Yeah, looks like the 'C' word - again. At least that is the doctor's and the ultra-sound tech's view on what the tested showed. Stinking Arian interbreed genes. I curse you Hapsburg forefathers and your sisters and cousins too!
So, next week will be full torso imagining and mass identification tests, not to mention - has it spread. Yeah, one really bad week this week and next looks ever worse, then the following week is already scheduled to be the worse yet of the three. And we will only be at the knowledge point by then - what exactly are the doctors going to be dealing with. Then we get to answer the how's.
I have been expecting this since last June when my doctors could not explain blood results any longer. Sigh.
I am really in need of prayer here, my spirits are almost at an all time low. Yeah, my friends need prayer too.....
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What Are The Odds?
Ok, so this has been one weird week!
My only male friend from high school had a heart attack and ended up having a stint (?) put in. He went to ER because he thought he had another gall stone. Well, I am glad he went in and had the doctors give him a looksy! Not ready to start losing my friends here!
But, prior to this, Dutchman and Swede both went down with kidney stones! I tell you by Wednesday afternoon I was a bit paranoid - my three best buds were all down! Then from my oldest friend the news came in - exact same thing. But we are not finished yet as my only male cousin was to manage the same problem down in California! Every male friend I have was in the hospital on Wednesday! What are the odds?
Want to kick it up a notch? I was in the hospital Wednesday evening for an ultrasound, when it ruptured something in my right kidney! What are the odds here guys?
Five of us down this week for kidney problems, none of us with families with any kidney history - and poor Randy, he is home recovering his heart attack. I am sure suffering through the care of his wife and three daughters. :^)
Well, as for me, I am off to the hospital again to find out what on earth happened - as in, was there any permanent damage(?)! That was one very un fun experience, may I never discover kidney stones!
Now want to make this really weird? My friend with the heart-attack, I had a dream about it and the reason I remember it is because I had not heard from him in over a month - at the least I hear from one of his daughters every few weeks. So, I prayed and thought not much more about it, until yesterdays phone call. After all, it was just a dream.....or was it?
too weird!
My only male friend from high school had a heart attack and ended up having a stint (?) put in. He went to ER because he thought he had another gall stone. Well, I am glad he went in and had the doctors give him a looksy! Not ready to start losing my friends here!
But, prior to this, Dutchman and Swede both went down with kidney stones! I tell you by Wednesday afternoon I was a bit paranoid - my three best buds were all down! Then from my oldest friend the news came in - exact same thing. But we are not finished yet as my only male cousin was to manage the same problem down in California! Every male friend I have was in the hospital on Wednesday! What are the odds?
Want to kick it up a notch? I was in the hospital Wednesday evening for an ultrasound, when it ruptured something in my right kidney! What are the odds here guys?
Five of us down this week for kidney problems, none of us with families with any kidney history - and poor Randy, he is home recovering his heart attack. I am sure suffering through the care of his wife and three daughters. :^)
Well, as for me, I am off to the hospital again to find out what on earth happened - as in, was there any permanent damage(?)! That was one very un fun experience, may I never discover kidney stones!
Now want to make this really weird? My friend with the heart-attack, I had a dream about it and the reason I remember it is because I had not heard from him in over a month - at the least I hear from one of his daughters every few weeks. So, I prayed and thought not much more about it, until yesterdays phone call. After all, it was just a dream.....or was it?
too weird!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Lazy Day
Met with my co-volunteers yesterday. Nothing new there other than we were unable to change the young man's mind whom quit over the weekend. One of the other guy's on the project, whom is almost as old as me, has about as much understanding of this young man's motivation as I do. It is so bizarre to hear racist remarks from one so young. Sigh.
Did manage to get Timothy's shorting electrical system figured out. The stinking front wiring harness as bad. So now to figure out which fuses need replaced! Mazda, keeps me off the streets.
Also on the Timothy front: he is now engaged to be married! And I have to admit I am torn on the subject. On the one hand, I am a hopeless romantic and had been praying that his estranged wife would get kicked in the head by God and come back to him. (She left him about seven years ago and they have been divorced five.) Like any divorce situation, there are two sides to this story and though if I had been his wife I might not have divorced him - but I sure would have punched his lights out. It was as much her fault as his, but she is the one whom threw in the towel and "Christian legalities" aside, she did not have valid reason for the divorce. And he had a boatload he could have corrected to have kept her - though I fear most men would have chaffed under her dominion.
I know little of his fiancee, she is young. End of story. So we will see what I can learn about her.....
If they do marry, I do intend to attend the wedding - if at all possible - even be the best man if he asks me. Guess I might be having a trip to Ohio or Indiana, or where ever the heck it will be sometime next year! I know it is a pain to get to where they are by air - you still have to drive long distances. So, Kris just might get to do a ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!
Did manage to get Timothy's shorting electrical system figured out. The stinking front wiring harness as bad. So now to figure out which fuses need replaced! Mazda, keeps me off the streets.
Also on the Timothy front: he is now engaged to be married! And I have to admit I am torn on the subject. On the one hand, I am a hopeless romantic and had been praying that his estranged wife would get kicked in the head by God and come back to him. (She left him about seven years ago and they have been divorced five.) Like any divorce situation, there are two sides to this story and though if I had been his wife I might not have divorced him - but I sure would have punched his lights out. It was as much her fault as his, but she is the one whom threw in the towel and "Christian legalities" aside, she did not have valid reason for the divorce. And he had a boatload he could have corrected to have kept her - though I fear most men would have chaffed under her dominion.
I know little of his fiancee, she is young. End of story. So we will see what I can learn about her.....
If they do marry, I do intend to attend the wedding - if at all possible - even be the best man if he asks me. Guess I might be having a trip to Ohio or Indiana, or where ever the heck it will be sometime next year! I know it is a pain to get to where they are by air - you still have to drive long distances. So, Kris just might get to do a ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
We Are Hunted
I Peter 5:8-11, 2 Cor 11:13-15, Eph 2:1-3, Job 1:6-7, Psalms 22:12-13, Rev 12:7-9 and 17, Eph 6:12-13 and 18, Luke 22:3-4, 2 Cor 12:7-10, Luke 22:31-32, Matt 10:28, James 4:7
Yeah, a whole lot of verses this time around - but the point is that we ARE hunted - not the hunters in this world!
Christians face real danger, spiritually. Satan is real, he is hunting, if he can "get" to you, he will! Point is to be strong in your faith and not playing games in Satan's world!
Christians must not be in denial. Yes, we do fail. We must stand against temptation! To be forearmed is to be forewarned!
Christians must be alert. Satan looks for opportunity and will wage war on you, if at all possible! Point is to not give him any openings for attack!
So, be sober, not a victim! How? Resist him in your youth. Resist him in your faith.
Be alert, be ready to resist, put on the full armor of God!
Yeah, a whole lot of verses this time around - but the point is that we ARE hunted - not the hunters in this world!
Christians face real danger, spiritually. Satan is real, he is hunting, if he can "get" to you, he will! Point is to be strong in your faith and not playing games in Satan's world!
Christians must not be in denial. Yes, we do fail. We must stand against temptation! To be forearmed is to be forewarned!
Christians must be alert. Satan looks for opportunity and will wage war on you, if at all possible! Point is to not give him any openings for attack!
So, be sober, not a victim! How? Resist him in your youth. Resist him in your faith.
Be alert, be ready to resist, put on the full armor of God!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Prejudice
Prejudice is something I managed to grow up without. As a child in post-war Europe there were some resentments evident throughout the cultures I lived in. The French had some hard feelings towards the Germans. The Germans had some strong words concerning both the French and Italians. And, everyone hated the Romanians - they are after all gypsies.....
If a gypsy caravan was within twenty miles of our town the police were warning everyone to tie down their stuff and lock their daughters away! Apparently there were no "gay" gypsy bands.
As for my parents, father hated "christians", whom he blamed for the war and the defeat of Germany. Mother hated blacks and indians - odd mix for her since she was to see her first black man in Germany and he was a really nice guy. As for the indian part, her father was a Umatilla indian, whom had a drinking problem (hence my 25% American indian).
So, I have never had any real understanding of prejudice because my mind does not acccept someone else's beliefs without understanding them first. Child psychologist would argue that one, except you have to understand that I always identified more with my grandmother and Danish great-uncle than either of my parents!
In any event, the reason I am writing on this subject is because I got an answer from my resigning volunteer - he is quitting because he does not believe that minorities should be spotlighted to be candidates for working within the scientific realm! Yeah, that is our project, how to encourage young minority females to consider the sciences and engineering as an occupation! I was left quite speechless.
Amazingly, this 19 year old male does not seem to be genetic throwback, at least around here. I have been stumbling across several dozen "Bubbus Americanus" types, almost all under 25 years old. What on earth, within our local rather permissive culture, is suddenly breeding George Wallace types?
Unfortunately, I have to include my own son in that one. Also at 19, he reflects none of my beliefs nor core values. I can blame his first five years in a Russian orphanage, or look real hard at the local school district - because the vile that comes from his mouth and his deeds - were never mine.....
When I came to America (1969), I toured the south and checked out all of the sites of the on-going civil rights war. Swiss-white Boy was not only the wrong color but not "southern" enough to not go unmolested in my travels through those hotbeds of emotion. But, I learned a great deal about the injustices done to the blacks - as well as, I did understand the situation because I was extremely well versed on the South African situation. So, much of what I found was nothing but ignorance.
It was actually almost with glee that in a South Carolina high school my first American friend was a young black man by the name of Clarence Gunn. First it was a shocker to the adults and he was someone I could trust my back to - important when you are a foreigner in a land with foreigner phobias! Both important to any teenager. And one day I do hope to catch up with him and find out how the years have gone......
As for my ex-"employee"? Good riddance to white trash.
If a gypsy caravan was within twenty miles of our town the police were warning everyone to tie down their stuff and lock their daughters away! Apparently there were no "gay" gypsy bands.
As for my parents, father hated "christians", whom he blamed for the war and the defeat of Germany. Mother hated blacks and indians - odd mix for her since she was to see her first black man in Germany and he was a really nice guy. As for the indian part, her father was a Umatilla indian, whom had a drinking problem (hence my 25% American indian).
So, I have never had any real understanding of prejudice because my mind does not acccept someone else's beliefs without understanding them first. Child psychologist would argue that one, except you have to understand that I always identified more with my grandmother and Danish great-uncle than either of my parents!
In any event, the reason I am writing on this subject is because I got an answer from my resigning volunteer - he is quitting because he does not believe that minorities should be spotlighted to be candidates for working within the scientific realm! Yeah, that is our project, how to encourage young minority females to consider the sciences and engineering as an occupation! I was left quite speechless.
Amazingly, this 19 year old male does not seem to be genetic throwback, at least around here. I have been stumbling across several dozen "Bubbus Americanus" types, almost all under 25 years old. What on earth, within our local rather permissive culture, is suddenly breeding George Wallace types?
Unfortunately, I have to include my own son in that one. Also at 19, he reflects none of my beliefs nor core values. I can blame his first five years in a Russian orphanage, or look real hard at the local school district - because the vile that comes from his mouth and his deeds - were never mine.....
When I came to America (1969), I toured the south and checked out all of the sites of the on-going civil rights war. Swiss-white Boy was not only the wrong color but not "southern" enough to not go unmolested in my travels through those hotbeds of emotion. But, I learned a great deal about the injustices done to the blacks - as well as, I did understand the situation because I was extremely well versed on the South African situation. So, much of what I found was nothing but ignorance.
It was actually almost with glee that in a South Carolina high school my first American friend was a young black man by the name of Clarence Gunn. First it was a shocker to the adults and he was someone I could trust my back to - important when you are a foreigner in a land with foreigner phobias! Both important to any teenager. And one day I do hope to catch up with him and find out how the years have gone......
As for my ex-"employee"? Good riddance to white trash.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Resignation
i was stunned today to open my email and find that one of the four members of my non-profit team decided to resign. I am still so surprised that I do not even have a response for him. Of course, I sent him a reply and asked if we could talk and hopefully resolve whatever the issue(s) are.....
In 30 years of project management I have had to fire employees twice, even lay some off when the economy hick-upped so bad back in 1981 - but I have never had someone quit before! I am a pretty upbeat kind of guy and love to resolve issues long before someone resigns. It comes to mind to quote my son here but I am not prone to swearing, but it sure came to mind though!
Now, there are three and honestly, I am not sure we can deliver on what we were tasked to do in the seven weeks left to us. This might even deep-six the entire project.....
Sigh.
In 30 years of project management I have had to fire employees twice, even lay some off when the economy hick-upped so bad back in 1981 - but I have never had someone quit before! I am a pretty upbeat kind of guy and love to resolve issues long before someone resigns. It comes to mind to quote my son here but I am not prone to swearing, but it sure came to mind though!
Now, there are three and honestly, I am not sure we can deliver on what we were tasked to do in the seven weeks left to us. This might even deep-six the entire project.....
Sigh.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sleep
Ugh! I need sleep! I missed out on sleep Wednesday night because I was so excited that I finally had a job interview, and now I got almost no sleep last night as son's flea bag decided it had to sleep underneath the bed and it snores something horrible. I chased it out of the bedroom twice. Sigh.
It is a nice drizzlely morning here and I had a nice walk in the pre-dawn hours. What else was I to do?!?!? Thought about doing breakfast at Denny's but just the thought of all of that grease made my poor digestive track whimper. Thinking of that, finally checked in with the doctor on my shellfish poisoning I got in Canada - turns out she was there too, when I was and she still has it! Yeah, she was a mite shade on the pale side!
Well time to balance the checkbook.
:^(
It is a nice drizzlely morning here and I had a nice walk in the pre-dawn hours. What else was I to do?!?!? Thought about doing breakfast at Denny's but just the thought of all of that grease made my poor digestive track whimper. Thinking of that, finally checked in with the doctor on my shellfish poisoning I got in Canada - turns out she was there too, when I was and she still has it! Yeah, she was a mite shade on the pale side!
Well time to balance the checkbook.
:^(
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Could Not Sleep
I was so excited last night that I could not get a wink of sleep! Just the thought of all of the things I have to do today to get ready for doing some project management deliverables! Of course, I am now quite groggy and just about worthless because of it - so will probably produce garbage I will have to redo once I get some sleep tonight! Sigh.....
So, I read the whole of this blog for the past year. Been quite a year that is for sure. Some I had already forgotten, some I had to chuckle over because of what I did not say! Yeah, been quite the year it seems. And my German has slipped horribly! Use it or lose it!
I also went back and read all of what I have produced on father's life so far. I am still happy with it thus far. Not sure how to proceed though. I am rapidly reaching the point were he goes to work for the US government and everything becomes hush-hush. What to do, what to do......? I guess I can skip most of his work for the US Government and concentrate on what little life he had apart from them. Hmmmmmmmm.
Well, need to write the next installment on father's blog and then get ready for my doctor's visit this morning.....
So, I read the whole of this blog for the past year. Been quite a year that is for sure. Some I had already forgotten, some I had to chuckle over because of what I did not say! Yeah, been quite the year it seems. And my German has slipped horribly! Use it or lose it!
I also went back and read all of what I have produced on father's life so far. I am still happy with it thus far. Not sure how to proceed though. I am rapidly reaching the point were he goes to work for the US government and everything becomes hush-hush. What to do, what to do......? I guess I can skip most of his work for the US Government and concentrate on what little life he had apart from them. Hmmmmmmmm.
Well, need to write the next installment on father's blog and then get ready for my doctor's visit this morning.....
Project Management
For the past 30 years I have been a project manager and though not in title am happy to be back at it with the Ignite project. I get to work on doing a project work breakdown structure for the project team tomorrow morning! Might sound like eating cardboard to you but I am excited to be doing something I know how to do again!
Iginite is a 501-0C non-profit company which specializes in getting young women to consider going into scientific or technical fields. Which I am a very strong proponent of. Well, actually, the same encouragement needs to go to young men as well - get off your gaming machines and think about a real job.....!
Anyway, I am just excited about even doing free pseudo-work for a change, for a good cause, for at least a few months. Personally, if I had a retirement worth anything I would go to work for them full time - they desperately are in need of some like me whom can champion their program. The founder is a great lady with a real love for youth - so she has my admiration - and she is in need of a champion. Who knows what the future holds......
Iginite is a 501-0C non-profit company which specializes in getting young women to consider going into scientific or technical fields. Which I am a very strong proponent of. Well, actually, the same encouragement needs to go to young men as well - get off your gaming machines and think about a real job.....!
Anyway, I am just excited about even doing free pseudo-work for a change, for a good cause, for at least a few months. Personally, if I had a retirement worth anything I would go to work for them full time - they desperately are in need of some like me whom can champion their program. The founder is a great lady with a real love for youth - so she has my admiration - and she is in need of a champion. Who knows what the future holds......
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Not A Fun Time
Yesterday I had, what should have been, the pleasure of having lunch with my Oldest Daughter's family - at Red Robin (yummmmmm! to quote the commerical.).
But, grandson is now into his terrible two's, grand-daughter is trying to convince us that there are terrible four's and OD was simply exhausted. Son-in-law was chatty but exhausted as well. So, sort of a sullen luncheon.
I have gone twice this month to RR, I really like their Oktoberfest Burger - which is surprising as I really do not like burgers. Maybe if I am really sick and my taste buds are dead I will choke down a burger, but they are not on my 'this is real food list'. I would rather use the hamburger and make a simple stroganoff or marinara sauce!
Unfortunately, RR slathered so much whole mustard onto the burger this time that I managed to choke and son-in-law almost had to do CPR! My throat simply shut down and that was it - no more food was going to be swallowed! Okay, breathing was a little difficult as well at that point!
Guess my diet needed to continue? Thinking of which, I may finally be past the shellfish poisoning! Praise the Lord! That was a horrible 5 weeks! Arms and legs are still numb though, so I am hoping this will not be permanent. (I will ignore that brain damage comment someone out there had...) :^)
On the other hand, I made a killer meal - a new entree experiment and a new dessert. The entree was a Greek style chicken in an olive and plum sauce - smelled bizarre but was quite good. And a plum upside down cake, which was okay but I would have preferred a lighter cake than what it made. I will post them, my first new successes, over on the recipe site later this week. I haven't posted there in months I have been so busy and not trying anything new! For shame!
But, grandson is now into his terrible two's, grand-daughter is trying to convince us that there are terrible four's and OD was simply exhausted. Son-in-law was chatty but exhausted as well. So, sort of a sullen luncheon.
I have gone twice this month to RR, I really like their Oktoberfest Burger - which is surprising as I really do not like burgers. Maybe if I am really sick and my taste buds are dead I will choke down a burger, but they are not on my 'this is real food list'. I would rather use the hamburger and make a simple stroganoff or marinara sauce!
Unfortunately, RR slathered so much whole mustard onto the burger this time that I managed to choke and son-in-law almost had to do CPR! My throat simply shut down and that was it - no more food was going to be swallowed! Okay, breathing was a little difficult as well at that point!
Guess my diet needed to continue? Thinking of which, I may finally be past the shellfish poisoning! Praise the Lord! That was a horrible 5 weeks! Arms and legs are still numb though, so I am hoping this will not be permanent. (I will ignore that brain damage comment someone out there had...) :^)
On the other hand, I made a killer meal - a new entree experiment and a new dessert. The entree was a Greek style chicken in an olive and plum sauce - smelled bizarre but was quite good. And a plum upside down cake, which was okay but I would have preferred a lighter cake than what it made. I will post them, my first new successes, over on the recipe site later this week. I haven't posted there in months I have been so busy and not trying anything new! For shame!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friendship
It is so nice to have Kelly back posting! Missed ya!
One of her new posts was really interesting and gave me thought over the weekend, the topic of Friendship.
I have some great friends and am really blessed to have them, unfortunately I never get to see them but a few times a year anymore. Dutchman travels so much that even his family misses him, so I fall somewhere behind them in getting to hear from or see him. Swede is actually around the area quite a bit, but absolutely no idea what he is up to, other than very busy. What are these retired guys up to?!?!?!?! Both are almost life long friends and though it may be months between visits, it is like old times every time we can get together. Gaelic Girl I really do wish I could see more of, but alas that is not going to happen unless I want to go to Texas, which is not going to happen anytime soon.
Then I started thinking of my internet friends. Jim, Bree, Robin, Kelly, Lee and 'she of a name I can not even pronounce' - all have been great at offering advice and helping me through life with prayer - and/or have been a part of my prayer life for years. I count them as friends - even though we have never met. In fact, outside of GG, I have only met one of my readers. I am not real sure that friendship requires personal interaction. It is nice but if you know someone does pray regularly for you and has your best interests at heart - isn't that the idea behind friendship and family? Or maybe my cloistered life has just warped that perspective with me.....
But, no matter how life works out, whether or not I meet those I count as friends here, I know I will get to meet them one day - and I really do look forward to that time and hopefully there will be long chat sessions in Heaven.
One of her new posts was really interesting and gave me thought over the weekend, the topic of Friendship.
I have some great friends and am really blessed to have them, unfortunately I never get to see them but a few times a year anymore. Dutchman travels so much that even his family misses him, so I fall somewhere behind them in getting to hear from or see him. Swede is actually around the area quite a bit, but absolutely no idea what he is up to, other than very busy. What are these retired guys up to?!?!?!?! Both are almost life long friends and though it may be months between visits, it is like old times every time we can get together. Gaelic Girl I really do wish I could see more of, but alas that is not going to happen unless I want to go to Texas, which is not going to happen anytime soon.
Then I started thinking of my internet friends. Jim, Bree, Robin, Kelly, Lee and 'she of a name I can not even pronounce' - all have been great at offering advice and helping me through life with prayer - and/or have been a part of my prayer life for years. I count them as friends - even though we have never met. In fact, outside of GG, I have only met one of my readers. I am not real sure that friendship requires personal interaction. It is nice but if you know someone does pray regularly for you and has your best interests at heart - isn't that the idea behind friendship and family? Or maybe my cloistered life has just warped that perspective with me.....
But, no matter how life works out, whether or not I meet those I count as friends here, I know I will get to meet them one day - and I really do look forward to that time and hopefully there will be long chat sessions in Heaven.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Valkyrie
I finally got around to watching this movie. I was in no hurry, since I really dislike Tom Cruise, as an actor, and think even less of him as a person. Because I know in-depth about the various 1943 and 1944 plots against Hitler, I figured Hollywood would not get it right.
I was mostly right. It was like seeing a replica of the Mona Lisa and noting the complete loss of the character of the painting - she is now grinning instead of that mysterious vague smile.
Although, there was only the slightest of illusions to Von Stauffenberg being a Christian, the entirety of the role played by faith in his life and that of the role Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as the head of the National Church, was completely left out. To the movie Von Stauffengerg was driven by national pride, to save his country so to speak. In life, Adolf Hitler was thought to be Satan incarnate, a man whom must be removed at all cost to save mankind. He falsely believed God called him to kill the Fuhrer, but it was not entirely his fault. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his brother-in-law had been trying for two years to do the same.
The failure of the assassination attempt, the almost instant connection of the plot to Von Stauffenberg, and the complete collapse of the general staff's uprising, was actually done rather well. Left out of course, the executions of all of the male heads of Bonhoeffer's family and extended family, the further witch-hunt which brought up to another 1,000 to death - went completely unaddressed. After all, in Cruise's world - the Christian faith is a form of mental illness.....
As my failing thesis in Theology so well laid out - murder by those called by God's name, will not be tolerated by God, and they will not succeed. God reserves for Himself the right to take human life. For those whom think otherwise - I strongly caution, to think otherwise.....
Scripture is very plain on the subject, it is only ambitious men whom see otherwise.
I was mostly right. It was like seeing a replica of the Mona Lisa and noting the complete loss of the character of the painting - she is now grinning instead of that mysterious vague smile.
Although, there was only the slightest of illusions to Von Stauffenberg being a Christian, the entirety of the role played by faith in his life and that of the role Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as the head of the National Church, was completely left out. To the movie Von Stauffengerg was driven by national pride, to save his country so to speak. In life, Adolf Hitler was thought to be Satan incarnate, a man whom must be removed at all cost to save mankind. He falsely believed God called him to kill the Fuhrer, but it was not entirely his fault. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his brother-in-law had been trying for two years to do the same.
The failure of the assassination attempt, the almost instant connection of the plot to Von Stauffenberg, and the complete collapse of the general staff's uprising, was actually done rather well. Left out of course, the executions of all of the male heads of Bonhoeffer's family and extended family, the further witch-hunt which brought up to another 1,000 to death - went completely unaddressed. After all, in Cruise's world - the Christian faith is a form of mental illness.....
As my failing thesis in Theology so well laid out - murder by those called by God's name, will not be tolerated by God, and they will not succeed. God reserves for Himself the right to take human life. For those whom think otherwise - I strongly caution, to think otherwise.....
Scripture is very plain on the subject, it is only ambitious men whom see otherwise.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Zombies Anonymous
If this is not one of the worse movies ever made .... Yeah, well, do not rush out and rent this one!
I will blame this one on Swedish Rocket Scientist - Now Retired, whom called and told me he had just seen the worse movie ever. And was he ever so right!
The concept was cute, there are living and there are dead but for some reason the dead aren't completely dying and you end up with zombie support groups where those zombies with self esteem issues go.
Too bad the script writers could not carry the idea forward, even into a District 9 type commentary on society's inability to accept those whom are different. They touch on it but mostly in terms of shotgun blasts to the head.
Oh, just so you know, that in the Kris rating of worse movies ever - The Yesterday Machine is the grand champion, followed by The Tomorrow Machine - two movies with no redeeming value what so ever. This one is not far behind but did make me laugh at one point..... Which certainly the other two did not.
AVOID!
I will blame this one on Swedish Rocket Scientist - Now Retired, whom called and told me he had just seen the worse movie ever. And was he ever so right!
The concept was cute, there are living and there are dead but for some reason the dead aren't completely dying and you end up with zombie support groups where those zombies with self esteem issues go.
Too bad the script writers could not carry the idea forward, even into a District 9 type commentary on society's inability to accept those whom are different. They touch on it but mostly in terms of shotgun blasts to the head.
Oh, just so you know, that in the Kris rating of worse movies ever - The Yesterday Machine is the grand champion, followed by The Tomorrow Machine - two movies with no redeeming value what so ever. This one is not far behind but did make me laugh at one point..... Which certainly the other two did not.
AVOID!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Truth Is Out There
Every family probably has one. You know, the black sheep, the non-conformist, the one whom does things just for shock value. For my family, I was tagged as 'it', though I would probably pick one of my cousins for the honor - but that is what happens when you are of an artist bent and the entire family is scientist types. But, in my life, I have one of 'my boys', Josef, whom is an outright anarchist. Yeah, we sort of need a color darker than black to describe that sheep! And I have been trying to witness to the guy for at least 35 years!
One of our greatest FIGHTS is that truth is not relative to him or me, it is a standard not subjective to the whims of his intoxications. Of course he disagrees because, well, he would be wrong and that is not acceptable! For him, TRUTH is a FREE FOR ALL!
But, truth is not a free for all..... John 8:31-32
Truth exists.
In the world, truth is relative and there are no absolutes.
And yet here we told that by holding to the Word, we will find and know truth!
Truth is revealed.
It is not what we desire.
We can not create truth.
We are told that creation reveals truth!
Truth is knowable.
God is truth - 1 John 5, but threaded through 1 John. Light = Truth.
Truth is eternal.
You can the messenger but truth can not be killed.
If you choose not to believe the truth, that does not make it untrue!
Truth is Jesus.
It is not principles.
It is not habits.
It is not rules.
The Truth is out there, it is as close as your Bible, it is as far away as your belief.
*****
Josef, popped up back in my life yesterday when he called me for an one hour conversation concerning life, the universe and everything else. I was blown away, well, I doubt we converse that much in a year - if we even see each other in person! Mostly it is just quick emails on what is new, or some new test to see if he can shock me more! But, he has a good heart and I know, he knows, one day he will come over into the light. If he lives long enough.....
One of our greatest FIGHTS is that truth is not relative to him or me, it is a standard not subjective to the whims of his intoxications. Of course he disagrees because, well, he would be wrong and that is not acceptable! For him, TRUTH is a FREE FOR ALL!
But, truth is not a free for all..... John 8:31-32
Truth exists.
In the world, truth is relative and there are no absolutes.
And yet here we told that by holding to the Word, we will find and know truth!
Truth is revealed.
It is not what we desire.
We can not create truth.
We are told that creation reveals truth!
Truth is knowable.
God is truth - 1 John 5, but threaded through 1 John. Light = Truth.
Truth is eternal.
You can the messenger but truth can not be killed.
If you choose not to believe the truth, that does not make it untrue!
Truth is Jesus.
It is not principles.
It is not habits.
It is not rules.
The Truth is out there, it is as close as your Bible, it is as far away as your belief.
*****
Josef, popped up back in my life yesterday when he called me for an one hour conversation concerning life, the universe and everything else. I was blown away, well, I doubt we converse that much in a year - if we even see each other in person! Mostly it is just quick emails on what is new, or some new test to see if he can shock me more! But, he has a good heart and I know, he knows, one day he will come over into the light. If he lives long enough.....
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Are You Living With The "From's"?
Thinking on John 8:31-32,37; Romans 8:1; Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:6; John 4:17; Psalms 27:1; Galatians 5:16-26; Colossians 3:1-17.
Okay, I am being a bit tricky this morning! Because these are all concerning what we are FREE FROM! And actually, we are free from quite a bit, when we do not let our pride and will, get in the way of our lives. So, just some examples:
We are Free From the guilt of our sin.
We are Free From definitive death.
We are Free From debilitating worry and fear!
Is God with you?
Can God 'handle' your problems?
If God answers your prayers, not the way you expected, is He still your God?
If you can answer 'yes', then you should be able to live:
Fearing no one.
Fearing no situation.
Fearing nothing.
That is not to say fear is not a normal reaction to danger, but we do have His ability to overcome everything - even to the point of facing death, with His assurance of His presence being in our immediate future at that point! (and yes, I have been there, doing what He led me to and surprising survived that! (ie: did not die as expected!) )
But, are you living in the Word?
You can not be victorious is you can not spend time in study and prayer. The Bible must become the center piece of your life - and yes, it can be done by just normal people like you and me! But, you have to be willing to take time to do so! And yes, the distractions of this world are plentiful! They were invented to drive a wedge between what you could be and whom you are, it is no accident that the lures of the world have such a strong pull on us! (and in a similar thought, it is not accident those important sporting events are all on Sunday as well!)
John 7:17 - do not slip back into bondage (!)
Think on John 15:5 and James 1:22; our goal as Christians is to be be a disciple - not just a follower.....
Okay, I am being a bit tricky this morning! Because these are all concerning what we are FREE FROM! And actually, we are free from quite a bit, when we do not let our pride and will, get in the way of our lives. So, just some examples:
We are Free From the guilt of our sin.
We are Free From definitive death.
We are Free From debilitating worry and fear!
Is God with you?
Can God 'handle' your problems?
If God answers your prayers, not the way you expected, is He still your God?
If you can answer 'yes', then you should be able to live:
Fearing no one.
Fearing no situation.
Fearing nothing.
That is not to say fear is not a normal reaction to danger, but we do have His ability to overcome everything - even to the point of facing death, with His assurance of His presence being in our immediate future at that point! (and yes, I have been there, doing what He led me to and surprising survived that! (ie: did not die as expected!) )
But, are you living in the Word?
You can not be victorious is you can not spend time in study and prayer. The Bible must become the center piece of your life - and yes, it can be done by just normal people like you and me! But, you have to be willing to take time to do so! And yes, the distractions of this world are plentiful! They were invented to drive a wedge between what you could be and whom you are, it is no accident that the lures of the world have such a strong pull on us! (and in a similar thought, it is not accident those important sporting events are all on Sunday as well!)
John 7:17 - do not slip back into bondage (!)
Think on John 15:5 and James 1:22; our goal as Christians is to be be a disciple - not just a follower.....
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Spiritual Parentage
I know I have posted on this concept before, that we are both the products of our physical families as well as those whom brought us to Jesus for salvation (and hopefully discipled us!). And in reading John 8:38-42 I find myself drawn back into this idea. Plus once again thinking on my kids, their birth families, their orphanage families and then my family. Whole lot of families for those poor rascals! And families can cause a whole lot of trauma.
In this confrontation between Jesus and Jewish leaders, He shows that it is not just your physical family that is important - your spiritual family is also, if not more so! The Jews confronting him took pride in knowing their father was Abraham! Jesus' repsonse points out to them that linage is not just physical, it is also spiritual. They did not possess Abraham's soul or faith.
Linage is not equal to Linkage
Motion is not equal to relationship
It is more than genetics. My mother's female line is all Hebrew as far back as there are records. But that did not make her a Jew, she was an atheist, as was her mother, of course great-grandmother was known to be a Jew and persecuted as such in Russia. Hence, she became a 'Norwegian' and married a Scottish pastor.....
It is more than tradition, special prayers, attending every service, paying your tithe and keeping yourself outwardly spotless. It is about a relationship with God and here is where the Jewish leadership failed. They could put on a great show, but in their hearts they were all for themselves and filled with pride.
Our faith is to have feet. Think of Abraham packing up the kit and caboodle in Ur and setting off for some distant land. If you know your Abraham, you know that he made some mighty poor choices along the way - but his heart was sold out to God. He followed in FAITH but the pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. A true Jew would have lived as their father (Abraham) had - not by the corruption of this world.
Think of Galatians 5 - "walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh"
Every moment matters
Every moment is a witness whether you want it to be or not!
Father's are forever. The old rumor mill (v41) had it that Jesus' birth was a little suspicious. Obviously everyone knew that Joseph had not touched his fiancee, but no one had that faith in the young (teenage) Mary. So to them, they insinuate he is without a father.
I love verse 42, both are like their fathers - one of God (Jesus), one not (the pharisees).
I always enjoy a good put down and I imagine that the pharisees were ripping their tunics over that one! Nothing like telling someone they are the son of a motherless goat.....
:^)
In this confrontation between Jesus and Jewish leaders, He shows that it is not just your physical family that is important - your spiritual family is also, if not more so! The Jews confronting him took pride in knowing their father was Abraham! Jesus' repsonse points out to them that linage is not just physical, it is also spiritual. They did not possess Abraham's soul or faith.
Linage is not equal to Linkage
Motion is not equal to relationship
It is more than genetics. My mother's female line is all Hebrew as far back as there are records. But that did not make her a Jew, she was an atheist, as was her mother, of course great-grandmother was known to be a Jew and persecuted as such in Russia. Hence, she became a 'Norwegian' and married a Scottish pastor.....
It is more than tradition, special prayers, attending every service, paying your tithe and keeping yourself outwardly spotless. It is about a relationship with God and here is where the Jewish leadership failed. They could put on a great show, but in their hearts they were all for themselves and filled with pride.
Our faith is to have feet. Think of Abraham packing up the kit and caboodle in Ur and setting off for some distant land. If you know your Abraham, you know that he made some mighty poor choices along the way - but his heart was sold out to God. He followed in FAITH but the pharisees wanted to kill Jesus. A true Jew would have lived as their father (Abraham) had - not by the corruption of this world.
Think of Galatians 5 - "walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh"
Every moment matters
Every moment is a witness whether you want it to be or not!
Father's are forever. The old rumor mill (v41) had it that Jesus' birth was a little suspicious. Obviously everyone knew that Joseph had not touched his fiancee, but no one had that faith in the young (teenage) Mary. So to them, they insinuate he is without a father.
I love verse 42, both are like their fathers - one of God (Jesus), one not (the pharisees).
I always enjoy a good put down and I imagine that the pharisees were ripping their tunics over that one! Nothing like telling someone they are the son of a motherless goat.....
:^)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wearing Off
So, the unexpected shock of Joe's death is wearing off. I seemed to have spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the phone with his family (wives and kids). I do not even want to consider what the bill is going to look like - but I know God will find a way for me to pay it off.
Interestingly, many questions came up with the Sunday group I lead, which now has both guys and girls (!) and ages from 14 to 20. But, their interests are all similar and surprisingly so are their questions! Joe's problems gave a unique springboard to a lesson on how God works with us, and when we will not - well, how He 'corrects' the situation!
I also managed to get a part time job - shock and awe! Of course, if does not pay anything, people don't really use money to live on do they? But, it is with a non-profit - helping them with their external communications. Yeah, they are a bit challenged and really need some help. And, I am bored stiff and need something of value to do.
Well, need to get going. Ran over a piece of glass with the bike and now have to go find tires and tubes. Yeah, nothing is ever just simple. Simple flat? No, explosion would be more accurate. Nearest shop with what I need? North Seattle and one of the major routes north is closed for reconstruction. Sigh.
Thanks for the comments, Lee across such broad subjects! I appreciate knowing someone is willing to give a howdy and a piece of their mind.....
Interestingly, many questions came up with the Sunday group I lead, which now has both guys and girls (!) and ages from 14 to 20. But, their interests are all similar and surprisingly so are their questions! Joe's problems gave a unique springboard to a lesson on how God works with us, and when we will not - well, how He 'corrects' the situation!
I also managed to get a part time job - shock and awe! Of course, if does not pay anything, people don't really use money to live on do they? But, it is with a non-profit - helping them with their external communications. Yeah, they are a bit challenged and really need some help. And, I am bored stiff and need something of value to do.
Well, need to get going. Ran over a piece of glass with the bike and now have to go find tires and tubes. Yeah, nothing is ever just simple. Simple flat? No, explosion would be more accurate. Nearest shop with what I need? North Seattle and one of the major routes north is closed for reconstruction. Sigh.
Thanks for the comments, Lee across such broad subjects! I appreciate knowing someone is willing to give a howdy and a piece of their mind.....
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What is with Yahoo Chat?
Do you use Yahoo eMail? I do. I found this year's changes to be nothing more than an attempt to download as much advertisement content as possible on to my machine while I have the window open! And now, I am getting Chat requests, which block my ability to read my eMail! What the heck?
I really do not need Chat, I am full capable of talking with people I know and need to get a hold of on the phone or via eMail. More intriguing is that it has been all women, whom I have never heard of, never left a message, etc. (Strangers! Beware!)
So, whom are they and why do they want me to 'Chat' with them? Clueless here.
But, since they obviously have my eMail address, maybe they ought to send me one and tell me why we need to 'Chat'..... Is that too old fashioned of me?
I really do not need Chat, I am full capable of talking with people I know and need to get a hold of on the phone or via eMail. More intriguing is that it has been all women, whom I have never heard of, never left a message, etc. (Strangers! Beware!)
So, whom are they and why do they want me to 'Chat' with them? Clueless here.
But, since they obviously have my eMail address, maybe they ought to send me one and tell me why we need to 'Chat'..... Is that too old fashioned of me?
A Death To Contemplate
Suzy is the name of my nephew's mother. He is not my a real nephew, his mother is not kin of mine. However, she was a 16 year old whose life I had a strong interest in. You see, long before I met her she was badly damaged and it has been my prayers, hopes and efforts for the past 35 years to try and get her beyond that childhood. But, what followed was one disaster after another.
I began to wonder about how does God work, when I see such disaster swirling around someone whom is so desperate to leave disaster in the past. Any yet, it is as if she was courted by disaster.
I thought life would finally be good for her many years ago. She met a guy in her church - associate pastor, whom fascinated her. I even flew out to met him - and cautioned her not to even think of marriage - something was mighty rotten in Denmark. But, then again, about 300 in his church and a ton of kids all vouched for him. I hoped I was wrong.
She did marry him. I even sought her out before the wedding to ask her to reconsider - that was how strongly I felt this was a train wreck waiting to happen. I was to find out at the wedding reception, her sister and father both counseled her not to as well. How interesting - sister a Christian and father a non-Christian were both in agreement, and yet none had any better reason than I concerning the guy.
Inside of six months he had been fired for accessing pornography on his church computer. He took up drinking as a hobby and beating his step-son, my nephew. It went down hill from there..... Yeah, that was not even the beginning of the downhill slide. It made me question what was the definition of a Christian! Could a Christian fall so far from Grace? Even a atheists were be appalled at the depths he plunged to!
This morning he was found dead at home by his estranged wife, Suzy. Apparently, he had lost his driver's license for previous DUIs and asked her to pick him up this morning to go to court. He strongly suspected he would be doing jail this time. All of this was news to all of us whom stayed in touch - in hopes of helping at some point. Most likely he got a real snoot on last night and then failed to plug in his C-Pap machine.
Yeah.
In some regards, this removes a blight from the lives of his family. His behavior had alienated EVERYONE whom had loved or cared for him. But, at the same time, he was a son, a husband, a father, a step-father, a brother and ex-friend to many. All need to be thought of in prayer, most of them are not Christian.
So many, such as my father, believed violently that they possess the freedom to live their lives however they wish, with no consequences. However, every decision we make affects many surrounding us, some whom we may not even know. Joe's death, like his life, will also impact that list of people above. More than one of us had been praying for God's intervention in his life.....
If dear reader, you believe that you can control your alcoholism, your drug addiction, your pornography problem, etc. all on your lonesome - know that you are wrong, dead wrong. Joe had scaled the heights of his faith in God but was unable to leave that past he had come out of behind him. It called to him and step by step he was drawn back into the horrors of what he had left when he became a Christian - and had fought his way out of.
Oh yeah, we all fail, or you are better than me if you do not! But, there is always hope when we are still willing to fight. Joe gave up and now has had to pay the ultimate price. But, it never had to end this way and neither do you have to.
To quote the apostle Paul, Fight the Fight, Run the Race, Chastise yourself into submission - but whatever it takes, be in the winners circle! OVERCOME! God guarantees to help us, as long as we are willing to participate - but He is not going to wave a magic wand over you. It starts with you, it ends with you, it is all God in-between with your eyes on Him and ONLY Him.
Please do not take the road Joe traveled.....
I began to wonder about how does God work, when I see such disaster swirling around someone whom is so desperate to leave disaster in the past. Any yet, it is as if she was courted by disaster.
I thought life would finally be good for her many years ago. She met a guy in her church - associate pastor, whom fascinated her. I even flew out to met him - and cautioned her not to even think of marriage - something was mighty rotten in Denmark. But, then again, about 300 in his church and a ton of kids all vouched for him. I hoped I was wrong.
She did marry him. I even sought her out before the wedding to ask her to reconsider - that was how strongly I felt this was a train wreck waiting to happen. I was to find out at the wedding reception, her sister and father both counseled her not to as well. How interesting - sister a Christian and father a non-Christian were both in agreement, and yet none had any better reason than I concerning the guy.
Inside of six months he had been fired for accessing pornography on his church computer. He took up drinking as a hobby and beating his step-son, my nephew. It went down hill from there..... Yeah, that was not even the beginning of the downhill slide. It made me question what was the definition of a Christian! Could a Christian fall so far from Grace? Even a atheists were be appalled at the depths he plunged to!
This morning he was found dead at home by his estranged wife, Suzy. Apparently, he had lost his driver's license for previous DUIs and asked her to pick him up this morning to go to court. He strongly suspected he would be doing jail this time. All of this was news to all of us whom stayed in touch - in hopes of helping at some point. Most likely he got a real snoot on last night and then failed to plug in his C-Pap machine.
Yeah.
In some regards, this removes a blight from the lives of his family. His behavior had alienated EVERYONE whom had loved or cared for him. But, at the same time, he was a son, a husband, a father, a step-father, a brother and ex-friend to many. All need to be thought of in prayer, most of them are not Christian.
So many, such as my father, believed violently that they possess the freedom to live their lives however they wish, with no consequences. However, every decision we make affects many surrounding us, some whom we may not even know. Joe's death, like his life, will also impact that list of people above. More than one of us had been praying for God's intervention in his life.....
If dear reader, you believe that you can control your alcoholism, your drug addiction, your pornography problem, etc. all on your lonesome - know that you are wrong, dead wrong. Joe had scaled the heights of his faith in God but was unable to leave that past he had come out of behind him. It called to him and step by step he was drawn back into the horrors of what he had left when he became a Christian - and had fought his way out of.
Oh yeah, we all fail, or you are better than me if you do not! But, there is always hope when we are still willing to fight. Joe gave up and now has had to pay the ultimate price. But, it never had to end this way and neither do you have to.
To quote the apostle Paul, Fight the Fight, Run the Race, Chastise yourself into submission - but whatever it takes, be in the winners circle! OVERCOME! God guarantees to help us, as long as we are willing to participate - but He is not going to wave a magic wand over you. It starts with you, it ends with you, it is all God in-between with your eyes on Him and ONLY Him.
Please do not take the road Joe traveled.....
Thursday, October 6, 2011
WWII is Done
As a child in Germany, I grew up with a stigma attached of being a "Jew Killer" by the other NATO kids. Did not matter that I am Hebrew by birth, through my mother's, mother's, mother's mother - as far as I can go in the records to see the Jewish line. I was circumcised on the 8th day by a Rabbi whom had to be flown in for the ceremony. And, promptly raised to be an atheist.....
By seventh grade we had to know the history of the War and the role our forefather's played. It helped little that my father was a Nazi scientist and though Hebrew (he had been a practicing Jew) supported the German cause. In seventh grade we had to tour Dachau, one of the minor concentration camps - but the site of some of the worse atrocities of the war towards Jews. Every picture was required viewing. I got in trouble for climbing in one of the ovens to see if there were in any bones..... Hey, I was a 13 year old boy!
So there are some topics I feel very strongly over and unfortunately those topics define the first twenty years of my father's life.
Although I almost called 911 myself, certain I was going to have a heart attack before I could finish father's early years, I managed to. And I feel free of his past, his life and his death at last. Journaling has been good for me and I hope that by saving some of the events and photos on Blogger, this will provide a chance for others to see and think on what happened during those years.
Although, you will not find them, there have been a ton of short lived comments, predominately from historical revisionists - wishing to correct me on camp deaths, etc. Too bad for them I have pictures and finally posted some - against my better judgement.
And, I am fascinated by the Russian presence on the blog, what on earth are they looking for or finding? Or like me, is there angst they too must work through?
By seventh grade we had to know the history of the War and the role our forefather's played. It helped little that my father was a Nazi scientist and though Hebrew (he had been a practicing Jew) supported the German cause. In seventh grade we had to tour Dachau, one of the minor concentration camps - but the site of some of the worse atrocities of the war towards Jews. Every picture was required viewing. I got in trouble for climbing in one of the ovens to see if there were in any bones..... Hey, I was a 13 year old boy!
So there are some topics I feel very strongly over and unfortunately those topics define the first twenty years of my father's life.
Although I almost called 911 myself, certain I was going to have a heart attack before I could finish father's early years, I managed to. And I feel free of his past, his life and his death at last. Journaling has been good for me and I hope that by saving some of the events and photos on Blogger, this will provide a chance for others to see and think on what happened during those years.
Although, you will not find them, there have been a ton of short lived comments, predominately from historical revisionists - wishing to correct me on camp deaths, etc. Too bad for them I have pictures and finally posted some - against my better judgement.
And, I am fascinated by the Russian presence on the blog, what on earth are they looking for or finding? Or like me, is there angst they too must work through?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Concerning Freedom
Reading in my favorite book - John (8:33-36)
I have lived under Socialism, Communism, Dictatorships and various forms of democracy. Amazingly, Christianity works very well under all of these make believe forms of government. As I point out to my students: the Pax Romana was perhaps the most repressive form of government ever inflicted upon mankind. And Christianity flourished under it. How come?
They rarely have an answer because true Freedom is not understood by this culture.
Our western culture is in denial and that denial is the roadblock to you finding true freedom. We each have willingly enslaved ourselves by our own desires, and yet think ourselves free.
False freedom is actually true slavery!
As I have come to further understand on this subject, across the past two years, there are many forms of slavery. Materialism, desire for position, desire for power, fear and yes, even debt are all the slave owners of the 21th century. For me, it was learning too late in life how finances really work and now face a financially crushing debt - given the circumstances I find myself in. Whom could have ever imagined an 11 time employee of the year could be blindly laid off, without management thinking about it! But it has happened and my 90 days to debt payoff became 38 years!
The free person is one who has decided on and chosen God as their master.
Slavery is serving a master you have not chosen, but the result of our sinful desires.
So, no matter where you live, no matter what form of government is inflicted upon you, no matter your social standing or amount of wealth: you have a choice to be FREE or a SLAVE. If living to please others, being dominated by materialism or sinful desires = you are a SLAVE. Conversely, if you SOLE desire is to please your Creator (hint: GOD!), you have just discovered freedom!
If you want to understand freedom, read a book called, "Of Whom the World was not Worthy", Marie Chapian, Bethany House Publishers. I hate the title, but by the time you have finished reading this you will come to understand that "freedom" you understand, is not the FREEDOM God understands.
Please choose wisely.....
I have lived under Socialism, Communism, Dictatorships and various forms of democracy. Amazingly, Christianity works very well under all of these make believe forms of government. As I point out to my students: the Pax Romana was perhaps the most repressive form of government ever inflicted upon mankind. And Christianity flourished under it. How come?
They rarely have an answer because true Freedom is not understood by this culture.
Our western culture is in denial and that denial is the roadblock to you finding true freedom. We each have willingly enslaved ourselves by our own desires, and yet think ourselves free.
False freedom is actually true slavery!
As I have come to further understand on this subject, across the past two years, there are many forms of slavery. Materialism, desire for position, desire for power, fear and yes, even debt are all the slave owners of the 21th century. For me, it was learning too late in life how finances really work and now face a financially crushing debt - given the circumstances I find myself in. Whom could have ever imagined an 11 time employee of the year could be blindly laid off, without management thinking about it! But it has happened and my 90 days to debt payoff became 38 years!
The free person is one who has decided on and chosen God as their master.
Slavery is serving a master you have not chosen, but the result of our sinful desires.
So, no matter where you live, no matter what form of government is inflicted upon you, no matter your social standing or amount of wealth: you have a choice to be FREE or a SLAVE. If living to please others, being dominated by materialism or sinful desires = you are a SLAVE. Conversely, if you SOLE desire is to please your Creator (hint: GOD!), you have just discovered freedom!
If you want to understand freedom, read a book called, "Of Whom the World was not Worthy", Marie Chapian, Bethany House Publishers. I hate the title, but by the time you have finished reading this you will come to understand that "freedom" you understand, is not the FREEDOM God understands.
Please choose wisely.....
DSP
So, I found out what I have that has been attacking my body - shellfish poisoning. Sigh. I guess something I ate up in Canada was not exactly good for me. Sigh.
And, although it usually lasts about 3 days, I am on week four with this. However, I had already noted that it has a three days on / four days off cycle. So, I got it good! Well, plus the fact I have known all of my life that I do not have an immune system - gift of being a member of the inbreed Aryan race. Ouch, I just felt father's ghost give me a whack!
Been working on father's story today, finding photo's, scanning, photoshoping, etc. Been very soothing - save for the period of time when I was babysitting youngest grand-daughter. Mighty busy little thing.....
Well time to call it a day.
And, although it usually lasts about 3 days, I am on week four with this. However, I had already noted that it has a three days on / four days off cycle. So, I got it good! Well, plus the fact I have known all of my life that I do not have an immune system - gift of being a member of the inbreed Aryan race. Ouch, I just felt father's ghost give me a whack!
Been working on father's story today, finding photo's, scanning, photoshoping, etc. Been very soothing - save for the period of time when I was babysitting youngest grand-daughter. Mighty busy little thing.....
Well time to call it a day.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Maintenance
I have been working on this blog this afternoon.
Many of my video links had been broken, youtube users closing their accounts and one has even now been block in the USA! Interesting. In any event they all now work - save for the blocked one.
I also took some time to go back through the Stats Blogger supplies for the posts. And, outside of one week - when I was writing about Victoria BC - the most read post continues to be the tales of four couples. I am amazed. I have no idea what people are reading in that post. But, hey, if you are one of the people I wrote about - and you know whom you are! - contact me! I would love to hear from you.
My ramblings concerning my father seem to have been found by someone running a blog about blogging - and he is using it for examples. Sure surprised me! You have to wonder. Of course, it could be - how not to blog.....
On another note, yes, Kris is still down with food poisoning - week three, though I have to admit my nurse friends are wondering if it is something else because it is with no end in sight and seems to be on a 4 day cycle between bouts. bleech! Well, I will think doctor, when my old cycling weight returns as muscle - goal 180!...... I still want to break my record, Seattle to Portland in 11.5 hours.
In other news - I got four interviews! Before you pass out, realize that all of them are with non-profits and none of them pay. But, all of them are looking for someone to handle their communications - think advertising, brochures, manuals, presentation, etc. All of which I can do but surely not for a living. So for the rest of the year I expect to be doing SOMETHING other than sitting on my thumbs!
Finally, had lunch with Italian Missionary Girl after church. It was a surprise and great to see her again. I took her home and we watch most of, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra Cave. A wonderful classic which had us both on the floor howling. (If you think movie should be serious - do not hunt this one down!) Finances are non-existent for her, so please keep her in your prayers - mighty hard to live on nothing.....
Many of my video links had been broken, youtube users closing their accounts and one has even now been block in the USA! Interesting. In any event they all now work - save for the blocked one.
I also took some time to go back through the Stats Blogger supplies for the posts. And, outside of one week - when I was writing about Victoria BC - the most read post continues to be the tales of four couples. I am amazed. I have no idea what people are reading in that post. But, hey, if you are one of the people I wrote about - and you know whom you are! - contact me! I would love to hear from you.
My ramblings concerning my father seem to have been found by someone running a blog about blogging - and he is using it for examples. Sure surprised me! You have to wonder. Of course, it could be - how not to blog.....
On another note, yes, Kris is still down with food poisoning - week three, though I have to admit my nurse friends are wondering if it is something else because it is with no end in sight and seems to be on a 4 day cycle between bouts. bleech! Well, I will think doctor, when my old cycling weight returns as muscle - goal 180!...... I still want to break my record, Seattle to Portland in 11.5 hours.
In other news - I got four interviews! Before you pass out, realize that all of them are with non-profits and none of them pay. But, all of them are looking for someone to handle their communications - think advertising, brochures, manuals, presentation, etc. All of which I can do but surely not for a living. So for the rest of the year I expect to be doing SOMETHING other than sitting on my thumbs!
Finally, had lunch with Italian Missionary Girl after church. It was a surprise and great to see her again. I took her home and we watch most of, The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra Cave. A wonderful classic which had us both on the floor howling. (If you think movie should be serious - do not hunt this one down!) Finances are non-existent for her, so please keep her in your prayers - mighty hard to live on nothing.....
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Musical Saturday Morning
Okay, for all of you politically incorrect types, here is one for you!
I get so tired of American political correctness! It makes me want to barf. And honestly, were it not that my brother-in-law would be highly offended by this video, I would not even comment - except that I do care about him and his skewed opinions.
There was a time in American cinema when a black man would never have appeared on film, it just was not done. Even in theater, black actors were actually whites in makeup. Don't ask me - I'm Swiss and never grew up with prejudices except toward gypsies - and even then it was only to make my parents happy. They were about a bigoted as one could get on several subjects.
So, with that said, here is the ORIGINAL version of Putting on the Ritz by Taco. And John, it is okay to at least mentally accept that black-face was the way cinema was done in reality.....
I get so tired of American political correctness! It makes me want to barf. And honestly, were it not that my brother-in-law would be highly offended by this video, I would not even comment - except that I do care about him and his skewed opinions.
There was a time in American cinema when a black man would never have appeared on film, it just was not done. Even in theater, black actors were actually whites in makeup. Don't ask me - I'm Swiss and never grew up with prejudices except toward gypsies - and even then it was only to make my parents happy. They were about a bigoted as one could get on several subjects.
So, with that said, here is the ORIGINAL version of Putting on the Ritz by Taco. And John, it is okay to at least mentally accept that black-face was the way cinema was done in reality.....
Back At Ya!
So, it seems son got himself in a spot of trouble. He seems to be stalking his ex-girlfriend and causing her a bit of grief. So, she decided to email me and tell me that.
Like, I am supposed to do something? Get real! Even she will not do what I have told her to do, so why would she think son would? Once again, I told her she has legal options and options to handle the problem. If she wants me involved, then she has to tell me what is going on - which she never will.
So, son come over last night sobbing and crying.
"What's up?"
"She maced me!"
I think to myself, "good on ya dear....." as I go to fetch some towels and cold water....
:^)
Like, I am supposed to do something? Get real! Even she will not do what I have told her to do, so why would she think son would? Once again, I told her she has legal options and options to handle the problem. If she wants me involved, then she has to tell me what is going on - which she never will.
So, son come over last night sobbing and crying.
"What's up?"
"She maced me!"
I think to myself, "good on ya dear....." as I go to fetch some towels and cold water....
:^)
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