Thursday, July 8, 2010
Show me the money!
Rielle Hunter, the infamous mistress of John Edwards, wants her fair share of the profits from Andrew Young’s book, because he discussed the sex tapes as a media ploy to promote his book. That’s just another sad reflection of our society’s morals. I think it might be more appropriate if she pays her fair share of whatever divorce settlement results in the destroyed marriage of John and Elizabeth Edwards. That sounds as fair as her present legal action against Young, does it not?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
No God in the US Constitution?
The recent news reports of the "One Nation, Indivisible" billboard that was defaced in Charlotte, NC, has drawn me into an online discussion/debate about the need for legislation to protect my beliefs. One person asserted that our Founding Fathers "were smart enough not to mention God anywhere in the U.S. Constitution." Part of my response is provided below.
Before the Constitution, we had the Declaration of Independence. In this document our founding fathers acknowledged God in the first two paragraphs of the document.
“WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.”
“WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
As for our Constitution, I see two references to God, albeit one is inferred.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Where did the blessings come from that they wanted to secure?
“...done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven...”
I believe that “Lord” is an acknowledgment by our founding fathers of the sovereignty of God.
I believe, whether or not someone else does, that God's hand is in all of this!
Before the Constitution, we had the Declaration of Independence. In this document our founding fathers acknowledged God in the first two paragraphs of the document.
“WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.”
“WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
As for our Constitution, I see two references to God, albeit one is inferred.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Where did the blessings come from that they wanted to secure?
“...done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven...”
I believe that “Lord” is an acknowledgment by our founding fathers of the sovereignty of God.
I believe, whether or not someone else does, that God's hand is in all of this!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Moving Day(s)
Guess I’ve been out of touch here for a while. Last week I went up to Charlotte to help my youngest daughter move out of her apartment. She lived on the third floor and hadn’t moved very many things before I got there. Took us three days to get everything moved, and each day was 100-degrees. Thankfully, there was no rain. That really would have sucked.
She found a duplex in the Central District, which was pretty nice. She’s also moving in with another girl. I was lucky enough to be at the duplex when she arrived with a washer and dryer. I got to help a Vietnamese kid carry one of them down into the basement. We also carried in her couch that was about ten feet long. After three days, I was whipped. I also don’t sleep well with two cats creeping around all night. I slept great when I hit my own bed!
Now I’m back in the routine of searching and applying for jobs. Next week will be nine months of unemployment. Ouch!
She found a duplex in the Central District, which was pretty nice. She’s also moving in with another girl. I was lucky enough to be at the duplex when she arrived with a washer and dryer. I got to help a Vietnamese kid carry one of them down into the basement. We also carried in her couch that was about ten feet long. After three days, I was whipped. I also don’t sleep well with two cats creeping around all night. I slept great when I hit my own bed!
Now I’m back in the routine of searching and applying for jobs. Next week will be nine months of unemployment. Ouch!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Unemployment Check Fopah
Currently, payday is on Tuesday. That’s when my unemployment check arrives. Last week I received a big surprise in the mail. When I opened the perforated envelope, instead of a check, there was a note that read as follows:
“THE EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM, FROM WHICH YOU WERE RECEIVING BENEFITS, HAS ENDED. NO EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT CAN BE PAID AFTER CLAIM WEEK ENDING JULY 6, 2009. YOUR BENEFIT ENDING DATE IS 10/10/10. A NEW CLAIM TO DETERMINE ELEGIBILITY FOR REGULAR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS MAY BE FILED AFTER YOUR BENEFIT YEAR END DATE.”
What???!!!
I’ve read that three times, and I still don’t clearly understand what is says. I checked my balance on line, and there was still funding and a record of the check being issued for that week. When I called the unemployment office the next day to ask someone to explain it to me, they said that it was a mistake, and that checks were issued and sent out that morning. Whew! But who messed up? Was anyone held accountable for scarring the heck out of the dependent masses? Oops, just a typo, so sorry.
Bottom line...I need to find a job!
“THE EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM, FROM WHICH YOU WERE RECEIVING BENEFITS, HAS ENDED. NO EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT CAN BE PAID AFTER CLAIM WEEK ENDING JULY 6, 2009. YOUR BENEFIT ENDING DATE IS 10/10/10. A NEW CLAIM TO DETERMINE ELEGIBILITY FOR REGULAR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS MAY BE FILED AFTER YOUR BENEFIT YEAR END DATE.”
What???!!!
I’ve read that three times, and I still don’t clearly understand what is says. I checked my balance on line, and there was still funding and a record of the check being issued for that week. When I called the unemployment office the next day to ask someone to explain it to me, they said that it was a mistake, and that checks were issued and sent out that morning. Whew! But who messed up? Was anyone held accountable for scarring the heck out of the dependent masses? Oops, just a typo, so sorry.
Bottom line...I need to find a job!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pentagon spending too much on spare parts?
How much insurance is enough? How many canned goods should we keep stocked on our pantry shelves in the kitchen?
The majority of Americans pay for medical insurance, car insurance, house insurance, and life insurance, hoping they will never need to file a claim. But, in the event that something happens, we take comfort in the fact that we are protected.
Also, if we are fortunate enough, we keep our pantries well stocked with canned goods and dry foods to get us through times where we may be short on fresh food, or if bad weather keeps us stuck at home unable to go out to the local grocery store.
Similarly, the military must maintain an inventory of parts to support equipment throughout the world, in all climates and in all operating conditions. So, when I read the headlines from Reuters that say that the billions of dollars spent by the Pentagon each year is a waste of taxpayer’s money, I get angry that unsuspecting readers will be so easily mislead by reporting that does not offer the complete story.
While there are many methods and formulas for forecasting spare parts requirements for military equipment, “provisioning,” as it’s called, is not an exact science. For example, a particular formula for supporting 100 tanks may call for 20 engines to be kept in the inventory to support repairs that are projected based on the engine’s predicted reliability, the length of time it would take to restock the item, and also what is commonly referred to as “the fudge factor.”
It would be fairly easy to stock parts that would definitely be consumed in a short amount of time, and this would be relatively inexpensive to the “taxpayers.” But when those parts are consumed, we will have equipment that is not operational. That means we have an even more expensive piece of gear that is useless because we didn’t want to spend our precious dollars on “unnecessary” parts. Equipment that sits on the tarmac, the runway, or at the dock, means that we paid for equipment that is no longer protecting our troops or defending our country.
I read that the proposed defense budget for 2010 is about $664 billion. If the spares portion of that is $7 billion, as reported by Reuters, then that means the Pentagon is spending about 1% of its budget on spare parts. To me, that is a pretty low percentage. That would equate to an expense of $300 to repair a $30,000 automobile if a part needed to be replaced. Need I say more?
This is by no means a perfect system, and I believe that the Government personnel reviewing the supply lists that are submitted by equipment manufacturers should do a better job of analyzing what the parts are for, and why they are being recommended as spares. Both the defense contractors and the Government need to be a little more thorough in spare parts recommendations, and offer legitimate justification for each line item on the list proposed for purchase.
It must also be understood, that there are certain parts and quantities that should be kept on hand as insurance items. We don’t want “deadlined” equipment just because we didn’t have a 50-cent bolt on hand that will take a month to order and ship to some remote war zone.
We may not always like it, but it is better for us all to have a little insurance if the time comes when we really need it.
The majority of Americans pay for medical insurance, car insurance, house insurance, and life insurance, hoping they will never need to file a claim. But, in the event that something happens, we take comfort in the fact that we are protected.
Also, if we are fortunate enough, we keep our pantries well stocked with canned goods and dry foods to get us through times where we may be short on fresh food, or if bad weather keeps us stuck at home unable to go out to the local grocery store.
Similarly, the military must maintain an inventory of parts to support equipment throughout the world, in all climates and in all operating conditions. So, when I read the headlines from Reuters that say that the billions of dollars spent by the Pentagon each year is a waste of taxpayer’s money, I get angry that unsuspecting readers will be so easily mislead by reporting that does not offer the complete story.
While there are many methods and formulas for forecasting spare parts requirements for military equipment, “provisioning,” as it’s called, is not an exact science. For example, a particular formula for supporting 100 tanks may call for 20 engines to be kept in the inventory to support repairs that are projected based on the engine’s predicted reliability, the length of time it would take to restock the item, and also what is commonly referred to as “the fudge factor.”
It would be fairly easy to stock parts that would definitely be consumed in a short amount of time, and this would be relatively inexpensive to the “taxpayers.” But when those parts are consumed, we will have equipment that is not operational. That means we have an even more expensive piece of gear that is useless because we didn’t want to spend our precious dollars on “unnecessary” parts. Equipment that sits on the tarmac, the runway, or at the dock, means that we paid for equipment that is no longer protecting our troops or defending our country.
I read that the proposed defense budget for 2010 is about $664 billion. If the spares portion of that is $7 billion, as reported by Reuters, then that means the Pentagon is spending about 1% of its budget on spare parts. To me, that is a pretty low percentage. That would equate to an expense of $300 to repair a $30,000 automobile if a part needed to be replaced. Need I say more?
This is by no means a perfect system, and I believe that the Government personnel reviewing the supply lists that are submitted by equipment manufacturers should do a better job of analyzing what the parts are for, and why they are being recommended as spares. Both the defense contractors and the Government need to be a little more thorough in spare parts recommendations, and offer legitimate justification for each line item on the list proposed for purchase.
It must also be understood, that there are certain parts and quantities that should be kept on hand as insurance items. We don’t want “deadlined” equipment just because we didn’t have a 50-cent bolt on hand that will take a month to order and ship to some remote war zone.
We may not always like it, but it is better for us all to have a little insurance if the time comes when we really need it.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I Voted Today!
I exercised my American right to vote today. I even did it without flipping a single coin. Here in South Carolina there have been some dirty tactics in the gubernatorial race. We have a female candidate, Nikki Haley, running on the Republican ticket. She was endorsed by Sarah Palin. About a month ago, some political blogger had made a claim that he had an inappropriate encounter with Haley. Then, about a week ago, another guy who had worked for a different candidate in the race made a claim that he had a one night stand with her. On top of all that, Jake Knotts, a SC State senator, called her, and president Obama, a “rag head.” I can’t believe he still has his job. I wonder why people think of this as a “redneck” state?
I feel sorry for Nikki Haley and her family, and truly hope that the allegations are proven false. But certainly her character has been tarnished even more than having that endorsement from Sarah Palin (okay, cheap shot on my part, sorry). I’m probably being unfair to Mrs. Palin. Tina Fey has done such an excellent job of lampooning Sarah that I sometimes get reality and TV comedy confused, especially since the media uses both video clips in their newscasts.
In the end, I voted as well as my independent God-fearing, conservative, pro-lifer, Fair Tax advocating, card-carrying Republican conscience would allow. Tonight, I will say my prayers and sleep peacefully. After all, God is in control.
I feel sorry for Nikki Haley and her family, and truly hope that the allegations are proven false. But certainly her character has been tarnished even more than having that endorsement from Sarah Palin (okay, cheap shot on my part, sorry). I’m probably being unfair to Mrs. Palin. Tina Fey has done such an excellent job of lampooning Sarah that I sometimes get reality and TV comedy confused, especially since the media uses both video clips in their newscasts.
In the end, I voted as well as my independent God-fearing, conservative, pro-lifer, Fair Tax advocating, card-carrying Republican conscience would allow. Tonight, I will say my prayers and sleep peacefully. After all, God is in control.
Monday, June 7, 2010
To be, or not to be?
I attended a local writer's meetup group the other day, and I actually had fun. At first I thought I was going to get that old 'I hate English class' feeling, but it ended up being quite envigorating.
Our moderator gave us a writing assingment to get the juices flowing. The challenge was to take the concept of "boring" and put it into words. I started out trying to write in script, but it's probably been 40 years since I actually did that. So, I reverted to printing, which I do faster and is somewhat more legible than my handwriting. Guess I've never gotten over that L (Low) I received in 2nd grade. I think I discussed that in my blog about being left handed.
I hope to attend more of the writing group meetings, but my time on the beach or kayaking is still a slightly higher priority for me. These are things that Carol and I do together. Maybe after we are both retired and she gets sick of me 24/7, I can make more of these weekend meetings.
The response and encouragement from the others at the meeting did make me think that I could possibly have some creative stories buried inside of me that would provide an interesting read for others. We shall see.
Our moderator gave us a writing assingment to get the juices flowing. The challenge was to take the concept of "boring" and put it into words. I started out trying to write in script, but it's probably been 40 years since I actually did that. So, I reverted to printing, which I do faster and is somewhat more legible than my handwriting. Guess I've never gotten over that L (Low) I received in 2nd grade. I think I discussed that in my blog about being left handed.
I hope to attend more of the writing group meetings, but my time on the beach or kayaking is still a slightly higher priority for me. These are things that Carol and I do together. Maybe after we are both retired and she gets sick of me 24/7, I can make more of these weekend meetings.
The response and encouragement from the others at the meeting did make me think that I could possibly have some creative stories buried inside of me that would provide an interesting read for others. We shall see.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Kayak for sale
There was an ad in the Sunday paper offering a kayak for sale. It read: “KAYAK, TWO MAN, Plastic composite, manuf: Prijon, model: Odyssee. Sea going Kayak with rutter. Call ---- at -----. Ask $995”
I told my wife that I wanted to call the person, and advise them on the spelling error. I imagine the call would go something like this:
“Hello, I’m calling about the kayak that is listed in the paper.”
“Yes?” they respond enthusiastically.
“Well, I wanted to let you know that rudder is spelled r-u-d-d-e-r, not r-u-t-t-e-r. I’m not really interested in the kayak, but I’m an editor and I thought I’d let you know that you had a misspelling in your ad. Oh, and my wife says that you should change the description to say TANDEM rather than TWO MAN, because there are women who also like to paddle. Hope you don’t mind our inputs.”
“Screw you!”
[CLICK]
Anyway, the thought of doing it gave us both a laugh, but I'm sure that someone would take offense at my constructive criticism.
It seems to be an older boat that has been replaced by the Excursion model, which is over 81 lbs. This is one of the drawbacks to having a tandem boat, bigger is heavier, especially in plastic. But, if you’re looking for a used boat, check out the ad for yourself.
I told my wife that I wanted to call the person, and advise them on the spelling error. I imagine the call would go something like this:
“Hello, I’m calling about the kayak that is listed in the paper.”
“Yes?” they respond enthusiastically.
“Well, I wanted to let you know that rudder is spelled r-u-d-d-e-r, not r-u-t-t-e-r. I’m not really interested in the kayak, but I’m an editor and I thought I’d let you know that you had a misspelling in your ad. Oh, and my wife says that you should change the description to say TANDEM rather than TWO MAN, because there are women who also like to paddle. Hope you don’t mind our inputs.”
“Screw you!”
[CLICK]
Anyway, the thought of doing it gave us both a laugh, but I'm sure that someone would take offense at my constructive criticism.
It seems to be an older boat that has been replaced by the Excursion model, which is over 81 lbs. This is one of the drawbacks to having a tandem boat, bigger is heavier, especially in plastic. But, if you’re looking for a used boat, check out the ad for yourself.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Congress has repealed the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy which will allow for openly gay men and women to serve in the military. This is another two-edged sword issue that will have positive and negative effects on people serving and those desiring to serve.
I’ve read that this will impact the female population of the military more than the males. That would fit the stereotype for women who want to prove their masculinity and/or their capacity to do tasks as well as, or better than, their male counterparts. It also fits the stereotype for effeminate males who might be too reserved to take on the challenge of completing boot camp requirements necessary to serve in any military branch.
One of the positive impacts for the military that hasn’t been mentioned (that I’m aware of), is closing the loop-hole used by personnel who claimed “homosexuality” as a means to get out of the military, or certain duty assignments. When I served in the Navy almost 30 years ago, this alternative was openly discussed among us enlisted personnel, and was used successfully by a few guys that I’m aware of. I wonder if there is any way to check statistics on how many males who received a general discharge from the service because they claimed to be gay, later went on to marry females?
With the change in policy voted on last night, the military might find that there are suddenly a lot less males who claim to be homosexual. And, I suspect, that the ones who truly are gay will continue to serve under the guise of being a masculine heterosexual. But what do I know?
I’ve read that this will impact the female population of the military more than the males. That would fit the stereotype for women who want to prove their masculinity and/or their capacity to do tasks as well as, or better than, their male counterparts. It also fits the stereotype for effeminate males who might be too reserved to take on the challenge of completing boot camp requirements necessary to serve in any military branch.
One of the positive impacts for the military that hasn’t been mentioned (that I’m aware of), is closing the loop-hole used by personnel who claimed “homosexuality” as a means to get out of the military, or certain duty assignments. When I served in the Navy almost 30 years ago, this alternative was openly discussed among us enlisted personnel, and was used successfully by a few guys that I’m aware of. I wonder if there is any way to check statistics on how many males who received a general discharge from the service because they claimed to be gay, later went on to marry females?
With the change in policy voted on last night, the military might find that there are suddenly a lot less males who claim to be homosexual. And, I suspect, that the ones who truly are gay will continue to serve under the guise of being a masculine heterosexual. But what do I know?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Party's Over
The birthday weekend has come and gone. It was nice to see everyone, especially my brother. Of course, our time together was way too short. I’m just glad that mom got to see Rob for a change, and to meet his girlfriend, Bryn. Her and I are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, but she seemed like a nice girl with a head on her shoulders.
For mom’s birthday dinner, my brother treated the gang, all nine of us, to a wonderful dinner at McCrady’s in Charleston. On my current salary, I would struggle to buy us all frozen dinners. Thankfully, we are blessed. Our funds are sufficient for the time being, and God will open a new door for me when the time is right.
We also spent some time at Isle of Palms, and had lunch at Coconut Joe’s. I was going to pick up the tab, but somehow my brother had taken care of it before I realized it. Very kind of him, and Carol and I did appreciate his generosity. I hope they come back again soon. There’s a lot of nice restaurants in the area that I can let him take us to (kidding).
The celebration also included some cheer at the house. No drinking and driving allowed. After everyone went home, I had a couple baskets of empties to take to recycling. I know that there is a poem, or country western song, in that image somewhere. “Darling you are gone, and all I have left are empty bottles to remind me why I can’t remember when you were here.” That’s why none of my songs have been recorded!
Now everyone is back home safe and sound. It’s just me and the dog again, lying around the house. In fact, it’s time for his evening walk.
For mom’s birthday dinner, my brother treated the gang, all nine of us, to a wonderful dinner at McCrady’s in Charleston. On my current salary, I would struggle to buy us all frozen dinners. Thankfully, we are blessed. Our funds are sufficient for the time being, and God will open a new door for me when the time is right.
We also spent some time at Isle of Palms, and had lunch at Coconut Joe’s. I was going to pick up the tab, but somehow my brother had taken care of it before I realized it. Very kind of him, and Carol and I did appreciate his generosity. I hope they come back again soon. There’s a lot of nice restaurants in the area that I can let him take us to (kidding).
The celebration also included some cheer at the house. No drinking and driving allowed. After everyone went home, I had a couple baskets of empties to take to recycling. I know that there is a poem, or country western song, in that image somewhere. “Darling you are gone, and all I have left are empty bottles to remind me why I can’t remember when you were here.” That’s why none of my songs have been recorded!
Now everyone is back home safe and sound. It’s just me and the dog again, lying around the house. In fact, it’s time for his evening walk.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Mom Turns 80!!!
My mother celebrates her 80th birthday today. She is still spry, and looks much younger than 80. She stays active and busy. This morning she told me that she had already been up and down the stairs a few times doing her laundry. She’ll be here to visit us next week, and if she sees anything in my house that needs attention, she will try and do it. If you blink, she might sneak off to the kitchen and wash dishes, or clean bathrooms, or iron clothes. She always wants to help...and to serve. She has a servant’s heart, and is blessed with the gifts of helping and hospitality. Over the course of my life, she opened her home to just about all of her eight siblings and spouses, to help them when they were down. She truly epitomizes the Mexican ideals of having a close-knit family. She is the oldest daughter of Fernando and Otilia Cruz. Having only one older brother, Joe, she has been the big sister to six other girls and one boy. She was probably a great help to my grandma, because she loves to cook and clean. We used to joke about the extremes of her housekeeping. She would vacuum the house every day, and the front room was definitely off limits, except when we might have company. I suppose I should be thankful that we never went to the extreme of having plastic runners throughout the house. Maybe that was just an Italian thing (only going by a couple of examples from my childhood). She also ironed everything. Nothing more comforting that having underwear with no wrinkles, or socks with creases to match your pants. She claims that she doesn’t iron socks, but I know she did.
She recently lost her younger sister, Fina, and that has been hard for her. Thanks to Bell (or Marconi), mom would talk to Fina every day. There is a big hole now, where that time was taken up daily with general chit chat and gossip. Our oldest daughter has a similar routine with my wife. I only talk to my mom once a week, usually on Sunday after church. I’m a guy, so there isn’t enough to talk about to make it a daily ritual. My mom’s older brother died a while back, and he probably talked to his mom weekly as well.
We are excited to see my mom next week. Our girls will be here, and even my brother is flying into town with his girlfriend. He is taking us all out to McCrady’s for a belated birthday dinner. The chef at McCrady’s just received the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef in the Southeast.” I’m sure it will be yummy!
I’ve also been learning Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” on my guitar, to play as a birthday song. That will be a little outside my comfort zone, but I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. All those years that her and dad paid for my lessons is finally paying off. Thanks for everything mom.
So, happy birthday and see you soon!
She recently lost her younger sister, Fina, and that has been hard for her. Thanks to Bell (or Marconi), mom would talk to Fina every day. There is a big hole now, where that time was taken up daily with general chit chat and gossip. Our oldest daughter has a similar routine with my wife. I only talk to my mom once a week, usually on Sunday after church. I’m a guy, so there isn’t enough to talk about to make it a daily ritual. My mom’s older brother died a while back, and he probably talked to his mom weekly as well.
We are excited to see my mom next week. Our girls will be here, and even my brother is flying into town with his girlfriend. He is taking us all out to McCrady’s for a belated birthday dinner. The chef at McCrady’s just received the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef in the Southeast.” I’m sure it will be yummy!
I’ve also been learning Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” on my guitar, to play as a birthday song. That will be a little outside my comfort zone, but I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. All those years that her and dad paid for my lessons is finally paying off. Thanks for everything mom.
So, happy birthday and see you soon!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
TV Addiction
Not doing very well in keeping up with my random notes. Somehow, there is always something else to do. This writing activity has not been elevated above those other activities such as “must find a job” or “must get house ready to sell” efforts. Sadly, it also falls below the “must sit on couch and watch TV” force that is part of my end of day routine. Hello, my name is Randy, and I’m a TV-holic. What else is there to do when the sun goes down? I used to use the excuse that it was my way of winding down after a hard day at the office. I’m not working right now, so I can’t say that anymore. No need for escapism through mindless entertainment. But now I am escaping the fact that I’m unemployed. TV does dull the brain so that those real life issues are temporarily forgotten. Sure sounds like a drug to me. “Take one TV show every hour, and call me in the morning.” Don’t forget to read the warning label: “CAUTION: May cause drowsiness. Do not take when operating machinery. Do not consume more than four shows a day. Prolonged consumption may be addicting. Some side effects include shortness of breath, blurred vision, memory loss and obesity.”
We’ve become programmed to watch programs. There is always something to watch. I remember having only three or four channels growing up. In those days, Hollywood was conservative and the bad guys always lost. Now, Hollywood tries to define reality in America, and exposes our children to way more than what their minds are ready to digest. Biologically, we drink milk until we are ready for solid foods. Physically, we learn to avoid what is dangerous or harmful, what is sharp or hot. Early on, we learn what “No” means from parents trying to protect us from ourselves. Mentally, we also grow at a steady pace. We learn what is familiar and safe. We learn to laugh at funny things, and to be cautious of the unknown. We learn to fear the bad things. Then we watch TV and slowly become desensitized to life. We learn to laugh at other people’s pain. We learn that it is fun to be scared, because it is “only a movie.” Special effects are not real. That’s not “real” blood. It’s cool to be grossed out. Too often, our children get exposed to this type of “entertainment” before their minds can properly interpret what should be retained or rejected.
How sad we are. TV has taken away our drive. Rather than challenge ourselves to improve, to learn, to experiment, to explore, we’ve succumbed to the seduction of cheap thrills on a TV screen. Like the apostle Paul, I am a chief sinner. If it’s Tuesday, it must be American Idol night.
I know that this doesn’t apply to everyone in America, but I suspect that the majority are like me, and even worse. In November, the Nielson ratings said that the average person in America watches almost 5 hours of TV a day. And I don’t think it’s my imagination that Sundays, when most professing Christians attend church, television programming offers the most violent and sexually geared shows to counter any good words offered from the pulpits. Why is it called “prime time”? We should be calling it “slime time.”
So what are you doing tonight? I “need” to see who gets voted off of Idol. Forgive me.
We’ve become programmed to watch programs. There is always something to watch. I remember having only three or four channels growing up. In those days, Hollywood was conservative and the bad guys always lost. Now, Hollywood tries to define reality in America, and exposes our children to way more than what their minds are ready to digest. Biologically, we drink milk until we are ready for solid foods. Physically, we learn to avoid what is dangerous or harmful, what is sharp or hot. Early on, we learn what “No” means from parents trying to protect us from ourselves. Mentally, we also grow at a steady pace. We learn what is familiar and safe. We learn to laugh at funny things, and to be cautious of the unknown. We learn to fear the bad things. Then we watch TV and slowly become desensitized to life. We learn to laugh at other people’s pain. We learn that it is fun to be scared, because it is “only a movie.” Special effects are not real. That’s not “real” blood. It’s cool to be grossed out. Too often, our children get exposed to this type of “entertainment” before their minds can properly interpret what should be retained or rejected.
How sad we are. TV has taken away our drive. Rather than challenge ourselves to improve, to learn, to experiment, to explore, we’ve succumbed to the seduction of cheap thrills on a TV screen. Like the apostle Paul, I am a chief sinner. If it’s Tuesday, it must be American Idol night.
I know that this doesn’t apply to everyone in America, but I suspect that the majority are like me, and even worse. In November, the Nielson ratings said that the average person in America watches almost 5 hours of TV a day. And I don’t think it’s my imagination that Sundays, when most professing Christians attend church, television programming offers the most violent and sexually geared shows to counter any good words offered from the pulpits. Why is it called “prime time”? We should be calling it “slime time.”
So what are you doing tonight? I “need” to see who gets voted off of Idol. Forgive me.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Boredom
A pastor once commented during his sermon that “sin is fun.” I can’t deny that some things which we take pleasure in might be considered sinful, but I don’t agree that sin is fun. I do admit that it seemed “fun” at times during my life to drink and party, to have sex, to buy bigger toys, to be concerned only with my wants and desires. Nobody wants to feel guilty about those things, and the only way to do that is to ignore (reject) God and the laws that He gave us for our own good. What the world, and Satan, would have us believe is that the opposite is also true - “being Holy is NOT fun.” Too many of us have that ingrained in our heads. This thinking also distorts our understanding of what it will be like in Heaven. I am reading Randy Alcorn’s book, “Heaven,” and it has helped me better understand what my eternal life might be like. I am excited, and so looking forward to that time. Until then, I need to rethink the idea of “fun,” and overcome the misconception that being Holy is NOT fun.
There may be a certain thrill in sinful acts, but the thrill does not last. There is also an associated guilt with those actions. You cannot avoid that feeling, because God has written His truth on your heart. You know right and wrong, regardless of whether you’ve read the Bible, memorized the Ten Commandments, or go to church. Don’t listen to the demons that tell you it’s okay, everybody does it, the world is right and there is no God. Don’t listen to the demons who tell you that it’s too late, you’ve already failed and you’re going to hell. Don’t listen to the demons that try and convince you that you’re too far gone, that God won’t forgive you, or that God doesn’t love you.
God does love you. He created you. He has given us a way, The Way, to eternal life with Him. Jesus has overcome the world, and He wants to see you and I survive this world so that we can experience a new heaven and new earth that is untarnished by sin and evil. I can’t wait to see that! If I had fun sledding down the simple hills of Dearborn, I will have a blast sledding down new mountains, knowing no fear. I will not get hurt in heaven. There will be no pain in heaven. What prevents us from having fun right now are exactly those fears, and more. We don’t want to get hurt, we don’t want to fall down, we don’t want to get bit, get lost, get hot, get cold, etc. etc. We have become so comfortable in this world, we have closed our eyes to a greater joy yet to come. I am afraid to have fun, because the devil would have me believe that I must be doing something wrong. It can’t be acceptable to God, because His rules don’t accommodate joy. How did I fall into this twisted notion? I have been pounded, and my faith has been weakened, but I will hold on. I believe. And, even with faith as small as a mustard seed, I will see heaven.
The lie that we need to recognize in the here and now, is that living a Holy life is not boring. If I go kayaking on a quiet river, I am having fun. I am not sinning. God has enabled me to have this moment of joy. He lets me glimpse a part of His creation that I may have never experienced without His grace. Through these moments, I can worship the God of creation and be in awe of all that His mighty hand has made. If I hug my wife, I have joy. I am not bored, and will not allow boredom to overcome my marriage. We share in fellowship, companionship, hardship, laughter and love. There is no sin in this. We may come under attack, but God brings us through the trials. It might not always be fun, but it certainly is not boring. I am a sinner, but I am saved. I still make mistakes, but I am forgiven. There may still be struggles ahead, even as I struggle today, but by God’s all sufficient grace I will endure.
It is a spiritual battle and a worldly battle that we must fight. If we ignore either one, we may fall into the trap. Peter writes in his gospel, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). If we have come to accept that most fun can only be found in the way of the world, but in living a Christian life we will only find to boredom, then we have already fallen prey. I think boredom comes when we stop trying. Lord, when I fall, help me back up and help me to keep moving.
In heaven, I hope to fly, I hope to walk on the sun, I hope to explore the universe. In all those activities, I will be praising God because His presence will be evident in all that He has restored. He will take pleasure in the joy I will take in recognizing His gifts in a new heaven and new earth. I will work (yes we will) and have fun doing that because it will be doing what God made me to do. The newness of life in heaven will never wear out. This is difficult to grasp, because we are in a fallen state. Our attention span is short. What does it take to be stimulated? Even the longest lasting TV shows eventually die because of our boredom. We are tricked into believing that the happiness can be found in what we can touch and feel, but we have been blinded to what is beyond that. Faith. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1. If you don’t have it, ask God to give you that faith.
Someday I will party in heaven and enjoy a great feast. I hope to see you at the table too!
There may be a certain thrill in sinful acts, but the thrill does not last. There is also an associated guilt with those actions. You cannot avoid that feeling, because God has written His truth on your heart. You know right and wrong, regardless of whether you’ve read the Bible, memorized the Ten Commandments, or go to church. Don’t listen to the demons that tell you it’s okay, everybody does it, the world is right and there is no God. Don’t listen to the demons who tell you that it’s too late, you’ve already failed and you’re going to hell. Don’t listen to the demons that try and convince you that you’re too far gone, that God won’t forgive you, or that God doesn’t love you.
God does love you. He created you. He has given us a way, The Way, to eternal life with Him. Jesus has overcome the world, and He wants to see you and I survive this world so that we can experience a new heaven and new earth that is untarnished by sin and evil. I can’t wait to see that! If I had fun sledding down the simple hills of Dearborn, I will have a blast sledding down new mountains, knowing no fear. I will not get hurt in heaven. There will be no pain in heaven. What prevents us from having fun right now are exactly those fears, and more. We don’t want to get hurt, we don’t want to fall down, we don’t want to get bit, get lost, get hot, get cold, etc. etc. We have become so comfortable in this world, we have closed our eyes to a greater joy yet to come. I am afraid to have fun, because the devil would have me believe that I must be doing something wrong. It can’t be acceptable to God, because His rules don’t accommodate joy. How did I fall into this twisted notion? I have been pounded, and my faith has been weakened, but I will hold on. I believe. And, even with faith as small as a mustard seed, I will see heaven.
The lie that we need to recognize in the here and now, is that living a Holy life is not boring. If I go kayaking on a quiet river, I am having fun. I am not sinning. God has enabled me to have this moment of joy. He lets me glimpse a part of His creation that I may have never experienced without His grace. Through these moments, I can worship the God of creation and be in awe of all that His mighty hand has made. If I hug my wife, I have joy. I am not bored, and will not allow boredom to overcome my marriage. We share in fellowship, companionship, hardship, laughter and love. There is no sin in this. We may come under attack, but God brings us through the trials. It might not always be fun, but it certainly is not boring. I am a sinner, but I am saved. I still make mistakes, but I am forgiven. There may still be struggles ahead, even as I struggle today, but by God’s all sufficient grace I will endure.
It is a spiritual battle and a worldly battle that we must fight. If we ignore either one, we may fall into the trap. Peter writes in his gospel, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). If we have come to accept that most fun can only be found in the way of the world, but in living a Christian life we will only find to boredom, then we have already fallen prey. I think boredom comes when we stop trying. Lord, when I fall, help me back up and help me to keep moving.
In heaven, I hope to fly, I hope to walk on the sun, I hope to explore the universe. In all those activities, I will be praising God because His presence will be evident in all that He has restored. He will take pleasure in the joy I will take in recognizing His gifts in a new heaven and new earth. I will work (yes we will) and have fun doing that because it will be doing what God made me to do. The newness of life in heaven will never wear out. This is difficult to grasp, because we are in a fallen state. Our attention span is short. What does it take to be stimulated? Even the longest lasting TV shows eventually die because of our boredom. We are tricked into believing that the happiness can be found in what we can touch and feel, but we have been blinded to what is beyond that. Faith. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1. If you don’t have it, ask God to give you that faith.
Someday I will party in heaven and enjoy a great feast. I hope to see you at the table too!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Unemployment Extension
Wow, almost a week of silence here. Not doing very good in my journaling. Doesn’t bode well if I am truly called to write. I have been distracted by everything. There is always something else to do. As I sit here typing, I see a lot of clutter on my computer table which I need to clean up. My house is for sale, and I need to keep every room presentable. The other day I cleaned the wood floors, but I still have to replace a board by the front door. My replacement front window arrived, and I still need to find someone to do the work. I would really like to have that done by someone who knows what they’re doing. I spend a large part of the day looking for jobs, writing cover letters, and applying on line. For six months, I wake up, put the cell phone in my pocket, and hope that I get that call offering me employment.
Yesterday, I was surprised by my unemployment check that was $200 less than usual. They don’t warn you when your initial period is up. I had to go down to the unemployment office and file for an extension. You wait in one line, and then another, trying to stay patient because the sign says bad behavior will not be tolerated (and an on-duty police officer with a gun is there to ensure that), and you look at all the others who are out of work, and pray that you find a job before you have to come back and do this again.
Afterwards, I stopped at a local health care/rehab center to fill out an application for a job posting that came through on one of my many on-line trackers. After filling out a book-length application, I found out that the position I was applying for had been filled two months earlier. I did feel a little foolish, but the time did allow me to question whether or not I could work in that type of environment. Am I losing my ability to be compassionate as I get older? If so, Lord change my heart and make it new.
Yesterday, I was surprised by my unemployment check that was $200 less than usual. They don’t warn you when your initial period is up. I had to go down to the unemployment office and file for an extension. You wait in one line, and then another, trying to stay patient because the sign says bad behavior will not be tolerated (and an on-duty police officer with a gun is there to ensure that), and you look at all the others who are out of work, and pray that you find a job before you have to come back and do this again.
Afterwards, I stopped at a local health care/rehab center to fill out an application for a job posting that came through on one of my many on-line trackers. After filling out a book-length application, I found out that the position I was applying for had been filled two months earlier. I did feel a little foolish, but the time did allow me to question whether or not I could work in that type of environment. Am I losing my ability to be compassionate as I get older? If so, Lord change my heart and make it new.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
White or What?
As you know, I am currently unemployed. I have gotten pretty good at filling out on line applications and writing cover letters. However, the racial questions always throw me. This is the typical multiple-choice list (copied directly from a company application):
- American Indian or Alaska Native (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Hispanic or Latino
- Asian (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Black or African American (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- White (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Two or more races (Not Hispanic or Latino)
My father’s genealogy includes English, Irish, and Scottish lineage. My mother is 100% Mexican. So, I am half “white” and half “Hispanic.” Now, based on the descriptions above, which do I check? And why does it make the Hispanic or Latino appear in such a negative light? Four times, the word “Not” is associated with this heritage. To me, technically speaking, I can not check any of these categories. I am not 100% Hispanic, so I should not check that one.. I am White AND Hispanic, so I can’t check that one. And, I am two or more races, but one IS Hispanic, so I can’t check that one!
Or...do I fall into the category of "American Indian"? Does that cover all the Americas? Mexican is really a nationality rather than a race. Would the Incas and Aztecas fall under the "American Indian" heading? Since I am a Christian, my true roots should be traced to Noah. Therefore, I would be of Jewish descent. That would make me "White" by the racial definitions. Wait a minute. That would mean that we are all white!
So, no matter what country we are from, what color we are, or what language we speak, we should check the "White" category on these applications. What is a mutt to do?
- American Indian or Alaska Native (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Hispanic or Latino
- Asian (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Black or African American (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- White (Not Hispanic or Latino)
- Two or more races (Not Hispanic or Latino)
My father’s genealogy includes English, Irish, and Scottish lineage. My mother is 100% Mexican. So, I am half “white” and half “Hispanic.” Now, based on the descriptions above, which do I check? And why does it make the Hispanic or Latino appear in such a negative light? Four times, the word “Not” is associated with this heritage. To me, technically speaking, I can not check any of these categories. I am not 100% Hispanic, so I should not check that one.. I am White AND Hispanic, so I can’t check that one. And, I am two or more races, but one IS Hispanic, so I can’t check that one!
Or...do I fall into the category of "American Indian"? Does that cover all the Americas? Mexican is really a nationality rather than a race. Would the Incas and Aztecas fall under the "American Indian" heading? Since I am a Christian, my true roots should be traced to Noah. Therefore, I would be of Jewish descent. That would make me "White" by the racial definitions. Wait a minute. That would mean that we are all white!
So, no matter what country we are from, what color we are, or what language we speak, we should check the "White" category on these applications. What is a mutt to do?
Friday, April 16, 2010
4/16/10 - Friday
I think that I applied for half a dozen jobs today. It seems like such a waste of time. I’m not sure when the unemployment runs out? I’ve been out of work for six months now. I feel that this is an opportunity that I’m not taking full advantage of. I could take some classes, but that costs money. I still have a few things to work on around the house before we sell it. I’m just afraid that if or when it sells, I won’t know where to go. Carol has a job, so it would make sense to stay here. But, if I am offered a good position somewhere out of state, Carol wants to go with me. It was no fun working out of state in 2008 and leaving Carol behind. She missed her man! We are best friends, and have been together for 30 years now. We’ll celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary in August. Life is good, and I won’t complain. God has something in store, and when it’s time, the next door will open. Will it be door number one, door number two, or door number three? You probably need to be as old as me to understand that.
Next month is my mother’s birthday. She turns 80! We’re all getting together at our house. Even my brother and his girlfriend are coming. We haven’t seen him since Christmas 08. He never takes a day off from work. I was listening to some Dylan classics today while I was cutting the grass. I think it would be cool to learn “Forever Young” and play it for mom as a birthday song. Guess I should look for the guitar tabs on the internet while I’m thinking about it.
Next month is my mother’s birthday. She turns 80! We’re all getting together at our house. Even my brother and his girlfriend are coming. We haven’t seen him since Christmas 08. He never takes a day off from work. I was listening to some Dylan classics today while I was cutting the grass. I think it would be cool to learn “Forever Young” and play it for mom as a birthday song. Guess I should look for the guitar tabs on the internet while I’m thinking about it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day!
Thankfully, my taxes were completed a while back, with help, and the returns are already in the bank. Hopefully the IRS won’t come after me this year. Last year they tried to disallow all my charitable deductions, and make me pay more than I had, plus penalties. I am so for the Fair Tax movement. I love the idea that all consumers, such as criminals and illegal’s, will pay taxes just like everyone else. I also love the millions or billions that would be saved by doing away with the total IRS bureaucracy. And lastly, I love the idea that those in power won’t be able to influence business with tax breaks or increases. The invisible hand rules!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Who Am I?
I have been out of work for six months. It has not been stressful, because I am blessed. God has provided all things, and God has provided for the drought. Carol and I have grain in the warehouse.
But I have struggled with my identity. As with many working adults, especially after 29 years in one profession, I identified with my work more than anything else. I am slowly coming to accept a lesson that God is teaching me through this, that I am not defined by my job, but rather by the person that He has helped me grow to become. It is the journey with God that brings maturity, wisdom, and knowledge. The Biblical heroes had many job titles: slave, shepherd, judge, tentmaker, fisherman, but it was their faith journeys that established the character of who they were.
I am not what earns me money, I am what earns me eternity. I thank my God for that, and I thank my God for being with me in whatever tomorrow brings.
But I have struggled with my identity. As with many working adults, especially after 29 years in one profession, I identified with my work more than anything else. I am slowly coming to accept a lesson that God is teaching me through this, that I am not defined by my job, but rather by the person that He has helped me grow to become. It is the journey with God that brings maturity, wisdom, and knowledge. The Biblical heroes had many job titles: slave, shepherd, judge, tentmaker, fisherman, but it was their faith journeys that established the character of who they were.
I am not what earns me money, I am what earns me eternity. I thank my God for that, and I thank my God for being with me in whatever tomorrow brings.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Cruz Grandpa
My mother is Mexican, but I am a white boy. My mother didn’t grow up in a barrio-type neighborhood. My mother’s dad worked his way out of that. There is probably a story there that will never be known. I never learned Spanish, other than the classes I took in high school. It was the language that my mother and her sisters could speak, without us children knowing what they were talking about. I think that during that part of American history, people were glad to be part of the melting pot that made them Americans, and the language of the land was English.
Cruz Grandpa was born in 1899. I think he and my grandma worked their way out of Mexico, up through Texas and the southern states picking crops. They made their way to Michigan and purchased two lots of land in Taylor, and his brother-in-law bought two lots next to him. They built their own houses, including garages, chicken coups and even outhouses. I vaguely remember there still being an outhouse at my grandma’s when I was very young. I do remember the sink in my grandma’s kitchen having an old-style hand pump to pump water from the ground. They also had a hand pump in the yard for watering the garden, and probably the animals. I think the animals were gone, or maybe a couple of chickens were left when I was little. Yes, they definitely had chickens because I do remember my grandma collecting some eggs in her apron to make breakfast. I was grossed out when some of the eggs were already starting to develop chicks. My mom also tells stories about the outhouse. Her baby sister, Fina, would catch stray cats and throw them in. Fina always did have a way with animals.
My grandfather built a large house, but even at three stories, the nine children had to share rooms and beds. Grandma and Grandpa’s bedroom was on the first floor. The children slept on the second floor. I remember four rooms. You had to go through one room to get to the smallest bedroom. There were no doors. Curtains were hung in the doorways to divide the rooms. You could also walk out on the roof through the largest bedroom at the front of the upstairs. It wasn’t a balcony, just a flat roof over an enclosed area that was like a sun room. Grandma would have plants growing all over the house, but the sun room was packed with them. She definitely had a green thumb, and loved working out in the yard.
The third floor was never finished. It was used as attic space. When I would visit, I would love to explore the attic. It contained a history of their lives, with clothes and antique treasures that I loved to discover.
The house was heated by a potbelly stove in the living room. The smell of fire still reminds me of nights that I stayed at grandma and grandpa’s house. There was also a wood stove in the kitchen. It seemed that there was always an iron frying pan on the stove, and my grandpa would be cooking corn kernels, or peanuts. I used to love the peanuts hot off the stove. I think that they were fresh from his garden.
Grandpa Cruz was an educated man. He could read and write, and speak English and Spanish. I believe that he worked hard to pull his family out of poverty, and bring them to a place where they could experience the opportunities that America had to offer. He was a builder and a farmer (and with nine kids, I guess a lover too). He worked hard for survival. I don’t think that life was very easy in those days, even for the whites. I can only imagine the difficulties for Mexicans living on their own. My mother remembers Christmas as a child, when the Shiners’ would come and bring the children shoes and a toy. Eventually, Cruz Grandpa landed a job with the railroad.
Grandpa worked hard, and he also played hard. He was a musician, playing guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. His friends would come around on weekends to play music and drink beer. Beer drinking may definitely be a hereditary thing in our family. It has been one of my vices for many years. After a long night of music and drinking, my grandma would have to help grandpa into bed. His brother-in-law later died in a car accident from drinking and driving.
Somewhere, one of my aunts has an old tape recording of my Grandfather playing his guitar. He tried to teach me the mandolin, and I learned to play a song. I remember the tune, but I don’t know the name of it. Since I showed interest and talent, my parents started me in guitar lessons at the age of seven.
When I was still pretty young, my grandfather had a stroke. It was pretty bad, and he lost his ability to understand and speak English. He wasn’t the same anymore. Cruz Grandpa died in 1970.
Cruz Grandpa was born in 1899. I think he and my grandma worked their way out of Mexico, up through Texas and the southern states picking crops. They made their way to Michigan and purchased two lots of land in Taylor, and his brother-in-law bought two lots next to him. They built their own houses, including garages, chicken coups and even outhouses. I vaguely remember there still being an outhouse at my grandma’s when I was very young. I do remember the sink in my grandma’s kitchen having an old-style hand pump to pump water from the ground. They also had a hand pump in the yard for watering the garden, and probably the animals. I think the animals were gone, or maybe a couple of chickens were left when I was little. Yes, they definitely had chickens because I do remember my grandma collecting some eggs in her apron to make breakfast. I was grossed out when some of the eggs were already starting to develop chicks. My mom also tells stories about the outhouse. Her baby sister, Fina, would catch stray cats and throw them in. Fina always did have a way with animals.
My grandfather built a large house, but even at three stories, the nine children had to share rooms and beds. Grandma and Grandpa’s bedroom was on the first floor. The children slept on the second floor. I remember four rooms. You had to go through one room to get to the smallest bedroom. There were no doors. Curtains were hung in the doorways to divide the rooms. You could also walk out on the roof through the largest bedroom at the front of the upstairs. It wasn’t a balcony, just a flat roof over an enclosed area that was like a sun room. Grandma would have plants growing all over the house, but the sun room was packed with them. She definitely had a green thumb, and loved working out in the yard.
The third floor was never finished. It was used as attic space. When I would visit, I would love to explore the attic. It contained a history of their lives, with clothes and antique treasures that I loved to discover.
The house was heated by a potbelly stove in the living room. The smell of fire still reminds me of nights that I stayed at grandma and grandpa’s house. There was also a wood stove in the kitchen. It seemed that there was always an iron frying pan on the stove, and my grandpa would be cooking corn kernels, or peanuts. I used to love the peanuts hot off the stove. I think that they were fresh from his garden.
Grandpa Cruz was an educated man. He could read and write, and speak English and Spanish. I believe that he worked hard to pull his family out of poverty, and bring them to a place where they could experience the opportunities that America had to offer. He was a builder and a farmer (and with nine kids, I guess a lover too). He worked hard for survival. I don’t think that life was very easy in those days, even for the whites. I can only imagine the difficulties for Mexicans living on their own. My mother remembers Christmas as a child, when the Shiners’ would come and bring the children shoes and a toy. Eventually, Cruz Grandpa landed a job with the railroad.
Grandpa worked hard, and he also played hard. He was a musician, playing guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. His friends would come around on weekends to play music and drink beer. Beer drinking may definitely be a hereditary thing in our family. It has been one of my vices for many years. After a long night of music and drinking, my grandma would have to help grandpa into bed. His brother-in-law later died in a car accident from drinking and driving.
Somewhere, one of my aunts has an old tape recording of my Grandfather playing his guitar. He tried to teach me the mandolin, and I learned to play a song. I remember the tune, but I don’t know the name of it. Since I showed interest and talent, my parents started me in guitar lessons at the age of seven.
When I was still pretty young, my grandfather had a stroke. It was pretty bad, and he lost his ability to understand and speak English. He wasn’t the same anymore. Cruz Grandpa died in 1970.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Crossing The Street
During this past Sunday’s service, our pastor also interviewed his brother and sister-in-law about new mission work which they were involved in. The wife said something that sounded like it would make a great quote, and I don’t know if it was original or something she’d heard. I didn’t write it down, so I’ll have to paraphrase. She said that “I can’t look in two directions at the same time, so I choose to look ahead.” I know that she meant we have to let go of our past in order to move forward, which I understand, but as the analytical guy in me started to dwell on the comment, an early childhood warning came to mind: “Look both ways before you cross the street.”
Okay Randy, what the heck does that mean? Our parents wanted to keep us safe from harm. It was advisable to look left, then right, before moving forward across the street. This is a lifelong lesson that we should not neglect, even if crossing at a traffic light. We may not be able to look in two directions at the same time, but we can look around before making that final decision. God also gave us a pretty good ability with peripheral vision, so we can take a step back and see a broad scope of the area on either side of the direction in which we are heading. We have peripheral vision, we can turn our heads, and we can move our whole body in any direction we choose. And, with our additional senses, our brains can analyze all these inputs to help us determine the wisest choice before sending that motor input to our legs. I guess what I’m saying is that while we may choose to look ahead, it is our abilities and experiences which God enabled us to endure, that help create the person we are today. When David came to a point in his life where he would face Goliath, God had already trained him spiritually, mentally, and physically through his years as a shepherd tending his father’s sheep.
We can never really let go of our past, because that is an integral part of who we are now. Hopefully, we can extract from the good and the bad, to honor God with our lives as we look forward and cross the street.
Okay Randy, what the heck does that mean? Our parents wanted to keep us safe from harm. It was advisable to look left, then right, before moving forward across the street. This is a lifelong lesson that we should not neglect, even if crossing at a traffic light. We may not be able to look in two directions at the same time, but we can look around before making that final decision. God also gave us a pretty good ability with peripheral vision, so we can take a step back and see a broad scope of the area on either side of the direction in which we are heading. We have peripheral vision, we can turn our heads, and we can move our whole body in any direction we choose. And, with our additional senses, our brains can analyze all these inputs to help us determine the wisest choice before sending that motor input to our legs. I guess what I’m saying is that while we may choose to look ahead, it is our abilities and experiences which God enabled us to endure, that help create the person we are today. When David came to a point in his life where he would face Goliath, God had already trained him spiritually, mentally, and physically through his years as a shepherd tending his father’s sheep.
We can never really let go of our past, because that is an integral part of who we are now. Hopefully, we can extract from the good and the bad, to honor God with our lives as we look forward and cross the street.
Monday, March 29, 2010
I am an introvert
Yesterday, Pastor Mike explained that he was an introvert, and that introverts recharge their battery by having some alone time. Whereas extroverts get recharged by socializing and being in public gatherings. His explanation offered some insight for both Carol and I, as to why I like my solitude, as opposed to being a social butterfly. Even though I am also an introvert, I do need friendships and people to confide in. At the moment, I am lacking that closeness, outside of my wife (who is also my best friend). Not having a job does limit my social interactions slightly, but we do have friends at church and in the paddling club. I just seem to have one of those personalities that takes longer than one or two meetings for me to befriend others. I believe that I’m a pretty nice guy, and if I were you, I’d like me. But, I am an introvert and it does take some time to draw me out of my shell.
I do believe that my introvertedness (is that a word?) was a learned behavior. Somewhere, there is an 8mm video floating around that shows I had no shyness as a child whatsoever. I was really a ham, at least in front of family. As a young boy, I seemed to show no ill-effects of the year or more that I spent as a little boy whose mother told him not to smile. You see, when I was around five years old, I fell down the basement steps and hit my mouth on a vent register. I had chipped and broken teeth, and looked nasty if I grinned. Either it embarrassed my mother, or she was trying to help me avoid embarrassment, but forever I was told not to show my teeth when I smiled. I looked like a pretty serious kid with that little lip-closed grin of mine. And naturally, it took another forever before my baby teeth started falling out and my new teeth came in.
Anyway, back to the learned behavior. I remember in elementary school, I was quite the social butterfly. I liked to talk. I talked to all the kids in class. In fact, I talked too much. At least that’s what my teacher thought. I remember being sent out to stand in the hall on more than one occasion. That was the punishment. You had to leave the classroom and stand in the hall. So, what might be considered as having an outgoing personality now, was squashed in the classrooms of Joshua Howard Elementary School.
I was also an only child for the first nine years of my life, so I learned to entertain myself in fantasy and imagination. Back then, mom’s didn’t have their own cars to cart you around town for extracurricular activities. There were no soccer leagues, and I was too small to play on the kid’s football teams. How many of us little boys were outcast in the early 60’s, because there were size and weight limits to play in organized sports? I liked football too! We would play tackle at the playground, and with my low profile, it was hard to bring me down.
Oh, and then there was the glasses. Getting glasses in second grade was another event to push me towards introversion. I have always been one easily drawn to tears. I still am, as my wife and kids can attest to. So getting teased about glasses, or about anything, definitely caused some withdrawal. Again, back in those days, you had two choices to the type of glasses you could wear - brown or black. Solid horned-rimmed spectacles were the name of the game. The word “dork” wasn’t even invented yet, but it may have made its first appearance in all the things that kids could come up with as they teased me for wearing glasses. We can be so cruel as children. An yes, there were times when I was dishing it out without a thought of how much I might be hurting another life, crushing them emotionally. The old “sticks and stones” stuff that the adults would preach was a lot of crap. I think physical cuts and bruises probably healed a lot better than those emotional wounds that sometimes scarred us for life. To all those others that I may have hurt; forgive me. I am sorry.
I do believe that my introvertedness (is that a word?) was a learned behavior. Somewhere, there is an 8mm video floating around that shows I had no shyness as a child whatsoever. I was really a ham, at least in front of family. As a young boy, I seemed to show no ill-effects of the year or more that I spent as a little boy whose mother told him not to smile. You see, when I was around five years old, I fell down the basement steps and hit my mouth on a vent register. I had chipped and broken teeth, and looked nasty if I grinned. Either it embarrassed my mother, or she was trying to help me avoid embarrassment, but forever I was told not to show my teeth when I smiled. I looked like a pretty serious kid with that little lip-closed grin of mine. And naturally, it took another forever before my baby teeth started falling out and my new teeth came in.
Anyway, back to the learned behavior. I remember in elementary school, I was quite the social butterfly. I liked to talk. I talked to all the kids in class. In fact, I talked too much. At least that’s what my teacher thought. I remember being sent out to stand in the hall on more than one occasion. That was the punishment. You had to leave the classroom and stand in the hall. So, what might be considered as having an outgoing personality now, was squashed in the classrooms of Joshua Howard Elementary School.
I was also an only child for the first nine years of my life, so I learned to entertain myself in fantasy and imagination. Back then, mom’s didn’t have their own cars to cart you around town for extracurricular activities. There were no soccer leagues, and I was too small to play on the kid’s football teams. How many of us little boys were outcast in the early 60’s, because there were size and weight limits to play in organized sports? I liked football too! We would play tackle at the playground, and with my low profile, it was hard to bring me down.
Oh, and then there was the glasses. Getting glasses in second grade was another event to push me towards introversion. I have always been one easily drawn to tears. I still am, as my wife and kids can attest to. So getting teased about glasses, or about anything, definitely caused some withdrawal. Again, back in those days, you had two choices to the type of glasses you could wear - brown or black. Solid horned-rimmed spectacles were the name of the game. The word “dork” wasn’t even invented yet, but it may have made its first appearance in all the things that kids could come up with as they teased me for wearing glasses. We can be so cruel as children. An yes, there were times when I was dishing it out without a thought of how much I might be hurting another life, crushing them emotionally. The old “sticks and stones” stuff that the adults would preach was a lot of crap. I think physical cuts and bruises probably healed a lot better than those emotional wounds that sometimes scarred us for life. To all those others that I may have hurt; forgive me. I am sorry.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Bob Fell
Bob Fell, John Moldovan and I were the key employees selected to bring the integrated logistics support management expertise for the Cadillac Gage products into the Louisiana company. I considered Bob and John as my friends, having worked with them both since 1981. They had been with Cadillac Gage much longer than I had, but both were too young to retire.
At the time, I was taking classes at Wayne State University, but hadn’t quite yet earned my degree. My daughters were quite young, and I was fearful of giving up a good salary and benefits. Textron offered an excellent relocation package, so I accepted the offer to stay with the company. I was still young, and figured there would be more opportunities in a large company.
When we started work in Louisiana, things begin to look gloomy. The organization structure was not the same as ours in Michigan, so I was placed in one department and Bob was put in another. Neither of us retained our hierarchal status, and we had little to support our ongoing projects. John decided early on that it was not for him, so he ended up back in Michigan working for General Dynamics. He’s still there and going strong.
There were many mistakes made in the whole process, but I won’t expand upon them here nor dwell on the past. No sense in exposing the skeletons at this point. My friend Bob ended up with bone cancer, and passed away after a few years down in Louisiana. It was sad to watch him deteriorate, but it was good to know that he had come to accept Jesus during his struggles. If you knew Bob, you would accept that as another one of God’s little miracles. Bob used to call Carol and I “Mr. and Mrs. Perfect.” He knew that I had strong morals, and that I tried hard to live a Christian life. When I was released from Kuwait, and was quoted as saying “I prayed for peace,” Bob started calling me Billy Graham. He was a kidder. I always felt that Bob would have made a great replacement for Johnny Carson. He had a quick wit, and somehow he could get away with off-the-cuff remarks and innuendos without getting into trouble. Well, maybe once he didn’t get away with his comments, but we’ll let Bob rest in peace.
Bob had a couple of Frank n’ Ernest cartoons framed on his wall. One of them had a caption that read “Bob’s prejudices are all in line with company policy.” The first time that I met Bob was during my job interview for a tech writer position. He asked if I had a sense of humor? He asked what nationality I was, and I told him that I was half-Mexican. Then he asked me, “Do you know why blacks don’t marry Mexicans?” I told him no. He said “because they’re afraid their kids will grow up too lazy to steal.” That was Bob. I got the job. I guess I must have laughed at his joke. We shared many more jokes and good times through the years.
At the time, I was taking classes at Wayne State University, but hadn’t quite yet earned my degree. My daughters were quite young, and I was fearful of giving up a good salary and benefits. Textron offered an excellent relocation package, so I accepted the offer to stay with the company. I was still young, and figured there would be more opportunities in a large company.
When we started work in Louisiana, things begin to look gloomy. The organization structure was not the same as ours in Michigan, so I was placed in one department and Bob was put in another. Neither of us retained our hierarchal status, and we had little to support our ongoing projects. John decided early on that it was not for him, so he ended up back in Michigan working for General Dynamics. He’s still there and going strong.
There were many mistakes made in the whole process, but I won’t expand upon them here nor dwell on the past. No sense in exposing the skeletons at this point. My friend Bob ended up with bone cancer, and passed away after a few years down in Louisiana. It was sad to watch him deteriorate, but it was good to know that he had come to accept Jesus during his struggles. If you knew Bob, you would accept that as another one of God’s little miracles. Bob used to call Carol and I “Mr. and Mrs. Perfect.” He knew that I had strong morals, and that I tried hard to live a Christian life. When I was released from Kuwait, and was quoted as saying “I prayed for peace,” Bob started calling me Billy Graham. He was a kidder. I always felt that Bob would have made a great replacement for Johnny Carson. He had a quick wit, and somehow he could get away with off-the-cuff remarks and innuendos without getting into trouble. Well, maybe once he didn’t get away with his comments, but we’ll let Bob rest in peace.
Bob had a couple of Frank n’ Ernest cartoons framed on his wall. One of them had a caption that read “Bob’s prejudices are all in line with company policy.” The first time that I met Bob was during my job interview for a tech writer position. He asked if I had a sense of humor? He asked what nationality I was, and I told him that I was half-Mexican. Then he asked me, “Do you know why blacks don’t marry Mexicans?” I told him no. He said “because they’re afraid their kids will grow up too lazy to steal.” That was Bob. I got the job. I guess I must have laughed at his joke. We shared many more jokes and good times through the years.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Company Man
I was listening to a Zig Ziglar CD, and he told a story about a man working for the railroad out in the hot sun, when a train came along and pulled off on the side track. A man yelled out the window and asked if that was so-and-so working out there? It was, and the man on the train invited him inside to talk. When he came back out, the other workers were impressed. “You’re friends with the vice president of the railroad?,” they asked. He told them that 30 years ago he and the other guy started working at the same time. The others asked how it was that he was still working out in the hot sun, while the other guy is now vice president? His answer was that 30 years ago the other guy “came to work for the railroad company, and I came to work for $1.35 an hour.” Pretty insightful. There are a lot of things that I seem to find out later in life. Thankfully, I don’t think that I am too old to learn new things. I am often led to wonder how different I may have turned out, had my dad lived a little longer. I was only 14 when he died, and still had so much to learn. But he did die young, and it hasn’t always been ‘A Wonderful Life.’
At one time, I was working for Cadillac Gage, my first real job after the Navy. I was working for the company, and appreciative of my salary and the benefits that the job provided my wife and I, and the family to come. I was treated with respect, provided training, and put into situations that provided opportunity for my professional growth.
Along the way in its corporate history, Cadillac Gage became part of a small conglomerate as part of Ex-Cell-O Corporation. Then, it became part of an even bigger conglomerate as part of Textron Corporation. As individual employees, our efforts to contribute to the success of a company became less important, as long range vision succumbed to short term profit and loss statements. As a new strategy to cut expenses and provide the Cadillac Gage legacy products at reduced production costs, our business was merged with another Textron subsidiary in Louisiana. Out of the many people who were loyal to the company, only a handful were selected for relocation. Unfortunately, for those of us who did make the move, there was no excitement for the Cadillac Gage business, the products, or the people who came with it. We were the “damn yankees” who were looked upon as failures in the corporate structure, and a big inconvenience to the status quo of the Navy business at Textron Marine Company. If my desire at one time was to be an integral part of the Cadillac Gage team, and its success, I suddenly found myself as part of the unwanted vehicle group, working to overcome attitudinal and cultural barriers.
- to be continued -
At one time, I was working for Cadillac Gage, my first real job after the Navy. I was working for the company, and appreciative of my salary and the benefits that the job provided my wife and I, and the family to come. I was treated with respect, provided training, and put into situations that provided opportunity for my professional growth.
Along the way in its corporate history, Cadillac Gage became part of a small conglomerate as part of Ex-Cell-O Corporation. Then, it became part of an even bigger conglomerate as part of Textron Corporation. As individual employees, our efforts to contribute to the success of a company became less important, as long range vision succumbed to short term profit and loss statements. As a new strategy to cut expenses and provide the Cadillac Gage legacy products at reduced production costs, our business was merged with another Textron subsidiary in Louisiana. Out of the many people who were loyal to the company, only a handful were selected for relocation. Unfortunately, for those of us who did make the move, there was no excitement for the Cadillac Gage business, the products, or the people who came with it. We were the “damn yankees” who were looked upon as failures in the corporate structure, and a big inconvenience to the status quo of the Navy business at Textron Marine Company. If my desire at one time was to be an integral part of the Cadillac Gage team, and its success, I suddenly found myself as part of the unwanted vehicle group, working to overcome attitudinal and cultural barriers.
- to be continued -
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Religion and Politics
What is the difference between religion and politics? We all serve someone, whether we acknowledge that someone or not. Our country’s political system was designed in such a way to ensure that the people ruled. “We the people” choose those in government, who share our values and beliefs, to represent us in the larger political body. The president, the house, and the senate are supposed to serve us. Something is awry when the government becomes bigger than the people, and the servant-master roles are reversed. The intent of our founding fathers was for our government to operate with the understanding that there was a higher power. As ‘One Nation Under God,’ if we are to be recipients of God’s blessings, we must be obedient to His commandments. Unfortunately, we are no longer a Christian society. The devil has gotten us so confused and off track, we are losing sight of the true God. No more Ten Commandments, no more prayer, no power beyond what I make for myself.
I can remember starting each day in school with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing My Country Tis of Thee. What a better way to start your day than with song! What do they do in school today? Where’s the joy? This morning’s news had a story of a 15-year old boy who beat a girl, putting her in critical condition, for a text message that he didn’t like. What happened to the male credo handed done throughout the ages that “you don’t ever hit a girl!”? This is a sign of our future without God in it.
Let’s get back into the Word. I love the acrostic, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. We have been given the word of God, protected through the ages, in the Bible. Read it, pray about it, live it. Make a concerted effort to start your day and end your day in communication with God. What can it hurt? From what I see, we can definitely do worse.
I can remember starting each day in school with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing My Country Tis of Thee. What a better way to start your day than with song! What do they do in school today? Where’s the joy? This morning’s news had a story of a 15-year old boy who beat a girl, putting her in critical condition, for a text message that he didn’t like. What happened to the male credo handed done throughout the ages that “you don’t ever hit a girl!”? This is a sign of our future without God in it.
Let’s get back into the Word. I love the acrostic, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. We have been given the word of God, protected through the ages, in the Bible. Read it, pray about it, live it. Make a concerted effort to start your day and end your day in communication with God. What can it hurt? From what I see, we can definitely do worse.
Friday, March 19, 2010
last day of winter
They say you are not a leader if no one is following. Does that mean you are not a writer if no one is reading? No, that wouldn’t be the same thing. That would be like saying you are not a singer if no one is listening. It’s one of those ‘does a tree falling in the forest...?’ questions. I am a writer. I can write fact or fiction, prose and poetry, and even songs. In fact, I have had college courses and attended additional seminars and classes in some of these areas. I am a writer, and it pleases me to write. It can also be therapeutic. By now, you could be thinking that this guy needs help. Don’t we all?
Have you ever tried to psychoanalyze yourself? I think I’ve put myself into a hypnotic trance, and don’t know enough to snap my fingers and wake myself up. On the count of three... Just kidding.
Sorry that I slacked off on this blogging thing. I did write my little article for the LCP Newsletter. Nothing exciting. If I get out on the water and catch some fish from my kayak, then that would be fun to write about.
So, what’s going on today? The weather here is beautiful. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, and it should be in the upper 70’s in the low country. I should be outside working in the yard right now, but I hurt my foot doing jumping jacks the other day, and I can hardly stand up on it. I went to the doctor’s this morning, just to make sure that nothing was broken. I think I’ll live. The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory, and sent me for x-rays. Another dollar towards that high deductible. That reminds me of the health care bill vote that’s supposed to take place on Sunday. I don’t want my tax dollars to support abortions, or buy healthcare for individuals who cheat the system. Many changes are needed, but I think that our Government should tackle those on a smaller scale. Prioritize and focus. Instead, we’ll get some trillion dollar package that will miss the mark, hurt quality, and feed the lawyers. But I’m not big on politics, and that is not my purpose for blogging. I’ve tried to overcome my cynicism, as it usually demonstrates my ignorance rather than my wisdom. Life is good, I am blessed, and I am loved. What more can a man ask for?
Have you ever tried to psychoanalyze yourself? I think I’ve put myself into a hypnotic trance, and don’t know enough to snap my fingers and wake myself up. On the count of three... Just kidding.
Sorry that I slacked off on this blogging thing. I did write my little article for the LCP Newsletter. Nothing exciting. If I get out on the water and catch some fish from my kayak, then that would be fun to write about.
So, what’s going on today? The weather here is beautiful. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, and it should be in the upper 70’s in the low country. I should be outside working in the yard right now, but I hurt my foot doing jumping jacks the other day, and I can hardly stand up on it. I went to the doctor’s this morning, just to make sure that nothing was broken. I think I’ll live. The doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory, and sent me for x-rays. Another dollar towards that high deductible. That reminds me of the health care bill vote that’s supposed to take place on Sunday. I don’t want my tax dollars to support abortions, or buy healthcare for individuals who cheat the system. Many changes are needed, but I think that our Government should tackle those on a smaller scale. Prioritize and focus. Instead, we’ll get some trillion dollar package that will miss the mark, hurt quality, and feed the lawyers. But I’m not big on politics, and that is not my purpose for blogging. I’ve tried to overcome my cynicism, as it usually demonstrates my ignorance rather than my wisdom. Life is good, I am blessed, and I am loved. What more can a man ask for?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Revelation 6
I wasn't very dedicated today, and time does not care. You get out of bed and go through the motions, and all of the sudden the day is over. I did do a little cooking, practiced my guitar, let the dog in and out a few times, but in the end it feels like I did nothing. I didn't write the article about last night's speaker at our LowCountry Paddler's club meeting. He was good. The presentation was about kayak fishing, which is something that I really want to do. I will write up the article and submit it for next month's newsletter.
I have still yet to get into a new routine since losing my job. For awhile, I had a good routine going and got the house painted. Mostly, my routine is to scour e-mails and internet sites for potential jobs. I have been praying about all this, and have worked to make my daily routine begin with God. I say my daily prayers, and then do some bible reading. I'm reading Revelations right now, and trying to take it slow. I have a pretty good study bible, so that helps explain a lot of things. I wrote up my own notes on Revelation 6 which is provided below.
Revelation 6 - from my New Geneva Study Bible, New King James Version
"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."
Was this Jesus, as some suggest. or perhaps the Holy Spirit that was promised to man after Jesus’ ascension? I think that would make sense, as the Lamb is Jesus. Therefore, He is sending the Holy Spirit to mankind, as promised, and the enemy He is conquering is sin.
"When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
This horseman has been succeeding since the fall. Was John’s vision the future or the past. The interpretive difficulty in many areas of the Bible is that we try to apply our laws of physics, our understanding of time, to God’s Word given to man. But, His ways are not our ways. He is not limited by any sense of laws and time. He is the I am.
"When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.""
My study Bible says that this signifies famine, and that all of our earnings will be needed just to buy food for survival. I would have to learn more about Christian/Jewish symbology to add my two-cents. What do scales normally imply? To us in America, it usually means justice. My Bible also suggests that the oil and wine may imply “that the rich will still be able to indulge themselves.” But, oil and wine are central to Christian sacraments. Oil is used for anointing, and wine represents the blood of Christ and the covenant. I might think that these are not harmed so that man may still have time to accept Jesus in the midst of tribulation.
"When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Com and see.” So, I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."
Again, this rider has been loosed on the earth since the fall of man. These curses were not what God desired for man, and these curses will be ended when Christ returns. Come Lord Jesus.
"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed."
Here again, is another area involving time. Also, some might acknowledge this verse as indicating there is an interim place where we go after death, awaiting the coming of Christ to call us by name and bring us to the place He has prepared for us.
"I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”"
Who will stand indeed? Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. We have recently witnessed that earthquakes can truly move things out of place. The event in Chile should show us once again that the word of God is truth, and all that is, is under His control. God is mighty, God is awesome, and God has forgiven me! “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Thank you God.
I have still yet to get into a new routine since losing my job. For awhile, I had a good routine going and got the house painted. Mostly, my routine is to scour e-mails and internet sites for potential jobs. I have been praying about all this, and have worked to make my daily routine begin with God. I say my daily prayers, and then do some bible reading. I'm reading Revelations right now, and trying to take it slow. I have a pretty good study bible, so that helps explain a lot of things. I wrote up my own notes on Revelation 6 which is provided below.
Revelation 6 - from my New Geneva Study Bible, New King James Version
"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."
Was this Jesus, as some suggest. or perhaps the Holy Spirit that was promised to man after Jesus’ ascension? I think that would make sense, as the Lamb is Jesus. Therefore, He is sending the Holy Spirit to mankind, as promised, and the enemy He is conquering is sin.
"When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
This horseman has been succeeding since the fall. Was John’s vision the future or the past. The interpretive difficulty in many areas of the Bible is that we try to apply our laws of physics, our understanding of time, to God’s Word given to man. But, His ways are not our ways. He is not limited by any sense of laws and time. He is the I am.
"When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.""
My study Bible says that this signifies famine, and that all of our earnings will be needed just to buy food for survival. I would have to learn more about Christian/Jewish symbology to add my two-cents. What do scales normally imply? To us in America, it usually means justice. My Bible also suggests that the oil and wine may imply “that the rich will still be able to indulge themselves.” But, oil and wine are central to Christian sacraments. Oil is used for anointing, and wine represents the blood of Christ and the covenant. I might think that these are not harmed so that man may still have time to accept Jesus in the midst of tribulation.
"When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Com and see.” So, I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth."
Again, this rider has been loosed on the earth since the fall of man. These curses were not what God desired for man, and these curses will be ended when Christ returns. Come Lord Jesus.
"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed."
Here again, is another area involving time. Also, some might acknowledge this verse as indicating there is an interim place where we go after death, awaiting the coming of Christ to call us by name and bring us to the place He has prepared for us.
"I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”"
Who will stand indeed? Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. We have recently witnessed that earthquakes can truly move things out of place. The event in Chile should show us once again that the word of God is truth, and all that is, is under His control. God is mighty, God is awesome, and God has forgiven me! “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Thank you God.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Being Left-handed
On Saturday, I tried to be left-handed. It is difficult to switch hands from the norm. I didn’t attempt to use an unfamiliar hand for something that might be critical, like signing my name on a check, but I did try to consciously operate as a left-hander for the day. I ate my morning cereal using my left hand. I brushed my teeth using my left hand. When I sipped water, I switched the way that I cupped my hands. That felt really weird. When I clasped my hands to pray, I thought about adjusting my fingers, and putting my right-hand thumb on the top of my other thumb, but that seems like what a right-hander might do naturally. There are a lot of things that I already do, favoring my left hand. Maybe I already pray left-handed. Then again, when I place my hands together without intertwining my fingers, it’s my right hand that goes on top. Okay, so where am I going with this. Why would I want to change to a left-hander? Because, by all accounts, that is what I should have been!
When I was a baby, I had a tendency to use my left hand. Of course, I don’t remember this, but in those days, parents were encouraged to “help” their children become right-handed. I try not to blame my mom and dad, but I can fault the doctors and experts of the day, for suggesting that parents change the biological tendencies of their children from being left-handed to right-handed. I was supposed to be left-handed. My body and my brain were wired to function that way. I wonder if I would have been half as uncoordinated as I was when I was little, if I would have been allowed to be left-handed?
Some of the articles I’ve read on the internet suggest that this forced change upon children may have been related to stuttering. Thankfully, I did not stutter. But, I was uncoordinated, and my handwriting was terrible. That is the only thing that I ever received an ‘L’ (Low) in on my report card in elementary school. I suppose you can't cry over spilled milk, but if I were allowed to be left-handed, I probably would not have been so clumsy as to knock the glass over.
Somebody else had an interesting theory that Jesus and God (though one and the same for discussion another time) were left-handers, because the Bible says that Jesus sits at the right hand of God. The writer reasoned that this was so they didn’t bump elbows when they were eating. It was a humorous attempt to glorify left-handers, but maybe not so far off as one might think. The Bible does say there will be feasts in heaven. I like a lot of different foods down here, and I can’t wait to sample some of the dishes to be served in eternity!
When I was a baby, I had a tendency to use my left hand. Of course, I don’t remember this, but in those days, parents were encouraged to “help” their children become right-handed. I try not to blame my mom and dad, but I can fault the doctors and experts of the day, for suggesting that parents change the biological tendencies of their children from being left-handed to right-handed. I was supposed to be left-handed. My body and my brain were wired to function that way. I wonder if I would have been half as uncoordinated as I was when I was little, if I would have been allowed to be left-handed?
Some of the articles I’ve read on the internet suggest that this forced change upon children may have been related to stuttering. Thankfully, I did not stutter. But, I was uncoordinated, and my handwriting was terrible. That is the only thing that I ever received an ‘L’ (Low) in on my report card in elementary school. I suppose you can't cry over spilled milk, but if I were allowed to be left-handed, I probably would not have been so clumsy as to knock the glass over.
Somebody else had an interesting theory that Jesus and God (though one and the same for discussion another time) were left-handers, because the Bible says that Jesus sits at the right hand of God. The writer reasoned that this was so they didn’t bump elbows when they were eating. It was a humorous attempt to glorify left-handers, but maybe not so far off as one might think. The Bible does say there will be feasts in heaven. I like a lot of different foods down here, and I can’t wait to sample some of the dishes to be served in eternity!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
fuzzy picture
I have taken on this challenge to force myself to write. Blogging is one of the suggestions for aspiring writers to get in the habit of writing. I guess it is calisthenics for mind and wrist. It is definitely a workout on my wrist. I need to find a new computer table. My keyboard is too high, and my chair is too low. I probably need to buy one of those ergonomic keyboards, if I am going to continue down this path.
Yesterday, I posted a snapshot of where I am today. But, it is a fuzzy picture, and not complete, so please don’t rush to judgment on whether I am someone to like or dislike, someone to listen to or ignore. I believe that God has brought me through quite a lot in my life, and maybe some of the things I’ve experienced would be worthwhile to share. Maybe some of these things, once shared, will help others to realize that they aren’t the only ones who make mistakes, who suffer, who live with guilt and shame, and at times feel alone and helpless. What a blessing to feel all these emotions, or some might say a curse. It is probably a little bit of both. We are blessed, because even in our hurting we live. And, living, we get a glimpse of some goodness that exists in this world. God created this world, and at one time called it “good.” [Here is where I have edited out some rambling into the curse of man. Because I don’t have the credentials of some institution, I will withhold my thoughts, and hopefully your thoughts of “what makes this guy think he knows so much?” I don’t want to preach, at least not yet, or our journey together might end too soon.]
Yesterday, I posted a snapshot of where I am today. But, it is a fuzzy picture, and not complete, so please don’t rush to judgment on whether I am someone to like or dislike, someone to listen to or ignore. I believe that God has brought me through quite a lot in my life, and maybe some of the things I’ve experienced would be worthwhile to share. Maybe some of these things, once shared, will help others to realize that they aren’t the only ones who make mistakes, who suffer, who live with guilt and shame, and at times feel alone and helpless. What a blessing to feel all these emotions, or some might say a curse. It is probably a little bit of both. We are blessed, because even in our hurting we live. And, living, we get a glimpse of some goodness that exists in this world. God created this world, and at one time called it “good.” [Here is where I have edited out some rambling into the curse of man. Because I don’t have the credentials of some institution, I will withhold my thoughts, and hopefully your thoughts of “what makes this guy think he knows so much?” I don’t want to preach, at least not yet, or our journey together might end too soon.]
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Let's Start This Again
Yesterday I posted a light blog; probably not how I intend to use this medium. I planned on writing my blog in advance of posting to it to the internet, to give me time to review my thoughts. But, if I review them too much and revise them, they may get watered down and become more like what the world would want my thoughts to be like. Does that make sense? So, let’s back up and start over. Below is what I had originally written as my next post. Some days I may offend, some days you might laugh, some days you might cry. I can be pretty complex sometimes, and many times way too serious. It is not my intent to offend, but I would like to cause some to reflect and to think. Maybe blogging will help me do a better job of that myself. I will likely post some of my poetry on this blog, and some of my songs. As I said from the start, this will be a journey. I welcome those who choose to walk along side of me.
I am writing to everyone. I am writing to no one. I am writing to God. But that’s not true. I speak to God daily. I don’t need to write to Him. So, I’m writing to me, reflecting back to myself the unspoken thoughts of my life. Where do I begin?
I’m 55 and out of work. Our pastor is currently preaching a series on living your dream. I’m not very happy with these sermons. They are causing me to reflect too much, to question the choices I made, recognizing the mistakes I made. But God knew what I would do. My foolishness has been His training ground. My desert time has been His time to allow me to ferment. Once again, He is turning water into wine.
I suppose we should get this out of the way right up front. Immediately, you should recognize that I am a Christian. If not, well I am. I am also a conservative republican, based on a philosophy of personal freedom as opposed to allowing the government to rule over me. I am married and still content after 29 years. If we’re laying it out up front, I am against abortion and gay rights. Homosexuality is a choice, one that our society is making easier every day. As with any sin, it is another area where Satan is deceiving mankind into believing that it is an acceptable way to live. How can it be wrong? It hurts no one. But that is just one more lie tossed out by the father of lies. It hurts God. It hurts families. It hurts me.
Why does it hurt me? Because I recognize it as another soul lost. Another human being led away from the truth, and shrouded in darkness. My daughter says I’m ‘homophobic.’ I’m not fearful of homosexuality, I’m saddened, saddened by the turning of the tide. Battles are being lost, and I’m not even in the fight. I sit on my recliner, watch the news, and shake my head. I tell myself that I’m a ‘prayer warrior,’ helping the Kingdom by praying.
Jesus prayed, but then Jesus moved. He moved the world. He moved man from darkness into light. It wasn’t just the blind that He helped to see, it was all of mankind. Jesus brought truth back into the world. “If you know me, then you know the Father who sent me.” Hard to believe that He wants me to be able to say the same thing. So, let my prayer for the day be, “Lord, point me in the right direction and help me to move.”
I am writing to everyone. I am writing to no one. I am writing to God. But that’s not true. I speak to God daily. I don’t need to write to Him. So, I’m writing to me, reflecting back to myself the unspoken thoughts of my life. Where do I begin?
I’m 55 and out of work. Our pastor is currently preaching a series on living your dream. I’m not very happy with these sermons. They are causing me to reflect too much, to question the choices I made, recognizing the mistakes I made. But God knew what I would do. My foolishness has been His training ground. My desert time has been His time to allow me to ferment. Once again, He is turning water into wine.
I suppose we should get this out of the way right up front. Immediately, you should recognize that I am a Christian. If not, well I am. I am also a conservative republican, based on a philosophy of personal freedom as opposed to allowing the government to rule over me. I am married and still content after 29 years. If we’re laying it out up front, I am against abortion and gay rights. Homosexuality is a choice, one that our society is making easier every day. As with any sin, it is another area where Satan is deceiving mankind into believing that it is an acceptable way to live. How can it be wrong? It hurts no one. But that is just one more lie tossed out by the father of lies. It hurts God. It hurts families. It hurts me.
Why does it hurt me? Because I recognize it as another soul lost. Another human being led away from the truth, and shrouded in darkness. My daughter says I’m ‘homophobic.’ I’m not fearful of homosexuality, I’m saddened, saddened by the turning of the tide. Battles are being lost, and I’m not even in the fight. I sit on my recliner, watch the news, and shake my head. I tell myself that I’m a ‘prayer warrior,’ helping the Kingdom by praying.
Jesus prayed, but then Jesus moved. He moved the world. He moved man from darkness into light. It wasn’t just the blind that He helped to see, it was all of mankind. Jesus brought truth back into the world. “If you know me, then you know the Father who sent me.” Hard to believe that He wants me to be able to say the same thing. So, let my prayer for the day be, “Lord, point me in the right direction and help me to move.”
Friday, March 12, 2010
Stem Cell Treatment for Dogs
Last night our local news aired a story about an old dog that was being treated with his own stem cells to counter his hip problems. After a week of treatment, the dog was moving great. One drawback was that his whole rear end was shaved. He might have gotten away with it if he were a poodle. Carol gave me a look like ‘we could do that for Champ.’ There was no mention in the story of what the cost for this treatment might be. The vet said that they removed stem cells from the dog, overnighted them to California for processing, and then overnighted them back for injecting into the dog. Cha-ching! I explained to Carol that there was a way less expensive shot that we could give to Champ and he wouldn’t be in pain anymore. She didn’t think that was a good solution. Champ is 13, and has slowed down in his old age. I take him for a walk each night, just past the corner and back. It takes about 30 minutes. I don’t think that he’s in any pain, just slowed down a bit. He also has trouble going up the steps. Maybe I should invent a doggie-walker, or doggie-wheelchair. He might like me to build him a ramp too. On second thought, I still think the ‘shot’ would be cheaper.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
'RAND'OM NOTES
Background: I’ve titled my blog ‘Rand’om Notes. It is the same title of a column that I once wrote for a church newsletter at Christ United Methodist Church in Fraser, Michigan. I edited and published the small newsletter in the early 80’s. It allowed me to release some of my creative energies at the time. Though I have enjoyed writing as far back as I can remember, my job back then (and for many years to come) was working as a technical writer. Very dry for the most part, but it paid the bills. It was a skill that paid the bills for most of my career in the defense industry. That career has taken me from Michigan, to Louisian, and now South Carolina, with a few adventures overseas along the way. That may be something to explore down the road.
I'll pause here, before I start rambling. My mind wanders sometimes, my thoughts can be quite random, and also my name is Randy, hence the title 'Rand'om Notes. So there you are. This is my first blog, a step in a new direction. We’ll see where this journey goes from here.
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