Really didn't intend to post anything today. Just thought I would sneak in and read others' blogs , catch up (since I am still behind on my reading here), and chill out.
However, ahem!...visited another site before this one. It is more of a social interaction and information site, and although I don't blog there, I do occasionally comment on others' posts. There is a "bar" on the right side of the home page of the site which details current activity of members who are posting or commenting. My name must have popped up too much to suit someone. Ohhh yeah.
Evidently I attracted the attention of one of the more active members there who is very insecure about her position or popularity ranking on the site.
She had requested my friendship and has been nice...until I made the mistake of not being so invisible today. Oops!
Since I saw several posts of interest to me today, and had the time to comment I did. Nothing earth shattering or lengthy; usually just thanking them for sharing their views, and to one for the thought provoking questions he posed. Almost immediately, she messaged me to say that I must be feeling very chipper today as I was "all over the site and commenting on everything!" One might have thought that I was some demented person run amok with a machete whacking off members' heads. Now, lest you think that I am misinterpreting and/or overreacting...please read on.....
She continued by telling me her current popularity rating on the site;
(The site ranks members, and she checks her postion every day, she says!) and then proceeded to tell me about all the men on the site who were "hot" for her and who offered her "the world on a platter", and who offered to service her "needs". Needless to say, I will spare you the details of that tid bit. She informed me further of her profile page views being in the hundreds (or was it thousands? I honestly cannot recall), and her plans to promote herself and move even further up in the popularity ratings. Ok. Ahem!
It was one of those moments of thinking, "Honey, please! Who are you trying to convince of your worth, me or yourself?"
No, of course, I didn't say that!
The site is not a game to me, and I am content to go there, read, learn, and interact with some of the other members on occasion. It was just sad to me that this otherwise intelligent, creative, attractive and young (40s) woman feels so easily threatened by an old fart like me who is not even that active on the site; not there (plainly states in my profile) for romance or anything intimate, just friendship; and who has encouraged her writing (blogs, journal, and poetry). How empty does one's life have to be to need that kind of validation?
Yes, I know. There are people on facebook, and other social networking or interaction sites, as well as folks who blog on sites such as this who have a Junior High mentality of collecting names on their friends list, most of whom they have never met and never will, and have little to no online interaction with; but who add to the "numbers", and thus to their perception of their value (one might guess), since they boast about their "numbers". Not talking about people who are making money on their blogs and are therefore bound to be tied to the numbers, but those who seem to get some genuine sense of satisfaction by the amount of names on their page. Interesting. Just cannot wrap my mind around that, much less really relate to it. As a close (real) friend of mine says, "Whatever floats their boat". That is true, I suppose. We are all different, with different backgrounds, experiences, and needs.
Not sure that there is any message in all of this, other than the fact that at my age, I am still stunned sometimes by human behavior. lol
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Coming and Going Through Life...........
Ever think about the people who come and go through our lives? Some are the briefest of encounters..servers in restaurants, ticket sellers at the movies, cashiers at a store... while others last longer but still sort of fizzle out or fade over time. Then there are those who just disappear out of our lives with little to no warning, and it is if we never knew them at all, or we may feel that this is what they think.
Others such as our family and some few friends may be with us (if not physically or geographically, then in our hearts and minds) forever.
Ever wonder who remembers you and how they remember you? Sometimes we impact people's lives without intending to or even being aware of it. Our smile or frown might make a difference in someone's day. Our attitude and behavior may be the only Bible or church they ever see. Are we behaving such that we would want them to remember us? Have our impatience or unkindness brought someone else discouragement? Knowing what to say and do is not the issue; whether we are doing and saying what we know to be right is.
Sometimes it seems that the impermanence of some relationships is like life itself, all too brief, and sometimes painful.
Some approach life (and interaction with others) as if it is a drudgery and something to be endured, while others see it as a blessing and live each day as an adventure of sorts, relishing each moment and trying to suck the flavor or essence out like a dog trying to get the juicy marrow out of a bone.
Well, you probably know by now that I am of the latter group. No matter how challenging some days...weeks...months..lol..can be, God is great and life is good. That doesn't change. Does this mean that I am always on my best behavior, and never mess up? No, indeed. Does this mean that I am never down and discouraged? Nope. Not at all. It simply means that I choose not to stay there. The Bible talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). Keyword is not valley nor shadow nor death ...not for me. It is through. We don't have to stay there! God will bring us through.
When I am gone, I hope that if anyone does remember me, what they recall is that I was good to them, treated them well, and was a truly happy person. That is more than enough.
Others such as our family and some few friends may be with us (if not physically or geographically, then in our hearts and minds) forever.
Ever wonder who remembers you and how they remember you? Sometimes we impact people's lives without intending to or even being aware of it. Our smile or frown might make a difference in someone's day. Our attitude and behavior may be the only Bible or church they ever see. Are we behaving such that we would want them to remember us? Have our impatience or unkindness brought someone else discouragement? Knowing what to say and do is not the issue; whether we are doing and saying what we know to be right is.
Sometimes it seems that the impermanence of some relationships is like life itself, all too brief, and sometimes painful.
Some approach life (and interaction with others) as if it is a drudgery and something to be endured, while others see it as a blessing and live each day as an adventure of sorts, relishing each moment and trying to suck the flavor or essence out like a dog trying to get the juicy marrow out of a bone.
Well, you probably know by now that I am of the latter group. No matter how challenging some days...weeks...months..lol..can be, God is great and life is good. That doesn't change. Does this mean that I am always on my best behavior, and never mess up? No, indeed. Does this mean that I am never down and discouraged? Nope. Not at all. It simply means that I choose not to stay there. The Bible talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). Keyword is not valley nor shadow nor death ...not for me. It is through. We don't have to stay there! God will bring us through.
When I am gone, I hope that if anyone does remember me, what they recall is that I was good to them, treated them well, and was a truly happy person. That is more than enough.
Stalking............
Friend of mine who blogs on another site posted a blog about stalking. She did not name names in the blog, but two of us (her friends) and the site admins. know who the stalker is.
She does not use her real name on that site because of the unwanted contact she has received from others in the past, and the fact that it is an alternative lifestyle site.
She is a female living alone in a somewhat remote area, and seeks not to be unfriendly nor duplicitous, but cautious. Unfortunately, she did put her pic on her profile. Probably not the best choice considering the circumstances. Well, someone she does not esp. care for from that site tracked her down somehow on fb and asked to "friend" her there. They did not have her name, but her general area, and age. Who knows the profiles they had to comb through before matching up her photos from both sites? There is software out there that can do this, I am told, so it may have been easy for them.
The point is that they now have my friend's real name, family member's names and more of a clue on her location. If they found her there, getting her actual physical address should be no problem. She was outraged and terrified, as she had done nothing to invite nor encourage this contact, and now has to worry about having her lifestyle choices disclosed to others...as well as the possibility of having some psycho show up at her door.
She is a strong and determined coonass (relax, it is what cajuns call themselves), and would have no problem tcob if threatened; but it is not something she or any other sane person would relish having to do.
The incident has been reported to the site admins., and a private message sent to this person politely asking them to refrain from further contact or face legal action. There was obviously no mention of what would occur should this individual show up at her home. Ahem!
What was in his demented mind, you wonder? Well, the he was a she. Nope, not a sexual nor romantic thing at all. Just an attempt by a disturbed and attention seeking woman who found nothing wrong in what she did and quickly came up with a cover story for the site admin. to keep from being banned from the site. Interestingly, even on her fb site, the stalking woman uses a false ID, so while she intrudes into others lives gathering their info, she seeks to reveal little to none of her own.
One of the site admins commented that in this day and age, such behavior is sadly more and more common, and people should remember that whatever they put online is out there forever. It is a wake up call as to our vulnerability and our false sense of security.
She does not use her real name on that site because of the unwanted contact she has received from others in the past, and the fact that it is an alternative lifestyle site.
She is a female living alone in a somewhat remote area, and seeks not to be unfriendly nor duplicitous, but cautious. Unfortunately, she did put her pic on her profile. Probably not the best choice considering the circumstances. Well, someone she does not esp. care for from that site tracked her down somehow on fb and asked to "friend" her there. They did not have her name, but her general area, and age. Who knows the profiles they had to comb through before matching up her photos from both sites? There is software out there that can do this, I am told, so it may have been easy for them.
The point is that they now have my friend's real name, family member's names and more of a clue on her location. If they found her there, getting her actual physical address should be no problem. She was outraged and terrified, as she had done nothing to invite nor encourage this contact, and now has to worry about having her lifestyle choices disclosed to others...as well as the possibility of having some psycho show up at her door.
She is a strong and determined coonass (relax, it is what cajuns call themselves), and would have no problem tcob if threatened; but it is not something she or any other sane person would relish having to do.
The incident has been reported to the site admins., and a private message sent to this person politely asking them to refrain from further contact or face legal action. There was obviously no mention of what would occur should this individual show up at her home. Ahem!
What was in his demented mind, you wonder? Well, the he was a she. Nope, not a sexual nor romantic thing at all. Just an attempt by a disturbed and attention seeking woman who found nothing wrong in what she did and quickly came up with a cover story for the site admin. to keep from being banned from the site. Interestingly, even on her fb site, the stalking woman uses a false ID, so while she intrudes into others lives gathering their info, she seeks to reveal little to none of her own.
One of the site admins commented that in this day and age, such behavior is sadly more and more common, and people should remember that whatever they put online is out there forever. It is a wake up call as to our vulnerability and our false sense of security.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Still Slogging Along.............
Well, it is Labor Day, Sept. 5th, and the remnants of TS Lee are still giving us sporadic wind and rain.
Don't mind the cooler temps, but will be glad if my yard ever dries out.
When I try to get my furball to exit to take care of business, he looks out at the wet, almost butt high grass (he is a shiz tsu), and then at me (as he backs away from the door) as if to say, "You have got to be kidding me! I could drown out there." Poor baby.
Hope everyone else in the rest of the country is having a sunny, safe, and fun Labor Day.
************
Friend of mine who also likes to write clued me into some software I might try (free trial from microsoft). It is supposed to be helpful in writing one's novel. Ahhhh yes, I know. We all aspire to be writers ....and some of us actually write. lol At any rate, it sounds interesting and might be worth a try.
She also mentioned considering having her book published as an ebook, something I had not thought of. Why, I don't know, as I read copious amouts of ebooks on my kindle through amazon. Lots of them are free and get one hooked on an author and make one want to read more of their work....and therefore pay for the privilege. Yes, it works with me. lol
At any rate, it is also another good thought, if I ever do get anything finished and ready for submission.
Doncha just love getting good tid bits from others...and without even trying to pick their brains. lol
************************
This same gal is also starting her own site online. Just getting it sort of "framed out" now and still building. Cool!
It is an especially positive step for her because she has been nursing a heartache/heartbreak over some pompous ass she was involved with. Oops! Did I say that? Well, it is the truth. He was/is a player, and is really into much younger women (20ish). She is in her 40s (he is in his 50s) so she was too old for him to start with. Geez!
At any rate, she has been alone for years (as have I), and was swept off her feet by this charming rascal, then got in over her head before she knew what hit her. Then, of course, he dropped her cold. Nice, eh?
He still shows up where he knows she will see him and ignores her. Get this: he "forbade" her to contact him, speak to him, or acknowledge him in public. Do ya see why I called him what I did?! Was making her beyond depressed; actually physically ill.
Another friend and I have been trying to do what we can to divert her mind onto something positive and productive, and she is finally sounding more like herself. Thank God!! She is finally eating and sleeping again and talking about her book and the website again. Whew!
There, but for the Grace of God, go I.
***************
Going to go and see what I can get into. Wish me luck :-)
Don't mind the cooler temps, but will be glad if my yard ever dries out.
When I try to get my furball to exit to take care of business, he looks out at the wet, almost butt high grass (he is a shiz tsu), and then at me (as he backs away from the door) as if to say, "You have got to be kidding me! I could drown out there." Poor baby.
Hope everyone else in the rest of the country is having a sunny, safe, and fun Labor Day.
************
Friend of mine who also likes to write clued me into some software I might try (free trial from microsoft). It is supposed to be helpful in writing one's novel. Ahhhh yes, I know. We all aspire to be writers ....and some of us actually write. lol At any rate, it sounds interesting and might be worth a try.
She also mentioned considering having her book published as an ebook, something I had not thought of. Why, I don't know, as I read copious amouts of ebooks on my kindle through amazon. Lots of them are free and get one hooked on an author and make one want to read more of their work....and therefore pay for the privilege. Yes, it works with me. lol
At any rate, it is also another good thought, if I ever do get anything finished and ready for submission.
Doncha just love getting good tid bits from others...and without even trying to pick their brains. lol
************************
This same gal is also starting her own site online. Just getting it sort of "framed out" now and still building. Cool!
It is an especially positive step for her because she has been nursing a heartache/heartbreak over some pompous ass she was involved with. Oops! Did I say that? Well, it is the truth. He was/is a player, and is really into much younger women (20ish). She is in her 40s (he is in his 50s) so she was too old for him to start with. Geez!
At any rate, she has been alone for years (as have I), and was swept off her feet by this charming rascal, then got in over her head before she knew what hit her. Then, of course, he dropped her cold. Nice, eh?
He still shows up where he knows she will see him and ignores her. Get this: he "forbade" her to contact him, speak to him, or acknowledge him in public. Do ya see why I called him what I did?! Was making her beyond depressed; actually physically ill.
Another friend and I have been trying to do what we can to divert her mind onto something positive and productive, and she is finally sounding more like herself. Thank God!! She is finally eating and sleeping again and talking about her book and the website again. Whew!
There, but for the Grace of God, go I.
***************
Going to go and see what I can get into. Wish me luck :-)
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Thoughts On Thinking..............
Yes, it's me, back again. So can I help it if my muse just decides to jab me in spurts some days and ignores me on others? Ahem!
Just thought I had best get these ideas posted before I possibly lost the internet or power (or both) with this storm.
Was reading something recently in which the author stated that we have two different basic types of thoughts.
There are our conscious thoughts of decisions, choices, things we want and have to do to make it through the day in this life. He called these our "busy thoughts" (need to buy bread, take out the trash, cut the dog's nails).
What we might consider out intuition, conscience, or flashes of inspiration and insight, he calls our still small voice. No we don't hear audible voices (at least I hope not!), but you get the picture.
It is this inner voice that he says we need to pay more attention to. He contends that we are all equipped with "instructions" encoded in our DNA, as to how to take better care of ourselves, and we need to access and heed our inner voice for the best outcomes. We are all humans, yet different, so our instructions will not be identical. What works for one person could be detrimental or harmful for another.
He used the analogy of buying a fern and a cactus. Both are plants, but mix up the tags with the care instructions and both plants will likely perish.
Well, I have no problem with some of this, BUT...yeah, you knew that was inevitable didn't you? Hahahahhahaha
That "still, small voice" he describes is what I believe is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, God's Divine Spark Within Us, or however else you might be comfortable in referring to it. To me, it is not part of our brain or other physiology, but is still a very real and living spirt within our own spirit. Hey, it's my blog. I say what I think. You can say what you think in the comments if ya want to.
God is a spirit and when He created us in his own image, that meant we are spirit too. It has nothing to do with physical characteristics, race, gender, or any of that junk. Old Hebrew scriptures say God created man as a "speaking spirit", presumably so that He could have fellowship with this particular creation.
So God is spirit, and we are spirit; now where did this other spirit come from? Well, I won't get off on that tanget today. Some believe that when God breathed the breath of life into man, He also shared some of His spirit or essence with man. Others will say that when Christians accept Jesus, that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us.
Suffice it to say that I believe that God has given us this Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, teach, and help us; it is up to us to choose to shut up our "busy thoughts" and listen to the leadings of God through this Spirit. For me, two of the easiest and best ways to do this are prayer and meditation.
Don't roll your eyes at me! When one says "meditation" in Western culture, people seem to automatically see images of Buddhists, Hindus, or some other Eastern religions. Not necessarily so. Do you concentrate on things? Do you daydream? Do you worry and fret about stuff? Guess what...you are already doing a form of meditation. Surprise! There are as many kinds, styles and forms of it as grains of sand on the beach. When you read a Bible verse or some beautiful poetry, listen to some beautiful music, or watch something like a sunrise or sunset, and let these things touch your heart and soul, you are meditating.
It is not necessary to "clear your mind", or have some exotic mantra to chant, or sit cross legged and burn incense. Nope. Don't let the word "meditation" fool you or intimidate you. It is cool, and as I said, you are very likely already doing it and have been for years. Now what one chooses to meditate on is the kicker. It is up to us. What we fill our mind with can determine the course of our life.
Often what we worry, whine, and complain about is already answered/solved, if we will but shut up and listen. God is not careless or heartless, and he has not created us and just run off and left us bereft and defenseless.
As a preacher friend of mine has said, "Prayer is not supposed to be a monologue. It is supposed to be a conversation with God."
That requires input from the other side, right? We have to shut up and listen to hear what He is trying to tell us.
Prayer is also not supposed to be a list of " I want, I need, and Can you do this for me please? things".
One friend I know described it as a sandwich. Using Biblical references telling us to always praise God and always be thankful, she says that our prayers should start that way, and not as a matter of rote, but out of a true spirit of gratitude for all that He has done for us. Then we can ask for what we think we need, or tell him what our problems are. Then she says we should thank him in advance for giving us what we ask for.
The Bible says if we ask "believing" already that we have received, it will be done. Doesn't say when, so don't get your knickers all in a wad if you fail to see immediate evidence of having your needs met. Sometimes that does happen; sometimes it doesn't.
When we worry or think God has failed us we are saying we have no faith in Him.
So why ask?
He is God, His timing is best for us, and He will always do His best for us. It is when we start trying to second guess Him and think we know what is best that we usually mess up big time.
If we talked to some people as some of us do to God, they would zone out and cease to hear us, and soon start avoiding us. Think about it. Seriously.
Would say that all of this is JMHO, but I am not humble. Nope, despite my best efforts. If I ever did achieve true humility, knowing me, I'd be proud of it. Dang it, Lee!
Actually that is ok. I have learned to accept and approve of myself, because God does. He accepts me for who I am, what I am, and where I am, and encourages me to do my best to learn, grow in love, and compassion, and evolve as He would have me to do....same as He does with all of His children. If you know how very much you love your children, just multiply that MANY times over and you will know how much God loves you. Nuff said.
Just thought I had best get these ideas posted before I possibly lost the internet or power (or both) with this storm.
Was reading something recently in which the author stated that we have two different basic types of thoughts.
There are our conscious thoughts of decisions, choices, things we want and have to do to make it through the day in this life. He called these our "busy thoughts" (need to buy bread, take out the trash, cut the dog's nails).
What we might consider out intuition, conscience, or flashes of inspiration and insight, he calls our still small voice. No we don't hear audible voices (at least I hope not!), but you get the picture.
It is this inner voice that he says we need to pay more attention to. He contends that we are all equipped with "instructions" encoded in our DNA, as to how to take better care of ourselves, and we need to access and heed our inner voice for the best outcomes. We are all humans, yet different, so our instructions will not be identical. What works for one person could be detrimental or harmful for another.
He used the analogy of buying a fern and a cactus. Both are plants, but mix up the tags with the care instructions and both plants will likely perish.
Well, I have no problem with some of this, BUT...yeah, you knew that was inevitable didn't you? Hahahahhahaha
That "still, small voice" he describes is what I believe is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, God's Divine Spark Within Us, or however else you might be comfortable in referring to it. To me, it is not part of our brain or other physiology, but is still a very real and living spirt within our own spirit. Hey, it's my blog. I say what I think. You can say what you think in the comments if ya want to.
God is a spirit and when He created us in his own image, that meant we are spirit too. It has nothing to do with physical characteristics, race, gender, or any of that junk. Old Hebrew scriptures say God created man as a "speaking spirit", presumably so that He could have fellowship with this particular creation.
So God is spirit, and we are spirit; now where did this other spirit come from? Well, I won't get off on that tanget today. Some believe that when God breathed the breath of life into man, He also shared some of His spirit or essence with man. Others will say that when Christians accept Jesus, that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us.
Suffice it to say that I believe that God has given us this Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, teach, and help us; it is up to us to choose to shut up our "busy thoughts" and listen to the leadings of God through this Spirit. For me, two of the easiest and best ways to do this are prayer and meditation.
Don't roll your eyes at me! When one says "meditation" in Western culture, people seem to automatically see images of Buddhists, Hindus, or some other Eastern religions. Not necessarily so. Do you concentrate on things? Do you daydream? Do you worry and fret about stuff? Guess what...you are already doing a form of meditation. Surprise! There are as many kinds, styles and forms of it as grains of sand on the beach. When you read a Bible verse or some beautiful poetry, listen to some beautiful music, or watch something like a sunrise or sunset, and let these things touch your heart and soul, you are meditating.
It is not necessary to "clear your mind", or have some exotic mantra to chant, or sit cross legged and burn incense. Nope. Don't let the word "meditation" fool you or intimidate you. It is cool, and as I said, you are very likely already doing it and have been for years. Now what one chooses to meditate on is the kicker. It is up to us. What we fill our mind with can determine the course of our life.
Often what we worry, whine, and complain about is already answered/solved, if we will but shut up and listen. God is not careless or heartless, and he has not created us and just run off and left us bereft and defenseless.
As a preacher friend of mine has said, "Prayer is not supposed to be a monologue. It is supposed to be a conversation with God."
That requires input from the other side, right? We have to shut up and listen to hear what He is trying to tell us.
Prayer is also not supposed to be a list of " I want, I need, and Can you do this for me please? things".
One friend I know described it as a sandwich. Using Biblical references telling us to always praise God and always be thankful, she says that our prayers should start that way, and not as a matter of rote, but out of a true spirit of gratitude for all that He has done for us. Then we can ask for what we think we need, or tell him what our problems are. Then she says we should thank him in advance for giving us what we ask for.
The Bible says if we ask "believing" already that we have received, it will be done. Doesn't say when, so don't get your knickers all in a wad if you fail to see immediate evidence of having your needs met. Sometimes that does happen; sometimes it doesn't.
When we worry or think God has failed us we are saying we have no faith in Him.
So why ask?
He is God, His timing is best for us, and He will always do His best for us. It is when we start trying to second guess Him and think we know what is best that we usually mess up big time.
If we talked to some people as some of us do to God, they would zone out and cease to hear us, and soon start avoiding us. Think about it. Seriously.
Would say that all of this is JMHO, but I am not humble. Nope, despite my best efforts. If I ever did achieve true humility, knowing me, I'd be proud of it. Dang it, Lee!
Actually that is ok. I have learned to accept and approve of myself, because God does. He accepts me for who I am, what I am, and where I am, and encourages me to do my best to learn, grow in love, and compassion, and evolve as He would have me to do....same as He does with all of His children. If you know how very much you love your children, just multiply that MANY times over and you will know how much God loves you. Nuff said.
The Walking, Talking Barometer and My Namesake Storm
Tropical Storm Lee is beating the crap out of us right now, and even though I am relishing the blessings of the much cooler air, my decrepit and raggedy body is taking the lower air pressure personally. Yes, it hurts like some psycho giant "body slammed" me and then decided to sit on my back after stomping on my knees. Ouch!
Having grown up in hurricane country, there is something almost musical and mystical about the rhythmic, wave-like motions of the feeder bands off these storms. They make the rain come in spastic cycles, and slanted to boot. Interesting, ya gotta admit. The bouncy limbs of the oak in my front yard get really agitated and whip around when the wind kicks up, and then resume their gentle bouncing as the band passes on through. The taller, but flimsier silver maple in the back yard will no doubt donate some more limbs to the trash heap. It does every time.
Nope, I am not a storm chaser, and not really trying to romanticize the havoc and destruction these suckers can wreak; but when you know you are safely inside, not in a low lying area, and not going to get the brunt of a major hurricane, it is a totally different feeling. They are a part of nature and as such, beautiful, powerful, and magical in their own way.
Of course, if you take into consideration what some of the HAARP conspiracy theorists have to say, it puts a wholly different light on it.
I don't entirely dismiss them either, because, I know that HAARP does exist. It is an electro magnetic pulse generator folks! What good can come of that?! Also, I know the govenment does lie (Love my country, it's the gov't that scares the tar out of me!), and that they were able to keep the building of a whole city in TN (Oak Ridge) secret for so long when they were working on the big bomb; even the governor of TN didn't know about it!
Just sayin'........
There will be media speculation about FEMA again, I am sure. They are allegedly out of money these days. Big surprise.
In all these years (and we have had some major damage/losses) and gone without power for days, having just some plastic to cover our naked roof, we have never taken a dime from the govenment. Honestly. Never really expected to.
Closest we came was accepting some water and food from a Red Cross van that cruised through after Katrina. That was a first, and was nice; some really nice people on that van.
As Thomas Jefferson said, "The government that can give you everything you want, can take everything you have." Something to think about!
Hope your days are full of sunshine and smiles wherever you are.
Having grown up in hurricane country, there is something almost musical and mystical about the rhythmic, wave-like motions of the feeder bands off these storms. They make the rain come in spastic cycles, and slanted to boot. Interesting, ya gotta admit. The bouncy limbs of the oak in my front yard get really agitated and whip around when the wind kicks up, and then resume their gentle bouncing as the band passes on through. The taller, but flimsier silver maple in the back yard will no doubt donate some more limbs to the trash heap. It does every time.
Nope, I am not a storm chaser, and not really trying to romanticize the havoc and destruction these suckers can wreak; but when you know you are safely inside, not in a low lying area, and not going to get the brunt of a major hurricane, it is a totally different feeling. They are a part of nature and as such, beautiful, powerful, and magical in their own way.
Of course, if you take into consideration what some of the HAARP conspiracy theorists have to say, it puts a wholly different light on it.
I don't entirely dismiss them either, because, I know that HAARP does exist. It is an electro magnetic pulse generator folks! What good can come of that?! Also, I know the govenment does lie (Love my country, it's the gov't that scares the tar out of me!), and that they were able to keep the building of a whole city in TN (Oak Ridge) secret for so long when they were working on the big bomb; even the governor of TN didn't know about it!
Just sayin'........
There will be media speculation about FEMA again, I am sure. They are allegedly out of money these days. Big surprise.
In all these years (and we have had some major damage/losses) and gone without power for days, having just some plastic to cover our naked roof, we have never taken a dime from the govenment. Honestly. Never really expected to.
Closest we came was accepting some water and food from a Red Cross van that cruised through after Katrina. That was a first, and was nice; some really nice people on that van.
As Thomas Jefferson said, "The government that can give you everything you want, can take everything you have." Something to think about!
Hope your days are full of sunshine and smiles wherever you are.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Stuff and Things
Was sorting, bagging, and boxing up more stuff to take to the local thrift store operated by the Home of Grace ( which runs a shelter for abused women and children and a rehab program for alcoholic men), when a friend of mine from Cali rang in.
Seems he and his gf emptied a storage unit of the things they no longer use and want and tried to donate the items to Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
They were turned down on most of the stuff. Seems they were not that much in need of donations in that area (Silicon Valley), and some of the furniture had a scratch or two. He was shocked as the items are in good condition. His gf showed him the small scratch on a table leg of one item which a man at Goodwill told her made it totally unacceptable. Also, they are both large people and their clothes are large sizes, and even though the clothes were in good shape, the man said they had no calls for sizes that large and would just be "stuck" with the clothes.
They tried to find some other group, church, or organization to take the stuff, but as this was done on their day off, and time was running out, they wound up having to take the stuff to the dump and paying to be rid of it. No, I am not kidding!
As frustrated as he was by all of this (he said it sickened him to have to throw away good things that some people might need and be able to use), my friend said the dump still beat continuing to pay to store the stuff.
He is more of a minimalist, while his gf is a hoarder, so they are slowly but surely compromising their views and adjusting. Divesting themselves of this storage unit was a major step for them, but it was clouded by having to literally dump the contents of the unit. Sad but true story, and sad commentary on our times as well.
******************
Over the years, I have seen (in the cases of my Mom and Aunt and some of their elderly neighbors) what happens when hoarding folk die. The children or grands are left to deal with all this "stuff". Some keep it or most of it out of a sense of obligation, or some feel overwhelmed and just trash everything. Neither way is really good, and the point is that it is all so unnecessary.
No, I am not against folks having possessions. It is not like I think we should all run around nude and live in a cave or a tree...BUT..There is a limit.
When you start having to pack away and store stuff, whether in a rental unit, the closets in your home, a spare room, or your garage or outside shed, you know it is time to stop it and get real! Give it away, have a yard sale, whatever it takes.
Speaking as one who has had too much "stuff" over the years, and has begun getting rid of it, believe me when I say it is freeing beyond anything you might have imagined.
****************************
Another friend of mine in the same (or worse?) shape recently decided that within the next two years, he will have divested himself of at least half of his "things". If you had any idea of how much stuff and therefore how much effort and work this involves, you would know that this is a major undertaking, and will entail some serious commitment of time and sweat on his part. I am so happy for him and proud of him!! This is really an accomplishment in terms of change of mindset alone. WTG!!
********************
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 19-21, not to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth. He goes on to say that where our treasures are, there will be our hearts also.
No I do not believe the Bible teaches us to live in poverty as some sign of piety, but to trust in God, obey him, and seek him first. We are the heirs of Abraham through Christ Jesus, and Abraham was not a poor man; but he did put God first and was blessed.
Ok. Ok. I can see you rolling your eyes. Don't take my word for it. Look it up, and check out Mark 8: 36 -37, Luke 9:25, and Matthew 6: 31-34..to name just a few.
*******
So now what do YOU think??
Seems he and his gf emptied a storage unit of the things they no longer use and want and tried to donate the items to Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
They were turned down on most of the stuff. Seems they were not that much in need of donations in that area (Silicon Valley), and some of the furniture had a scratch or two. He was shocked as the items are in good condition. His gf showed him the small scratch on a table leg of one item which a man at Goodwill told her made it totally unacceptable. Also, they are both large people and their clothes are large sizes, and even though the clothes were in good shape, the man said they had no calls for sizes that large and would just be "stuck" with the clothes.
They tried to find some other group, church, or organization to take the stuff, but as this was done on their day off, and time was running out, they wound up having to take the stuff to the dump and paying to be rid of it. No, I am not kidding!
As frustrated as he was by all of this (he said it sickened him to have to throw away good things that some people might need and be able to use), my friend said the dump still beat continuing to pay to store the stuff.
He is more of a minimalist, while his gf is a hoarder, so they are slowly but surely compromising their views and adjusting. Divesting themselves of this storage unit was a major step for them, but it was clouded by having to literally dump the contents of the unit. Sad but true story, and sad commentary on our times as well.
******************
Over the years, I have seen (in the cases of my Mom and Aunt and some of their elderly neighbors) what happens when hoarding folk die. The children or grands are left to deal with all this "stuff". Some keep it or most of it out of a sense of obligation, or some feel overwhelmed and just trash everything. Neither way is really good, and the point is that it is all so unnecessary.
No, I am not against folks having possessions. It is not like I think we should all run around nude and live in a cave or a tree...BUT..There is a limit.
When you start having to pack away and store stuff, whether in a rental unit, the closets in your home, a spare room, or your garage or outside shed, you know it is time to stop it and get real! Give it away, have a yard sale, whatever it takes.
Speaking as one who has had too much "stuff" over the years, and has begun getting rid of it, believe me when I say it is freeing beyond anything you might have imagined.
****************************
Another friend of mine in the same (or worse?) shape recently decided that within the next two years, he will have divested himself of at least half of his "things". If you had any idea of how much stuff and therefore how much effort and work this involves, you would know that this is a major undertaking, and will entail some serious commitment of time and sweat on his part. I am so happy for him and proud of him!! This is really an accomplishment in terms of change of mindset alone. WTG!!
********************
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 19-21, not to store up treasures for ourselves here on earth. He goes on to say that where our treasures are, there will be our hearts also.
No I do not believe the Bible teaches us to live in poverty as some sign of piety, but to trust in God, obey him, and seek him first. We are the heirs of Abraham through Christ Jesus, and Abraham was not a poor man; but he did put God first and was blessed.
Ok. Ok. I can see you rolling your eyes. Don't take my word for it. Look it up, and check out Mark 8: 36 -37, Luke 9:25, and Matthew 6: 31-34..to name just a few.
*******
So now what do YOU think??
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wandering Back In On Wednesday............
Who knew that being offline for a few weeks could get one sooo behind? Ahhh this world of technology we live in now. Tsk Tsk Tsk
Speaking of which, while I whined and wallowed in the self pity of "What is wrong with this dumb machine this time?!", I burned up my Kindle for the pc reading freebie books I'd already downloaded. That was fun. Desktop worked great. It was the internet function that was missing.
Now with a new modem and coax, I am back in business.
Friend of mine in Cali informed me folks don't use coax out there anymore, and showed me some different looking type of cord or cable with a different looking end or plug. When I showed him the cord I am using, he said (obviously astonished) "That is coax!" So what? Did he think I made it up? Why would I?...Other than the obvious prestige associated with using the evidently obsolete coax. Ahem! **Insert Big Sigh**
This is Mississippi, folks. Give us another ten years. We'll catch up.
************************
Be all that as it may, it is really good to be back online, back in touch with my online peeps, and slogging along trying to catch up. One would think I had been gone for months!
**************************
Has anyone here ever heard of "Slut Walk"? It is a legit term, and you can google it if ya don't believe me. Couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
Reading another blog, I learned that this is a term and activity which originated in Toronto a few months ago.
Seems a policeman there was speaking to some students regarding safety and mentioned that if women would not dress like sluts they would not be in as much risk for being "victimized". Gotta love our more civilized neighbors to the north; too polite to say rape, but they can say slut. lol
It was not long after his little speech that some women organized the first Slut Walk in protest of the allegation that women (through attire or otherwise) were to blame for their being raped. Word spread and now it seems to be catching on all over the place.
Interestingly enough, the women in these marches do not dress provacatively (or so I am told), but do often wear tee shirts or other garments with slogans, as well as carrying signs.
One tee shirt mentioned had the word "MINE" and an arrow pointing down. Another one read: "Rape is caused by (a) provacative clothing (b) global warming (c) rapists. The (c) was checked.
Obviously the term is an attention getter, and as one of the organizers so aptly put it, "If we called it a march to protest rape, who would notice?" Sadly true. They are being noticed now, though! WTG!
********************
Three really good books that I read while I was "off" are:
1. Perfect by Harry Kraus (Fiction, but great story of God's grace)
2. Walking On Broken Glass by Christa Alan ( Fictional story of a woman's struggle for sobriety)
3. Blackbird Fly by Lise McClendon (More Fiction in the form of romance, intrigue, mystery, and betrayal. Powerful lessons in forgiveness.)
Plus: If you have yet to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, I most highly recommend it. The movie is out now, and I haven't seen it, but plan to asap.
*****************************
Gotta run. Family issues intruding. Hope to be back soon to catch up with everyone else's blogs, whether I write more anytime soon or not.
Speaking of which, while I whined and wallowed in the self pity of "What is wrong with this dumb machine this time?!", I burned up my Kindle for the pc reading freebie books I'd already downloaded. That was fun. Desktop worked great. It was the internet function that was missing.
Now with a new modem and coax, I am back in business.
Friend of mine in Cali informed me folks don't use coax out there anymore, and showed me some different looking type of cord or cable with a different looking end or plug. When I showed him the cord I am using, he said (obviously astonished) "That is coax!" So what? Did he think I made it up? Why would I?...Other than the obvious prestige associated with using the evidently obsolete coax. Ahem! **Insert Big Sigh**
This is Mississippi, folks. Give us another ten years. We'll catch up.
************************
Be all that as it may, it is really good to be back online, back in touch with my online peeps, and slogging along trying to catch up. One would think I had been gone for months!
**************************
Has anyone here ever heard of "Slut Walk"? It is a legit term, and you can google it if ya don't believe me. Couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
Reading another blog, I learned that this is a term and activity which originated in Toronto a few months ago.
Seems a policeman there was speaking to some students regarding safety and mentioned that if women would not dress like sluts they would not be in as much risk for being "victimized". Gotta love our more civilized neighbors to the north; too polite to say rape, but they can say slut. lol
It was not long after his little speech that some women organized the first Slut Walk in protest of the allegation that women (through attire or otherwise) were to blame for their being raped. Word spread and now it seems to be catching on all over the place.
Interestingly enough, the women in these marches do not dress provacatively (or so I am told), but do often wear tee shirts or other garments with slogans, as well as carrying signs.
One tee shirt mentioned had the word "MINE" and an arrow pointing down. Another one read: "Rape is caused by (a) provacative clothing (b) global warming (c) rapists. The (c) was checked.
Obviously the term is an attention getter, and as one of the organizers so aptly put it, "If we called it a march to protest rape, who would notice?" Sadly true. They are being noticed now, though! WTG!
********************
Three really good books that I read while I was "off" are:
1. Perfect by Harry Kraus (Fiction, but great story of God's grace)
2. Walking On Broken Glass by Christa Alan ( Fictional story of a woman's struggle for sobriety)
3. Blackbird Fly by Lise McClendon (More Fiction in the form of romance, intrigue, mystery, and betrayal. Powerful lessons in forgiveness.)
Plus: If you have yet to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett, I most highly recommend it. The movie is out now, and I haven't seen it, but plan to asap.
*****************************
Gotta run. Family issues intruding. Hope to be back soon to catch up with everyone else's blogs, whether I write more anytime soon or not.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Here I Go Again..........
Wow! Did I manage to miss the whole month of June here? Well, I am back now.
Have been journaling on another site, which is a bit different and definitely more personal, intimate, and private. Ahem!
In the interim, I have discovered Cheryl Brooks and her delightful Cat Star Chronicles. These are a sort of sci-fi/fantasy/romance type of read, with a definitely adult (sexually explicit) content. Such fare is not usually my cup of tea at all, and I was surprised that I not only finished the first one I started, but was actually wanting to read more.
After reading the fourth (?) in the series first because it just happened to be a freebie on kindle, I was hooked and had to go back and find the rest of them. Found a really good deal on Amazon for a set of the first three (for Kindle), and latched onto it. Am finishing the third one in that set now...and I do believe there are more!
My TV is out and this computer, my online friends, and Kindle have been so much fun I haven't really missed it that much.
********************
Speaking of non-working mechanical things, my A/C is still out, and summer in the south without one is not fun.
Whether it is my age or the fact that it seemed to get awfully hot awfully fast this year, I appear to have little to no tolerance for the stifling, smothery, humid heat here any more. Pouring sweat while sitting under a ceiling fan, and with another fan circulating air over and around you is ridiculous.
***********************
Also non-working is my washer and dryer, and hauling clothes and linens to and from the laundramat in this heat is also getting to be a bit much...at least for an old fogey like me.
*******************
Do I sound in a particularly gripey, bitchy, whiney mood today? Sorry. May I please just blame that on the heat too? Come on.
I know that I have been blessed beyond measure, and am actually grateful for all that God has done...and still does...in my life.
Have been journaling on another site, which is a bit different and definitely more personal, intimate, and private. Ahem!
In the interim, I have discovered Cheryl Brooks and her delightful Cat Star Chronicles. These are a sort of sci-fi/fantasy/romance type of read, with a definitely adult (sexually explicit) content. Such fare is not usually my cup of tea at all, and I was surprised that I not only finished the first one I started, but was actually wanting to read more.
After reading the fourth (?) in the series first because it just happened to be a freebie on kindle, I was hooked and had to go back and find the rest of them. Found a really good deal on Amazon for a set of the first three (for Kindle), and latched onto it. Am finishing the third one in that set now...and I do believe there are more!
My TV is out and this computer, my online friends, and Kindle have been so much fun I haven't really missed it that much.
********************
Speaking of non-working mechanical things, my A/C is still out, and summer in the south without one is not fun.
Whether it is my age or the fact that it seemed to get awfully hot awfully fast this year, I appear to have little to no tolerance for the stifling, smothery, humid heat here any more. Pouring sweat while sitting under a ceiling fan, and with another fan circulating air over and around you is ridiculous.
***********************
Also non-working is my washer and dryer, and hauling clothes and linens to and from the laundramat in this heat is also getting to be a bit much...at least for an old fogey like me.
*******************
Do I sound in a particularly gripey, bitchy, whiney mood today? Sorry. May I please just blame that on the heat too? Come on.
I know that I have been blessed beyond measure, and am actually grateful for all that God has done...and still does...in my life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Coming In With Some Weekend Comments.....
Wow! Friday again already. Seems like the week just started and my "to do" list still lurks meanacingly on my desk....while the inherent guilt of not having accomplished all that I wish looms over me...for a few minutes at least. Ok. There. Now I am over it.
**********************
Did finish the John Locke book I wrote about last time: Don't Poke The Bear . It was good, but disappointing too. Seemed shorter than the one preceding it, but maybe I just zipped through this one faster. Also has one of those "leave ya hanging" endings. Dang! Now when is the next book due ?!
***********************
"Is this all there is?" was a question posed by a dear friend (who is single) today. This is a very intelligent person so I take the query seriously. It was apparently about their particular life or lifestyle ...not an observation in a general philosophical or spiritual vein, or this is how I took it. We will talk later on this.
Perhaps because I have spent so much time alone (not necessarily by choice, but circumstances) and have not ever been burdened with an overabundance of funds or material wealth, I have learned to "get by" and "make do" and be happy. Doesn't mean I am never lonely or never frustrated, but that I have chosen to be happy whatever happens. As long as God and I are straight and on good terms, I am satisfied. Anything more that comes my way is gravy or as a friend would say "just icing on the cake". Am I crazy? Maybe so. lol
************************
Was recently entertaining the serious thought of moving or "relocating", as I have not been enamored of some of the changes in my ole neighborhood.
However, upon reflection, I know that no place is perfect, and any move I make at my age is likely to be permanent, as I just don't have the strength and stamina I possessed in my youth when I did more moving about.
Also, I have family here in this area for a support system that I likely would not have elsewhere. Even though I may not see them that often, it is comforting somehow to know they are close.
Coupling that thought with the thought that I would have to make some repairs and upgrades to my home here to make it sell, I wonder why I don't just go ahead and do those and then stay here and enjoy the improvements! The real estate market is still stinky, and it is unlikely I will be able to get what I want out of this place anytime soon, much less recoup any more investment into it.
It is an older home, and has fairly nice large bedrooms, and frankly a lot of untapped potential. Sounding better all the time, eh? LOL
***********************
Talking with another friend last night about tithing. This is something near and dear to the heart of the kind of church I was raised in. While it is just obedience to God for me and for my friend, it is not so cut and dried for a lot of people...as a lot of things to do with the Bible, it seems. What do you think?
*************************
A question posed by someone on another site was " If you looked into a mirror and could see inside yourself, what would the real you ...your essence...look like, and what would it say to you?"
My answer was that I or my spirit would look like "Light" because that is one of the descriptions of God, and I am made in his image. It would tell me: "You are ok. Love yourself and love others as you love God. Dont' worry or fret. Wastes of time. Be happy! You are blessed."
What is your answer???
**********************
Did finish the John Locke book I wrote about last time: Don't Poke The Bear . It was good, but disappointing too. Seemed shorter than the one preceding it, but maybe I just zipped through this one faster. Also has one of those "leave ya hanging" endings. Dang! Now when is the next book due ?!
***********************
"Is this all there is?" was a question posed by a dear friend (who is single) today. This is a very intelligent person so I take the query seriously. It was apparently about their particular life or lifestyle ...not an observation in a general philosophical or spiritual vein, or this is how I took it. We will talk later on this.
Perhaps because I have spent so much time alone (not necessarily by choice, but circumstances) and have not ever been burdened with an overabundance of funds or material wealth, I have learned to "get by" and "make do" and be happy. Doesn't mean I am never lonely or never frustrated, but that I have chosen to be happy whatever happens. As long as God and I are straight and on good terms, I am satisfied. Anything more that comes my way is gravy or as a friend would say "just icing on the cake". Am I crazy? Maybe so. lol
************************
Was recently entertaining the serious thought of moving or "relocating", as I have not been enamored of some of the changes in my ole neighborhood.
However, upon reflection, I know that no place is perfect, and any move I make at my age is likely to be permanent, as I just don't have the strength and stamina I possessed in my youth when I did more moving about.
Also, I have family here in this area for a support system that I likely would not have elsewhere. Even though I may not see them that often, it is comforting somehow to know they are close.
Coupling that thought with the thought that I would have to make some repairs and upgrades to my home here to make it sell, I wonder why I don't just go ahead and do those and then stay here and enjoy the improvements! The real estate market is still stinky, and it is unlikely I will be able to get what I want out of this place anytime soon, much less recoup any more investment into it.
It is an older home, and has fairly nice large bedrooms, and frankly a lot of untapped potential. Sounding better all the time, eh? LOL
***********************
Talking with another friend last night about tithing. This is something near and dear to the heart of the kind of church I was raised in. While it is just obedience to God for me and for my friend, it is not so cut and dried for a lot of people...as a lot of things to do with the Bible, it seems. What do you think?
*************************
A question posed by someone on another site was " If you looked into a mirror and could see inside yourself, what would the real you ...your essence...look like, and what would it say to you?"
My answer was that I or my spirit would look like "Light" because that is one of the descriptions of God, and I am made in his image. It would tell me: "You are ok. Love yourself and love others as you love God. Dont' worry or fret. Wastes of time. Be happy! You are blessed."
What is your answer???
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Currently Reading..........
Just finished Fireflies In December by Jennifer Erin Valent. Great book! Told from the pov of a 13 year old girl, it is set in or around the depression era in the South and involves race relations (some Klan activity), romance, mystery, coming of age, and just plain good values and common sense. Easy, quick read, but profound message.
Also finished Follow The Stone by John Locke, a very different kind of western for sure. Now reading Don't Poke The Bear, by the same author, which continues the story of the main characters of the first one. Looks to be as funny and intriguing as the first too!
Have some more that I am considering. Any suggestions?
Also finished Follow The Stone by John Locke, a very different kind of western for sure. Now reading Don't Poke The Bear, by the same author, which continues the story of the main characters of the first one. Looks to be as funny and intriguing as the first too!
Have some more that I am considering. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
MORE BOOK STUFF ;-)
Just a quickie note on some other authors I have recently enjoyed that I might not have mentioned. They are:
Karen McQuestion
John Locke
Jennifer Cruise
Joanne Fluke
Seems like I am forgetting someone. Oh well, if so, I will acknowledge them next time.
BTW, whether you are crazy about Shirley MacLaine or not, her newest book "I'm Over All That" is good reading, esp. for my age group. lol
That's it for now.
Karen McQuestion
John Locke
Jennifer Cruise
Joanne Fluke
Seems like I am forgetting someone. Oh well, if so, I will acknowledge them next time.
BTW, whether you are crazy about Shirley MacLaine or not, her newest book "I'm Over All That" is good reading, esp. for my age group. lol
That's it for now.
Well, I Said I Would Be Good, And I Tried...Really I Did!
Ok, folks. I am really here to just express some thoughts; most harmless, irrelevant, and of no concern to anyone else. However, ahem! there are times when I cannot hold my tongue, or in this case my keyboard, in check.
The current jubilation over Bin Laden's death, especially by people who consider themselves Christians, just leaves me cold and saddened.
NO, before you start going ballistic, I was not a fan of his!
He was a wretched and foul excuse for a carbon based lifeform. That said, he was a human and one of God's creations, as are we; and who are we to rejoice at the death of another?
People who could not bear to see me kill a poisonous snake if it came in my yard and posed a threat to me, rejoiced over the killing of a fellow human.
That he was responsible for the deaths of so many others is his burden and something for which HE will have to answer, and thanks to Seal Team Six, he will be doing it a lot sooner than he planned. Good work on their part. It was a job that had to be done.
To me, it is not revenge, but prevention of even more atrocities by him.
It is not the end of terrorism or radical Islam. It is just a jab at them; affirmation of our belief in our right to exist and our resolve to survive in spite of them. Anyone who thinks that our problems with that part of the world or with those who wish us (like Isreal) wiped off the planet are living in a naive little fantasy. Yes, peace on Earth would be a good thing, but don't hold your breath Bubba. We have practiced appeasement and people pleasing on the one hand while interfering in other countries' business/politics/affairs on the other until we are stretched thin and almost bled dry financially. It is enough.
We need to lick our wounds, withdraw our aid and "helpful interventions" in the name of cramming democracy down everyone else's throat whether they want it or not, and focus on finding solutions for the problems within our own country. Humanitarian aid in a crisis is one thing. Propping up foreign economies and sending in troops is not necessary, makes those others resent us, and just gets us in deeper and deeper. Did we learn nothing from Viet Nam...and other well intentioned but costly mistakes?
What do you think?
The current jubilation over Bin Laden's death, especially by people who consider themselves Christians, just leaves me cold and saddened.
NO, before you start going ballistic, I was not a fan of his!
He was a wretched and foul excuse for a carbon based lifeform. That said, he was a human and one of God's creations, as are we; and who are we to rejoice at the death of another?
People who could not bear to see me kill a poisonous snake if it came in my yard and posed a threat to me, rejoiced over the killing of a fellow human.
That he was responsible for the deaths of so many others is his burden and something for which HE will have to answer, and thanks to Seal Team Six, he will be doing it a lot sooner than he planned. Good work on their part. It was a job that had to be done.
To me, it is not revenge, but prevention of even more atrocities by him.
It is not the end of terrorism or radical Islam. It is just a jab at them; affirmation of our belief in our right to exist and our resolve to survive in spite of them. Anyone who thinks that our problems with that part of the world or with those who wish us (like Isreal) wiped off the planet are living in a naive little fantasy. Yes, peace on Earth would be a good thing, but don't hold your breath Bubba. We have practiced appeasement and people pleasing on the one hand while interfering in other countries' business/politics/affairs on the other until we are stretched thin and almost bled dry financially. It is enough.
We need to lick our wounds, withdraw our aid and "helpful interventions" in the name of cramming democracy down everyone else's throat whether they want it or not, and focus on finding solutions for the problems within our own country. Humanitarian aid in a crisis is one thing. Propping up foreign economies and sending in troops is not necessary, makes those others resent us, and just gets us in deeper and deeper. Did we learn nothing from Viet Nam...and other well intentioned but costly mistakes?
What do you think?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
More Bookish Thoughts
Well, it is a beautiful and breezy day on this side of paradise, and I am thankful that the storms of yesterday were no worse than they were here. There was such devastation and destruction in other areas (even deaths), that I am astounded that we escaped so easily. It is both awesome and humbling.
*************
Moving on along...
Since my last post, I have finished Elisha's Bones as well as Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlin (which I did not have listed last time).
The former was good, but not as well written as I might have expected.
The latter is typically Heinlin (which is good!) , and as some others had told me, very different from the movie. Hollywood really screwed up on this one.
Have started Wish List (which I mentioned last time), and it is more serious, mysterious, and "dark" than I anticipated. The synopsis I had read led me to believe it would have been funnier or more on the light side. NOT! Good food for thought about our thoughts and how we should be more mindful of them, and their effects on all around us, esp. those we love.
Also reading SHED now by Julie Morgenstern. It is more than a decluttering/ organizing book and is more about assessing what is important and what is not in one's life in order to get "unstuck" and be able to access the time and resources one needs to pursue and enjoy the treasures (instead of being hampered by all the trash) in our lives. Good book!
Still savoring The Power Of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It has so much good stuff that I catch myself wanting to plow through it and have to make my self slow down so that I can actually internalize and digest what I am reading before going on.
Sooooo What's On Your Reading List These Days???
*************
Moving on along...
Since my last post, I have finished Elisha's Bones as well as Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlin (which I did not have listed last time).
The former was good, but not as well written as I might have expected.
The latter is typically Heinlin (which is good!) , and as some others had told me, very different from the movie. Hollywood really screwed up on this one.
Have started Wish List (which I mentioned last time), and it is more serious, mysterious, and "dark" than I anticipated. The synopsis I had read led me to believe it would have been funnier or more on the light side. NOT! Good food for thought about our thoughts and how we should be more mindful of them, and their effects on all around us, esp. those we love.
Also reading SHED now by Julie Morgenstern. It is more than a decluttering/ organizing book and is more about assessing what is important and what is not in one's life in order to get "unstuck" and be able to access the time and resources one needs to pursue and enjoy the treasures (instead of being hampered by all the trash) in our lives. Good book!
Still savoring The Power Of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It has so much good stuff that I catch myself wanting to plow through it and have to make my self slow down so that I can actually internalize and digest what I am reading before going on.
Sooooo What's On Your Reading List These Days???
Thursday, April 7, 2011
What Are YOU reading? Eating? Drinking?
Having apparently ruffled a few feathers and caused some offense with my last blog * Insert Impish Grin Here*, I have resolved to behave for today. Innocuous comments only. Cool? OK!
***********************************
So, on my free Kindle for PC (no, not an ad for them, just an admission that I cannot yet afford the hand held one), I am fortunate to currently have several good books.
These are:
Elisha's Bones, (fiction) by Don Hoesel. This one was a freebie. Still can't believe it...although most I read on Kindle are. It is an Indiana Jones type adventure of an archaeologist who is about to embark on a holiday break from teaching and is commisioned to search for the bones of the O.T. prophet, Elisha. The bones are said or rumored to restore life, and a rich, but terminally ill man hires the professor to try to find them. So far, so good. Just started it today.
The Secret Holocaust Diaries (True story) by Nonna Bannister. These are the memories of a woman who survived concentration/ labor camps during WWII after seeing her family killed (as well as countless other atrocities), came to this country, married, and raised a family, and never told anyone of her experiences until she was in her 70s. What is even more amazing is that she bears no hatred nor bitterness towards the people who turned her world upside down and destroyed her family, hopes and dreams.
Lost In Kandahar (Non-Fiction)By Alex Berenson..Haven't really gotten into this one yet, but can tell you it is written from a reporter's point of view (a liberal one, from reveiws I have read), and like other books of its ilk, deplores the insanity and futility of this war. Something I agree with.
Letters Of A Woman Homesteader (True letters) by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. This one is really engrossing to me, not just as an American, a female, and a history buff, but for the beautiful, down-to-earth, and yet lyrical style of writing of this woman. Really good.
Wish List (fiction) by John Locke. This is another one I have not really gotten into, but look forward to after reading a synopsis and reviews. Sounds like interesting, light reading.
Soooo, What are YOU reading these days?
***********************************
As for my eating habits...oh Geez! Not the best lately. Nope still not getting into the greasy foods. Cannot honestly remember the last time I fried anything. Really. Closest I have come is making a cheese omelette using the cooking spray in the frypan.
Have been on a tuna fish and turkey kick...light kind of both.
Making my tuna (water packed only) these days with just some onion powder, Mrs. Dash original flavor/table blend, and a pinch of celery salt....then add mayo to taste, serve with either unsalted crackers or those "hint of salt" ones Nabisco puts out.
As for the turkey, I get thin/deli sliced/ oven roasted (don't like all the other varieties..so sue me!) and either eat this on those little thin wholewheat buns, or 45 calorie wholewheat bread, or just wrapped around a slice of cheese. Yummmmmm!
Mornings are usually my apple and cinnamon instant oatmeal (very tasty, good for me, and not many calories or fats or other bad thingys) I don't add sugar, milk, or anything really but hot water.
Have been craving catfish..yes the fried kind...and may just have to break down and procure some one day. Yes, I have a source. lol
A lil deli inside a grocery in Pascagoula is home to some of the best, as well as some scrumptious green beans...and they know how to cook a good carrot. Ohhh yes. Hush puppies not bad either, but I am trying to quit. lol
Crave some spaghetti and meatballs every once in a while too, and try to keep some Stouffer's frozen one serving dinners in the freezer for such occasions. Good portion control and convenient. lol The excess fat calories I just have to deal with, since I don't do it that often.
For veggies, I like the small, early june green peas, green beans (both the cut and the Italian kind), carrots, beets, black-eyed peas, occasionally some speckled butter beans and field peas, and occasionally a baked potato. V-8 Fusion comes in handy too, to give me the combo fruit and veggie juice; I drink the "light" kind.
Haven't had any good red beans and rice in a while and am thinking seriously about doing that before it gets too hot.
As you can see, I am not big on roasts, ribs, chops, steaks, or such. Don't really care for pork at all, although I do like a lil good lean baked ham every once in a while....and a good lean, well done hamburger can hit the spot too. Ditch the bun and top with cheese.
Have tried to limit my snacks to PNB and banana sandwiches (again on the 45 calorie bread or thin buns) or just PNB on Ritz crackers, or a banana by itself. Also like PNB with slice or wedges of apple. Rarely get any good pears, but I do like them. Can't eat peaches/stomach upset. Have not had one chocolate bunny or egg so far, and Easter is almost upon us! Yes, I love chocolate.
Also like potato chips, but have tried to steer clear of them, fritos, and cheetos because of the sodium content. Seems I am very sensitive to it. Ohh Great! Now I am thinking of a frito/chilli pie. Good Heavens! Just think of all that sodium and fat. No wonder it is sooo good. lol
What's on Your menu..or Your plate?
************************************
Have shifted from so much coffee (still get in at least a cup of leaded a day) more to green tea. Good for me, no caffeine, and easier on the ole tummy. No "soft drinks" (or sodas or pop, depending on where you are from) or alcohol to worry about; don't do them anymore either. Might not work for everyone, but it does for me.
Mostly I drink copious amounts of filtered (have a little pitcher for the fridge) or bottled water. A little pack of that Crystal lite wild strawberry or lemon flavor in a bottle of water is a good treat too.
About the only soft drinks I miss are the old creme soda and the classic coke. Yes, I am probably the only Southerner who does not walk around with a glass of sweet tea all the time. Don't tell!
Boring eh? Well, I feel better, sleep better, and weigh less than I have in years...and I am never sick. So, as I said, it works for me.
Now, what are You imbibing these days?
***********************************
So, on my free Kindle for PC (no, not an ad for them, just an admission that I cannot yet afford the hand held one), I am fortunate to currently have several good books.
These are:
Elisha's Bones, (fiction) by Don Hoesel. This one was a freebie. Still can't believe it...although most I read on Kindle are. It is an Indiana Jones type adventure of an archaeologist who is about to embark on a holiday break from teaching and is commisioned to search for the bones of the O.T. prophet, Elisha. The bones are said or rumored to restore life, and a rich, but terminally ill man hires the professor to try to find them. So far, so good. Just started it today.
The Secret Holocaust Diaries (True story) by Nonna Bannister. These are the memories of a woman who survived concentration/ labor camps during WWII after seeing her family killed (as well as countless other atrocities), came to this country, married, and raised a family, and never told anyone of her experiences until she was in her 70s. What is even more amazing is that she bears no hatred nor bitterness towards the people who turned her world upside down and destroyed her family, hopes and dreams.
Lost In Kandahar (Non-Fiction)By Alex Berenson..Haven't really gotten into this one yet, but can tell you it is written from a reporter's point of view (a liberal one, from reveiws I have read), and like other books of its ilk, deplores the insanity and futility of this war. Something I agree with.
Letters Of A Woman Homesteader (True letters) by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. This one is really engrossing to me, not just as an American, a female, and a history buff, but for the beautiful, down-to-earth, and yet lyrical style of writing of this woman. Really good.
Wish List (fiction) by John Locke. This is another one I have not really gotten into, but look forward to after reading a synopsis and reviews. Sounds like interesting, light reading.
Soooo, What are YOU reading these days?
***********************************
As for my eating habits...oh Geez! Not the best lately. Nope still not getting into the greasy foods. Cannot honestly remember the last time I fried anything. Really. Closest I have come is making a cheese omelette using the cooking spray in the frypan.
Have been on a tuna fish and turkey kick...light kind of both.
Making my tuna (water packed only) these days with just some onion powder, Mrs. Dash original flavor/table blend, and a pinch of celery salt....then add mayo to taste, serve with either unsalted crackers or those "hint of salt" ones Nabisco puts out.
As for the turkey, I get thin/deli sliced/ oven roasted (don't like all the other varieties..so sue me!) and either eat this on those little thin wholewheat buns, or 45 calorie wholewheat bread, or just wrapped around a slice of cheese. Yummmmmm!
Mornings are usually my apple and cinnamon instant oatmeal (very tasty, good for me, and not many calories or fats or other bad thingys) I don't add sugar, milk, or anything really but hot water.
Have been craving catfish..yes the fried kind...and may just have to break down and procure some one day. Yes, I have a source. lol
A lil deli inside a grocery in Pascagoula is home to some of the best, as well as some scrumptious green beans...and they know how to cook a good carrot. Ohhh yes. Hush puppies not bad either, but I am trying to quit. lol
Crave some spaghetti and meatballs every once in a while too, and try to keep some Stouffer's frozen one serving dinners in the freezer for such occasions. Good portion control and convenient. lol The excess fat calories I just have to deal with, since I don't do it that often.
For veggies, I like the small, early june green peas, green beans (both the cut and the Italian kind), carrots, beets, black-eyed peas, occasionally some speckled butter beans and field peas, and occasionally a baked potato. V-8 Fusion comes in handy too, to give me the combo fruit and veggie juice; I drink the "light" kind.
Haven't had any good red beans and rice in a while and am thinking seriously about doing that before it gets too hot.
As you can see, I am not big on roasts, ribs, chops, steaks, or such. Don't really care for pork at all, although I do like a lil good lean baked ham every once in a while....and a good lean, well done hamburger can hit the spot too. Ditch the bun and top with cheese.
Have tried to limit my snacks to PNB and banana sandwiches (again on the 45 calorie bread or thin buns) or just PNB on Ritz crackers, or a banana by itself. Also like PNB with slice or wedges of apple. Rarely get any good pears, but I do like them. Can't eat peaches/stomach upset. Have not had one chocolate bunny or egg so far, and Easter is almost upon us! Yes, I love chocolate.
Also like potato chips, but have tried to steer clear of them, fritos, and cheetos because of the sodium content. Seems I am very sensitive to it. Ohh Great! Now I am thinking of a frito/chilli pie. Good Heavens! Just think of all that sodium and fat. No wonder it is sooo good. lol
What's on Your menu..or Your plate?
************************************
Have shifted from so much coffee (still get in at least a cup of leaded a day) more to green tea. Good for me, no caffeine, and easier on the ole tummy. No "soft drinks" (or sodas or pop, depending on where you are from) or alcohol to worry about; don't do them anymore either. Might not work for everyone, but it does for me.
Mostly I drink copious amounts of filtered (have a little pitcher for the fridge) or bottled water. A little pack of that Crystal lite wild strawberry or lemon flavor in a bottle of water is a good treat too.
About the only soft drinks I miss are the old creme soda and the classic coke. Yes, I am probably the only Southerner who does not walk around with a glass of sweet tea all the time. Don't tell!
Boring eh? Well, I feel better, sleep better, and weigh less than I have in years...and I am never sick. So, as I said, it works for me.
Now, what are You imbibing these days?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Does It Really Matter? I Think So!
Just sitting here sipping some green tea and thinking about what a silly, selfish ass I have been. Hmmm Why are you not surprised?
Had an older friend in So. Ca. who recently passed away; a good (as much as we humans can manage that), decent, kind, compassionate, and moral person. So, what's the problem?
I never really spoke to her about faith. She said she was Christian, and seemed to live it, and so I never pursued it. Now I will never know.
None of my business, you say? Wrong.
She was my friend. She was a part of my life. It was my responsibility to share Jesus with her, to open a dialogue with her, make sure that her spirit spends eternity with God, not separated from him. Not a popular concept these days, but right now, I really don't care.
It is careless and thoughtless of me not to do as God commanded with anyone I come across, but there is NO excuse for me not to have done this with someone I called a good friend. No excuse.
Tonight, I have a North Carlina friend lying in the ER there and things are not looking good. Another "good" person who professes Christianity, and so another one with whom I have not taken the time to ascertain what that means to them.
While I like to keep an open mind and heart, I believe as the old song says, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."
Although I respect the rights of others to make their own choices, part of my choice in being a Christian is accepting the great commision of Christ; telling others about Him and His word.
In talking with another friend recently, I found that what he calls his "mainstream" church does not have missionaries or altar calls, although there is apparently a lot of tradition, pageantry, and "fellowship". Nope, not judging or criticizing. It just made me more aware that the label "Christian" is not one size fits all. He does not believe in a lieteral Hell (embraces a lot of Rob Bell thoughts apparently), and does not believe the Bible to be the literal or infallible Word of God. Shock does not begin to describe my reaction. The fact that he told me he knows of several pastors of congregations who agree with this really saddened me. On what do these people base their faith? I don't understand it.
He went on to say that essentially it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are a good, decent person, treat others well, and live a good life. Apparently whether one is Buddhist, Hindu, or whatever is of no consequence, because a good and loving God will welcome all to Heaven...his view, not mine.
How can one claim to be a follower of Christ (who said, "I am the way the truth and the light and no man comes to the Father, except by me") really believe that? Seriously!
He says because he believes in God and Jesus he is a Christian. News flash! That devil, in whom you also don't believe, believes in Jesus too. He talked intimately with him. It's in that book you don't accept.
Unfortunately I was so shocked and upset that I know I did not present my case well at all. Possibly it is not my calling to do so, but merely to pray for the enlightenment of such people.
Does that sound wimpy? Or just arrogant? I am sure that he found what I said to be the latter, and I regret that. It was statements and attitude borne out of love and genuine concern for the immortal spirits (I used to say soul, but know better now) of him, his church friends, and the pastors he spoke of.
Side note: I believe we are spirit (God is a spirit, and we are created in his image, right?); we have a soul (heart and mind); and we live in this temporary flesh called a body.
These witnessing thing is something I must truly give more thought to...and invest much, much more prayer into.
It is much easier to share Jesus with someone who says up front that they don't believe in God or Jesus, than with those who say that they do...but they just don't believe in this or that or whatever...esp. those who cannot or will not accept the Bible. There are enough translations of it nowadays that there should be something which strikes a chord with anyone/everyone. It is not just a good book of nice stories and fables. It is the inspired Word of God, and I never realized how much that meant to me until challenged on it.
Yes, I need prayer too!
Please pray for my patience, insight, and wisdom in dealing with people so that I may do so with the pure and genuine love of Christ in my heart...and with no other agenda than the benefit of the person with whom I am speaking.
Fanatic, you say? Ok. Call me what you will. So be it. I can stand that more than knowing I missed another opportunity to share the Word and Love of God with someone else. These are things that I will have to give account of someday. God help me.
Had an older friend in So. Ca. who recently passed away; a good (as much as we humans can manage that), decent, kind, compassionate, and moral person. So, what's the problem?
I never really spoke to her about faith. She said she was Christian, and seemed to live it, and so I never pursued it. Now I will never know.
None of my business, you say? Wrong.
She was my friend. She was a part of my life. It was my responsibility to share Jesus with her, to open a dialogue with her, make sure that her spirit spends eternity with God, not separated from him. Not a popular concept these days, but right now, I really don't care.
It is careless and thoughtless of me not to do as God commanded with anyone I come across, but there is NO excuse for me not to have done this with someone I called a good friend. No excuse.
Tonight, I have a North Carlina friend lying in the ER there and things are not looking good. Another "good" person who professes Christianity, and so another one with whom I have not taken the time to ascertain what that means to them.
While I like to keep an open mind and heart, I believe as the old song says, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."
Although I respect the rights of others to make their own choices, part of my choice in being a Christian is accepting the great commision of Christ; telling others about Him and His word.
In talking with another friend recently, I found that what he calls his "mainstream" church does not have missionaries or altar calls, although there is apparently a lot of tradition, pageantry, and "fellowship". Nope, not judging or criticizing. It just made me more aware that the label "Christian" is not one size fits all. He does not believe in a lieteral Hell (embraces a lot of Rob Bell thoughts apparently), and does not believe the Bible to be the literal or infallible Word of God. Shock does not begin to describe my reaction. The fact that he told me he knows of several pastors of congregations who agree with this really saddened me. On what do these people base their faith? I don't understand it.
He went on to say that essentially it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are a good, decent person, treat others well, and live a good life. Apparently whether one is Buddhist, Hindu, or whatever is of no consequence, because a good and loving God will welcome all to Heaven...his view, not mine.
How can one claim to be a follower of Christ (who said, "I am the way the truth and the light and no man comes to the Father, except by me") really believe that? Seriously!
He says because he believes in God and Jesus he is a Christian. News flash! That devil, in whom you also don't believe, believes in Jesus too. He talked intimately with him. It's in that book you don't accept.
Unfortunately I was so shocked and upset that I know I did not present my case well at all. Possibly it is not my calling to do so, but merely to pray for the enlightenment of such people.
Does that sound wimpy? Or just arrogant? I am sure that he found what I said to be the latter, and I regret that. It was statements and attitude borne out of love and genuine concern for the immortal spirits (I used to say soul, but know better now) of him, his church friends, and the pastors he spoke of.
Side note: I believe we are spirit (God is a spirit, and we are created in his image, right?); we have a soul (heart and mind); and we live in this temporary flesh called a body.
These witnessing thing is something I must truly give more thought to...and invest much, much more prayer into.
It is much easier to share Jesus with someone who says up front that they don't believe in God or Jesus, than with those who say that they do...but they just don't believe in this or that or whatever...esp. those who cannot or will not accept the Bible. There are enough translations of it nowadays that there should be something which strikes a chord with anyone/everyone. It is not just a good book of nice stories and fables. It is the inspired Word of God, and I never realized how much that meant to me until challenged on it.
Yes, I need prayer too!
Please pray for my patience, insight, and wisdom in dealing with people so that I may do so with the pure and genuine love of Christ in my heart...and with no other agenda than the benefit of the person with whom I am speaking.
Fanatic, you say? Ok. Call me what you will. So be it. I can stand that more than knowing I missed another opportunity to share the Word and Love of God with someone else. These are things that I will have to give account of someday. God help me.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Weekend Wanderings..............
Just call me "Wonder Woman" this morning. Nope, nothing magical or mystical. Just feeling empowered after my morning meditation and prayer. God is great, life is good, and I am blessed beyond measure!
******************************
Allegedly, ole Albert Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Interesting, doncha think?
Well, if you have ever seen a really smart person with no imagination, you might be (as I am) inclined to agree with him.
While we cannot spend life in a daydreaming haze, it is still good to be able to suspend the bonds of reality and let our imaginations soar sometimes.
Little kids are limitless in this capacity, and it has to be a form of grace. Unfortunately as they (we) get older, those dispossessed of their own dreams seek to rob and rid us of ours as well. What a shame.
Instead of stifling our imaginations and losing those dreams, we need to ...as gently and lovingly as possible....ignore those people and nurture our faith, our hopes, and our imagination. So it seems to me.
*************************
There is a saying: "Cherish this moment, for THIS moment IS your life".
It is true. We need to realize that yesterday is done with, and tomorrow is not promised. What we have...all that we really have..is now. While we may and should learn from the past and hope for the future, we should not waste time living in either one, but realize the blessing of today and make the most of it. So it seems to me.
***************************
Reading a blog (not here) from earlier in the month by Dr. Wayne Dyer, I enjoyed what he said about being a writer. It can apply to life as well.
He mentioned "going with the flow", which is one of the main things a good friend of mine and I speak of often.
Dr. Dyer credited Abraham Maslow with teaching him years ago to "put forth what I wanted, my work, my message, and then detach from the outcome." How cool! How true.
He spoke further about Maslow teaching him that he should just let his writing flow and quit trying to edit it; just let it pour forth and get his passion on the paper. Others could edit it. He said that writing was like a lot of other things, the more one does, the better one becomes at it. So, one should just let it flow, stop judging and get out of one's own way. A passion or calling is not something one does, it is who one is!
Good advice for a number of other things in life as well, or so it seems to me.
**************************
Well, now you know some of what is on my mind this morning. What do you think? What is on your mind?
******************************
Allegedly, ole Albert Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Interesting, doncha think?
Well, if you have ever seen a really smart person with no imagination, you might be (as I am) inclined to agree with him.
While we cannot spend life in a daydreaming haze, it is still good to be able to suspend the bonds of reality and let our imaginations soar sometimes.
Little kids are limitless in this capacity, and it has to be a form of grace. Unfortunately as they (we) get older, those dispossessed of their own dreams seek to rob and rid us of ours as well. What a shame.
Instead of stifling our imaginations and losing those dreams, we need to ...as gently and lovingly as possible....ignore those people and nurture our faith, our hopes, and our imagination. So it seems to me.
*************************
There is a saying: "Cherish this moment, for THIS moment IS your life".
It is true. We need to realize that yesterday is done with, and tomorrow is not promised. What we have...all that we really have..is now. While we may and should learn from the past and hope for the future, we should not waste time living in either one, but realize the blessing of today and make the most of it. So it seems to me.
***************************
Reading a blog (not here) from earlier in the month by Dr. Wayne Dyer, I enjoyed what he said about being a writer. It can apply to life as well.
He mentioned "going with the flow", which is one of the main things a good friend of mine and I speak of often.
Dr. Dyer credited Abraham Maslow with teaching him years ago to "put forth what I wanted, my work, my message, and then detach from the outcome." How cool! How true.
He spoke further about Maslow teaching him that he should just let his writing flow and quit trying to edit it; just let it pour forth and get his passion on the paper. Others could edit it. He said that writing was like a lot of other things, the more one does, the better one becomes at it. So, one should just let it flow, stop judging and get out of one's own way. A passion or calling is not something one does, it is who one is!
Good advice for a number of other things in life as well, or so it seems to me.
**************************
Well, now you know some of what is on my mind this morning. What do you think? What is on your mind?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Now For Some Laughs ;-)
Christian One Liners
- Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
- Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
- Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.
- It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
- The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
- When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
- People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
- Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
- Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
- If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
- God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?
- Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
- Peace starts with a smile.
- I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?!
- A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just! sitting on the premises.
- We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.
- Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
- Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
- Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
- Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
- Forbidden fruits create many jams.
- God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
- God grades on the cross, not the curve.
- God loves everyone, but probably prefers"fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
- God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
- He who angers you, controls you!
- If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!
- Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
- The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
- The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
- We don't change the message, the message changes us.
- You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to..........discourage him.
- The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.
Thoughts On Aging...
Quotes on Aging
~ ~ ~ ~Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.~Eleanor Roosevelt~ ~ ~ ~ ~Autumn is really the best of the seasons; and I'm not sure that old age isn't the best part of life.~ C.S. Lewis~ ~ ~ ~ ~By the time you're 80 years old, you've learned everything. You only have to remember it.~ George Burns~ ~ ~ ~ ~One of the good things about getting older is you find you're more interesting than most of the people you meet.~ Lee Marvin~ ~ ~ ~ ~We don't stop laughing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop laughing.~ Anonymous~ ~ ~ ~ ~If I were given an opportunity to present a gift to the next generation,
it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.~ Charles Schulz~ ~ ~ ~ ~An aging wife inquired of her husband, Will you love me when I'm old, gray, and wrinkled
To which he answered, I do.~ ~ ~ ~ ~Enjoy the little things
for one day you may look back and realize
they were the big things.~ Robert Brault~ ~ ~ ~ ~Old age has its pleasures, which though different, are no less than the pleasures of youth.~ W. Somerset Maugham~ ~ ~ ~ ~I married an archeologist because the older I grow, the more he appreciates me.~ Agatha Christie~ ~ ~ ~ ~For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, tho', in another dress. And as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars. invisible by day.~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ ~ ~ ~ ~If I can make people smile, then I have served my purpose for God.~ Comedian Red Skeleton~ ~ ~ ~ ~Ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and
would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep.~ Norman Cousins~ ~ ~ ~ ~Laughter is a form of internal jogging.~ Norman Cousins~ ~ ~ ~ ~It is bad to suppress laughter. It goes back down and spreads your hips.~ Comedian Fred Allen~ ~ ~ ~ ~It is pleasing to the dear God whenever thou rejoicest or laughest from the bottom of thy heart.~ Martin Luther~ ~ ~ ~ ~The seven ages of man: spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills, wills.~ Richard Needham~ ~ ~ ~ ~Giving is the secret to a healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a person has to give of encouragement, sympathy, and understanding.~ John D. Rockefeller~ ~ ~ ~ ~To me - old age is fifteen years older than I am.~ Bernard Mannes Baruch~ ~ ~ ~ ~Old age is when you know all the answers-but nobody asks you any questions.~ Lawrence J. Peter~ ~ ~ ~ ~When a man's friends begin to compliment him about looking younger,
he may be sure that they think he is growing old.~ Washington Irving~ ~ ~ ~ ~Old age is just as important and meaningful a part of God's perfect will as is youth.
God is every bit as interested in the old as the young.~ J.O. Sanders~ ~ ~ ~ ~Your manner of life now is already determining your life in those years of old age and retirement, without your realizing it even, and perhaps without your giving enough thought to it. One must therefore prepare oneself for retirement.~ Paul Tournier
~ ~ ~ ~ ~The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration but its donation.~ Corrie Ten Boom~ ~ ~ ~ ~Old age is like everything else.
To make a success of it, you've got to start young.~ Fred Astaire~ ~ ~ ~ ~It's a mere moment in a man's life between an All-Star game and an old-timer's game.~ Vin Scully~ ~ ~ ~ ~Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.- Mark Twain~ ~ ~ ~ ~A man's character never changes radically from youth to old age. What happens is that circumstances bring out characteristics which have not been obvious to the superficial observer~ Hesketh Pearson~ ~ ~ ~ ~The three immutable facts: You own stuff. You will die. Someone will get that stuff~ Jane Bryant~ ~ ~ ~ ~I do not know what the big deal is about old age.
Old people who shine from inside look ten to twenty years younger.~ Dolly Parton~ ~ ~ ~ ~Growing older is not upsetting;
being perceived as old is.~ Kenny Rogers
To see a young couple loving each other is no wonder;
but to see an old couple loving each other is the best sight of all.~ William Makepeace Thackeray~ ~ ~ ~ ~If you take all the experience and judgment of men over fifty out of the world, there wouldn't be enough left to run it.~ Henry Ford~ ~ ~ ~ ~I live in that solitude which is painful in youth,
but delicious in the years of maturity.
~ Albert Einstein
~ ~ ~ ~ ~I'd like to be a bigger and more knowledgeable person ten years from now than I am today. I think that for all of us as we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping our minds active and open.
~ Clint Eastwood
You know, by the time you reach my age,
you've made plenty of mistakes if you've lived your life properly.~ Ronald Reagan~ ~ ~ ~ ~If in the last few years you have not discarded a major opinion or acquired a new one, check your pulse. You may be dead.~ Gelett Burgess~ ~ ~ ~ ~Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children.~ Doris Day~ ~ ~ ~ ~
What I Mean When I Say..............
When I say, "I am a Christian"
by Carol Wimmer
When I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting, "I’ve been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!
That's why I chose this way".When I say, "I am a Christian"I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble -
Needing God to be my guideWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak
And pray for strength to carry on.When I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.When I say, "I am a Christian"I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
Asking humbly to be taught.When I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are all too visible
But God believes I'm worth it.When I say, "I am a Christian"I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache,
Which is why I seek His name.When I say, "I am a Christian"I do not wish to judge
I have no authority...
I only know I'm loved
More Lessons From Another Faith
Here is something else that was recently sent to me by a friend. Hope that you find it as interesting as I did. Whether you share these beliefs or not, the "moral"s of the story are still relevant.
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Exactly 3000 years ago, God in His persona of Rama was floating around heaven with the Holy Mother energy of the Universe, in the form of Sita at his side. As they passed over a remote island on the planet Earth, Sita noticed a blind man walking through a marketplace. What caught her attention was that the man was chanting "Rama, Rama, Rama, Sita, Sita, Sita" as he walked. She saw that as he passed by, many people would put a few alms in his begging bowl and some would even start chanting themselves. This pleased Her greatly. After watching him for a while, she saw he had left the little town and was now walking a path that led to the edge of a steep cliff. "Rama, Rama, Rama, Sita, Sita, Sita" the man continued to chant. "Oh, Lord Rama," said Sita, "there is a poor blind man who always chants our holy names, and in a moment he will fall off a cliff and die. Please take away his blindness. Such a devoted follower deserves our compassion and help." "I don’t get involved in that way with humans." said Rama "I have given them free choice and let them create and work out their own Karma. Besides, you have great power. If you want to save him, you do it." "Oh Lord," Sita said "I feel Motherly compassion and plead the case, but I would never presume to act in your place." "Well, I have a suggestion." said Rama "This man is so devoted that we will see whose name he calls when he falls over the cliff. If he calls Rama, I will save him and if he calls Sita, you save him. And then he will join us in heaven and enjoy the infinite blissful vision of eternal glory that is the fate of all true devotees." "Oh, that will be fine!" a beaming Sita said. And so, the Holy divinities watched as the man proceeded on his way towards the cliff. "Rama, Rama, Rama, Sita, Sita, Sita" chanted the blind man. He then took one final step, fell over the edge, and screamed "Oh crap!" Rama turned to Sita and said, "That’s not my name! Is that yours?" "No," said Mother Sita, "it’s not my name either." "Well then," proclaimed Lord Rama, "he must now reincarnate as whatever he said in his last moment!" There are a few very important lessons to be learned from this ancient tale. One would be that we should be aware that not all people who are singing the Lords name are sincere. Some do it simply to get alms. More importantly, we must appreciate that in a way we are all blind and approaching an unseen cliff that is our own death. What is on Your lips today? What will be on them as you go over the cliff? |
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Moving Past "Karma" ..OR...Bye Bye Guilt......
While I am not of a faith that believes in "karma", a friend sent me this, and I found it interesting in that it reminded me of something in my own beliefs.
As a Christian, we believe our sins are forgiven, and yet many still cling to and are influenced negatively by guilts and burdens from the past, things which should long ago have been yeilded to God. Many still harbor unforgiveness and bitterness.
These are things which can hinder or prevent moving forward on the path that the Lord would have us go...walking in His love.
As a Christian, if we do this, we are saying that Christ died in vain.
What do you think?
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Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were 2 holy men traveling together through the countryside. They came upon a beautiful young woman sitting and sobbing by the side of a stream. She said she was afraid of drowning and asked them if they would help her cross to the other side of the water.
Without saying a word, one of the monks picked up the girl and carried her to the other side of the stream where he gently put her down. She thanked him and went on her way.
The two men then continued their journey. After a while, the monk said to the one who had carried the young woman, "How could you do such a thing? We have taken vows of chastity. It is forbidden to even talk to a woman let alone touch one."
The other monk lovingly replied, "When I came to the other side of the stream, I put her down. Why are you still carrying her?"
As a Christian, we believe our sins are forgiven, and yet many still cling to and are influenced negatively by guilts and burdens from the past, things which should long ago have been yeilded to God. Many still harbor unforgiveness and bitterness.
These are things which can hinder or prevent moving forward on the path that the Lord would have us go...walking in His love.
As a Christian, if we do this, we are saying that Christ died in vain.
What do you think?
***********************************
Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were 2 holy men traveling together through the countryside. They came upon a beautiful young woman sitting and sobbing by the side of a stream. She said she was afraid of drowning and asked them if they would help her cross to the other side of the water.
Without saying a word, one of the monks picked up the girl and carried her to the other side of the stream where he gently put her down. She thanked him and went on her way.
The two men then continued their journey. After a while, the monk said to the one who had carried the young woman, "How could you do such a thing? We have taken vows of chastity. It is forbidden to even talk to a woman let alone touch one."
The other monk lovingly replied, "When I came to the other side of the stream, I put her down. Why are you still carrying her?"
What have you been carrying around that you should have put down and left behind? Do you still harbor feelings of regret, anger, hate, disappointment, or any other negative adjectives or adverbs that apply, for events, people, or things that are not here, now? Why do you do this masochistic activity?
Life can be equated with a boat ride taking you from one shore to another. As the boat goes across the water, it leaves a wake in its path. This wake represents your past. And just like the wake a boat leaves behind doesn’t propel the boat forward at all, your past doesn’t drive you towards the other shore. What’s done is done if you will be done with it
If you don’t face the front of the boat and place your attention in the present moment, you will not be able to avoid running into the icebergs and other potential hazards that could jeopardize your trip through life. Your karma is fulfilled and up to date at all times. Your clinging to the past and fantasizing about the future is what keeps you paying a karmic debt. Simply attend to this moment and witness the path your boat is traveling.
This is action free of reaction and further karma.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Thoughts In Fours...And More............
THE FOUR QUESTIONS OF VALUE IN LIFE:
1. What is sacred?
2. Of what is the spirit made?
3. What is worth living for?
4. What is worth dying for?
THE ANSWER: Love
Don Juan de Marco
**************************************************
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best
Don Miguel Ruiz
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MAJOR BARRIERS TO GROWTH:
1. Fear
2. Unbelief in anything not tangible/physical/material
3. Unforgiveness
4. Judgmentalism
5. Ego
Granny Lee
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So ok now, what do you think??
1. What is sacred?
2. Of what is the spirit made?
3. What is worth living for?
4. What is worth dying for?
THE ANSWER: Love
Don Juan de Marco
**************************************************
THE FOUR AGREEMENTS:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best
Don Miguel Ruiz
******************************
MAJOR BARRIERS TO GROWTH:
1. Fear
2. Unbelief in anything not tangible/physical/material
3. Unforgiveness
4. Judgmentalism
5. Ego
Granny Lee
*************************
So ok now, what do you think??
Friday, March 25, 2011
As I Sip My Morning Coffee........
There are times, especially as I get older, that I feel like a "stranger in a strange land", borrowing from Robert Heinlein's novel of the same name.
Like his character, Valentine Michael Smith, there are days when I just cannot "grok" it all.
While I deplore Heinlein's soapbox for polyamory and his overt misogynist attitude, he had a point about us strange humans and some of our peculiarities. Nothing too deep here today, I promise. lol
Are you a morning person? Well, I am, and seem to honestly be the only one I know of as far as my family and friends, with the possible exception of a buddy in Cali. Like here I am awake and no one to yap at. Doggone!
Also heard from two friends (both mature and responsible adults) who are staying in lousy relationships (their assessment, not mine) because "the sex is so good". Give me a break! In my view, there never has been nor will be any physical intimacy worth tolerating what you say that you do. Really. Have to wonder if this is less about sex and more about their fear of the unknown.
Someimes a known evil or negative is more preferable to some people than the threat or challenge of the unknown. Hmmm That could explain how some nincompoops keep getting reelected. Ahem!
Just silly junk like this rolling around in my muddled ole brain this morning. Think I need a coffee refill bad!
What is on your mind today?
Like his character, Valentine Michael Smith, there are days when I just cannot "grok" it all.
While I deplore Heinlein's soapbox for polyamory and his overt misogynist attitude, he had a point about us strange humans and some of our peculiarities. Nothing too deep here today, I promise. lol
Are you a morning person? Well, I am, and seem to honestly be the only one I know of as far as my family and friends, with the possible exception of a buddy in Cali. Like here I am awake and no one to yap at. Doggone!
Also heard from two friends (both mature and responsible adults) who are staying in lousy relationships (their assessment, not mine) because "the sex is so good". Give me a break! In my view, there never has been nor will be any physical intimacy worth tolerating what you say that you do. Really. Have to wonder if this is less about sex and more about their fear of the unknown.
Someimes a known evil or negative is more preferable to some people than the threat or challenge of the unknown. Hmmm That could explain how some nincompoops keep getting reelected. Ahem!
Just silly junk like this rolling around in my muddled ole brain this morning. Think I need a coffee refill bad!
What is on your mind today?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Power Of Our Thoughts , Our Words, And Our Attitudes
Have been reading, studying, and thinking a lot about the power of our thoughts and words on our lives, and may create another blog about this..devoted just to this type of thing. The more I study and contemplate this, the more light bulbs seem to go off in this ole head and the more sense it all makes. About time, eh? lol
The Bible tells us that as a man thinks, so he is. Powerful stuff! When these thoughts come out of our mouths, it is like we are giving life to them. Not only do others hear them, but we hear them and internalize them more ourselves. This is the basis for repeating affirmations or what some faiths call "confessions", Bible verses, and prayers aloud. These are good positive things that stick in our heads and lift our souls and spirits. Christian Scriptures even tell us that the power of life and death is in our tongues. Awesome!
By the same token, when we let negativity intrude and monopolize our thoughts, and worse yet...our speech, we allow it to drag us down. It can affect us mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Why let it?!
Yeah, stuff happens (the nice way of putting that popular phrase), but it is seldom what happens to us as much as our response or reaction to it that will get to us and mess us up.
Some who practice meditation believe in SBC...Stop, Breathe, and Center. Christians say: Stop, Believe, and Christ.
This is not some simplistic, phoney, sugary way to get through the day or deny our feelings; but rather a realignment of thinking, a more careful way of speaking, and an overall attitude adjustment which can make us survivors and even victors instead of victims.
It is not some "new age" philosophy either, but rather quite old, and is found in the Bible, in Buddhism, and other belief systems as well. It is your life and your physical and mental health, sooooo........
Now, what do you think?
The Bible tells us that as a man thinks, so he is. Powerful stuff! When these thoughts come out of our mouths, it is like we are giving life to them. Not only do others hear them, but we hear them and internalize them more ourselves. This is the basis for repeating affirmations or what some faiths call "confessions", Bible verses, and prayers aloud. These are good positive things that stick in our heads and lift our souls and spirits. Christian Scriptures even tell us that the power of life and death is in our tongues. Awesome!
By the same token, when we let negativity intrude and monopolize our thoughts, and worse yet...our speech, we allow it to drag us down. It can affect us mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Why let it?!
Yeah, stuff happens (the nice way of putting that popular phrase), but it is seldom what happens to us as much as our response or reaction to it that will get to us and mess us up.
Some who practice meditation believe in SBC...Stop, Breathe, and Center. Christians say: Stop, Believe, and Christ.
This is not some simplistic, phoney, sugary way to get through the day or deny our feelings; but rather a realignment of thinking, a more careful way of speaking, and an overall attitude adjustment which can make us survivors and even victors instead of victims.
It is not some "new age" philosophy either, but rather quite old, and is found in the Bible, in Buddhism, and other belief systems as well. It is your life and your physical and mental health, sooooo........
Now, what do you think?
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