Well, very soon we will go to the polls and vote for who will be our next President of this greatest of all countries. I am glad I am an American and that I have the privilege of living in America. With all of its problems it is still the greatest country in all the world. My thanks to all who have served and are serving to keep it free. I have said before that I believe that anyone who serves in the military deserves every good thing they get out of life, especially if they have served in combat, and I still feel that way. Thank you to all who serve and enable me to sit safely in my home and type my blog. We need to hold our military up in prayer everyday.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage all those who are of age to register and vote. I don't understand people who are able to vote and don't participate in the electoral process. People died fighting for your right to vote please don't take it lightly! If you don't vote, you have absolutely no right to complain about this country.
Concerning this upcoming Presidential election I have a few questions that you might want to ask yourself:
1. How important is patriotism?
2. Will our next President salute the United States flag?
3. Will he wear the American flag pin on his lapel?
4. Will he stand with his hand over his heart and say the Pledge of Allegience?
5. Will he sing the Star-Spangled Banner?
6. Will he be someone whom we can feel good about calling our Commander-in-Chief?
These are some of the, I think, main questions we need to consider before we cast our votes for our next leader. As in any organization, the leader will set the tone for the direction in which we will move for, at least, the next four years. I realize that Congress has a lot to say about the direction in which this country will be headed but, let's face it, the right leader can make a world of difference in how Congress is influenced and how they vote on things. It has been proven that the right Republican leader has had a positive influence on even a Democratic Congress and vice versa. We need a man who is a leader among men. We need a man who will stand alone if necessary. We need a man who loves the country more than he loves his party. We need a man who will do his best to make sure our military knows that they have the support of their government and who will encourage our citizenry to show support for them, as well. It isn't about whether or not one agrees with the war. It is about the fact that that is where we are. Our military is over there doing the job they are supposed to be doing and we ought to support them. We do them a great disservice when we don't show them the support they deserve. Many of them would not choose war but they are doing what they have been asked to do and they do it faithfully and without complaint. They put their lives on the line daily to protect our freedoms and so often we are not nearly as grateful as we should be. I am talking to myself, too. To tear down their morale by not showing them the support they need and deserve is unfair and shows a real lack of appreciation for the job they are doing.
Ask yourself what kind of leadership our military needs in a Commander-in-Chief and don't let them down. They haven't let you down!!
And get off you butts and VOTE, while we still have that privilege.
Richard Hull
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
WETA
Wow, I can't believe it has been almost a week since I have posted anything. I just haven't had much to say. Unfortunately, what I have to say today isn't good.
Today, after church this morning, I was watching WETA. I don't watch public television as often as I should but I really didn't turn it on today, either, my wife did. They were showing the Tom Hanks movie, Big. I have seen the movie before, years ago. I had forgotten that there is a part in the movie where he takes the Lord's name in vain. But I was shocked when WETA allowed it to be said. I mean they made no effort to bleep it out. I try not to watch movies that have that kind of language in them. It happens from time to time but I never want to make a habit of watching that stuff. And I don't want to get to the place where it doesn't matter to me.
I sent an e-mail to WETA telling them what happened and that I didn't appreciate it and that I would be posting a letter on my blog about it. If enough Christians got together and let the media know that it is not acceptable to take the Lord's name in vain in the public domain, and meant it, it would cease. I believe in censorship. I believe in order to protect children a society has to have censorship. Let's face it, there are some things that children don't need to see. Things that are not going to do them any good. Things that they are not, yet, equipped to handle. Things that do not promote the common good. Things that hinder them from becoming responsible law-abiding citizens. Do I think that some law-abiding citizens take the Lord's name in vain? Yes, I do. But I think it shows a real lack of character on their part and a real lack of vocabulary and a real lack of ability to express oneself in an intellegent way.
It is a shame that one can not come home from church on a Sunday afternoon and sit down to watch a movie on public television, no less, without hearing someone take the Lord's name in vain. I hope if this happens to you that you will send that station an e-mail and let them know it is offensive and unacceptable. And if you support that station financially I hope you will threaten to drop your support and follow through if need be. They will, certainly, understand the financial impact it could have and, believe me, if enough people did it things would change.
Please don't look at this as a disgruntled rant. But it is past time we take a stand against this kind of blatant disrespect for the God and Creator of the universe, especially those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
Take a Stand,
Richard
Today, after church this morning, I was watching WETA. I don't watch public television as often as I should but I really didn't turn it on today, either, my wife did. They were showing the Tom Hanks movie, Big. I have seen the movie before, years ago. I had forgotten that there is a part in the movie where he takes the Lord's name in vain. But I was shocked when WETA allowed it to be said. I mean they made no effort to bleep it out. I try not to watch movies that have that kind of language in them. It happens from time to time but I never want to make a habit of watching that stuff. And I don't want to get to the place where it doesn't matter to me.
I sent an e-mail to WETA telling them what happened and that I didn't appreciate it and that I would be posting a letter on my blog about it. If enough Christians got together and let the media know that it is not acceptable to take the Lord's name in vain in the public domain, and meant it, it would cease. I believe in censorship. I believe in order to protect children a society has to have censorship. Let's face it, there are some things that children don't need to see. Things that are not going to do them any good. Things that they are not, yet, equipped to handle. Things that do not promote the common good. Things that hinder them from becoming responsible law-abiding citizens. Do I think that some law-abiding citizens take the Lord's name in vain? Yes, I do. But I think it shows a real lack of character on their part and a real lack of vocabulary and a real lack of ability to express oneself in an intellegent way.
It is a shame that one can not come home from church on a Sunday afternoon and sit down to watch a movie on public television, no less, without hearing someone take the Lord's name in vain. I hope if this happens to you that you will send that station an e-mail and let them know it is offensive and unacceptable. And if you support that station financially I hope you will threaten to drop your support and follow through if need be. They will, certainly, understand the financial impact it could have and, believe me, if enough people did it things would change.
Please don't look at this as a disgruntled rant. But it is past time we take a stand against this kind of blatant disrespect for the God and Creator of the universe, especially those of us who know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
Take a Stand,
Richard
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Test Delayed
Well, what a blessing! I was supposed to have a test in my college class tonight but, thankfully, it was delayed until next week - along with the assignment that was due tonight. That gives me another week to study.
Not much else has happened today. The viewing for my friend, who I love like a sister, is tomorrow. The memorial service will be Thursday. It will be a tough time. Her death came as a surprise to, I think, almost everyone who knew her.
On a brighter note, my step-son and step-daughter-in-law are expecting their first child. They are excited. My wife is, really, excited! It will be her first grandchild. She, already, wants to buy it everything! I say, "it" because we don't know if it is a boy or a girl. I don't mean to be disrespectful or impersonal. I have 3 grandchildren and I love them dearly. I don't see them very much, though.
For all of you who visit the blog, feel free to take my poll. I would love to know your opinion. Yours is as good as anyone else's.
Well, it is late and I am tired.
See you later,
Richard
Not much else has happened today. The viewing for my friend, who I love like a sister, is tomorrow. The memorial service will be Thursday. It will be a tough time. Her death came as a surprise to, I think, almost everyone who knew her.
On a brighter note, my step-son and step-daughter-in-law are expecting their first child. They are excited. My wife is, really, excited! It will be her first grandchild. She, already, wants to buy it everything! I say, "it" because we don't know if it is a boy or a girl. I don't mean to be disrespectful or impersonal. I have 3 grandchildren and I love them dearly. I don't see them very much, though.
For all of you who visit the blog, feel free to take my poll. I would love to know your opinion. Yours is as good as anyone else's.
Well, it is late and I am tired.
See you later,
Richard
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Until Next Time
It was a pretty good day today considering I lost someone yesterday who is like a sister to me and that it was the twentieth anniversary of the death of my mother. I wouldn't call it a happy day by any means but the fact that it is Sunday and we went to church, I think, made it a little easier. The pastor had a great message today, as he always does, but, you know, some speak to us more than others. It was from Job 39:19-25 and was entitled, "Wisdom from a Warhorse."
I had the opportunity and privilege of teaching the Firm Foundations Sunday School class today and the pastor's message went right along with my lesson. It is phenomenal how God does that. And I am always amazed and enjoy it when that happens. It is like confirmation from the Holy Spirit that you did what He wanted you to do. I taught about Uriah the Hittite from II Samuel 11. In the evening service we had a missionary to Las Vegas. That would be a hard place to start a church, but somebody has to do it. Not that they don't have churches there already but God knows what He's doing.
Anyway, it is hot and humid here. Yesterday we had some rain and thunderstorms. Today it is hot but not quite as humid. I am not complaining I love summer. I would rather have summer any day than winter. I don't like to be cold. I wish I was one of those people who could go to Florida every year for the winter. I know some people who do that, including our next door neighbors, and that would be really nice. My barber does that, too, and he takes his profession with him and is still able to earn some money while he's gone. That would make it even better.
It has been awhile since I enclosed a quote. I love good quotes so if you know any feel free to send it my way. I might use it the next time I teach Sunday School. I don't teach every week I'm really just the co-teacher for my class, which means I only teach that class when the regular teacher is gone. Sometimes the Lord allows me the privilege of substituting in another class like this morning. Anyway, the quote, I don't know who said it but here it is:
You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
Until next time,
Richard
I had the opportunity and privilege of teaching the Firm Foundations Sunday School class today and the pastor's message went right along with my lesson. It is phenomenal how God does that. And I am always amazed and enjoy it when that happens. It is like confirmation from the Holy Spirit that you did what He wanted you to do. I taught about Uriah the Hittite from II Samuel 11. In the evening service we had a missionary to Las Vegas. That would be a hard place to start a church, but somebody has to do it. Not that they don't have churches there already but God knows what He's doing.
Anyway, it is hot and humid here. Yesterday we had some rain and thunderstorms. Today it is hot but not quite as humid. I am not complaining I love summer. I would rather have summer any day than winter. I don't like to be cold. I wish I was one of those people who could go to Florida every year for the winter. I know some people who do that, including our next door neighbors, and that would be really nice. My barber does that, too, and he takes his profession with him and is still able to earn some money while he's gone. That would make it even better.
It has been awhile since I enclosed a quote. I love good quotes so if you know any feel free to send it my way. I might use it the next time I teach Sunday School. I don't teach every week I'm really just the co-teacher for my class, which means I only teach that class when the regular teacher is gone. Sometimes the Lord allows me the privilege of substituting in another class like this morning. Anyway, the quote, I don't know who said it but here it is:
You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
Until next time,
Richard
Saturday, July 5, 2008
He Make No Mistakes
I believe that sometimes God brings people into our lives to fill voids that are left by people we lose. Today is the 20th anniversary of my mother's death. It is hard to believe it has been twenty years, I remember it like it was yesterday. Of course, I guess that is not something you forget. She died from lung cancer about a month after she was diagnosed. I asked the Lord to take her quickly because I did not want her to lie around and suffer. God, graciously, answered that prayer. During her last ten days in the hospital she had only allowed them to give her morphine once and that was when I first took her in. After that she refused to take it and, yet, she was in, almost, no pain. The doctors told me and my sister that they had never seen lung cancer spread so fast and they couldn't understand why she had almost no pain. I understood - we have a gracious God. He answers prayer. There are times when it seems I don't miss mom at all. And then there are times when I miss her greatly. I wish I could tell her I love her just one more time.
There is a couple that goes to my church, they are in their 80's now. I adopted them as my parents about, I don't know, twelve years ago, or so. I even call them mom and dad. They have two grown children that I love like they are my own brother and sister. But, today, around 3 p.m. their daughter, who I love like a sister, went home to be with her Lord. She had brain cancer and was 60 years old. She died on the anniversary of my mother's death. I have, now, lost a mother and a sister on the same day. It is hard even though I know she is in Heaven. I guess that is the selfish part of me. I wish I could have seen her one more time, but it wouldn't have been enough. It is a great comfort that I will see her again, someday. The thing that makes it even harder is that her dad, who I have adopted as my own, has leukemia and is dying, too. He is very weak and has lost a lot of weight. And, yet, he and his wife, whose health is also not good, must face this tragic loss. I wish I could, somehow, just make it all better. I feel so helpless. Today is a rough day for me but not nearly as rough as it is on them and their son.
There is one thing, though, that I want to say because I do not want to leave any doubt in anybody's mind about what I believe. And that one thing is this: God is good! He is in charge, not us and He, always, knows what's best! He is gracious, merciful, patient, and longsuffering, and He cares more about His children than we can ever understand. His ways are perfect and He makes no mistakes. He Is the Great Comforter!!
I have, already lost a dear friend this year. And now I have lost two. And, probably, will lose dad before this year is over. He is anxious to go! He has been asking the Lord every night, for years, to get him out of here before morning. But when that happens it will still be hard. It is not the time to let go of God when we go through these tough times but, rather, the time to cling tighter to Him. As the song says, "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone." I am not a big fan of contemporary Christian music but those words do fit at a time like this. But here is a better quote, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10. I am so glad that He avails Himself to us and we can run to Him and be safe no matter what. I hope those who read this know that peace. You can - by taking Christ as your Saviour today.
In Christ's Love,
Richard
There is a couple that goes to my church, they are in their 80's now. I adopted them as my parents about, I don't know, twelve years ago, or so. I even call them mom and dad. They have two grown children that I love like they are my own brother and sister. But, today, around 3 p.m. their daughter, who I love like a sister, went home to be with her Lord. She had brain cancer and was 60 years old. She died on the anniversary of my mother's death. I have, now, lost a mother and a sister on the same day. It is hard even though I know she is in Heaven. I guess that is the selfish part of me. I wish I could have seen her one more time, but it wouldn't have been enough. It is a great comfort that I will see her again, someday. The thing that makes it even harder is that her dad, who I have adopted as my own, has leukemia and is dying, too. He is very weak and has lost a lot of weight. And, yet, he and his wife, whose health is also not good, must face this tragic loss. I wish I could, somehow, just make it all better. I feel so helpless. Today is a rough day for me but not nearly as rough as it is on them and their son.
There is one thing, though, that I want to say because I do not want to leave any doubt in anybody's mind about what I believe. And that one thing is this: God is good! He is in charge, not us and He, always, knows what's best! He is gracious, merciful, patient, and longsuffering, and He cares more about His children than we can ever understand. His ways are perfect and He makes no mistakes. He Is the Great Comforter!!
I have, already lost a dear friend this year. And now I have lost two. And, probably, will lose dad before this year is over. He is anxious to go! He has been asking the Lord every night, for years, to get him out of here before morning. But when that happens it will still be hard. It is not the time to let go of God when we go through these tough times but, rather, the time to cling tighter to Him. As the song says, "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone." I am not a big fan of contemporary Christian music but those words do fit at a time like this. But here is a better quote, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10. I am so glad that He avails Himself to us and we can run to Him and be safe no matter what. I hope those who read this know that peace. You can - by taking Christ as your Saviour today.
In Christ's Love,
Richard
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thank You
Thanks to all our American men and women who are serving or have served in the military and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free. You have kept this the greatest country in all the world. I am glad to be an American and to live in this country. The fact that everyone wants to come here to live is a testimony to what a great country this is. To quote a line from our national anthem: "And the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
Richard
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mom's Birthday
If my mother were still living, today would have been her birthday. She would have been 79 years old. She passed away from lung cancer 20 years ago on July 5th. That's right, she died just three days after her 59th birthday. Fortunately for us and her she went quickly. I prayed that the Lord would take her quickly because I didn't want her to lie around suffering for months. But anyway, I'll probably talk more about that on July 5th. Today would have been her birthday. Born 1929 to Charles S. and Zula M. Hull, one of 12 children 10 of which survived. One was born dead and one died as an infant shortly after its birth. There were 8 girls and 2 boys. Only 5 girls remain. She was a small woman 5'1" tall and never weighing more than 100 pounds all her life. She lived a rough life and did some things of which I am not proud, but she was mom and I loved her then and I love her now. We were very close. Even when I was young she talked to me like I was an adult. In many ways she was my best friend. When my friends were going to their peers with their problems I went to my mother. We didn't always agree but she always showed me respect. I wish I could say I did the same for her, but that wouldn't be true. She made a lot of mistakes but that's just what they were, mistakes. I don't hold those things against her.
One of the best memories I have of my mother is that when I was young she used to sing around the house a lot while she did her chores. She could sing! The Lord did not allow me to inherit her singing ability. I still remember some of the songs she used to sing. Mostly country and western (that's what we called it in those days). Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Lefty Frizzell, etc. And she could yodel. Most people today don't even know what that is. I would love to hear her sing again.
Well, I don't know what else to say so I guess it's best to shut up. Oh, just one more thing:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!
I LOVE YOU!
One of the best memories I have of my mother is that when I was young she used to sing around the house a lot while she did her chores. She could sing! The Lord did not allow me to inherit her singing ability. I still remember some of the songs she used to sing. Mostly country and western (that's what we called it in those days). Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Lefty Frizzell, etc. And she could yodel. Most people today don't even know what that is. I would love to hear her sing again.
Well, I don't know what else to say so I guess it's best to shut up. Oh, just one more thing:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!
I LOVE YOU!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Chapter 3
As far as Brad was concerned, he just wanted to kick back and not have to worry about the clock again. He had spent too many years working according to others' schedules, now he just wanted to relax and live a life of leisure. His FBI pension would be more than enough to support him the rest of his days, especially in this hick town.
Brad was a simple man and didn't need much in the way of material possessions. He had never had a desire to drive the latest model car or belong to the country club, he didn't even like golf.
It wasn't what he considered a "man's sport" like football or hockey. Though he would not have planned it this way, and it was not what he had expected, he was looking forward to exiting the rat race. He was looking forward to not having to chase down empty leads, having to deal with the scum of society, and writing reports. And he, certainly, wouldn't miss the travel. No, if he did any travelling from now on it would be on his own time and alone, or, at least, with whomever he chose.
Brad and Trevor, the current sheriff, were good friends. They spent many hours together talking about, what else, law enforcement. They, sometimes, went to a movie together or took in some bowling. They had a lot in common and liked each other's company. But there was something about Trevor that made Brad uneasy, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He had spent some time trying to figure out what it was but, eventually, dismissed it as paranoia left over from his days in the FBI. Anyway, prying into other peoples' lives wasn't his job anymore. And Trevor seemed like a nice enough guy. They had known each other for a while and Brad never had a reason to suspect anything was awry, but, still, there was something.
Brad was a simple man and didn't need much in the way of material possessions. He had never had a desire to drive the latest model car or belong to the country club, he didn't even like golf.
It wasn't what he considered a "man's sport" like football or hockey. Though he would not have planned it this way, and it was not what he had expected, he was looking forward to exiting the rat race. He was looking forward to not having to chase down empty leads, having to deal with the scum of society, and writing reports. And he, certainly, wouldn't miss the travel. No, if he did any travelling from now on it would be on his own time and alone, or, at least, with whomever he chose.
Brad and Trevor, the current sheriff, were good friends. They spent many hours together talking about, what else, law enforcement. They, sometimes, went to a movie together or took in some bowling. They had a lot in common and liked each other's company. But there was something about Trevor that made Brad uneasy, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He had spent some time trying to figure out what it was but, eventually, dismissed it as paranoia left over from his days in the FBI. Anyway, prying into other peoples' lives wasn't his job anymore. And Trevor seemed like a nice enough guy. They had known each other for a while and Brad never had a reason to suspect anything was awry, but, still, there was something.
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