goodbadugly

Missing In America Project

2011-04-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

This Picture is Worth A Trillion!

2011-03-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

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”

2011-01-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

(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”

2011-01-16T15:16:00.000-08:00

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”

2011-01-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

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”

2011-01-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

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

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT)

2010-12-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from full article * Never again will America win a land war! Never! Prediction With DADT unreasonably favored by the president with his signature, the strength, support and admiration for our present uniform services will slowly begin to decay from within. Notwithstanding that same-sex sexual behavior is demonstrated to shorten life by 25 to 40 percent through higher rates of AIDS, hepatitis, other infectious diseases; cancers, depression, alcoholism, other substance abuse, suicide and domestic violence. Medical literature is replete with documentation, and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association website confirms most of this. Unit cohesion, order and discipline are sure to suffer. These serious drawbacks just touch on the concerns and demands of historical unity and reliability essential to military life. The people that silently supported inordinacy were revealed when they participated in public debate and voted, expressing their position on the matter of phasing out the current rules governing DADT. Their support remarks show them as unethical, staining their position of leadership, and showing weakness in their moral character. It made me wonder how they are able to live with themselves. As we continue on this road of arrogance, thinking we are gods and can do without Him, it would seem reasonable to think that America can expect the unexpected. Anyone who scoffs at these suggestions is part of the problem. I wonder if being bogged down in a never-ending conflict, trying to be correct, at the expense of our young troops, have any significance. We would all be wise to pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” ask His intervention before America, once recognized as a strong Christian nation, now obviously in the grip of the prince of darkness, becomes a Sodom and Gomorrah. Those of us with lives caught up in weak, foolish leadership policies without a say, in the name of reason and common sense, have no place to withdraw and escape God’s wrath. However, we have God’s promise to “Fear not,” and are consoled knowing that God knows all and sees all; with God, nothing is impossible. Draw comfort in giving Him some of your time. The future is here. A few months postponement before implementing “Ask and Tell” will make little difference. The decision to do away with DADT is a deathblow to America’s military might that, in time, will reduce it to a memory. The president was speaking tonight (22 Dec 2010) on the subject of allowing gays to marry. Do you not know that this was his first step to “condition” the public to hearing about that possibility? Believe it. Let us not forget gay and lesbian antics outside the military that inside the military can anticipate in the future. When the inordinate ones do not like what you say or do, they plan revenge. (Also see full article*). A number of Catholic Churches have been unruly attacked inside, and Mass services disrupted (California, Minnesota, et al.), all because their lifestyle and their apparent lack of faith are in disobedience to God’s words that their acts are an abomination. Here is how liberals think; a recent example that did not make the news as it should have. To repeat the sentiment of many others, the president, his administration, most members of Congress today still do not get it. This is how unselfish, heroic deeds are now irreverently treated: Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/claythe1?feature=mhum You see that the military and their families are taken for granted, a hero does not deserve a salute by the president, rather, hands over the crotch is his normal salute to the military and anything affiliated with them. We have seen this before. Genuine respect for our military is history. Unbelievable! You will not see America ever win a land war again. Naturally, it will take time for our “straight” military to fall apart as I predict, but it is inevitable. There will be no mass exodus - no one expects that, for sound reasons. Today’s military members, as in the past, from necessity, will act responsibly to plan their future actions. Most have always been high caliber, patriotic, thoughtful, caring individuals. Prudence often came with the sort of disciplinary team training received and undertaken, from their first haircut and their first unified military steps in cadence. * Full article posted at www.http://fourwinds.blogster.com “In God We Trust” Let us pray... Thanks for visiting. - Bob John 8:32

O Holy Christmas-A pass-along story

2010-12-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

More than 2000 years ago a decree went forth from the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, commanding a general census in which all the people of the empire should be enrolled, “each in his own city,” that is, in the place to which his tribe and family belonged. Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a city of (King) David, because they were of the family of that king. Bethlehem is situated about five or six miles south of Jerusalem, and nearly seventy-five miles south of Nazareth. There, in a stable, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, was born, according to tradition, at midnight, or soon after, on December 25th. It came to pass that, when they were there, Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” The history of the first Christmas is made familiar to Catholics by the devotion of the “Christmas Crib.” In the year 1226, St. Francis of Assisi, with the permission of the Pope, set up the first of these cribs for the purpose of instructing the people and increasing in their hearts love and devotion for the Infant Savior. Christmas takes its name from the central and supreme act of Christian worship. Christmas means “Christ’s Mass,” the Mass offered in honor of the birth of Christ. Nearly all European languages, except English, use a word signifying nativity or birthday of Christ to designate the feast of Christmas: In Latin, Dies Natalis; in Italian, Il Natale, and in French the Latin form is soften into Noel. In all lands and languages the great fact commemorated is the birth of Christ, and the great action by which that fact is commemorated and renewed is the Mass. On Christmas, priests may celebrate three Masses to honor the threefold birth of the Son of God. His birth in time and in our humanity in the stable of Bethlehem; His spiritual birth by faith and charity in the souls of the shepherds, and in our souls, and in the souls of all who earnestly seek Him; and lastly, His eternal generation in the bosom of the Father. Jesus, God made Man, came to us to bring us back to God the Father through the ultimate gift of salvation. That was the single message of the Good News then, and down through the ages; accept the cure He has since provided through His birth, death and Resurrection. I capsulate it this way: Life is uncertain, death is sure; Sin the cause, Christ the cure. - Anon. At Christmas, a Birthday, it is only proper to say “Merry Christmas!” Thanks for visiting. - Bob Christmas is for everyone

A True Friend is God’s Gift to You

2010-12-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

So you have friends, you say. Get on your knees and thank God. Your friend will stand by you through thick and thin, will even die for you, right? Oh, no? Then you do not have a true friend; you have an associate. A friend is someone that would die for you, and an associate is someone you know quite well, someone you know better than an acquaintance. They may stand by you in some troubles but not all. Instead of referring to associates as “friends,” what would you say when introducing them to others? How about, “this is my associate, Jake Wont.” Truly, “friends” and “love” are related. The sort of friend one can consider “true” has the element of love in it, love that comes from the heart, sincere, genuine. Now that I am alone in the shadow of life, having lost my best and only earthly friend (my spouse), it occurred to me how people misuse and, yes, even abuse the word “friend.” Somehow, as a youngster I virtually held sacred two things close to my mind and heart – and this is ever since I was young, a youth. That will tell you something about the way we thought as opposed to attitudes today. One, I never made a promise that I was not sure I could keep. I believe this stemmed from a promise made to me as a child that was not kept; I can still remember the incident some 70 years later. Two, the word friend was substituted for the reality of the association. That is, the word friend was not used, instead “fellow worker” “Fellow member" "Associate" “Acquaintance” “Team member” “Compatriot” “Neighbor” etc., whatever the real situation was is how I handled it. Why? Because somehow I came to know early in life, what “friend” meant. In my teen years, I learned that everything in life fluctuates, i.e. nothing of importance remains static. Close fellow associates, or myself, would relocate and never be seen again. As a career professional in the United States military, frequently moving from one place to another, one country to another, meeting people and developing friendships would often be avoided because of partings that would inevitably happen. Everyday life in the past, say from between ages 8 and 15, when the chance of moving was less prone,it was possible to establish a friendship, possibly started in a school or neighborhood. Unless you never moved, by the mid to late teens, life would cause changes putting distance between you and that “temporary” friendship that in time fades away. Note what the Bible says about friends: “Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity “A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord shall find him. “He that feareth God, shall likewise have good friendship: because according to Him shall his friends be” Ecclus 6: 14-17 Fast forward. Mature, wise people will tell you honestly, what the Bible will tell you, and that is: “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found him hath found a treasure. “Blessed is he that finds a true friend,…Ecclus 25:12 Also: “Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul” Prov. 27:9 “It is better therefore that two should be together, than one: for they have the advantage of their society. “If one fall, he shall be supported by the other: woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth, he has none to lift him up” Eccles 4:9, 10. Of course there are cautions in the choice of friends, e.g. …one in a thousand would be a friend (Ecclus 6: 6,7). There are many reasons why anyone would be a false friend. A friend must have fidelity (be faithful). (Prov. 17:17) A friend must not betray confidence. (Prov. 3:39) This is but a brief introduction to a prized, but grossly misused, abused, and misunderstood subject by people in general. It is pure wisdom to understand and apply to ourselves the lesson Jesus gave us to respect the word “friend.” He once referred to the ultimate sacrifice as that of giving one’s life for his friends. Due to my self-imposed conditions and choosing to settle in a place other than where longevity had prevailed, and circumstances altered those conditions, for me a friend, as described in this article, is remote to non-existent. If you have read closely, you will see that I care dearly about what a friend means, and would mean to me personally. The Bible quotations reinforce my belief in the priceless value of a friend and the difficulty of finding one. It appears that I must continue to pray God for the gift of a God-fearing, worthy person, I can call a true friend. My standards and values are high, but God’s is infinitely higher. In these times, I can only pray and hope God answers; He always does. Right now, He is saying “no.” He has his reasons. Here are a few quotations of what others say about a friend: “Actions, not words, are the true characteristic mark of the attachment of friends.” - George Washington “…friendships are treasures that last forever.” - Mart De Haan, RBC Ministries “It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.” - Dennis Fisher, RBC Ministries “Of all the things which wisdom provides to make life entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship.” - Epicurus “One of the most beautiful qualities of a true friend is to understand and be understood.” - Seneca “I didn’t find my friends; the Good God gave them to me.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson “A single true friend is a treasure worth more than gold or precious stones. Money can buy many things, good and evil. All the wealth of the world could not buy a true friend or pay for the loss of one.” - C.D. Prentice “What is the secret of your life?” asked Mrs. Browning of Charles Kingsley. “Tell me, that I may make mine beautiful, too.” He replied: “I had a friend.” Wonderful quotations on this subject are truly without end. More recent, contemporary descriptions of a friend go like this: “Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget.” “Best friends are like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.” “Some people make the world special by just being in it.” “When it hurts to look back, and you’re scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there.” “True friendship never ends.” “Friends are forever.” “Good friends are like stars…you don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.” “Most people walk in and out of your life, but only a friend remains in your heart.” Common sense and the Bible tells us that friendship demands reciprocal love. Holy Scripture repeatedly presents God as the friend of man. God spoke with Moses as a friend (Ex 33:11). He called Abraham His friend (Is 41:8). It is recorded that both men loved God and would do anything God asked, with the emphasis on “anything.” Other prophets of the Old Testament could be mentioned if space here permitted. In my not so deep research on the subject of friend, I quickly recognized that there is an abundance of wisdom concerning “friend,” in Scripture alone; too much for the space of a blog. I may need to consider pursuing a future booklet on this subject to render it the justice it deserves, for the wonder of its literal meaning and reasonable understanding. Misuse of this almost sacred word is appalling. I believe humankind needs to know the true meaning of friendship so as not to be suddenly disappointed when what they expect from someone they call friend does not happen. The following prayer-poem with our one True Friend is one I say before the the Holy Cross. I am sure the anonymous author would welcome you to say the words I find here that expresses gratefulness for His friendship: I would converse with Thee from day to day, With heart intent on what Thou hast to say, And through my pilgrim-walk, whate’er befall, Consult with Thee, O Lord! about it all. Since Thou art willing thus to condescend To be my intimate, familiar friend, Oh! let me to the great occasion rise, And count Thy friendship life’s most glorious prize! †

Taking the Sting and Mystery Out of Wills, Etc.

2010-12-11T00:44:00.000-08:00

We all procrastinate as a matter of course due to one reason or another. When it comes to estate planning, doing nothing brings unnecessary agony on those we leave behind – often suddenly. In fact, doing nothing to protect them is next to criminal. When you love someone, you want to take care of that person or family. This message applies to both husband and spouse, as you work together as a team to protect what you work for – and do not want the one left behind to lose everything. You may know, you may have heard, the State will step in and help themselves to what you have, whether little or not so little, and make it tough on the one who must deal with them. They care little to nothing about you. All they are interest in is getting what they do not deserve, even if it is the law. Without proper documents, as a Will for example, everything is “frozen in place and untouchable until the Courts handle your estate through Probate. That could be some months before either of you left behind can touch. In either case, you need to step up to the plate and act to protect each other. It was by the grace of God that my spouse passed to her reward before me. I couldn’t believe the mess she would have had to face had I passed on before her. Any money she would have had to take care of things she would have paid out to lawyers (on the advice of the Bank) and would have needlessly lost a great deal of money. Had I not had some real experience about personal affairs beforehand, it would have been difficult even for me. While in the throes of grief, your mind does not act as when you are with the one you love. You change with this crises and never return to where or what you were before grief grabbed hold of you. Now, I am speaking from dire personal experience. Important things that needed to be attended to came in spurts, my mind kept getting weak signals of thing that needed to be taken care of. The first thing I noticed when paying bills was the joint names on the check I was making out. My visit to the Bank was to change “our” account to “my” account. (Not so easy to do without a death certificate, I learned.) Then other matters begin to come in play. One thing leads to another is how it works. You do not want to go through these important matters in an emergency setting, it’s best to do them together, the way you both decide you want things done when (not if), when something happens to change your marital situation. It makes no difference what you need to do to get your affairs the way you want them. The link below will get all of what you want done at the least expense. I can tell you what I did to forego the huge expense of a lawyer and facing the annual payment for a lawyer to handle your affairs. You can do as I did. After listening about this organization on the radio over a hundred times, it finally hit me (so to speak) what they were saying. It hit me because I needed their help. It’s like wanting to buy a silver colored car because you do not see many silver colored cars. After you have it, it seems all cars are silver in color. (Strange, but things do work out that way.) After contacting them via computer and, if necessary to speak with someone, via toll-free, what would have cost me around two-thousand dollars plus annual fees to maintain my estate (which is ridiculous by any well to do standards), ended up around $500. This was not only for a Will (which would not cost half as much), but included a Trust, a Last Will and Testimony, and a Health Directive that tells everyone how I want to be taken care of by Health and Medical people, and Instructions on how I want to be taken care of regarding burial. (There are names for these paper instruments; it just escapes me now.) Whatever you need should be done for way less than your local lawyer would charge you. Another thing, their assistance in preparing these documents is for each State. So it makes little difference where you live. I have been telling people about this service ever since I used them. You see, when I find something good, with equally good service, I have always (I truly mean always) shared it with others as far and as wide as I possibly could. Trust me, that’s quite a territory as I am from New England and live in the southwest, and have travelled most of our lower 48 contenental states. People know me as “Paperboy” since the 1930s. So when I say I share, I share. It is so rare nowadays to receive good service; this is one service everyone needs, and except for the link I provide below, everyone is at the mercy of overpaid lawyers. Recently something occurred to make me think about sharing this information with you in my blogs. It dawned on me that I ought not to fail to share this because everyone will save. I may not remember to do this again. (You can prove that you will save to yourself after you download the information. Compare it with a local attorney. You do not need to see a local attorney face to face; just review the Yellow Pages of your telephone book and see what they say they charge for, say, a simple Will. Do it if only to satisfy yourself.) If you can sit down and answer questions asked of you on a computer that deal with important family matters (even an individual with assets has a need), this is your discovery. Just do as I did and go to: http://legalzoom.tellapal.com/a/clk/qZK0L (You may need copy and paste to your URL address line to activate it.) It couldn’t be easier. Just take your time, no one is waiting in line for you to finish anything. Read carefully, it’s not entirely technical. It applies as you want it to apply. Choose what you want. There’s no commitment until you say there is. Keep in mind the tremendous savings while at the same time you are taking care of things you may have been procrastinating about for a long time; as you knew you should not have put things like this off from getting it done. I repeat, take your time; no need to rush. This is important to you and those that love you and you love. Nothing could or should be more important. Ask yourself, if you don’t take care of these things, who will? Thanks for visiting. – Bob Merry Christmas

Learning, Studies and Discoveries

2010-12-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Individually, we ought to be wise enough to realize that we will never know all there is to know. Couple that fact with the idea that we ought to never stop learning. Many of our brothers and sisters seem to be satisfied with what little they know, or criticize others because they cannot answer their question on the spot. Not being able to answer a worthy question is nothing more than an opportunity to learn the answer. “Perfection” is in the purview of a similar concern. Wisdom tells us that we cannot attain perfection. Nevertheless, we are instinctively urged to strive for perfection. The reasoning is that striving for perfection motivates us to do our best in all our thoughts, words and deeds. In other words, we cannot go wrong doing right (the best we can). It is highly acceptable to learn at least something worthwhile each day, no matter what it may be, as long as it is worthwhile (in your estimation). It not only keeps your mind alive, it also will help make you more self-confident. EXAMPLES Out of curiosity (of which I usually am not), confirming whether or not I was pronouncing the word Wednesday correctly was important to me. People are often heard to mispronounce Wednesday or Wenezday, or Wednezday, or Wenz’day, with this last, according to my old “The New Century Dictionary,” is the correct pronunciation. After this checking, I was satisfied that my pronunciation of the word is correct. To my surprise, however, while exploring this word, I further discovered that I had a misconception of the place “Wednesday” held as “the” day of the week. My visit to the dictionary was fruitful in another way besides confirming the correct utterance of Wenz’day. I learned that Wednesday is the FOURTH day of the week, not the THIRD as I, all of my long life, believed. I just never gave it much thought. Imagine that! It may not seem important to you, but to me accuracy equates with order, and order makes for acceptance in utterances and the written word. Much of which I do both. Accuracy, i.e. to the best of my ability, is vital to me. When I compose tracts regarding the unseen spiritual, and the seen religious world, and its deism, (the principle reason for our living), accuracy is paramount. God would not forgive any error when I attempt to bring readers matters dealing with His Good News. There is no way I would dare go that way and place my soul (and yours, by misleading you) in danger. I am no theologian, no ordained minister, not even a Deacon, just a person as most of you, likely much older. In my almost quarter century writing of religious tracts, my first step is quiet prayer to the Holy Spirit. It is critical in my prayers requesting support from above to do my homework. Then I combine my research to my life’s traditional faith belief, knowledge, and abundant personal experiences, all of which converge before composing. In other words, it is important for me to know that what I am saying or referring to anyone is true. Otherwise I would pass on false information or be seen as unlearned, i.e. ignorant. That is and would be entirely unacceptable to me, and should be to you, too. The lesson here is: When you have any doubt (about what is in front of you to read), check it out. God has given each of us a mind to use. Use it to the best and fullest to optimize your life as you walk and travel this great, glorious and wonderful ball called earth; and as you walk among your fellow humans, who spend too much time trying to impress, express yourself by applying what you learned from intentional and natural studies and discoveries. Be wise, know that you will not learn all there is to know. Nor do you have all the time in the world; be assured you will not be repeating your walk through this life. Right now is all the time you have, right now you are alive, wiggle your body, prove to yourself that you are alive, and then truly come alive! Discovering why you are here is a good start. Then live your life accordingly. Tomorrow may be too late. Learn through studies and discoveries, and then share with your fellow man. Like me, you, too, will pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that you can do, any kindness you can show - to any human being, do it now, do not defer nor neglect it, for I guarantee, you will not pass this way again. † Thanks for visiting. - Bob Eph. 5:1-17

Past Wars and Present and Future Terror

2010-12-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

December 7, 1941 … …”the day that will live in infamy” so declared then president of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt. Of course, he was referring to the sneak attack on the United States Navy in Hawaii (not a State at the time), by the Imperial Empire of Japan. Their action plunged the entire world into World War II that was already raging in Europe because of Hitler’s insanity. For the benefit of the modern day uninformed, War in the Pacific, began at Pearl Harbor with a (questionable) surprise attack on our naval fleet in the Pacific. Because the United States’ founding is (was) based on Christian principles, defeated countries, such as Japan, were aided with tremendous amounts of American resources and human support to renew themselves to rejoin world nations in peace. For many years the “…day that will live in infamy” has gone the way of the annals of history. We, rightly, enkindle the bad memories of the many Pacific Campaigns year after year, because we have with us still, Pearl harbor survivors. As life would have it, they, naturally have become fewer and fewer. On a good calendar, the attack on Pearl Harbor now is referred to as Remembrance Day.” In time, I suspect it will become obscure, as most other awful wars. Like most important dates that we should never forget, it will not be known for what happened, just a date, with no one able to adequately explain the event behind it. If you think that this cannot happen, ask young adults about the Korea of 1950, that keeps raising its ugly head in current times. Has any young or mid-aged parent asked, “what is this all about?” Those involved in the global war of WWII are dying out faster than a bullet can hit its target. Soon there will be no one to understand that terrible, horrifying, horrendous, still unbelievable, terror that murdered millions in the horrifically evil schemes of a solitary mad man. Worse still, no one will remember how one man from Austria could terrorize another country, Germany, and make everyone so fearful to obey his madness. Countless joined in his plans of one world order of puritans, and helped him murder their fellow human beings. He did it. It happened. And, not all that long ago. These scars are still showing, but only in some places, and by fewer and fewer people trapped in the horror of the times. A great sadness is that people in America (and possibly most cosmopolitan locations of the world) today do not have the same quality of values as people of only, say, 50years ago. Remembering priceless values in cost of human life so people in general today can continue to care less, is frightening, to say the very least. Frightening for the new generation, not necessarily for those of us that have been through it or vividly remember what our brothers and sisters had to endure. Equally bad is that American History is no longer a school curriculum, has not been for far too many years. Few American young adults and their mid-aged parents know or care little about America’s demanding history. I am not any sort of a prophet, but I recall the wisdom of the past when I say: “Those who forget the past are bound to repeat it.” That in itself is scary to me because the face of war has changed. The Changing Face of War Now, the demand for even more alertness is needed. War is no longer a battlefield event. Despite Iraq and Afghanistan that is proving my point. And despite all of those generals with as many combined stars on their shoulders as there are in the heavens, we have not learned. Vietnam was the last battlefield war, that once again authenticated “War is hell.” Now the enemy is likely to be in your neighborhood with his or her intent on ridding you from the face of the earth. Are you aware of this or are you indifferent to what is happening. If you are indifferent you are unmistakably part of the modern-day, cultural problem we face. Your indifference compounds our problem because our Legislative Government is dumb down to reality. They have gotten so out of what is real that they find good evil and evil good. Whether you consider yourself an infidel or not, makes no difference to your new enemy. Like Hitler causing fear of death, most of the German population joined him. The Muslim radicals want to convert you; will you be converted? They have had years of brainwashing and want you dead. As we should have learned, brainwashing goes on inside and from outside this country. Immigrants are allowed into this country, without security checks, as once upon a time was required, and then allowed to emigrate to regions within this country silently infiltrating right where you are to get their dirty work done. In other words, our own government is complicit, has been cooperating with our new enemy by bringing them inside the country, and, you can say, behind the lines. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7, 2010 For all military and civilian Pearl Harbor survivors and maimed and wounded personnel, and in memory of our lost brothers and sisters who faced the brunt of the “surprise” attack by the Japanese Empire’s numerous, heavily armed aircraft and miniature submarines sent to destroy the United States Naval Fleet, on an otherwise quiet, unsuspecting Sunday, I invite my fellow Americans to join me today in rendering a generic salute with utmost respect and gratefulness. Our Warriors and Freedoms’ Defenders: United States Navy United States Marine Corps United States Army United States Air Corps (at the time) United States Coast Guard And now, the Joint Special Forces representing each branch of the military (colors representing each branch ->)Salute, Go with God, Bob Soucy, USAF, Retired

CHRISTMAS WARS

2010-12-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS WARS IGNITE; NEW BATTLE WITH ATHEISTS The following report is from the "home front," the Catholic League who knows first-hand about these things. Quote: “The atheists are out in force this year trying to neuter Christmas. But they are being met with stiff opposition from the Catholic League. The battle lines were drawn early. On November 10, news reports stated that several atheist organizations were seeking to use the Christmas season to garner new recruits. Their weapons of choice: billboards placed on highways and bus shelters, and TV advertisements. The billboard campaigns run the gamut from the benign to the malicious. Some merely ask those who don’t believe in God to join them, but others are a direct assault on Christianity. American Atheists, for example, is currently featuring a billboard with a picture of a nativity scene which reads, “You Know it’s a Myth. This Season Celebrate Reason”; it is prominently displayed in New Jersey near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel that connects to New York City. As soon as news stories surfaced about the American Atheists’ billboard near the Lincoln Tunnel, we were contacted by an anonymous donor who wanted to do something about it. We suggested placing a graphic of a nativity scene on a billboard on the New York side of the tunnel, one that read, “You know it’s Real. This Season Celebrate Jesus.” He liked our idea immediately, so we made the arrangements, and he paid for it. This was a very Catholic League kind of rejoinder. Knowing how aggressive these activists have become in recent years, we were more than ready with a strong response. So on the same day of the news stories about the atheist campaigns, we pulled our trigger: we announced that we had just mailed a Holy Family Nativity Scene (crèche) to the nation’s 50 governors. We quickly heard from Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley thanking us for the gift. In his letter to the governors, Bill Donohue explained that it was our “sincere hope that it (the crèche) will be displayed in the Capitol Rotunda alongside secular symbols (e.g. a Christmas tree) this coming Christmas season.” It is up to Catholic League members to follow through by contacting the chief of staff serving their respective governors;… The atheists are not happy about our counter-campaign. But we are proud that we led the Christian community nationwide with an immediate response. Moreover, unlike their negative campaign, ours is entirely positive. And that is exactly how it should be.” (Unquote.) Unless you are blind or do not know how to read, you must hear and see an increase in ignorant activists depreciate Christianity in particular and Catholicism specifically throughout the year, but they get energized over our Christmas celebrations. Christianity is too tough for them to bear, so they must attack us. God always wins out. We must stand firm wherever we are against their antics to upset the weak among us who do not know what they can and can't do about Christmas decorations and symbols. Stay alert to what is going on against or derogatory toward Christians, as the Catholic Leageue has been fighting for many years in defense of religious and civil rights. Check them out at www.catholicleague.org (you may need to place that address in your browser then click Go. This is NOT an email address which must have an @ in the address.) It is a www. address that must go in your browser. Simply highlight, copy and paste in your browser. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom. 15:13 Merry Christmas to you and yours

December

2010-12-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

I liked this when I read it; it seems to offer optimism in the face of true conditions, which started in November and increasingly affects many of us during December; perhaps you also will like it. If you do, please share it with others who may be depressed from the early dark of both morning and night. Remember, Winter begins December 21st and the days will begin to slowly lengthen once again. There often is a light at the end of the tunnel, and a time to smile once more. A dreary month of weeping. Of cloud and fog and rain, Is sorrowful December, And all the winds complain. For trees are bare and flowers are gone, And birds have hushed all song, And days are short and sunless, And nights are dark and long. But let us wait in patience, The days are swift to go, And even sorrow does not stay Long on the earth below; Some days must be for weeping, But God and heaven remain, And after nights of darkness The sun will shine again. - Marianne Farmingham (From an old manuscript) Thanks for visiting. - Bob Phil 1:21

God, Youth, and You

2010-12-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

Satan may have done more to destroy this generation of young people then any generation in history. He is so fearful of what the Lord can do through this new generation that he has arranged for humanity to kill millions upon millions – one-third- of them before birth. Those babies that make it to birth Satan tries to abuse, brainwash, debilitate, and enslave through dysfunctional families, cults like secular humanism, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity saturating all forms of media. Pay attention to the youth that say “no.” Satan’s major effort is to keep our young people from knowing God’s love and believing in Him. Those who survived the devil’s onslaught are those who give their lives totally to Jesus; by the Holy Spirit of love they will be the one’s to renew the face of the earth. For too many years, I have been alarmed, noticing first-hand while visiting home after home, the way children were being raised. Parents generally lost their own faith and belief in God (even when their parents did pass their faith along to them, the secular world was more attractive),consequently raised their offspring’s without faith. This terrible situation has existed for at least 50 years. Man’s most important thing in life is to know and love God with all of one’s mind, strength and soul…instead God was, and is, placed in the “back” of things in one’s life. That is a precarious state for the human soul to be in. Consider this: God said: “Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee and made thee a prophet unto the nations.” And Jeremias said, “Lord God, behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child. And the Lord said to me: Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak….” Jer 1:5-7. (Note to remember: God does not change, He is the same today as yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow. Man is the one that changes; man is fickle, seeking transitory “stuff” and conditions that will have an end. Now, with that out of the way, please continue …) “This is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says the Lord, that I will pour forth my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams….” Acts 2:17. Why, you may ask, is this important now. Dear reader, the more knowledgeable, i.e. learned, among us know and say that according to Scripture we are in the last days. That is not to say that the end is imminent, on the contrary, we also know that according to St. Peter, a blink of God’s eye is as a thousand years. However, being aware of this does not take away the conditions found in God’s Holy Book. Jesus told us that the time is known but to God, Jesus also said, “Be ready, as you know not the hour.” “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are….” I Jn 3:1ff The preceding quotation supports my recently being made aware through writings that God’s Spirit is being poured out on mankind. A new Pentecost has been taking place in recent time. For those of you that do not know the meaning of Pentecost: For Christians it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is the harvest-feast of Christ, since on that day Christ’s Apostles, through the power of the Holy Spirit, lost their fear, went forth and preached courageously, baptized thousands – a great harvest of souls for the early Church. Since the time the WWJD craze swept the Christian community, around the globe, not so long ago as you should have forgotten, it was a reminder to many people that we should have the heart and mind of Jesus. From that time good seed flourished among the youth that understood the message, “What would Jesus do?” and matured further into WDJD – What did Jesus do?” Understanding this more important question depends our salvation. Understanding WDJD is vital as described in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4ff. The claim that the Lord is raising up young people in a special way to renew the face of the earth, empowering new Jeremias’ “to root up and pull down, to waste and to destroy, and to build and to plant” (Jer 1:10), is a joy of real satisfaction for years of yearning for the good of our youth’s accounting. A new era is in the making. For our young to acknowledge their true God and, with His guidance, begin the healing peoples everywhere need to return to Him, has much to do about our salvation. These young “Jeremias” are not too young by God’s standards. St. Paul wrote to Timothy: “We must tell our young people: ‘Let no man despise thy youth, but be an example to the faithful in speech, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in chastity’” 1 Tim 4: 12. We all need prayers; from their birth, our young need our prayers, as they grow, they need our encouragement. As adults and parents, it is no less our duty to know and understand our God and do our duty to fulfill our natural, instinctive obligation to Him and His Commandments. God created everyone you know and meet. No one was made by anyone else. Your eternal salvation and the disposition of your soul depend on your willingness to know Who is in charge of your life and how you ought to live. God is Pure Love, God is merciful, God is patient, God knows whether you know right from wrong. He sees all and knows all. With God, nothing is impossible. Believe it! You were sent from heaven to your mother’s womb. He placed you on earth to do a certain something. You must find out what that is; we often need to commune with God to find out. There is no one quite like you. You are one of a kind. God wants to welcome you home when He calls you to return. As you reside temporarily on this planet, you have total freedom to decide and choose the destination of your soul. Your Judgment will be between Him and you alone. A major determining factor will be by the way in which we live, and whether or not we abide in Him. We cannot ignore the truth of God’s desires, we cannot ignore God and expect Him to allow us to enter Paradise and be with Him. It does not work that way. Earth is where you prove your worthiness. God sent His only Begotten-Son, Jesus, to earth where He not only taught, guided and suffered dearly for us, but established His one Church, (placing imperfect men in charge) so all would have a “House of prayer,” a holy place to adore, praise Him and commune with Him. His purpose has not changed; man alone complicates matters by going his own way, as if Jesus did not know what He was doing. Jesus prayed, “that they be one, as we, Father, are one.” What are your thoughts about that? Today it is as if the tables were turned; where parents are suppose to train and teach the youth, it appears that the young people will be the one’s within the home and among their peers to do the teaching, stepping up to the plate after a serious lapse of many years. This must be recognized and nurtured wherever and whenever possible. God’s will be done. Love and humility must be the guiding lights for our salvation unto Him Who made us. Our young have organized themselves into Christian Youth Groups. Encourage this and carefully listen to their words. Parents, neighbors and associates could find enlightenment by their discussions, activities as individuals, and as a group. Remember, too that “actions speak louder than words.” Many years ago, in retrospect, when it was the “thing” to discover and teach oneself right from wrong (which was really normal, and neither complicated nor difficult), and after all my teen years as a wonderer and adventurer, I responded to my inner “tug” toward God. I always tried to do what was right at the time - admittedly, with some human frailty. In time and in sporadic moments on my own, I learned more and more about why I am here among my fellow human beings, called brothers and sisters. One of many streams of personal learning came by way of living subjects of The Christophers News Notes. The term “Christopher” comes from the Greek word “Christophoros” which means “Christ-bearer.” The Christopher motto, since 1945, is famous the world over, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." (www.christophers.org) (If you will consider this article to be from a Christ-bearer I would be humbly pleased.) The meaning of Christ-bearer is mightily important. It sums up our objective as children of God encouraging individual initiative in taking into the mainstream of life the truths that can bring lasting peace. Peace to our country, to our families, to us, and to the world – truths that naturally are “there” in our hearts, minds and souls, and have come down to us through 2000 years of Christianity and Jesus; in addition, there are those truths kept alive by the Jews alone for ages before the birth of God’s Son, Jesus. Parents and Guardians With respect to the youth around you, it is imperative that you show genuine interest in their interests. You either have the respect of your sons, daughters, grandchildren, etc., or you do not. You naturally want their respect. Know this: That by your love they know you. Make Jesus, the Son of God, your Guide, let Him come into your heart then your mind will take on thoughts worthy of Him; then your demeanor will speak for you, perhaps in ways unfamiliar to you. If you are at a loss about it all, ask (the Lord in prayer of your own words), and it shall be given to you; seek (the Truth) and you shall find; knock (on helpful doors if need be and doors) shall be opened to you. As a parent, guardian, grandparent, or another charged with guiding the young entrusted to your care, you are responsible for, not only your soul, but also the souls of those around you; you are a messenger – a Christ-bearer; honest and true, you are. Normally I would say to you to blow the dust of your Bible, open it and discover what you have been missing. But I will not recommend that just now. Sometime small steps are best before taking strides. Rather, begin by wanting to know God. You cannot love Him when you do not know Him. Set your mind on reading good, sound literature about the religion’s who, what, why. There are volumes of good books available for you to read, but avoid them – for now. Just be brave and stop by the literature rack in the Church, usually in the entryway. Look over what is available. Help yourself to what interests you or piques your interest. Choose judiciously so as not to be overwhelmed. Above all, you must understand God’s commandments, especially the First. Then everything that is supposed to be will makes sense. Life takes on meaning or new meaning – you comprehend life, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, those in your life’s space, your neighbors; you acknowledge the existence of heaven, hell, just as you accept a rainbow, true, false, black and white, right and wrong, the reality of imperfection in all people. All fit; peace and happiness sets in your heart and mind without deceiving yourself. Another fact that cannot be disputed is that we walk this way but once. What I have just described are powerful truths! They are likely matters that have been subordinated for other things in your life, or been allowed to slide out of your heart and mind altogether. Know that, as you continue to walk the face of the earth, our patient and merciful God desires your return to Him in Paradise in due time. Everyone, I repeat, everyone, regardless of what they temporarily call themselves, feel or experience the tug of righteousness and God in them, and makes a conscious decision about how to respond. That is God’s way. He allows you total freedom to do as you will. He also provides ways to heal errors made as He, above all, knows human nature. You must ask, seek, find. Jesus assured us that He would always provide help from on high. The more we act as His messenger the more we can say with Christ as He spoke to Pilate: “This is why I was born, and why I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth hears my voice” Jn 18:37. For the young and not so young, it is more prudent to walk with God than without Him and find yourself in the alternative to heaven. The more you learn, the more you come to realize that you are in this world but not of it. You are God’s creation and come from God’s Kingdom and should care for your soul in such a way as to want to return. Lastly, the expression “all the time in the world” is without meaning. “You never know.” †

Destination Plans

2010-11-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Chart Your Course - Now When we intend on taking a trip away from where we spend our time, it is normal for us to take time to prepare before actually departing. We have the vehicle checked and serviced, or we pay close attention to the airline schedule and seating arrangements, and items allowed to carry on or stow in the belly of the airplane. We, obviously, know our ultimate destination, and of any known stops or necessary changes along the way. To go successfully from “here to there,” you must agree, takes thoughtful planning, and personal attention to detail. There is a much more important “trip" we all need to plan for; someone put it this way: “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” That “life” is a trip that is often sudden, unexpected, or with grace from above, endowed with patience for ongoing preparation and attention. How would you say you are preparing for your trip toward your Particular Judgment Day before the general Judgment? Will the face-to-face stop before Jesus, Judge of all, have your soul destined to heaven or hell? Will your soul enjoy the fate of love and the inconceivable beauty of heaven, and seeing the face of God, and being with Him, His angels and His saints – and your departed loved ones? On the other hand, will your soul be relegated forever to the fires of hell, Satan and all his evil spirits? Despite how much you would want to have it otherwise, Heaven and Hell are not fictional or temporary destinations, they exist, and they are permanent. Your judgment is also permanent, final. It matters not what your status is or what your stature is in this life, you were always a child of God, He has always been in charge. At your death no clever negotiations, no arbitrations, no manner of excuses, no pleading after your soul instantly leaves your body when you die can alter the results of your life’s work on earth, period. After your death, it is too late to make amends. You must make your choice whether to hold on to things, which cannot save you, or let go, and fall into the hands of the Lord. It is so critically important for the destination of your soul that you cannot put off any longer the decision to choose for yourself whom you will serve (compare Josue/Joshua 24:15). Perhaps your present state of mind is not ready to believe that heaven or hell exists? More likely it is that you do not want to believe because it would interfere with your life style, or you are too careless to take the time to “think” of what is of paramount importance for your soul now and “after.” Whatever your excuse, it is lame, illogically based. No matter how bad you think you are, there naturally is a lot of good in you. That is, because you were created in the image of God, there is an ever-present tug toward Him in the very root of your being. Stop resisting it. Stop ignoring your conscience that tells you what is right and wrong; stop blotting out God’s voice. He loves you unconditionally. It has always been that way, you just wanted to do things your way – and He freely allows that – for now. Consider this: God has given us the choice whether or not we follow Him; but in reality, we are always at His mercy. “…we are clay, you are our Maker, and we all are the works of thy hands” (Isaias 64-8). What would you make of this short story from Matthew 22:23-32; Luke 20: 27-38) from the mouth of Jesus Himself? It leaves no doubt about our heavenly home and the hereafter. When explaining the question asked of Him by the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection of the body and which concerned the widow and the marriage of the seven brothers to her upon the death of each brother, and in time she, too, died. The question was “Whose wife will the woman be?” Now, carefully grasp Jesus’ reply, because the question gave our Lord the occasion to explain (contrary to people’s way of thinking - and it seems to me to have come full circle with the people of today). First Jesus began by saying: “You err because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Mt 22:29). Further, in answer to the question, Jesus said that the life of the risen will be totally different from that lived on earth. There, they “neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die any more because they are equal to angels and are sons of God (Lk 20: 35-36). The risen will receive their bodies again, but these will be in a glorified state and no longer subject to the laws of the flesh. Being immortal, marriage will no longer be necessary for assuring the preservation of the human race. Their life will be like that of the angels, and like angels, they will be children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” That the dead rise as was shown in the passage about the burning Bush, when referring to the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Moreover, as seen by Peter, James and John (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:1-9, Lk 9:28-36) Moses and Elias appeared with Christ at His transfiguration while going up a mountain. His body retained its form but began to shine, His face becoming like the sun. His transfiguration showed what Christ’s glorified body would be like after the Resurrection and of what our bodies will be after the general resurrection. (Commemorative Family Rosary Edition, Holy Bible; Douay, Challoner-Rheims Version, Cath. Encyclopedia P.266, Sept. 1953.) Let us all realize so as not to be in error, that it is an undeniable fact that our God is not the God of the dead, but God of the living. All live to Him. What is more, Jesus spoke numerous times and ways about our heavenly home. He made it abundantly clear that He is in charge of life and death when at the cemetery, speaking with Martha Jesus said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me, even if he die, shall live; and whoever lives and believes in me, shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26). What did Martha say? “Yes, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.” Right then (after four days in the tomb) Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. I am right now reminded of the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as New Testament texts that speak to a final destiny of the soul (Lk 16:19-31; Mt 16:26-28; 2 Cor 5:1-10; Phil 1:23; Heb 9:27, 12:22,23.) Since I am making this treatise an article on my Blog, it is possible that people from all different religions, and in various countries of the world, will read these words. Some for the first time in their lives will be introduced to the One God of all, Creator of heaven and earth, Jesus His Beloved-Son Who gave up His life for all, heaven, and a brief mention of the devil. This article contains information vaguely familiar to many others, still others will have a distinct understanding and, I pray, will make them stop and think of the condition of their souls, making ready for a life in heaven. For everyone, care of the soul should be a priority and not ignored until “the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work…” remains. At Judgment, do you expect God in His mercy to grant you a safe lodging and a holy rest, and peace at the last? The answer lies in the destiny of each of us, determined by what we, individually as children of God, have prepared for ourselves by our conduct here. Be aware that the day of judgment will be like a consuming fire for the wicked; for the just, it will be the manifestation of the mercy of God. “I will spare them” says the Lord, “as a man spares his son who serves him” (Mal 3:17). Activate Your Plan None of us is here forever; too many live as if “that’s all there is?” What a terrible perception. As this article intends to prove or show, is, if you believe that this is all there is, you are severely deluding yourself and making a certain guarantee of where you will end up in the hereafter. You need a plan to make sure you end up in the “better place.” What is more, you need to work that plan, it just will not happen without your active engagement. If you are inclined to be a good or better Christian, or desire to become a Christian, the first thing you want to do is seek out a Christian Baptism and have the Holy Spirit in you. Then review the Ten Commandments, begin with the First which is Love, and to which all other commandments are connected. Then, continue slowly reviewing the other nine. Return to the First and understand what God wants us to do. Fundamentally, He tells us that He wants us to know Him, to Love Him, etc. (If you do not know God, you cannot love Him.) What are you doing to be ready at any moment, often suddenly, for your last breath here and to prepare your soul for immediate Judgment? Pause and think logically about this. The only thing you can take with you is love. We are to live with Faith, Hope and Love. Of these, only love can be with our spirit and enter heaven. That is it, period. Nothing material will be piled upon your casket or into your urn. That is fact! My dear departed spouse use to (humorously) say, “I’ve never seen a casket loaded on with personal goods at a funeral.” I dare say that neither have you. Today can be your day of liberation from a prison of sin, fear, compulsive behavior, greed, avarice, envy, jealousy, gluttony, lust, hate, laziness, hoarding, gossiping attitudes and a host of character flaws, including a hardness of heart; ignoring God’s House of Prayer and worship, neglecting praying for others, for yourself, for those that need prayerful help, etc. Even if we have been in these prisons for most of our lives, liberation can come to us. Sincerely acknowledge Jesus as Son of God, Lord, and Savior and today will be not only the day of liberation, but also “the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).In our acknowledgement of Jesus, to be saved rightly, we must not only believe in the Resurrection, but believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead (Rm 10:9). We must have a deep faith in Jesus’ Resurrection (see I Cor 15:50-57). Beware; as there is Good in this world, there is evil also, just as clearly as you see black and white. Your commitment to believe draws the devil to you like a magnet, and he targets you. Connect the dots and you will understand the existence of heaven and hell. The devil will not let you alone; he will do all that he can to dissuade you from knowing your Lord and your God. That is his job, to test you and weaken you. Stand firm. God has provided you with all the internal, spiritual strength you need to face the toughest temptation. He has given us angels and saints to strengthen us and for us to call upon in moments of need. Look at the secular world around you and you see evil everywhere. The devil is having a “field day.” This is, because God made us free to do as we please, we do, and God is ignored. Individuals call upon our Father only when they are in trouble. That is insincere, empty faith, in the grip of the devil. Our own resurrection from the dead is part of our salvation in Jesus. Therefore, resurrection is a gift claimed by faith. Let us believe in Jesus, live lives in imitation of Him, and look forward with joy to our death. In Jesus, our spirit will rise immediately at the moment of our passing, and our bodies will rise on the last day when Jesus returns. We who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8), believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within us; because of our baptism our mortal bodies will be raised from the dead (Rm 8:11). Like St. Paul, a few readers of this article are on the threshold of dying, going to heaven, seeing Jesus face to face for immediate Particular Judgment. Today could be their last on earth, the first in heaven for their immortal soul’s eternal retribution Judgment, a day of liberation, salvation, death, and life. Is your soul ready for its destination? Will it be the blessedness of heaven, with God our Father, or everlasting damnation with the devil? God’s love and peace be with you, Thanks for visiting. - Bob Romans 15:13

Meet Jesus, Part 3 of 3 Parts

2010-10-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Note: To view Parts I and II click on dates Oct 22, Oct 23 (to the left). Later in the day, Jesus’ lifeless body was taken down from the cross, tenderly cared for, and placed in a new sepulcher with a heavy boulder sealing the entrance. Roman guards were in place to prevent anyone from removing the body. Sunday the tomb is found open,the Resurrection of Jesus had taken place. Mary Magdalene does not know where Jesus is.When Jesus speaks to her she recognizes Him and is marveled by His words. Jesus speaks saying “Do not be afraid; go, take word to my brethren that they are to set out for Galilee; there they shall see me.” “The eleven Apostles went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them to go. And when they saw Him they worshipped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus drew near and spoke to them saying, ‘All power in heaven and on earth has been give to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world’” (Mt 28:16-20). Jesus stayed with His Apostles 40 days. They ate and drank together, He teaching more of what needed understanding. Before leaving them for heaven, He gave Peter, the chosen leader of the Apostles, all authority to bind and loose on earth; that which he held bound or loosed on earth would be held bound or loosed in heaven. He also gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. In essence, all authority for the followers of Jesus is given to no one but Peter, and handed to his successors since the undenieable assignment by Jesus, period. When Jesus did leave them at His amazing Ascension to Heaven, the Apostles stood as in a trance gazing up at Him. A couple of angels standing beside them broke their mindset by telling them that there was work to be done, that Jesus, Who was just taken up, will return at the close of the age the same way He left. Through Jesus’ sacred Passion, His sufferings and death on the cross, He actually effected the redemption of humankind, the work which in obedience to the will of His Heavenly Father He had come into this world as Incarnate Jesus, God-man, to accomplish. Today, Around 2000 Years Later Christmas is an ancient, glorious celebration in remembrance of Jesus’ birth. As described, He was born, became a real He Man, showing us what we must do to attain to our heavenly home. In the process of showing us and teaching us, He brought upon himself the wrath of the Jewish High Priests that were content to rule by distorted Mosaic Laws,and wanted to rid themselves of Him. This piece is not meant to judge;that certainly is not my place to do. This article is offered for people who do not know about God and Jesus,or people that think they know,and for people that ought to know their Brother, Who came, Who saw, and, through His Love, conquered, and Who now sits at the right hand of the Father, to judge the living and the dead. So, you, everyone, bar none, will meet Him for Judgment, no force that exists can alter that day that is sure to come. Amen. Now, and in the past dozen or so years, there are significant numbers of people and groups doing their utmost in mean-spirited, vile and illegal ways to destroy Christmas. They are atheists, people with guilt consciences from choosing wrong over right, and now choose not to know what to do to be at peace; people unable and unwilling to face their sins and cannot handle goodness and moral love. Yes, we also have fallen away Christians that cannot admit to the error of their ways, even as they form groups with Catholic Christian names. All,knowingly or unknowingly advocates of the devil. Moreover,we always have a segment of ignorant people who just do not know any better, and who have stopped learning, setting their minds in concrete. All of these repugnant people seem to be increasing in number yearly. What to do: In your space, remain vigilant, know what is happening that is not right, take a stand and have your say when you ought, keeping in mind that two wrongs do not make a right. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Also, “If you love only those who love you, what merit is there in that?” There is so much more that He wisely taught man how to live as a way to one-day reach heaven. All we need do is open His Holy Bible. Spend time with Him, with His Gospels. His words are as fresh and lively today as ever. I compare the evildoers that work to destroy Christmas today to the shouts of the malevolent people of Pilate’s day, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him! The devil is happily behind the workings of both. Are we going to allow the evil mischief-makers existing in our day to continue in their yearly destruction of our Christ’s Birthday (Christmas)across this nation? I pray not. Doing nothing is not an option. Seek true peace – not in earth, but in heaven; not in men, nor in any other creature, but in God alone. – Thomas ‘a Kempis I have made an honest attempt to abbreviate the life of “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” To reduce more from the life of Jesus would be a serious omission. My prayer is that this message reaches everywhere in an attempt to repair an invalid gross indifference by Christians, and weaken the care less attitude by others of different dispositions that exists toward heavenly things about which Jesus taught. I hope, at the very least that “Meet Jesus,” which reveals much of the awful price He paid to save us will lead readers to the wonderful Love Letters from God, i.e. His Holy Bible, and His Love and Friendship; at best, I pray readers find themselves in the House of God with more understanding,and in His Sanctuary in prayer. God’s Love and Peace be with you, † I feel charged in telling you about Jesus, I do not feel charged in making you believe it. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Eph. 3:16-19

Meet Jesus, Part 2 of 3 Parts

2010-10-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Note: To view Part I of this article click on date Oct 22 (to the left). For three years Jesus taught, raised the dead, healed the sick, made the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk again or for the first time. The crowds increased, people sought after Jesus relentlessly, perhaps to get something from Him. There was no loyalty of any sort from the people; it was something people wanted from Him. After feeding thousands with so little, word of that miracle got around faster than the fastest computer of our day. One day Jesus took Peter James and John up a high mountain. As they were going up Jesus was transfigured, i.e. while His body retained its form, it began to shine, His face becoming like the sun, His garments like snow (or a shining light), and two men, Moses and Elias, representing the Law and the Prophets, were talking with Him. As they were speaking a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; hear Him.” Having just foretold His Passion (Lk 9:22), Christ was transfigured to strengthen His disciples for the severe trials soon to come. Christ’s transfiguration showed an example of what His glorified body would be after the Resurrection and of what our bodies will be after the general resurrection. As His mission on earth was nearing a climax, He arranged for the Last Supper and His solemn hours with His Apostles. While together in the Upper Room, He indirectly told Judas to do what he needed to do now. Judas slinked out to meet with the Jewish High Priests who want to kill Jesus because they were afraid He would weaken their positions in the eyes of the people. Meanwhile, still in the Upper Room, while Judas was arranging for Jesus’ “capture” Jesus taught His Apostles a personal lesson in the importance of humility. Then Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, asking His Apostles to stay awake and watch while He prays. Judas’ betrayal took place here with a kiss. The ordeal began Thursday evening in the dark garden of Gethsemane, with this kiss by Judas. The Jewish High Priests brought false charges against Jesus. Because of the Jewish law, the High Priests could not kill Jesus. That led to sending Him to Pontius Pilate, who found no guilt in Jesus, but sent Jesus to Herod, who thought Pilate ought to take care of this, so Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, who, because of the Jewish High Priests’ trumped up charge of Jesus being a threat, had Jesus tortured – even after he declared Jesus innocent four times! Without further ado, you could say that Jesus was “flogged.” That would not be correct. Jesus was tortured by the Romans beyond anything imaginable, including inhumane whipping no one but Jesus could endure. Then a crown of thorns* was crudely fashioned and pressed down upon His head and pushed into His skull; all of this would have killed any other man. Jesus was then returned to Pilate who claimed himself innocent for “this man.” * Click on Oct 12 for article "A Crown of Thorns." Pilate asks the Jewish Priests and the crowds “What do you want me to do with this man?” Like a political campaign with shills in the audience, the voices shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him! There were more exchanges between Pilate and the people but the result was the same, “Crucify Him!” Those who were ignorant and those just plain evil were shouting louder,commanding more attention than those good and knowing. The Christmas birth, God-Man, who came into the world that He created, to the people He created, was now being condemned to an earthly death by the very people He loves and came to save by showing the way to heaven and eternal salvation. Jesus could have called on legions of angels to defend Him, instead He carries His heavy wooden cross, freely giving up His earthly life – no one takes it from Him, He gives it up to obediently fulfill His mission given to Him by the Father to save humanity. Reaching Golgotha, the cross drops to the ground and Jesus’ hands and feet, roughly handled, are nailed to it. The crown of thorns still pierces His head and now, His bodyweight, held by nine-inch crude nails holding his hands and feet to the cross, is pain beyond anything we can imagine. His horrible passion continues with taunting and laughter, and gambling for His clothes. Despite all, Jesus prays "Father,forgive them for they no not what they do." Jesus was just 33 years old; at approximately 3PM, Friday (now Good Friday), Jesus uttered, “It is finished.” His head slumped to His chest. The sky and earth blacken, the earth shook, and the curtains in the Jewish Temple tore apart. Onlookers became perplexed; for the first time many participants realized they could have made a mistake. Part III tomorrow, Oct 24, 2010. Be advised: I feel that I am charged in telling you about Jesus, I do not feel charged in making you believe it. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Eph 5:1-17

Meet Jesus Part 1 of 3 Parts

2010-10-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

In December, Christians will commemorate the awesome birth of Emanuel, the Baby Jesus. Through God’s goodness, He became God-Man like us in every way except sin. The great moment of which the prophets had prophesized for centuries, and the psalmists had sung had arrived. A body had been prepared for Him to permit the Godhead to be veiled in flesh. This holy moment in history was marked by Three Wise Men from the distant East who followed a star to the place Jesus laid, bringing gifts; and angels from “On High” appeared to lowly shepherds with glorious song in the air of a star filled night, announcing the birth of the Savior, where to go and find and adore the babe. They all were the first to exalt the wondrous birth of Jesus. From the very beginning of Jesus’ life here on earth, He faced evil, as shown in Herod’s order to slaughter the innocent children as a way to stop His existence. By God’s providence, Herod failed to kill Jesus. His mission to walk the earth as a man and teach as no one has ever taught, and to suffer and die for our sins was set. God knew that man was incapable of making things right for the original sin of Adam and Eve, so God sent us His Only-Begotten Son to show us how to live and tell us of the Father and of heaven. Every year Christmastime reminds us of Jesus’ birth. Wherever we may be, with hearts aflame with love and yearning, we try to find our way to loved ones to be with them. It is a time for togetherness and reflections over past years together, and remembering those who have passed on. For Christians especially it is a time for holy celebration, and a time of heartfelt love. Genuine feelings are shared, often through precious, emotional moments to be long remembered. Deep expressions of love, often absent during other days of the year, are associated with Christmas and Christmas as a Birthday Celebration. Adam and Eve brought humanity disobedience and darkness. Through Jesus Christ’s obedience, we were brought out of darkness and into the light again. Now, above all, charity, i.e. divine love, is the needful grace for man to follow Jesus. Jesus came to preach to all men the Kingdom of God, to tell them what they must do to gain everlasting life, and to save their souls. By His words, He preached to all the truth, which they themselves could see verified in the example of His perfect life. Everywhere Jesus manifested God’s infinite love for sinful man, and everywhere He worked miracles to prove His divine claims. Jesus had been an obedient son to parents named Joseph and Mary. Joseph was Jesus’ stepfather and chosen by God to be Jesus’ earthly guardian. Joseph taught Jesus how to toil as a carpenter. After Joseph died, Jesus took care of His Mother, Mary. By the age of 30, Jesus’ ministry began. He had long realized His reason for being on earth was to teach man his reason for living. Jesus talked the talk and walked the walk in the real sense. He often spoke in parables. His wisdom has never been equaled. At the start of His ministry Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the last prophet to end the line of many prophets from the Old Testament times, transitioning into the New Testament and the life of Jesus. At this baptism, the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were seen and heard together for the first time “Behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon Him. And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well please.’” Jesus then went off into isolation for forty days to be tempted by the devil. When He reappeared among the people, John the Baptist was imprisoned. John revealed to his followers that Jesus was the One Who was to come. John’s few followers turned to Jesus to begin learning from Him. Soon Jesus gathered a small, select group, the Apostles, and promised to build His Church on Peter, whom He selected as their head. He called fishermen, a tax collector, a physician, and others, to become “fishers of men.” For the most part, they instantly responded, dropping everything they were doing. They sojourned and stayed with Jesus everywhere Jesus went. Jesus was constantly on the move, going from place to place; He taught His Apostles and delivered His message to the people who gathered about them, especially around Jesus. He taught them to pray, say “Our Father…” Becoming Man makes Jesus our Brother, God our Father. What a gift! Now and then I read no one knows what Jesus looked like. When I’m asked what Jesus looked like I heretofore only could reference that all you need to do is look at yourself and your neighbor and you’ll know what He looked like. God’s story tells us that we have been made in His image and likeness. What more could we ask for? Recently in an older book, I came upon the description of Jesus by someone who saw him and recorded his appearance. I came upon this quite by chance. It was a pleasant surprise to say the very least. I’d like to share what I read with you and with anyone who will value the story, take a few minutes and ponder it. Here, quoted exactly: “There lives at this time in Judea a man of singular virtue, whose name is Jesus Christ, whom the barbarians esteem as a prophet, but His followers love and adore Him as the off-spring of the immortal God. He calls back the dead from the graves and heals all sorts of diseases with a word or touch. He is a tall man, well shaped and of an amiable and reverend aspect; His hair of a color that can hardly be matched, falling into graceful curls, waving about and very agreeably couching His head, running as a stream to the front after the fashion of the Nazarites, His forehead high, large and imposing; His cheeks without spot or wrinkle, beautiful with a lovely red; His nose and mouth formed with exquisite symmetry; His beard, and of a color suitable to His hair, reaching below His chin and parted in the middle like a fork, His eyes bright blue, clear and serene, look innocent, dignified, manly and mature; in proportion of body most perfect and captivating; His arms and hands delectable to behold. He rebukes with majesty, counsels with mildness, His whole address, whether in word or deed, being eloquent and grave. No man has seen Him laugh, yet His manners are exceedingly pleasant, but He has wept frequently in the presence of men. He is temperate, modest and wise. A man for His extraordinary beauty and divine perfection, surpassing the children of men in every sense.” --Above is believed to have been written by Publius Lentulus, President of Judea in the reign of Tiberius Caesar, 14 to 37 A.D. -- Around this same era, Matthew (3:16, 17 ) recounted “…and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him. And lo, a voice from heaven saying ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased…” It is conceivable that others have taken note of this description because before I discovered this piece my favorite lithographic image, which I possess and display, was always that image described above – in every detail. Let us thank God for Publius Lentulus for recording what he observed so very long ago. As far as I am concerned, Jesus, the Son of God, looked very much like the incarnate man he was meant to be and “in the image and likeness” of God Himself. I feel charged in telling you about Jesus, I am not charged with making you believe it. Parts 2 and 3 will follow in the next two days. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Ephesians 4:32

A Crown of Thorns

2010-10-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

(In the name of The Good News) You nor I could never have endured the excruciating pain we can only imagine Jesus felt, and not for a few minutes, but for hours! Following the evenings Last Supper, and following Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was manhandled and ill treated by the Jewish priests and forced back and forth between different authorities for hours, into the next day. All the while terribly abused, denied and abandoned by His friends. He was physically alone. He knew what was going to happen before it happened. He knew that this mission was God’s plan and that He was on His last leg of His journey Home, back to His Father, our God. Jesus yet had to take our sins and punishment for those sins upon Him. This was about to take place with Pilate trying to satisfy the Jewish priests. Pilate ordered cruel and unusual punishment while proclaiming his own innocence with the blood of this man. Of course, that made history for its outrageousness. The mystery of the Passion is lost in the butchery. The guards were merciless in their scourging and flaying with metal-tipped whips slicing at Jesus’ body. That awful scene would have ended His life right there it seems, if one of the guards, a centurion, had not stopped the flaying; other soldiers sat Jesus up and managed to press a crude crown of thorns down upon His head. And, as prophesized in the Old Testament, “He opened not His mouth.” No one on earth that I know of could take this sort of inhuman treatment without screaming in unimaginable pain, and suffering murderous torture. Yet, Jesus was led on to stand before Pilate and the crowd, with all the welts all over His body from the brutal whipping – and the pain from the Crown of Thorns still penetrating His head, Pilate made the cowardly decision to accede to the priests and crowds’ cry to crucify Jesus. The ritual of Pilate washing his hands, while claiming to be innocent of murdering a known innocent Man, sealed Jesus’ fate. The barbarous soldiers made Jesus, with His body wracked in pain, carry the heavy wooden cross the long way outside the city to the place called Golgotha (meaning Skull Hill) we today, refer to as Calvary. There they stripped Jesus of His clothes, threw Him down to the cross on the ground, actually nailed Him to it. They then raised the cross and Jesus upon it, and dropped the cross into the hole in the ground with such force that Jesus, in all of His already existing, torturous pain, had to feel with the thud or jolt upon all of His body, pulling upon the nails in His hands and feet. As if this horrible treatment wasn’t enough, all of this suffering was followed by taunting and torment, probably from some of the same people whom Jesus may have helped as He walked and talked, and taught and shown so much wisdom and compassion and love among them as recent as a week or so before. We can muse: How soon humans forget, how insincere, superficial man is. All manner of miracles seen and experienced by thousands, were soon ignored. Then, as now, what seems to matter is “What’s in it for me?” Shortsightedness is a sad, common trait among most people in this world. People in general live as though life here is without end. Many find themselves surprised when their end does come. Meanwhile, dying takes on many forms. There is the dying in unbelief, dying in distortion, dying in failing to reason, dying in shame, etc., and literally, dying seems only to happen to other people. Obituaries and cemeteries are for others. How self-deceiving, delusional and grossly self-misguiding this attitude is. I hope there are many people who would like to save themselves from their hopelessness. There are a number of things one can do in this 21st century. What has been written, Moses and the prophets (Lk 16:31), i.e. the Bible, is your best chance for coming back to life from the death of selfishness and sensuality. Save yourself by wanting to know the truth. There is an end for each of us. When that end comes for you, then what? How sure are you about your answer? The Bible can bring you back to care and love again, and recognize God in people. Uncomplicate your daily life, make time to read the word of God in peace and silence; hear the word of God; God is pure love, you have nothing to fear; pray, as you know how. Live God’s word for dear life. Any other way leads to irreversible destruction. Why, you may ask, should I make such a change in my personal life? My reply is simply because you never know how or at what hour you will be called home for Judgment; there are things you need to do while you are here. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life; only by Him can you come to the Father and return home. Of course, you have the God-given freedom to choose the alternative. However, with the Bible you know what to expect. God’s Bible remains unyielding from the ages, and Jesus’ New Testament of the Bible is our most recent Guide. The Bible, God’s word, will not pass away. Alleluia! Jesus’ Resurrection showed us the way, overcame the sting of death, and leads us home. The Bible IS our guide, always will be until God says “Time.” When He alone says that this time as we know it is over, it will be over; the end is His to call, not ours. By our increasing disobedience, we will be the cause for hastening God’s disgust for all of the many things we now do that abhors Him. God’s Love is merciful, not foolish. Jesus, God’s only Begotten-Son, became Man, walked the earth among man. God’s people treated Jesus’ love and His works with inhuman cruelty. Those who really knew Him loved Him, yet showed the weakness of humanity in virtually all possible circumstances. Despite knowing all about man’s weakness, before Jesus ascended to heaven He set the rules for life and living, and brought light into the world where there was only darkness. Jesus’ plan was that of the Father. He was destined to take man’s sins upon Himself to the cross and suffer. He did all of this for love of us. His giving Himself up to death for us, His glorious Resurrection, brought a new way of life into the world. The sin of Adam and Eve brought us death and darkness;Jesus brought us love and Light. If we die before He comes in glory upon the clouds with His angels, we will face Him on Judgment Day, then we shall see Him face to face and render an account for our life in this temporary place called earth. If He comes before Judgment Day, His actions will not only raise the dead and call them forth refreshed, but will separate the worthy from the unworthy en masse. That is why the warning: “Be ready. You know not the time when the Son of Man will come.” In today’s world, there is an apt slogan used in the Air Force that reads, “You can run but you can’t hide.” By Jesus’ death on the cross and His Resurrection, He made all things new. His inhuman suffering Passion and the Crown of Thorns, were voluntary acts of complete obedience to the Father, acts that would bring ignorant, straying peoples back to Him. He is the Light, the Life, and the Way to the Father. No power on earth can ever change that. Before His ascension to heaven, Jesus told His Apostles to go into all the world and proclaim the Good News, promising to be with them until the end of time. Now Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, receiving glory and praise from all who have gone before us worthy of His promises; for those whose time has not yet come, and who know and love Him, and keep His commandments, we pray and praise Him from earth until He calls us home. Upon our death, we will face Him either eagerly or with reluctance. As for me, I live and pray for eternal salvation; for all our Savior did for us I say with Saint John, Come, Lord Jesus! Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom 15:13

Earth, Then and Now

2010-10-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Imagine being able to view earth from a height from between here and heaven, where you see no human, no human activity, nothing man-made upon it – absolutely nothing but earth in its natural form – just as God created it, period. This imagining is earth before the creation of man, and earth created by our Lord God and Master, in its original beauty. The first thing you would see is an unspoiled earth, a beautiful orb among the heavenly universe, free from smog, radiant blue sky with gorgeous clouds to spark the creative imagination, fresh running rivers and streams and unpolluted bodies of seas and oceans of water reflecting the blue of the skies above. Forests, trees (that only God can make) expelling necessary oxygen covering every inch of the globe. Silence everywhere, except for natures sounds punctuating here and there. Slowly, as God fashions the earth sounds would enter the void with the birds of the air, the roars from the animal kingdom, the sounds from flowing rivers, streams, waterfalls large and small, short and steep. The warmth from the sun would shine on all of God’s creations providing essential energy for the growth of all life forms. Night and day would be seen with their purpose, along with the stars and the far distant planets with its major, unspeakable mysteries and awesomeness, a universe that calls attention to itself for it majesty and wonder. All a reminder to future humans of an all-encompassing, self-sufficient place made especially for them to behold and enjoy. Fast forward. Advancements made only these past 50 or so years have brought humanity well outside earths orbit and into space, literally reaching for the stars, as it were. With all of man’s unsolvable ills among cultures and among nations, and severe pollution of this beautiful, planet, whether or not it is prudent to reach heavenward is not for such as I to say. However, I ask, why? What can we do better elsewhere that we cannot do right here on earth? If the Good God allows man to achieve the incomprehensible, who will go into space to live nearer to the stars? Who will not be allowed to venture skyward to reside in a new place? Not everyone will be capable of escaping whatever it is those who envision a future on earth want to escape. It seems to me to be a case of “jumping ship” or, rather than admit that earthly problems among humans cannot be solved, they would occupy their minds with aspirations of “another place” away from here. Of course, this future speculation is far ahead in the unknowns of time – or is it? Let us remember that not so long ago we were just thinking about flying. For centuries ships were primarily for crossing oceans; airplanes now break the sound barrier without thought. Many seagoing vessels are for entertainment, some ships are now nuclear powered, and tremendously huge in size. Yes, we have even had men go to the moon - more than once. We need to put these advances and those that spring up virtually every day, in service for the good of all humanity, right here on earth, instead of planning an escape from earth. I mentioned that man has gone to and actually landed on the moon. We have been blessed by the foresight of astronauts who have taken pictures of earth from the moon; pictures which showed us the natural, multicolored planet on which we live. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and awe inspiring, sufficient to make anyone, no matter who he is, to think about earth to be as beautiful as anyone could describe. God, in His infinite mercy and goodness knows what He is doing. Undeniably, He has blessed earth with abundance, anticipating and fulfilling our every need. God especially guided freedom-loving men to come to these shores to form a land of Freedom and Liberty called America. These men did so under divine guidance. History tells us it was not without terrible cost. Today we not only have an unsettled globe but unbridled treachery, unnatural human frailty, in the best and worst of men; we are now in the process of allowing the unraveling of America’s historic past (deserving to be copied), by men elected to govern on behalf of the masses, men who have lost their way, choosing between good and evil. The devil is in the details. Sadly, the earth our Creator designed for us is in a self-destructive, ugly mode. Let us pray. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Gal 6:3

Been Thinking

2010-10-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder about things that just makes you wonder? Try these: A. Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle? B. Do you ever wonder why you gave me your email address? C. Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup? D. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from. E. If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests? F. Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway? G. If “Jimmy cracks corn..”and no one cares, why is there a song about him? H. Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, “I think I’ll squeeze these dangly things and drink whatever comes out? I. If you are home alone, do you still close the bathroom door? J. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? K. In the 60’s people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal. L. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. M. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. N. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing. O. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. P. Healthy is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. Q. Life is sexually transmitted. R. There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead. S. I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes. T. Why did Kamikaze (suicide) pilots wear helmets? Thanks for visiting. - Bob Eph 5: 1-17

Children Are Quick

2010-10-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Art Linkletter, famous for recognizing humor in children and reporting it, missed some of them that arise periodically. The following came to me via a hand-me-down. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did for the few minutes that I needed to briefly change the course of my thinking: T + Teacher S = Student C = Class T: Maria, go to the map and find North America. T: Correct. Now class, who discovered America? C: Maria T: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? S: You told me to do it without using tables. T: Glenn, how do you spell ‘crocodile?” S: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L T: No, That’s wrong. S: Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it. T: Now Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating? S: No sir, I don’t have to, my Mom is a good cook. T: Clyde, your composition on ‘My Dog’ is exactly the same as your brother’s, did you copy his? S: No sir. It’s the same dog. T: Harold What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested? S: A teacher. T: Donald what is the chemical formula for water? S: H I J K L M N O T: What are you talking about? S: Yesterday you said it is H to O. T: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn’t have ten years ago. S: Me! T: Glen why do you always get so dirty? S: Well, I’m a lot closer to the ground than you are. T: George Washington not only chopped down his father’s cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louis, do you know why his father didn’t punish him? S: Because George still had the axe in his hand? Thanks for visiting. - Bob Eph 5: 1-17

Listening to Your Conscience

2010-10-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as a child born badly. God does not create any thing or any one evil. God, pure love, creates only good. Man fails in following God for reasons of his own making and reasons of others’ interference. From the beginning of time, each of us has had an instinctive awareness of the existence of God and of our own mortal soul. We can ignore it for a time, but eventually we realize the truth, and we decide our fate,our eternity by our actions. It has been said that conscience is one avenue God uses to commune with man, His creation. Trifling with your conscience (which tells you right from wrong), trying to reason with it to make it come around with your preference rather than what your conscience tells you, is often the cause for ignoring God, your heavenly Father. Your relationship with God ought not to be set aside because you do not understand God’s providence. For God’s law see Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, there are only slight variations between them. The First of the Ten Commandments instructs us: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength, and have no other gods before Him. You may ask, “what other gods?” That would mean anything or anyone that you place before and above God Himself. To obey the first commandment we need to know our God. If you do not open and read His Holy Book there is no way you can fulfill the command to know Him; there is no way you can understand and obey the other nine commandments so vital for an orderly, peaceful heart and mind, and eventually attain eternal life with Him in heaven. There is no other way. The risk of loss is greater than you have given time to imagine. Not paying attention to your conscience has consequences that interfere with, even distort, your normal thought process. At risk, each time you try to make an excuse for not listening to your conscience, is erosion of your mental peace. What peace you may have had becomes corrupt. In time,if God graces you with more time,a behavioral change is necessary to recapture the peace previously enjoyed in your age of innocence – i.e. before you began negotiating with your conscience to have your way. It is not hard to understand that when you ignore your natural conscience your life takes a detour. This can be temporary; however, if you never learn it becomes permanent,with self-condemning consequences. This danger need not be the situation. Listen and follow your conscience when it instinctively tells you right from wrong, you will be confident you are doing what is natural. Then enjoy peace of heart and mind as meant to be. You cannot put a price on this condition. The more you obey your natural instincts, plus the more you learn about our God, the more you will come to know Him and love Him while in this world, and be ready to be with Him in eternal bliss in the next. † Thanks for visiting. - Bob Mt 10:29-33

All is Vanity

2010-09-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

“There is an appointed time for everything, a time for every affair under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die…” Poetic. The meaning is that things are going to happen when they are going to happen. Perhaps the best lesson we can take away from Ecclesiastes is that you don’t know what you have till it’s gone. You won’t appreciate the “after” if you don’t remember the “before.” In this respect, we are talking about how it was before Jesus Christ. Then was darkness, confusion, misery, disorder, etc., where Jesus brought us out of the darkness and into the light, teaching us how to live and explaining the reason for living. Before Jesus, God graced Solomon to be the wisest man in the world. Solomon’s treatise dealing with life as vanity, found in Ecclesiastes, provides an abundant source of logical references about life and living. Despite our resistance to the facts, the subjects of life and living are always timely, but especially now in our frantic, accelerated pursuit for the toys of our times, making them gods. “Where your heart is there will your treasure also be.” Ecclesiastes (Old Testament), though comprised of 12 chapters, is only about eight pages, and holds much meaning for everyone and every age, time immemorial. If you ever opened an encyclopedia to search on a subject and found yourself unintentionally perusing related or other subjects, you can expect similar to occur when you open up to Ecclesiastes. In fact, may I recommend that you read Ecclesiastes in a moment of quiet and solitude? Doing so will have your mind comparing then, B.C., with A.D., and now, in this 21st century called the “modern era.” A time easily described by the word “folly.” So much of what you read will make you think outside of your normal routine. Many, because of how times and human practices can change the mentality of individuals, mostly for personal preference, may even think some of Solomon’s writings strange, incomprehensible. For those who maintain their sensibilities about themselves, in essence, you should find yourself agreeing and thinking how logical and sensible Solomon’s findings, conclusions and discernments about everything being “vanity of vanities” are. For your best reading, your Bible should contain footnotes that refer, compare or explain. Also, try to make your Bible the oldest you can have. (This will keep the number of modern writers’ interpretations to a minimum, in their attempt to update today’s Bibles.) If need be, it would be helpful to you to understand the different shades of meaning for the word “vanity.” You would do well by opening up your very best dictionary and look it up. You should discover more than a simple definition, quite a few in fact. With a good grasp on the word, you should reasonably be able to keep up with Solomon’s treatment of the subject. Read how he says vanity applies to man and the world. Learn. Enjoy! Thanks for visiting. -- Bob II Tim 4:2

Don't Fight Problems Alone

2010-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

There is a Light at the end of this earthly road, a Light that beckons you every day that you live and breathe. If you are like most people, you pay scant attention to this Light – that is, until you experience weakness in sickness, or have found yourself with a problem or many problems that you find wearing you down. You do not need to fight problems alone. You may not realize, or do not want to admit, that your peace of mind and heart are disturbed by the choices you make. With God far from your thoughts, you have chosen to face your problems without Him. He wants you to lean on Him, but you do not give Him any thought. Do you not know that without God, your Father in heaven, you can do nothing? Has anyone not told you that your body is God’s temple? He lives in you. You can ignore Him, and He still lives in you. He is the Light of the world. We are to reflect His light; that is our mission. Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” About six hundred or so years ago, Thomas a’ Kempis, of The Imitation of Christ, reminds us that “Without the Way there is no going; without the Truth there is no knowing; without the Life there is no living.” Do you grasp that the preceding words describe for us the picture of life itself? Read these words repeatedly until you come to understand. It should be important to all who live and breathe so they will understand that you are not alone. God the Father made us, but Jesus, His Beloved-Son, also our Brother, is our Friend. Such is their Nature of Love. How you live your life determines whether He remains in you or not. You can make your light shine before men; you can make the most of the Best He has to offer by giving Him some of your time. Speak with Him, grow in Him, tell Him what you want Him to do for you. You will not surprise Him because He knows and sees all – all of the time. This may be your first step in praying (in your own words) to your Creator, and the Creator of all that is seen and unseen. He loves you unconditionally, you are His, whether you acknowledge that fact or not. On the other hand, you may be one that prays, “Savior, I’ve no one else to tell and so I trouble thee, I am the one that forgot thee so, do you remember me?” (Emily Dickinson) Come to Him in the sanctuary of your heart; talk with Him as His child that you are, and as a child talks with his attentive, listening parent. The Light of the world will never be too busy and is always there for you, even to the end of the road of life. Now you know why I say, you do not need to fight problems alone, nor walk the road of life alone. Turn to Him right now. He will delight in hearing from you, His son or daughter. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Philippians 1:3

"Drug"

2010-09-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

As it was brought to me... The other day someone at a store in town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when we were growing up?" I replied that I had a drug problem when I was young. I was drug to Church on Sunday. I was drug to Church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials, no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the precher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in the garden and flower beds,and cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family,friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop firewood, and, if my Mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a whole lot better place. God bless the parents who drugged us. Thank you for visiting. - Bob Eph 3: 16-19

Making the Sign of the Cross

2010-09-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

By R. R. Soucy, (First written May 27, 2008;revised Sept 23,2010) Two Clarifications Needed Right Here This topic, making the sign of the cross, is addressed here as we, lay people, generally exercise it, and not as a Sacramental of the Church, as found in the official publication of the Holy See, known in English as the Raccolta (#678). Another clarification is my use of the word Christian. As best as I can put it, I apply the use of the word Christian for this article to mean persons baptized with the Holy Spirit, belonging to a denomination participating in ecumenism endeavors, and Catholic Christians. On the other hand, there is nothing I know of that would deter anyone reading this piece from adopting for themselves what they find here. The choice is always yours. >>>>><<<<< The sign of the cross is a confession of faith in Christ crucified, made by a cruciform gesture on one’s body. What a brief, beautiful prayer with imagery it can be! Made respectfully with the tips of the fingers and thumb of the right hand held together, deliberately, slowly, and aware of the movement from the forehead, breast, left and right shoulders. The words that accompany the gesture, slowly, understandably uttered (orally or mentally, as appropriate), visualized and felt, come alive with full of meaning. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the utmost, and first in the life and death of a Christian. The gesture is somewhat altered in different countries of the world. Simplified or otherwise, normally said, are “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. Those words are the centuries old, accepted Sacramental Form, a confession of faith and an acknowledgment of the Three Divine Persons in the One God. At Mass before listening to the Gospel reading, we make the sign of the cross in small form on the brow, lips and breast. Just prior to the reading, appropriate words (referring to the Gospel reading), such as, “In my mind, on my lips, and in my heart” welcome receiving the word of the Lord. Regrettably, many Christians make the sign of the cross with such haste they have no time to say the words with loving thought, feeling and meaning. I fear that this has become automatic, i.e. second nature for them, bordering on disrespect, disrespect through carelessness. When we give God our attention, He wants 100% of it. He does not want us speaking (praying) to Him while simultaneously looking around and thinking about someone or something else. That is not only wrong it is rude, toward anyone, let alone God. Paying Attention If you have read thus far, I will be bold and urge you to check your habits to consider your manners in the Presence of God, especially in God’s house of prayer, launching into prayer with the sign of the cross. Mass is not a social hour. There is a saying that if Elvis Presley were to enter the room, all would stand. If Jesus were to enter the room, all would kneel. (For once, someone got it right.) This simply means pay attention to your sacred surroundings and conduct yourself in a manner befitting of where you are. The sign of the cross, carefully executed, will help you do that. How wonderful it is to feel and act as though you are alone with God and in the presence of His angels and saints. It is a time to carry and place your prayerful heart and soul into God’s sanctuary with full attention and all your love and adoration; the blessed moments of silence, combined with the holy actions of God’s Minister, accentuate the spiritual sense. The deep sense of connection to the wonders of the invisible world is awesome. The sign of the cross has led us, in concert with the angels and saints, to rendering glory and praise to our Almighty God. Some things should never change and this is indeed one of them. How to Break a Bad Habit If you are one of many that hastily make the sign of the cross without thinking, or as if you were swatting at a fly, allow me to suggest another form until you break yourself of the “rushing” habit. This long form will almost certainly slow you down and help you begin to realize what you are saying and doing. You most probably will begin to realize that you can truly enjoy being present in God’s House, and glean something new from the readings. You may even ponder upon these words suggested here and know their ultimate meanings. You should truly enjoy the living images that the words you say slowly bring to mind. I learned this many years ago and say it now and then, in solemn moments, when reminding myself that it is the thing to do. As you raise your hand and fingers, and you purposely gesture making the sign of the cross, say aloud or to yourself: “In the Name of the Father, Who made me, and of the Son, Who saved me, and of the Holy Spirit, Who pours out Their Love in me.” Amen. Pause long enough between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to imagine: God seated as on a cloud above the earth, with scepter held in one hand, gazing down upon us, His children. The Son nailed with crude nails to the wooden cross, suffering horribly, having taken our sins upon Himself, the crown of thorns upon His head, His body wracked in terrible pain and drenched in blood. View the Holy Spirit of Love, as a Dove or as a Tongue of Fire, in some manner, perhaps hovering over someone you love or care for. The Christian that I picture in my mind as I write these words would have little trouble visualizing the roles of the Creator, His beloved-Son, and their Love in the Holy Spirit. Because of the First Commandment, the Christian knows God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It may be just a matter of thinking on these things to make them substantive. This form, because it is unusual, should make you stop and realize where you are, and it ought to help you think about what you are doing and saying. I hope that you may even take a more fervent part in the Mass, if that is your Christian life. If you are unable to conjure up suggested imagery, or you do not understand the meanings of the imagery in your mind, you should seriously consider a good Gospel Study Group or, at the least, begin reading the New Testament. In either case, supplement your pursuit with acceptable iconographic material to help resolve your inability or lack of understanding. A visit to a Christian Book Store and browsing therein should reveal quality prayer books and prayer cards, and such. (Tread cautiously; bring a friend or relative to discuss things with if you are so inclined.) I say one other sign of the cross occasionally. I will share that with you as well. You can say, “In the name of the Father, Creator, of the Son, Savior, and of the Holy Spirit, Loving Sustainer.” Amen. Please understand that these variations are for your private prayer utterance only. Do not expect to hear them said in a community setting where it is best for you to use the normal, Sacramental form. This last sign of the cross says precisely the same thing as the long form in different words, perhaps with a wee bit different imagery. Only you can respectfully put your imagination to work. Confirmation and Communion Each sign of the cross, delicately expressed is a confirmation of belief in the Blessed Trinity,with the “Amen” meaning, “so be it.” In effect, you could consider a proper, respectful sign of the cross a prayer in itself, done in a brief amount of time available to you. A prayer when that is all the time you have now, wherever you may be. How wonderful to have that Christian prerogative, and to know what you are doing. We always make the sign of the cross as best we can, depending on our physical condition, before we speak with God, that is, before morning and evening prayers and throughout the day wherever we are; before and after meals in thanksgiving. As we raise our eyes to heaven in a plea, in gratefulness, in thanksgiving for answering prayers, in prayers for someone, in joining fellow Christians in community prayer, etc. When you commune with God, you do so alone or with relatives and loved ones, and others not of the immediate family. Nevertheless, especially powerful it is when two or more are gathered together in prayer; Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there Am I in the midst of them.” No Real Reason Why You Don’t As I pen these words for the word processor and eventual placement on my Blog, it occurs to me that we may have readers that do not make the sign of the cross. Should that be the case for some of you, I am quite certain that there can be no reasonable explanation other than that you just do not do so. It may be that you never cultivated the gesture, never incorporated it into your life; perhaps it is because a spiritual leader failed to recognize its power. It could be that the practice was broken for some reason. I pray that soon changes in your life and you move closer to your God with genuine confession. I look forward to every day to learn something new from someone or some thing. That is to say, that today you can learn from this article a beautiful manner of expression toward our God. Christians, though righteous in many ways, always have more to learn. For you this article could be a learning moment of a mighty act. Go ahead find God’s peace and comfort in your mind and heart as you lovingly make the sign of the cross. I have been “around the block” a few times in my lifetime; I have been around long enough to recognize unexplainable differences disguised as excuses in Christian congregations and worship. There is little to no valid excuse for these differences among Baptized Christians. Right now, I remind myself that there are approximately 30,000 different protestant denominations, each making up their own private manner of worship. None of them present on earth from the beginning of Jesus’ time when He alone started His Church. As it is said, “the rest is history.” So many unhappy (or otherwise inclined) individuals cause break away or new denominations, one started every time you turn around it seems, certainly places us far from the unity that Jesus prayed to the Father for. You would think that if God is our Father and therefore Jesus is our Brother (of which I have no doubt), that we could at least agree on the sign of the cross. Many Christian groups (I do not know how many), have a cross on their church structure, some have a cross inside their building, others wear a cross on their person, and others around their necks. Even some of the “off the wall,” devil’s advocate Hollywood celebrities (I pray for them) abuse the cross, worn with their obscene attire. Why,what is with the cross? What manner of expression is associated with the cross? I know of none, except for the Catholic Christian. I cite the “cross” because it is not a crucifix with the image of our Brother,Jesus. Someone long ago apparently, made an erroneous, cruel distinction and others blindly followed. So I can ask why have crosses at all if you do not acknowledge its representation, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? In summary to this paragraph, I say, it is long overdue, not too soon to start saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. What Matters The most important thing is to know what you are doing and why. Reflect on the meaning of what you are doing when making the sign of the cross. (This is not the same as knowing why.) Understanding the significance of the sign of the cross will see your Christian life grow stronger and more durable. You never know about tomorrow. Unable to know where in the world my Blog is read, my closing words are to accommodate even the most hardened heart against Christianity. Be wise and learn that it would be better for unbelievers to believe and find out God did not exist, than to not believe and find out that He does. Consider the God-inspired Holy Bible and strong, historical accounts of the ages; I would say the odds are in the favor of the believer. Besides our God is pure Love and Love does no wrong. Those of you that are Christian, I once again urge you to make the sign of the cross deliberately, with proper feeling, gratefulness and unrivalled respect. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob Eph 3:16-19

Feast of the Holy Cross

2010-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Annual Feast Day: September 14 In 2004 I wrote this article, an adaptation from an older work. The message remains as needed for the many that know not the story it relates. I am humbled, on my birthday, to share this history, as my present,with as much of the world that will take the liberty to read it and gain some insight into the Leader of Christianity and of the world. When the Sacred Body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross and carried to the grave on Calvary, the Cross on which He died was thrown into a ditch or well, and covered over with stones and earth, so that the followers of the Crucified Redeemer might not find it. Almost three hundred years later (312 A.D.), Constantine the Great, not yet a Christian, while battling with Maxentius for the throne of the Roman Empire, prayed to the God of the Christians to aid him in his struggle. In answer to his prayer, a luminous cross, or monogram of Christ appeared in the heavens bearing the inscription: “In This Sign Thou Wilt Conquer” In gratitude for victory, under this banner, over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge, on October 28, 312, Constantine had the Sign of Christianity placed on the Roman standards and on the shields of his soldiers. Then came the finding of the True Cross at Jerusalem by St. Helena in 326, commemorated…on May 3rd. In the year 614, Chosroes II, King of Persia, invaded Syria and Palestine, took and sacked Jerusalem, carrying off, with other treasures, the great relic of the True Cross. The emperor Heraclius of Constantinople, at the head of a large army marched into Persia, forced the Persians to sue for peace and to restore the Sacred Cross, which Heraclius piously brought back to Jerusalem in 629. When he reached the city gate on the way that led to Calvary, the Emperor laid aside every robe and mark of royalty, and clothed in sackcloth of penance and barefoot, carried the Cross up the ascent of Calvary and restored it to its place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This event is commemorated by the Church on September 14th in the feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Two-thousand years ago Christianity became the spirit of Jesus Christ at work in the world. Jesus gave us His spirit (1 Jn 4:13). Dear Lord, "by Your Holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world." Thanks for visiting. - Bob Gal 6:3

Notes of Wisdom #9510

2010-09-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ricochet Bob repeats from April 13, 2010 these nuggets passed on to him by an associate that had other intentions besides sharing the wisdom contained in these words. I share with you, as it may be just what you need to think on at this point in your life. Let us see, shall we. Summarily listed: 1. To get something you never had you have to do something you never did. 2. When God takes something from your grasp, He’s not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. 3. You may roam where angels fear to tread, but God will never take you where He will not protect you. 4. There comes an unspecified point in your life when you begin to realize: • Who matters, • Who never did, • Who won’t anymore, • And, who always will. So, don’t worry about people from your past,there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Gal 6:3 In God we Trust

Going to Heaven?

2010-09-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

It was in the TV News or on the radio recently that I saw or heard a report that said 80 percent of the people today believes they would go to Heaven. Say what!

It is right about here that I am strongly urged to say: “I don’t think so. I have real doubts about that”

The first thing to come to mind is that these people who think they will go to heaven is that they know not about Heaven, may even need to dust off their Holy Book and begin to visit its pages and discover how the Bible applies to them personally, and those they love. No Bible? Seek out a Bible Study Group. One that is devoted to the Bible and not concerned with interpretations among different denominations. Take care of yourself and the Truth will surface in your heart and mind along the way.

Those that pursue learning what they ought to know, will learn that for the most part the Bible guides us in this life and tell us about the past and the future. Without knowing about Heaven (our concern here), what they “think they believe” will be but a terrible, irreversible disappointment.

This disappointment will be especially true if called home without taking the necessary time to change their ways as discussed in this article. The danger is that we do not know when our time on earth will end – and it will end; perhaps even today, tonight, tomorrow, next week, next year. Only God Who knows every hair on your head is aware of your time here. It is prudent to be spiritually prepared. Merely believing that you will go to heaven is a delusion, does not make it so, period.

The second thought is that should they take the necessary time to read and learn about Heaven, they will learn of the need to change their moment-by-moment lives to get on the correct path leading to salvation and eternal life. These means accepting the existence of the unseen world more than superficially, and respectfully enter the Sanctuary of God’s House and actually worship Him Who calls to you in the recesses of your heart and mind.

Too many people tend to believe that all they need to do is call themselves Christian and that will be good enough to go to Heaven. Where such an idea comes from is anyone’s guess, it probably derived its origin from beguiled, progressive or modern thinking.

The entire Christian population needs to back up and start all over. Jesus said: “I solemnly assure you, no one can see the reign of God unless he is begotten from above,” meaning born again with a new, heavenly nature (Jn 3:3). Jesus continues to knock on the door of our lives. If we open to Jesus through true, lively faith, He enters, throws the devil out of us and gives us a second birth (Lk 4:35).

We need that new birth now, beginning in seminaries and places of pastoral and ministerial training, practicing priests, pastors and ministers, in fact all Christian clergy, regardless of echelon, degrees or level or denomination. Too many clergy are or have become likely more interested in their popularity and conduct their vocation with that aim. That all-important deportment of humility is absent. The expense of that is not pasturing their flock in imitation of Jesus Christ, Whom, in their ministerial duties, they are suppose to represent.

Worship is worship, no ifs and or buts. There ought to be no room for presentations, jokes, floor shows, or favorite this or that. A natural likable personality can be gained by being effective in and attending to God’s work, not actively sought after.

Back up and renew everyone’s reason for believing, everyone’s reason for having faith, everyone’s need to understand the reason and meaning of his or her Baptism. Revisit the meaning of holiness and sacredness, and make true the House of God the House of Prayer, a solemn Sanctuary that it is, and feel the unseen world therein during Holy, Sacred celebrations experienced in punctuated holy silence.

Most Christians need a new beginning to know our Holy God, our Father in Heaven. Why they are here and where they are going. They think they know; most people have no idea why they (think they) believe. Just ask them. Those that do know why they have faith and believe, have no problem in humbly obeying the first commandment.

Proof of Ignorance By Contemplation

Those who erroneously believe they are going to Heaven can begin learning the Truth by dissecting the prayer Jesus taught us. He said: “Say, Our Father, Who art in heaven…” Seek out, word for word their meanings; cling to and contemplate each word. Starting with this prayer will lead you to other meaningful aspects of your Christian duty, as taught in the very first of God’s Ten Commandments. (The first three concern love of God and the other seven love of neighbor.)

Jesus, Who came to teach us how to live, summed up man’s duties toward God by saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greater of the first commandment” (Mt 22:37, 38; Lk 10:27…). Luke adds “…and all your strength.” Taking each commandment and pondering upon them one at a time, progressing through the ten, will reveal to everyone how far we have strayed from God.

Recognizing and admitting disobedience to God’s Law would erase the 80 percent of people falsely believing that upon their death they would go to heaven. These 80 percent would probably see in themselves as King Solomon did, that chasing after pleasure, money, wine, houses, possessions, etc., was all vanity and grasping for the wind. Those pursuits, he said, were empty – “vanity of vanities” (Eccl 2:1-11). Solomon wisely concluded “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl 2:12, 13).

Years ago, in my early days of the Church when silence made for a beautiful, focused Mass, and hymns of praise meaningfully and effectively placed, we got the lively idea that hardly anyone but saints went to Heaven. Over the past 70 years, the reality of heaven and hell has thawed to a somewhat more reasonable understanding. God’s Law and the Bible remains our guide, but their power has met with careless attitudes by people of all ages.

Today, as in the past, our innate desire to know God and our duty to Him, and the pursuit of that desire seems to be obscure. Now, to better understand what we are to do, we can delve into the Bible more intelligently, rationally, giving more thought to God’s Will and to Biblical passages, always keeping God’s love for us uppermost in mind.

A relevant example of such a passage is when “a certain man asked Jesus: “Lord, are they few that are saved?” Jesus said: “Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able” (Lk 13:23, 24). Matthew 22:14 reads: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The Heart of the Matter

Let us be honest and not deceive ourselves. Here is why 80 percent of the people believing they will go to Heaven cannot enter. To live in heaven is to be with Christ. For that blissful moment to occur one needs to die in God’s grace and friendship. Should I repeat that? No. You read it again. To have God’s grace and friendship means being without stain of sin. God is repelled by sin, regardless of how we try to color it. We cannot gloss over thinking sin is not serious; all sin repel God. Heaven is not open to anyone at any cost – only by love and total obedience to God’s law. King Solomon got it right, not right away, but he got it before it was too late.

Our Society Is Sick

Infecting our society are matters that prove our powerlessness to stop, disunity may be the cause of our inability to overcome evil. We must stop what is happening if we are to survive and reach our heavenly goal. There is plenty of evidence that convicts us: Four thousand surgical abortions daily, even more daily chemical abortions. American Christians cannot stop abortion, cannot get pornography off prime-time TV, cannot slow down the flood of drug abuse, cannot even get several states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, just to name a few.

Too many people, those in authority and the common man, are complicit in our downward spiral, our population has become impotent, indifferent, apathetic. Only constant teaching at any cost, a return to the basics of right versus wrong is urgently needed. I envision that this may cause a separation between believers and nonbelievers. What will be will be, but we must try to reverse the present trend that leads to hell.

Christianity Is Hard Work

Our Creator knows our weak human nature and sees our personal struggles. Jesus instructs us, “Be holy as your Heavenly Father is Holy.” For this reason getting to Heaven requires more than wishful thinking, it takes work, often, hard work that serious, baptized Christians understand and humbly accept. However, to believe in, know a truth, and ignore it works against the Christian’s conscience. There are no short cuts. Jesus did not take any short cuts for love of us, we ought not to look for any for love of Him.

The gate to perdition (Hell) is wide and the gate to eternal life (Heaven) is narrow. God has given us the freedom to choose our eternal destiny without any interference on His part. He would rather that you return home to Heaven, to salvation and Eternal Life with Him, than enter the everlasting fires of hell and destruction as a reward for freely siding with the Devil. That is always your decision to make. Judgment is between you and God alone, no one will stand with you to speak for you. The moment of Judgment, according to your transitory life here, is final.

Only Through Jesus

In reality, our time on earth is truly brief. Deciding whom you will follow is urgent, and cannot be overemphasized. Getting to Heaven is not automatic, as many people have strangely come to believe. Jesus said the way to the Father is through Him, He is the Light, the Truth, and the Life. There is no other way. Only the Truth will set you free. Set your sights on things above. Only joy can come of it.

The One Thing Needful for Mercy

If there was a secret for returning home to Heaven (there is no secret, however), it would be this:

If you persist with honest effort to Love Him Who created you, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, know and live by His Laws (the Ten Commandments), you also will know (or discover) that our Merciful God asks of us not sinlessness but persistent diligence.

Thank you for visiting. - Bob Rom 15:13

Grief

2010-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Comfort for Heartfelt Pain (By R. R. Soucy, RC) Dear heart-stricken mourner, Jesus knows the grief and anguish you feel. He knows the desolation of your spirit and its yearning after a solace this world cannot give. As you go to the grave of your beloved, let not your tears blind you, neither hang down your head that you may not see that Jesus has come to sustain you. Hear His gracious, loving voice from beside the tomb reminding you, “I am the Resurrection and the life.” Your beloved’s earth sojourn is over and has lead to a life hereafter. Your beloved is not dead, s/he died to live. His (or her) believing soul lived with Christ here, now is with Christ, while his Christian dust is sleeping until he will rise immortal, glorious, and incorruptible at the resurrection of the last day. (Be aware that God sees inside man’s heart while we see only outwardly.) All of your love, watching, and anxious care could not save him from sickness and suffering – and the tomb; but the love of Jesus has delivered him from all, and taken his soul up to prepare him for that sinless, sorrow less home. There, God promises there shall be no more death, no more crying, no more anxiety or disappointment, no more pain; for the former things have passed away and Jesus makes all things new. Your loved one’s last breath here in body, was his next, first breath in God’s presence in soul. Look, then, beyond this present scene of your mortal grief; look instead to the home of perpetual bliss. About 2000 years ago Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer, has lain in the tomb and sweetened it for the inescapable sleep of His brothers and sisters (that is you and me). As you stoop to see within the cave, see that our Resurrected Master has been raised up through the everlasting doors to the Paradise of His Father and our Father, destroying the sting of death. There in Paradise is where we are born, to seek, to follow. Frankly, that is our life’s mission. In your time, when your soul draws near the celestial sphere, you will find waiting to welcome you one more radiant than an angel, in whose soul you will recognize you have not lost, but who went before you obedient in faith to our Father’s house. Our lives are meant to be that simple. Man complicates it. Choose. Words of a Christian pondering Paradise for himself could go like this: Consolation If I should die and leave you here awhile, Be not like others, sore undone, who keep Long vigils by the silent dust, and weep; For my sake turn again to life and smile, Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do Something to comfort weaker hearts than thine; Complete unfinished tasks of mine, and I perchance, may therein comfort you. As for my personal experience, I am somewhat comforted knowing that my spouse lived her earthly life in conduct with Christ, in Christ, and for Christ in her heart and mind. Out of a family of twelve siblings I had the pleasure of knowing at least three that lived pious lives in Christ. Armed with such thoughts I am further comforted in believing that Heaven (i.e. Paradise) is as an old prayer states: “…a place of refreshment, light, happiness, and peace.” In such an atmosphere, you can only imagine the possibilities. In my thoughts I pray those souls that are rejoined are full of love (as required before anyone can live in God’s Kingdom), and commune with one another in spirit. For me, my imagination relishes in the idea that loved ones are reunited, meet and talk, may even have tea and once favorite snacks together. Although I do not believe food or drink as we know it is necessary for sustenance; we are, after all, discussing “eternal life, i.e. eternal salvation. This article intends to share with you that which you can discover for your own consolation by delving into Scripture, the Holy Bible of God the Father (the Old Testament) and of Jesus, God the Son (the New Testament). Prayerfully and hopefully, you, too, would enjoy some consolation when you are aware of God-fearing people (i.e. family members, relatives, friends, et al) that went before or after your loved one. Because you honestly believe that they were obedient Christians, you, too, can imagine their being reunited and getting together again in Heaven. Here is what I am saying: A man may go to heaven Without health, Without honors, Without learning, Without friends; but, He can never get to heaven without Christ. Be aware that, as you continue to live and breathe here on God’s beautiful earth, He does not forbid you from dreaming what is possible. Knowing the contents of God’s Guide (the Bible) holds more value for you then you can begin to imagine. Life’s story unfolds with its real meaning. You learn of your true reason for living. You come to realize that there is more to life than what you see around you. You may have said to yourself as have countless before you, “There has got to be something else.” There is, and “The Truth WILL set you free.” It is always meaningful before reading the Bible to say a prayer (your own words), humbly acknowledging your nothingness before God, our Creator. While you are at it remember, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). There, I went and said it, "prayer," (your conversation with God). Yes, with the proper attitude the prayer of a righteous man IS powerful and effective. Pray for the souls of your beloved departed that they, in due time, enjoy the promises of Christ. Pray also for strength in living the remainder of your life piously so that one day (when, you do not know), you, too, will be worthy to see the face of God, and be reunited with your beloved. Unfortunately, not everyone reading this tract will accept these suggestions. That is tragic, but understandable, considering that stubbornness and sin of pride is human nature. Jesus said the gate to Paradise is narrow while the gate to perdition is wide. It is written that He made man in His own image, but He also gave man a free will to choose between life and death. No one can change that. We, simple, ordinary people, et al, who work to know and love Him with all our hearts, all our minds, all our strength, are called to share the Good News with all who are willing to listen and learn. While you are living it is always your choice. When your sojourn on earth is over, it is over. There is no way to change the Judgment that is to be, it is final. Ignorance of Scriptures is ignorance of God. In this age to claim ignorance is clearly unacceptable. You are never alone; God knows all and sees all. It is my fervent hope and prayer that with the help and understanding of this article your grief becomes manageable, and that your mind, heart and body become as new. God’s Peace and comfort be with you always, Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom. 15:13

God and America Today

2010-06-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Thousands of years ago, recorded in IV Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15, 18; 25: 1,3,7,9, the Israelites experienced the horrendous and devastating consequences of rejecting God. Today our society, and the world, is following the same path. Why would we expect the results to differ? Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God. Since the time of Jesus’ coming, we have no excuse that would be acceptable to the Almighty. Our only recourse is to try to make the world’s people understand the error of their ways and quickly return to Him. You have a role to fill in helping us get this done. (Copy and forward this Blog to those who would understand, and those who need to know.) What we need is for people to change their hearts and minds, act responsibly, and everyone’s prayers – in their own words, for the conversion of this Nation, to return to its Christian roots. I have seen peoples on entire continents, once unquestionably religious, with the fear of God in their hearts, walk miles, under all weather conditions, to worship in His house (Church), the “house of prayer.” Now they have dangerously turned their backs on Him. The United States is well underway to imitating Europe and other countries where freedom to worship still exists but unexplainably appears to mean nothing to them. Where freedom to worship does not exist we hear and read of Christians persecuted, still dying for their Faith as true martyrs, just as they have for thousands of years. They are the saints among us today marked with the sign of faith. For us in America, if things continue on the present trends, it is just a matter of time. You see, God does not change; man is the one that changes. “In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke…all the commands that the Lord had given him …”(Deut. 1:3). In Deut. 30:15-16, 19, Moses relates God’s command that allows us to choose how we live, along with what to expect from our choice: “Here, then, I have today set before you life and prosperity, death and doom. If you obey the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today, loving Him, walking in His ways, and keeping His commandments, statutes and decrees * ….I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live by loving the Lord your God, heeding His voice, and holding fast to Him….” Daily, our sinful human nature increasingly moves in the direction of death, even pursues death. God knows all and sees all. His love is everlasting, but we must be severely taxing (Read: abusing) His patience. We who are aware of our Creators love for us, and know that He desires that we love Him in return as our Father, recognize this terrible abuse toward Him and pray for His continued patience for all of His children. Our only hope is in Jesus, the Son of God Who walked and lived among us as God Man; Jesus is our only hope. When we live for Jesus alone He breaks the destructive cycle of sin. There is no reason to believe that the utter destruction that happened to the Israelites for rejecting God could not happen to us. Jesus taught us to pray to the Father. Now as never before, pray the Lord to have mercy on us all. * See Deut. 5: 1-21 Epilogue NOTE: The Bible references in the beginning of this article are must reading to grasp the parallel situation that we are in today. Truly, I believe that our destruction as a free people for ignoring God has begun. Most people have already placed the events of 9/11 out of their minds and into the history books. Unexplainable citizens voting that placed destructive rascals in office. Our lack of resolve to protect our borders from the millions of illegal immigrants breaking the law, and those ideologues bent on changing our way of life and taking over our nation with the aid of those in office, is a sure sign of something different happening to our country. The inexperienced Liberal leadership of the irresponsible voters possess an indifferent attitude toward matters of significance affecting America and its people, has earned disrespect for this nation by the countries of the world. The once creeping crud of Red Russia’s Communism over the globe, ended by a miracle promised by Our Lady, the Mother of God, through many years of Christian prayer around the world, was supplanted by the now rapidly moving creeping crud of radical Islam, a false, contrived religion from its birth. In voting, too many millions irresponsibly voted to install liberals in office, hoping to get something for nothing (a human failing). Those elected have an attitude lacking concern for the wishes of the people; aggressively reflect their ungodly views and intentions, affecting virtually everyone, making a shambles out of our Judicial Branch of Government. We accept that Miss Justice is Blind, but now she is crippled, and I pray it not be permanent. The elected unbridled actions, approval and tolerance for inordinate lifestyles, forcing their views on everyone, trying to change our Constitution for their evil long-range plans, making wrong right, and right wrong; purposely plunging the country into unmanageable debt showing no tangible results, and from which it may be impossible for us to recover. Lying, saying one thing and doing something else. In following an unacceptable agenda to change the ideals of this great Nation Under God, we become a nation under the ungodly. Intentionally nominating extreme liberals to sit on our nation’s ultimate court, assures this president of a lifetime of liberal thought to continue to undermine our Supreme Court’s honored, deliberative conclusions for many years. What is more, falsely making an oath of office to protect and defend this nation from enemies both foreign and domestic. Apologizing to foes for our past’s honorable efforts and great, unselfish deeds to heal and mend. There is more. Taking a non-committed stand against those that are dedicated to harm us, and our allies; weakening our nation’s forward defenses through unwise pacts. For reasons not generally known to the American public, something sinister seems to exist in the shadows that deter one or more qualified, righteous, God-fearing leaders to step forward and seek the responsibility of the highest office in the land. Is it fear? Are they being threatened? Why do battlefield leaders retire, write books, and then fade away? The latest military casualty for speaking honestly is General McChrystal. The shame there is that his fellow Generals and Admirals did not have the honest courage and gumption to stand by him and support the truth. Things sheepishly continues as if nothing had happened, and Obama remains none the wiser, cares less. “We the People” must not abandon our individual responsibility to defend and protect this unique nation under God, as our Founding Fathers fought to establish. At the same time, we honor the untold number of dead, maimed and missing Americans around the world. Their sacrifices cause this country, one nation under God, to continue as the beacon of liberty for the world. Jesus said, “No greater love than this, that man lay down his life for his friends.” NOTE: Our proud historical, national archive, since our founding, comes from earlier times, a time of sincere Judeo Christian belief in God, and our country as a whole acted accordingly. People prayed, filled His Churches and synagogues in humble attendance, listened to and acted on Gods words. It is senseless now for our brothers and sisters to be humanly sacrificed in the name of freedom and liberty, while selfishly sinning, and behaving contrary to God’s Laws. He does not condone greed, moral decay, corruption, etc., as one nation under God. God is Love and His tenet is life in Him in liberty and freedom. I believe a direct connection exists in our confusion and failures, thinking that we can continue in our earlier successes without Him. Consider the obvious: Despite possessing the most modern war machinery ever known to man, we are now fighting prolonged battles, without successful endings. Part of the problem is we stopped asking God for His help, thinking we are now smart enough to do everything without Him. That is foolishness. We need to quickly turn ourselves around and again see God as our Creator Who loves us, and sincerely return to Him in our hearts and minds, asking His forgiveness and His intercession in our goals. We need humbly to fill His holy Sanctuary with prayer and reverence once more. Many years ago I penned a thought for the day that read: When we live for God, we live for life; When we live for ourselves, We are living for nothing, for death. These words remain alive in my belief. We must obey Him. We should ask the Lord for obedient hearts instead of our rebellious ones. We must stop doing our own thing as if there were no Ten Commandments; we must let it be done unto us according to God’s will (Lk 1:38). Repent and receive new, spiritual hearts from Him (Ez. 36:26). By God, with God, and in God, we must save ourselves as His children, and save our Christian-formed country. By the grace of God, this country was the light to the world and could be again. It is reasonable to believe that the right person, (one who would be right in the eyes of God), would have the support of God Almighty to make this Nation aright. This I have to believe at this time in our Nations life. We must wait and see, and be responsible in our thoughts, words, and deeds. I beseech you to pray, as I do, for God’s continued patience and mercy on us, and His blessing on America. Thank you for visiting. -- Bob God bless America!

Fatherhood and Brotherhood

2010-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a Father Fatherhood begins in Heaven. When we pray the “Our Father,” we are following Jesus’ teaching. The disciples, aware that Jesus applied Himself to long hours in prayer, said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11:1). Jesus proceeded His teaching by saying, “When you pray, say ‘Our Father Who art in Heaven…” When you pray to the Father as Jesus instructed, you must be mindful to humbly conduct yourself as a child of the One and only God Who created you. This same thought about the Father existed July 4, 1776, as contained in the Declaration of Independence, wherein it reads: “…. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator…” The Our Father and The Declaration of Independence attest to the Christian belief that God, our Creator, is our Father. When you fully realize this, and accept this as fact, then you acknowledge that we are all brothers. That makes Jesus incarnate, the Son of God, and our Brother. What a marvelous thing it is to know and understand this reality. Because God, Creator, is the Father of all, it follows that all men are brothers. If this is so, what’s the problem? Not everyone realizes this fact. Too many do not want to know, for their personal reasons. Others just do not know. As a result, we do not live accordingly, in world peace and love. We talk, we pray, but we do not listen to ourselves, most of us do not understand our lives or how we should live. Furthermore, we do not develop ourselves as we ought, through the reading of Holy Scripture. If we are ever to have a better understanding between ourselves, between races, and nations, Christians must begin early to teach those concepts of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. The framers of our nations guiding principles, giving due credence to our Creator, was founded by God-fearing men on this very idea, in writing, and for all time. Pray. Nothing is impossible for God. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob Eph. 3:16-19

Flag Day, Old Glory, The Red, White, and Blue

2010-06-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Star-Spangled Banner National Anthem of the United States By Francis Scott Key Approved by the Congress of the United States March 1931 You can expect to read much of the history of our Flag now that we arrived at Flag Day, June 14th of each year. All writings may be true, peppered with some fiction now and then, but none truly seriously intended. Instead of my repeating all that you will read or have read, I thought a refresher to be in order. Our population has purged itself from our historical norms that was. For the many, too many, that cannot recall the words to Old Glory’s glory at the outset of its life, permit me to reprint it (as allegedly written and recorded) for all to see. Please feel free to make it a “tear sheet. I.E. make copies for those Americans you love and care for that know not the words penned during the War of 1812. It is a sad thing that we’ve lost most of the parades that once carried (many of) our flag aloft, and in city park gatherings, waving in the breeze of the day; celebrations in connection with this wonderful day, designated as National Flag Day, signed by an Act of Congress August 3rd, 1949. Share these words with family, neighbors and friends, and learn all you can about our flag by reading about it. You could do worse by doing nothing. While I am at this, let me say for those of you that do not know. It is encouraged that you fly the flag every day. They even have flags that you can fly in inclement weather. However, out of respect, do not fly the flag at night without a light shining upon it. See, it is that simple to pay your respects to all who have made it possible for you to be proud of your flag and to hoist it up to be proudly seen. More human blood has been spent for the love of this flag and the Republic for which it stands, and for Liberty and Freedom for the people that live in this Republic, than for any other known flag in existence. That is why today you can comfortably and freely read these words with grateful thanks and heartfelt emotions, (respecting the punctuations) and share them with the ones you love. -- Bob Soucy, June 13,2010 The Star-Spangled Banner (Our National Anthem) Oh! say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly wee hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen thro’ the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream. ‘Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave! Oh! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation, Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n-rescued land Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! By government permission the United States flag is kept flying continuously over Key’s grave at Frederick, Md., and over Fort McHenry. At San Francisco, California, a great statue of Key looks out over the Pacific. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob God Bless America

Missing In America Project (MIAP)

2010-06-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

You may find this hard to believe but it is a sad fact. And it is likely that you can make a difference. Really, you may be able to do something good by learning about this project right where you are. And you can share this information as a point of information with everyone you know. No kidding. Just put on your thinking cap and see what happens. Missing in America Project (MIAP) has to do with unclaimed, forgotten, cremated remains, (called cremains) of veterans. Veterans are silently occupying selves of mortuaries, State hospitals, even individual homes of family and friends, et al; Recently I had the occasion of becoming associated with the founder of this honorable movement. A Vietnam veteran himself; Fred Salanti became involved with conducting monthly services at regional and state cemeteries for veterans with no family and no money.

This is when he stumbled across the unrecognized need to bury indigent and forgotten veterans, whose cremains have languished on shelves of funeral homes, mortuaries and state hospitals across the entire United States for decades. Their stories have begun to emerge from the shadows of society's forgetfulness. MIAP and the American Legion have become partners to meet the needs of this project to see that our veterans are honored and given a final resting place.

The MIAP guidelines call for assisting funeral homes with researching all cremains in their possession to find veterans, submitting the cremains’s records to the Veterans Administration Cemetery System for screening for eligibility for burial and notifying funeral homes of cremains eligible for burial. This story of the MIAP is worth your time, as virtually everyone has or had a family member or relative in uniform at one time or another. As families die off, despite all good intentions, cremains of veterans are forgotten, lost, misplaced, etc. Unbelievably, sadly, it does happen, often. After you put on your thinking cap and come up with any idea of any possibility of someone you know possessing cremains of a veteran, please offer him or her, or your local mortuary, this information. Your concern for lost veterans that have served our country would be invaluable in leading to their burial with honor and respect.

If you, or anyone you know would like to become involved with the local MIAP effort (nearest you), contact Fred Salanti via email at ducpho@miap.us

Thank you for visiting. - Bob Eph 4:32 and 5: 1-17

The Sabbath-Day

2010-04-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

One set of dictionaries (2 volumes), the oldest that I possess (I love dictionaries), was first copyright in 1927 and last copyright 1956. Another dictionary, one I refer to daily, was first copyright in 1970 and its latest was 1997. This one, Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Third Edition, claims to be the dictionary used by editors and writers in general. The reason for this explanation is to show how the meaning of a word changes with time and circumstances. The word is Sabbath. The dictionary set has many definitions and explanations, including “…a time or period of rest, quiet, etc.” Also, “the first day of the week (Sunday), similarly observed by most Christians in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ;…” The dictionary I refer to daily contains only two definitions. The second reads: “…Sunday as the usual Christian day of rest and worship…” The differences in explanations and definitions are undeniably significant. The difference mirror the actuality of our application of the meaning of the Sabbath: As a day of rest and religious observance. Now in the 21st century you may scoff at the notion of a day of rest and religious observance, especially the religious aspect. That seems to be the attitude toward religious observance today. Here is my comparison of life’s changes that have become the norm. Until around the late 1940s, it was common on Sunday for retail stores of all types to be closed for the day, specifically for rest and relaxation and religious observance. In fact, following religious services cities and towns appeared deserted. People were either at home enjoying each others company, or visiting relatives and catching up on this and that. It was a time for refreshing the spirit. To a Christian, Sunday is the best day of all the seven. Oh, yes, a true Christian believer loves all seven days, but he loves Sunday most, because it connects him to “The Lord’s Day.” When the Lord’s Day is spent in the Lord’s Presence, we come to learn more of Him and of His will concerning us. We join in worship, in praise, and in prayer, and gain a fresh vision of the Lord and Savior, and our souls revive again. Like the Apostle John, we find ourselves rejoicing in the blessedness of being found in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Moreover, this day reminds us of a finished Creation (Gen 2:3), and of a finished Redemption (Rom 4:24, 25), a double memorial. A reminder that we are saved by a living, loving victorious Savior, and a gracious God, that after six days of toil there should be a day different from the others – a day of rest. Thousands of years after the command “Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath-Day” (3rd Commandment) and the finished Redemption for our salvation, not only do our minds and bodies need this Sabbath for weekly recurring rest, but our souls need the blessing and refreshment of this hallowed Day. More so in our present age as technology has converted more souls from what was once casual, normal activity with time to truly relax and think, to a time of a fast-pace, out of control society, with more meaningless activity as has ever been seen or experienced since Creation. The Sabbath calls us to turn aside from our ways and works, and enter into the Sanctuary of the Lord. Besides God’s Law to “Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath-Day” He says: “Keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Lev 26:2). There is no way to misunderstand that is there? Today too many people I notice do nothing to keep holy the Sabbath-Day. It occurred to me recently that our Government’s (Federal, State, City, etc.) reflect the attitude of the people. After all is said and done, the people vote to send representatives to represent them in the houses of government. Keeping holy the Sabbath-Day is not one of their positions. Even the president seems to have trouble choosing which Mosque to attend, occasionally feigning an interest in a Christian church to appease certain elements. Conversely, individuals that do attend religious services follow services engaging in activities that have nothing to do with rest and relaxation. Countless millions do not participate in, and altogether ignore religious services, instead indulge in all manner of activities, while never, ever giving moments thought to the Sabbath-Day. It was not always this way, on such a grand scale. Society, as a whole, ought to consider that the command to keep holy the Sabbath-Day is but one of the Ten Commandments. We also need to make ourselves, individually, understand that God’s Law is not suggestions, nor are they out of date, as some would like. That said, what you would like do not alter one iota God’s command to “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath-Day (or any of the other nine commandments). Consequences Failing to acknowledge that earth is only a temporary stop in our lives, without consideration for what awaits us in the after life, you may need reminding of heaven and hell. You can disbelieve all you want; it does not change the fact of their existence. On the other hand, there are those who do as they please in this life without regard to the consequences because they have been lead to believe a falsehood. Continue… Are you one of those people who agree with those who believe that there is no such place as Purgatory? If you do agree, then by the very idea that there is no place for purification, most people with sin in their souls are headed straight to the bowels of fiery hell. What? you say. Do you not see that by disagreeing, you are saying you think like most people that have a slight concern for their conduct that you, too, are going to heaven. No way! That is not likely. No one with sin of any kind can enter the kingdom of heaven. God proved that by letting His Son die for us on the cross. Yes, Jesus died taking our sins upon Him to give us a way to salvation. Almighty God would not remove the bitter cup from His Son and save Him because He was drenched with our sins. It was no small matter that God, Who is pure love, could not even look at His Son in that sorry state of sin. By their actions, so-called believers have misinterpreted the why of Calvary and the Crucifixion. They take upon themselves a tremendous, gamble. They gamble that because Jesus died for our sins, they have freedom to do whatever they please, including sin. It is true that God, our Creator, loves us, but He loves His Son, too. Since He could not even look at His Son immersed in sin while in horrific pain on the Cross - why in heaven would anyone think they are better than Jesus is and God will allow them to enter His Kingdom? Impossible! Illogical! A major error; lead by the prince of darkness, Satan himself. No further explanation for the misguided belief needed. No if, and, or but. Those of you that believe you can do as you please, i.e. sin, without consequences, are on the road to perdition. You who are inclined to be children of God and follow His Son, Jesus Christ, desperately need to recite the prayer that is addressed to Saint Michael the Archangel; praying for his defense and protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. To continue on without regard for your eternal salvation is a guarantee of entering the gate that is wide, which most people find and earn while living in this transitory life. Obeying God’s Law and boldly speaking out about God’s love and desires for His created creatures, is not a guaranteed bed of roses; on the contrary, for believers it is a guarantee of conflict with the secular world (i.e. society), but with a peaceful heart and mind – something extremely difficult to acquire without Heavenly aid today. To recognize and achieve this state, you may need to go against the world. A good place to begin is to “Keep holy the Sabbath-Day” and get close to Him Who Is in His house of prayer next Sunday, the Sabbath-Day. Thanks for visiting. -- Bob II Tim 4:2

Human Values Vanished

2010-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Occasionally you hear or read the saying “Life is wasted on the young.” A saying I believe began around 1960. However, it appears that the ‘young’ as referred to here nowadays means a great many people from around age 50 to the present (and as far into the future as can be seen). As I see it, the life wasted on the young deals with loss through disregard for human values now as virtually non-existent by the masses. Decide for yourself. To help you ponder on the truth of our sad loss of human values, I will relate a real, telling story from around 1960. As I pen this article, that equates to a clear 50 years ago. Many years ago, before losing our sense of decency, quality standards and human values, a teacher friend taught young students in a small village school in England. (You could also once apply this same story to any town or city in America.) This teacher had a rule that every student who told a lie in school would receive seven strokes on the palm with a strap. (By the way, this was not a parochial school.) One day a little girl told a lie and was called before the class to receive her punishment. She was a sensitive little thing, and the teacher was very sorry to have to strike her with the strap, but he must enforce the rule. When she received the first stroke her cry of pain went straight to his heart; he could not continue. Yet he could not pass by her punishment. This is what he did: He looked over to the young boys in class and asked, “Is there any boy here who will bear the rest of her strokes?” As soon as his words were spoken, a little fellow called Jim stood and said, “Please, sir, I will!” and Jim went up to the desk and received without a cry, the six remaining strokes of the strap. The teacher then had a vision of a Heart gentler still than that of this brave lad, but gentle with the same kind of gentleness, which filled the teacher’s eyes with tears, and made him close his books and asked his student-scholars to come round his desk. As they surrounded him, he told of the Gentle One who long ago bore the punishment of us all. The story he told them is ours today. This is a touching, human interest story from far gone days, now relished in memory only by those of us who remember America as she was, beautiful and full of human and Christian meaning, from sea to shining sea. How far we have strayed from normal human values is indicative of our gross degeneration, degrading our human race. It would not be possible today to punish a student without someone bringing in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to charge the teacher – and his institution – with some sort of wrong-doing. Nor would it be possible for the teacher to bring his students “round his desk, and tell them of the Gentle One Who long ago bore the punishment of us all.” Nor could the one telling the story, however correct, be able to say: “The story he told them is ours today,” without more charges of “forcing religion” by atheistic students taught by ignorant parents, with the aid of the ACLU and the support of the National Teachers Association and Union. Along with our arrogant Legislators in Washington, these entities are now a great part of our country’s degradation in our once quality values. They no longer are concerned with the decent development of our children as contributors to our society and possible future leaders. Teachers in their groups have been, and continue to be, a subversive element, determined to destroy the greatness of this country by their liberal stance on virtually everything we formerly held dear. Teachers have been engaged in intently causing deterioration in classrooms across this nation long enough for us to take notice of their affects on our society. Leading the way is eroding morals, promoting inordinate, Liberal lifestyles and acceptance of such, abandoning Patriotism, honest American History, World Geography, are but examples. Recent news reported that today’s young students could not even write, they no longer learn cursive writing – and do a terrible job of printing! That is out; text messaging is in. Parent Teachers Association (PTA) need to reenergize their group to care as they did many years ago. It will be no easy task. More and more, the human condition and morals go down the toilet with little to no concern by those who are most likely the ones who ought to care; if moved to care, it is usually too late. Most of the young of 50 years ago (the Woodstock generation) passed on their careless attitude to their young of today. The human values that have vanished leaves us without desirable quality leaders and future leaders. Our last election in 2008 was a strong indication of our lack of leadership; we had no one qualified with the right attitude to be president, selected by either political party. We ended up with a no-nothing, inexperienced president that is making a shambles of our economy, and ignores our country’s historical values, while continuously apologizing and bowing to foreign countries for our history of saving the world through human sacrifice. A president bent on reshaping America’s heritage, trading Freedom for Socialism. We all must face the fact that our elected officials are sent to Washington by our vote. All of those in Washington represent the attitude of the people that send them there. This weakened nationwide condition does not bode well for our beloved America. Unless we renew our purpose as an independent Government with individual liberty and freedom, with quality human values, the end for us as “one Nation under God” will soon be history. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom 13:12-14

Proof of the Easter Mystery

2010-04-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

(Easter Season Article) (For Christianity)

You have heard the adage “Seeing is believing.” You may have used it yourself. What do you think explains that even at the actual time of Easter, living through, watching Jesus’ Passion and suffering, and death on the cross, then actually seeing Him and speaking with Him and eating with Him, you would think there would be no doubt of what Jesus had done. Yet, on the contrary, records reveal that the faith of the Apostles did not spring from credulity or enthusiasm. This is such a story, sorely needing revisiting now, because it is still vital to every created being for their faith and belief that leads to eternal salvation. He appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women, to Peter and to the disciples at Emmaus. Jesus showed himself on the very evening of Easter to the Eleven and to the others who were gathered together with them in Jerusalem (Lk 24:35-48). They believed in the resurrection and were talking about it, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed. He has appeared to Simon.” They just heard the account of the two from Emmaus. Still, when Jesus stood in their midst “they were startled and frightened, and supposed they were seeing a spirit.” The manifestation of the divine so dazzles the human mind that doubt arises spontaneously. Can it be true? Is it my imagination? The doubts, the hesitation of the disciples, is a blessing for us, because their faith was based on objective examination with realistic perception. Jesus helped them himself to realize the truth of things. He said, “See my hands and my feet, that it is myself. Handle me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” They saw, they touched. What can be handled cannot be imaginary. However, the joy of finding their Teacher alive again is so great that they still do not dare to believe. And the Lord, adapting himself more and more to their way of thinking said: “Have you anything here to eat?” He took fish and “ate before them.” His state of glory freed him from all physical need, but he took food to prove the concrete reality of his Person. He is there in their midst in his glorified body, and if his body has special powers, such as unexpectedly appearing and disappearing, it is still his own real body, as is proved by the mark of the nails in his hands and feet, and the wound in his side (Jn 20:25-27). The risen Lord adapted himself in his appearances with wonderful condescension to the state of mind of those to whom he showed himself. He did not treat all the same, but by different ways and methods led them all to the certainty of his resurrection. This is what mattered. The Resurrection is the key to the whole of Christianity, and he wanted to give the newborn Church every guarantee of it, so that down through the centuries the faith of the faithful might rest upon a solid foundation. “The Lord is risen indeed!” Upon this great truth we can each base our own life. Jesus expounded the Scriptures to the Eleven while they were gathered in Jerusalem. It was not enough for them to recognize Him and to believe in his resurrection, they had been witnessing, and what was written of him “in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms” (Lk 24:44). There was complete identification between the Messiah of the prophets and the historical Jesus with whom they had lived and whom they had see die on the cross, and now find risen again. It is this identity that makes their faith and their hope valid. During his earthly life, Jesus had explained these things: “These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you” (ib.), but the disciples had not understood. Jesus, risen, had to “open their minds” before they could finally comprehend what the Scriptures had proclaimed, namely that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead” (ib. 46). It is not hard for me to see that they did not understand. But peoples of today have a greater advantage than that of the Apostles, we have their history, Scriptures in virtually every home, and 2000 Church years. Now, as then, people need to know that if we do not understand the Passion, neither can we understand the Resurrection; and, conversely, the latter explains and justifies the former. For any one who believes in the resurrection of Christ, in which is included and foretold the resurrection of the faithful, the cross is no longer a cause of bewilderment or scandal, neither in regard to the passion of Christ nor to the suffering that enters into each one’s personal life. (You probably ought to stop right here and ponder these words.) The Apostles’ preaching follows the lines traced out by Jesus; an example of this is found in Peter’s discourses, in which there is always a connection made between the Old Testament, the life of Christ, and his resurrection. “The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, (that is to say, the God of the promises), glorified his servant Jesus, (the Savior presented as the servant of Jahweh), whom you delivered up and denied… whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses… What God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled” (Acts 3:13,15,18). This is a synthesis of the history of salvation: from the promises made to Abraham up to the coming of the Savior, and to his passion, death, and resurrection. In his great love, God prearranged and fulfilled all this for the salvation of men “so that those who live, might live no longer for themselves, but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor 5:15). ****** Prayer: O Lord, come into my soul and say to my powers and senses “Peace be with you.” Lord, give me the peace the world cannot give; make peace between my flesh and my spirit, between my interior and my exterior powers; put me at peace with your Father and with my brothers. O Lord, say to my soul: “It is I, fear not,” Finally, O Lord, I beg you to reveal to me, as you did to your disciples, the secrets of Holy Scripture. I confess that my sins make me incapable of understanding them; open for me the book of your mysteries, and open my intellect so that I may understand them and be all inflamed in the fire of your love. Amen.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob "Happy Easter Season to you and yours"

A Deck of 52 Cards

2010-04-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

You may never look at a deck of cards the same way again. (Reformatted and slightly modified from an email I received as “forwarded” April 2, 2010; originating author unknown.) It was a quiet day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines, for some reason hadn’t been heard. The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk. Just then an Army Sergeant came in and said why aren’t you with the rest of the platoon?” The soldier replied, “I thought I’d spend some time with the Lord.” The Sergeant said, “It looks to me like you’re going to play cards.” The soldier said, “No, sir. You see, since we’re not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I’ve decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards.” The Sergeant asked in disbelief, “How will you do that?” The young soldier proceeded to explain: “You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there’s only One God. “The Two represents the Two Parts of the Bible, the Old and New Testaments. “The Three represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “The Four stands for the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. “The Five is for the five Virgins – there were ten- but only five of them were glorified. “The Six is for the six days God took to create the Heavens and the Earth. “The Seven is for the day God rested after His Creation, and seeing all that He had made was good. “The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives – the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed all living things on the earth.

“The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him. “The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on the Tablets made of stone for how we ought to live. “The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God’s first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways, and is now the joker of eternal hell, the Prince of Darkness that roams the world seeking the ruin of souls. “The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. “The King stands for Jesus, for He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. “When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with a total of 365, one for each day of the year. “There are 52 Cards in a deck representing 52 weeks in a year. “The Four suits, heart, diamond, spade and club, represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. “Each Suit has thirteen cards; there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter. “So, when I talk with God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for.” The Sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, “Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?” § Many military men and women have sat still for a few moments on their bunk at one time or other, I know that I have found myself in such times

many years ago. The fact that someone would come up with such creativity, in a place in need of a Bible, is wonderful.

Please stop for a moment and pray for our “away” service men and women in their vital mission for peace in the world. Thank you.

Obamacare Managers

2010-04-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is a brief summary of what we heard and watched take place each step of the way, yet was unable to put a stop to it. Warning: This was but a test of what is yet to come. So-called leaders of this great nation and opponents by any name, pose an unusual quandary that impotence of leadership fails to make right. This is what we now have with no adjustment in sight: We passed a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn't read it, but exempts themselves from it. Signed by a president that also hasn't read it (and who smokes); with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke. What could possibly go wrong has already been allowed to occur. When it comes time to Vote the bums out of office, the simpleminded will have become accustomed to their "freebies" and will vote to continue on this road to hell. Ever heard of the phrase "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul?" We're in that mode, that twilight zone, right now, as far into the future as can be seen. We have always had needy people, and they will not become extinct. We don't mind doing our duty and care for them as best we can. The line between those legitimately in need and those abusing the compassion of the public, has become blurred, to the detriment of those in real need. Obamacare aggravates this situation nationwide, making it worse, as if by intent. Of course, the president cannot accomplish devilish work by himself, he had to have the aid of other awful people who believe the American people ought to "eat cake!" The one with the giant gavel, Nancy Pelosi, and his highness, the janitor, Harry Reid. Their rule by coercion exemplifies what has gone wrong with our system of government. And, I always thought that the people we sent to Washington went there to represent us. Now they get there and are fearful of upholding existing laws through intimidation by their party leaders? Do you see anything wrong with this scenario? If you are one that does not want our country to become a permanent land of laggards and illegitimate beggars, we must stand together at the ballot box and carefully and considerately cast our precious vote as the only way to save this nation from itself, and begin healing the body damage that has taken place in just over the first year in office.You must know that with three more years to go, this was but a test. Please, God help us! Thanks for visiting. - Bob God Bless America!

America and Isreal

2010-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Have you been paying attention to the exchange between our so-called Diplomats, including the "kid" Obama and his "sidekick" Biden, and Isreal over Isreal's building more housing in an area they conquered and lived in since the 1967 conflict? My friends, let me tell you how I see it. You see, Isreal also conquered the Gaza and their people lived there too. But, Isreal listened to America and moved all of their people from their homes and relocated them. Then, Hamma terriorists found a new foothold and used Gaza to lob missiles into the country of Isreal. That's what you get for being a good guy hoping for peace for its people. It would be as Mexico or Canada lobbing shells into the United States. Would we put up with it? Perhaps with Obama we would. But with Reagan or Bush, that would be unacceptable! Now America is courageous at the expense of Isreal, wanting Isreal to stop building in Jerusalem and pull out of that part of the City. I say, "once bitten twice shy." Jerusalem, the City, and the Jews and Jesus, go back to Biblical times. Sure so does Palestine - the region. Jerusalem is the capital of Isreal! (In reality, the City belongs to God. He has plans for it.) America needs to be firm and genuine in their friendship with Isreal, and see and recall what has been done before with regard to pulling out of the Gaza Strip. Their sworn enemies from birth just moves closer, hell-bent to destroy them. After all of these many years, if we do not comprehend this, with regard to an ally and long-standing friend, our present politicians have become part of the problems in the Middle-east, if not the entire region. Has our system dumbed-down so as to elect ignorant people to hold important office? We in America are either with the Isrealies or we are not! If we are not, than I fear, lacking confidence in America, no one will remain or become our allies as before. If we are, then God help those that oppose us on evil grounds. Thanks for visiting. Bob Robur Ex Vigilantia

Obama 99/44 100%, America 1

2010-03-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

You may consider this a lengthy article, but it is revealing. This record ought to awaken foolish followers (including the media) of Obama and make them think about the next time they vote. Will they repeat their foolishness and keep America in jeopardy? I pray not. America the beautiful, and our incomparable heritage is hurting and, if our forefathers could cry, they would. Take these points individually and note what they reveal as concerns the weakening of our Nation, and how they affect and effect you and those you love and care for. This is amazingly unlike America: Strange how Obama spent millions of the taxpayers money to import "Palestinians" from Gaza in to the US, but the Christians in Muslim lands are left to die at the hands of barbarians. His priorities are clear. When Obama wrote a book and said he was mentored as a youth by Frank, (Frank Marshall Davis) an avowed Communist, People said it didn't matter. When it was discovered that his grandparents, who were strong socialists, sent Obama's mother to a socialist school, and introduced Frank Marshall Davis to young Obama, People said it didn't matter. When people found out that he was enrolled as a Muslim child in school and his father and stepfather were both Muslims, People said it didn't matter. When he wrote in another book he authored, I will stand with them (Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction, People said it didn't matter. When he admittedly (in his book), said he chose Marxist friends and professors in college, People said it didn't matter. When he traveled to Pakistan, after college, on an unknown national passport, People said it didn't matter. When he sought the endorsement of the Marxist party in 1996 as he ran for the Illinois Senate, People said it doesn't matter. When he sat in a Chicago Church for twenty years, listened to a preacher spew hatred for America, and preach black liberation theology, People said it didn't matter. When an independent Washington organization that tracks senate voting records, gave him the distinctive title as the "most liberal senator",People said it didn't matter. When the Palestinians in Gaza, set up a fund raising telethon to raise money for his election campaign, People said it didn't matter. When his voting record supported gun control, People said it didn't matter. When he refused to disclose who donated money to his election campaign, as other candidates had done, People said it didn't matter. When he received endorsements from people like Louis Farrakhan and Mummer Kaddafi and Hugo Chavez, People said it didn't matter. When it was pointed out that he was a total newcomer, and had absolutely no experience at anything except community organizing, People said it didn't matter. When he chose friends and acquaintances such as criminals Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn who were revolutionary radicals and domestic terrorists, People said it didn't matter. When his voting record in the Illinois senate and in the U.S. Senate came into question, People said it didn't matter. When he refused to wear a flag lapel pin, and did so only after a public outcry, People said it didn't matter. When people started treating him as a Messiah, and children in schools were taught to sing his praises, People said it didn't matter. When he stood with his hands over his groin area for the playing of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, People said it didn't matter. When he surrounded himself in the White house with advisers who were pro gun control, pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage and wanting to curtail freedom of speech to silence the opposition, People said it didn't matter. When he aired his views on abortion, homosexuality and a host of other issues, People said it didn't matter. When he said he favors sex education in Kindergarten, including homosexual indoctrination, People said it didn't matter. When his background was either scrubbed or hidden and nothing could be found about him, People said it didn't matter. When the place of his birth was called into question, and he refused to produce a birth certificate, People said it didn't matter. When he had an association in Chicago with Tony Rezco, a man of questionable character, who is now in prison, and had helped Obama to a sweet deal on the purchase of his home, People said it didn't matter. When it became known that George Soros, a multi-billionaire Marxist, spent a ton of money to get him elected, People said it didn't matter. When he started appointing czars that were radicals, revolutionaries, and even avowed Marxist/Communists, People said it didn't matter. When he stood before the nation and told us that his intentions were to "fundamentally transform this nation" into something else, People said it didn't matter. When it became known that he had trained ACORN workers in Chicago and served as an attorney for ACORN, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed a cabinet member and several advisors who were tax cheats and socialists, abortion and homosexual advocates, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed a science czar, John Holdren, who believes in forced abortions, mass sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed Cass Sunstein as regulatory czar and he believes in "Explicit Consent", harvesting human organs without family consent, and to allow animals to be represented in court, while banning all hunting, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed Kevin Jennings, a homosexual, and organizer of a group called gay, lesbian, straight, Education network, as safe school czar and it became known that he had a history of bad advice to teenagers, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed Mark Lloyd as diversity czar and he believed in curtailing free speech, taking from one and giving to another, to spread the wealth, and admires Hugo Chavez, People said it didn't matter. When Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's senior White House advisor even though she is an avowed Socialist, People said it didn't matter. When Anita Dunn, White House Communications director said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher and the person she turned to most for inspiration, People said it didn't matter. When he appointed Carol Browner, a well known socialist, as global warming czar, who is working on Cap and Trade, People said it doesn't matter. When he appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and avowed Communist, as green energy czar, who since had to resign when this was made known, People said it didn't matter. When Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for health and human services secretary, could not be confirmed, because he was a tax cheat, People said it didn't matter. When as president of the United States, he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, People said it didn't matter. When he traveled around the world criticizing, and apologizing for, America, and never once talked of her greatness, People said it didn't matter. When his actions concerning the middle-east seemed to support the Palestinians over Israel, our long time friend, People said it doesn't matter. When he took American tax dollars to resettle thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to the United States, People said it doesn't matter. When he upset our Eastern European allies by removing plans for a missile defense system against the Russians and Iran, People said it doesn't matter. When he played politics in Afghanistan by not sending troops the Field Commanders said we had to have to win, People said it didn't matter. When he comandeered government printing presses, he encouraged and engineered spending us into a debt that was so big we, our children, (the future American adults), could not pay it off, People said it didn't matter. When he took a huge spending bill under the guise of stimulus and used it to pay off organizations, unions and individuals that got him elected, People said it didn't matter. When he took over insurance companies, car companies, banks, etc., People said it didn't matter. When he took away student loans from the banks and put them through the government, People said it didn't matter. When he designed plans to take over the health care system and put it under government control, People said it didn't matter. When he set into motion a plan to take over the control of all energy in the United States through Cap and Trade, People said it didn't matter. When he finally completed his transformation of America into a Socialist State, people finally woke up -- but it was too late! With our two-party system, any one of these actions in and of themselves could have been managed. But, with Democrats in control, when you add them together you get a phenomenal score that points to the fact that Obama (and his fellow Democrats) is determined to make America over into a Marxist/Socialist society. All of the items listed are now in place. Before you disavow this, do an internet search. Only the last paragraph is not cast in stone. You and I will write that paragraph. Will it read as above or will it be a happier ending for most of America? Personally, I like happy conclusions. Never before in the history of America have we confronted problems so huge that the very existence of our country is in jeopardy. Our biggest enemy is our President and a contingent of faulty Democratic and short-circuited Republican (RINO) politicians in Washington DC. Who said: "I have met the enemy and they are 'us'" could have applied it to the American people's existing apathy or their false exuberance. Proof is in the fact that no one can abuse power without the "People's" permission. Obama is a professional liar and con artist. Today a delayed, slow-moving Truth is reaching the people and is killing his Marxist agenda that needs to be buried. Americans who know and love America need to "Vote the Bums Out!" The respect of the ballot box can be the answer to our healing. Let's do it! We owe it to those millions of unselfish warriors and patriots who gave much, including their lives, for our unique Liberty and Freedom. It is a time for renewed vigliance! Thanks for visiting. God Bless America! - Bob

Can You Be Good Without God?

2010-02-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who viewed TV news in the last week of January and listened to the one described in this article, this is my take on his nonsense. A rebuttal, if you will. Bear with me and you'll know what this is about. (This is my short version) Recent TV news (January 2010) reported and interviewed another dissatisfied individual who said he was once a practicing Jew then shifted to Buddhism, then decided to promote a new movement consisting primarily of atheists and “want to know-nothings” with their saying: “You can be good without God.” You may have viewed this report or have heard about this absurdity, a lesson in how to try to evade your conscience. Nothing new, but seriously childish, opposed to the First Commandment of God’s Law. Man is called by his creator to naturally grow to maturity and put away childish things. Efforts to ignore true conscionable thoughts and feelings is but postponing the inevitable that will eventually end resistance to acknowledging our Almighty God, Creator of all. This dissatisfied individual and his fellow atheists are similar to seekers of their own religion or form of worship. It is not difficult understanding their confusion. After all, there are reportedly more than 100 religions and over 25,000 protestant denominations! Most borne of a dissatisfied person or group (nothing but an excuse, really). All are disobedient to Jesus’ established ministry, no matter how man sees fit to distort/color Jesus’ instructions for his own convenience. Pastors/Preachers memorizing a Bible or Bible passages does nothing to repair their error, no matter how well intentioned they are to share the “Good News.” Some of these preachers are quite effective, moving their audiences with enthusiasm. I will give them that. However, these people appear to justify themselves by hanging on to the words of Jesus when He said, “If they are with me they cannot be against me,” or words with similar affect. This is fine as far as it goes, but it ignores the original Church Jesus established that would lead to the unity of Christians He prayed for to the Father. The devil is in the details, as is often said. The devil is certainly at work in this latest, startling information I received about at least nine imposters in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, taking for themselves names of Catholic Churches to mislead unsuspecting individuals. As a lifelong, Roman Catholic, it was natural to be taken aback by that news. How widespread this fraud is I do not know. It is a real shocker. What I do know and believe is that reasons for dissatisfaction that causes people to “look elsewhere” for a convenient religion until they find who knows what, is largely a break-down along the parental line to teach their children about God. (I said largely, not soley or exclusively.) Personal laziness, failure to try to understand and learn the meanings of Faith, not wiping the dust off the Bible and read its living words, not accepting responsibility for personal growth, etc., are causes for personal ignorance. People have lost, or never developed a sense of value. When seeking the truth, anything goes. When it comes to religion “anything goes” is wrong. There is just too much at stake to leave your eternal destiny to some unconsecrated hands, and every weird movement, with or without the accompanying noise, that comes across your path. If, as atheists and “want to know-nothings,” you think you can live a life on earth with your own brand of rules for whatever you consider is “good,” without your jealous God, your eternal destination to the fires of hell is a forgone conclusion. Even devil worshippers and Wicca members are good on the surface (outwardly), but what they do for excitement in secret may help you decide to join them too, complicating your choice between more than 100 religions and over 25,000 Protestant denominations. What the heck, you do not seem to have anything better to do. I doubt that even Purgatory (which you do not believe in either, but is documented in both the Old and New Testaments) will be the place for your purification for the cause of your disbelief. Believing you can be good without God, when, after 2000 years, you ought to know better, suggests the sin of pride; not smart. Wisdom begins with the fear of God. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Ephesians 4:32

Life's Lessons

2009-12-14T10:18:00.000-08:00

Lessons Life Taught Me By: Regina Brett, 90 years old For the record, this was too good to pass up. It was Ms. Brett’s intent to share this before it is too late. I agree with her and reproduce this list of valuable lessons for the benefit of anyone willing to learn from our experiences. I guarantee you that there is something for everyone here:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it. (Don’t forget to apologize when you regain your good sense.) 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile (more so with women). 11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of any eye. But don’t worry, God never blinks. 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. 18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. (Requires interpretation.) 19. It’ never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes o going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. 24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words “In five years will this matter? 26. Always choose life. 27. Forgive everyone everything. (Then decide whether to continue your association with them.) 28. What other people think of you is none of your business. 29. Time heals almost everything; give time time. 30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 31. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 32. Believe in miracles. (Especially when you have Faith and Hope in the unseen, higher Order.) 33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do. (When God finished creating, He looked at everything and said it was good.) 34. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 35. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young. 36. Careless and thoughtless abuse and destruction of the body while young ,becomes a personal shame in mature age. 37. Your children get only one childhood. (Parental responsibility is vital to see that your children’s base foundation is sound.) 38. Your children are not your friends; they’re your children to raise the best you can and for you to be a worthy example for them, not the other way around. 39. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 40. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 41. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we would grab ours back. 42. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 43. The best is yet to come. 44. Whoever said “a minute of anger is 60 seconds you lose of happiness” was correct. Avoid anger and tell yourself “This too will pass.” 45. It’s true that you can always count on death and taxes. You can add “change” to that list. 46. Yield. 47. God has not repealed the Ten Commandments, or made them suggestions. They remain God’s Law as our way to live with faith, hope and charity. 48. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 49. Live your life in such a manner that you can believe and lovingly say, “Come Lord, Jesus”(Rev.22:20), and, no matter how long you live you’ll be prepared to accept all that happens to you. 50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

God bless. Merry Christmas! Thanks for visiting. Bob

Engineers and Managers

2009-09-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Levity for today. A man in a hot air balloon realized that he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a man below. He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me I promised a friend I would meet him a half hour ago, but I don't know where I am." The man below said, "You are in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You are between 40 and 42 degrees north latitude and between 58 and 60 degrees west longitude." "You must be an engineer" said the balloonist. "I am," replied the man, "but how did you know" "Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost." The man below responded, "You must be a manager." "I am," replied the balloonist, "how did you know?" "Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You made a promise which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. The fact is you are exactly in the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's my fult." Thanks for visiting. - Bob facta non verba

The Pride of Democracy Tarnished

2009-07-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

I often refer to circumstances in the world that apply to "End Times." One of which is a noticeable disregard for what is right. What we see going on in parts of the world, sadly, including the leadership of the United States, is being accepted as normal: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe to you that are wise in your own eyes, and prudent in your own conceits...That justify the wicked for gifts, and take away the justice of the just from him" (Isaias 5: 20,23). Right now governments and blocks of states, e.g. the OAS and EU (Organization of American States) and (European Union's of countries) condemned a democratic government, namely Honduras, that refused to allow its sitting president to change or convert the course of it country to a dictatorial state by changing, for his own benefit, the country's constitution. The supreme governing body, elected to protect their country had enough of their adament president who would imitate Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, by illegally usurping and designing powers to set himself up as president for life. Honduras did not agree. As a consequence the self-interested dictator was whisked out of the country in the middle of the night and an interim president named until new elections can take place. I see nothing wrong with this self-preservation action by a governing body of citizens elected to protect the people and their country. So, why are professed democracies and not-so-democratic countries punishing the country of Honduras for doing what should have been done? And, the United States, the once bastion of Democracy, leading the pack? Let me venture a guess. Obama and his stooges (Hilliry Clinton, et al) are of that establishment that do not like freedom as America is (or has been) known for. That's why we freely use the term "Liberals." Ganging up on Honduras for protecting themselves from internal evil intentions is way off the mark of decency and a stand against Democracy, and cannot be condoned. After all Americans might get similar ideas (without the help of the present ruling democratic party, of course). I never thought in over three-quarters of a century, that I'd ever find myself severly criticising my own Government for international affairs that sides with evil. Obama and his people, liberal democrat representatives,and RINO turncoats (all elected by the people) are actively dismantling liberty and freedom at home in this country, and must ensure that, whenever possible, condemn the exercise of Liberty and Freedom (of action) by other democratically established countries whenever and wherever they can. Proof? Notice the lack of condemnation toward Muslim IRAN; and the timidity that took place in Russia during the recent presidential visit (both countries have also condemned Honduras). These people and others around the world watch closely at Hilliry's threat of punishment through sanctions aimed at Democratic Honduras. Why do American act this way now? You can say that America is sick and needs attention (an uprising) by its people. It is way off the mark of decency with its stand against Democracy. It is not at all pretty. America (all elected officials and the voting population) ought to be ashamed of itself for allowing an inexperienced nincompoop like Obama to seriously tarnish the magnificent history of young America by leading or siding with other evil leaders and dictators of the world. It's enough to make one cry. Thanks for visiting. - Bob "carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero" (= enjoy the present day, trusting as little as possible to the morrow)

The Paradox of our Age

2009-07-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Is it true that we can go to the moon and back, but can't walk across the street to meet our neighbor? Yep! Sure is. After having read this somewhere recently, it occurred to me that my own archives contain more truisms and thought I'd share some of them with you. Proceed at your own risk.

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints
We spend more, but truly enjoy less
We have bigger houses, but smaller families
More conveniences, but less time
We have more degrees, but less common sense
More knowledge, but less judgment
More experts, but more problems
More medicine, but less wellness
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch too much TV, and pray too seldom
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life
We've added years to life, not life to years
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space
We've done larger things, but not better things
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice
We write more, but learn less; plan more but accomplish less
We've learned to rush, but not to wait
We have higher incomes, but lower morals; more food, but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort, but less success
We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication
We've become long on quantity, but short on quality
These are the times of fast food and slow digestion; tall men and short character; steep profits and shallow relationships
These are the times of more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition
These are the days of dual incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses to hold broken homes
These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill
It's a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom

All of these contradictory, absurd statements exist. In more recent times others have been added. In case you haven't noticed we're in real trouble. A bunch of renegades, with stealth support, are running (and ruining) this beautiful country. And they're moving fast to remake America. It seems that right now nothing and no one can stop them.

All anyone, from radio talk show hosts (who claim millions of listeners) or any organization seems to be able to do is talk, talk, talk, and complain to no end, along with their mailings to add money to their coffers in the guise of using the money to "fight and convert" the dictators and evil-doers. That is virtually an impossible job, given that those they want to convert don't seem to care whether or not they do right. All those elected to an office care about is a continuous flow of donation dollars (lots of them in most cases) into their reelection campaigns so they can continue to spend a lifetime telling lies to their constiuents. With the power of responsible voting, it doesn't have to be that way.

Here are new contridictions:

Right now I see the time we're presently in where right is wrong and wrong is right. (E.G. What's right about legally killing unborn babies with feelings at any point during pregnancy? and a heart that begins to beat at 18 days? How can you not see something wrong here and do something about it where you can?)
We now have a president that plans to eleminate the elderly by denying them appropriate medical care because of the cost and that, according to him, are too old to spend the money on. What, pray you, would you call this if not legalizing murder. What is wrong with this scenario when one person can dictate to a following that readily support his wishes? (Democrats, Liberals, Republicans in name only that timidly and fearfully support errors.)

(The last person I knew that was of this caliber was Adolph Hitler. He too was but one man starting his designs for the world with a bunch of off-the-wall goons. They caused so much damage in the world that millions were murdered, never to rise from the ashes again. And, let us remember the hundreds of thousands of warriors that died or were bodily or mentally injured defending freedom.)

Our leaders were once leaders, with a moral code, now are immoral, unethetical, selfish. "Selling their soul to the Devil" without conscience has become commonplace
Americans were once more concerned about their country and partook of their responsibility, now have become apathetic, carelessly risking losing a unique way of life borne through unbeliveable sacrifice, admired by the world at large.
The admiration of America is now seriously waning because of our lessening the value of human life and promoting same with American taxpayer dollars throughout the world by financially supporting Planned Parenthood's Abortion dens.
There are more deficient acts taking place and have taken place too numerous to mention here. One example only is ACORN. Investigated for its illegal acts involving vote fraud, but never brought to justice. You can expect that kind of result with a dictorial president that will threaten you for doing your job. There's no other explanation for "incomplete justice."
Obama and his henchmen, and his critical, unnamed backers like Billionaire George Soros, have an agenda that is moving as fast as a bullet. Right now no one is standing up to the plate to reverse the damage being done.
By 2012, the next national election, a great deal of damage to this country and the fabric that made it the greatest country in the world for the past over 233 years will have been done. We need an unusually qualified, courageous, daring person to emerge and be supported to take strong hold of the reins of this Govenment. Returning it to what Abraham Lincoln called it: "Of the people, by the people, and for the people..." not to parish from the earth.

My message to you here and now: Live and love your God-given life. Don't fall in with the paradox of our age. You should know that there's another world beyond your wildest dreams that you ought not to ignore. You are only here for a little while, then ...

For now it's your turn to be bold for God and Country; pass on the contridictions that are increasing; do what you can right where you are to actually take a stand. Fear nothing and nobody. Have courage. If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. In that instance you become part of the problem.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob Mk 11: 22

Belonging Or Not?

2009-07-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

The Member Who Never Came Back

It amuses me now to think that your Organization spends so much time looking for new members - when I was there all the time. Do you remember me?

I'm the fellow who came to every meeting, but nobody paid any attention to me. I tried several times to be friendly, but everyone seemed to have his own friends to talk to and sit with. I sat down among some unfamiliar faces several times, but they didn't pay much attention to me.

I hoped somebody would ask me to join one of the committees or somehow participate and contribute, but no one did.

Finally, because of illness in the family, I missed a meeting. At the next meeting no one asked me where I had been. I guess it didn't matter very much where I was the month before.

On the next meeting date, I decided to stay home to watch a good television program. When I attended the next meeting no one asked me where I had been. I guess it didn't matter very much whether I was there or not.

You might say that I'm a good guy, a good family man, and a responsible person. Do you know who else I am?

I'm the member who never came back!

Attention Membership Committee Chairperson. The above is more prevalant than you realize. Don't be guilty of such a situation if you value your organization's mission or purpose for being. This is not a fabricated story.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob facta non verba

Getting Things Out of the Way

2009-07-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

It’s Not Easy. . . To apologize To begin over To be unselfish To take advice To admit error To be charitable To keep trying To be considerate To forgive and forget To recognize the silver lining BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS! Mother Teresa would say: "Do it anyway." A few more things I’d like to put forth while still wishing I’d thought of them first: If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees, Lead us not into temptation – we can find the way ourselves. A closed mouth gathers no feet. It’s not hard to meet expenses – they’re everywhere. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. There are two kinds of pedestrians: The quick and the dead. When you’re finally holding all the cards – why does everyone else decide to play something else. If you’re living on the edge, be sure you’re wearing your seat belt. Kids in the back seat cause accidents; accidents in the back seat cause kids. Thanks for letting me get these things off my chest. - Bob

FYI FDIC & Congress Make a Good Move

2009-07-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

It ain't often nowadays that you see our Government doing anything worthwhile for "the People." No kidding. I have a hard time recalling any good coming from the "People's House" in recent times. But here's a good move for the people that I've been thinking about as a possible catastrophe at years' end. You may remember how the federal deposit insurance coverage was for up to $100,000 before the present financial crisis took hold of our economy. And Congress made a move to change that insurance coverage (FDIC) to $250,000 per depositor through December 2009. Why they put such a timetable on that change was always a curiosity of mine. I suppose they knew it was an error on their part for a one year stint. It was recognized by someone because May 19th Congress extended the temporary $250,000 coverage through December 31, 2013. That means that if you (or your family) have $250,000 or less in all of your deposit accounts at the same insured bank, you don't need to worry about your insurance coverage - your deposits are fully insured through at least 2013. And as always, you may qualify for more than the basic insurance coverage at one insured bank because the FDIC provides separate insurance coverage for deposits held in different "ownership categories" such as single accounts and joint accounts. For more information about your FDIC insurance coverage, start at http://www.myfdicinsurance.gov/ or phone toll-free 1-877-275-3342 (which translates to 1-877-ASK-FDIC. What does all this mean to you? It means you are fully protected if the bank fails. Be sure to look on the bank entry door and service windows for the sign that reads: FDIC Insured. If they are there, rest easy. Thanks for visiting. - Bob "toujours en vedette"

People Are Like That

2009-03-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

The saying: "There are all kinds of people" is proven by this believeable story. After listening to the tale I concluded that the person the man related to in his experience was gross - i.e. grossly unreasonable. Judge yourself: The man said that he was sitting on a plane waiting for short commuter flight, armed with a lot of work he needed to finish before landing. As the other passengers boarded the plane he prayed that the seat next to him would remain empty - or if he had a seatmate he or she would not be a talker. Normally he took every opportunity to talk to people - that was part of his job, but this one day he was pressed for time. If he could just have some quiet he could get his work done before reaching his destination. He began by burying his face in his reading material, hoping to ward off any comers. Soon a young woman took the seat next to him. He said a quick hello then returned to his reading. But, as (bad) luck would have it, that didn't stop her. She seemed not to take notice that he was busy as she talked and talked and talked. Not about the weather or current events, no. She talked about her personal life, eventually getting into details that were far more intimate than most people would share with a stranger, cataloging in colorful language the various relationships she'd had. This went on for the entire flight, and much of what she revealed was downright embarrassing to the man. As the plane began to descend, she took a breath and - for the first time since boarding - asked him a question about himself. "So what do you do for a living?" "I'm the pastor of a church," he answered. He says that he said only those six words, but that was enough. Her entire posture and demeanor changed. Immediately she became stiff and unfriendly, crossing her arms and half-turning away from him. "I just hate it when people cram religion down my throat" she snapped! Then the plane landed and she walked away, still in a huff. This female just spent the entire flight imposing herself on a stranger, showcasing her questionable lifestyle, never considering that she might say something offensive or embarrassing. But one short, six-word, non-confrontational sentence that included the words pastor and church, and she arrogantly concluded that he was "cramming religion" down her throat. People are like that. It happens now and then. My prayer is for hope that more people don't become as this female (I won't call her a lady) revealed herself to be: Inconsiderate and unreasonable, even disgusting. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom 13:12-14

History Lesson - Know Your Enemy

2009-03-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

"Forget the past and it's bound to be repeated." I know, you haven't heard that for a very long time. It's time it was resurrected. Here's why: A man whose family was of the German aristocracy prior to WWII owned a number of large factories and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism. "Very few people were true Nazis "he said," but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of our world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories." We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' Islam is the religion of peace, and the vast majority of Muslims just wan t to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam. The fact is the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who now wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or 'honor' kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and the 'silent majority,' is cowed and extraneous. Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority was irrelevant. China's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people. The average Japanese individual prior to WWII was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across Southeast Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel and bayonet. And, who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were "peace loving"? History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence. Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany, they will awaken one day and find the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun. Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late. As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts, the fanatics who threaten our way of life. At the risk of offending: Anyone who doubts the issue is serious and fails to share this poignant summary of the history of fewer than 75 years, contributes to the passiveness that tolorates the present growing madness to expand. Thank you for visiting. - Bob God bless America

Rights of Health Care Workers Threatened

2009-02-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

When I was being made aware of the strong possibility that Obama was planning to do away with what protects health care workers from doing what their conscience tells them they ought not to do, I asked myself: "Why do American people need to be protected from their own Government?" People that can need to stop this abuse of power by this new president, i.e. dictating the evil things he harbors within himself and arbitrarily puts in force. Surely there must be some law to protect us from such dictatorial acts. The following was just received. Be interested. You may not want anyone in the medical profession working on you that do not want to do so. A guilt conscience is a powerful thing. No one should have to experience it. After all, this is still America. It is isn't it?

"RIGHTS OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS THREATENED It was reported today that the Obama administration is planning to rescind the rule issued in December by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that protects the rights of health care workers at federally-funded facilities to refuse to perform or be involved in medical procedures that violate their consciences, such as abortion. The “conscience rule” went into effect last month. Catholic League president Bill Donohue discussed the ramifications of this action: “'This regulation gives health care workers the right to be free from discriminatory edicts invoked by those who have no respect for their conscience rights. No one in the health care field should ever be compelled by law to perform or assist in a procedure that violates his or her conscience. This should be an elementary right, yet there are those who want to trespass on it. “This would be another step in the wrong direction for an administration which is promoting abortion by overturning the Mexico City Policy, promising to support the United Nations Population Fund and considering the nomination of radical abortion rights supporter Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be the Secretary of HHS. This action would be the most offensive since it compromises the rights of Catholics to act according to their conscience. “It is imperative that President Obama not rescind this morally critical regulation. Catholics will be watching very closely.'”

Thanks for visiting. - Bob Mark 11:22

Consequences of Obama's Take and Give

2009-02-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

We've all heard about the fairness of give and take, usually in business. But have you ever heard the old refrain - and it is old - "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul"? Well, lo and behold, the present Administration has decided to put all past sayings out to pasture and create their own. Sadly, they may even believe that it's something new. Socialism is certainly not new. We know from history, and much of it relatively recent history, that it does not work and leads to total misery. Anyhow, now comes this new group of seemingly inexperienced members of Obama's court to administer this country. How? By not "Give and Take" but "Take and Give." You're invited to read the proof by clicking here: http://fourwinds.blogster.com/ Thanks for visiting. - Bob God bless America!

Honest Determination

2009-02-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

A quick look at your encyclopedia for the historical, fascinating story of Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is marked today, will teach people the meaning of determination. The log cabin in which “Honest Abe” was born should make you say “Wow! and I am complaining!” Since schools rarely, if ever, provide American History for our young, parents and others ought to introduce their charges with history of who we are, who it was that gave so very much of themselves from the birth of our nation for its vision and progress.

From such activity, our citizens, et al, would learn the valuable meaning and result of honest determination that was so early American. I urge everyone who feel absent from details of our early founding to read about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, and others of course, as I share with you information about Lincoln from other angles.

A Grown-up Lincoln

Upon entering the national scene, Abraham Lincoln was an expert in experiencing defeat and failure. Had it not been for his determination to serve his fellow countrymen and his God, history would not have recorded him as one of the greatest American presidents. His failures were his victories, no doubt about it. “Abe” met his first political failure when he lost the seat in the Illinois Legislature. Friends persuaded him to venture into business. Failing at this he spent nearly twenty years paying off debts. His next failure was the loss of the young woman he was to marry. He later married a woman who proved to be a “thorn in his side” – another failure for happiness. Congress was his second political goal. Not only did he miss it, but also opponents claimed both the United States Land Office and the United States Senate. Most men would lose their courage after so many defeats. But, not Lincoln, he pursued even higher attainments, he believed he could gain the Vice Presidency in 1856. Failing to take the office, he tried once more in 1858 and lost to Douglas. One failure after another throughout his entire life before ascending to the Presidency, severe and disastrous failures, is a lesson for all who would give up too soon in this life. It’s as if Lincoln knew what Winston Churchill was to exclaim a hundred plus years in the future. That is “Never, never, never, never give up!” Who has not heard of Abraham Lincoln? Yet he is a man not known for his failures! A grateful nation, in tribute to this man of ages past, raised The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. where he could look out over the land he so dearly loved and protected it from its road of self-destruction through the Civil War. For this he was martyred. This massive shrine pays due respect to the greatness of a simple and heroic man whose very life was offered in the name of liberty. His image sits in a great chair 12½ feet high, the gentleness, power and determination of Lincoln come to us clearly through the features chiseled in granite by the sculptor. we can almost hear him speak the words with which he closed his famous Gettysburg Address: “. . .that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” He left us a legacy, for there is something you can do to preserve the God-given liberty with which America is blessed. Do more than complain about those who are striving in a hundred different ways to destroy it. They are on the job, not sitting on the sidelines. If your heart is in truth, you will be determined to work as hard for good as they do for evil, you will be acting as Lincoln did and carry on the torch of freedom handed to us.

Thanks for visiting. God bless America and Abraham Lincoln's Spirit!

Words to Live By

2009-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Some Things Are Not Outgrown A South Sea Islander taught an American soldier a lesson during WWII. The friendly host brought a copy of the Bible out of his hut and said: “This is my most prized possession.” With obvious disdain, the GI replied: “We’ve outgrown that sort of thing.” The Islander, whose tribe had formerly practiced cannibalism, calmly observed: “It’s a good thing we haven’t outgrown it here. If we had, you would have been a meal as soon as we saw you.” Uphold the teaching of the Bible and the Ten Commandments in your life and in your world. This is our challenge for the 21st century, as it has been for all who have gone before us. The Bible, preceded by the Ten commandments, together are the words ordered by our Creator for the purpose of guiding how we ought to live. Ted Koppel of ABC’s Nightline fame, in a speech during a commencement address said: “Our society finds truth too strong…to digest undiluted…. In the place of truth, we have discovered facts. For morale absolutes, we have substituted moral ambiguity…. “We now communicate…and say absolutely nothing. We have reconstructed the Tower of Babel and it is a television antenna…. “What Moses brought down from Mount Sinai were not ten suggestions (but)…Commandments. The sheer brilliance of the Ten Commandments is that they codify…acceptable human behavior…for all time.” Of course, Ted Koppel is “right on.” Yet, there is no doubt that countless people give but lip service to the truth. It interferes with their conscience. This next story gives us an excellent example of how easy it is to stray from Gods Law, even if your duty is to the truth of the matter before you: Two lawyers in Chicago fell into a discussion one day about the trend away from law and order here and over the world (in fact, since this story is over 50 years old things have gone terribly worse). One lawyer said that our only hope is to get back to the Ten Commandments. “What have they got to do with it?” his companion countered. “They’re just a set of worn-out customs.” The first lawyer challenged him to look over the Ten Commandments and see which one among them could be thrown out without endangering our homes, schools, business and normal freedom. The other man picked up the challenge and said he would have his answer ready the next time they were together. A few days later, the two met again at their club. “You really got me this time,” said the skeptical one. “Do you know that I’ve been racking my brain for several days to find just one of those Commandments that we could do without and still keep things going? I must admit that I haven’t found it. For the first time in my life I see that they are the foundation of all law and order.” Discover for yourself what the second lawyer learned or relearned. He found indispensible laws like this given to us through Moses, as our words for living: 1. “I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me.” (Ex 20:3) 2. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Ex 20:7) 3. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Ex 20:8) 4. “Honor your father and your mother.” (Ex 20:12) 5. “You shall not kill.” (Ex 20:13) 6. “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14) 7. “You shall not steal.” (Ex 20:15) 8. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Ex 20:16) 9. & 10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…your neighbor’s wife…or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Ex 20:17) A word about # 9 & 10: These two Commandments relate to intentions and desires. Jesus said: “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and…out of the heart come evil intentions; murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These…defile a person.” (Matthew 15: 18-20) As you can easily see and understand, the Ten Commandments begin with honor due our Creator and continue with respect for one another and ourselves. Who in a right mind could honestly find fault with them? For all time, each Commandment offers a clear and beautiful expression of God’s love and concern for each of His children. When Jesus walked the earth, He is quoted as answering a question put to Him as to which of the Ten Commandments is the greatest. Jesus’ reply: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

A final note: It is a known, reasonably understood fact that no man is without sin. Man is what he thinks in his heart. A close review of the Commandments will reveal that breaking just one knocks down all the others. God, being pure Love cannot accept sin. He is turned away by sin. God’s Beloved Son, Jesus, Who was without sin, obediently took all of the world’s sins to the cross with Him. For this reason, we must understand and take action to repent, seek the loving mercy of God, our Creator, for failing His Words to Live By and wholeheartedly strive not to repeatedly offend Him.

Thanks for visiting. -- Bob 2 Tim 4:2

January 22nd Anniversary of Shame

2009-01-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Roe v. Wade ought to be called: Roe v. Wade, a Day of Tears

Tens of thousands of abortion opponents rallied Thursday, Jan 22, 2009, on the National Mall to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade amid concerns they could face political setbacks under the new president. Not all people could participate that would have liked to take a stand. With families to raise, jobs to pursue and lives to live, not all Christians can be engaged in the many important issues facing our country. But we can always at least serve the truth by not lying to ourselves and to each other about this anniversary of shame. On this day 36 years ago, the law was enacted that turned our nation into a cemetery, which turned the wombs of mothers into the tombs of babies. By legalizing permissive abortion and drastically limiting voters’ ability to restrict it in any way, Roe set the foundations for an abortion industry that has actually wounded countless women and, thus far, has resulted in the killing of more than 40 million unborn children! In the midst of an economic mess, funding abortions overseas with taxpayer money will return. Not named in the following news article provided by my Catholic League, I believe, is the abortion mill organization Planned Parenthood, an entity with the CEO as the Devil himself. Thanks for visiting. – Bob 2 Tim. 4: 2 I quote the news article: OBAMA TO FUND ABORTION News reports are that President Barack Obama will overturn restrictions on funding abortions overseas today. The Mexico City Policy, which denied federal funding of private organizations that perform and promote abortions, will be rescinded by executive order. Catholic League president Bill Donohue addressed this decision today: “Here we have a black president taking money from the taxpayers in a time of economic crisis and giving it to organizations—many of which are anti-Catholic—so they can spend it on killing non-white babies in Third World nations. And Obama is known as a progressive. “Obama has said repeatedly that he is not pro-abortion, and some Catholics salivating for a job in his administration believe him. Yet he’s in office for only a few days and one of the first things he decides to do is fund abortion. That would be on a par with someone who said he was in favor of gun control and then provided funds to the NRA. Indeed, no one spends money to support that which he really abhors. In short, it’s time for the pro-abortion crowd to simply say that whatever reservations they may have about abortion (and some have none at all), they are outweighed by their overall support for it. “Just last Monday, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops made public a letter it sent to Obama asking him to retain the Mexico City Policy. Obama has made his decision, and we hope every Catholic who is truly pro-life gets it.” Unquote

P.S. As author of this Blog, let me add that I hope every Christian who is truly pro-life gets it. Bob

Ten Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams and Rip-Offs

2009-01-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

According to a survey conducted in 2008 by the Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA), and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators, the top complaints that state and local consumer protection agencies receive concern everyday transactions: car sales and repairs, home improvement work, credit and loans, debt collection, retail sales, utility service, Internet sales, door-to-door and telemarketing sales, and apartment rentals. In these tough economic times, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from scams and rip-offs and get the most for your money. 1. Check the track record. When you’re considering making a purchase from an unfamiliar company, check its complaint records. Consult your state or local consumer agency, the Better Business Bureau, and online complaint forums. 2. Do more than kick the tires. Before you buy a used car, take it to a mechanic you trust to be thoroughly checked out. There are also services that can give you information on the history of the vehicle. Spending a little money upfront to check the car out can save you lots of money later. 3. Hire licensed professionals. If you’re hiring professionals such as home improvement contractors, ask your state or local consumer protection agency whether they must be licensed or registered and how you can check to confirm that they are. 4. Pay the safest way. Pay with a credit card when you buy goods or services that will be delivered later so that you’ll be able to exercise your right to dispute the charges if you don’t get what you were promised. 5. Don’t pay in full upfront. Pay only a small deposit, if requested, for home improvement or other services, never the full amount upfront. 6. Recognize the danger signs of fraud. Watch out for any request to wire money; scare tactics or pressure to act immediately; promises that you can borrow, win or make money easily as long as you pay a fee in advance; or any situation in which someone wants to give you a check or money order and asks you to send money somewhere in return. 7. Get all promises in writing. Verbal agreements are hard to prove. Carefully read contracts or finance agreements and make sure you understand them before you sign. 8. Beware of bogus debt collectors that try to trick consumers into paying debts they don’t owe. Ask your state or local consumer protection agency how you can confirm whether the collection agency meets licensing or registration requirements in your state and what to do if you don’t think the debit is valid. 9. Watch out for foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams. If your home is in danger of foreclosure and you can’t work out a solution with the lender, contact your state or local housing finance agency, or call the HOPE NOW hotline, 1-888-995-4673. There is no fee for their assistance. 10. Get financial advice from legitimate sources. If you’re having trouble paying your bills, consult your local nonprofit consumer credit counseling service. Check your local phone book or call the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 1-800-388-2227. If you have a complaint, your state or local consumer agency can provide advice and information about your legal rights and may be able to help you if your efforts to resolve the problem with the company don’t succeed. Now you may know all of these things but I'll bet there are some people you know that are not as aware as you, so for a good start in this brand new year, why not share this and other needful,helpful information with them. Thanks for visiting. - Bob In the world but not of it

FREE Information for Wannabe Writers

2008-12-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

As a last ditch effort to present a year end and New Year gift to my readers, I have placed the above Titled Subject on my other Blog at http:fourwinds.blogster.com All details are included and its F R E E! Thanks for visiting. - Bob Happy New Year!

Christmas in the Workplace

2008-12-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

According to the article that follows (below), perhaps the title ought to read: Christmas or ? Has our society gone mad? What ever happened to the Spirit of Christmas? There has been an element in our society working much harder to destroy Christmas than those who would work to keep it as wonderful as it has always been.Does this article reveal a people that have gone "over the edge."? Christmas is a beautiful time that naturally invites everyone to recognize Goodness and leaves no one out - no matter who they are or where they are in the world, whether at home or away. Good people have allowed the beauty that is for everyone to become tarnished, corrupted and confused. Please do not get me wrong, not all peoples have abandoned the holiness that is the true meaning of the season - the birthday celebration of our Creator - God Man, Who came to us as a Child, relying on a teenager for His care. No, we still account for millions upon millions who know the truth and look forward to the proper and appropriate celebrations due Him. The following article, quoted by permission, will explain what is happening in the marketplace and in social circles by utterly misguided, gutless individuals responsible for turning Christmas into unbelievable indignities, and others going along indifferent to their cause. Merry Christmas! Wherever you may be. Yes, it is right to wish others Merry Christmas instead of their conventional, concocted greetings. You do not have to go along with those pathetic individuals and groups who would have you join them in their active intent to denigrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Article Quoted

Catholic League president Bill Donohue discusses what’s going on: “Cindy Wigglesworth, founder of Conscious Pursuits, says Christmas represents a ‘challenge’ to employers. The so-called challenge is how to have ‘an enthused workforce and be faith-friendly and faith-neutral and not violate any laws.’ She does not say what laws might be violated, but apparently she wants to guard against the prospect of someone calling 911. In any event, she has a mind of her own: ‘We’d much rather bring your child to work than bring your faith to work. We have not had a safe way to talk about faith.’ But what if your child comes to work and tells everyone ‘Merry Christmas’? Isn’t that dangerous? “Dawn Frazier-Bohnert works at a global consulting firm, and she advises employers not to hold a Christmas party—call it a ‘year-end’ bash, instead. She recommends ‘vegetarian alternatives’ at the dinner, ‘and be conscious that serving alcohol at parties might make some employees uncomfortable.’ There’s the rub: those who want to booze it up will also feel uncomfortable if the purists prevail. Flasks might work. “Simma Lieberman specializes in ‘Diversity and Inclusion,’ and it shows: she wants us to celebrate ‘Diwali,’ along with non-Hindu holidays. But, she cautions, ‘Make sure your holiday party isn’t a Christmas party in disguise.’ Good idea. However, she does not say what to do if some smart aleck asks what holiday is being celebrated at Christmastime. “Sondra Thiederman is another ‘Diversity’ expert, and she warns against Christmas decorations, recommending instead ‘flowers, balloons, candles and snowflakes.’ She also counsels against Christmas songs, suggesting ‘historical music, the big bands and the sounds of the ‘40s.’ No rap or heavy metal? “Viacom has the best house rule: ‘Live trees solely for the purpose of a holiday decoration are not permitted.’ Those fake ones are okay. “So this is what our troops are defending in Iraq—the right of Anti-Christmas Czars to promote thought control in America.” Susan A. Fani Director of Communications Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights catalyst@catholicleague.org New York, NY 10123 212-371-3191 212-371-3394 (fax)

Unquote

Thanks for visiting.- Bob The Christchild, the God of Peace be with you

Auto Bailout

2008-11-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

" We can't solve problems by using

the same kind of thinking we used

when we created them."

- Albert Einstein

http://www.newsmax.com/ Thurs Nov 20, 2008 gives us this article titled: "Ten Reasons Why the Auto Bailout Is a Bad Idea"

The article provides sound reasoning, pretty much as the above quote from Albert Einstein. Visit Newsmax for more timely reading.

P.S. I also agree wholeheartedly with Mitt Romney when he says that the automakers ought to go bankrupt and start afresh. I add that Taxpayers should not be a pawn in this game that seems to be getting worse each day.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob "toujours en vedette"

Boycott Target Stores

2008-11-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have received surprising and damnable news about Target's (local and national) attitude toward American Veterans (the source that makes it possible for Target to even exist); I am asking you to boycott that store across America. Read the entire story just published at my other blog. "We Don't Have to Take It Anymore!" Click here http://fourwinds.blogster.com/ God bless America, and all the warriors that have and are keeping her safe. Thanks for visiting. - Bob

Messed Up Facts

2008-11-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

The subject, referring to a Bible Knowledge Test (from my archives) is published on my blog at: http://fourwinds.blogster.com I have tied it to what is going on today, over ten years later, with reference to the gay and lesbian movement, and those who aid and assist in their progress. Go there by clicking on the link. You may not believe what you see there. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Rom. 13: 12-14

Obama Revelations

2008-11-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

Dear visitor. Rather than retype a very important article just published on my other Blog, I invite you to go there now. The title is: Revelations About Obama Keep Coming. Just click here> http://fourwinds.blogster.com/ May you have and experience a happy month of November. Thanks for visiting. - Bob Spend your Vote wisely for the future...

Obama Notes

2008-10-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

A Newsmax survey of key Obama aspects of Obama’s public and private life continued to be shielded from the public. Among the examples: Obama has released just one brief document detailing his personal health. McCain, on the other hands, released what he said was his complete medical file totaling more than 1500 pages. After criticism on the matter, last week the Obama campaign also released some routine lab-test results and electrocardiograms for Obama. All test results appeared normal, but many details about his health remain a mystery. Obama has refused to offer his official papers as a state legislator in Illinois, and has been unable to produce correspondence, such as letters from lobbyists and other correspondence from his days in the Illinois state senate. There are also no appointment calendars available of his official activities. “It could have been thrown out,” Obama said while on the campaign trail during the Democratic primary. “I haven’t been in the state Senate now for quite some time.” Obama has not released his client list as an attorney or his billing records. Obama has maintained that he only performed a few hours of legal work for a nonprofit organization with ties to Tony Rezko, the Chicago businessman convicted of fraud in June. But he has not released billing records that would prove this assertion. Obama won’t release his college records from Occidental College where he studied for two years before transferring to Columbia. Obama’s campaign refuses to give Columbia University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in political science, permission to release his transcripts. Such transcripts would list the courses Obama took, and his grades. President George W. Bush, and presidential contenders Al Gore and John Kerry, all released their college transcripts. (McCain has refused to release his Naval Academy transcript.) Obama’s college dissertation has simply disappeared from Columbia Universities archives. In July, in response to a flurry of requests to review Obama’s senior thesis at the Ivy League school, reportedly titled “Soviet Nuclear Disarmament,” Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt told NBC News “We do not have a copy of the course paper you requested and neither does Columbia University.” The senator has not agreed to the release of his application to the Illinois state bar, which would clear up intermittent allegations that his application to the bar may have been inaccurate. Jim Geraghty of the National Review has written extensively about Obama’s unwillingness to release records related to clients he represented while he was an attorney with the Chicago law firm of Davis, Miner, Barnhill, and Gallard. Obama was required to list his clients during his years in the Illinois senate. “Obama listed every client of the firm,” Geraghty reported, making it impossible to discern which clients he represented. Obama has never released records from his time at Harvard Law School. Obama also has not disclosed the names of small donors giving $200 or less to his campaign. An exception to the finance-reporting laws exempts the campaign from reporting those who donate less than $200, but that law never envisioned the more than $300 million that has been raised by Obama in small amounts. The Republican National Committee has released its small donors, as well as McCain’s, on a public database. This fresh information thanks to Newsmax.com. Thanks for visiting. - Bob - toujours en vedette

Cautions and MoneySaving Tips

2008-10-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

The reason I make an article out of these subjects is that I know that they are for real - the cautions are being perpetrated; and the tips are valid and are being offered.

Cautions

1. Two scams in one: A phony job offer plus a check-cashing scam are being used to target job seekers. Scammers place an ad for the often heard of "Secret or Mystery Shopper" opportunity. These are supposedly people who are paid to go shopping in their free time to evaluate services or products. They are promised pay plus free clothing, hotel stays and restaurant meals.

People who answer the ad receive materials by mail, including a check that they are told to deposit as paid training money. They cash the check, keep the predetermined pay for themselves and wire the rest of the money back to the company address.

Reality: The checks are forgeries. Weeks after depositing them, victims learn that the checks are phony and that they must repay the bank the amount they sent to the scammers. Scammers can make $1,000 or more per victim. (BBB, Louisville, KY)

2. You have either heard of this next one, or unwittingly participated, or received their mailings. Beware of investment salespeople who label themselves "senior specialists" at seminars in hotels and restaurants. These people, who may call themselves "Retirement Counselors" or "Senior Counselors" may have little or no investment training. They may urge attendees to sell off their investments and put the proceeds into other products, including some that have high commissions and early withdrawal penalties.

Before consenting to or giving money to anyone claiming special expertise in investments for seniors, read the SEC article Check Out Brokers and Investment Advisors, available at www.sec.gov/investor/brokers.htm

(SEC, Washington, DC)

Money Saving Tips

1. I spied this one Oct 15, 2008 (to let you know it's current) in one of my incoming publications. You are invited to go to: www.MoneySavingGuide.com for advice on saving money and spending wisely on travel, entertainment, groceries, utilities, banking and more. The site features articles, blog posts and other tools and resources on the Web, as well as suggestions from readers and a FREE monthly

E-mail newsletter.

2. I have just concluded attending to my eye needs. This tip came to me after the fact, but perhaps you may find it can save you some precious dollars. The advice is: "Shop around for eyeglasses." This is sound advice because you would be surprised that the same pair of glasses priced recently at $178 to $390 depended on where it was bought. Really! There is price variation in lenses and in frames.

Doctors and independent optical shops tend to charge more but provide more personal service. Chain stores often make glasses in about an hour and may offer discounts for members of AARP, AAA and other groups. Warehouse clubs offer low prices and, in some cases, do not require membership for eyeglass purchases. But get this: Internet merchants may offer the lowest prices of all. "One, Zenni Optical, offers eyeglasses (frames and lenses) starting as low as $8."

Eyeglasses and frames, like jewelry, have a tremendous markup in price when, in fact, the materials' cost itself is not hefty. To save money it always pays to do your homework before stepping out to shop.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob "Always on the look-out"

Selective Reporting by the Media

2008-10-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing how swiftly the media can investigate and report on an unknown such as "Joe the Plumber" and withhold pertinent information about Barak H. Obama from the public because of their biased agenda? From this simple happening a few days ago, you ought to learn that YOU will need to do your own research for the truth of anything nowadays. Just because it's in print, you can no longer assume that it is the truth; just because it isn't in print, you can no longer assume that you have had the entire truth reported - that's BIAS. No two ways about it. And, believe it or not, bias reporting has been going on for about 45 years, shaping the way people think - if they think at all any more. With newspapers losing ground to computers, and computers available in most, if not all, libraries, there's no way you need to feel "ignorant" about issues and what is going on in this world. Of course if truth is not important to you, none of this means anything. On the other hand, if truth IS important to you, you will need to accept the responsibility for searching truth out. There are FIVE BIG MEN available to help you. They're invaluable questions leading to truth of a matter. I refer to: WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? HOW? Oftimes adding WHY? can be surprisingly helpful. If the media wants to treat you like a simpleton or an ignorant fool by giving you only what they want you to know, you don't need to cooperate. When you find yourself reading something (even your local newspaper), invoke the FIVE BIG MEN to see if you're reading a full story. If you agree that you're receiving faulty reporting, which, unfortunately, is likely, do yourself a favor and abandon that source of reporting. Belonging to an on-line activist organization may bring you full, current news of what's going on here, there, everywhere, and what's being done by WHO, WHEN, AND WHERE. There's no substitute to accurate reporting (once proudly called Journalism). The next time you pick up something to read, you now know what to do to determine whether it deserves your time. Joe the Plumber was interesting but not worthy of our time; it just proved the unjust activity of a bias media biding time and ignoring what is truly important - the countdown to casting our privileged Vote for the next president of the United States. If you want your vote to be taken seriously (and you definitely should), why are there not reports of what is being done about the highly questionable goings on, such as fraud at the Ballot Boxes involving 100's of thousands of ballots already cast - in at least 11 states - that, because of its association with Barak Obama, it's not being accurately reported? We can know all about Joe the Plumber in swift time, why not report about what has been and is going on that seriously threatens our individual vote? After all, it's just a matter of days before the critical hour! Reporters have all the help they need with the FBI supposedly investigating, so they ought to be able to jump on it - if they weren't biased. Thanks for visiting. - Bob carpe diem

Liberals Shifting the Blame

2008-10-17T12:18:00.001-07:00

Truth cannot be hidden and will always be known and revealed

For years, liberals in Congress pushed government-sponsored mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to achieve their policy ends even as they avoided fixing the organizations' abuses. Now that the financial markets are unsteady, they want to pin the blame not on these government-sponsored enterprises but on free enterprise. The Left is looking to spin the economic crisis to their own advantage, Heritage Foundation expert Ernest Istook argues on Human Events Online. They know "that whoever shapes public understanding of what caused today's economic crisis can shape America's politics -- and its future -- for a great many years to come. Thus, they're pushing the notion that too little government regulation was at fault.' In fact, lack of regulation is only part of the story. It wasn't too little regulation of private financial firms that's to blame—if anything, laws like the Community Reinvestment Act went too far, Istook says—but too little regulation of government-sponsored companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Despite early and prescient warnings from experts including Heritage's Ron Utt, liberals collaborated with Fannie and Freddie to avoid taking responsibility for their failure. Heritage president Ed Feulner explains how they achieved this: Fannie and Freddie evaded attempts to regulate them. A big reason is that they cultivated powerful friends in Congress, such as Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. As chair of the Senate banking committee, he pocketed more than $165,000 in campaign contributions from people associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Over in the House, the GSEs also enjoyed vocal support. "These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis," Rep. Barney Frank, now head of the House Banking Committee, said in 2003. "The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing." Today, these same liberals who for so long resisted doing anything about Fannie and Freddie are now crying out for a Congressional investigation. "Clearly, these gentlemen cannot credibly lead an investigation into the collapse of the very companies they championed," Feulner argues. To get at the real root of the financial crisis, Feulner proposes a "Financial Crisis Commission," independent of the Congress. And what might this commission find? Feulner says that "a fair and complete investigation seems likely to confirm that wisdom by revealing that many of today's problems were triggered by our elected officials -- not by a failure of the free market." (The above is courtesy of The Heritage Foundation of which I am a proud member.) Thanks for visiting. - Bob II Tim 4:2

Bravo! Encore!

2008-10-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

With all the stress of the day, you know, bail out and all that is connected with it, a wee bit of lightheartedness is called for. So consider this situation and, if you care to, circulate it.

A Moving Speech

Eleven people - 10 men and a woman - were lifted to apparent safety from the roof of a burning building by grabbing a rope dropped by a rescue helicopter. There was a problem. As the chopper labored to gain altitude, it quickly became clear that the rope they were holding wasn't quite strong enough to carry 11 people. The solution was clear, they realized one of them had to let go or they'd all perish.

Unable to decide on who'd make the ultimate sacrifice by letting go - and there were no volunteers, an unselfish decision had to be made, and quickly.

Finally, with everyone clinging tightly to the rope, the woman gave a touching speech when she said: "I'll let go because, as a woman, I'm used to giving up everything for my husband and kids, or for men in general, and for always making sacrifices with little in return."

As soon as she finished, all the men began clapping their hands.

Thanks for visiting. -Bob toujours en vedette

Students' New Pledge of Allegiance

2008-08-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

(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

2008-08-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

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)

Riverside Walk

2008-07-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

A blonde Obama voter was out for a walk. She comes to a river and sees another blonde on the opposite bank. "Yoo-hoo" she shouts, "How can I get to the other side?" The second blonde looks up the river and down the river and shouts back: "You are on the other side." The next day this same blonde is stopped for a speeding ticket and is asked for her drivers license. She was surprised, and in a huff replied: "I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you!" Thanks for visiting. - Bob toujours en vedette

Proof that God Exists

2008-07-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

(The following is exerpted from one of my articles: God's Perfect Planet Earth.) When I read about athiests and other unbelievers doubting the existence of God, I have to wonder where they come from. Where did their ability to think for themselves get stuck. While thinking about this awful situation I got to thinking about the simplest way to explain God's existence. Though many try, some succeed others fail. I thought "Just one more way to explain God's existence would do no harm." So you are welcome to stick around and read on. My thought turned to the dawn of creation as described in Genesis. Without going through the entire story, I focused on our perfect Planet Earth. First, I thought, how it was that the Sun is not so close to us as to burn us to a crisp; not so far from us to freeze us to death. Then I asked myself what it takes to survive on this beautiful earth. The word Water came to mind. Let us follow that element necessary to sustain life we call water. We know that water turns foul when it remains for some time without being stirred. Have you ever seen a neglected swimming pool? Ugh. Now ask yourself how it is that though it is shut in one place the water of the sea never, ever turns foul? I imagine you have never thought about it. The reason our earthly water does not become foul is that the goodness of God has provided against this by the constant motion of the sea. Twice a day the water flows from the center of the sea towards the shore and back again. Twice a day since the dawn of creation! Beside this, from time to time God sends winds and storms which stir the sea to its very depths. Reading about these things in comfort, we now know why the water is stirred up. The whole of creation testifies to God. Plant life and inhabitants of planet earth cannot survive without water. They need continued nourishment to survive, i.e. live. This undeniably requires a steady supply of water. God, in His infinite wisdom provided as no other could. This is what He did for our existence: Rivers and streams ceaselessly flow into the sea, carrying into it - even in a single day - a tremendous volume of water. This goes on all the year round; has been going on for ages. Yet the sea does not overflow. Have you ever wondered about the rivers and streams as you looked at, pondered about, crossed paths with them? I have, numerous times, as I grew up - and into adulthood - even nowadays. It is only natural. I will guess that you have given them some thought as well, however fleeting, as you encountered them. In His great plan, God has made it that as much water is incessantly rising into the air from the sea as is being poured into it. Where does that volume of water, which pours into the sea come from? The mists and clouds which rise from the sea are driven over the land by the wind, and fall back on earth in the form of dew, fog, rain or snow. Imagine that! What a marvelous system He has in place! The essential moisture which is necessary to the life of all plants and growth, and people and beasts of the earth is always in motion. Even as we sleep. We have nothing to do with keeping this motion alive.

Planet Earth

Allow me to make an observation about our planet and its inhabitants. Picture, if you will, in your minds eye, the beautiful blue ball that an American astronaut took as the Picture of all Pictures of our planet earth from way out in space, from his spaceship. We rightly and almost instinctively make comments out loud or to ourselves in amazement at the beautiful sight our earth radiates when viewed from outer space.

Take a good hard look at our planet. Then ask yourself if you believe that the makeup of Earth - and the position of the Sun - was a coincidence, an accident, a freak of nature, etc.?

Do you honestly believe that this perfect planet could have "just happened?" or could have been made by some man-created god? Some "Big Bang" theory? et al.? When necessary I do not hesitate shouting "No way!" But if you do give consideration to such dribble that usually comes from scientists and/or astronomers (of all people), I urge you to think again. It deserves your careful thought.

Planet earth was created by God Himself, especially for man and beasts. We must accept the fact that all our problems here on earth are man-made. Not one imperfection is from the time of creation. We are negligent in caring for this wonderful piece of real estate orbiting the sun and within our own galaxy.

Look Up

The next time you look up into the cosmos, be grateful for all you survey. You do not see the stars during the day, but they are still there. As the night cover shows much of its splender and magnificence, sigh a grateful sigh to the God Who created this perfect planet for those He loves. It is really not complicated to understand. Get your sorry thoughts out of the way of your natural instincts that want to say "Thank you Lord, for your overflowing abundance. We have more than we need to live on this blue gem called Earth. Thank you. Amen."

Thanks for visiting. - Bob May the God of Love and Peace be with you

My Favorite Old G.I. Recipe

2008-06-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

Treasure Found

It has been years since I was able to walk into a Dining (Mess) Hall and feast on Chipped Beef (really hamburger), preferred title S.O.S. (Those who know the meaning need no explanation.) Let me tell you that this is a prized meal by those who can look past the image sitting on your plate on top of toast. As is often said: "Looks can be deceiving." In this case it is definitely so. "Um mm good." But, it has to be made properly, according to the recipe book set up for hundreds of hungry uniformed personnel.

Now, having said all that, let me share with you my recent discovery. I can shout "Eureka! I found it!" Yep, I found the long lost recipe for S.O.S. in an old Recipe Book of years gone by. And, as you have learned by now, if you are a visitor to my blog(s), I find satisfaction in sharing those things I really enjoy in life. Today that does not cover lots of territory, however. Nevertheless,I find that that makes my blogs more valuable for the reader. Naturally you always have the choice of whether or not to read them. They are all FREE.

All right, for those of you who have hung up your uniform and can still remember your morning visits to the Mess Hall; or those of you who have a veteran in the house, or know of a veteran in the family, or a neighbor who might just drool in knowing the recipe for S.O.S. here is how to make a friend of that person or persons in your life or in your neighborhood. Incidentally, this dish, found in this old recipe book, with the title Chipped Beef, is claimed to be a classic Sunday supper in New England. I honestly do not know about that, having spent my first 17 years in that part of the world; I had never heard of it until my (fond) military Basic Training hundreds of miles to the south.

NOTE: Though inexpensive (which today is an attraction), you can make this with chipped beef BUT I prefer hamburger (i.e. ground beef). So substitute hamburger for chipped beef and we will be correct for the G.I.'s sumptuous breakfast. Adjust for the amount preferred. Here's the basic: Prep time: 5 Min. Cooking time: 12 Min .

1 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine
5 ounces ground beef
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
21/4 cups low-fat (1% milkfat) milk
1/4 teaspoon each black pepper and paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 slices white bread, toasted.

1. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the beef and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the flour until the beef is well coated. Gradually stir in the milk, then the black pepper, paprika, and ground red pepper.

2. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, for ten minutes or until thickened. Spoon over the toast. Makes 1 servings.

Now you can never, never say that I did not do you a special favor. I did. I shared my most important old G.I. meal recipe with you for the 4th of July. If you will take on the responsibility for making S.O.S. surprise someone you know that would understand by asking "What do you know about the G.I. favorite meal S.O.S.?" (Then, let them speak.) Good skill!

Thanks for visiting. - Bob

Have a wonderful Fourth of July 2008!

Military Veteran News

2008-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

This message is particularly for "un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans." It appears that Congress has finally heard the expressions of discontent with present practices dealing with the Hand Salute. Quasi-military, veterans and other organizations, and their members, are asked to pass the following informational change along to their fellow members and all other veterans they know and meet. And, if you are not a veteran but know someone who is, relative or neighbor, please share this information with those who qualify. Thank you.

Here's what's new:

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow those I described above, to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. Flag. The amendment does not address saluting the flag during the playing of the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, honors (i.e.Taps), or any other saluting situation. (I am of the opinion that there is no wrong time to Salute. You be the judge at the time and at the situation.) The excerpt from H.R. 4986 reads: "SEC. 594. CONDUCT BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING, LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG. "Section 9 of title 4, United States Code, is amended by striking 'all persons present' and all that follows through the end of the section, and inserting the following: 'all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or, if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'"

A Sign/Gesture of Respect

The Hand Salute is perhaps the first command a recruit in uniform learns to render and obey. And, it is likely to stay with him/her the remainder of their lives. People in uniform and former military understand the respect the Hand Salute represents. Many of us did not relate 100 percent to placing our hand over the heart. We are more accoustomed to rendering a sign of respect and as is often the case, acknowledging a direct association with a smart, respectful hand salute.

Military/Veteran Related Holidays

Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, have come and gone for this year. Dead ahead is Flag Day, June 14th. A wonderful time to exercise your right to fly the flag, and encourage others to do so; stand tall and proudly salute for all that you have been through, for all those who have gone through the protals of freedom's defense goals; for all those missing in action/prisoners of war (MIA/POW); and for the hundreds of thousands who have died so we my live; for many reasons, plus those of your very own.

American Military Cemeteries

In the course of my military life - and after - I have visited a number of American Cemeteries in Europe, representing the horrific human cost of the European War campaigns to hold back the brutal advances made by Hitler to change the world; and the huge memorial cemetery located in a dead volcano high above Honolulu, Hawaii, representing the Pacific campaigns to stem the foolish attempts by the Japanese to overcome America. That war also demanded a terrible human toll.

White Crosses, Row Upon Row

In each visit, I humbly rendered, not my hand over my heart, but a Hand Salute with the utmost respect for each and every soul represented by a white cross row upon row.

National Colors are The Red, White and Blue

Yes, of course, there are those who will look at you askance, as you render the hand salute. That is their problem. Not yours. If they ask why, that is your and my opportunity to teach them the proper respect and courtesy due our National Colors of Red, White, and Blue. Colors that have proven again and again that they do not run. God bless America! Thanks for visiting. - Bob

Lost Rules

2008-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

There are many things we tend to leave behind as we age - age in this case is at any age of reason. We leave them behind for one reason or another, primarily through neglect or not passing them along to the ones we are responsible for teaching - as a parent, teacher, counselor, etc. Here are some that are so simple you may wonder why no one seems to pay attention to them anymore. I believe they are "Lost Rules." See what you think. Feel free to add to them and/or make a copy for selected distribution. They certainly will not harm anyone:

Lost Rules

If you break it, fix it

If you don't know, ask

If you open it, close it

If you lose it, replace it

If you turn it on, turn it off

If you unlock it, lock it back

If you move it, put it back

If you turn it on, turn it off

If you throw it down, pick it up

If you drive it, check the oil and gas

If you ask for something, say please

If it isn't yours, keep your hands off of it

If you get what you ask for, say thank you

If it doesn't concern you, don't mess with it

If someone gives you a smile, give them one back

Remember that courtesy is always acceptable - everywhere

Thanks for visiting. - Bob toujours en vedette

50th Wedding Anniversary Success

2008-05-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

An organized group of husbands periodically hold a marriage seminar. On this particular evening they were discussing the number of years some of them have remained married. One of them, Luigi, was nearing his 50th Wedding Anniversary. He was asked by the group's leader to tell the rest of his colleagues how he had managed to stay married to the same woman all of these years. Luigi said: "I've-a tried to treat-a her nice-a, spend-a the money on her, but best of all is that-a I took-a her to Italy for the 20th Anniversary." The group leader said: "Luigi, you're an inspriation to all of the husbands here. Please, tell us what you're planning for your wife for your 50th Anniversary." Luigi proudly said:"I'm-a gonna go back-a to Italy and get her." Thanks for visiting. - Bob (1 Cor 13)

Philosophy

2008-05-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

This one has been around a long time. I've not heard it for some years, so it's being resurrected, and so it should be. The humor is from my time in uniform. You might have an opportunity to share it with someone you know that's in uniform now. We can always use a bit of laughter. Try these: The Company Commander and his First Sergeant were in the field. As they hit the sack for the night, the First Sergeant said: "Sir, look up into the sky and tell me what you see?" The Commander said: "I see millions of stars." First Sergeant: "And what does that tell you, sir?" Commander: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, First Sergeant?" First Sergeant: "Well sir, it tells me that somebody stole our tent."

**********

Here's another that you could share with someone in a military uniform:

During training exercises the lieutenant who was driving a jeep down a muddy back road encountered another jeep stuck in the mud,with a red-faced colonel at the wheel. The lieutenant, without too much experience, unwisely remarked to the colonel "Your jeep stuck, sir?" as he pulled alongside the colonel. "Nope," replied the colonel, coming over and handing him the keys, "Yours is."

Thanks for visiting. - Bob toujours en vedette

It's True!

2008-04-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

We only think of this once in a while. What brings it on is a word, a thought, a piece of music, a song, something we just happen to be looking at, even a sweet smell. You must have "been there" to know what I'm about to tell you is true. If you've "been there" you'll agree that: Inside every older person is a younger person wondering "What the hell happened!?" "Where, oh, where did the time go?" Now go to a good, complete dictionary and look up: toujour en vedette "Always on the lookout." That's what I've been doing for so long for anything interesting without realizing it. Thanks for visiting. - Bob toujour en vedette

Hypocrisy

2008-04-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

It came across the newswire that the once popular but still well-known singer of American lyrics -- Bruce Springsteen, has publicly endorsed Obama for president. His reported announcment did its job on me. I was shocked! Imagine someone who professed to be all-American, especially through his songs, then telling people that he's for the poor excuse for an American? Briefly summing up Obama: A puppet of such unAmerican people as George Sorros and his moveon organization; a liar in denying that he didn't know his pastor had hate in his heart -- after listening to him for 20 years or so. His idea of "Change" spewed with a million words that say absolutely nothing! His youth and his do-no-good record from his home state as well as in the brief time he's been at the Nation's Capitol. What Obama does have is the gift of the gab (still saying nothing meaningful), and an effective manner of speaking. So did Hitler, but Hitler spoke outwardly saying what he intended to do. He, too, hated. But you knew where he was and where he was going. He was a monster, while Obama is like a child in a sandbox throwing sand into the wind. People who cheer after him don't know any more than the first time they heard of him. As Obama has his followers, I'm reminded of the saying: "Like attracts like." That is to say that since Obama knows nothing but rhetoric that excites no-nothing people, that's what we get. Now back to Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen's endorsement of Obama tells me, and it ought to signal to you, too, that he may be able to sing and put words together, but he is obviously a bad judge of character;plus we all know that words are cheap. His ignorance of real life in America has been revealed. A free people who love or should know enough to love liberty, should also realize that our liberty has been and continues to be dearly paid for. These same freedom-loving American people are not interested in liberalism and Islam in this country to replace "The land of the free and the home of the brave." Springsteen's endorsement tells me something else, that he has superficial knowledge about Obama and little idea of Obama's true stand. If Obama were honest he would tell us that he wants to turn this country into an unrecognizable nation. Do you think Springsteen cares? Or, is it the money? Is Springsteen not aware of recent revealations about Obama's relationship with a verbose hate monger? And deny he ever heard hate coming from the mouth of his pastor/family friend? While Springsteen write lyrics about America, perhaps even some with the word "God", I doubt they were sung as "God damn America" as Obama must have heard repeatedly over a period of 20 or so years. You should wonder why Obama is still in this country since he hates it so much. He ought to be in Kenya with his relatives, along with his pastor (who acts like a Muslim). Endorsements for candidates must be taken lightly. As a voter you have your own responsibility to shake the facts loose and determine a firm belief in what you're going to do when you cast your vote. Thoughtless endorsements are potentially dangerous to you and your voting right. Springsteen was a democrat when he supported Walter Mondale. He was a democrat when he, reportedly, asked Ronald Reagan to stop using the song "Born in the USA" at campaign ralies in 1984. Today that tune is more significant than ever, but I doubt Springsteen would know what I mean, since liberalism seems to be in his camp. Besides actions speak louder than words, and to Bruce Springsteen these words must have no meaning, they seem to be just words. Just words like his ignorant and hypocritical endorsement of Barak Obama, which I hope people do more than accept his unqualified opinion. Thanks for visiting. - Bob toujours en vedette