I don't mean break off a kit-kat bar...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A word fitly spoken
A sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. (Phil. 4:18.)
"The living sacrifice is 'acceptable to God.' It ought to be a wondrous inspiration to know this, that even the lowliest things we do for Christ are pleasing to Him. We ought to be able to do better, truer work, when we think of His gracious acceptance of it.
"It is told of Leonardo da Vinci, that while still a pupil, before his genius burst into brilliancy, he received a special inspiration in this way: His old and famous master, because of his growing infirmities of age, felt obliged to give up his own work, and one day bade da Vinci finish for him a picture which he had begun. The young man had such a reverence for his master's skill that he shrank from the task. The old artist, however, would not accept any excuse, but persisted in his command, saying simply, 'Do your best.'
"Da Vinci at last tremblingly seized the brush and kneeling before the easel prayed: 'It is for the sake of my beloved master that I implore skill and power for this undertaking.' As he proceeded, his hand grew steady, his eye awoke with slumbering genius. He forgot himself and was filled with enthusiasm for his work. When the painting was finished, the old master was carried into the studio to pass judgment on the result. His eye rested on a triumph of art. Throwing his arms about the young artist, he exclaimed, 'My son, I paint no more!'
"There are some who shrink from undertaking the work which the Master gives them to do. They are not worthy; they have no skill or power for the delicate duty. But to all their timid shrinking and withdrawing, the Master's gentle yet urgent word is, 'Do you best.' They have only to kneel in lowly reverence and pray, for the beloved Master's sake, for skill and strength for the task assigned, and they will be inspired and helped to do it well.
"The power of Christ will rest upon them and the love of Christ will be in their heart. And all work done under this blessed inspiration will be acceptable unto God. We have but truly to lay the living sacrifice on the altar; then God will send fire."
J.R. Miller, (from Making the Most of Life.)
Streams in the Desert, Vol 2, Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1966, August 17
"The living sacrifice is 'acceptable to God.' It ought to be a wondrous inspiration to know this, that even the lowliest things we do for Christ are pleasing to Him. We ought to be able to do better, truer work, when we think of His gracious acceptance of it.
"It is told of Leonardo da Vinci, that while still a pupil, before his genius burst into brilliancy, he received a special inspiration in this way: His old and famous master, because of his growing infirmities of age, felt obliged to give up his own work, and one day bade da Vinci finish for him a picture which he had begun. The young man had such a reverence for his master's skill that he shrank from the task. The old artist, however, would not accept any excuse, but persisted in his command, saying simply, 'Do your best.'
"Da Vinci at last tremblingly seized the brush and kneeling before the easel prayed: 'It is for the sake of my beloved master that I implore skill and power for this undertaking.' As he proceeded, his hand grew steady, his eye awoke with slumbering genius. He forgot himself and was filled with enthusiasm for his work. When the painting was finished, the old master was carried into the studio to pass judgment on the result. His eye rested on a triumph of art. Throwing his arms about the young artist, he exclaimed, 'My son, I paint no more!'
"There are some who shrink from undertaking the work which the Master gives them to do. They are not worthy; they have no skill or power for the delicate duty. But to all their timid shrinking and withdrawing, the Master's gentle yet urgent word is, 'Do you best.' They have only to kneel in lowly reverence and pray, for the beloved Master's sake, for skill and strength for the task assigned, and they will be inspired and helped to do it well.
"The power of Christ will rest upon them and the love of Christ will be in their heart. And all work done under this blessed inspiration will be acceptable unto God. We have but truly to lay the living sacrifice on the altar; then God will send fire."
J.R. Miller, (from Making the Most of Life.)
Streams in the Desert, Vol 2, Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1966, August 17
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Random thought without monetary compensation
Sadly, we never truly appreciate what we have until it is gone. This country was founded on Christian principles identified in the Bible. You speak of not learning from history...but unfortunately, we try to hard to divorce ourself from history. In fact, the post-modern interpretation is that history is really His-story; we have come to accept the humanistic way of thought that says there is no supreme being, and therefore, there is no real rational reason for life as we once knew it.
As I understand "original sin", it is wanting to be greater than God Almighty...we have come pretty close to that now in this world. Test tube babies tell us we have the ability to "create" life... we have the ability, and capability, to replace body parts to heal and lengthen life. We take tiny bits of sand and create micro-chips that power a brain exponentially greater than the human brain.
We have lost sight of the important things...when this country was founded, and young, the first public building in any town was the church; it was the place of worship, the central meeting place of the town, the school, the keeper of records. We have, conveniently, forgotten that the ivy league colleges/universities were instituted to train ministers; Vance Havner, a pastor of yesterday, has stated that we can see how our thoughts have changed simply by looking at the college campuses...originally they had a cross on the highest point of the buildings to show the direction the educational ideals were pointed, but today the cross has been replaced by weather vanes, that still point to the direction, only now, it changes as the wind blows. In fact, for many years, school textbooks were the Bible, and teachers were the pastor.
Yes, we have come a long way
Sorry, for preaching, but God's Word tells us, that when a people, a nation, turns away from giving honor to God Almighty, He will humble us, and bring desolation to our nation. We have forgotten and forsaken God, and exalted ourselves to be greater than the Creator. Yeah, we are probably gonna have a hard time coping with the reality once we have sunken to new highs in our thinking. But we have been asking for it for a long time.
There really are no earthquakes, what we are experiencing is our ancestors turning over in their graves as they see how we have betrayed their faith and confidence.
As I understand "original sin", it is wanting to be greater than God Almighty...we have come pretty close to that now in this world. Test tube babies tell us we have the ability to "create" life... we have the ability, and capability, to replace body parts to heal and lengthen life. We take tiny bits of sand and create micro-chips that power a brain exponentially greater than the human brain.
We have lost sight of the important things...when this country was founded, and young, the first public building in any town was the church; it was the place of worship, the central meeting place of the town, the school, the keeper of records. We have, conveniently, forgotten that the ivy league colleges/universities were instituted to train ministers; Vance Havner, a pastor of yesterday, has stated that we can see how our thoughts have changed simply by looking at the college campuses...originally they had a cross on the highest point of the buildings to show the direction the educational ideals were pointed, but today the cross has been replaced by weather vanes, that still point to the direction, only now, it changes as the wind blows. In fact, for many years, school textbooks were the Bible, and teachers were the pastor.
Yes, we have come a long way
Sorry, for preaching, but God's Word tells us, that when a people, a nation, turns away from giving honor to God Almighty, He will humble us, and bring desolation to our nation. We have forgotten and forsaken God, and exalted ourselves to be greater than the Creator. Yeah, we are probably gonna have a hard time coping with the reality once we have sunken to new highs in our thinking. But we have been asking for it for a long time.
There really are no earthquakes, what we are experiencing is our ancestors turning over in their graves as they see how we have betrayed their faith and confidence.
Friday, August 15, 2008
OK, you win
Mamacita has been promoting her "Quotation Saturday"; wherein she lists a number of quotations with attributions.
Which has caused me to think about quotes that have been with me for time imemorial, that perhaps do not have appropriate attribution.
Anyway, here are some thoughts/quotes that have been with me over the years.
"Love is the language of the heart."
"Respect is a two-way street."
"Loyalty is a two-way street."
"One 'awshit' erases a thousand 'attaboys'."
"Never ask someone to do for you, what you can do for yourself."
"Laugh, and the whole world laughs with you; cry, and the whole world laughs at you!"
"Don't let your alligator mouth overpower your hummingbird ass!"
"You do the crime, you do the time!"
"Anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time."
"Why do we always have time to do something right the second time?"
"Work is a four letter word."
That should be enuff for the time being...
Which has caused me to think about quotes that have been with me for time imemorial, that perhaps do not have appropriate attribution.
Anyway, here are some thoughts/quotes that have been with me over the years.
"Love is the language of the heart."
"Respect is a two-way street."
"Loyalty is a two-way street."
"One 'awshit' erases a thousand 'attaboys'."
"Never ask someone to do for you, what you can do for yourself."
"Laugh, and the whole world laughs with you; cry, and the whole world laughs at you!"
"Don't let your alligator mouth overpower your hummingbird ass!"
"You do the crime, you do the time!"
"Anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time."
"Why do we always have time to do something right the second time?"
"Work is a four letter word."
That should be enuff for the time being...
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