Missing In America Project

This poem is found on the reverse of Missing In America Project. A project conceived in 2006 and grown into an unstoppable entity, growing all across this nation. One man with a vision after recognizing an omission of service to our nations veterans existed, stood up and did something positive. The poem refers to the work that has been building in demand since inception. All volunteer work that is attracting like-minded people, caring for veterans that have been abandoned or forgotten, languishing on shelves and in storage areas all over this nation. 

The compelling thought of this is drawing interested parties in many states to recognize this compassionate work. We could say that many families should be interested, as many families have veterans as parents or other relatives that are or could become a forgotten statistic. It is not a hard thing to do in this day and age. 

In just five short, but hectic years, has seen a steady growth in demand. Reason for this work is that our government has not attended to its veteran population, it has been an oversight to care for the deceased service member responsible for our freedom and liberty. How can this be? 

The founder recognized this omission in 2006 and stood up and did something about it. Voluntarily building an organization of volunteers in many states. Gaining a non-profit tax-deductible status for donations to be fully tax-deductible under a 501(c) (3) charitable status. A Bill in Congress that just sits there that could remedy the situation should it ever pass. 

States are recognizing the work of Missing In America Project (MIAP).State governments are beginning to cooperate and pass bills that ease the work required; Highway Patrols are providing approval for traffic control, city police are favorably cooperating, cremains of veterans in more than a dozen states have been cared for, interred with honors rendered. Funeral Homes in all states know of the existing problem and most welcome MIAP to work with them. The demand has become increasingly busy, proving that the nation is remiss in its care for veterans of all military since the Civil War! I do not know the author of the poem. But it describes the goal and the reason for MIAP.

Anyone interested in learning more may  email: ducpho@miap.us or www.miap.us

                                                                 Thanks for visiting.   - Bob       

P.S. No one at MIAP knows of this article. I just felt that there are people "out there" that may want to team up with these brave, unselfish souls, or may have a need, or know of someone that has a need. "You never know." Think on it, won't you.

Missing in America

Emotions surround me on this day of despair

As the Veterans memorial, sorrow wafts in the air

We honor five soldiers and lay them to rest

The armed forces tribute for American’s best.

Their comrades escort them to this hallowed place

A disciplined march, in synchronized pace.

Seven Honor Guard set, arms shouldered to fire

Three shots will ring out, all meant to inspire.

Each volley thunders as it moves through my soul

The flood in my eyes, I no longer control.

Softly, the bugle mourns one final song

Taps for these men, their day is now done.

As I hold my flag high, to honor these men

My heart starts to ache for what gathered us in.

The journey each took to this final place

Is unbearably sad and should cause us disgrace.

Missing in Action, we all know this phrase

A price our men pay for defending our ways.

But missing at home, these men should not bear

Being left on a shelf with no one to care.

Their families are absent, they don’t know we’re here

They’ve left these men stranded, year after year.

On funeral home shelves, their fate left unknown

So our mission won’t end, till all are brought home.

We’ll honor their service and life since the war

And place them with God to rest evermore.

Old Glory is folded and placed at their side

We’ll remember forever, Americas Pride.

Missing in America, a project held dear

Will find all these men and see them brought here.

They defended this Nation with courage and grit

We owe it to them to never forget.

                 - Don Blair

Records: What to Toss and When

Financial Records
The following, extracted in part, from the Winter edition of FDIC Consumer News (2010/2011 received March 21, 2011, the day following the beginning of Spring—but just in time for Taxes). In view of it being “Tax Time” it is also a reminder of the disposition of personal and other records related to financial matter; this may be a timely subject to share with you.

Every year at tax time, I destroy such records as a practice from long ago. This information made me feel confident that what I’ve been doing is right on target. I must have learned it many years ago,it just comes naturally. You may find something useful here, as I did.

Bank statements, credit card bills, canceled checks and other documents can be useful for tax purposes, as proof of a transaction or payment, or for other reasons. But how long should you keep them? Read on:

FDIC Consumer News can’t tell you when it’s safe to throw away financial documents. One thing to remember is that federal tax rules require you to have receipts and other records that support items on a return for as long as the IRS can assess you additional tax. “In very general terms, because the IRS has about six years to assess additional tax if you under-reported your income by more than 25 percent, many tax advisors recommend holding all tax records for about seven years, building in extra time for any unforeseen delays in processing your return,” said Rick Cywinski, an FDIC tax policy manager. He also noted that the tax period is unlimited if the IRS suspects fraud.

With tax considerations in mind, here are suggestions that may be reasonable for many people: -

Credit card and bank account statements: Save those with no tax significance for about a year, but those with tax significance should be saved for seven years.

Canceled checks: Those unrelated to anything you claimed on your income tax form and not needed to show you’ve paid a bill or debt probably can be destroyed after you’ve verified that your bank statement is correct. But canceled checks that support your tax returns, such as charitable contributions or tax payments, probably should be held for seven years.

And, you may want to keep indefinitely any canceled checks and related receipts or documents for a home purchase or sale, renovations or other improvements to a property you own. But once a home has been sold and another seven years have passed, checks related to renovations or improvements can be destroyed.

You know, of course, that many banks no longer send cancelled check to you, although they may provide copies of the originals. “You can keep the copies of your tax-related checks if you get them from your bank, but if you don’t get copies with your statement, you have some options,” said Evelyn Manley, a Senior Consumer Affairs Specialist at the FDIC.

“The most conservative approach is to order copies of important checks soon after your statement arrives,” she said. “Another (option) is to keep the information on your bank statement to order copies if you’re audited in the future because, in general, banks that do not return original checks to customers are required to keep copies of checks for seven years.”

Deposit, ATM, credit card and debit card receipts: Save them until the transaction appears on your statement and you’ve verified that the information is accurate. You may make and exception for receipts for expensive items. If they are under warranty or you have to file an insurance claim, the receipt may be helpful.

CAUTION 

If you are one of those confident people that transact your banking business electronically, be sure to “back up” your data.

As above, some data ought to be backed up. Other data, toss away. BUT before tossing any document that contains a Social Security number, bank account number or other personal information of any sort, it’s a smart person that will shred it to avoid becoming a victim of the increasing identity theft problem.

May you find this information worth your time—and useful.
                                             
                                                         Thanks for visiting. -- Bob             Eph 5:1-17

On My Father's Side by The Barn Again Gang

This Picture is Worth A Trillion!

This just stopped me in my tracks… Unbelievable! This picture is worth a trillion $$ THE MISSING PHOTO IS OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS ASSEMBLED AND PLAYING CARDS AND OTHER EVENTS seen on their computer monitors THAT HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE "People's Business." I am so sorry for not being sufficiently capable and knowledgeable to wring the photo for you to see. I was in the process of cutting and pasting when I realized the photo did not come along with the narrative that explained it. The best I can hope for is that you visualize what the report says.And the names of the people unknowingly captured flaunting the time that is suppose to be for serious budget business. House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, pictured standing, far right, speaks while colleagues Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford and Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, play solitaire Monday night as the House convened to vote on a new budget. (AP) The guy sitting in the row in front of these two....he's on Facebook, and the guy behind Hennessy is checking out the baseball scores. These are the folks that couldn't get the budget out by Oct. 1, and are about to control your health care, cap and trade, and the list goes on and on…. Should we buy them larger screen computers - or - a ticket home, permanently? This is one of their 3-DAY WORK WEEKS that we all pay for (salary is about $179,000 per year). We must keep an eye on these arrogant people. If these people represent you, you ought to have no second thoughts in carefully replacing them. No matter what we do, they'll have retirement income for life - another sad state of affairs that needs tending to. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Prov. 10:14

Valentine’s Day Love and caring

Been thinking…..Do you remember the penny St. Valentine cards we used to exchange in grade school? (Well, like everything else, they may have gone up in price since the 1930's and 40's. Put your own price on them for when you were in school.) I remember the excitement of everyone in the class, scurrying around to different desks exchanging cards, the joy of receiving them, and the momentary sadness of being overlooked by someone we liked. We took these cards home, sorted them out on the kitchen table and looked more closely at them. These cards meant a lot because they told us we were special, it told us that other people liked us, that we had people who cared for us. Now, as adults, our needs haven’t changed all that much. We still need to know we are special in some way, that we are loved (a basic desire that will last as long as we last), and that others care for us. Though we no longer send valentine cards to everyone in our classroom, we, nevertheless, have a few “special” people that we send a Valentine Card to, or should, and ought not to be neglected. On deeper musing, this special feast should also be an occasion for us to reflect upon God’s love for us. St. John tells us that “we love because God first loved us.” He offers us the Heart of His Son who gave His life that we might have eternal life. The love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is steady and unending no matter what we do. Each of us in a unique way is special to Him. People should know of this wonderful love that is theirs. Today, no longer in a classroom sharing kindness, but in the world together, let us thank God for the gift of His love. Let us thank Him for the gift of family members and friends whose love for us we know and feel. Let us be aware that we were made for love…We were made to receive love…We were made to give love. These are not the words of a song, although they might be. They are the words of Pope Benedict XVI to young people during his recent visit to London. We experience the need for love and the need to give love in our daily lives, and we must not forget that we are made in the image of God who is pure love. Recognize the love of which we refer in the patient parents when their children are acting up; in the kindness shown to a sick friend. Love is present when people share a kind word or a caring smile with those who are sad or burdened with problems. Love is found when we reach out to those in need of our help. We need not look for moments when we can share our love and care; we need only be aware that all people face problems; every one. Opportunities to show your love abounds. The meaning of Valentine’s Day could be shared every day. Wouldn’t that be wonderful! May your Valentine’s Day be memorable and full of love. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Numbers 6:24-26

“How to Develop Solid Faith”

(An Essay - full version,by R.R. Soucy) As I reviewed my bookcases containing a couple of hundred books dealing with various religions, primarily Catholicism, an idea came to me. Aware of the tremendous volume of printed material relating to religion, one must wonder how confusing it can be for most individuals to develop a solid faith. That is, expending time with a vast variety of what I call “this and that,” which I know hinders meaningful, fruitful reading to positively learn and grow. There are virtually countless tomes of different aspects of religion, published primarily for profit. Consider the estimated 30,000 Protestant denominations and you will have an idea of the enormity of what I mean when many of them are in the business of promoting books and courses to sustain their religious efforts – and their TV programs. Walk into a Christian Book Store and the volume of information, in a variety of forms will dazzle you. A virtual library of accessories will also be on display. Unless you are seeking a particular subject of a specific nature, you can be overwhelmed by the array of available information. Your first visit should perhaps be one of exploration. That is, scout out the territory, spend time looking. All of these thoughts crossed my mind as I scanned my bookcases, moving me to think of how to reduce the bewildering array of printed material down to an identifiable, understandable, steady, solid growth in personal faith. Over time, in our personal efforts to become loyal, strong, devoted Christians, it is easy to flounder about with “this and that.” What is wrong with that is, it unnecessarily slows personal learning of what matters, and causes a snail-paced mode for growth. Developing personal faith into the strongest belief possible should not be a haphazard, half-hearted affair. Our faith must mean everything to us. It is the most important thing you can do for yourself while on this planet, before returning “home” in heaven and Judgment. As you know, that could occur at any time, with absolutely no second chances. Far better is planning for positive, steady, onward progress, where you can actually feel personal advancement and your Christian growth and understanding increases. Certain books will take you further, faster, without extra loads of information, while you make your journey right now, through this transitory life. To set out on this road of personal religious growth, especially for Christian Catholics, the following eight books will do everything for you that you will ever want to truly follow and understand Christianity and God. Oh, mysteries will remain, but that is why we call it “faith.” Study the titles, be confident that you are doing all you can to grow in faith, understanding far better than squandering your precious time on “odds and ends.” The nuances of Christianity and how you are to live your life acceptable to our loving God is what truly matters now. Check the recommended titles and the whys for their being that I provide on this special list. They were listed only after careful thought, in order of importance and progression. Yet, it would be just fine should you favor one before another. You can read some of the books independently, as books by subject as noted in the Contents pages of the book; while others are used for reliable reference when you wish to explore or expand on an event or subject you read about or you want to pursue, focusing on a more thorough understanding. I apply these codes indicating how they are recommended to you: * Authoritative source for reference # Independent reading to expand faith and reason When combined, they apply for both. 1. Holy Bible: * # Why? The Bible contains the Old and New Testaments, recording the works of God, the coming and teachings of His only-Begotten Son, Jesus, God’s prophets and their prophecies regarding humankind, life and the future. The Bible includes the Psalms; a collection of religious songs dating as far back as the fifth and fourth centuries B.C. Some were composed for liturgical use in the temple; others for private reading. Also included is The Book of Proverbs, a collection of practical rules for wise living, in the form of proverbs, maxims, and moral sayings, to know wisdom and instruction. Author for most of this Book is Solomon, son of David and Bethsabee, and King of Israel. I recommend that you have the oldest, most reliable, authentic Bible you can own. “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Add nothing to His words lest He reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver” Prov. 30: 5-6. In the course of way, too many revisions of the Bible by virtually everyone, supposedly in the name of progress and changing times, has led to inevitable corruption, neglecting and ignoring the words of the preceding quote. The one Bible to meet my recommendation is the Douay-Rheims Bible, which has quite a history since the days of the Old Itala at approximately 105 A.D. which was recorded to be in general use until St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin (390-405), called the Latin Vulgate or common Latin tongue. This version, considered a sacred translation, not only of nearly 16 centuries of continuous use, but the Council of Trent (1545-1563), Pope Pius XII stated was free from doctrinal error and used exclusively until modern vernacular translations began to appear in the 15th and 16th centuries. St. Jerome’s Latin Vulgate Bible has been read and honored for almost 1600 years! “Moreover, the same Holy Council (of Trent)…ordains and declares…in use for so many hundreds of years, has been approved by the Church, be in public lectures, disputations, sermons and expositions held as authentic, and that no one (may) dare or presume under any pretext whatsoever to reject it.” (Fourth Session, April 8, 1546). In 1943, Pope Pius XII (Papal authority over the Holy Book since the Bibles inception) stated in his encyclical letter…the Vulgate, “interpreted in the sense in which the Church has always understood it,” is “free from any error whatsoever in matters of faith and morals; so that, as the Church herself testifies and affirms, it may be quoted safely and without fear of error….” The Church in this manner has endorsed no other Bible – not even the New Vulgate, in 1979! No matter which Christian religion to which you are affiliated, you must know the source of your Bible, and by what authority its version was interpreted and composed. It really comes down to this: If God does not guide, i.e. inspire the works of the Bible, much of its meanings can easily be lost in personal translations and interpretations. I sincerely believe that has happened to all English versions, other than the Douay-Rheims. Although lengthy in explanation, since its inception the Bible IS the principle compass delineating human life by our Creator. Without the Bible, in its purest, inspired compilation, we are dangerously without true faith. “Faith… depends on hearing, and hearing on the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). 2. Sunday Missal: * Why? Recommended particularly as referenced to the readings of the missal; First and Second Readings, and the Gospel, and how these relate to the Bible. Wherever Catholics go to Mass anywhere in the world, the readings and Gospel reading should be the same. Readings relate to specific parts of the Bible, with the Responsorial Psalm from the Book of Psalms. My favorite procedure is to have my own Missal, review and study the readings beginning the day prior to the next Mass attendance for maximum understanding. One reason why this is important to me is because the Readings and the Gospel, coupled with the homily are all intended to teach, serve as a message of their meanings and aid listeners grow in understanding their faith. More often than not, the readers are ineffective; homilies often have no relevance to the readings, as they ought. Sadly, the time for precious “teachings” is lost, and parishioners and congregations walk away with nothing more than when they arrived. More thoughtful preparation must be considered to effectively “express,” i.e. teach, by explaining the meanings of the readings, in place of losing the important message because of concerns to “impress.” Achieving this requires forgetting self and focusing on “the people.” As parishioners, (or congregants, in the case of Protestants), you and I cannot solve that situation. Having your own Missal and preparing before Mass saves the day. (I refer questioners to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 3. The Church, Mother and Teacher, Section I, particularly para. 2033.) The responsibility discussed needs to be through clear communications. If the people cannot hear the speakers, no teaching is accomplished. To get the most out of their services, Protestant Christians may need to take the initiative where necessary. Faith is much too important to each of us to be inactive in gaining understanding and knowledge as to why and what we believe. 3 Divine Intimacy: # Why? The version I use is of four volumes. Currently I see this most wonderful reference published as a single book. When you wish to have a fuller understand- ing of the Mass readings, this book will explain. It is perpetual, meaning it follows the Church readings in all three Church liturgical years. “Divine Intimacy” is well known throughout the world, which would need no introduction, were it not for the revision made in light of Vatican II. Author, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.C. (1893-1953), was able to offer the public the first modest volume, promoting one edition after another, first in Italian, then versions in French, Spanish, German, English, Flemish, Polish, Portuguese, Japanese and Croatian. Readers of Divine Intimacy are indebted to Fr. Gabriel for the richness of the spiritual teachings found in his work, for the most part, helping us understand, or expand the Sunday readings. Divine Intimacy provides for deeper comprehension regarding readings from the Sunday Missal, and the Bible. I use this tome in two ways. First, in its relation to and explanation of the Sunday readings from the Missal, adding clarity. Second, it continues with relevant insights of the Bible and pertinent prayers for three days of short, individual readings, guidance and learning; so brief it could read in one sitting, but I savor the reading to anticipate the next moments of silent reading. 4. A Textual Concordance of the Holy Scriptures (Douay-Rheims Version) * # Why? This is a monumental work of careful compilation and arrangement of various texts of the Bible according to topic. A unique step applied in combining various verses of the Old and the New Testaments on the same subject and presenting them together at one time, on one page, truly awesome, especially when joined with that distinctive, holy and authoritative tone of the Bible. This over 800-reference page book is an excellent companion for those troubled and searching for consolation, spiritual inspiration, and what the Bible teaches. Key passages are easily located, arranged according to topic. Thorough, 1,900 topics and over 18,000 actual verses from the Bible, beginning with an alphabetical Index leading to the subject desired and any cross-references related to the subject perused. Ideal for home reading, for Bible study classes, as a religious teacher’s aid, and for the priest and protestant preacher preparing his message. 5. A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture * # Why? Approbations from as long ago as 1894 dress the first four pages, speaking highly of the original author, Dr. Knecht, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Freiburg, Germany; first published in 1894, originally reaching twelve Editions; republished in 1923, reprinted from the Fourth English Edition in 2003. This tome is ideal for reference and study by those who teach Bible history; and those teaching Scripture in combination with the Catechism. Besides being a valuable volume for both Teachers and Clergy, it is invaluable for review and study by Christians truly serious about knowing historical facts of their faith. 6. Catechism of the Catholic Church * Why? The catechism contains all sound Catholic doctrine regarding faith and morals in concert with the Bible and the liturgy. The catechism offers the entire Church a reference text for a catechesis renewed at the (daily) living source of the faith. As a sure and authentic reference, this is the tome to which all Catholic Christians turn, to shed authoritative light on a subject in need of personal clarity or deeper understanding. “It is offered to all the faithful who wish to deepen their knowledge of the unfathomable riches of salvation (cf Eph 3:8)” John Paul II. John Paul II also wrote the Catechism of the Catholic Church “…is meant to support ecumenical efforts that are moved by the holy desire for the unity of all Christians, showing carefully the content and wondrous harmony of the Catholic faith…; lastly, is offered to every individual who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us (cf. 1 Peter 3:15) and who wants to know what the Catholic Church believes. “ The subjects Index in the back of the book and other references, e.g. Abbreviations, Index of Citations are thorough in explanation. As can be seen, this invaluable book serves several purposes, all of which are mightily important in the field of religion generally, and for Catholic Christians particularly. A must have for your personal religion library. 7. The Imitation of Christ # A Classic By Thomas a’ Kempis Why? The Introduction alone is worthy of owning this title. It is factual and begins by referring to the principle character, some twelve year old German boy on a day in 1392, but born in 1379/80. Lots of imagery that makes the Introduction wonderful to read and remember as you travel the pages listing contents by Books I through IV, in 235 pages (my version is a 5”x 8” semi-soft cover), published December 1989 with a copyright of 1955. Numerous English versions are available. One of the most widely read and influential spiritual books has found itself in the hands of Pope John XXIII, Dorothy Day, who wrote in her autobiography, The Long Loneliness, Imitation “followed me through my days. Again and again, the reading of it brought me comfort.” Thomas Merton read The Imitation of Christ on the advice of a Hindu Monk. A 13 year old lad at a garage sale with his devout Protestant grandparents, and who, he related, “began to idealize hippies, and sulked in corners, reading poetry about death,” found himself at the book-sale table looking at a book called Of the Imitation of Christ. “I had no interest in Christ, but the back of the book said the author was a medieval monk, and that seemed cool to me. Anyone who hates society enough to leave it forever must be cool,” I thought. So I bought the book for a dime. “It was eight years before I worked out my last question and was received into the Catholic Church. This was but the beginning. My mother converted to Catholicism in 1994 and my sister in 1997, both influenced by reading the Imitation of Christ. That garage sale in 1985 was providential.” The book of Proverbs in the Bible has invaluable, brief thumbnails of wisdom of every description. The Imitation of Christ often refers to Bible passages and, in all cases, with or without specific Bible references, imparts undeniable wisdom to suit every aspect of one’s life, thought, word and deed, period. Indisputable logic and reason contained throughout all pages. Personal! Fabulous! Tremendous! “To thine own self be true.” Own it. 8. Lives of the Saints # Why? I call them God’s saints and Christian heroes. They deserve our love and attention. They resigned themselves to do what most of us may never be called to do –yet. That is, to die for our faith. The way society is moving and supporting evil in our midst, do not rule out the possibility of having to give your life for your faith. If you do not believe this to be feasible, you are not in touch with reality. All the wrong groups of people are making surprising headway in and at all levels of our governments, and everywhere in our everyday lives; many of our elected officials are as corrupt as the foe, consequently, affecting our best wishes and our lives. Majority rule has become deceiving, a value of the past. You will find by reading the lives of the saints that their lights still shine before men. You will also discover numberless motives: To be consoled in adversity, require counsel in doubt, have support and strength to overcome temptation, exercise caution against impending dangers and rebuke in transgressions. Many Saints have proven that a strong, solid faith has always been necessary to survive each day we spend here on earth,and to die, if necessary, when our objective is to return home to heaven and join the angels and other saints in Paradise. Learn how the men and women throughout the history of the ages have been martyrs for their love for God, for their faith, for truth and justice. In today’s vernacular, you will often find it unimaginable, incomprehensible, grotesquely inhuman, and unbelievable. Their life accounts deserve close reading, pondering and, if necessary, imitation, for the Crown that awaits in heaven. By admiring the strength of their actions, we learn to become embolden, be sufficiently strong to follow their examples. My suggestion is that you look over what is available at the Christian Book Shop before you buy to own. Consider the publisher, the source of information, whether it contains an approval by a Catholic authority, etc. In addition, you will want thorough coverage of many saints not just a few. The books you see can be of assorted sizes. You want to be sure of the content and the type size (font) for easy reading. One of my books is approximately 4”x6.5” and has about 500, mostly one to one and a half pages attributed to each of God’s saints. Colored illustrations enhance inspiration. Parting shots: The books referred to in this article are my companions and some time is spent with them virtually every day possible. The rest of my religious book library is used at will, in reference when the occasion arises. These include books other than Catholic; helpful to me in trying to understand why they exist at all, leaving me puzzled as to a legitimate answer to my “why.” I resign myself to the inescapable facts that, we are, nevertheless, all on this planet together. Our all-knowing God will deal with it. Meanwhile I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer as fitting to close this article. GOD grant us SERENITY to accept the things we cannot change, COURAGE to change the things we can, and WISDOM to know the difference. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Mk 12:30

“Life is No Bed of Roses”

Some people are strong and can adapt to all their own problems while showing patience with the problems of others around them. It’s not that they want to ignore those others; it’s just that they have problems of their own. Some people are less strong and fall apart confronting problems – real or perceived. Still, we have too many people blaming God for their misery, confusing God with life. Is this a prevailing condition in our society, you might ask. Yes. Unhappy incidents and problems abound,and afflict good and bad people without distinction. In thinking of all the many individuals, I personally know and have known on this good earth, pondering on each one of them for only a few seconds to a few minutes, brought me to the realization that every one of them lived with some sort of adversity. All face one or more problems of varying kinds with varying degrees of seriousness. Overall,however, most realizing it or not, hardship makes character. As one would expect, each one handles their situation in their own way. What this article wishes to make clear is that everyone you meet is involved with personal battles. Often only familiarity with a person makes you aware of it. Nevertheless, the thing is their life is no easier than yours is. Appearances are deceiving. Prove to yourself that what I am discussing is so. Stop, think of each person you know that is more than a brief acquaintance. Give them thought for a few minutes – and only a few minutes. You will realize each of them has to endure something or someone they would prefer not. They usually do their best not to broadcast their troubles, just as you live quietly with yours. St. Paul had his problems and sought God’s help and God told him: “My grace is sufficient for thee, for strength is made perfect in weakness.” St. Paul exclaimed “Gladly therefore I will glory in my infirmities, that the strength of Christ may dwell in me. Wherefore I am satisfied, for Christ’s sake, with infirmities, with insults, with hardships, with persecutions, with distresses. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Cor. 12:7-10). Although everyone I’ve known has some sort of unhappy situation or problem, it’s unlikely we suffer as St. Paul. It’s a fact that we can learn from St. Paul’s experience and offer our infirmities to the Lord, as we press on with life. God did not promise a life of roses without thorns. Let’s place things in proper perspective, shall we. Let’s not confuse God with life here. However, from His Cross God did promise undying love. Someone described this undying love in a poem; I share it with you here: Undying Love God hath not promised Skies always blue, Flower strewn pathways All our lives through; God hath not promised Sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain. But God hath promised Strength for the day, Rest for the labor, Light for the way. Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love Go about your business and do the best you can. Remembering that you are not alone with afflictions. Gain strength for yourself by believing in yourself at every turn. You came into the world blameless, make it your aim to leave it the same way. No one said it would be easy, but it does not need to be impossible either. God gives us the strength we need to endure or overcome for every situation. All we need to do is believe in Him, make Him part of our life. Make Faith, Hope and Love a priority right now. "I find death perfectly desirable; but I find life perfectly beautiful" - Unknown Thanks for visiting. - Bob Phil 1:21

“Christian Baptism”

On a few occasions in earlier years, there arose a need to produce a Baptismal Certificate, certainly one time before our Church Wedding. You may have had a need to show your completion of this Rite as well. My baptism was as a baby, which, in the direst of economic times, was left to me to later understand. Faith and belief was never in serious danger, but learning and comprehension came much slower than I would have liked. Learning was entirely self-taught, primarily through Holy Bible reading(not memorizing), in my mid-years. That means I did not open to read my Family Bible Wedding Gift for all too many years; no reason, just one excuse after another, which I learned was my terrible loss. St. Augustine had his words for it: “Too late have I loved You…” It was almost too late for me, too. Other, carefully chosen books also were invaluable in helping to form and cement firm and unshakable faith. One will never know or learn everything about his faith he can only persevere. Of utmost importance to determining whether or not you are on the right road to obeying God and His Law, and reaching for Eternity, is seriously consider the source of your material and the authority of your faith leaders. Discovering truths is never-ending. One mustn’t rely entirely on others to tell you what you ought to know. A lively faith and an inquisitive mind are healthy for personal growth and understanding, and accepting wonderful, unexplainable, existing mysteries. Recently celebrating local Mass of Jesus’ Baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River brought me to wonder how countless many baptized Christians truly know what their baptism means. Subconsciously I knew, but when I read the words of Jesus in the Bible, baptism’s meaning affected my mind ever clearer - as it should. No one need interpret Jesus’ words here. When you read the Bible (the oldest, least tampered with is best), unless you deliberately think on what you read, there is always the danger of overlooking the meanings of Jesus’ words. However, voluminous, your readings ought to be savored and not rushed. The Bible is the Guide by which to set your life. For example, take Jesus’ explanation of “rebirth” as He spoke with Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews (Jn. 3:1). Jesus told Nicodemus, “Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the (Holy) Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:5). Do you realize what those 2000-year-old words say? A baptized Christian should understand what a powerful statement Jesus makes, and what it means to you. (If you have family members not baptized, Jesus’ words reveal that someone is grossly derelict in their responsibility, and must quickly correct this grievous error.) The goal of every baptized Christian is to reach the kingdom of God Who made us, the attainment of salvation and return to eternal life with God in Paradise. That is your goal - unless you are disposed to the alternative. We can attain to God and His kingdom only through Christ, by “water and the receiving of the Holy Spirit” on the blessed day of your baptism. This means truly a new birth because in baptism we received the seed of a new participation in life. Before we receive this sacrament we have only a human life, afterwards we participate in the life of and put on Christ (Gal.3:27). Spiritually there is no question of a re-clothing, but of a man’s intimate being, and transforms him so profoundly that he is in Christ, a new creature (2 Cor 5:17) born of the Spirit, not of the will of man, but of God (Jn. 1:13). The words of St. Paul are significant: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into His (Jesus’) death were buried with Him by baptism into His death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we also may walk in newness of life?” (Rom 6: 3-4). Baptized, born again in Christ, we must live a new life in Him and live a life like Jesus. For as Christ “died to sin, once for all,” that is, by His death destroyed men’s sins, “so you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus…for sin will have no dominion over you” (Rom. 6:10-14). What does all this mean to me, you may ask. If you are a Christian reading this, active in your faith or not, it ought to be easy for you to know how you stand with God. It comes down to being honest with God and yourself. Now that you know what your baptism truly means, there is no room for deceiving yourself. You decide how your loving God sees you. Heartfelt mending likely is in order. Listen to your conscience, a link to God. The reality is that every sin, fault or voluntary negligence dishonors Christ and grieves the Holy Spirit who dwells in you. Your conscience knows of any lapse in your Christian duty. Being “dead to sin” takes effort. Your Baptismal Record attests to your rite to being wholly directed toward acquiring fullness of life in Christ – you, too, ought to know and be aware of it. Without our understanding and cooperation, it is possible for the baptismal life of the Holy Spirit in us to remain dangerously stationary for many, many years. No one can enliven your rebirth for you. It is up to you. With just a brief, one-day glance at our world, I feel certain that countless Christians need to personally engage their minds on this vital matter now, as a start to attain their promised eternal salvation. “You never know.” Peace and happiness through the Holy Spirit be with you in this life … Thanks for visiting. - Bob 1 Tim 3:16 Happy New Year in Christ

“Think On This for a Wonderful Year”

You must admit that the rush, frenzy, hurriedness, busyness of the past year, has to change, slow down, but not stop, as life goes on. Most people are guilty of this. Try not to rely on yourself totally; seek spiritual assistance in gaining for yourself a less hectic pursuit in life’s labor. It matters little whether you work for yourself, are the president of the firm, where or at whatever level you may be employed. Your outlook on your responsibilities and obligations prudently and patiently managed, will achieve more for reasonable, satisfactory results. Prayer for Guidance Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations…of slowing down to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book, to take time with members of my family. Remind me, Lord, that the race is not always to the swift; there is more to life than increasing its speed. Make me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life’s enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Modified from a page printed in time, by an unknown author.) Thanks for visiting. - Bob Happy New Year! 1 Cor 13-14