My lovely wife and I just returned from a day trip. We had a great time! It was nice to get away, even if only for a little while. We drove west through the mountains and stopped a couple of places to eat. We, also, stopped to see a friend that we used to take to church with us. She is about 85 and is now in a nursing home about 65 miles from here. She was excited to see us. She knew, immediately, who we are in spite of the fact that she has some Alzheimers. We, also, saw about 6 deer along different parts of the highway as we were driving. The scenery is beautiful. I love the mountains. I like the ocean, too, but I would prefer the mountains over the ocean anyday. I was hoping to see some black bear, unfortunately, that didn't happen. So, it was a day of relaxation and fun. A chance to take a breather and enjoy one another's company and see an old friend and some beautiful scenery(I think I already mentioned that). Oh well, you get the idea.
So long and goodnight,
Richard
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The man who would know God must give time to Him.
A.W. Tozer
It does make a lot of sense, doesn't it? Think about it, when you first met your spouse and started dating him/her didn't you spend as much time together as you could? And didn't you want to know as much about them as you could? And didn't you steal moments together, even if it was only a few? It is amazing how I tend to give so little time to the One Who is the Giver of time. I must purpose in my heart to give more time to Him, to practice His presence, to pray without ceasing, to study His Word, to serve Him! It amazes me how we tend not to be late for work but we don't care if we are late for church. How we will miss a meal for a ballgame but if the church service runs over we are upset because we are late for lunch. And what about the fact that often those of us who claim to know Him go for hours everyday and don't talk to Him. If we treated our spouses or best friends like that they would be upset and would have a right to be. Yet God is patient, longsuffering, and plentious in mercy.
A.W. Tozer
It does make a lot of sense, doesn't it? Think about it, when you first met your spouse and started dating him/her didn't you spend as much time together as you could? And didn't you want to know as much about them as you could? And didn't you steal moments together, even if it was only a few? It is amazing how I tend to give so little time to the One Who is the Giver of time. I must purpose in my heart to give more time to Him, to practice His presence, to pray without ceasing, to study His Word, to serve Him! It amazes me how we tend not to be late for work but we don't care if we are late for church. How we will miss a meal for a ballgame but if the church service runs over we are upset because we are late for lunch. And what about the fact that often those of us who claim to know Him go for hours everyday and don't talk to Him. If we treated our spouses or best friends like that they would be upset and would have a right to be. Yet God is patient, longsuffering, and plentious in mercy.
Leftovers
Leftovers are such humble things,
We would not serve to a guest,
And, yet, we serve them to our Lord,
Who deserves the very best.
We give to Him leftover time,
A few moments here and there,
Leftover cash we give to Him,
Such few coins as we can spare.
We give unto the world our youth,
In hatred, lust, and strife,
Then in declining years we give to Him,
The remnant of our life.
That is not mine but I don't remember who wrote it.
From the back of my wife's Bible from her college days:
Dear Friend,
I just had to send you a note to tell you how much I love and care about you. I saw you yesterday walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you'd want to talk with Me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you,--and I waited. You never came. Yes, it did hurt Me, but I still love you.
I saw you fall asleep last night and longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and face. Again, I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. You awakened late and rushed off to work. My tears were in the rain.
Today you looked so sad, so all alone. It makes my heart ache, because I do understand. My friends let me down and hurt Me so many times too, but, I love you.
Oh, if only you would listen to Me. I love you! I try to tell you in the blue sky, and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves on the trees, and breathe it in the colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountains' streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature's scents. My love for you is deeper than the biggest want or need in your life and heart. If only you knew how much I want to help you. I want you to know and meet my Father. He wants to help you too. My Father is that way, you know.
You call Me, ask Me, talk with Me. Please don't forget Me. I have so much to share with you.
I won't hassle you any further. You are free to choose Me. It is your decision. I have chosen you, and because of this, I will wait; because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus (Rom. 5:8/Matt. 7:11)
Enough Said!
Goodnight Everybody
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Nothing Much to Say
Well, believe it or not, I haven't had much to say the last couple of days. We got a heavy downpour in this part of Maryland yesterday and today but we have really been fortunate compared to those in the mid-west. I feel bad for them. I could not imagine living in those conditions, but what choice do they have? We need to keep them in our prayers.
It is amazing to me that the economy seemed to change so rapidly. The value of real estate going down, the price of gas going up, the weather is weird all over the world it seems, and the food prices rising because of it. And yet, it appears that it hasn't, really, had a profound affect (or is that effect, I get them mixed up) on us. We are still driving our SUV's and shopping, etc. I guess that's a good thing, but sometimes I wonder if it might not be better for us to have to step back and evaluate things (i.e. our lifestyles, ourselves, our blessings). I know I don't do it enough. I am thankful and glad I live in America. Which doesn't mean there aren't other places I'd like to visit. I have always wanted to go to Germany, Norway, Hawaii, and Jamaica to name a few. I took two years of german in high school but could use some help if anyone out there would be willing to teach me what I don't know (which is a lot). I enjoyed learning german and was quite good at it at the time but like other languages there are different dialects and I wonder if I ever went there how well I would fare. Though most of them probably speak english, too. Most of the world seems to be more bilingual than us Americans. I'm not sure what commentary that is on our educational system here. I do know that a lot has changed since I was in high school and I don't believe it has all been good. For one thing, when you take discipline out of the educational system and out of the homes the result can only be chaos. Please understand I am talking about discipline and not abuse. I would never advocate abuse. But when discipline is absent, in some sense, that in itself is abuse. To let a child do wrong with no consequences is abuse. Of course, there has to be a standard or, as I said, you have chaos. I didn't mean to get into all of that. We had our problems in my day, too. When dinosaurs roamed the earth. But, boy, were those dinosaur burgers good! I am trying to end on a positive note and not having much success.
I had a tee shirt once that said, "I never met a piece of chocolate I didn't like." And a sweatshirt that said, " So much chocolate, so little time." What does that have to do with the rest of this post, you ask. Absolutely nothing! But I do love chocolate so that is one more thing you know about me, not that you cared. Oh well, for someone who didn't have much to say I have rambled on a lot.
Thanks for listening and feel free to leave your opinion. And, please add your part to the story I started on June 19 and continued a couple days ago. It won't be a success without you.
Happy Blogging,
Richard
It is amazing to me that the economy seemed to change so rapidly. The value of real estate going down, the price of gas going up, the weather is weird all over the world it seems, and the food prices rising because of it. And yet, it appears that it hasn't, really, had a profound affect (or is that effect, I get them mixed up) on us. We are still driving our SUV's and shopping, etc. I guess that's a good thing, but sometimes I wonder if it might not be better for us to have to step back and evaluate things (i.e. our lifestyles, ourselves, our blessings). I know I don't do it enough. I am thankful and glad I live in America. Which doesn't mean there aren't other places I'd like to visit. I have always wanted to go to Germany, Norway, Hawaii, and Jamaica to name a few. I took two years of german in high school but could use some help if anyone out there would be willing to teach me what I don't know (which is a lot). I enjoyed learning german and was quite good at it at the time but like other languages there are different dialects and I wonder if I ever went there how well I would fare. Though most of them probably speak english, too. Most of the world seems to be more bilingual than us Americans. I'm not sure what commentary that is on our educational system here. I do know that a lot has changed since I was in high school and I don't believe it has all been good. For one thing, when you take discipline out of the educational system and out of the homes the result can only be chaos. Please understand I am talking about discipline and not abuse. I would never advocate abuse. But when discipline is absent, in some sense, that in itself is abuse. To let a child do wrong with no consequences is abuse. Of course, there has to be a standard or, as I said, you have chaos. I didn't mean to get into all of that. We had our problems in my day, too. When dinosaurs roamed the earth. But, boy, were those dinosaur burgers good! I am trying to end on a positive note and not having much success.
I had a tee shirt once that said, "I never met a piece of chocolate I didn't like." And a sweatshirt that said, " So much chocolate, so little time." What does that have to do with the rest of this post, you ask. Absolutely nothing! But I do love chocolate so that is one more thing you know about me, not that you cared. Oh well, for someone who didn't have much to say I have rambled on a lot.
Thanks for listening and feel free to leave your opinion. And, please add your part to the story I started on June 19 and continued a couple days ago. It won't be a success without you.
Happy Blogging,
Richard
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Oil Drilling and the Environment
I am more than a little disturbed at the controversy over drilling for the underground oil reserves we are fortunate enough to have in this country and protecting the environment. As a former spelunker (caver) and hiker I believe in preserving the environment as much as possible. When I was being taught about caving by my grotto (caving club) we were always taught: Leave nothing but footprints, Take nothing but pictures. And that is what we did! I love being down under the earth in a cave. Unfortunately, my knees and back no longer allow me to enjoy those adventures. I love to hike but have not been able to for about a year and a half due to two knee surgeries. But I love the outdoors: camping and canoeing included. I said all of that to make a point: I love nature. I don't worship it!
It has been proven that we have plenty of oil in parts of this country. It bothers me that we are so dependent on foreign oil when we have so much right here under our noses. Why should we keep giving our hard-earned money to overseas governments and tycoons when we could boost our own economy? God allowed us to have these resources for a reason! I think it's bad enough that I have a hard time buying American-made goods as it is, without also having to buy foreign oil. This is the greatest country in the world and one way we can keep it great is to break away from the dependence on foreign oil. As I said in a previous post, with the scientists and engineers we have in this country, I can not believe that we can't find alternative sources of energy faster than we are.
He who holds the purse controls the money. What's more important? Whether we dig a hole in the wilderness where no one lives or under the sea where it will never be seen, or whether we are controlled by a government that is often anti-American and doesn't really care about anything but taking our money?
I say, wake up America! We have the opportunity to, at least, help ourselves in this situation. Surely, we can do this while making as little impact on the environment as possible. It may take a little common sense, but I believe in this country and I think we can do it. And I think we must do it for the good of our freedom and our children.
That's my opinion, what's yours,
Richard
P.S. Please add your part to yesterday's story.
It has been proven that we have plenty of oil in parts of this country. It bothers me that we are so dependent on foreign oil when we have so much right here under our noses. Why should we keep giving our hard-earned money to overseas governments and tycoons when we could boost our own economy? God allowed us to have these resources for a reason! I think it's bad enough that I have a hard time buying American-made goods as it is, without also having to buy foreign oil. This is the greatest country in the world and one way we can keep it great is to break away from the dependence on foreign oil. As I said in a previous post, with the scientists and engineers we have in this country, I can not believe that we can't find alternative sources of energy faster than we are.
He who holds the purse controls the money. What's more important? Whether we dig a hole in the wilderness where no one lives or under the sea where it will never be seen, or whether we are controlled by a government that is often anti-American and doesn't really care about anything but taking our money?
I say, wake up America! We have the opportunity to, at least, help ourselves in this situation. Surely, we can do this while making as little impact on the environment as possible. It may take a little common sense, but I believe in this country and I think we can do it. And I think we must do it for the good of our freedom and our children.
That's my opinion, what's yours,
Richard
P.S. Please add your part to yesterday's story.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Chapter 2
Continuing our story from June 19.
Chapter 2
Brad, the sheriff, had been in law enforcement for 21 years. He had left the small town in which he had grown up to go to college and study criminal justice. Earning his bachelors degree in just three and a half years, he went on to get his masters. After college he enlisted in the military and served as an MP. He was not a stranger to things that were out of the ordinary.
After serving two hitches in the military Brad took a job as a field investigator with the FBI. While employed with the FBI he had helped in apprehending some of the world's most hardened criminals. Once, he was even taken hostage by one. He had placed himself in jeopardy against the wishes of his superiors in order to rescue a young girl. The rescue effort was successful but at the expense of his own capture and torture, a torture for which he would always bear the scars. He had no regrets. He had done what he knew in his heart was right. Because of him that little girl was safe today and now was grown with children of her own. At first Brad had received a reprimand for disobeying the orders of his superiors, but the public outcry and gratitude of the girl's family was so great that the reprimand was rescinded and he was awarded the medal for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. But Brad knew his career as an FBI agent was over. The torture he had endured had been so severe that he would never, again, be able to keep up with the physical demands of the job. So Brad left the FBI and headed back to his hometown.
It was a quiet night when Brad arrived home. He had, purposely, walked in from the bus stop just on the outskirts of town so as to go unnoticed. Only his parents were aware of his return. He had asked them not to tell anyone he was coming. The people of his hometown were very proud of him. The facts of the case, the stories of how he had rescued that little girl, and the torture he had endured were national news. To those whom had known him since his childhood he was a true hero. Of course, Brad could not hide himself for long, he would have to go out sometime.
When some of the townsfolks knew he was home the news spread like wild fire around the small community. Plans were made to give him a hero's welcome but he was able to convince them that he did not want that kind of recognition. He had just done his job and was now home to enjoy what years he had left in obscure retirement. His desire was to spend his days fishing, hunting, and relaxing. He just wanted to be a regular part of the town again, just like when he grew up there all those years ago.
It's up to you, fellow bloggers, to write Chapter 3. What will happen in the life of Brad? What did he see the day Lyle walked into his office? You write the story. It won't be a success without you.
Richard
He was not the kind who was easily intimidated or often surprised. He thought he had seen it all, but he could not believe the sight that was before him.
Chapter 2
Brad, the sheriff, had been in law enforcement for 21 years. He had left the small town in which he had grown up to go to college and study criminal justice. Earning his bachelors degree in just three and a half years, he went on to get his masters. After college he enlisted in the military and served as an MP. He was not a stranger to things that were out of the ordinary.
After serving two hitches in the military Brad took a job as a field investigator with the FBI. While employed with the FBI he had helped in apprehending some of the world's most hardened criminals. Once, he was even taken hostage by one. He had placed himself in jeopardy against the wishes of his superiors in order to rescue a young girl. The rescue effort was successful but at the expense of his own capture and torture, a torture for which he would always bear the scars. He had no regrets. He had done what he knew in his heart was right. Because of him that little girl was safe today and now was grown with children of her own. At first Brad had received a reprimand for disobeying the orders of his superiors, but the public outcry and gratitude of the girl's family was so great that the reprimand was rescinded and he was awarded the medal for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. But Brad knew his career as an FBI agent was over. The torture he had endured had been so severe that he would never, again, be able to keep up with the physical demands of the job. So Brad left the FBI and headed back to his hometown.
It was a quiet night when Brad arrived home. He had, purposely, walked in from the bus stop just on the outskirts of town so as to go unnoticed. Only his parents were aware of his return. He had asked them not to tell anyone he was coming. The people of his hometown were very proud of him. The facts of the case, the stories of how he had rescued that little girl, and the torture he had endured were national news. To those whom had known him since his childhood he was a true hero. Of course, Brad could not hide himself for long, he would have to go out sometime.
When some of the townsfolks knew he was home the news spread like wild fire around the small community. Plans were made to give him a hero's welcome but he was able to convince them that he did not want that kind of recognition. He had just done his job and was now home to enjoy what years he had left in obscure retirement. His desire was to spend his days fishing, hunting, and relaxing. He just wanted to be a regular part of the town again, just like when he grew up there all those years ago.
It's up to you, fellow bloggers, to write Chapter 3. What will happen in the life of Brad? What did he see the day Lyle walked into his office? You write the story. It won't be a success without you.
Richard
He was not the kind who was easily intimidated or often surprised. He thought he had seen it all, but he could not believe the sight that was before him.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
2 for 1
Well, this is my second post today. Only because I didn't, actually, write the first one. I just copied and pasted it. It is something to think about, though. I know I waste far too much time and it goes by so quickly.
I missed not being able to post while we were away but enjoyed the time with my lovely wife. We had a great time. On Sunday night we had a rather unique dining experience. We went to a restaurant and everything was served family style. What's so unique about that you may ask. Well, when they seated us they took us to a table that seated about ten. There was, already, a family of four sitting there so my wife and I figured that we were going to be seated at the other end of the table. When the waitress sat our plates down right next to the other family, we were a bit surprised. Since we had to pass the food back and forth we began to talk. They were from Southern California and turned out to be very nice. We ended up having our faith in common, they were, also, Christians. We talked beyond closing time and then walked out together. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It was fun and, as I said, unique. Maybe it would be good if this kind of thing were done more frequently. Think of the possibilities. While, it is true, you may end up beside someone with whom it is hard to get along, you may get a witnessing opportunity. I would not have chosen to sit there but it is these types of incidences (is that a word?) that remind me that God is in control and I am not. It is a good thing, too, because if I were Him I wouldn't want anything to do with me. I am glad He is gracious and merciful.
Oh well, I have to shave and get ready for class. Maybe I'll post tonight, we'll see. Until next time, have a good one.
And the quote for today is: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson to William Stevens Smith, 1787
See Ya,
Richard
I missed not being able to post while we were away but enjoyed the time with my lovely wife. We had a great time. On Sunday night we had a rather unique dining experience. We went to a restaurant and everything was served family style. What's so unique about that you may ask. Well, when they seated us they took us to a table that seated about ten. There was, already, a family of four sitting there so my wife and I figured that we were going to be seated at the other end of the table. When the waitress sat our plates down right next to the other family, we were a bit surprised. Since we had to pass the food back and forth we began to talk. They were from Southern California and turned out to be very nice. We ended up having our faith in common, they were, also, Christians. We talked beyond closing time and then walked out together. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It was fun and, as I said, unique. Maybe it would be good if this kind of thing were done more frequently. Think of the possibilities. While, it is true, you may end up beside someone with whom it is hard to get along, you may get a witnessing opportunity. I would not have chosen to sit there but it is these types of incidences (is that a word?) that remind me that God is in control and I am not. It is a good thing, too, because if I were Him I wouldn't want anything to do with me. I am glad He is gracious and merciful.
Oh well, I have to shave and get ready for class. Maybe I'll post tonight, we'll see. Until next time, have a good one.
And the quote for today is: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Thomas Jefferson to William Stevens Smith, 1787
See Ya,
Richard
Time
Time
Imagine that you had a bank account in which $86,400.00 was deposited every day. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!!
Each of us has such a bank account. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. .
Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special; special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!! Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Show your friends how much you care..... Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends
Imagine that you had a bank account in which $86,400.00 was deposited every day. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!!
Each of us has such a bank account. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. .
Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special; special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!! Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Show your friends how much you care..... Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends
Saturday, June 21, 2008
My Day
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
Benjamin Franklin
Good Evening Friends,
It was a beautiful day here in my hometown. There was a celebration today at church for my Pastor and his dear wife. It was their 50th anniversary. And it was a moving presentation organized, mainly, by their adult children. He pastored our church for 34 years and still serves as Pastor Emeritus and Sunday School teacher, etc. She used to teach Christian school and Sunday School. They are a wonderful couple! I felt privileged and blessed to have been an observer in this event.
Oh! But before that, this morning I had the opportunity to go to our local city farmers market with my lovely wife and beautiful step-daughter (who is home for the weekend with her new husband of just less than a month). We had breakfast at the farmers market and did a little shopping. Then I got a chance to spend some time with her one on one. It was nice. I couldn't have hand-picked better step-children. I love them like they are my own. Though I wouldn't wish divorce on my worst enemy.
We finished up the day by having my step-daughter and a friend of hers from high school for dinner. I hated to see her go. But that is part of life, I guess. Now, a few last minute chores to finish up before going to bed and church tomorrow.
Well, that's my day. I hope yours was a good one.
Richard
Benjamin Franklin
Good Evening Friends,
It was a beautiful day here in my hometown. There was a celebration today at church for my Pastor and his dear wife. It was their 50th anniversary. And it was a moving presentation organized, mainly, by their adult children. He pastored our church for 34 years and still serves as Pastor Emeritus and Sunday School teacher, etc. She used to teach Christian school and Sunday School. They are a wonderful couple! I felt privileged and blessed to have been an observer in this event.
Oh! But before that, this morning I had the opportunity to go to our local city farmers market with my lovely wife and beautiful step-daughter (who is home for the weekend with her new husband of just less than a month). We had breakfast at the farmers market and did a little shopping. Then I got a chance to spend some time with her one on one. It was nice. I couldn't have hand-picked better step-children. I love them like they are my own. Though I wouldn't wish divorce on my worst enemy.
We finished up the day by having my step-daughter and a friend of hers from high school for dinner. I hated to see her go. But that is part of life, I guess. Now, a few last minute chores to finish up before going to bed and church tomorrow.
Well, that's my day. I hope yours was a good one.
Richard
Friday, June 20, 2008
Just Another Rant
Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery. Calvin Coolidge
Imagine this, our forefathers never intended for taxes to go over 2%. It is true, and they thought that was very high. I don't mind paying taxes, America is the greatest country in the world. However, I am not real thrilled about living in one of the most expensive states in the U.S. One of the top five, last I heard. I have been trying to get my wife to move to Tennessee (I would go with her of course). Hmmmm, do you suppose that's why she won't move? Just kidding!
Here's what is so amazing to me: When I was a child, physically not mentally, I am still a child mentally, we didn't need a state lottery to finance state programs and we didn't need slots to do it either. So my question is: Why do we need them today? Could it be that too much money is being... Well, perhaps we are not as fiscally responsible as we should be. I realize there are more social programs today than when I was a child and I think that is a good thing. But legalized gambling isn't the answer. It just results in the need for more social programs to treat those addicted to gambling... sounds like a Catch 22 to me!
It would be nice if we had some people who are morally qualified to run things seeking public office. Think of all the people out there who are qualified to run for President and do a good job but won't run for some reason or other. Oh well, I am, still, glad I am an American and that I have the privilege of living in America even if it isn't the same one in which I grew up.
Thanks to all those out there who have served and are serving to protect our freedom. America, with all its faults, is still the greatest country in the world. But it needs much prayer.
Well, I'd better get off of here and get, at least, some work done.
P.S. Don't forget to add your bit to the story I started yesterday. It won't be a success without you.
Later,
Richard
Imagine this, our forefathers never intended for taxes to go over 2%. It is true, and they thought that was very high. I don't mind paying taxes, America is the greatest country in the world. However, I am not real thrilled about living in one of the most expensive states in the U.S. One of the top five, last I heard. I have been trying to get my wife to move to Tennessee (I would go with her of course). Hmmmm, do you suppose that's why she won't move? Just kidding!
Here's what is so amazing to me: When I was a child, physically not mentally, I am still a child mentally, we didn't need a state lottery to finance state programs and we didn't need slots to do it either. So my question is: Why do we need them today? Could it be that too much money is being... Well, perhaps we are not as fiscally responsible as we should be. I realize there are more social programs today than when I was a child and I think that is a good thing. But legalized gambling isn't the answer. It just results in the need for more social programs to treat those addicted to gambling... sounds like a Catch 22 to me!
It would be nice if we had some people who are morally qualified to run things seeking public office. Think of all the people out there who are qualified to run for President and do a good job but won't run for some reason or other. Oh well, I am, still, glad I am an American and that I have the privilege of living in America even if it isn't the same one in which I grew up.
Thanks to all those out there who have served and are serving to protect our freedom. America, with all its faults, is still the greatest country in the world. But it needs much prayer.
Well, I'd better get off of here and get, at least, some work done.
P.S. Don't forget to add your bit to the story I started yesterday. It won't be a success without you.
Later,
Richard
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Let's Have Fun- Writing a Story
Hey Fellow Bloggers! Let's have some fun writing a story. Here's how it works: I'll start and write until I am either tired or run out of ideas and then somebody else picks it up until they are either tired or runs out of ideas. And then the next person or previous person picks it up and so on.
There are just a few rules please:
1. No Profanity
2. No Sexual Innuendos
3. Just please keep it clean
It can be fun if we get some good participation.
It can be sad and/or funny or both at times.
Just try and see what happens.
I'll start. We'll title it later after we see where it goes.
Chapter One
Lyle stumbled down from the mountains after three weeks. He did not anticipate this happening to him in his wildest dreams. He had been an avid hiker since he was a young lad. His father who had been an airbourne soldier had taught him all that anyone could know about survival in the woods. He knew what plants were edible and how to make shelter out of, what would seem to the average person as, nothing. He would qualify as an expert in first aid. And, yet, something so different, so bizarre, had happened that he would have trouble explaining it to the townsfolk.
Lyle wasn't the kind of boy who would pull something questionable. He had grown up in this small community, was highly respected, and even in high school when the rest of the kids were sowing their wild oats and getting into trouble, Lyle had a reputation as a very level-headed boy. He wondered what he should do. How would he tell the authorities what had ocurred? Yet, he must tell them, this was just too serious of a matter not to say anything. Eventually, everyone would find out. How will this effect his reputation? A reputation he had worked hard to build beyond reproach since he was a youngster old enough to understand that what people thought of one does make a difference. He shuddered to think of the results of all this. He dreaded to have to face it, but face it he must. When he staggered into the police station he was visibly shaken. His old friend, Brad, the sheriff looked up at him from his seat. As their eyes met Brad couldn't believe the sight before him.
What happened to Lyle? What did Brad see? You tell us.
There are just a few rules please:
1. No Profanity
2. No Sexual Innuendos
3. Just please keep it clean
It can be fun if we get some good participation.
It can be sad and/or funny or both at times.
Just try and see what happens.
I'll start. We'll title it later after we see where it goes.
Chapter One
Lyle stumbled down from the mountains after three weeks. He did not anticipate this happening to him in his wildest dreams. He had been an avid hiker since he was a young lad. His father who had been an airbourne soldier had taught him all that anyone could know about survival in the woods. He knew what plants were edible and how to make shelter out of, what would seem to the average person as, nothing. He would qualify as an expert in first aid. And, yet, something so different, so bizarre, had happened that he would have trouble explaining it to the townsfolk.
Lyle wasn't the kind of boy who would pull something questionable. He had grown up in this small community, was highly respected, and even in high school when the rest of the kids were sowing their wild oats and getting into trouble, Lyle had a reputation as a very level-headed boy. He wondered what he should do. How would he tell the authorities what had ocurred? Yet, he must tell them, this was just too serious of a matter not to say anything. Eventually, everyone would find out. How will this effect his reputation? A reputation he had worked hard to build beyond reproach since he was a youngster old enough to understand that what people thought of one does make a difference. He shuddered to think of the results of all this. He dreaded to have to face it, but face it he must. When he staggered into the police station he was visibly shaken. His old friend, Brad, the sheriff looked up at him from his seat. As their eyes met Brad couldn't believe the sight before him.
What happened to Lyle? What did Brad see? You tell us.
Maybe Later
Maybe later I'll spice this thing up. I am new at blogging and have seen some interesting blogs out there. If you like beautiful, calm music check out Mr. Boo. I tried to find a comment place so I could tell him how much I enjoyed his blog but couldn't find one. If you can find it perhaps you will tell him for me.
The blogs are as diverse as the people who created them, interesting! This could be fun and I hope I will be able to maintain it. I would like to post something everyday but know that will not be possible. Soon we will be going away for a couple of days.
One of my favorite poets is Rod McKuen. I was introduced to him by a dear friend a long time ago. I can't tell you when because that would reveal my age. I have several of his books (Rod McKuen's, not my friend), I don't think my friend ever wrote a book. But you, probably, knew that. That was not a complete sentence. Anyway, I am rambling.
An excerpt from Rod McKuen's book: Caught in the Quiet:
"Caught in the quiet
Off on our own
Coming together
Staying Alone."
Maybe I'll talk to you later today.
Be Safe,
Richard
The blogs are as diverse as the people who created them, interesting! This could be fun and I hope I will be able to maintain it. I would like to post something everyday but know that will not be possible. Soon we will be going away for a couple of days.
One of my favorite poets is Rod McKuen. I was introduced to him by a dear friend a long time ago. I can't tell you when because that would reveal my age. I have several of his books (Rod McKuen's, not my friend), I don't think my friend ever wrote a book. But you, probably, knew that. That was not a complete sentence. Anyway, I am rambling.
An excerpt from Rod McKuen's book: Caught in the Quiet:
"Caught in the quiet
Off on our own
Coming together
Staying Alone."
Maybe I'll talk to you later today.
Be Safe,
Richard
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Gasoline
It is truly amazing to me that in a country as great as the United States we can't find a better way to fuel our vehicles than gasoline. We have some of the best engineers and scientists in the world and we can't come up with an alternative fuel source quicker than we have. It makes me wonder how hard we're trying. Of course, we do have plenty of fuel if we could just extract that which we do have from the ground. Think about it, the oil we have in the ground in this country is there for a reason. Why should we keep supporting the Saudi's when we can benefit our own economy? I don't know much about this whole thing but I don't understand why we want to keep putting our money overseas when we have what we need here.
On another note, I don't understand how we can't find Osama Bin Laden. He has kidney disease, surely he is getting treatment and drugs somewhere. With the technology we have now, how is it that we seem to be able to find anyone but one of the most wanted terrorist out there? Amazing!
On another note, I don't understand how we can't find Osama Bin Laden. He has kidney disease, surely he is getting treatment and drugs somewhere. With the technology we have now, how is it that we seem to be able to find anyone but one of the most wanted terrorist out there? Amazing!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Liberal News Media
Let me say that although Google is a wonderful search engine and has many great features like e-mail and others, that it is as liberal as most of the news media. For example, I know it is in the humor section of the iGoogle page but I do not appreciate the Google Chimp-O-Matic. And many of the news articles come from the more liberal sources. Therefore, I will, also, get my news from some other sources that will afford more balance. Like our food diets, we need a balanced diet when it comes to our news as well. Let me encourage those of you out there to not take your news from only the liberal sources but to find some conservative sources for your news, too. Even though you may not agree with what they say, you need a balanced diet.
Repeating what I said yesterday, I fear this country is in trouble with this upcoming election. It is a shame in this great country that we have to vote for the lesser of two evils but to not vote should not be an option.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Sincerely,
Richard
Repeating what I said yesterday, I fear this country is in trouble with this upcoming election. It is a shame in this great country that we have to vote for the lesser of two evils but to not vote should not be an option.
That's my opinion. What's yours?
Sincerely,
Richard
Monday, June 16, 2008
Upcoming Election
Unfortunately, I can't say I am happy about any of the candidates who are running for President. It is a sad situation that in a country as great as the U.S. that we have to vote for the lesser of two evils instead of someone running who is more qualified. I fear we are in a dangerous situation if either Mr. McCain or Mr. Obama are elected. But to not vote should never be seen as on option. Oh well, that's my opinion. What's yours?
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