Godly Thoughts On Environmentalism

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

If God gave mankind the responsibility to rule, that is manage, the Earth, why aren't we leading the charge for environmentalism? Why are we not demanding corporations set aside their desire for profits and make them accountable for managing the resources they use? Instead, we look at the ungodly who are doing so and protest their ungodliness, all the while letting them take over our God given responsibility.

The New Age movement is worshiping the Earth. And, we point and say “evil”, but refuse to fulfill the original call placed upon man in the Garden of Eden. Why? The only reason I have ever heard is that we must not worship the creation, only the Creator. This is right and proper. However, we are called to love more than serve. When you truly love someone, you do the things that make them happy. And, you do it, not because you have to do them, Instead, you do those things to see the one you love smile.

If we really love God, why are we not doing more things that make Him smile? He asked to manage and care for His creation. Why are we not demanding this, along with caring for the unborn, the poor, abandoned, neglected?

Perhaps Paul wrote more prophetically than anyone previously thought when he said:

Romans 8:19-21. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

When will we bring a smile to our Lord and Saviors face by doing what makes Him, and all creation, happy?

A Questions of Perspective

On this Thanksgiving, as a man of Faith I would like to share a profound thought. Are we living in times of darkness or Glory? The choice truly is up to us. Yes, things are going bad to worse. The rule of man is continually and increasing degree replacing the rule of God. And, I do mean the rule of God. The Church was not meant to rule, but to influence. But, I digress. Yes, all manner of evil things are occurring throughout the world. So, yes darkness is increasing.

BUT, at the same time, all of this was foretold. So, that makes it the unfolding of the will and plan of God. And, that makes all of it glorious because God is revealing Himself in our days for all who are willing to recognize Him.

How you view it, and how you react to it, is up to you. We can see the darkness and revel in God's glory, while letting Christ and the Holy Spirit work through us to influence others. Or, we can point to everything evil, decry how bad it is, and demand people change. Personally, I prefer to focus on glory rather than darkness.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Food For Thought...

Here's an odd thought...considering my sual bent here.

We live in a rather frightening environment these days. People make choices, and then blame God for not stopping or correcting their choices when they go bad or have a negative affect on others. Why is God responsible for your choices, or mine, for that matter? He chooses to respect us enough to let us make our own choices, and let's us live with the consequences of them.

As long as we blame God for the outcomes, rather than humble ourselves and take responsibility for what we have done, God will not get involved in redeeming these things in our lives. The good news is Jesus died so you could have the chance to humble yourself before Him, honor and respect God, and let His redemption flow into your mistakes.

So…which one would you rather have?

Meet Twister!

I have been off line for a week. For those regular readers, I apologize. We got a dog—well, actually a puppy. We’ve been promising the kids that once we bought a house, we would get a dog. Well, having bought said house last fall, you can imagine what the kids have been asking for. Up until last week, though, they could not agree on what kind of dog. My wife and kids went to a local pet store to get shells for our hermit crabs. As they walked in, there was this dog. All five of them said, “Oh! Look at that face!” So…meet Twister!



He is part Rhodesian Ridgeback and part Australian Shepherd. Fortunately for us, he has the size of an Australian Shepherd, with the MONSTER bark of a Ridgeback. He thinks he is about twice as big as he really is. He is incredibly smart. Once he knows something is OK, he never worries about it again.

Twister is also a rescue. Only about 10 months old, he has already been through two homes, and several surgeries. Due to complications inherent in Ridgebacks (aka Dermoid sinus, which is particularly problematic for Rhodesian Ridgebacks), his original family could not afford to keep him. We got him from the Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue (petsmart link), after they took care of the botched treatment of the problem. We have been working hard to help Twister understand that he is part of our family.

For the last week, nearly everything we have done has been an adjustment for him. Everything from playing ball (which took two days for him to start) to getting in the car (he wrestled out of his collar the first two times) has been a fearful experience for him. But, he is finally acting like a puppy—all ten months of him. And, it’s like having a little child all over again. He is now wrestling and nipping and playing, just like he should be.

If you’re thinking of getting a dog, I recommend adopting a rescue. Just be careful. Do your due diligence and check out not just the dog’s history, but the organization you are getting it from.

For my part, if you get a chance, donate to this wonderful organization.
In Texas: T.I.R.R.R. (petsmart link)
Nationally: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc. (USA and Canada)

10/05 Morning Report

I haven’t done a “sermonette” in a long time. But, I was thinking on the way home from work about something, and thought I would share it.

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:13.

(…the whole verse by the way reads, “because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”…)

Wouldn’t we all like that to be applied to us? Well, whether anyone applies it to you or me, we should be applying it to others. The cycle of accusation and blame only breaks when we chose not to pass it on to others. This is a choice we must make in our private life as well as our public life. That, by the way, is one reason there is no such thing as “private religion.”

But, let’s take that Biblical principle a bit further. What about applying it in politics? There is nothing wrong with recognizing wrong doing. And, there are always consequences to our actions. But, if all we do is point fingers and find fault, when will there be any reconciling? When will there be any healing of wounds?

We need to be asking ourselves if we are judging others without mercy. If we are, what are we doing to change that?

Food for thought.


On the subject of mercy, Any Soldier reported the following:

Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., 29, of Mount Pleasant, S.C. died Sept. 29 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Well, Captain Cliff, at our house we remember your cry—the cry of all warriors:

"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--

We remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your family more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we dance In Memoriam.

Hey, Coach? Where Ya Been?

Well, I had the surgery I mentioned a couple weeks ago. I had a combination of ulnar nerve entrapment and nerve compression in the left elbow. Yes, it hurt. It also caused nerve fire all the way up my arm and into the neck. Here is a good site for information on what was going on, and what the surgeon did.

So, now, I am on the mend. The fire is gone. Full elbow mobility and movement is returning quickly. However feeling is returning very slowly. The symptoms developed over about 3 years, so that's no surprise. The Doc says no strengthening work for at least another week. And, since my job requires a lot of keyboarding, and I am also in class at university of Phoenix (on-line), I cut back on how much writing I’ve been doing…specifically blogging. Rest assured, though, I will return (no…I don’t have a MacArthur complex…) to previous form as quickly as possible.

And, before I forget, I want to say thank you to everyone who has been asking about me via email. I appreciate your support and encouragement.

Personal Note

For those who are once again wondering about the scarcity of posts, I have a pinched nerve in my left arm. I will be having surgery to correct it in about ten days. Until then, aside from work, i will be doing as little typing as possible.

Thanks for your continued reading. And, of course, your prayers.

I've Been TAGGED...again...

NUTS! I thought I got away under the radar again. BUT...NNNOOOO...CavMom tagged me for the lastest blogger personal secrets game. Flag Gazer got me last time...so I think I'll return the favor with this one...

Well, borrowing from CavMom's site,

Here are the “Official Rules” :
“Each player of this games starts with 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”

And, just like CavMom (…go HERE for her list…), there are way more than 6 weird things about me . So, after a dubious amount of consideration, here are the six I am willing to share:

1.) This may not be a huge surprise to some of you readers, but I would rather watch a decent minor league hockey game than the Super Bowl.

2.) I actually get slight tremors from all the sugar in Krispy Kreme donuts. It does NOT stop me from eating them...those things are highly addictive.
(...aren't they on the controlled substance list somewhere?...)

3.) I like to rock climb and rappel. I'm probably closer to novice than intermediate level, and badly out of practice. And I have no problem with it. But, when I'm working on a roof--I am afraid of heights.

4.) When I need a reality check...I watch old Monty Python's Flying Circus videos.

5.) I don't mind getting dirty to get a job done--cleaning the garage, digging up the yard...but I get really squeemish about working with toilets.

6.) I cry at most sappy movies. (…you know…the inspirational ones--like "October Sky"--that try to rip your heart out at the end…)

Alrighty!...that should do it...Now, I think I'll TAG…

1.) JR at A Keyboard and a 45.

2.) Gazing At The Flag (...I told you I would remember, Flag Gazer...)

3.) Hub

4.) Ponderings From The Path (HI, Jerri!)

5.) El Capitan at Dude, Where's The Beach?

and…

6.) RWA and his Thought from The Heart of Dixie

01/27 Morning Report

I’m catching up with my reading these days. I spent the morning over at Blackfive. I enjoyed the depth…and the links…to this analysis of where things are going in Iraq.
(…go read this while you’re there…who says milbloggers don’t have a clear view of what’s going on?...)

In other Middle East news, apparently, the Iranians don’t like the US goal of taking out Iranian agent provocateurs in Iraq. What a shock! Iran doesn’t like not getting it’s way? I’m still waiting for Iran to be held responsible for them being there in the first place.
(…like the MSM will really get to that point…they still haven’t figured out their liberal rhetoric emboldens US opponents…pit that’s not treasons anymore…)

Even the Saudis are speaking out against Iran. Of course, that’s all about who gets to proselytize their religion.
(…makes you wonder just how widespread the sectarian violence might become…doesn’t it?...)

On the subject of nations causing other nations trouble, here was a surprising news item. It seems the EU has serious problems with ILLEGAL immigration problems. Frontex, the EU version of a border patrol, can’t even get enough applicants to fill vacancies. There was an earlier article on thisSeptember 10.
(…doesn’t seem like they are making any forward progress…are they taking lessons from Mexico and American Liberals?…)

Here at home, it seems immigration enforcement is, once again, just a tactic to inhibit union activity. Even the NY Time says those arrested were in the country illegally. But, the focus of the articlke revolves around statements by union organizers:

Gene Bruskin, an organizer for the union, said the company had started to cooperate closely with immigration authorities after a walkout by immigrant workers last summer. “My concern is the company is using the immigration issue to manipulate this long fight over workers’ rights,” Mr. Bruskin said.

I did like this closing statement by the Times:

Stepping up enforcement actions nationwide, the immigration agency also deported more than 750 immigrants this week who were arrested in roundups in Los Angeles. More than 150 of the immigrants were fugitives from deportation proceedings, officials said.

Imagine! Illegal immigrants, running from law enforcement…and still getting caught!
(…frankly, I don’t see anything wrong with this picture…)

On a personal note, and before I forget any longer, I want to say “THANKS!” to JR over at A Keyboard And A .45. He was gracious enough to give my boys some range time so they could learn the realities of what weapons can do. We live near each other, and I asked if he knew somewhere I could take my guys for some gun safety lessons and experience. He graciously offered to let us spend a day with him, and even provided the ammunition. He posted his take on the day. I’m still trying to get my boys to write up theirs. I’ll post it when they do. Meanwhile, JR always has a good read or two. I recommend you keep him on your list of regular visits.

Odd Items Worth Reading

For those of you just catching up on the latest attempt by Congress to limit the voice of the people, go read the linked articles. Then take action and make your voice heard. It may be the Christian Right making the effort, but this is for everyone—Left andRight.

Beth shared a really sad tale. It seems that Public Storage sold off a deployed soldier’s stuff. Now, for those who don’t know it, according to most storage facility policies, if you don’t pay our bill—generally within 15 days of the due date, regardless of the reason--they have the right to sell your stuff. The policy sucks, and this is a great example of why.
(…I think a letter/email campaign is in order…we bloggers should be able to bring a lot of pressure to bear on this company and the industry in general…)

There was a well written explanation of how words are used to control PC attitudes. The definitions are most intriguing. It’s more than worth the read.

And, on a more amusing note, Taco Bell shares another great memory from yester year on the evils of drink…This one is a little on the dark side.

And, someone at work found an article in the January 7 Wall Street Journal. Being stockbrokers, we all thought these market term definitions were fun. Here’s a few for your amusement.

Correction—a major market crash made to sound like a minor mistake.

Technical factors--Alternative, all purpose explanation for why the market went down. Also useful for explaining why the market went up…or sideways…

Financial journalists--folks who wanted to be sports writers, but didn’t make the cut.

Commodities--pigs with lipstick.

Short Sellers--Investors who seek to profit from stock prices going south. As children, enjoyed pulling legs off spiders.

I Am Now A Tag Victim

We Bloggers tend to get way to serious. Every so often , you have to just do something completely different. If you’ve been following this blog during it’s short history, you are well aware that I take a strange turn from time to time. Well…it’s time for another one!

I have seen this floating around the various Blogs I visit. I thought I was escaping under the radar. BUT NO!!! Flag Gazer tagged me for the Five Things Meme today. I have to tell 5 things readers may not know about me. Then…I get to tag others to play along…(…heh heh heh heh…)

So… and after dubious consideration…

1. I have lived out of my car, and in a homeless shelter.

2. I nearly drowned twice in my pre-teen years—while canoeing in flood season in the Missouri Ozarks.

3. My favorite winter was right after we moved to New Jersey. There was a massive wall of snow along the hedge after the plows cleared to massive snowstorms—three weeks apart. We dug a foxhole at the corner of the driveway and used it to snowball cars—and other passersby. The drivers invariably stopped—sliding all over the street—got out of the car and went to the drive way to which way we ran away. The hard part was being silent until they drove off!

4. My most stunning realization—and great fun for my overactive imagination--was at the age of thirteen (1974), while reloading shotgun shells. I figured out how to turn Estes model rockets into weapons.
(…so how come it took a government commission to figure it out and not accomplish anything except making people more afraid…)

5. I can write music. I can build a house. I can shoot guns. But I know next to nothing about cars.

And, in return for the favor from Flag Gazer, and after checking to see who’s already been tagged, I’m tagging…Hub, Savannah Day Dreamin’, and A Keyboard And A .45.

It’s good to share the fun with friends…although how long friendship lasts after this…I wonder if they’ll still let me visit…???

01/02 Morning Report

Farewell Mr. President

Today, I will write little. There will not be a great news review of the important, or the odd. Today, I am simply going to remember a great man who is no longer with us. Yes, I am referring to President Gerald R. Ford.

I spent the morning watching the proceedings. Having heard everything said, I think it is safe to say that Gerald Ford was probably the only person who did not seek out the Presidency for his own means—and didn’t try to hang on to it for that reason either. There are not many I would ascribe the title “Statesman” to—but I think President Ford is definitely one of them. President Ford was the personable and real person we needed in a dark day of American history.

It has been both awesome, surprising, and hurtful. I am surprised by how much I was oblivious to that was going on in our nation during his years in the White House. I was equally amazed by how much had gone on before he arrived in the White House.

As in all passings, it hurts my heart. This is true of fallen soldiers, family, and even neighbors pets. I am equally likely to cry for all of them. I think my heart hurts more for what America has lost since President Ford was in office. We have given up integrity for agenda. We have given up values for selfish gain. And, what we have given up was not worth what we received in return.

What I have learned through all the proceedings and speeches over the last few days was awesome. Most warriors I’ve known run to the battle when it starts. General George Patton once supposedly said, “A soldier should die from the last bullet fired in the last battle.” By extension, that would mean warriors are always in the battle. I would argue that true warriors recognize which battles to fight and which to walk away from. President Ford really was a warrior. He fought the fight in time of war. He re-entered battle in politics. And, while I doubt he ever stopped wanting to run to the sound of battle, when his presidency was over, he walked away having fought the good fight. That is a legacy and lesson I hope to one day teach my children. I am thankful for an example to point them to.

So, at our house, we say, “Farewell, Mr. President. Thank you, for everything.”

What Do You Preach?

For my final post of 2006, and my first post for 2007, I thought I would share some thoughts from a friend of mine. First, I’ll give you a little more background on him. He was my pastor while living and working in a street shelter. He was my boss while working in a Cajun restaurant. I have lived in his home while searching for an apartment. And, he stood as a groomsman at my wedding.

His article is aimed at Christians. But, you know what? Everyone has a purpose in this life. What we do with it, and how we live it out, is up to us. We are all preachers of something. We can proclaim fault and point fingers—which is nothing more always looking at the past. Or we can proclaim what could be and point the way to a better future. It is our choice.

Which way are you pointing?

Preachers: Worth or Worthless?
Larry R Taylor
Dec 4, 2006
§ We are not entertainers
§ We are not politicians
§ We are not businessmen
§ We are not educators
§ We are preachers!

Romans 10:14 " How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:15 " And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

I have lost track of the number of times I have heard people misquote Saint Francis recently; "Preach the gospel at all times—when necessary use words." Like most religious traditions of men, it sounds good at first. The only problem with this well meaning and high sounding quote is that it promotes a totally unbiblical view of preaching. Scripture commands that we preach the gospel. (Mk. 16:15) The "foolishness" of preaching is the means God ordained to save the lost. (1 Cor. 1:21). Preaching is the method chosen to correct false teaching and heresy. (2 Tim. 4:2) Preaching is the conduit for imparting the wisdom of God in contrast to the teachings of men. (Col. 1:28) Proclamation of the word of God produces faith. (Rom. 10:17) The preaching of the word releases signs, wonders and miracles. (Mk. 16:20) The word "preach" by definition means that we speak words.

Why the trendy attack on the act of preaching? I believe that the ambivalence toward preaching is due primarily to feelings that have developed towards preachers. Those that occupy the pulpits (TV monitors) of America have left many feeling manipulated, ripped off and used. I would like to suggest that it is not preaching with which we have the real problem. Our problem is with those who have failed our expectations as preachers.

I suppose everyone has anomalies in their family history that helps to shape their thinking and behavior. Mine is no exception. On one side of the family tree preachers were held in the highest regard. My great grandfather was the pastor of First Baptist Church Groveton, Texas for over 32 years. His daughter (my grandmother) was the organist at the same church for over 30 years and her husband a deacon. Pastors were treated with respect and admiration. On the other side I had a several uncles and cousins that felt, or at least expressed feelings, that seemed to indicate that preachers were a specialized group of leeches on society worthy only of the highest contempt.

Here was my dilemma. As a young boy who felt "the call to ministry" at 8 years old, I had to agree with both sides. The pastors that my uncles were personally exposed to and acquainted with seemed to qualify for that position primarily by not being qualified for any other position. Whenever they got in debt, or had a business failure, or lost a job these particular backwoods country pastors would always "go back to preach'n". Sometimes they even quit drinking and chasing women.

It seems to me that at this juncture of Church history that we are faced with similar conflicting views on the role of preachers in general and pastors to be more specific. Some are crying for the overthrow of the current pastoral system based on the behavior of those who have embarrassed themselves and the people they serve with acts of immorality and the "unforgivable sin" of modern secular thinkers: hypocrisy. At the other extreme are groups elevating the pastor to near god status through "touch not the anointed" teachings and honoring their leaders by giving them titles of royalty (Your Highness, Your Majesty, etc. My thinking is this, if they really wanted to honor their spiritual leaders they would call them what they are- Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher, Apostle-not by giving them degrading titles of earthly royalty. To be a King or Prince or Queen would, in my estimation, be a step down.)

I have nothing against world rulers, or entertainers or businessmen or educators. My point is simply this—to be called to preach the gospel is not a shameful condition. To be identified as a preacher is not a reproach, but an honor. Biblically there is no alternative in the body of Christ but to make room for the men and women of God who have been called and sent to minister the good news.

Before you hastily hit reply and send me a corrective email, let me be the first to acknowledge that all Christians have been called to preach the good news. All believers have the capability of prophesying and ministering in the anointing of God. However, at the same time, I hope that you can recognize that there are clearly those in the New Testament Church who were called to be given wholly to the ministry of the Word and derive their primary source of income from that ministry. (1Corinthians 9:14 "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.")

In this season of shifting paradigms, apostolic reformation, new wineskins and structural innovations, we should be careful not to throw out the biblical baby with the dirty bathwater of exposed carnality and immorality. Rather than adopt a world system model from which to derive our identity, we should instead boldly stand up and be the real thing: Preachers of the Gospel.

You can find Larry at Go In Ministries.

Have a blessed New Year! See you in 2007.

12/29 Morning Report

Hello, again!

Well, Christmas is over. I’ve played video games with the kids and visited friends and eaten I don’t want to think about how much food…

In return, I’ve been saddled with a problem in the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. I’m still trying to get it to work right…So, I am struggling along on IE for another couple of days because…IT’S BACK TO WORK TONIGHT. Yeah, it’s moments like this I don’t like working weekend nights.

Meanwhile…through it all I’ve…mostly…ignored the news.

I caught a few things. Our family is praying for the family of former President Gerald Ford, of course. Politics aside, he was the Commander In Chief—which for all intents and purposes makes him a warrior. (…yes…for those who are wondering…I would say the same things about Clinton…I may not like him, his policies, or his politics…but he was CIC…)

We are also praying for the Taiwanese, after the earthquake there. And, for Denver to be spared another mighty storm. (…one comment…I noticed on the evening news that the city has hired a consultant to make sure they are better prepared…after having done everything they could in the first place, as I understand it…wweelll…just another case of us making the government rescue us from trouble rather than have to deal with it ourselves…also known as entitlement…we have fallen a long way…)

I to admit it, but I have paid absolutely no attention to Iraq…Congress… Latin or South America…or Israel. I’m feeling like I’ve been under a rock for WAY TOO LONG because of it. But, rest assured, I will be back at it now…and hopefully through the New Year’s weekend, too. (…I hope you’re not holding your breath…I refuse to promise on this one, either…)

As I said before, I hope your Christmas was wonderful. I hope your New Year is more blessed than any before. But, most of all, I pray the grace and peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is always increasing in your lives and families though the knowledge of Him. And, may God establish His throne of righteousness and judgment—from which flows the river of His forgiveness and mercy—in our nation.

Merry Christmas

Like many bloggers, I’ll be taking Christmas off. So, instead of the usual Morning Report, I thought I would share some links to people’s Christmas stories, memories, thoughts and expectations.

JR shared an timeless tale at A Keyboard And A .45
The denizens of Castle Argghhh had a story, too.
There was a wonderful photo Op of Santa in Iraq from BLACKFIVE
RWA had his Thoughts From The Heart of Dixie
Gazer posted this at Gazing at the Flag
(…be sure to take the Reindeer Quiz…by the way, I’m a Blitzen…see my previous post…)
LilFeathers2000 posted this thoughtful rhyme at This That And Froghair 2.
Andi spoke up from Andi’s World
And, Taco Bell sent a Sandgram

And, finally, here is my Christmas memory.

Back in 1988, I was living in a street shelter, in Lufkin, Texas, doing day labor jobs, trying to get back on me feet. A couple weeks before Christmas, three of us got a week long job clearing brush on some land. We got to stay in a cabin there. We did have to cut our own wood to keep the fire going and be able to cook, though. The first day, I unpacked groceries and got the stove/heater going, while the other two went to gather wood. I finished before they got back and started playing around on my guitar—wondering what Christmas really means to me. I started singing, and, much to my surprise, out came the answer.

To remember what Christmas really is, I simply let my mind wander back to that cabin in East Texas. You see, in reality, Christmas comes every day.
(...the lyrics for the song is in the comments...sorry, I couldn't get the audio file to load right...)

It’s really amazing how simple things become when you have nothing—or at least not much. It’s also much easier to know what you really believe. Since that week in the brush, I’ve gotten married. We now have four children. We’ve struggled through some pretty tough medical situations. And, now, I’m launching out into a second career. With all that, it would be easy to get caught up in the rush, bustle and commercialism of Christmas. Instead, I remember. I hope you have a memory that helps keep you focused on the real meaning of Christmas.

I hope your holidays are wonderful. I hope your Christmas is awesome. And, I hope your new year is blessed beyond belief. But, most of all, I pray that the grace and peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is always increasing in your hearts and lives through the knowledge of Him.

The Reindeer Quiz

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Personal Thoughts

Well, it’s been an interesting day. Unfortunately, as usual, I missed it all. Ah, well… hazards of working nights, I guess. So, having been away from the news for the last day and a half, I thought I would just share a few personal thoughts.

It amazes me how quickly you can develop relationships via this blogging thing. I hooked into the Wednesday Hero Blogroll the other day. There are a lot of really cool folks tied into that. You can find all their links in the sidebar. Being around all those folks has connected me with a few others. For example, I had a visit from The Tanker Brothers. There is some really cool stuff going on over there. I mean, I had no idea about Tanker Brothers’ Rolling Victory Fast 2006!!! What a great way to get back at Code Pink and company! Check it out, if you haven’t, and sign up if you can. I’ll bet they keep it going for a while.

Back to the Wednesday Hero thing, one of the first things I found was the video at the top of Yankee Mom’s web site. I thought that was pretty awesome. So, of course, I shared my Any Soldier Video link. She thought that was pretty cool and said she would share it Well…WOW…so many people have been stopping in to check it out! One person apparently saw it when it was posted at Any Soldier last Spring.

It’s been really cool. The best part how many people have been touched or encouraged along the way. And, it doesn’t take much. There are many lessons to be learned—like this one on honor. In the end, you learn you’re part of a family. All veterans are family—regardless of branch of service. And, it’s good to part of a family.

Veteran's Day Surprise

On Monday November 13, a Marine (…ok…former Marine…if there is such a thing…) friend of ours from our homeschool co-op, told us about Golden Corral’s “Veterans Appreciation Day”. According to the corporate website, Veterans eat dinner for free on the first Monday after Veterans Day. As it turned out, we also had some coupons for our kids, due to some academic achievements, from the same chain. So we all loaded up and went out to dinner.

We arrived some 20 minutes after the event began. There was already a line out the door and down the front of the building. An Air Force Lt. Colonel and Senior Master Sergeant were there opening the doors for people. An Air Force Jr. ROTC group helped wait tables, along with the Lions Club and the restaurant staff.

To be honest, I knew there were a lot of military people in our area. But, seeing the age range was surprising. There were single men. There were families. Some wore fatigues with their old uniform patches. Some wore ball caps with unit or vessel designations on them. Some wore their everyday clothes.

The thing that surprised me the most, was feeling like I belonged. I wasn’t alone. I have done many things over the years. I’ve been somewhat successful at most of it. I can truly say I have not done something catastrophic in any of my endeavors. But, no matter where I have gone, I have always felt like the odd man out. In general, those who have not served do not know what it means to be that committed. And, in our increasingly liberal, anti-military culture, well…But, that night, I belonged. I was in a place where we all understood the distant looks that went with the laughter. I was home.

My kids asked me why I kept getting this funny look on my face. I told them I was adjusting to being around family again. The Valour-IT competition, and this restaurant event, brought that home to me in a new way. No matter what branch of service we were in, we are all family.

This Veteran’s Day I did something new. I went to a family reunion of all the generations. I think it’s the first family reunion I was sincerely happy to attend.

Lessons In Honor

On October 22, 2006, I posted a message on the passing of Marine LCpl Manoukian. Rest assured, the prayer in that post (and every other In Memorium I write) is one we pray regularly for the families of the fallen. Just some simple words I wrote once—and could not think of a better way to write. Quite honestly, I copy and paste those words to each fallen soldier I mention on my blog.

Frankly, I’ve been struggling with posting things on fallen soldiers. I started doing it because of notes I read at Blackfive and Castle Argghhh. Mostly, I struggle with only being able to mention some of them. I began feeling it was wrong to mention some and not others. Another struggle is: how do I decide who to post on and who do I not. There are the soldiers I read about in the local paper. And, there are those I hear about on the national news, or read about on other blogs. How and where do you draw the line? Generally, I have no problem with posting on those listed at Any Soldier. I’ve spent two years sending packages and letters. In many ways, the troops who are signed up on that program are family. I don’t catch them all. But, I try.

I was particularly wrestling with this issue on Sunday and Monday, prior to leaving for Oklahoma over Thanksgiving. In fact, it grabbed so much of my attention, I forgot to check e-mail before I left. Wednesday, while visiting family, I had an opportunity to check mail. I was riveted to my seat by the first message. Then, I cried.

The e-mail was from LCpl. Manoukian’s mother, saying “Thank you” for what I had written. I had no idea that some simple words could have such an effect. I could never have imagined I would receive an e-mail from the family of a fallen warrior. I never dreamed I could touch them directly, let alone that they would contact me about it. I was humbled.

I called my children in and read them what I wrote, and what this wonderful, hurting woman had written back. I got choked up trying to read it back to them. They were speechless.
(…you will find her e-mail (edited) and my response in the comments to this post, and in the comments to the original post…)

Two days later, while driving home, I had the opportunity to teach one more lesson.

We stopped for a bathroom break in McKinney, Texas. The bathrooms only held one person at a time. There was myself, my wife, our two sons, and our two daughters. Needless to say, we were in line for a while.

While standing there, a motorcycle rider joined the line. He was by himself. On his leather vest were a bunch of patches: Air Force Staff Sergeant’s stripes, a flag, an MIA patch, and a few others. One, in particular, caught my attention. It said “Patriot Guard Rider.”

I asked if he had been on a ride. He nodded his head, looking down. He didn’t look down out of shame. It was out of regret. I simply leaned over, stuck out my hand, and said, “Thank you.” Suddenly, it was my turn in the bathroom. When I came out, he rushed in. There was no other exchange between us. My family was already at the car. I climbed in, and looked over my shoulder to watch the Rider start his bike and ride off.

My kids saw this man waiting in line. I wanted very much introduce my children to him, and explain to them what his group does. The chance did not materialize. Instead, I spent a few miles telling my children about the Patriot Guard Riders. All the while, I was looking at the horizon wondering where he had gone.

This Thanksgiving, I have a little more to be thankful for. My children learned the power of simple words and deeds. And, they’ve learned a lessons about honor in a way I doubt they’ll forget.

And, I have a reason to carry on the honor of remembrance. So, for all those who have fallen, we at our house remember your cry:

"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--

We remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your families more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we dance In Memoriam.

(...and people wonder why we home school...tell me my kids would learn this in a classroom...)

About Dutch

Some years ago, I worked in a street shelter. Actually, I lived in one for about six months, before helping build another one and remaining on staff for a year. Anyway, I had the chance to meet some interesting people while I was there. One of them was Dutch.

Dutch was former Navy. The big thing about Dutch was he didn’t have much patience with folks. But, like all good sailors, he had some pretty good stories. One night, we were all sitting around over coffee. And Dutch told this one:

This was right after I got out of the Navy. I had just bought a car, was driving back to Arizona. The car registered in New York—because that’s where I bought it from my Uncle. I had a Tennessee driver’s license, because that’s where I lived before I went into the Navy. And, I had an Arizona address. In the middle of the night, driving across Tennessee, I got pulled over by a cop—for speeding.

The cop does the usual, “Boy, do you know how fast you were going?”

Being wise to back country cops, I held my tongue and said, “I’m sorry officer.” Then handed the guy my license, registration and insurance.

The cop looked at all the different addresses and goes back to his car. He was there for a while. When he came back, he was having this conversation with himself about how I must be a criminal or something

When he started talking about arresting me on general principle, I started to get worried. And the longer it went on, the more frustrated I got with him.

“Well, officer, I just got out of the Navy,” I said trying to be calm. “I’m moving to Arizona for a job.” I was really getting fed up with this guy.

The cop looked at all my stuff again. Then he shook his head and he starts giving me this lecture about driving and licensing and a bunch of other stuff.

“Just exactly where do you live, son,” he asked eventually.

I leaned out o the car window, and pointed at this really bright star.

“You see that star right there,” I asked in the most serious voice I could put together.

“That bluish one right?”

“Yeah, well, I live in the one just to the left of it with the two car garage.”