Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tested Truths: 2013, a year in review
Tested Truths: 2013, a year in review: How do you review a year like this last one, one that will end mercifully at midnight tonight? So much murder and hatred throughout the wo...
2013, a year in review
How do you review a year like this last one, one that will end mercifully at midnight tonight? So much murder and hatred throughout the world, and plenty right here at home. How do we make sense of it? The answer is a simple one, and yet we will look for ways to complicate it, and we will point fingers at each other and look elsewhere to place the blame. Simply put, the culprit is evil, and evil has had a banner year! Evil does exist, and it is a living breathing entity who remains alive by feeding on us. We allow it to thrive by ignoring it, and for those who bring evil thoughts to a physical reality? Those poor souls are only pawns, because evil chooses the insane and the hopelessly stupid to carry out its agenda.
But what of this country, what of the good ole U S of A? How can we stand together against something as powerful as evil when we are so hopelessly divided about almost everything? Surely, what we don't need is more partisan politics! We have been torn in half by the extremes of this current administration, and yet, the extremists from the other side clamor for their turn?
If we are to have any hope at all for the future, it cannot come from Four more of the same, whether that same calls itself Democrat, or Republican! What is needed is a uniter, someone who is non beholden to any political party or it's agenda! Except for those who make their living from divisiveness, most all Americans look for someone who knows how to compromise, someone who looks only for the best ideas, regardless of the political affiliations of the person whose idea it was. If there is to be any real hope for this country, we must be willing to change how we do business. If all we accomplish in the upcoming 2016 presidential election is a simple change of the controlling party, then we will have four more of the same, only in a different wrapper? If the extremism that has divided us has taught us anything, it is that it doesn't work! All extremism accomplishes, is to devide us, and a country so divided is almost without power. Again, what is needed is a uniter, not a divider, someone who the entire country can rally behind! But the wheels are already in motion, and the New York Times placed the first palm leafs at the feet of the next to be coronated? Whether it is enough to wash Hillary's bloody hands, still remains to be seen? But if she is to be annoited as the next Democratic nominee, it doesn't mean that a Republican, any Republican is the answer? If all that we do is elect an anti Democrat, who does nothing to unite us, then perhaps we should hoist the white flag above the White House, because we are truly doomed! Too mellow dramatic you say? Then you don't understand the power of evil, and that if we are to have any chance at all against something so powerful, we must be united once again as one!
But what of this country, what of the good ole U S of A? How can we stand together against something as powerful as evil when we are so hopelessly divided about almost everything? Surely, what we don't need is more partisan politics! We have been torn in half by the extremes of this current administration, and yet, the extremists from the other side clamor for their turn?
If we are to have any hope at all for the future, it cannot come from Four more of the same, whether that same calls itself Democrat, or Republican! What is needed is a uniter, someone who is non beholden to any political party or it's agenda! Except for those who make their living from divisiveness, most all Americans look for someone who knows how to compromise, someone who looks only for the best ideas, regardless of the political affiliations of the person whose idea it was. If there is to be any real hope for this country, we must be willing to change how we do business. If all we accomplish in the upcoming 2016 presidential election is a simple change of the controlling party, then we will have four more of the same, only in a different wrapper? If the extremism that has divided us has taught us anything, it is that it doesn't work! All extremism accomplishes, is to devide us, and a country so divided is almost without power. Again, what is needed is a uniter, not a divider, someone who the entire country can rally behind! But the wheels are already in motion, and the New York Times placed the first palm leafs at the feet of the next to be coronated? Whether it is enough to wash Hillary's bloody hands, still remains to be seen? But if she is to be annoited as the next Democratic nominee, it doesn't mean that a Republican, any Republican is the answer? If all that we do is elect an anti Democrat, who does nothing to unite us, then perhaps we should hoist the white flag above the White House, because we are truly doomed! Too mellow dramatic you say? Then you don't understand the power of evil, and that if we are to have any chance at all against something so powerful, we must be united once again as one!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Tested Truths: Sit down and type it Ed,
Tested Truths: Sit down and type it Ed,: I had meant to write you all on Christmas Day, but you might say that logistics got in the way? It wasn't for lack of trying mind you,...
Sit down and type it Ed,
I had meant to write you all on Christmas Day, but you might say that logistics got in the way? It wasn't for lack of trying mind you, as I have three in the hopper, or three in the can if it was film? But the timing wasn't right, I couldn't get to the computer, it wasn't my fault!
I find that it isn't a good thing to write them without printing them, because I wind up tearing them apart! And if incessant editing wasn't bad enough, more often then not, they don't get printed at all. Usually for one of two reasons? Either I figure that they weren't good enough, or, this one more often then not, I figure, What's the use?
But anyway, I have some time now, so I am typing this one before it winds up like the others? Here is what happened at our Christmas schwaree just the other day. We have Christmas every year, and this year it was just the immediate family! In years gone by, just family could sometimes erupt into arguments, but certainly not this year, as this one was better then I remember for a long time! This year, we all got along great, and there wasn't even any cheap shots taken! Poifect? So I'm watching these family members as they passed the full length mirror that we have in our hallway hanging on a door. Looking at the mirror more then the passing people, I thought, isn't a mirror the perfect metaphor for seeing the two sides of life, That which is outside the mirror is true life, and on the other, that which is inside the mirror, is just an image? A perfect likeness, but it can never be correct. Because what you see in the mirror is all wrong, its backwards, not life at all, but counterfeit life. But also, the linear plane of a mirror is a way to view that dividing line of good and evil? Let me explain. Again, taking my family as an example. The reflections in that mirror on Christmas day were as life should be, life as God intended! But on the other side of that mirror, where everything is backward, whispers would have been hidden, and hurt feelings could have brought the opposite. Had that mirror shown anger and harsh words, then evil would have triumphed over good. If you believe there is good, then you must agree that there is also the opposite. Evil is the underbelly of life, and all that divides from it, is the flat glass of a mirror!
A very belated Merry Christmas to you all! I can't help but wonder how many responded to my prayer? I prayed that each of you, before you dug into your food, took a moment to reflect on the reason for the celebration.
I find that it isn't a good thing to write them without printing them, because I wind up tearing them apart! And if incessant editing wasn't bad enough, more often then not, they don't get printed at all. Usually for one of two reasons? Either I figure that they weren't good enough, or, this one more often then not, I figure, What's the use?
But anyway, I have some time now, so I am typing this one before it winds up like the others? Here is what happened at our Christmas schwaree just the other day. We have Christmas every year, and this year it was just the immediate family! In years gone by, just family could sometimes erupt into arguments, but certainly not this year, as this one was better then I remember for a long time! This year, we all got along great, and there wasn't even any cheap shots taken! Poifect? So I'm watching these family members as they passed the full length mirror that we have in our hallway hanging on a door. Looking at the mirror more then the passing people, I thought, isn't a mirror the perfect metaphor for seeing the two sides of life, That which is outside the mirror is true life, and on the other, that which is inside the mirror, is just an image? A perfect likeness, but it can never be correct. Because what you see in the mirror is all wrong, its backwards, not life at all, but counterfeit life. But also, the linear plane of a mirror is a way to view that dividing line of good and evil? Let me explain. Again, taking my family as an example. The reflections in that mirror on Christmas day were as life should be, life as God intended! But on the other side of that mirror, where everything is backward, whispers would have been hidden, and hurt feelings could have brought the opposite. Had that mirror shown anger and harsh words, then evil would have triumphed over good. If you believe there is good, then you must agree that there is also the opposite. Evil is the underbelly of life, and all that divides from it, is the flat glass of a mirror!
A very belated Merry Christmas to you all! I can't help but wonder how many responded to my prayer? I prayed that each of you, before you dug into your food, took a moment to reflect on the reason for the celebration.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Tested Truths: Feed Back
Tested Truths: Feed Back: Whispers crying out so softly, and yet they echo in the trees. Alone alone, so always alone he cried. What is to become of me, are my hope...
Feed Back
Whispers crying out so softly, and yet they echo in the trees. Alone alone, so always alone he cried. What is to become of me, are my hopes and dreams to fall by the wayside? What purpose is there in all of this, and why should I care? Have I been chosen to tell them something, something that most cannot understand? The bringer of bad news is not often welcome. But if his heart is sound then his reasoning good!
Just returning from a walk outside in the mist, the landscape was a perfect black and white. But I think color film would have been better, as it would show the green flag of the golf course, and it would have been a nice contrast.
But I say all that to say this, In todays mail I received the software to convert my Apple to be able to write in word perfect. So now I have no more excuses, its no longer the time to procrastinate. Besides, its probably just the kick in the ass I needed! It is time to get serious, it is my New Years resolution, I have to make some money here! Anyway, it is being published by Westbow Publishing, and I'm in the hands of a very capable young lady named Brittany. It's going to be a twelve part series, on the life and times of Dr. George Zoot. A Sci-Fi action thriller, sure to keep you bolted to your seat! At first I thought for ages twelve and up, but I think I'll make it eight and up? I still haven't picked the title yet, but I'm thinking of two? The Continuing Saga of Dr. Zoot, or, The Strange Adventures of Dr. Zoot. Which one do you think? Come on G+ers, I'm looking for some feed back here!
I would be lieing if I were to tell you that I don't have my doubts about just how many I will sell? Before I wrote the above post, I went to my analytics page, and according to that, I had a grand total of one page view today, One! Geesh, I hope I can at least cover my expenses? Please buy my book, daddy wants to go to the Keys!
Just returning from a walk outside in the mist, the landscape was a perfect black and white. But I think color film would have been better, as it would show the green flag of the golf course, and it would have been a nice contrast.
But I say all that to say this, In todays mail I received the software to convert my Apple to be able to write in word perfect. So now I have no more excuses, its no longer the time to procrastinate. Besides, its probably just the kick in the ass I needed! It is time to get serious, it is my New Years resolution, I have to make some money here! Anyway, it is being published by Westbow Publishing, and I'm in the hands of a very capable young lady named Brittany. It's going to be a twelve part series, on the life and times of Dr. George Zoot. A Sci-Fi action thriller, sure to keep you bolted to your seat! At first I thought for ages twelve and up, but I think I'll make it eight and up? I still haven't picked the title yet, but I'm thinking of two? The Continuing Saga of Dr. Zoot, or, The Strange Adventures of Dr. Zoot. Which one do you think? Come on G+ers, I'm looking for some feed back here!
I would be lieing if I were to tell you that I don't have my doubts about just how many I will sell? Before I wrote the above post, I went to my analytics page, and according to that, I had a grand total of one page view today, One! Geesh, I hope I can at least cover my expenses? Please buy my book, daddy wants to go to the Keys!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Tested Truths: The business of Ducks
Tested Truths: The business of Ducks: Though I will go out of my way to be politically incorrect, still there are times that I get caught up in its stupidity! Take this article...
The business of Ducks
Though I will go out of my way to be politically incorrect, still there are times that I get caught up in its stupidity! Take this article for instance, I have corrected it three times and written it twice, and I never do that? I just type what I think, trying to keep it less then a page, push the publish button, and let the pieces fall as they may! But not on this one, this is a tough one, in that it is easy to let your anger bleed out into your sentences. The subject that is all in your face right now, the one that you are already tired of hearing about, is the hysteria over Duck Dynasty and A&E? Because it is not a free speech issue, in that under our capitalist society, companies are free to do business as they see fit. It was refreshing that a reasonable spokesman for the gay community spoke out intelligently about the subject. Far too often, the voice that the gay community shows to the public are the radical, in your face type of kooks! Let me point out the obvious, and tell you that people are much more tolerant of the former. Afterall, where does common decency come into play? Mugging it up and groping each other in public is disgusting even if it is a heterosexual couple! If you truly want respect, you must first act respectively.
I spoke earlier about anger, so let me explain that. There is an arrogance in the gay community, which basically tells others, that our sin is different, or special in some way? Let us say that there is something to the bad gene story, in that, you are gay because it is in your ancestral blood. Is that also so for addiction? Again, lets assume that this is true? And lets take it a step further, and say that your first homosexual act was inevitable because of that gene? The same being true for me, in that my defective gene led me to my first shot of heroin, and that the accompanying addiction was inevitable too?
Now in order to be true to this little example, we must agree that our behavior is outside the accepted norms of society. Easy for the addict, but not so for the homosexual? Why, on what premise? Certainly not from the Bible's perspective. I mean there can be no misunderstanding the word abomination! So you don't believe in God, what is you're reasoning then? Do you call on the natural world for your reason? Male and female is to propagate the species, so no logic can be found there either. Lastly, lets look to science? Does the scientific community assure that such behavior isn't odd?
But again, we come to the basis of the real argument, that being, that somehow, your lifestyle is different, and exempt from the morals of society? And this is where I get angry! Whether it was an errant gene or something else, there came a time when it was me who stuck the needle in, it was me, and no one else. So its sin, plain and simple, and whether you agree or not makes no difference. But here's a plan, Jesus loves sinners, so climb down off your high horse, get down here in the mud, and wallow around with the rest of us!
I spoke earlier about anger, so let me explain that. There is an arrogance in the gay community, which basically tells others, that our sin is different, or special in some way? Let us say that there is something to the bad gene story, in that, you are gay because it is in your ancestral blood. Is that also so for addiction? Again, lets assume that this is true? And lets take it a step further, and say that your first homosexual act was inevitable because of that gene? The same being true for me, in that my defective gene led me to my first shot of heroin, and that the accompanying addiction was inevitable too?
Now in order to be true to this little example, we must agree that our behavior is outside the accepted norms of society. Easy for the addict, but not so for the homosexual? Why, on what premise? Certainly not from the Bible's perspective. I mean there can be no misunderstanding the word abomination! So you don't believe in God, what is you're reasoning then? Do you call on the natural world for your reason? Male and female is to propagate the species, so no logic can be found there either. Lastly, lets look to science? Does the scientific community assure that such behavior isn't odd?
But again, we come to the basis of the real argument, that being, that somehow, your lifestyle is different, and exempt from the morals of society? And this is where I get angry! Whether it was an errant gene or something else, there came a time when it was me who stuck the needle in, it was me, and no one else. So its sin, plain and simple, and whether you agree or not makes no difference. But here's a plan, Jesus loves sinners, so climb down off your high horse, get down here in the mud, and wallow around with the rest of us!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Tested Truths: Rock and Roll, a brief history
Tested Truths: Rock and Roll, a brief history: It came wailin out of the backwoods of Tennessee, with roots deep in places like Chicago, Detroit and New York City. A true American art f...
Rock and Roll, a brief history
It came wailin out of the backwoods of Tennessee, with roots deep in places like Chicago, Detroit and New York City. A true American art form, because like the American people, it was a mutt by musical standards? A conglomeration of all that had gone before it. I believe that the term Rock and Roll was first coined by a DJ named Alan Freid? Before that, the sound was called, Boogie Woogie, Be Bop and Scat! But this new music caused quite a scare with older Americans, when first brought to the public eye from a kid named Elvis Presley. The guy gyrated his hips while singing songs similar to what blacks listened to, and this was a matter of concern then, as racism was widespread! It was a real scandal for the times, and campaigns to eradicate the new sound culminated in record smashing!
But the music survived, and evolved into what was to be the next big change? The so called British invasion was ushered in at first by the Beatles, quickly followed by the Rolling Stones and many others. It was acclaimed as a new sound, but it wasn't really. At the time, the music was going through a faze of heavy orchestrations, with some music even incorporating violins? But what the Beatles and others said was, Hey, do you remember Rock and Roll? All that is needed are drums, a rhythm and a bass guitar, and someone good enough to play lead. Piano optional? Simple right, not new, just back to basics! This happened because while we Americans were listening to Percy Faith, British kids were listening to guys like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, and Chuck Berry!
But the biggest boost that this new old sound got came from technology, as FM stereo was in its infancy, and these new bands took full advantage of it. While the artist dabbled into Rock fusions with other genres like folk and Country, Jazz and the Blues, new recording technologies were also emerging like multi track recording. At this time, Rock moved onto the FM stereo stations and the new type of DJ who understood the music they played. While Pop music which we called Bubble Gum was relagated to Am and the top forties?
The last of the changes is what brought about much of todays music. Michael Jackson was the first to effectively combine music and dance. His live performance of Billy Jean was pure genius! But sadly, for most who followed his lead, the music has become secondary to the dancing? Where true Rock and Roll goes from here is anyones guess? But one thing is for sure. If Rock and Roll is to survive as an artform, it must come from the musicians who play it, and certainly not from those who lip sync and dance to it. Long live Rock and Roll!
But the music survived, and evolved into what was to be the next big change? The so called British invasion was ushered in at first by the Beatles, quickly followed by the Rolling Stones and many others. It was acclaimed as a new sound, but it wasn't really. At the time, the music was going through a faze of heavy orchestrations, with some music even incorporating violins? But what the Beatles and others said was, Hey, do you remember Rock and Roll? All that is needed are drums, a rhythm and a bass guitar, and someone good enough to play lead. Piano optional? Simple right, not new, just back to basics! This happened because while we Americans were listening to Percy Faith, British kids were listening to guys like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, and Chuck Berry!
But the biggest boost that this new old sound got came from technology, as FM stereo was in its infancy, and these new bands took full advantage of it. While the artist dabbled into Rock fusions with other genres like folk and Country, Jazz and the Blues, new recording technologies were also emerging like multi track recording. At this time, Rock moved onto the FM stereo stations and the new type of DJ who understood the music they played. While Pop music which we called Bubble Gum was relagated to Am and the top forties?
The last of the changes is what brought about much of todays music. Michael Jackson was the first to effectively combine music and dance. His live performance of Billy Jean was pure genius! But sadly, for most who followed his lead, the music has become secondary to the dancing? Where true Rock and Roll goes from here is anyones guess? But one thing is for sure. If Rock and Roll is to survive as an artform, it must come from the musicians who play it, and certainly not from those who lip sync and dance to it. Long live Rock and Roll!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tested Truths: The Auspices of Time
Tested Truths: The Auspices of Time: What are the auspices of time, and where is it's abode? Time and age live together in lockstep with each other, each moving ever forwa...
The Auspices of Time
What are the auspices of time, and where is it's abode? Time and age live together in lockstep with each other, each moving ever forward, one tick at a time. Isn't it both age and time that wear away the mighty mountains? Who is it that contols their time? Does anything get better with time, who among you can understand its' meaning?
Tell me if you know, says the Mighty One, Who among you can explain it to me? Only the holy of God knows the answer, For they have become aware by the asking, and I will hold no knowledge from them says He. Infinity, eternal awareness, Life eternally, forever with Him! Amen.
Tell me if you know, says the Mighty One, Who among you can explain it to me? Only the holy of God knows the answer, For they have become aware by the asking, and I will hold no knowledge from them says He. Infinity, eternal awareness, Life eternally, forever with Him! Amen.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Tested Truths: George
Tested Truths: George: This one is straight from the hip. I can put poor George off for no longer! George is the World War Two veteran that I interviewed a while...
George
This one is straight from the hip. I can put poor George off for no longer! George is the World War Two veteran that I interviewed a while back. George stormed the beaches of Normandy, and George was most proud of the fact that he would soon be 96, and that would make him the first to have reached that lofty mark in his family! I'll beat them all he said!
It was hard to get him to talk about his experiences there, but of what little that he told me, he wanted it known that he was no hero! George, God bless George! A humble man, like many of the greatest generation. The passing of the George's' of this life, is a sad passing indeed! They lived through the great recession, and when duty called over seas, they all answered the bell! The pride and the dignity expressed by George should make the rest of us feel ashamed! Honor, he was a man of honor. He loved his family, and when the war was over, he went about raising that family.
He was evasive on some things, not only about the war, but even of his name, I never did get a straight answer? But I believe it was something similar as Gronkowski, and that everyone called him Gronk? So for my very poorly researched biography of a true American hero, raise your glasses this Christmas and toast George Gronk! The fellas all called me Gronk he said, and suddenly I was in the water? I just looked straight ahead to a spot on the beach. I didn't look to my left or my right, I just went straight for that spot!
Going straight for the spot, focus and a clarity of purpose. Any job worth doing is worth doing right. Honor, Respect, Love of family! These things are all but gone in our society, sad, so sad. So thank you Gronk, thank you for your service, and thank you for being you!
I don't know if George made his ninety-sixth birthday, but if he didn't, it would be the first time he failed at anything.
It was hard to get him to talk about his experiences there, but of what little that he told me, he wanted it known that he was no hero! George, God bless George! A humble man, like many of the greatest generation. The passing of the George's' of this life, is a sad passing indeed! They lived through the great recession, and when duty called over seas, they all answered the bell! The pride and the dignity expressed by George should make the rest of us feel ashamed! Honor, he was a man of honor. He loved his family, and when the war was over, he went about raising that family.
He was evasive on some things, not only about the war, but even of his name, I never did get a straight answer? But I believe it was something similar as Gronkowski, and that everyone called him Gronk? So for my very poorly researched biography of a true American hero, raise your glasses this Christmas and toast George Gronk! The fellas all called me Gronk he said, and suddenly I was in the water? I just looked straight ahead to a spot on the beach. I didn't look to my left or my right, I just went straight for that spot!
Going straight for the spot, focus and a clarity of purpose. Any job worth doing is worth doing right. Honor, Respect, Love of family! These things are all but gone in our society, sad, so sad. So thank you Gronk, thank you for your service, and thank you for being you!
I don't know if George made his ninety-sixth birthday, but if he didn't, it would be the first time he failed at anything.
Tested Truths: Rejection
Tested Truths: Rejection: Waiting and looking, but not a shadow was cast, there was no inkling of any response. The offer went out, but it was met with only silence...
Rejection
Waiting and looking, but not a shadow was cast, there was no inkling of any response. The offer went out, but it was met with only silence? No reason was given for the lack of response, and none had been asked for. The offerer must move on, and the reasons for why the rejection must not be dwelt on. Better dismissed, and left to be of no importance. This occurs in life with some frequency, and is true in every circumstance. Whether it be a hand extended in the simple act of friendship, or of a love offered and rejected? All have felt the sting of rejection, and it hurts!
But what of the offer of God? Eternal life, eternal bliss, bathed in Wisdom forever, is what He offers! But how much thought, if any, do you put into considering the promises of eternal life? Do you deny yourself thinking about it because you think the subject to be too complex for you? It isn't really you know, because the truth is quite simple!
You either by faith, believe that God is exactly who he says he is, or, by faith that there is nothing beyond this life, you reject this? To dismiss the reality of God, simply because you think the subject too difficult, is no reason to reject anything, and certainly not a subject of such dire consequence! Look for God as an intellectual challenge. Look for him, and challenge him, asking all of your questions. I can assure you that he is more then up to the task! The simplest way to find God is by reading about him, and the easiest way to read about him is in the Book of John. A short read that is not hidden in the nuances of poetry, but is more straight forward. The only thing that you must remember when reading the opening lines of the first chapter, is that Jesus is the word!
But what of the offer of God? Eternal life, eternal bliss, bathed in Wisdom forever, is what He offers! But how much thought, if any, do you put into considering the promises of eternal life? Do you deny yourself thinking about it because you think the subject to be too complex for you? It isn't really you know, because the truth is quite simple!
You either by faith, believe that God is exactly who he says he is, or, by faith that there is nothing beyond this life, you reject this? To dismiss the reality of God, simply because you think the subject too difficult, is no reason to reject anything, and certainly not a subject of such dire consequence! Look for God as an intellectual challenge. Look for him, and challenge him, asking all of your questions. I can assure you that he is more then up to the task! The simplest way to find God is by reading about him, and the easiest way to read about him is in the Book of John. A short read that is not hidden in the nuances of poetry, but is more straight forward. The only thing that you must remember when reading the opening lines of the first chapter, is that Jesus is the word!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Tested Truths: Nonsense
Tested Truths: Nonsense: It happened just the other day, and it brought with it that old uncomfortable feeling? Its' funny when it does happen, because even th...
Nonsense
It happened just the other day, and it brought with it that old uncomfortable feeling? Its' funny when it does happen, because even though it has happened to us all before, it is just something that we never get better at?
Sorry, but this one has lost its' appeal, and it probably wasn't worth the trouble anyway? It was going to be another one of those where I never get to the point. One that we dance around, but one that is never identified one just done to intentionally frustrate. I do it for fun I suppose? I have at times done it face to face, in an actual conversation, but I am careful to not let it go on too long, maybe a short paragraph of it, rather then a full page.
So. Winter is upon us. You know its' winter when you look forward to temperatures in the thirties! With the coming of winter comes Hanukkah and Christmas. After that, we look forward to the New Year, and the Super Bowl! Then, it is the time for the deep winter freeze, and our thoughts turn to the coming of spring!
But in keeping with the title, just remember that it is upon you before you even know it?
Sorry, but this one has lost its' appeal, and it probably wasn't worth the trouble anyway? It was going to be another one of those where I never get to the point. One that we dance around, but one that is never identified one just done to intentionally frustrate. I do it for fun I suppose? I have at times done it face to face, in an actual conversation, but I am careful to not let it go on too long, maybe a short paragraph of it, rather then a full page.
So. Winter is upon us. You know its' winter when you look forward to temperatures in the thirties! With the coming of winter comes Hanukkah and Christmas. After that, we look forward to the New Year, and the Super Bowl! Then, it is the time for the deep winter freeze, and our thoughts turn to the coming of spring!
But in keeping with the title, just remember that it is upon you before you even know it?
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Tested Truths: The Relevance of Time
Tested Truths: The Relevance of Time: The relevance of time, is that it can be reduced to moments, and then accordingly, your perspective, as to those moments as they pass, is ...
The Relevance of Time
The relevance of time, is that it can be reduced to moments, and then accordingly, your perspective, as to those moments as they pass, is extremely personal. No one sees things in the same way that you do.
Now the time that we are all accustomed to is the twenty four hour clock. Sixty seconds to a minute, sixty minutes to an hour and so on.
Time passes for us in this way, it is the way that we view history also. The dates assigned to historical events have all come from the same sixty second time clock that we use. Historical events are played out within this time frame.
But what if we were to look at time differently, what if we could slow the process down? What if you could train your bodies clock to see things as moments rather then events? Let's use this, what you are reading right now as an example? While you are reading this, many moments are passing by. Each event is made up as moments, and time is a series of moment snapshots. Now that may sound a little vague, so let's install a sort of timing device then shall we? Suppose that as you read, each syllable that you process is one second? Now remember, this is a new clock, and so you can assign the sixty method or not? The point is, that your life's time is divided into moments. As to what you do with those moments, is totally up to you! The words that you read, will bring about thoughts in line with your perspective, and this will form your opinions, and your opinions say a lot about who you are.
Now the time that we are all accustomed to is the twenty four hour clock. Sixty seconds to a minute, sixty minutes to an hour and so on.
Time passes for us in this way, it is the way that we view history also. The dates assigned to historical events have all come from the same sixty second time clock that we use. Historical events are played out within this time frame.
But what if we were to look at time differently, what if we could slow the process down? What if you could train your bodies clock to see things as moments rather then events? Let's use this, what you are reading right now as an example? While you are reading this, many moments are passing by. Each event is made up as moments, and time is a series of moment snapshots. Now that may sound a little vague, so let's install a sort of timing device then shall we? Suppose that as you read, each syllable that you process is one second? Now remember, this is a new clock, and so you can assign the sixty method or not? The point is, that your life's time is divided into moments. As to what you do with those moments, is totally up to you! The words that you read, will bring about thoughts in line with your perspective, and this will form your opinions, and your opinions say a lot about who you are.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Tested Truths: An open letter to President Obama
Tested Truths: An open letter to President Obama: Dear sir, I like all of the civilized world mourn the passing of Nelson Mandella. He truly was one of the greatest leaders that the world...
Tested Truths: An open letter to President Obama
Tested Truths: An open letter to President Obama: Dear sir, I like all of the civilized world mourn the passing of Nelson Mandella. He truly was one of the greatest leaders that the world...
An open letter to President Obama
Dear sir,
I like all of the civilized world mourn the passing of Nelson Mandella. He truly was one of the greatest leaders that the world has ever known. He was a man of peace because he was a man of God!
His greatness comes not from the fact that he endured a quarter century behind bars, nor does it come from his courage to stand up to the evil that was apartheid. The greatness comes from the fact, that after all that he endured, that he forgave, and that kind of forgiveness can come only from God. But the consuming beauty of the man was that he brought that so terribly divided country together, he united them! So successful was he in uniting them, that even those whose job it was to administer apartheid, now sing praises at his passing!
He was a true man of the people, and was humble enough to know that it wasn't about him, nor was it about his race, but because he saw only his country, and he knew that a nation divided could not stand.
He embraced democracy, and he loved freedom, and not many knew as he did, just how dear freedom is!
Which brings us to you sir, as it is only natural to compare you with him because of the obvious similarities of the offices that you hold, both the first in your respective countries. I, like so many other whites, voted for you because we thought that it was time for this great nation to elect a man of color.
We thought this because we hoped that because you were black, that you could heal the racial divide, and end the scourge of racism once and for all!
The bible tells us that God places kings and presidents, and so you were given the chance to end racism in this great land. If you were to take on this task, and you are successful at it, then your legacy will be that of one of our greatest presidents. But your legacy will not come from cramming socialized medicine down the throats of Americans.
But if you were to use Mr. Mandella as your guide, and spend you're remaining three years in office working to unite us, rather then divide us, then and only then will your legacy be that of one of our greatest presidents. Not as a black president, but as an American President!
I like all of the civilized world mourn the passing of Nelson Mandella. He truly was one of the greatest leaders that the world has ever known. He was a man of peace because he was a man of God!
His greatness comes not from the fact that he endured a quarter century behind bars, nor does it come from his courage to stand up to the evil that was apartheid. The greatness comes from the fact, that after all that he endured, that he forgave, and that kind of forgiveness can come only from God. But the consuming beauty of the man was that he brought that so terribly divided country together, he united them! So successful was he in uniting them, that even those whose job it was to administer apartheid, now sing praises at his passing!
He was a true man of the people, and was humble enough to know that it wasn't about him, nor was it about his race, but because he saw only his country, and he knew that a nation divided could not stand.
He embraced democracy, and he loved freedom, and not many knew as he did, just how dear freedom is!
Which brings us to you sir, as it is only natural to compare you with him because of the obvious similarities of the offices that you hold, both the first in your respective countries. I, like so many other whites, voted for you because we thought that it was time for this great nation to elect a man of color.
We thought this because we hoped that because you were black, that you could heal the racial divide, and end the scourge of racism once and for all!
The bible tells us that God places kings and presidents, and so you were given the chance to end racism in this great land. If you were to take on this task, and you are successful at it, then your legacy will be that of one of our greatest presidents. But your legacy will not come from cramming socialized medicine down the throats of Americans.
But if you were to use Mr. Mandella as your guide, and spend you're remaining three years in office working to unite us, rather then divide us, then and only then will your legacy be that of one of our greatest presidents. Not as a black president, but as an American President!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Tested Truths: Mortimer
Tested Truths: Mortimer: With that, the great sand covered shell turned and moved off. John followed after. The morning sun felt good on his face, and he started t...
Mortimer
With that, the great sand covered shell turned and moved off. John followed after. The morning sun felt good on his face, and he started to collect himself. He had about a million questions that he wanted to ask, but he decided to use a little humor to get one of them. You know where I come from, he said, turtles don't talk. What should I call you anyway? Craning his neck a bit, the old fella answered and said, I am not a turtle, I am a tortoise. Turtles have no reason to talk. Because they spend most of their time in the water, and man being a land animal, I suppose that there was no reason for it. My name is Mortimer.
The old tortoise quickened his pace now, and headed for the shade of a line of palm trees. The shade did look inviting, and John followed along, all the time asking questions as he walked by Mortimer's side. But Mortimer did not answer, in fact, he spoke not at all? So John stopped asking, figuring that the old boy would stop in the shade just ahead, and that he would ask some more once they were rested. But the old tortoise did not stop in the shaded glen, but continued on to a clearing with tall thick grasses. Halfway across this field, Mortimer suddenly stopped, settled into the cushy grasses and fell immediately to sleep! Stunned, John looked around. Around him everywhere were mounds just like Mortimers' and none of them was talking either?
The old tortoise quickened his pace now, and headed for the shade of a line of palm trees. The shade did look inviting, and John followed along, all the time asking questions as he walked by Mortimer's side. But Mortimer did not answer, in fact, he spoke not at all? So John stopped asking, figuring that the old boy would stop in the shade just ahead, and that he would ask some more once they were rested. But the old tortoise did not stop in the shaded glen, but continued on to a clearing with tall thick grasses. Halfway across this field, Mortimer suddenly stopped, settled into the cushy grasses and fell immediately to sleep! Stunned, John looked around. Around him everywhere were mounds just like Mortimers' and none of them was talking either?
Friday, November 29, 2013
Tested Truths: The Isle of Questions
Tested Truths: The Isle of Questions: He arrived on the shore, and after pulling his small boat further onto the sand, he looked for a long time at that boat. It was a skiff, o...
The Isle of Questions
He arrived on the shore, and after pulling his small boat further onto the sand, he looked for a long time at that boat. It was a skiff, or so he thought, a wooden boat with faded white clapboard sides. In the center was a small mast, its sail down and tied off. In the middle of the back seat was the rudder. A seat in the middle which went around the mast, and a small bow shaped front seat.
But there were no people. Apparently, John was alone? If being alone wasn't enough, what really puzzled him was the fact that there were no cloths left behind, no provisions, in fact, no food! Not just none for the other passengers, but none at all? How had I survived, he thought? Looking still at the boat, he thought to himself, How had I gotten here, by sail boat, I am no sailor? Where am I anyway, he thought? Forget here, Where did I come from, he thought? Had I crossed a great ocean alone?
Where am I, he said aloud, where did I come from, and for that matter, who am I, he said?
You are on an island called, The Isle of Questions. As for where you came from? It is not important. You have been sent here because you have more questions then answers. And as for who you are, well, that is for you to figure out isn't it, the voice said. Looking down and beside him to see what was the source of that voice, he saw that it was an old tortoise, and it had been him who had answered his questions. Of course, sure, why not, he thought to himself?
But there were no people. Apparently, John was alone? If being alone wasn't enough, what really puzzled him was the fact that there were no cloths left behind, no provisions, in fact, no food! Not just none for the other passengers, but none at all? How had I survived, he thought? Looking still at the boat, he thought to himself, How had I gotten here, by sail boat, I am no sailor? Where am I anyway, he thought? Forget here, Where did I come from, he thought? Had I crossed a great ocean alone?
Where am I, he said aloud, where did I come from, and for that matter, who am I, he said?
You are on an island called, The Isle of Questions. As for where you came from? It is not important. You have been sent here because you have more questions then answers. And as for who you are, well, that is for you to figure out isn't it, the voice said. Looking down and beside him to see what was the source of that voice, he saw that it was an old tortoise, and it had been him who had answered his questions. Of course, sure, why not, he thought to himself?
Tested Truths: The Reason for the Season
Tested Truths: The Reason for the Season: Time, there never seems to be enough time, especially now that the holiday season is upon us. There are gifts to buy and parties to plan, ...
The Reason for the Season
Time, there never seems to be enough time, especially now that the holiday season is upon us. There are gifts to buy and parties to plan, all for the celebration of what? Jesus is the reason for the season, is one of the bumper stickers that I actually like. If you should need proof of this, all you need do, is look at the name of the holiday to see his name. That is of course accept for the stores who have replaced his name with an X. An X is used to designate the unknown, and even if you are not a true believer, you know that the holiday is supposed to be a celebration, a birthday party for the Savior of the world!
Jesus is the reason for the season, and the holiday is really meant to be about Him.
And yet, how many will raise a glass and wish him a happy birthday? Will a simple prayer be offered at your dinner table? A good way to know this, is from Thanksgiving. Was a prayer of thanks and remembrance lifted up at your Thanksgiving table? Sadly, for most, if the question is to be answered honestly, the answer would be no. We have forgotten our God. The very God upon who's words this great country was founded! Sadly, the same government that was established through him, now looks to remove all mention of him. The separation of religion from the government is being twisted into something that it was never intended to be. Surely, religion and politics should never be joined, and this is as our founders intended. But what is going on now, is not to remove religion, but rather to remove God himself from any public venue. The sad part is, that most people realize that this is happening, but do nothing about it. It is certainly seen as uncool to defend God in the public places, but what is at stake is much more important then whether you are seen as cool or not!
History, as in all else, is cyclical, and it has come around again, until now we, our generation, is like the one of Jesus' time. We, like them, have become a nation of idolators, an evil generation. We justify the murder of the innocent, for reasons as small as an inconvenience? We celebrate books that blaspheme, assuring that the scriptures are wrong, and brag about how intelligent they are by pointing this out to those too dumb to think for themselves. We worship only that which shines like gold. This year, as it was with years gone by, the Lord wants only for us to acknowledge him, accepting by faith who he truly is.
So this year, as you gather with family and friends, raise your glass and toast the birth of the Savior of the world, and offer your prayers of thanks. Because Jesus truly is, The Reason for the Season!
Jesus is the reason for the season, and the holiday is really meant to be about Him.
And yet, how many will raise a glass and wish him a happy birthday? Will a simple prayer be offered at your dinner table? A good way to know this, is from Thanksgiving. Was a prayer of thanks and remembrance lifted up at your Thanksgiving table? Sadly, for most, if the question is to be answered honestly, the answer would be no. We have forgotten our God. The very God upon who's words this great country was founded! Sadly, the same government that was established through him, now looks to remove all mention of him. The separation of religion from the government is being twisted into something that it was never intended to be. Surely, religion and politics should never be joined, and this is as our founders intended. But what is going on now, is not to remove religion, but rather to remove God himself from any public venue. The sad part is, that most people realize that this is happening, but do nothing about it. It is certainly seen as uncool to defend God in the public places, but what is at stake is much more important then whether you are seen as cool or not!
History, as in all else, is cyclical, and it has come around again, until now we, our generation, is like the one of Jesus' time. We, like them, have become a nation of idolators, an evil generation. We justify the murder of the innocent, for reasons as small as an inconvenience? We celebrate books that blaspheme, assuring that the scriptures are wrong, and brag about how intelligent they are by pointing this out to those too dumb to think for themselves. We worship only that which shines like gold. This year, as it was with years gone by, the Lord wants only for us to acknowledge him, accepting by faith who he truly is.
So this year, as you gather with family and friends, raise your glass and toast the birth of the Savior of the world, and offer your prayers of thanks. Because Jesus truly is, The Reason for the Season!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tested Truths: Whisphered Prayers
Tested Truths: Whisphered Prayers: Whispered prayers rise up into the night's breezes, but rise up full gail through the branches, making the old tree bend, having its ...
Whisphered Prayers
Whispered prayers rise up into the night's breezes, but rise up full gail through the branches, making the old tree bend, having its branches to wave up at the heavens!
Mighty prayers, tales of woe, and prayers of victory! All power to you my God, I pray that you feel the wind of our prayers at your back!
Be strong in the Lord, because evil desires are everywhere! Yes, those who look to do you great harm live among you. Some are your friends and neighbors! Strong wills will tug at you, one looks to show you the way home, the other to take your life! You do not see the battle that rages all around you, forces of good and evil clash with mighty armies in the spirit world.
But there will be a time, a time already close at hand, when the full fury of that spiritual world will spill out into this world, and once the wall between this life and eternity is breached, it cannot be closed again!
Mighty prayers, tales of woe, and prayers of victory! All power to you my God, I pray that you feel the wind of our prayers at your back!
Be strong in the Lord, because evil desires are everywhere! Yes, those who look to do you great harm live among you. Some are your friends and neighbors! Strong wills will tug at you, one looks to show you the way home, the other to take your life! You do not see the battle that rages all around you, forces of good and evil clash with mighty armies in the spirit world.
But there will be a time, a time already close at hand, when the full fury of that spiritual world will spill out into this world, and once the wall between this life and eternity is breached, it cannot be closed again!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tested Truths: Kara-Okee
Tested Truths: Kara-Okee: The title is misspelled intentionally, as I have seen it spelled two different ways, and I don't know what the correct spelling is? Th...
Kara-Okee
The title is misspelled intentionally, as I have seen it spelled two different ways, and I don't know what the correct spelling is? The one I attended was spelled Karaoke, which I think is the proper one?
The other spelling I saw was Karyoke. But who knows, maybe these are two brands and they compete against each other?
But however you spell it, I can sum it up with just one word, FUN! It is definitely a good way to spend an evening. I have gone twice. The first time, I made up my mind that I would give it a fair try, as most all of my preconceptions were negative. So I went in, determined to keep an open mind! I wasn't there too long before I realized that it was fun, even though I didn't sing.
Other then the two drunk chicks, a couple of kids who couldn't hold their liquor, screaming and giggling into the microphone, everything else was just plain old fashioned fun! The majority of them can't sing a lick, but that doesn't stop them as they believe that they are good? And then again, there are a few who are genuinely good! On a typical Saturday night, there are Karaoke events all over. The ones I enjoy the most are those who come in, sing a song and leave to go to the next bar. And again, they are hurting no one, and they enjoy performing, so why not? Go ahead and sing your heart out! I gave in about halfway through my second visit. I knew that the ones who sounded the worst, were those who sung songs that weren't in their range, and so I picked something that I could handle. I picked Road House Blues, and I did a pretty good job with it, if I do say so myself. Apparently, I just did?
The other spelling I saw was Karyoke. But who knows, maybe these are two brands and they compete against each other?
But however you spell it, I can sum it up with just one word, FUN! It is definitely a good way to spend an evening. I have gone twice. The first time, I made up my mind that I would give it a fair try, as most all of my preconceptions were negative. So I went in, determined to keep an open mind! I wasn't there too long before I realized that it was fun, even though I didn't sing.
Other then the two drunk chicks, a couple of kids who couldn't hold their liquor, screaming and giggling into the microphone, everything else was just plain old fashioned fun! The majority of them can't sing a lick, but that doesn't stop them as they believe that they are good? And then again, there are a few who are genuinely good! On a typical Saturday night, there are Karaoke events all over. The ones I enjoy the most are those who come in, sing a song and leave to go to the next bar. And again, they are hurting no one, and they enjoy performing, so why not? Go ahead and sing your heart out! I gave in about halfway through my second visit. I knew that the ones who sounded the worst, were those who sung songs that weren't in their range, and so I picked something that I could handle. I picked Road House Blues, and I did a pretty good job with it, if I do say so myself. Apparently, I just did?
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Tested Truths: The Human Condition
Tested Truths: The Human Condition: There is nothing more debilitating to the human condition then doubt. Now I don't speak about the every day considerations that might ...
The Human Condition
There is nothing more debilitating to the human condition then doubt. Now I don't speak about the every day considerations that might bring about worry. Things like, Will the traffic be bad again today? But rather, I speak of self doubt! Doubt and confidence are two things that don't go together well. To be at the top of your game, no matter what your game is, self doubt will eventually bring about failure.
Failure after failure, until at last, depression sets in.
The most obvious example of what self doubt will do, is in the world of professional sport! An athlete who harbors too much doubt will see his skills deteriorate quickly.
Thoughts come and go, and opinions change only after time, but you must never give in to doubt! But be careful also of over confidence. Because when confidence becomes an over stuffed ego, there is real trouble at the door! Lord knows we have more blowhards already then we need! So as with everything else in life, you must choose a place in between the two extremes.
Failure after failure, until at last, depression sets in.
The most obvious example of what self doubt will do, is in the world of professional sport! An athlete who harbors too much doubt will see his skills deteriorate quickly.
Thoughts come and go, and opinions change only after time, but you must never give in to doubt! But be careful also of over confidence. Because when confidence becomes an over stuffed ego, there is real trouble at the door! Lord knows we have more blowhards already then we need! So as with everything else in life, you must choose a place in between the two extremes.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tested Truths: The Winds of Change
Tested Truths: The Winds of Change: The winds of change blew heavy across the land, they blustered and they wailed! They sung of a change there in the wind, the change from w...
The Winds of Change
The winds of change blew heavy across the land, they blustered and they wailed! They sung of a change there in the wind, the change from which they had just come! They bluster out strongly so that none can ignore, but as they subside, their memory fades?
But this is a wind that cannot be silenced, for it has come to call the captives home! It is a warm flush to some, but a cold chill to many! It is a wind that cannot be denied, for it comes only to force a choice? It calls to each one of you, and it demands that you make your choice!
There is a terrible storm coming to this land, you can watch it on TV from across the sea! The line between what is right and what is wrong is becoming more blurred all the time. We have little control over the affairs of the world, now less then ever, but we can still control what goes on here!
For you are at a crossroads America, and the choice has never been clearer! You can embrace socialism and it's false utopia, or you can remember your roots and move quickly back to self rule?
As for the people of God, pray the fools vote for self rule! But if the fools do prevail, and the country goes the wrong way, take solace in this, The winds of change will not be denied!
But this is a wind that cannot be silenced, for it has come to call the captives home! It is a warm flush to some, but a cold chill to many! It is a wind that cannot be denied, for it comes only to force a choice? It calls to each one of you, and it demands that you make your choice!
There is a terrible storm coming to this land, you can watch it on TV from across the sea! The line between what is right and what is wrong is becoming more blurred all the time. We have little control over the affairs of the world, now less then ever, but we can still control what goes on here!
For you are at a crossroads America, and the choice has never been clearer! You can embrace socialism and it's false utopia, or you can remember your roots and move quickly back to self rule?
As for the people of God, pray the fools vote for self rule! But if the fools do prevail, and the country goes the wrong way, take solace in this, The winds of change will not be denied!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Tested Truths: Free Will
Tested Truths: Free Will: To understand free will, it is best to consider why the creator of it decided to do it? But how can we know the mind of God, and is it pos...
Free Will
To understand free will, it is best to consider why the creator of it decided to do it? But how can we know the mind of God, and is it possible to understand his thinking? The short answer is that we can't, because who can know the mind of God? But surely, because we were made in his image, it is fair to assume that we should have some insight.
With this in mind, I was thinking about the gift of eternal life! Now I know what we get out of it, but I asked myself, what does God get out of it? A fair question don't you think? God himself has said, Your thoughts are not my thoughts, and certainly this is true. But again, having been made in his image, perhaps the process of considering a problem is done in the same way by Him, and is similar to how we would think about it?
Human beings consider the deeper meanings in life, it is what separates us from the animals. Questions like, Why is there life, what if there wasn't, why are we here and what is our purpose, and what would it be like if I was never born? But again, these questions are all about us. What is it that God wants, and what does he get from all of this? I will tell you my theory, but it is only a theory, for God has not told this to me, in fact, I haven't even asked him?
I believe that God wants a people who choose to honor and love him by their own free will. He could have designed us like the angels and the heavenly hosts who know nothing else but to honor and worship him. The first time humankind exercised this free will was in the garden when they decided to defy God and eat of the forbidden fruit. This defiance was the original sin, and from these first two humans, all are born with sin! So what God wants then, is for that same free will which defied him, to be used to accept his offer of eternal life! The problem with this theory, is that it doesn't make sense when you consider that Lucifer defied him, and he hadn't been created with free will? How was that possible? There are two ways you could go with that question. One being that it happened just as God had planned it, or, that he hadn't anticipated that anyone would defy him? Because it had never happened before, that he had no reason to consider it? The concept of free will was a revelation to God? Certainly, God reacted swiftly by banishing Lucifer to the earth, but if it did happen like this, then this is when the decision was made to design man with a free will, that He would have a race of beings who choose to worship him of their own free will, rather then by design, and in this, man is one of a kind!
With this in mind, I was thinking about the gift of eternal life! Now I know what we get out of it, but I asked myself, what does God get out of it? A fair question don't you think? God himself has said, Your thoughts are not my thoughts, and certainly this is true. But again, having been made in his image, perhaps the process of considering a problem is done in the same way by Him, and is similar to how we would think about it?
Human beings consider the deeper meanings in life, it is what separates us from the animals. Questions like, Why is there life, what if there wasn't, why are we here and what is our purpose, and what would it be like if I was never born? But again, these questions are all about us. What is it that God wants, and what does he get from all of this? I will tell you my theory, but it is only a theory, for God has not told this to me, in fact, I haven't even asked him?
I believe that God wants a people who choose to honor and love him by their own free will. He could have designed us like the angels and the heavenly hosts who know nothing else but to honor and worship him. The first time humankind exercised this free will was in the garden when they decided to defy God and eat of the forbidden fruit. This defiance was the original sin, and from these first two humans, all are born with sin! So what God wants then, is for that same free will which defied him, to be used to accept his offer of eternal life! The problem with this theory, is that it doesn't make sense when you consider that Lucifer defied him, and he hadn't been created with free will? How was that possible? There are two ways you could go with that question. One being that it happened just as God had planned it, or, that he hadn't anticipated that anyone would defy him? Because it had never happened before, that he had no reason to consider it? The concept of free will was a revelation to God? Certainly, God reacted swiftly by banishing Lucifer to the earth, but if it did happen like this, then this is when the decision was made to design man with a free will, that He would have a race of beings who choose to worship him of their own free will, rather then by design, and in this, man is one of a kind!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tested Truths: Socialism
Tested Truths: Socialism: It looks so good on the surface, it has so much promise. And why shouldn't it, as it is fashioned after the system of government used ...
Socialism
It looks so good on the surface, it has so much promise. And why shouldn't it, as it is fashioned after the system of government used in the Kingdom of Heaven! Socialism is man's attempt at replicating heaven on earth. The most glaring of the differences is the fact that in Heaven, it is God who oversees all, whereas here on earth, it would be the government.
Let's consider the differences a little more then, shall we? In the Kingdom of Heaven, everyone is truly equal. All, save one, God himself! Each soul is free to be whoever he or she most wants to be. Afterall, you have an eternity to pursue it! Think of it, there is no need for money, so we are all equal on that front. Each of us will know that we are eternal, and so there is no reason to impress. Perfect peace, wanting for nothing, your every need already provided for! This is Socialism as it is meant to be. All equal in every way, except for the One, God himself!
But back here on earth, the socialism that the Hollywood elitists like Clooney and Redford preach is much different. They mean well, and they may not even be aware that they it is Socialism that they are offering? This kind of uninformed thinking comes from guilt. Though egos are never in short supply in Hollywood, all but the most arrogant among them know that they don't deserve the mega wealth that has come their way. They have reached a point to where they will be rich with whatever form of government is in place, they will not be affected! For them, the country is moving toward a two class system, and the sooner the better. The melding of the middle class with the poor being one, and the uber rich being the other. They see no reason why those in the middle class should resist this, and surely those who do must be racists, or worse?
But the biggest problem for these Hollywood elitists is that they confuse financial elitism with the intellectual? They see themselves as smarter then they are, and certainly smarter then the people who see their movies? Does Mr. Clooney undestand that the rest of us don't want dirty air or water either, or does he stop to consider that God who created this world doesn't want to see it harmed? No, on second thought, he has never considered the things of God!
Let's consider the differences a little more then, shall we? In the Kingdom of Heaven, everyone is truly equal. All, save one, God himself! Each soul is free to be whoever he or she most wants to be. Afterall, you have an eternity to pursue it! Think of it, there is no need for money, so we are all equal on that front. Each of us will know that we are eternal, and so there is no reason to impress. Perfect peace, wanting for nothing, your every need already provided for! This is Socialism as it is meant to be. All equal in every way, except for the One, God himself!
But back here on earth, the socialism that the Hollywood elitists like Clooney and Redford preach is much different. They mean well, and they may not even be aware that they it is Socialism that they are offering? This kind of uninformed thinking comes from guilt. Though egos are never in short supply in Hollywood, all but the most arrogant among them know that they don't deserve the mega wealth that has come their way. They have reached a point to where they will be rich with whatever form of government is in place, they will not be affected! For them, the country is moving toward a two class system, and the sooner the better. The melding of the middle class with the poor being one, and the uber rich being the other. They see no reason why those in the middle class should resist this, and surely those who do must be racists, or worse?
But the biggest problem for these Hollywood elitists is that they confuse financial elitism with the intellectual? They see themselves as smarter then they are, and certainly smarter then the people who see their movies? Does Mr. Clooney undestand that the rest of us don't want dirty air or water either, or does he stop to consider that God who created this world doesn't want to see it harmed? No, on second thought, he has never considered the things of God!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Tested Truths: Truth
Tested Truths: Truth: Sometimes the truth will hit you like a silver bullet between the eyes! The truth is an equal opportunity offender, it doesn't care wh...
Truth
Sometimes the truth will hit you like a silver bullet between the eyes! The truth is an equal opportunity offender, it doesn't care who you are, nor does it care what side of the political fence you are on. It is said about truth that it takes no prisoners, and this is certainly true! For no matter the subject, no matter how complex, when the truth is discovered, all opinions, contrary or not, cease to matter. Only fools and liars will continue to argue once the truth has been discovered. Hard truths are the hardest to accept. These are the ones that are contrary to a strongly held personal belief!
God is Truth, the Bible is truth, life and death is truth, and these are all things that are absolute! Once the truth has been found, the opposite is untruth, and it is now obvious and exposed next to truth! But now that there are only two ways to go, and there are no options other then the two, you are forced to make a decision? You will either except the truth, or you won't? That is what truth is so good at, it forces a decision! By seeking truth, you simplify the matter at hand, by whittling away all that doesn't matter, until there is one obvious choice. White or black, yes or no, one answer true, and the other false, and it is your decision to make. Every major decision that you will make, whether it is about a complex physics equation, or just everyday life, once the truth has been found, then you must decide, but the decision will not be complex.
It is the same with God, and the discussion of whether he exists or not? Obviously, this is a very complex subject, but if you simplify the process, then you will get to the essence of the matter, because the truth is hidden in simple places. To simplify the subject of God, we must start at the beginning. Lets look first at what evolution would have you believe? Two stars, two solar systems, two particles of energy, two whatever, collided, exploded, and this big bang is how life started? Now if you ask where these two participants of this mega-explosion came from, if you press them hard enough, they will tell you that it is a mystery? OK, turnabout is fair play, Where did God come from they ask, and it infuriates them that we have an answer! The answer of course is that God has always existed, for him, there is no beginning, nor will there be an end! The great news is that even though we have a beginning, we too can have no end! Here's a hard truth. In order to join with God in the infinite, you must be born again. It is a simple truth when you think of it. You are born into your family, and it is no different with the family of God, you must be born of the Spirit! All that you must do to receive eternal life is to decide to accept by your free will, that God is real, and that it is by the blood of Jesus Christ that you claim your birthright!
God is Truth, the Bible is truth, life and death is truth, and these are all things that are absolute! Once the truth has been found, the opposite is untruth, and it is now obvious and exposed next to truth! But now that there are only two ways to go, and there are no options other then the two, you are forced to make a decision? You will either except the truth, or you won't? That is what truth is so good at, it forces a decision! By seeking truth, you simplify the matter at hand, by whittling away all that doesn't matter, until there is one obvious choice. White or black, yes or no, one answer true, and the other false, and it is your decision to make. Every major decision that you will make, whether it is about a complex physics equation, or just everyday life, once the truth has been found, then you must decide, but the decision will not be complex.
It is the same with God, and the discussion of whether he exists or not? Obviously, this is a very complex subject, but if you simplify the process, then you will get to the essence of the matter, because the truth is hidden in simple places. To simplify the subject of God, we must start at the beginning. Lets look first at what evolution would have you believe? Two stars, two solar systems, two particles of energy, two whatever, collided, exploded, and this big bang is how life started? Now if you ask where these two participants of this mega-explosion came from, if you press them hard enough, they will tell you that it is a mystery? OK, turnabout is fair play, Where did God come from they ask, and it infuriates them that we have an answer! The answer of course is that God has always existed, for him, there is no beginning, nor will there be an end! The great news is that even though we have a beginning, we too can have no end! Here's a hard truth. In order to join with God in the infinite, you must be born again. It is a simple truth when you think of it. You are born into your family, and it is no different with the family of God, you must be born of the Spirit! All that you must do to receive eternal life is to decide to accept by your free will, that God is real, and that it is by the blood of Jesus Christ that you claim your birthright!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Tested Truths: Trinity
Tested Truths: Trinity: The Holy Spirit and God the Father are one and the same. On its surface, this statement sounds like it is contrary to Christian doctrine, ...
Trinity
The Holy Spirit and God the Father are one and the same. On its surface, this statement sounds like it is contrary to Christian doctrine, but the similarities between God the Father and the Holy Spirit are striking!
In the Holy Trinity, we have God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, who is the link between Holy God and sinful man, and then the third member, the Holy Spirit, or in some teachings, the Holy Ghost. But what of him, what part does he play in all of this? Because he is always spoken of as a spirit or a ghost, calling him a him is interesting in and of itself. Because he is a spiritual being, you could call him an entity, but that would make him sound too clinical? This spirit-entity is the source of all life, and from this source comes all knowledge, there is no wisdom if not from the Holy Spirit! Because the Holy Ghost is spirit, he can be everywhere at anytime. Rather then calling him Holy Spirit, we call him and think of him as a man, because of the power in his words, and in the way that they are delivered.
They are unmistakably masculine!
Because the Holy Spirit is everywhere, his counsel is always right at hand, and so the main thing that his spirit does is teach. From this life source, this entity, comes all wisdom! Afterall, it was God the Father with his son Jesus at his side who created the heavens and the earth, and all the while the Holy Spirit was all around them!
In the Holy Trinity, we have God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, who is the link between Holy God and sinful man, and then the third member, the Holy Spirit, or in some teachings, the Holy Ghost. But what of him, what part does he play in all of this? Because he is always spoken of as a spirit or a ghost, calling him a him is interesting in and of itself. Because he is a spiritual being, you could call him an entity, but that would make him sound too clinical? This spirit-entity is the source of all life, and from this source comes all knowledge, there is no wisdom if not from the Holy Spirit! Because the Holy Ghost is spirit, he can be everywhere at anytime. Rather then calling him Holy Spirit, we call him and think of him as a man, because of the power in his words, and in the way that they are delivered.
They are unmistakably masculine!
Because the Holy Spirit is everywhere, his counsel is always right at hand, and so the main thing that his spirit does is teach. From this life source, this entity, comes all wisdom! Afterall, it was God the Father with his son Jesus at his side who created the heavens and the earth, and all the while the Holy Spirit was all around them!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Tested Truths: Being Broke
Tested Truths: Being Broke: Most of you know that I am writing a book. It has turned out to be more difficult then I had anticipated? Primarily for two reasons, One, ...
Being Broke
Most of you know that I am writing a book. It has turned out to be more difficult then I had anticipated? Primarily for two reasons, One, it calls for a discipline not necessary in writing a blog, and to me, discipline has always been a dirty word? But the second reason is the more compelling of the two, and it is because I have already written it once! The initial writing took place during a 90 day stay at a Christian Rehabilitation center for people with substance abuse problems, in other words, Addicts! During this time, all I wanted to do is write, and so I wrote whenever and wherever I could. I couldn't stop writing! It was as if my mind was purging itself from all of the self inflicted horror? It became my passion, something that I just had to do, and the words seemed to fly onto the paper, my pen seeming like it had a mind of its own?
The really frustrating part for me, is that the initial book is here in this house, spread out all over the place in boxes with other writings! So I figured that it would be easier, if I just wrote it again? Afterall, I still remember the stories quite well. I told myself that it would be better this time, as my grammar had to be much improved from what it was then? That may well be, as I am about three chapters in, and it reads real well!
The process of writing it this time is much different, as this time there is no passion, and it has become like a job? The urgency too that I felt then as now is quite different also. Now my mind is fixed on finishing the manuscript, paying whatever it is to have it be published, and get it on the market!
Not for any lofty goal like making my literary mark, but rather because I am tired of being broke!
The really frustrating part for me, is that the initial book is here in this house, spread out all over the place in boxes with other writings! So I figured that it would be easier, if I just wrote it again? Afterall, I still remember the stories quite well. I told myself that it would be better this time, as my grammar had to be much improved from what it was then? That may well be, as I am about three chapters in, and it reads real well!
The process of writing it this time is much different, as this time there is no passion, and it has become like a job? The urgency too that I felt then as now is quite different also. Now my mind is fixed on finishing the manuscript, paying whatever it is to have it be published, and get it on the market!
Not for any lofty goal like making my literary mark, but rather because I am tired of being broke!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tested Truths: President of the United States
Tested Truths: President of the United States: It's strange how things happen? For awhile, I was seriously considering running for President of the United States, a fact that I had ...
President of the United States
It's strange how things happen? For awhile, I was seriously considering running for President of the United States, a fact that I had shared with one of my one way friends. But after more serious consideration, I figured that I was about a billion dollars short for reaching that goal! The story of a simple man with a limited formal education becoming President of the United States is the stuff of fairy tales, as there is no way ole Abe Lincoln could have become President in this day and age!
But anyway, the strange part is, that I am running for the presidency of the Homeowners Association of the village that I live in. But here's the really strange part? The problems we face here are exactly the same as the problems the country faces, and the reason for these problems are strikingly similar! This once sleepy community where people go to retire, finds itself embroiled in law suits and political wrangling! It has gotten so bad that it pits neighbor against neighbor, and there can be no logical reason for it! It smells like corruption? Our current village president rules as if he were elected king, sound familiar? What reason can there be for bringing about such a state, where neighbor is pitted against neighbor? Who or what stands to gain in such a circumstance? 'A house divided against itself cannot stand' is more then a famous quote, because it is true right down to the foundation of this great nation!
I will look to do for this community what the next president must do for the country, and there will be nothing more pressing to do, and that is to heal this land! The way we are now is not the way that it should be. The country, just like this little village deserves better then to be divided and worried all the time. In both situations, the people are to be told the truth, and no one's agenda is more important then that of the common good! So my plan here is a simple one? I look to return this village to exactly what it was before this current administration, I look to make this village a sleepy community, just as it was!
But anyway, the strange part is, that I am running for the presidency of the Homeowners Association of the village that I live in. But here's the really strange part? The problems we face here are exactly the same as the problems the country faces, and the reason for these problems are strikingly similar! This once sleepy community where people go to retire, finds itself embroiled in law suits and political wrangling! It has gotten so bad that it pits neighbor against neighbor, and there can be no logical reason for it! It smells like corruption? Our current village president rules as if he were elected king, sound familiar? What reason can there be for bringing about such a state, where neighbor is pitted against neighbor? Who or what stands to gain in such a circumstance? 'A house divided against itself cannot stand' is more then a famous quote, because it is true right down to the foundation of this great nation!
I will look to do for this community what the next president must do for the country, and there will be nothing more pressing to do, and that is to heal this land! The way we are now is not the way that it should be. The country, just like this little village deserves better then to be divided and worried all the time. In both situations, the people are to be told the truth, and no one's agenda is more important then that of the common good! So my plan here is a simple one? I look to return this village to exactly what it was before this current administration, I look to make this village a sleepy community, just as it was!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Roy Orbison - Black & White Night - Go, Go, Go (Down the Line) - Full HD...
edschneider9@gmail.com
Calming The Beast? So it's sluggish Thursday. Today is Thursday, right? Despite what you may have heard, retirement is not all that it's cracked up to be?
But anyway, I was thinking to myself, How is it that I might instill a little life into this crowd? And of course, a special shout out to St. Louis fans. Cheer up gang, it's only one game? But anywho, back to the subject at hand! Music, music will calm the savage beast. Something up tempo. Certainly not a ballad, for they are best appreciated at night when you are looking only to relax.
To wit: By the way, does anyone know what a wit is? I would submit Roy Orbison's A Black and White Night, tracks 11-13, starting with Candy Man, and ending with the Mean Woman Blues! Call them Three for Thursday, or call them what you will, but these ought to do the trick? They will definitely get your foot to tappin, and with any luck, they might just get your soul rejoicing!
So have a great Thursday everyone, and I hope this little musical interlude put a little spring back into your step!
Calming The Beast? So it's sluggish Thursday. Today is Thursday, right? Despite what you may have heard, retirement is not all that it's cracked up to be?
But anyway, I was thinking to myself, How is it that I might instill a little life into this crowd? And of course, a special shout out to St. Louis fans. Cheer up gang, it's only one game? But anywho, back to the subject at hand! Music, music will calm the savage beast. Something up tempo. Certainly not a ballad, for they are best appreciated at night when you are looking only to relax.
To wit: By the way, does anyone know what a wit is? I would submit Roy Orbison's A Black and White Night, tracks 11-13, starting with Candy Man, and ending with the Mean Woman Blues! Call them Three for Thursday, or call them what you will, but these ought to do the trick? They will definitely get your foot to tappin, and with any luck, they might just get your soul rejoicing!
So have a great Thursday everyone, and I hope this little musical interlude put a little spring back into your step!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Tested Truths: The Best of Us
Tested Truths: The Best of Us: Baseball is a funny game? Last year around this same time, I went over to the Red Sox home page to wish them well, and to have a speedy re...
The Best of Us
Baseball is a funny game? Last year around this same time, I went over to the Red Sox home page to wish them well, and to have a speedy recovery! I explained to them how I was a fourth generation Yankee fan, and how it just wasn't the same without them in the race! Them, tugging at our pant legs, or them, shattering our dreams?
Fast forward a year, and it is my Yankees who seem destitute, and the Red Sox lead 5-0 in game one of the World Series! By anyone's standards, that is a huge reversal of fortune in only one year! Knowing the game of baseball, I have no doubt that there are Red Sox players and fans who feel the same way about the Yankees this year as I did for the Red Sox last year! That is one of the beautiful things about baseball, Rivalries! And these two teams go all the way back to the start of professional baseball!
The Yankees and the Red Sox have played some of the most memorable games not only of baseball, but of sport! We love the game because it strives to be pure. Obviously, this is true throughout the world. People love their games because they are honest, pure competition! Man against man, player against player, and team against team. When they are played as they are meant to be played, it is a beautiful thing!
Now I didn't come all this way just to tell you this, but since it came to mind, I guess I'll just go with it? It was the great Vin Scully who dubbed Yankee Stadium as the Cathedral of Baseball but not wholley for the Yankees, but rather, for the game itself. That is how revered we Americans hold our sport! The reason that Bob Costas offended so many people is not because of his politics, but rather that he saw no problem at all with sullying our game with the filth of politics! The play by play booth is no place for politics, what it is for, is the celebration of sport, and isn't that one of the things that is best about us?
Fast forward a year, and it is my Yankees who seem destitute, and the Red Sox lead 5-0 in game one of the World Series! By anyone's standards, that is a huge reversal of fortune in only one year! Knowing the game of baseball, I have no doubt that there are Red Sox players and fans who feel the same way about the Yankees this year as I did for the Red Sox last year! That is one of the beautiful things about baseball, Rivalries! And these two teams go all the way back to the start of professional baseball!
The Yankees and the Red Sox have played some of the most memorable games not only of baseball, but of sport! We love the game because it strives to be pure. Obviously, this is true throughout the world. People love their games because they are honest, pure competition! Man against man, player against player, and team against team. When they are played as they are meant to be played, it is a beautiful thing!
Now I didn't come all this way just to tell you this, but since it came to mind, I guess I'll just go with it? It was the great Vin Scully who dubbed Yankee Stadium as the Cathedral of Baseball but not wholley for the Yankees, but rather, for the game itself. That is how revered we Americans hold our sport! The reason that Bob Costas offended so many people is not because of his politics, but rather that he saw no problem at all with sullying our game with the filth of politics! The play by play booth is no place for politics, what it is for, is the celebration of sport, and isn't that one of the things that is best about us?
Tested Truths: Tax Write Off?
Tested Truths: Tax Write Off?: The Bible tells us that in the end times, many will come in his name. What this means, is that many will come who don't know God, but ...
Tax Write Off?
The Bible tells us that in the end times, many will come in his name. What this means, is that many will come who don't know God, but claim that they do. Not that there is anything new about trying to discredit the bible, there isn't! It's just now that we get closer to the end times, there will be a lot more of them!
All will tell you a pretty story, why there's even some beautiful young fairies and goddesses to make your journey a pleasant one? But then there is the other type, and this kind appeals to your intellect? Let's focus on these then shall we, and leave the fairies to the Fairy Tales!
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Just the other day, I heard someone say that all religions taught that people are born good? Obviously her knowledge of religion is extremely limited! Here's the one I didn't want to do? I figured by now it would have just gone away, but according to the Times best seller list, it hasn't?
Obviously I speak of Mr. O'Reilly's book. But let's leave the biblical perspective aside, and look at one of his assertions from a common sense point of view. Before we do that, let's set the scene for you shall we? Which civilization would you say is the most morally bankrupt, our current time, or during Jesus' time? Now only an idiot would say that we are superior morally to the people of biblical times! The point? The point is that we don't even justify murdering someone over a tax write off, do you really think that they would? Jesus was sentenced to death because he was convicted of blasphemy, and certainly not because of a tax write off! And yet, apparently, there are plenty of fools!
The Bible is true folks, and it will weather these latest attacks, just as it has done for thousands of years!
All will tell you a pretty story, why there's even some beautiful young fairies and goddesses to make your journey a pleasant one? But then there is the other type, and this kind appeals to your intellect? Let's focus on these then shall we, and leave the fairies to the Fairy Tales!
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Just the other day, I heard someone say that all religions taught that people are born good? Obviously her knowledge of religion is extremely limited! Here's the one I didn't want to do? I figured by now it would have just gone away, but according to the Times best seller list, it hasn't?
Obviously I speak of Mr. O'Reilly's book. But let's leave the biblical perspective aside, and look at one of his assertions from a common sense point of view. Before we do that, let's set the scene for you shall we? Which civilization would you say is the most morally bankrupt, our current time, or during Jesus' time? Now only an idiot would say that we are superior morally to the people of biblical times! The point? The point is that we don't even justify murdering someone over a tax write off, do you really think that they would? Jesus was sentenced to death because he was convicted of blasphemy, and certainly not because of a tax write off! And yet, apparently, there are plenty of fools!
The Bible is true folks, and it will weather these latest attacks, just as it has done for thousands of years!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Tested Truths: The Wisdom of Solomon
Tested Truths: The Wisdom of Solomon: According to the left, it is the Tea Party who are the extremists who are driving the Republican bus, and according to the right, the extr...
The Wisdom of Solomon
According to the left, it is the Tea Party who are the extremists who are driving the Republican bus, and according to the right, the extreme left currently reside in the Whitehouse. So what is a poor citizen to do, but get trapped in the middle?
The point that both the left and the right make by they're complaining, is that extremism is not a good thing, and on that, We the people couldn't agree more! In hard core politics, the stakes are high, because the rewards go to more then just wild wealth, they also go to feed that ultimate addiction, Power! A very few make the decisions for all of us, and consequently, they wield much power.
As far as the rank and file, there are three basic types? There are those who understand and adhere to the ideology, and so that makes two of the three. The third group is the largest, and it consists of those who do not understand what the core beliefs of the party are? For these it is simple, they vote for party and that is all that they know! That is why it is so frustrating trying to reason with this type? Because they can't see beyond party, and so they don't have the facts! If someone is ignorant on the subject, and all they can do is react with a prepared talking point, with that person, there is no reasoning.
So, the fringe on the right, what shall we call them? Strict Constitutionalists? The fridge left already has a name, it is the one name those on the left are afraid to say, Socialists. We could have a much more mature conversation, if only they would all man up and admit it! Like them or not, the Constitutionalists are easy to find, they are not hidden behind names. But the Socialists hide amongst the liberals, and they couldn't be happier with their new moniker, and who can blame them? What kid would want to be known as anything other then progressive? Certainly not the Grand Old Party? that would sorta make them old before their time? But I digress. There is a wise king from out of the Bible, who when confronted by two unyielding types, in this case, two women both laying claim to the same baby. His decision after the two could not agree, was to split the baby in half! He knew that only the real mother would rather give up her baby then to see it killed. If you use that as a metaphor, then you would make the baby the United States. Now all you have to do is decide which side loves the country, and which one wants only to win, no matter the cost?
The point that both the left and the right make by they're complaining, is that extremism is not a good thing, and on that, We the people couldn't agree more! In hard core politics, the stakes are high, because the rewards go to more then just wild wealth, they also go to feed that ultimate addiction, Power! A very few make the decisions for all of us, and consequently, they wield much power.
As far as the rank and file, there are three basic types? There are those who understand and adhere to the ideology, and so that makes two of the three. The third group is the largest, and it consists of those who do not understand what the core beliefs of the party are? For these it is simple, they vote for party and that is all that they know! That is why it is so frustrating trying to reason with this type? Because they can't see beyond party, and so they don't have the facts! If someone is ignorant on the subject, and all they can do is react with a prepared talking point, with that person, there is no reasoning.
So, the fringe on the right, what shall we call them? Strict Constitutionalists? The fridge left already has a name, it is the one name those on the left are afraid to say, Socialists. We could have a much more mature conversation, if only they would all man up and admit it! Like them or not, the Constitutionalists are easy to find, they are not hidden behind names. But the Socialists hide amongst the liberals, and they couldn't be happier with their new moniker, and who can blame them? What kid would want to be known as anything other then progressive? Certainly not the Grand Old Party? that would sorta make them old before their time? But I digress. There is a wise king from out of the Bible, who when confronted by two unyielding types, in this case, two women both laying claim to the same baby. His decision after the two could not agree, was to split the baby in half! He knew that only the real mother would rather give up her baby then to see it killed. If you use that as a metaphor, then you would make the baby the United States. Now all you have to do is decide which side loves the country, and which one wants only to win, no matter the cost?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tested Truths: Conspiacy Theories
Tested Truths: Conspiacy Theories: So on TV last night, they jumped and they danced, and they sung, Oh how they sung! It's entertainment, anything to take your mind off ...
Conspiacy Theories
So on TV last night, they jumped and they danced, and they sung, Oh how they sung! It's entertainment, anything to take your mind off the drudgery and the problems that beset us. But outside in the cover of darkness and in the full light of day in other places, they plan and connive! They look all about them, and make plans to divide the spoils. They can do it in plain site, because the oblivion of the people is all that they need! Conspiracy theories thrive in an environment like this, and why not, because it is from secrecy, that conspiracy theories are born.
What is still unseen for the most part, is a plan that has been underway for decades, but is only now coming into fruition. This conspiracy theory is no longer just a therory, because it has moved from a plan to a reality! The plan moves forward, unencumbered for the most part, slowed only when the secrecy becomes apparent to even the most naive among us. The murder of innocents, the assassination of four brave Americans, murdered on sovereign American soil, government spying, the IRS used for political gain, these are problems that must be addressed and swept under the carpet quickly, so that all will be forgotten.
But how has it gotten to this, how is it that the American people are so grossly unaware? A compliant press certainly, but it goes much deeper then that. The freedom of the people is falling by the wayside while the people dance? But the changes are subtle, so much so that the people fail to notice? It starts with the dulling of our speech, and political correctness has seen to that quite nicely! Once the people have been made to be afraid of their own words, then the goal of stiffling free speech is within reach. The people must be kept unaware, because only when the public is oblivious to what is really going on, can those who would do us harm have any chance at all of winning. It has been said that this country will fall without a shot being fired, and it is the only way that we can fall. Even though we are no longer respected in the world, no one would choose to take on the American Military! If we are to loose our freedom, it will not be because it was taken from us, but rather, it will be because we gave it away!
Remember, that by your silence, you invite evil to have it's way.
What is still unseen for the most part, is a plan that has been underway for decades, but is only now coming into fruition. This conspiracy theory is no longer just a therory, because it has moved from a plan to a reality! The plan moves forward, unencumbered for the most part, slowed only when the secrecy becomes apparent to even the most naive among us. The murder of innocents, the assassination of four brave Americans, murdered on sovereign American soil, government spying, the IRS used for political gain, these are problems that must be addressed and swept under the carpet quickly, so that all will be forgotten.
But how has it gotten to this, how is it that the American people are so grossly unaware? A compliant press certainly, but it goes much deeper then that. The freedom of the people is falling by the wayside while the people dance? But the changes are subtle, so much so that the people fail to notice? It starts with the dulling of our speech, and political correctness has seen to that quite nicely! Once the people have been made to be afraid of their own words, then the goal of stiffling free speech is within reach. The people must be kept unaware, because only when the public is oblivious to what is really going on, can those who would do us harm have any chance at all of winning. It has been said that this country will fall without a shot being fired, and it is the only way that we can fall. Even though we are no longer respected in the world, no one would choose to take on the American Military! If we are to loose our freedom, it will not be because it was taken from us, but rather, it will be because we gave it away!
Remember, that by your silence, you invite evil to have it's way.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Tested Truths: Exceptional
Tested Truths: Exceptional: Want another reason for American exceptionalism? Our music! It is the most copied music in the world by far and away! Whew! sure felt good...
Exceptional
Want another reason for American exceptionalism? Our music! It is the most copied music in the world by far and away! Whew! sure felt good to get that off my chest! What inspired this little offering?
Friday night I saw the Steely Dan concert with my son at the Beacon Theatre in NYC! It doesn't get any better then that! The band was great! Wanna know what was better? Sharing it with my son!
He made a case for Metal Music, and explained to me that I was in error for not liking it? He went about making his case by using his car's satellite radio. I saw that there were two types, one just screaming and loud cords, and the other, which paid close attention to their music! I didn't doubt him, but I was too busy talking about the basics of American music! All of the influences from all of the different genres that make up American Music!
Meanwhile, back in the car, he asked me on the way up, a time spent doing 85 miles per hour on the Jersey Turnpike, what kind of band I would classify Steely Dan as? Genres are tough, I mean how do you go about pigeon holing the music of any band? Anyway, I told him, Jazz/Rock fusion.
Make no mistake about it, and don't be afraid to mention it, but American Music is the most revered in the world! It is our music, and it sprung from our beginnings, it is our heritage, and our living legacy!
The purpose of this little piece? Just that we are exceptional for many things, but at the top of that list is our music!
Friday night I saw the Steely Dan concert with my son at the Beacon Theatre in NYC! It doesn't get any better then that! The band was great! Wanna know what was better? Sharing it with my son!
He made a case for Metal Music, and explained to me that I was in error for not liking it? He went about making his case by using his car's satellite radio. I saw that there were two types, one just screaming and loud cords, and the other, which paid close attention to their music! I didn't doubt him, but I was too busy talking about the basics of American music! All of the influences from all of the different genres that make up American Music!
Meanwhile, back in the car, he asked me on the way up, a time spent doing 85 miles per hour on the Jersey Turnpike, what kind of band I would classify Steely Dan as? Genres are tough, I mean how do you go about pigeon holing the music of any band? Anyway, I told him, Jazz/Rock fusion.
Make no mistake about it, and don't be afraid to mention it, but American Music is the most revered in the world! It is our music, and it sprung from our beginnings, it is our heritage, and our living legacy!
The purpose of this little piece? Just that we are exceptional for many things, but at the top of that list is our music!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Tested Truths: Street Talk
Tested Truths: Street Talk: Bullshit don't go uphill, but it sure in hell goes down hill real quick! Man you got that right, it always finds it's way down to u...
Tested Truths: Street Talk
Tested Truths: Street Talk: Bullshit don't go uphill, but it sure in hell goes down hill real quick! Man you got that right, it always finds it's way down to u...
Street Talk
Bullshit don't go uphill, but it sure in hell goes down hill real quick! Man you got that right, it always finds it's way down to us! I heard that.
So in Washington, while the ruling class goes on with business as usual, out here on the streets, things aren't getting any better, but they sure have gotten a lot worse! The further down the economic scale you go, the harder the hits are felt! Who is to blame for this condition, who is there to be held accountable?
Villains, who do you think are the villains in this whole shutdown debacle, Government or Big Business? It's a complex problem for sure, and the players on both sides make sure of that! Because it is a big problem, it is always best to dissect it into smaller parts. Who or what is the government? Three branches of a mix of mostly two parties, most all of whom are inept! Politicians are well paid folks, and the perks have made many a millionaire out of a peasant! Another way to say it is that the government is full of politicians. There are few Statesman, but there are politicians galore!
Republican or Democrat, does it really matter, because haven't they all become inept? You know who's not being represented in all of this? We the people! But what about those evil corporations, who or what are they? They too are made up with people, and the great majority of these are similiar to the EPA's non essentials, for they are the worker bees. There is however, a distinct difference between the two, in that the workers in the corporations produce goods and services, like those I-phones that everyone seems to want? The workers in the EPA create nothing by their labor, other then to self perpetuate the EPA itself. It gets larger by adding more rules and regulations. Like it or not, it is Wall Street that is keeping us afloat right now, and this is a good thing, as most of you own some stock in one form or another.
There are other glaring differences between the private and the public workforce? Both pay the top eschelon real well! Consider this, The EPA layed off 83% of their workforce as non-essential, but what about the remaining 17%? They are well paid, just as the top spots in any corporation are paid well.
So who are you going to hate, Big Government or Big Business? While you consider this, remember that the government doesn't make money, it can only take it, and so far, they have taken 17 Trillion Dollars! Hello, has any of them heard of living within their means? That is the simple talk of the man in the street. Maybe street smarts is the best smart?
So in Washington, while the ruling class goes on with business as usual, out here on the streets, things aren't getting any better, but they sure have gotten a lot worse! The further down the economic scale you go, the harder the hits are felt! Who is to blame for this condition, who is there to be held accountable?
Villains, who do you think are the villains in this whole shutdown debacle, Government or Big Business? It's a complex problem for sure, and the players on both sides make sure of that! Because it is a big problem, it is always best to dissect it into smaller parts. Who or what is the government? Three branches of a mix of mostly two parties, most all of whom are inept! Politicians are well paid folks, and the perks have made many a millionaire out of a peasant! Another way to say it is that the government is full of politicians. There are few Statesman, but there are politicians galore!
Republican or Democrat, does it really matter, because haven't they all become inept? You know who's not being represented in all of this? We the people! But what about those evil corporations, who or what are they? They too are made up with people, and the great majority of these are similiar to the EPA's non essentials, for they are the worker bees. There is however, a distinct difference between the two, in that the workers in the corporations produce goods and services, like those I-phones that everyone seems to want? The workers in the EPA create nothing by their labor, other then to self perpetuate the EPA itself. It gets larger by adding more rules and regulations. Like it or not, it is Wall Street that is keeping us afloat right now, and this is a good thing, as most of you own some stock in one form or another.
There are other glaring differences between the private and the public workforce? Both pay the top eschelon real well! Consider this, The EPA layed off 83% of their workforce as non-essential, but what about the remaining 17%? They are well paid, just as the top spots in any corporation are paid well.
So who are you going to hate, Big Government or Big Business? While you consider this, remember that the government doesn't make money, it can only take it, and so far, they have taken 17 Trillion Dollars! Hello, has any of them heard of living within their means? That is the simple talk of the man in the street. Maybe street smarts is the best smart?
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tested Truths: Questions
Tested Truths: Questions: Why had I said it, and what version of it had I told? Was it just to stop and mention it, or had I heard it before? Where was I going with...
Questions
Why had I said it, and what version of it had I told? Was it just to stop and mention it, or had I heard it before? Where was I going with it, and from where had I gotten it?
Questions are the search party of the mind. What questions always seek, is to find the peace that comes from knowing the truth. Unfortunately, we too often settle for a well worded lies. The reasons you give for not giving in are yours alone. I do not know them, nor for that matter, do I want to know them.
It's a choice you see, and it is your choice, no one else's. It is a yes or no situation, and there is no way to avoid making it! If you try to hide from it, it will do you no good, as this question will seek you out.
For these are questions of the most serious type! Do you think that you have the stomach for them, is your heart big enough? Eventually, if you ask the right questions, the answers will lead you to the most important decision that you will ever make!
The question of questions is really a simple one, even though your answer will have eternal ramifications. This one question is the door through which eternity lies on the other side, if only you would step through it! The question is this: Do you believe in the everlasting God, living God, maker of heaven and earth? Jesus is the true door, no one enters the eternal realm if not through him!
Questions are the search party of the mind. What questions always seek, is to find the peace that comes from knowing the truth. Unfortunately, we too often settle for a well worded lies. The reasons you give for not giving in are yours alone. I do not know them, nor for that matter, do I want to know them.
It's a choice you see, and it is your choice, no one else's. It is a yes or no situation, and there is no way to avoid making it! If you try to hide from it, it will do you no good, as this question will seek you out.
For these are questions of the most serious type! Do you think that you have the stomach for them, is your heart big enough? Eventually, if you ask the right questions, the answers will lead you to the most important decision that you will ever make!
The question of questions is really a simple one, even though your answer will have eternal ramifications. This one question is the door through which eternity lies on the other side, if only you would step through it! The question is this: Do you believe in the everlasting God, living God, maker of heaven and earth? Jesus is the true door, no one enters the eternal realm if not through him!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Tested Truths: Agnosticism
Tested Truths: Agnosticism: I have an apology to make, and though I am apologizing for a private email, what I said in it, I wanted to keep it as limited as I could. ...
Agnosticism
I have an apology to make, and though I am apologizing for a private email, what I said in it, I wanted to keep it as limited as I could. I was having an attack of what the Bible calls righteous anger! This after listening to Mr. Oreilly's comments on Imus's show, talking about his new book, Killing Jesus. I layed into the celebrated Mr. O pretty harshly! Again, though it was written in a private email, that is, if there is such a thing anymore? I will apologize publicly!
I have read some of the comments from Christian's on I believe it was The Blaze?, and they were pretty tough! Cut him some slack guys, after all, isn't he just one of the majority? Pray for Mr. Oreilly that he comes to know the truth, because the man has a mighty platform! But you must not judge him, at least not yet. For you will sit in judgement of these soon enough!
What agnostics fail to understand, is that they too have a religion, and that religion is themselves. They see themselves as little gods, in that, it is their belief that they will decide if God is real or not? They are fools, but unfortunately, they are also the majority.
For the record, for those of you who have no knowledge of the Bible, what Mr. Oreilly did, is to question the validity of the Gospels! And that my friends is blasphemy, no matter your religion!
I have read some of the comments from Christian's on I believe it was The Blaze?, and they were pretty tough! Cut him some slack guys, after all, isn't he just one of the majority? Pray for Mr. Oreilly that he comes to know the truth, because the man has a mighty platform! But you must not judge him, at least not yet. For you will sit in judgement of these soon enough!
What agnostics fail to understand, is that they too have a religion, and that religion is themselves. They see themselves as little gods, in that, it is their belief that they will decide if God is real or not? They are fools, but unfortunately, they are also the majority.
For the record, for those of you who have no knowledge of the Bible, what Mr. Oreilly did, is to question the validity of the Gospels! And that my friends is blasphemy, no matter your religion!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Tested Truths: IF
Tested Truths: IF: Ten minutes can seem like a long time when you are waiting in line, but how long would these same ten minutes seem, if they were being cou...
IF
Ten minutes can seem like a long time when you are waiting in line, but how long would these same ten minutes seem, if they were being counted down to your appointed death? The answer of course is that it is relative to your situation. If you are waiting in a doctor's office, ten minutes can seem like an eternity, but if the gallows outside the jail have been built for you, those ten minutes for you, could not be slow enough!
Certainly if you could control time, then the ten spent at the doctor's office would go whisker quick, while the time spent waiting to die, would take an eternity! But if the soul is indeed eternal, and it is, then because you are eternal, you already possess the power to control time. The problem isn't that you can't, the problem is that you won't! All that is lacking is your belief. You either believe by faith that life is eternal, or you don't? Do you see that this example is no different then the one with the gallows? In essence, what you have faith in, is who you are.
If you believe that life is limited only to this time, then for you, that is all that will be. But if you believe that life is eternal, then it is only natural, that you will be drawn to the source of that life. To have faith is to know beyond all doubt, no human emotion is stronger then faith!
What is the power of faith? It is by faith that you see God! Do you believe this? What is the power of faith, and where does it come from? The power of faith is in the knowing, a knowing that is beyond all doubt! But here's the part that should really keep you up at night? What if by faith, you believe that God is exactly who he says that he is, and by some quirk of fate, after you die, you are nothing more then plant food, will you have lost anything in this life?
Certainly if you could control time, then the ten spent at the doctor's office would go whisker quick, while the time spent waiting to die, would take an eternity! But if the soul is indeed eternal, and it is, then because you are eternal, you already possess the power to control time. The problem isn't that you can't, the problem is that you won't! All that is lacking is your belief. You either believe by faith that life is eternal, or you don't? Do you see that this example is no different then the one with the gallows? In essence, what you have faith in, is who you are.
If you believe that life is limited only to this time, then for you, that is all that will be. But if you believe that life is eternal, then it is only natural, that you will be drawn to the source of that life. To have faith is to know beyond all doubt, no human emotion is stronger then faith!
What is the power of faith? It is by faith that you see God! Do you believe this? What is the power of faith, and where does it come from? The power of faith is in the knowing, a knowing that is beyond all doubt! But here's the part that should really keep you up at night? What if by faith, you believe that God is exactly who he says that he is, and by some quirk of fate, after you die, you are nothing more then plant food, will you have lost anything in this life?
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Tested Truths: Young Man
Tested Truths: Young Man: What does it take to become a man? How will you know young man when your time has come? How will you know when you are no longer a boy, bu...
Young Man
What does it take to become a man? How will you know young man when your time has come? How will you know when you are no longer a boy, but a man? What does it take, how will you know if you have the right stuff, or do you think that it happens simply by a change in your age? How will you become confident in who you are, comfortable in your own skin? In other words, what kind of man will you become, will you be cool? What is cool, what is it that makes you think to yourself, Yea, I'm cool, I got this thing covered?
Do you know what the coolest thing in the world is? It is to be smart! There are many types of smart, and it comes on many levels. You can know a little about a lot of things, or a lot about a little, it really doesn't matter which, but strive always to be smart! There is nothing cooler then to be smart. Smart is always way cooler then dumb. Young man, I challenge you to be smart!
OK you say, but how do I get smart? Tis a fine question lad, and if you'll listen, I will show you the way. Look always to what is true, because in truth is wisdom, and to be wise is to know what is true.
You should persue truth, because Truth is like a fine woman, and she is sweet in every way! You must fall in love with Truth, take her in your arms, and pull her so close, that the two of you become one!
But how will you know truth from lies, and will you know Truth when you see her? Truth is always the most beautiful, all others pale along side her.
God is truth, and all that says otherwise is lies. In truth there is life and that more abundantly. To know what is true is to live in victory, but in lies, there is no victory, only hopelessness and despair!
Do you know what the coolest thing in the world is? It is to be smart! There are many types of smart, and it comes on many levels. You can know a little about a lot of things, or a lot about a little, it really doesn't matter which, but strive always to be smart! There is nothing cooler then to be smart. Smart is always way cooler then dumb. Young man, I challenge you to be smart!
OK you say, but how do I get smart? Tis a fine question lad, and if you'll listen, I will show you the way. Look always to what is true, because in truth is wisdom, and to be wise is to know what is true.
You should persue truth, because Truth is like a fine woman, and she is sweet in every way! You must fall in love with Truth, take her in your arms, and pull her so close, that the two of you become one!
But how will you know truth from lies, and will you know Truth when you see her? Truth is always the most beautiful, all others pale along side her.
God is truth, and all that says otherwise is lies. In truth there is life and that more abundantly. To know what is true is to live in victory, but in lies, there is no victory, only hopelessness and despair!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Tested Truths: Eyes Upon The Horizon
Tested Truths: Eyes Upon The Horizon: Like great eyes upon the horizon, the sun and the moon have risen together. They shine their light on a ghastly site, a desolate land, a...
Eyes Upon The Horizon
Like great eyes upon the horizon, the sun and the moon have risen together. They shine their light on a ghastly site, a desolate land, a land bewildered and lost within itself. It is a land that has become bereft of all morals. What is to become of a nation so set on casting off the precepts of God? You work toward your own doom, and you cannot see it! There are legions of angels from both sides encamped all around you, and still you do not see.
War has been raging for some time in the heavenly realms, and soon, there will be nowhere to hide from it! What is happening within the spiritual realm, will soon boil over full into this dimension, in this, our time! Time is a commodity that you do not have, as the Lord readies himself to call his people home. There is little time, but as yet, the invitation remains open as the guest list is not yet complete.
You are called to be in a wedding, but you are not to be the guest, as you are to be the bride! The wedding of the Lamb of God to those who choose to love him, will be a celebration like none other!
But know this, the invitation will last only until that last decision is made, and that believer's name is added to the book. After this, the book will be sealed, and for you, it will be too late!
He came humble as a newborn babe the first time, but he returns as the Lion, and all judgement is with him, and he will have his vengeance against those who rejected the Living God, and woe to those people! Look around you, for we are about to reap what we have sown.
Your leaders speak foolishness into the wind, and their words blow back in their faces mocking them. These cannot save you! They look for wisdom among themselves, but they are too proud to look to God. God himself has said, If my people will humble themselves and pray to me, then I will save them.
But the people do not humble themselves, and so they seal their own fate.
There is still a little time left, very little! Mighty God waits for that last name, and then He will wait no more!
War has been raging for some time in the heavenly realms, and soon, there will be nowhere to hide from it! What is happening within the spiritual realm, will soon boil over full into this dimension, in this, our time! Time is a commodity that you do not have, as the Lord readies himself to call his people home. There is little time, but as yet, the invitation remains open as the guest list is not yet complete.
You are called to be in a wedding, but you are not to be the guest, as you are to be the bride! The wedding of the Lamb of God to those who choose to love him, will be a celebration like none other!
But know this, the invitation will last only until that last decision is made, and that believer's name is added to the book. After this, the book will be sealed, and for you, it will be too late!
He came humble as a newborn babe the first time, but he returns as the Lion, and all judgement is with him, and he will have his vengeance against those who rejected the Living God, and woe to those people! Look around you, for we are about to reap what we have sown.
Your leaders speak foolishness into the wind, and their words blow back in their faces mocking them. These cannot save you! They look for wisdom among themselves, but they are too proud to look to God. God himself has said, If my people will humble themselves and pray to me, then I will save them.
But the people do not humble themselves, and so they seal their own fate.
There is still a little time left, very little! Mighty God waits for that last name, and then He will wait no more!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Tested Truths: Incomplete
Tested Truths: Incomplete: It all makes sense to me now, as I believe that I have finally figured it out? This obsession with eternity, had to have come from my fasc...
Incomplete
It all makes sense to me now, as I believe that I have finally figured it out? This obsession with eternity, had to have come from my fascination with time?
If you were to look at your life from an eternal point of view, rather then on the short term day to day fare, then your perspective on life would be much different! Because the things of the spiritual realm are eternal, few pay it any mind at all? They don't think about what they can't see.
That is the foolishness of man, because they have no knowledge of the eternal! They study the present, know little about the past, and nothing of the future!
If you understood the power of time, then you have scratched the surface when it comes to understanding who God is? Because God is more powerful then time, and so he is unaffected by it.
God is outside of time! He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end! He cannot be measured by time, He has always been! In many ways, God is time?
But here's the thing, when thinking in terms of the eternal? The problems of this life will begin to be less and less important. Of course you can't walk around with your head in the clouds all the time. But what you can do, is when you have your quiet time after the work a day tasks are complete. Instead of dwelling on what it was that went on in the day's business, consider the eternal. Because in the things that are eternal, is where you will find God!
If you were to look at your life from an eternal point of view, rather then on the short term day to day fare, then your perspective on life would be much different! Because the things of the spiritual realm are eternal, few pay it any mind at all? They don't think about what they can't see.
That is the foolishness of man, because they have no knowledge of the eternal! They study the present, know little about the past, and nothing of the future!
If you understood the power of time, then you have scratched the surface when it comes to understanding who God is? Because God is more powerful then time, and so he is unaffected by it.
God is outside of time! He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end! He cannot be measured by time, He has always been! In many ways, God is time?
But here's the thing, when thinking in terms of the eternal? The problems of this life will begin to be less and less important. Of course you can't walk around with your head in the clouds all the time. But what you can do, is when you have your quiet time after the work a day tasks are complete. Instead of dwelling on what it was that went on in the day's business, consider the eternal. Because in the things that are eternal, is where you will find God!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Tested Truths: The Choice
Tested Truths: The Choice: To the world, the situation in the middle east is all about politics, money and oil? This is certainly true on the surface, but what it re...
The Choice
To the world, the situation in the middle east is all about politics, money and oil? This is certainly true on the surface, but what it really is, is Spiritual Warfare! Occasionally, the spiritual spills over into the reality of this world. This impending war is the latest, and the most obvious. It is only at times like these, does what is going on in the spiritual realm become obvious. What else but evil would have a man slaughter over one hundred thousand of his countrymen? It was evil that flew those planes into the buildings on 9/11, and it was evil that broke into a school and killed over twenty innocents! and it was evil that made a man mow down hundreds of his friends and colleagues, killing fourteen. The murderous rampage that has been going on in Syria is just the latest of so many different types of atrocities, that it is hard to keep track? What about the evil that drew a Philadelphia doctor to take place in the slaughter of those babies in such a callous way, isn't he just the ugliness that we have made for ourselves by openly condoning the abortion debacle? How do you think a Holy God looks on the murder of the unborn? The real problem is that we have become immune to evil because there is so much of it, and only something catastrophic gets our attention.
So OK you say, the world is becoming an evil place, what can I do about it? You can do little to save the world from itself, but what you can do, is save yourself! How? Simple, all you need do is acknowledge a few things? First, instead of a lengthy explanation, know this. You have two lives, we all do. One, is our physical body which ages by the day and eventually dies. The other comes from our life source, our soul and spirit. When the body dies, what happens to that life after we take our last breath? This is where the knowledge of science stops, as most evolutionists will tell you that life is just some kind of cosmic accident, and that all that there is began and ends here in this life? Life is eternal! Now if you understand this and believe it, then you might well ask, where does this eternal self go? That is the real question! Because if life is meant to be eternal, doesn't that mean that we will be eternally aware? Yes, to be alive is to be aware. So the question then should be, what is it that I will be eternally aware of? This is where free will raises its head again? Because you see, it really is up to you! Will you choose to acknowledge God, and seek after eternal light and wisdom, or will you reject him, and by so doing, sentence yourself to being alone in the darkness eternally?
The choice is yours!
So OK you say, the world is becoming an evil place, what can I do about it? You can do little to save the world from itself, but what you can do, is save yourself! How? Simple, all you need do is acknowledge a few things? First, instead of a lengthy explanation, know this. You have two lives, we all do. One, is our physical body which ages by the day and eventually dies. The other comes from our life source, our soul and spirit. When the body dies, what happens to that life after we take our last breath? This is where the knowledge of science stops, as most evolutionists will tell you that life is just some kind of cosmic accident, and that all that there is began and ends here in this life? Life is eternal! Now if you understand this and believe it, then you might well ask, where does this eternal self go? That is the real question! Because if life is meant to be eternal, doesn't that mean that we will be eternally aware? Yes, to be alive is to be aware. So the question then should be, what is it that I will be eternally aware of? This is where free will raises its head again? Because you see, it really is up to you! Will you choose to acknowledge God, and seek after eternal light and wisdom, or will you reject him, and by so doing, sentence yourself to being alone in the darkness eternally?
The choice is yours!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Tested Truths: The horrors of my Life
Tested Truths: The horrors of my Life: Lately on TV, I have been watching the Waltons, and it took me back to a time that I would rather forget? During this time, I had a lot of...
The horrors of my Life
Lately on TV, I have been watching the Waltons, and it took me back to a time that I would rather forget? During this time, I had a lot of time for TV, as I was at home coping with yet another run. More specifically, it was during those times directly after another cold turkey attempt. I was physically drained, and spiritually dead! Each attempt at rehabbing at home, was a little different? In this one, I had already beaten the physical pain, but was just coming to grips with the self doubt and hatred which always followed! It is a time of self reflection, and it is a time when you have no where else to go? You are empty and alone at times like these. Even those who love you no longer know how?
I would read a lot during these times, usually bible accounts. That, and whatever else caught my eye?
But on TV, I gravitated toward shows like The Waltons, and Little House on the Prarie. These shows relaxed me, and were a welcome respite from what had become the horrors of my life! During these times, you feel desparately alone, and it was during a time like this, that I first met Jesus! He healed me by telling me things like, It's alright my son, you are forgiven? As much as I needed to believe it, my first reaction was to reject it? When he said that I am forgiven, I said to him, I am what? How can this be? Do you know what I've done, do you know about the schemes that I have played? And do you know about the lives that I threw away? Me? never me!
Now you can nix this off as just the luck of the draw, but it is so much more then that! Although it was his will all along, it was only when my will met his, just at that precise moment in time when, Pow Pop Crack and Kaboom, I met God!
I would read a lot during these times, usually bible accounts. That, and whatever else caught my eye?
But on TV, I gravitated toward shows like The Waltons, and Little House on the Prarie. These shows relaxed me, and were a welcome respite from what had become the horrors of my life! During these times, you feel desparately alone, and it was during a time like this, that I first met Jesus! He healed me by telling me things like, It's alright my son, you are forgiven? As much as I needed to believe it, my first reaction was to reject it? When he said that I am forgiven, I said to him, I am what? How can this be? Do you know what I've done, do you know about the schemes that I have played? And do you know about the lives that I threw away? Me? never me!
Now you can nix this off as just the luck of the draw, but it is so much more then that! Although it was his will all along, it was only when my will met his, just at that precise moment in time when, Pow Pop Crack and Kaboom, I met God!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Tested Truths: Hard Truth
Tested Truths: Hard Truth: So what did our latest brush with all out war teach us? Do you think that we have averted it for now? We have, but only for awhile. If you...
Hard Truth
So what did our latest brush with all out war teach us? Do you think that we have averted it for now? We have, but only for awhile. If you don't understand all of this, you are to be forgiven, because not many do! All of this turmoil in the middle east, stems from nothing new, as this fight has been going on for centuries. The reality is that this is not political, nor it has nothing to do with oil! This fight is over religion, and Lord knows how I hate that word! Man's first attempt at religion was done when we all spoke one language, and we agreed as one people to build a tower high enough to reach God? Man has been building them ever since! That is what religion really is, man's understanding on how to reach God, put down as laws and doctrines. The problem is, because all religions come from man, they are flawed! The one thing that all are right about, is the only thing that they all agree on, and that is that there is only one true God! Even the eastern religions with their many gods and goddesses acknowledge one more powerful and above all!
It is in the name of these religions that millions have died over the centuries, and it is because of this and other inconsistencies, that many no longer believe. If you were to ask most people in this country what religion they were, they would tell you, Christian. But in reality, they don't really understand what they claim to believe? But this is true in any religion, because what most people really are is secular. Secular is to be a certain religion in name only, without really understanding it! In this respect, Most Christians and Jews are no different then their Muslim brothers and sisters!
So how then are we to make sense of this? Well, there is only one true God, on that we can all agree. But what is his name? He has many names, and you can call him in a name that you are most comfortable with. For me, it is the name he called himself," I am that I am!"
OK, so we all believe in one God, the problem is still, how do we get to him? Those who know God, know that he is Holy! To be holy is to be pure. So how can a pure perfect God come into contact with a bunch of scheming sinful beings like us? The answer is that we can't! In reality, we do need that tower, a link between a Holy God and sinful mankind. That is where the Messiah comes in, for only he can save sinful man from the holy wrath of God. Jesus is the only way! Jesus came to this world as the answer, a savior to all, not just to the Christian and the Jew, but to everyone!
But there in lies the problem? According to their scripture, a devout Muslim must kill the infidel, and the infidel as the radicals see it, is anyone who accepts Jesus. This must be settled in a final war, and that is just the hard truth of it! This is what is really going on in the middle east.
It is in the name of these religions that millions have died over the centuries, and it is because of this and other inconsistencies, that many no longer believe. If you were to ask most people in this country what religion they were, they would tell you, Christian. But in reality, they don't really understand what they claim to believe? But this is true in any religion, because what most people really are is secular. Secular is to be a certain religion in name only, without really understanding it! In this respect, Most Christians and Jews are no different then their Muslim brothers and sisters!
So how then are we to make sense of this? Well, there is only one true God, on that we can all agree. But what is his name? He has many names, and you can call him in a name that you are most comfortable with. For me, it is the name he called himself," I am that I am!"
OK, so we all believe in one God, the problem is still, how do we get to him? Those who know God, know that he is Holy! To be holy is to be pure. So how can a pure perfect God come into contact with a bunch of scheming sinful beings like us? The answer is that we can't! In reality, we do need that tower, a link between a Holy God and sinful mankind. That is where the Messiah comes in, for only he can save sinful man from the holy wrath of God. Jesus is the only way! Jesus came to this world as the answer, a savior to all, not just to the Christian and the Jew, but to everyone!
But there in lies the problem? According to their scripture, a devout Muslim must kill the infidel, and the infidel as the radicals see it, is anyone who accepts Jesus. This must be settled in a final war, and that is just the hard truth of it! This is what is really going on in the middle east.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Tested Truths: All Resistance is Futile
Tested Truths: All Resistance is Futile: It happens to all of us, and on that day when you recognize that it has happened to you, I can tell you that you will not like it! On that...
All Resistance is Futile
It happens to all of us, and on that day when you recognize that it has happened to you, I can tell you that you will not like it! On that day, you will realize that you have become older then you are young?
Oh you'll fight it of course, and you'll deny it even to yourself. You will fight it both physically and emotionally for as long as possible, but in the end, time will win! Time moves forward like a mighty glacier, picking up and pushing aside all that stands in its way! You will not like it, and you will rail against it, but resistance is futile.
I suspect that I am older then many of you, and as such, I have entered a period in my life that I am ill prepared for. Truthfully, I'm amazed that I have made it this far? Though I say it as a joke, it is true, that if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself? Sadly, we have reached the point, that whenever I talk with old friends, inevitably the conversations will turn to doctors, and who is seeing who for what? I hate that! The same group of people who once talked about tearing the roof off the sucka, now says things like, How did your procedure go Harold, and its good to see you Maude, you sure are looking better.
But time waits for no man, and time marches on and all that, so I guess that all we can do is to make the best of it? Boy, this turned out to be a depressing little piece, Sorry about that! Now you will hear things like, Growing old in style? You can only do that if you have the money for it, because you need money to have style! Or how about this one, You are only as old as you feel? Is that also true on the days when you feel 20 years older then you are? The real key for all this, is to keep your mind as sharp as you can for as long as you can, because when your mind is sharp, then your spirit does well.
Oh you'll fight it of course, and you'll deny it even to yourself. You will fight it both physically and emotionally for as long as possible, but in the end, time will win! Time moves forward like a mighty glacier, picking up and pushing aside all that stands in its way! You will not like it, and you will rail against it, but resistance is futile.
I suspect that I am older then many of you, and as such, I have entered a period in my life that I am ill prepared for. Truthfully, I'm amazed that I have made it this far? Though I say it as a joke, it is true, that if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself? Sadly, we have reached the point, that whenever I talk with old friends, inevitably the conversations will turn to doctors, and who is seeing who for what? I hate that! The same group of people who once talked about tearing the roof off the sucka, now says things like, How did your procedure go Harold, and its good to see you Maude, you sure are looking better.
But time waits for no man, and time marches on and all that, so I guess that all we can do is to make the best of it? Boy, this turned out to be a depressing little piece, Sorry about that! Now you will hear things like, Growing old in style? You can only do that if you have the money for it, because you need money to have style! Or how about this one, You are only as old as you feel? Is that also true on the days when you feel 20 years older then you are? The real key for all this, is to keep your mind as sharp as you can for as long as you can, because when your mind is sharp, then your spirit does well.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Tested Truths: The Precipice
Tested Truths: The Precipice: Mr. Obama's mindset as to the middle east has led up to this moment. This one is his alone. For unlike Benghazi, there is no Hillary t...
The Precipice
Mr. Obama's mindset as to the middle east has led up to this moment. This one is his alone. For unlike Benghazi, there is no Hillary to fall on her sword. This one is so much his, that not even his staunchest believers can find a way to blame Bush for this one?
Needless to say, this is one of those monumental moments in history. For what he decides to do, will not only be the defining moment in his presidency, but will also decide the fate of the entire world!
It doesn't matter your politics, but you had better pray for wisdom for our president, because even if you don't know anything about biblical end times prophecy, understand it this way. This could be the start of WWIII!
It doesn't matter what you think of me, or even if you think I'm a madman? We are standing at the precipice of world war! If you are not religious, and no nothing of prophecy, and you look at it strictly from a political point of view, it is obvious. But if you know the scriptures, it is undeniable. All of the players are in place. The super powers have already backed their horses, and they stand watching in the wings! Israel, poor little Israel stands surrounded and alone. Yes, she is isolated, but she is ready!
The Mideast is a tinder box of nations, just dry kindling, that someone has soaked with gasoline! President Obama is the one standing near the campfire with a lit match in his hand. If he drops that lit match into the wood below, the wars will have begun! But if he takes a step back, and blows that match out, the world will step back from the precipice!
Needless to say, this is one of those monumental moments in history. For what he decides to do, will not only be the defining moment in his presidency, but will also decide the fate of the entire world!
It doesn't matter your politics, but you had better pray for wisdom for our president, because even if you don't know anything about biblical end times prophecy, understand it this way. This could be the start of WWIII!
It doesn't matter what you think of me, or even if you think I'm a madman? We are standing at the precipice of world war! If you are not religious, and no nothing of prophecy, and you look at it strictly from a political point of view, it is obvious. But if you know the scriptures, it is undeniable. All of the players are in place. The super powers have already backed their horses, and they stand watching in the wings! Israel, poor little Israel stands surrounded and alone. Yes, she is isolated, but she is ready!
The Mideast is a tinder box of nations, just dry kindling, that someone has soaked with gasoline! President Obama is the one standing near the campfire with a lit match in his hand. If he drops that lit match into the wood below, the wars will have begun! But if he takes a step back, and blows that match out, the world will step back from the precipice!
Tested Truths: Coming to Blows
Tested Truths: Coming to Blows: Apparently it got lost in the nomenclature? I have no idea what that means, but I just like saying it? But there is a soundness to the sen...
Coming to Blows
Apparently it got lost in the nomenclature? I have no idea what that means, but I just like saying it? But there is a soundness to the sentence, it seems rounded in a way, less apt to have sharp edges, perhaps thats why?
I have been wallowing in a sea of stupidity lately? Worrying about circles, and whether Google's analytics can be trusted? According to them, 3 people read my piece on the Reverend King, and I was one of them? In their social plan, they put you into circles, and you request to be put into these circles?
Sounds like high school cliques run amuk! But circles is fine for them, as it is their business to run you in circles, and drop you always into a Cul D Sac called Sales Way! Loops, a lota loops, circular reasoning is their game. But if your looking for help, a little compassion is hard to find? Trying to get them to respond directly is like trying to get the Queen of England to call! Who knows, maybe they are the new Royalty?
On the homefront, Max has got himself a new treat ball! He had eaten the hole out of the old one? But with this new ball, for some reason, Max has adjusted his methods of busting my stones until I fill up his empty ball, and give it a roll! Trust me, the boy can be annoying! My least favorite of his little tricks is when he places the ball directly behind where I'm standing? Twice we almost came to blows over that! He doesn't try that one any more!
I have been wallowing in a sea of stupidity lately? Worrying about circles, and whether Google's analytics can be trusted? According to them, 3 people read my piece on the Reverend King, and I was one of them? In their social plan, they put you into circles, and you request to be put into these circles?
Sounds like high school cliques run amuk! But circles is fine for them, as it is their business to run you in circles, and drop you always into a Cul D Sac called Sales Way! Loops, a lota loops, circular reasoning is their game. But if your looking for help, a little compassion is hard to find? Trying to get them to respond directly is like trying to get the Queen of England to call! Who knows, maybe they are the new Royalty?
On the homefront, Max has got himself a new treat ball! He had eaten the hole out of the old one? But with this new ball, for some reason, Max has adjusted his methods of busting my stones until I fill up his empty ball, and give it a roll! Trust me, the boy can be annoying! My least favorite of his little tricks is when he places the ball directly behind where I'm standing? Twice we almost came to blows over that! He doesn't try that one any more!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Tested Truths: Dr. Martin Luther King
Tested Truths: Dr. Martin Luther King: Today marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most moving speeches I have ever heard! A speech that spoke to a divided nation, a speech ...
Dr. Martin Luther King
Today marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most moving speeches I have ever heard! A speech that spoke to a divided nation, a speech whose time had come. A speech that said to whites, This is the voice of reason, this is the voice of a man you can trust. Spoken by a man of great intellect, and yet still spoken from the heart. This was a speech so saturated with truth, that you knew, that these words were the kind of words spoken only by God himself, these were the words of a man who could be trusted!
But how then do we take those words so eloquently spoken fifty years ago, and apply them to the reality of today? What if we could change history, what if we could have had the bullet of a madman miss? What would today have looked like if the man himself was in charge of the days festivities? The first and most obvious, one is so simple that even a high school junior in civics 101 wouldn't have missed it! There would have been a few Republicans on the program. Because Dr. King is a man of peace, he would have looked for a bipartisan approach, always looking for a way to unite, and not to further divide.
And what of the honored speakers, those chosen to speak before the President? Do you think that he, Dr. King, might have made a few changes in what was today's fare?
As an intellectual with a deep faith, he would in no way have shied away from any ideology, and so certainly, would not have been a part of any attempt to stifle a legitimate point of view, but rather would have welcomed a free and open debate. So then, with this in mind, how do you think the speaker's list from today's program would have really looked? Certainly, many of those who did speak would have been welcomed to if Mr. King had presided over it, but who would have been added? Do you think that the voices of Thomas Sowell and Colonel West might have been welcomed? Or what if we were to get even more specific? Which do you think Dr. King would rather have speak directly to the young black voters? Dr. Benjamin Carson, or Al Sharpton? One, the head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins University Hospital, or the other whose entire professional career was predicated on a lie?
This was yet another opportunity for our President to rise to the occasion and lead! Lead as the President first, and as a black president second! An opportunity to unite us! Instead, he chose it to wallow in partisan politics, cheapening not only himself, but the office itself. Dr. King would not have approved! To disagree with this President because of his policies is our God given right as Americans. To refuse to disagree with him because he is a black President is racist, and is an insult to the man himself!
But how then do we take those words so eloquently spoken fifty years ago, and apply them to the reality of today? What if we could change history, what if we could have had the bullet of a madman miss? What would today have looked like if the man himself was in charge of the days festivities? The first and most obvious, one is so simple that even a high school junior in civics 101 wouldn't have missed it! There would have been a few Republicans on the program. Because Dr. King is a man of peace, he would have looked for a bipartisan approach, always looking for a way to unite, and not to further divide.
And what of the honored speakers, those chosen to speak before the President? Do you think that he, Dr. King, might have made a few changes in what was today's fare?
As an intellectual with a deep faith, he would in no way have shied away from any ideology, and so certainly, would not have been a part of any attempt to stifle a legitimate point of view, but rather would have welcomed a free and open debate. So then, with this in mind, how do you think the speaker's list from today's program would have really looked? Certainly, many of those who did speak would have been welcomed to if Mr. King had presided over it, but who would have been added? Do you think that the voices of Thomas Sowell and Colonel West might have been welcomed? Or what if we were to get even more specific? Which do you think Dr. King would rather have speak directly to the young black voters? Dr. Benjamin Carson, or Al Sharpton? One, the head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins University Hospital, or the other whose entire professional career was predicated on a lie?
This was yet another opportunity for our President to rise to the occasion and lead! Lead as the President first, and as a black president second! An opportunity to unite us! Instead, he chose it to wallow in partisan politics, cheapening not only himself, but the office itself. Dr. King would not have approved! To disagree with this President because of his policies is our God given right as Americans. To refuse to disagree with him because he is a black President is racist, and is an insult to the man himself!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tested Truths: A word on exclusionary,
Tested Truths: A word on exclusionary,: I knew that I was supposed to write about something, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what? The hell with em I thought, ...
A word on exclusionary,
I knew that I was supposed to write about something, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what?
The hell with em I thought, why should I even bother? They are nothing but a few mickey mouse mal contents, so again, why bother? I have been down in the dumps a bit lately, but it will pass, it will pass.
And so, I dithered away somewhere between writing, or not? An odd place I tell you. A bad mood had befallen me, and I was looking for a release? So how are we doing America, what is it that you would say is in our future?
Looking in from the outside, things don't look too good? But yet, looking at it from the inside out, believe it or not, can actually look worse? There is an ugliness that has spread across the land. Greed and corruption are everywhere, and this out in the open! And yet, not one calls these into account. Do you still look to yourself to save yourself? Have you reached the formula for eternal life?
The hardness of any truth is that it is exclusive. That is why the truth stands alone. The truth needs no explanation. And so it is with God! Because he is truth, He stands alone!
Jesus said, I am the truth and the way, no one comes to the Father except through me.
Exclusionary? Yup! Reaction to those who reject this: TOUGH, live with it...
The hell with em I thought, why should I even bother? They are nothing but a few mickey mouse mal contents, so again, why bother? I have been down in the dumps a bit lately, but it will pass, it will pass.
And so, I dithered away somewhere between writing, or not? An odd place I tell you. A bad mood had befallen me, and I was looking for a release? So how are we doing America, what is it that you would say is in our future?
Looking in from the outside, things don't look too good? But yet, looking at it from the inside out, believe it or not, can actually look worse? There is an ugliness that has spread across the land. Greed and corruption are everywhere, and this out in the open! And yet, not one calls these into account. Do you still look to yourself to save yourself? Have you reached the formula for eternal life?
The hardness of any truth is that it is exclusive. That is why the truth stands alone. The truth needs no explanation. And so it is with God! Because he is truth, He stands alone!
Jesus said, I am the truth and the way, no one comes to the Father except through me.
Exclusionary? Yup! Reaction to those who reject this: TOUGH, live with it...
Monday, August 12, 2013
Tested Truths: I haven't a clue?
Tested Truths: I haven't a clue?: While re-telling a story, did you ever find yourself exaggerating a bit on each telling? Not quite lying, call it an embellishment? Yeste...
I haven't a clue?
While re-telling a story, did you ever find yourself exaggerating a bit on each telling? Not quite lying, call it an embellishment? Yesterday, I went up to visit my brother in law at the hospital. The hospital sits on some hilly ground, and so the walk up to it was very painful to my knee! Now that is the simple and concise truth of the matter, without any accompanying adjectives. But by the third telling, not only was I walking with a limp, but it was so bad, that the hospital people loaned me a wheelchair to use while I was there? This part of course is not true, but by this telling, I got across the severity of my pain, which if I had to choose only one word to describe it, I would probably pick excruciating, though in fact, that might just be too severe?
I guess if there is to be a point to be gained from all of this, it would be that because of this pain, the quality of my life is not what it should be? I don't want to write as much as I once did, and my daily walks are considerably shorter!
Now there is something else, as long as I am writing this one, but it probably doesn't fit with the subject I started with, and in truth, I don't even know why I am telling you this? I have a good vocabulary, but not a great one? Case in point: On Friday's show, Dana Perino used two H words while talking about the President's recent news conference, the last of which was Hyperbole. I understood perfectly what she was talking about, but only because of the context she chose to use it in? Taken on its own, as a word left to itself. If you were to ask me Webster's description of what the word means, I haven't got a clue?
I guess if there is to be a point to be gained from all of this, it would be that because of this pain, the quality of my life is not what it should be? I don't want to write as much as I once did, and my daily walks are considerably shorter!
Now there is something else, as long as I am writing this one, but it probably doesn't fit with the subject I started with, and in truth, I don't even know why I am telling you this? I have a good vocabulary, but not a great one? Case in point: On Friday's show, Dana Perino used two H words while talking about the President's recent news conference, the last of which was Hyperbole. I understood perfectly what she was talking about, but only because of the context she chose to use it in? Taken on its own, as a word left to itself. If you were to ask me Webster's description of what the word means, I haven't got a clue?
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