Students' New Pledge of Allegiance

(I received this back in May 08, and is alledged to have been written by a 15 year old student. I have no reason to doubt this.) Since the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer are not allowed in most public schools anymore because the name "God" is mentioned, a youngster in Arizona penned this expression of the "times."

New School Prayer

Now I sit me down in school, where praying is against the rule;

For this great nation under God, finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites, it violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow, becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green, that's no offense - it's a freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible. To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.

It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong, We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls, study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles. But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, no word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess, when chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot, my soul please take! Amen.

Thanks for visiting. May the God of peace be with you

- Bob

P.S. Feel free to pass this piece along to others. Especially students returning to school (school?). P.P.S. Whatever happened to the once powerful, respected Parent-Teachers-Association (PTA). Seldom hear or read of this association anymore. Seems to me that it is sorely needed in this "anything goes" era.

Risks

Experience tells me that when we grow old and gray few of us regret the things we have done. Most of our regrets are about what we failed to do. There is an element of risk in nearly everything we do, especially for the first time. All new relationships are a risk; islolation is a much greater risk, for it nullifies all the wonderful possibilities that are opened when we make new contacts. Are you fearful of making change? Not the empty, undiscriptive change that a present candidate for president is declaring, but changes that take place in a life. I am not afraid of change, but, in retrospect, I recall being hesitant on occasion. My last big change was one month before my 70th. Moving lock, stock and barrel, as it were, to a completely new location over 150 miles from where we resided. It was a new adventure, like starting all over again. That was a few years ago. I have nothing else planned - but who knows. I try to keep an open mind. My many years in the old military took me to numerous places to work and live. So many moves became ingrained and part of me. Each assignment was considered an adventure. Plan carefully, set your goal and "Be bold." Being afraid to take risks can be detrimental to your maturing at any age. It is a rare pleasure to see a younger, rational person who is not afraid to take risks. As we age we become cautious, perhaps more from facing uncertainties than wisdom. I recall a TV ad that said: "The greatest risk is not taking one." I have to agree. We all take chances, but some risk more than others. Some people are afraid of flying; it is a rare person who has never made a trip by air. I have seen much of our globe, including our country, from the air. Albiet that was when air travel was a real pleasure, regardless of how far the destination. Made an approximately 3000 mile trip by air a year ago, a trip that felt like 3000 miles. The delays in and out on the tarmac was unbelievable. Honest, I couldn't believe what was happening. I vowed that it would be a cold day in hades before I volunteered to elect air travel ever again. It's a risk just to travel by car any meaningful distance anymore, because, I believe the records show us to be at greater risk when we're in an auto. It would not be an exgeration to say that I've driven at least a half million miles in my time. My miles today are less than the annual minimum recorded by the insurance companies. I count my blessings that I have lived during a time that wasn't so harried, could truly enjoy travel by virtually any means (except camel), making memories out of many enjoyable moments - even if it took risks and hours to get to where you were going. Never allow all the negative thoughts to stop you. Just remember that when you are old they are the ones that will haunt you. Of course the key to enjoying what you're going to do is planning, making the right choice in the first place. For the record, I have few, if any regrets. I've been blessed with a full life. Having started my life in the worst of times, I went on to make it the best of times, regardless of the circumstances. A powerful lesson to learn is that "Attitude makes all the difference." So keep a check on yours. I have two blogs (this one and one at http://fourwinds.blogster.com/) at which I try to share many beliefs in a variety of subjects with readers willing to spend a little of their time with me. You see there are some things I want to share before it's too late. As it was often said: "That's where I'm coming from." So let's stay busy living life to the fullest today; don't hesitate to take reasonable risks that you really want to take. Memories are made of such. As for tomorrow? Tomorrow is always a day away. Greet each new day with thanks. Be grateful. There's always someone less fortunate than yourself. Just be sure that your life is what you want to make of it - life that you can look back on with no regrets. Thanks for visiting. - Bob (1 Cor 13)