It is, or was, common practice to name teams after symbols of strength or courage like Eagles and hawks or after things to be feared like devils, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Another source of names is animals like cougars, lion, bears, and tigers. Fierce fighting men like cowboys, Vikings, Indians, redskins, and Spartans come to mind.
No one is suggesting that the fighting Irish is offensive to people of Irish descent and as a North Carolinian I am not in the least offended by the University of North Carolina calling themselves the tar heels. That was a name earned by North Carolina soldiers who were willing to stand and fight, like their heels were stuck in tar, rather than turn and run.
Somehow people have got on this kick that any thing to do with native Americans has to be offensive. The college I graduated from was know as the Braves when I attended but now they are the sissies (no wait, that might be offensive to gays. Maybe it was the girlies. No, that is offensive to women. You know, I think they just call themselves "team". They even leave off the name of the school because the school is named after a whole tribe of Indians, oh excuse me, Native Americans. Certainly don't want to offend anyone from India.
If we can't name a sports team after a group of people based on their brave character then we should also drop animal names. After all they can't speak for themselves and they may only attack humans in the wild because they were offended and have no way to express their embarrassment.
I don't think we should use names even if the animals are small and creepy like the crawdads or grasshoppers. And what about peoples occupation? After all maybe the steel workers of Pittsburg don't like being referred to as Steelers or the workers in Wisconsin may be upset being referred to as Packers. I'm sure they are capably of doing other things. Would they be less capable if they were called the Green Bay Office workers or the Pittsburgh secretaries.
We might have to be careful even if we name them after inanimate objects. After all the Chicago neckties might offend some that prefer bowties or Texas ties. Oh wait, can you call them Texas ties?
We can't even name them after plants. The roses might be offended if you call them the Colorado Orchids. Can't just call them flowers because the Detroit dandelions might be offended because they aren't included.
Since congress wants the Washington football franchise to change the name from Redskins and the Washington baseball teams once used the name Senators, maybe calling the football team the "stupid Politian's" has some merit. Or is that offensive too.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Vatican Corrects Pope
Wow. The head of the largest Christian Organization in the world said he though atheists could still go to heaven if they do good. The Pope must not read his Bible much. But when he was corrected the Vatican stated that they think atheists would go to hell. They think?
First let me say that Catholics and I disagree on many issues but as long as when can agree on Calvary then we can be brothers. God does not send anyone to hell. I have heard many people say "Well a good God wouldn't send that person to hell." They are absolutely correct. Hell was created for Satan and his angels. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him should not die but have ever lasting life. The bible also makes it clear that we can never be good enough to earn our way into heaven.
Romans 5:12 tells us that by one mans sin entered into the world and death came by that sin to all people for everyone has sinned. But God loved us enough to make an avenue of escape and by accepting what Jesus accomplished on the cross and following him, Jesus will accept our guilt onto him and pay our penalty. Our penalty is eternal separation from God, or the second death.
The scriptures urge us to accept this day whom you will serve. You cannot serve two masters and if you reject Christ you will be forever with your master Satan. You don't have to be a bad person by human standards or even an atheist. God doesn't sent you to hell. That is your personal choice.
Some people want to play Christian. They will go to church and live a good life but they still prefer to make the decisions about how they live their life. Jesus taught us that a person who saves his own life shall lose it but a person who loses his life for the gospels sake shall find it. Jesus will make good on that promise even though you may have a hard time believing that.
The scriptures are clear about who will be accepted into heaven and who will not be. We don't have to wonder if we'll make it or not. You cannot be good enough so you can take that notion off the table. Salvation isn't a scale weighing our goodness versus our mistakes. No, our salvation depends on our relationship with Christ. If we reject Christ here then he will reject us in the life to come.
First let me say that Catholics and I disagree on many issues but as long as when can agree on Calvary then we can be brothers. God does not send anyone to hell. I have heard many people say "Well a good God wouldn't send that person to hell." They are absolutely correct. Hell was created for Satan and his angels. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him should not die but have ever lasting life. The bible also makes it clear that we can never be good enough to earn our way into heaven.
Romans 5:12 tells us that by one mans sin entered into the world and death came by that sin to all people for everyone has sinned. But God loved us enough to make an avenue of escape and by accepting what Jesus accomplished on the cross and following him, Jesus will accept our guilt onto him and pay our penalty. Our penalty is eternal separation from God, or the second death.
The scriptures urge us to accept this day whom you will serve. You cannot serve two masters and if you reject Christ you will be forever with your master Satan. You don't have to be a bad person by human standards or even an atheist. God doesn't sent you to hell. That is your personal choice.
Some people want to play Christian. They will go to church and live a good life but they still prefer to make the decisions about how they live their life. Jesus taught us that a person who saves his own life shall lose it but a person who loses his life for the gospels sake shall find it. Jesus will make good on that promise even though you may have a hard time believing that.
The scriptures are clear about who will be accepted into heaven and who will not be. We don't have to wonder if we'll make it or not. You cannot be good enough so you can take that notion off the table. Salvation isn't a scale weighing our goodness versus our mistakes. No, our salvation depends on our relationship with Christ. If we reject Christ here then he will reject us in the life to come.
Stumps removed
The city is upset with us for all the brush they have had to haul away from the church. What started as an effort to cut back on a few weeds morphed into an idea to clear enough space to plant some pumpkins then into a more ambitious plan to clean all the weeds from the property. Once half the property was cleared it was obvious it was going to take a lot of work to clear the other half. Besides the brush there were many trees that had been cut down a few years prior and left laying on the ground. It took me 7 months to clear that space and I gave away as much wood as I could and burned several stacks of wood and brush so it wouldn't have to be hauled to the curb. Even so, almost every Thursday for three or four months the city had a truck load to pick up.
With the winter being so wet, we experienced some serious parking problems as the ground stayed wet and soft all winter. We decided to cut down the cedar trees along the roadside. We cut two down then a month or so later we cut down two more and then two weeks after that we cut down the remaining 6, plus we had to cut 5 oaks and a gum tree in order to move or out building. All the limbs and trimmings we left at the curb. Now the city says they have done enough.
We dug the stumps out of the ground yesterday, all ten of them. "No" the city said. So one day in the future we will have to find a way to haul the stumps off. In the mean time I have the wood of six big trees to give away, a lot of raking to do plus some tree roots to gather up so we can park cars there. We will be okay until it rains then the new parking area will be muddy. We will have to save up to purchase gravel and for our tiny church that is going to take awhile.
With the winter being so wet, we experienced some serious parking problems as the ground stayed wet and soft all winter. We decided to cut down the cedar trees along the roadside. We cut two down then a month or so later we cut down two more and then two weeks after that we cut down the remaining 6, plus we had to cut 5 oaks and a gum tree in order to move or out building. All the limbs and trimmings we left at the curb. Now the city says they have done enough.
We dug the stumps out of the ground yesterday, all ten of them. "No" the city said. So one day in the future we will have to find a way to haul the stumps off. In the mean time I have the wood of six big trees to give away, a lot of raking to do plus some tree roots to gather up so we can park cars there. We will be okay until it rains then the new parking area will be muddy. We will have to save up to purchase gravel and for our tiny church that is going to take awhile.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Florida teen rejects plea deal in underage same-sex case
Most of you should be familiar with this case but in case you are not, it is , in a nutshell this: A seventeen year old girl began a sexual affair with a 14 year old girl but affair the girl turned 18, she was arrested and charged with a sex crime. She was offered a deal of, I believe, two years of electronic monitoring and has to register as a sex offender. If convicted she faces at least 5 years in prison.
She thinks she did nothing wrong and she also believes that the few months the affair continued after she turned 18 should be no big deal since it wasn't a crime before she turned 18. Unfortunately her thinking is askew in this matter. The day before you turn 16, you can't drive. The day before you turn 18 you can't be drafted (if there was still a draft). The day before you turn 21 you cannot legally drink.
The law is clear: if you are over eighteen and your lover is more than three years younger than you then you have committed a sex crime. Legally you are an adult having sex with a minor. What if she was 16 and three months and she went to obtain her driving privileges and the state said "Well, you are just a few days over 16 so that doesn't matter so we are not granting you driving privileges. I'm sure too her those days over 16 would be a big deal. They either are or are not so laws are made so everyone would know what is and is not acceptable.
As much as she feels she did nothing wrong she did do something wrong and her feelings do not matter: it is the law that matters. We have laws to protect the innocent. The girl thinks she should be innocent. She isn't but the jury may find her so out of sympathy. I wouldn't bet on it. Of course the jury may decide that the law is stupid and decide to ignore the law, which is also the jury's right. But that isn't likely to happen either. I've never heard of it happening although for many years judges would instruct the jury to first judge the law then judge the accused.
As hard as it is for this young women to accept her punishment, it is better that she accept the plea deal and avoid jail. That's even hard to suggest but it is really best for her.
She thinks she did nothing wrong and she also believes that the few months the affair continued after she turned 18 should be no big deal since it wasn't a crime before she turned 18. Unfortunately her thinking is askew in this matter. The day before you turn 16, you can't drive. The day before you turn 18 you can't be drafted (if there was still a draft). The day before you turn 21 you cannot legally drink.
The law is clear: if you are over eighteen and your lover is more than three years younger than you then you have committed a sex crime. Legally you are an adult having sex with a minor. What if she was 16 and three months and she went to obtain her driving privileges and the state said "Well, you are just a few days over 16 so that doesn't matter so we are not granting you driving privileges. I'm sure too her those days over 16 would be a big deal. They either are or are not so laws are made so everyone would know what is and is not acceptable.
As much as she feels she did nothing wrong she did do something wrong and her feelings do not matter: it is the law that matters. We have laws to protect the innocent. The girl thinks she should be innocent. She isn't but the jury may find her so out of sympathy. I wouldn't bet on it. Of course the jury may decide that the law is stupid and decide to ignore the law, which is also the jury's right. But that isn't likely to happen either. I've never heard of it happening although for many years judges would instruct the jury to first judge the law then judge the accused.
As hard as it is for this young women to accept her punishment, it is better that she accept the plea deal and avoid jail. That's even hard to suggest but it is really best for her.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Update to easily offended
Sunday as come and gone and the mother and son did not attend church today but they did make a trip to a members house. On the Tuesday that I supposedly offended the son we had mowed the yard of an elderly member of the church. I have no idea what he could possible say that would strengthen their position to do me harm no can I understand why they are so angry. Even if I said something out of line .. No, if I said something out of line I would apologize. I didn't but I apologized anyway.
When the mans grandmother was alive I made DVD's of the church services for her and I served as her pall bearer in March of this year after she passed away. Neither the ladies daughter or grandson have ever darkened the doors of the church prior to the funeral.
I know I really should not be writing about this incident but it is so upsetting because I tried to be kind to the women even though she is mentally unstable and I believe her church attendance was a misguided attempt to have the love the church had for her mother to be transferred to her. After one service she became a little upset when she asked if I had captured her testimony with my camera and I said no, I only record the preaching. She never testified after that.
I explained to her and her son the proper, biblical way to handle a complaint but they refuse to talk with me or the pastor. I have given them two apologies and if they are not willing to accept that then I have to assume that their actions in contacting another church member is an act intended to bolster their efforts to find some way to do me harm. It is just so frustrating to live a good life and to try to encourage someone and steer them in the right direction and then to have them turn and then trey to do me harm.
It is therapeutic to write about the incident although I can't make sense of it. I've been down the last several days because of this I know I shouldn't be but I really cared about the man and was hoping to groom him for a position of church leadership one day. I/m always aware that people will disappoint but I never thought that they would have turned so quickly. I suppose all that is left to do is to continue to pray and ask for God's guidance.
When the mans grandmother was alive I made DVD's of the church services for her and I served as her pall bearer in March of this year after she passed away. Neither the ladies daughter or grandson have ever darkened the doors of the church prior to the funeral.
I know I really should not be writing about this incident but it is so upsetting because I tried to be kind to the women even though she is mentally unstable and I believe her church attendance was a misguided attempt to have the love the church had for her mother to be transferred to her. After one service she became a little upset when she asked if I had captured her testimony with my camera and I said no, I only record the preaching. She never testified after that.
I explained to her and her son the proper, biblical way to handle a complaint but they refuse to talk with me or the pastor. I have given them two apologies and if they are not willing to accept that then I have to assume that their actions in contacting another church member is an act intended to bolster their efforts to find some way to do me harm. It is just so frustrating to live a good life and to try to encourage someone and steer them in the right direction and then to have them turn and then trey to do me harm.
It is therapeutic to write about the incident although I can't make sense of it. I've been down the last several days because of this I know I shouldn't be but I really cared about the man and was hoping to groom him for a position of church leadership one day. I/m always aware that people will disappoint but I never thought that they would have turned so quickly. I suppose all that is left to do is to continue to pray and ask for God's guidance.
Retirement and camping in an RV
When I was in the Navy I pulled some tours of Vietnam and during the first of those tours I was stationed at an air base in Da Nang and met a guy named David. We left Vietnam together and both landed in the Philippines where we both married native girls. We have kept in touch during the last forty-three years, visiting each other every couple of years. I worked in pharmacies and grocery stores while David worked for General Motors, as did his wife. They both received buyout packages to retire early, then were called back a few years later, the received a second severance package.
With the first, they purchased an apartment complex and a small camper. David hired his son, Dave, to manage the apartments for him and David and his wife, Chris, went camping. After the second stint of work, David and Chris bought a RV, the kind with the pop out side. and a nice jeep Wrangler to pull behind it. They live most of their life on the road visiting various camp grounds in the south from Ohio to Florida. I haven't been able to visited them but once in the last eight years because they can only stay in one place for two weeks.
At first I was a little envious, with him having good jobs and retiring early and being able to visit various places. It's like being on a permanent vacation. They see different places and meet different people and seem to be really happy. But I'm happy too.
I live just a ten minute drive away from a lake where I can fish. I have built two little fish ponds in my yard plus with all the trees and flower gardens I have planted its like living in a scenic area. I have vegetable gardens to eat fresh produce from, plenty of shade from the trees, flowers gardens that has something blooming in them 10 months out of the year, plenty of friends, and lots of things to see and do close to home. There really is no place he can visit that can offer him more than I already have. I do have something he doesn't. That is a purpose. He is enjoying life and so do I but I spent much of my time in helping others. Sometimes I'll mow the yard of a friend, or visit with someone who isn't feeling well, or show someone how to live a more fulfilling and useful life.
Perhaps my life isn't as fun as David's but I really wouldn't enjoy camping out 10 months a year, having to live in a cramped RV and moving every two weeks. I've had a couple of little tastes of what that would be like a few times in my life. That isn't who I am.
With the first, they purchased an apartment complex and a small camper. David hired his son, Dave, to manage the apartments for him and David and his wife, Chris, went camping. After the second stint of work, David and Chris bought a RV, the kind with the pop out side. and a nice jeep Wrangler to pull behind it. They live most of their life on the road visiting various camp grounds in the south from Ohio to Florida. I haven't been able to visited them but once in the last eight years because they can only stay in one place for two weeks.
At first I was a little envious, with him having good jobs and retiring early and being able to visit various places. It's like being on a permanent vacation. They see different places and meet different people and seem to be really happy. But I'm happy too.
I live just a ten minute drive away from a lake where I can fish. I have built two little fish ponds in my yard plus with all the trees and flower gardens I have planted its like living in a scenic area. I have vegetable gardens to eat fresh produce from, plenty of shade from the trees, flowers gardens that has something blooming in them 10 months out of the year, plenty of friends, and lots of things to see and do close to home. There really is no place he can visit that can offer him more than I already have. I do have something he doesn't. That is a purpose. He is enjoying life and so do I but I spent much of my time in helping others. Sometimes I'll mow the yard of a friend, or visit with someone who isn't feeling well, or show someone how to live a more fulfilling and useful life.
Perhaps my life isn't as fun as David's but I really wouldn't enjoy camping out 10 months a year, having to live in a cramped RV and moving every two weeks. I've had a couple of little tastes of what that would be like a few times in my life. That isn't who I am.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Easily offended
I suppose if it wasn't me it would be someone else eventually. I've been kind and do my best to live according to the scriptures. I don't live right in order to be right I live right because I'm in the correct relationship. If you don't know what I mean you might as well quit reading.
I work hard at the church taking care of the yard and facilities, supporting the pastor, the church as a whole, and individual members, not for any special recognition but because that is a reflection of where my heart is. I suppose it is beyond some people's abilities to see past their own lives to realize that sometimes someone else just may have their best interest at heart.
There is a young man who has started coming to the church, along with his mother. When I say young man I'm talking younger than me. I suppose the man is in his thirties. Anyway he has been memorizing scriptures and that is a good thing. I told him that I didn't know that many because I surround myself with reference guides and can easily find the scriptures I need. Truly I wish I could quote more but there are just so many. Psalms 119 tells us to hide his word in our heart. I don't think it is as important to be able to quote chapter and verse as it is to understand and practice the precepts of the bible.
In the last couple of years I have met three men who could quote large sections of scripture. One was a backstabber, one was a user, and the other just an uneducated fool who has no idea what the scripture he just quoted actually means. His goal in life it seems is to go from church to church finding fault. it's either the music, or the décor, or the song choice, or the dress code, or, well, you get the picture. He will find fault with something. Another of the three was what we call a Pharisee because to him Christianity is a set of rules and not a relationship. Even so, the rules are for others and not for him because he will say one thing but live entirely different. You call him a hypocrite but he is beyond being hypocritical.
The third guy just has an over inflated image of himself and his abilities. Neither man lives like a Christian should. I'm not questioning their salvation and I'm not criticizing them. I just stating the facts to prove my point. My point is that being able to quote scriptures without understanding them or without applying them to your life is a fallacy.
Well, it seems that my point of view was offensive to the younger man and because he was offended his mother became irate and now they won't speak to the preacher, return my phone call, or even answer the door when I went by to speak to them.
Their actions prove my point that although he can quote big blocks of scripture he has become easily offended and has withdrew himself from fellowship with me and the church. That isn't the way Christ has instructed us to live. That's my point.
I work hard at the church taking care of the yard and facilities, supporting the pastor, the church as a whole, and individual members, not for any special recognition but because that is a reflection of where my heart is. I suppose it is beyond some people's abilities to see past their own lives to realize that sometimes someone else just may have their best interest at heart.
There is a young man who has started coming to the church, along with his mother. When I say young man I'm talking younger than me. I suppose the man is in his thirties. Anyway he has been memorizing scriptures and that is a good thing. I told him that I didn't know that many because I surround myself with reference guides and can easily find the scriptures I need. Truly I wish I could quote more but there are just so many. Psalms 119 tells us to hide his word in our heart. I don't think it is as important to be able to quote chapter and verse as it is to understand and practice the precepts of the bible.
In the last couple of years I have met three men who could quote large sections of scripture. One was a backstabber, one was a user, and the other just an uneducated fool who has no idea what the scripture he just quoted actually means. His goal in life it seems is to go from church to church finding fault. it's either the music, or the décor, or the song choice, or the dress code, or, well, you get the picture. He will find fault with something. Another of the three was what we call a Pharisee because to him Christianity is a set of rules and not a relationship. Even so, the rules are for others and not for him because he will say one thing but live entirely different. You call him a hypocrite but he is beyond being hypocritical.
The third guy just has an over inflated image of himself and his abilities. Neither man lives like a Christian should. I'm not questioning their salvation and I'm not criticizing them. I just stating the facts to prove my point. My point is that being able to quote scriptures without understanding them or without applying them to your life is a fallacy.
Well, it seems that my point of view was offensive to the younger man and because he was offended his mother became irate and now they won't speak to the preacher, return my phone call, or even answer the door when I went by to speak to them.
Their actions prove my point that although he can quote big blocks of scripture he has become easily offended and has withdrew himself from fellowship with me and the church. That isn't the way Christ has instructed us to live. That's my point.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I have a dilemma
I hate it when people do stupid things and I am the only one that notices and I have to make the decision of how to handle the situation. Do I ignore it or discuss it with higher authority?
Jodi Arias
Jodi Arias is a convicted murderer. It wasn't just a normal everyday kind of murder even though it was the killing of her boyfriend. The man was naked, taking a shower when he was shot, stabbed, and strangled; shot and stabbed many times. It was vicious and brutal. She claimed self-defense.
She is a liar and not a good one at that. I suppose since she is attractive with a large set of boobs that somehow makes her newsworthy but I really don't think she should be treated as a celebrity. She put on a slide show of family and friends and told the court of her many talents and bragged about how smart she is and what wonderful things she could accomplish if not given the death penalty. Many intelligent people have been guilty of murder: even serial murder. They peeked our interest as to the why of their crimes. This woman is trying to gather sympathy and she is playing people, especially the media people, like a fine violin. It's that very flaw in her personality that let her to believe she could kill and get away with it. The murder she committed was a mistake. She meant to do it. She wants us to now believe that he was a good person and she has no idea what happened to her that caused her to do what she did. It was a fluke, a mistake, totally out of character because she is such a talented and intelligent person who is loved by others and has so much to offer.
She is cold and heartless caring only for what benefits her and she would kill again if she deemed it in her best interest. She acts like she should be given an office and a studio and treated as someone special, a staff member perhaps, while she is locked away. She just hasn't come to grips with the fact that she has been found guilty of murder and she is to be locked away like the rest of the undesirables. Just because she is pretty and sexy and intelligent and talented doesn't mean she isn't just as dangerous as any street thug. She is, perhaps more dangerous because people just don't see anything to fear in her. She may be a pretty snake but she is a snake, nonetheless. A deadly snake.
She is a liar and not a good one at that. I suppose since she is attractive with a large set of boobs that somehow makes her newsworthy but I really don't think she should be treated as a celebrity. She put on a slide show of family and friends and told the court of her many talents and bragged about how smart she is and what wonderful things she could accomplish if not given the death penalty. Many intelligent people have been guilty of murder: even serial murder. They peeked our interest as to the why of their crimes. This woman is trying to gather sympathy and she is playing people, especially the media people, like a fine violin. It's that very flaw in her personality that let her to believe she could kill and get away with it. The murder she committed was a mistake. She meant to do it. She wants us to now believe that he was a good person and she has no idea what happened to her that caused her to do what she did. It was a fluke, a mistake, totally out of character because she is such a talented and intelligent person who is loved by others and has so much to offer.
She is cold and heartless caring only for what benefits her and she would kill again if she deemed it in her best interest. She acts like she should be given an office and a studio and treated as someone special, a staff member perhaps, while she is locked away. She just hasn't come to grips with the fact that she has been found guilty of murder and she is to be locked away like the rest of the undesirables. Just because she is pretty and sexy and intelligent and talented doesn't mean she isn't just as dangerous as any street thug. She is, perhaps more dangerous because people just don't see anything to fear in her. She may be a pretty snake but she is a snake, nonetheless. A deadly snake.
weight loss myths
I was just looking at an article that promises you will lose 8 pounds in two weeks by substituting one food for another, like switching up egg and cheese with veggies on an omelet or eating a bagel instead of an English muffin. I eat two eggs and 1/2 cup of cheerios or plain oatmeal for breakfast now. I once ate just the cup of Cheerios but wanted to change from high fiber to high protein diet. I drink nothing but coffee and water; lots and lots of water. For supper I have a bowl of light chicken noodle soup (160 calories) and an apple. I guess lunch is my downfall as I actually eat a meal but I try to keep it light and healthy.
So far I have lost nothing. Before I retired I had lost fifty pounds eating more than I do now. It's not the work as I work harder and am more physical that when I was employed and it isn't the exercise as I walked five miles every morning in an hour and ten minutes. It's like I say "I'm going to lose weight" and my body says "no, you're not". So far my stubborn boding is winning the weight loss wars.
I'm sure many of the tips and tricks you read will work for most people but we aren't all the same and what works for you may not work for me. What once worked for me no longer does so I know that to be true. If I knew the secret that would work for everyone then I certainly wouldn't be giving that secret away for free. Well, I probably would. I guess that's why I'm not rich as I don't believe in making money from the misery of others.
So far I have lost nothing. Before I retired I had lost fifty pounds eating more than I do now. It's not the work as I work harder and am more physical that when I was employed and it isn't the exercise as I walked five miles every morning in an hour and ten minutes. It's like I say "I'm going to lose weight" and my body says "no, you're not". So far my stubborn boding is winning the weight loss wars.
I'm sure many of the tips and tricks you read will work for most people but we aren't all the same and what works for you may not work for me. What once worked for me no longer does so I know that to be true. If I knew the secret that would work for everyone then I certainly wouldn't be giving that secret away for free. Well, I probably would. I guess that's why I'm not rich as I don't believe in making money from the misery of others.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Hospital error
My mother-in-law was discharged from the R------- hospital today and my sister-in-law has medical power of attorney so my sister-in-law was sent the discharge papers for her mom. Attached to the discharge form were the discharge forms of several other patients which contain sensitive information. of course.
I'm not naming the hospital but not to protect them but to protect me. Most likely my sister-in-law will return the papers to the hospital and I'll end up in an indefensible position because I'll not have proof of incompetence. Let us just say it be better that my sister-in-law was the one the papers went to than maybe someone else.
I'm not naming the hospital but not to protect them but to protect me. Most likely my sister-in-law will return the papers to the hospital and I'll end up in an indefensible position because I'll not have proof of incompetence. Let us just say it be better that my sister-in-law was the one the papers went to than maybe someone else.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Belhaven
I was just looking over my latest copy of "Our State" when I came across an article on Belhaven. I really like the articles on the small towns, in this case 1659 residents, because the writer is able to capture the character of the place much better than one can do justice to larger places, say like Hickory. Fortunately, North Carolina is full of small towns and they seem to have a personality unique to themselves.
Belhaven is the home of "Little Eva" born there. becoming famous for the song "Do the Locomotion" and moved back there to live and now to rest forever. Another resident won a super bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers. The mention of their lives struck a cord with me. In bigger towns where many people go on to fame and fortune few people pay much attention, even in their former neighborhoods but in small towns like Belhaven they stand out and are remembered because the chances of someone from such a small place becoming famous is rare and for one of them to return there to live out their days is rarer still.
It's remarkable that one person can do something so well that they become famous for doing what they did but in most cases the fame comes from the entertainment industry (sports and music are both entertainment) I suppose the other way to being immortalized is to become a famous politician like a governor or a President. People seldom become famous for just being good people, although I can think of a few. (Okay, just one.)
Yesterday a lady stopped by my church while I was there doing lawn work and some repair work. Some trees had recently been cut and she expressed her sadness as her father was the person who had planted the trees. She was disappointed when I allowed her to look at the inside of the church. A plaque inscribed with the names of the members was no longer there and the old wooden pews had been replaced. It was different than when she attended church there as a young child and the memories were not honored.
I wish I had the plaque and a more complete history of the church, when it was started and who were all the former pastors. I have heard the names of a few of the former preachers but I don't know their history. The church was vacant for awhile before pastor Catrell took over and he closed it down before Rev. Garrett revived the church. U suppose our most famous member was Dora Tickle because she sat under many of the former pastors but she passed away Feb. 27th of this year.
No, she isn't famous like the football player or the famous singer, and her reputation will probably fade with the passing of those that knew her, but people of her character are rare, especially in little churches like One Way Baptist.
Belhaven is the home of "Little Eva" born there. becoming famous for the song "Do the Locomotion" and moved back there to live and now to rest forever. Another resident won a super bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers. The mention of their lives struck a cord with me. In bigger towns where many people go on to fame and fortune few people pay much attention, even in their former neighborhoods but in small towns like Belhaven they stand out and are remembered because the chances of someone from such a small place becoming famous is rare and for one of them to return there to live out their days is rarer still.
It's remarkable that one person can do something so well that they become famous for doing what they did but in most cases the fame comes from the entertainment industry (sports and music are both entertainment) I suppose the other way to being immortalized is to become a famous politician like a governor or a President. People seldom become famous for just being good people, although I can think of a few. (Okay, just one.)
Yesterday a lady stopped by my church while I was there doing lawn work and some repair work. Some trees had recently been cut and she expressed her sadness as her father was the person who had planted the trees. She was disappointed when I allowed her to look at the inside of the church. A plaque inscribed with the names of the members was no longer there and the old wooden pews had been replaced. It was different than when she attended church there as a young child and the memories were not honored.
I wish I had the plaque and a more complete history of the church, when it was started and who were all the former pastors. I have heard the names of a few of the former preachers but I don't know their history. The church was vacant for awhile before pastor Catrell took over and he closed it down before Rev. Garrett revived the church. U suppose our most famous member was Dora Tickle because she sat under many of the former pastors but she passed away Feb. 27th of this year.
No, she isn't famous like the football player or the famous singer, and her reputation will probably fade with the passing of those that knew her, but people of her character are rare, especially in little churches like One Way Baptist.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Queen of Southgate
I received an e-mail from someone who actually read my book, Queen of Southgate. He said he really enjoyed the book. It's not the stuff that best sellers are made of. In fact, the subject is something most people would like to ignore, especially the people of Greensboro. It's good to know some people out that appreciated all the effort in went into making that book.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Special thanks
A very special thanks goes out to Richard Mercer. for the help he gave One Way Baptist Church in clearing its lot after all the work that has been there. Last month Mr. Mercer helped carry off some old wood that had been laying around the lot for years. Twice in the last several weeks he has come out to drag brush and rake stems from the property after huge trees were cut.
What makes his help so appreciated is the fact that Mr. Mercer is not a member or the church nor has he ever attended a service. Hic contributions are rare. We thank you.
What makes his help so appreciated is the fact that Mr. Mercer is not a member or the church nor has he ever attended a service. Hic contributions are rare. We thank you.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Cutting trees
A few members of Wayside Baptist in Thomasville came up a couple of Saturdays to help us cut some cedar trees and move our outbuilding. With the wet winter we had parking even for our tiny church was problematic. On several occasions we had to have vehicles towed out of the mud and on one occasion a tow truck had to be towed. There was a row of cedar trees next to the road from one end of the church property to the other . One couldn't park there as the cedars left dropping on vehicles and the lack of room made it hard to turn around. Now that the cedars are gone and the shed is moved, it has opened things up to effectively double our parking. Once we get the stumps removed parking will be much more convenient. It sure would be nice if we could get some help with gravel or paving.
There is some discussion about having a bbq chicken dinner to raise funds and we may raise a hundred dollars or so after expenses but that is a far cry from what is needed. If we had better parking I believe our little church would grow faster. It's hard for a small group of people to accomplish great things monetarily. As far as the spiritual side of things I believe we have accomplished as much or more than many or our largest churches. I've seen the spirit move, transforming lives and accomplishing great things there.
Hauling the brush to the curb for the city to remove is back breaking work and I'm sure the workers from the city aren't really happy with all the brush we have piled up this year but we are nearing the end of this phase. Most of the other trees are small. We may give the city a break until after pumpkin harvest but we'll just have to wait and see how that goes.
There is some discussion about having a bbq chicken dinner to raise funds and we may raise a hundred dollars or so after expenses but that is a far cry from what is needed. If we had better parking I believe our little church would grow faster. It's hard for a small group of people to accomplish great things monetarily. As far as the spiritual side of things I believe we have accomplished as much or more than many or our largest churches. I've seen the spirit move, transforming lives and accomplishing great things there.
Hauling the brush to the curb for the city to remove is back breaking work and I'm sure the workers from the city aren't really happy with all the brush we have piled up this year but we are nearing the end of this phase. Most of the other trees are small. We may give the city a break until after pumpkin harvest but we'll just have to wait and see how that goes.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Spreading lies
I am a Christian and have no qualms about admitting so and as a Christian I do my best to live a life that follows the examples that Jesus set for us. Christ taught his followers how to solve differences. It really doesn't matter if you are the one at fault or the other person is at fault. If you have something against your brother or your brother has something against you go to him and tell him he is forgiven. Then you can come back and God will listen to your prayer.
If there is a problem in the church go to the person that is doing wrong and speak with them about it. If the situation isn't corrected then take several others with you and if that doesn't work take the matter before the entire church.
When a person makes a slip-up do not talk about them but just love them and encourage them. If someone is making serious errors in judgment on a continual bases then you should follow the second set of steps.
What you don't want to do is to tell others especially others that are not of your church or have a need to know). If the perceived wrong is strictly personal and nota biblical error, just let it go. Why try to hurt other people.
An example of what I'm talking about is this: a pastor was scheduled for surgery and asked a young man who was just starting out to come and help him while he recovered. The young man came and was accompanied by his fiancée and her mother. The pastor did well enough that he was able to conduct the Sunday morning services but did let the young man preach the evening services. After a couple of months the young man asked the pastor about becoming the associate pastor. The pastor said no as the church was small and he didn't need as associate.
For the next couple of months things went on as they had but changed one day when the younger preacher was asked to take over a small church whose pastor had died. Now it seems, the young preacher now mother-in-law is telling people that the pastor did her son-in-law wrong.
I don't know what the perceived offense was but I do know that what she is doing is not the biblical way of handling things. For the life of me I just don't understand how someone who raised her children in church who claims to be a Christian and who sings at fellowship meetings and sits under many different preacher can be a gossip and backbiter and have no clue as to how a Christian is supposed to handle such matters.
Personally I' like to slap her but as a Christian I'll just have to love her and pray for her.
If there is a problem in the church go to the person that is doing wrong and speak with them about it. If the situation isn't corrected then take several others with you and if that doesn't work take the matter before the entire church.
When a person makes a slip-up do not talk about them but just love them and encourage them. If someone is making serious errors in judgment on a continual bases then you should follow the second set of steps.
What you don't want to do is to tell others especially others that are not of your church or have a need to know). If the perceived wrong is strictly personal and nota biblical error, just let it go. Why try to hurt other people.
An example of what I'm talking about is this: a pastor was scheduled for surgery and asked a young man who was just starting out to come and help him while he recovered. The young man came and was accompanied by his fiancée and her mother. The pastor did well enough that he was able to conduct the Sunday morning services but did let the young man preach the evening services. After a couple of months the young man asked the pastor about becoming the associate pastor. The pastor said no as the church was small and he didn't need as associate.
For the next couple of months things went on as they had but changed one day when the younger preacher was asked to take over a small church whose pastor had died. Now it seems, the young preacher now mother-in-law is telling people that the pastor did her son-in-law wrong.
I don't know what the perceived offense was but I do know that what she is doing is not the biblical way of handling things. For the life of me I just don't understand how someone who raised her children in church who claims to be a Christian and who sings at fellowship meetings and sits under many different preacher can be a gossip and backbiter and have no clue as to how a Christian is supposed to handle such matters.
Personally I' like to slap her but as a Christian I'll just have to love her and pray for her.
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Mother falls out of a party bus
It seems the news is full of tragedies for bachelorettes this morning. It one story 5 women going to a bachelorette party died when a limo caught fire and they were trapped inside. In this story a young mother was on a party bus celebrating at a bachelorette party. She fell out of the emergency door.
In case you aren't aware of what a party bus is, it is really a school bus that someone drives around while other people have a good time. It is a way for lots of people to get from one place to another and still party without having to drive. The idea seems great but those parties do come with risks, especially from how people act when they are having a good time. Sometimes they do foolish things like stick their head out of the window. Sometimes there is a telephone pole or sign post on the side of the road.
In this case the lady was at the back of the bus. Now we all know from riding a school bus in our youth or a city bus or even an airplane one of the rules is that you must be seated while the vehicle is in motion. Even if the emergency door was faulty if the woman had been seated she would not have fallen out.
One of three things happened: Someone opened the door and pushed her out, she opened the door on purpose and jumped, or she was standing near the door and was jostled up against the door by a friend, a bump or her own actions and fell out the door.
A relative has already starting saying stuff that is setting up the bases of a lawsuit. He said "Why wasn't the emergency door secured?" I know he's looking for someone or something to blame other than the victim but he is way out of line with that statement. Emergency doors have to remain open: it is the law and it is that way for a really good reason.
In the Colorado theater shooting some families sued the theater for not providing enough security. People, we have to start thinking for ourselves. Inspect the situation and if the theater doesn't have enough security don't go. if you want to ride a bus and they follow the law and have an emergency door that is working properly and you want it secured, then don't get on the bus. What if there was an accident and you could not crawl to the front of the bus. I would bet you would want an unsecured emergency door then.
Sometimes we get away with doing stupid stuff. Ever run a stop sign and was glad no one was in the intersection but you? Every let your car drift over the center line. No tractor-trailer on the other side, thank goodness. But sometimes we do stupid things and there is a severe price to pay. More than likely that is what happened here.
My condolences to the family and I am deeply sad for the young child who lost her mother.
In case you aren't aware of what a party bus is, it is really a school bus that someone drives around while other people have a good time. It is a way for lots of people to get from one place to another and still party without having to drive. The idea seems great but those parties do come with risks, especially from how people act when they are having a good time. Sometimes they do foolish things like stick their head out of the window. Sometimes there is a telephone pole or sign post on the side of the road.
In this case the lady was at the back of the bus. Now we all know from riding a school bus in our youth or a city bus or even an airplane one of the rules is that you must be seated while the vehicle is in motion. Even if the emergency door was faulty if the woman had been seated she would not have fallen out.
One of three things happened: Someone opened the door and pushed her out, she opened the door on purpose and jumped, or she was standing near the door and was jostled up against the door by a friend, a bump or her own actions and fell out the door.
A relative has already starting saying stuff that is setting up the bases of a lawsuit. He said "Why wasn't the emergency door secured?" I know he's looking for someone or something to blame other than the victim but he is way out of line with that statement. Emergency doors have to remain open: it is the law and it is that way for a really good reason.
In the Colorado theater shooting some families sued the theater for not providing enough security. People, we have to start thinking for ourselves. Inspect the situation and if the theater doesn't have enough security don't go. if you want to ride a bus and they follow the law and have an emergency door that is working properly and you want it secured, then don't get on the bus. What if there was an accident and you could not crawl to the front of the bus. I would bet you would want an unsecured emergency door then.
Sometimes we get away with doing stupid stuff. Ever run a stop sign and was glad no one was in the intersection but you? Every let your car drift over the center line. No tractor-trailer on the other side, thank goodness. But sometimes we do stupid things and there is a severe price to pay. More than likely that is what happened here.
My condolences to the family and I am deeply sad for the young child who lost her mother.
Monday, May 06, 2013
lottery winnings
My old military buddy and I were discussing lottery winnings and he thinks it is a ripoff that the lottery wants to give the winnings out over thirty years. I totally disagree. Now we are not talking about winning a few hundred over even a few thousand and many a little more than a million or two. We're talking about big winnings, the kind that don't just change the direction of your life but changes
everything about your life. let's say 90 million on up to the skies the limit.
If it's ninety million spread over 30 years that's three million a year. In one lump sum you are talking maybe 54 million give or take a million or two either way. Chances are if ones the 54 he will never be worth the ninety million dollars. In fact about the only way he will every accumulate that much is to save the 54 and only withdraw it when it reaches 90 million and that will happen ins , say, 30 years.
Taking the three million leaves almost $5,000.00 a day for thirty years. In vest wisely and it could last the rest of your life and the lives of your children. But even if you are stupid and blow the $3,000,000.00 its okay. Next year you will receive another three million. Screw that up too and there is no real reason to worry. The year after that you will receive another three million. However, it's a different story if you take the lump sum.
For one thing, you never knew you had so many relatives that had great ideas for a successful business but only need a little help getting started. Buying a nice house, one worthy of a millionaire, and of course, a couple of fancy cars and a great vacation. It just wouldn't do if you didn't so something nice for your parents, your siblings and a couple of your closest friends.
Really? You are really going to work Monday? Now I really didn't think so. You have your own idea for a great business.
The trouble with the whole scenario is it cost a lot more to heat and cool and upkeep that big house than you every dreamed that it would and it is too big for you and your spouse to keep up. You had no idea that landscapers and housekeepers costs so much. Running a business was much tougher than you every dreamed it would be and all those friends with bright ideas can attest to the fact that turning a good idea into a profitable business takes more than money. At least it takes more than they have and more than you are willing to let go of.
Yea, all those millions were great for a few years but the money is going fast and the friends went faster. The cars are depreciating and don't look so hot now. They just look broken down and that dream home turned out to be a money pit. All those fancy clothes don't fit now that you have gained so much weight from eating out so often.
It's hard to believe but people still think you are rich and are making your life miserable by begging for money to see them through a rough period or to get their great idea off the ground. You really wish you had your old life back but you can't. You haven't worked in years.
everything about your life. let's say 90 million on up to the skies the limit.
If it's ninety million spread over 30 years that's three million a year. In one lump sum you are talking maybe 54 million give or take a million or two either way. Chances are if ones the 54 he will never be worth the ninety million dollars. In fact about the only way he will every accumulate that much is to save the 54 and only withdraw it when it reaches 90 million and that will happen ins , say, 30 years.
Taking the three million leaves almost $5,000.00 a day for thirty years. In vest wisely and it could last the rest of your life and the lives of your children. But even if you are stupid and blow the $3,000,000.00 its okay. Next year you will receive another three million. Screw that up too and there is no real reason to worry. The year after that you will receive another three million. However, it's a different story if you take the lump sum.
For one thing, you never knew you had so many relatives that had great ideas for a successful business but only need a little help getting started. Buying a nice house, one worthy of a millionaire, and of course, a couple of fancy cars and a great vacation. It just wouldn't do if you didn't so something nice for your parents, your siblings and a couple of your closest friends.
Really? You are really going to work Monday? Now I really didn't think so. You have your own idea for a great business.
The trouble with the whole scenario is it cost a lot more to heat and cool and upkeep that big house than you every dreamed that it would and it is too big for you and your spouse to keep up. You had no idea that landscapers and housekeepers costs so much. Running a business was much tougher than you every dreamed it would be and all those friends with bright ideas can attest to the fact that turning a good idea into a profitable business takes more than money. At least it takes more than they have and more than you are willing to let go of.
Yea, all those millions were great for a few years but the money is going fast and the friends went faster. The cars are depreciating and don't look so hot now. They just look broken down and that dream home turned out to be a money pit. All those fancy clothes don't fit now that you have gained so much weight from eating out so often.
It's hard to believe but people still think you are rich and are making your life miserable by begging for money to see them through a rough period or to get their great idea off the ground. You really wish you had your old life back but you can't. You haven't worked in years.
Retirement advise
I have read the same advise in two different articles about how to maximize your retirement money. According to some experts, it is best to live from your 401(k) or other retirement money and exhaust it before filing for social security thereby increasing your monthly take when you do file. While that is true I think there are some problems with that advise, at least for married people.
Really, the ideal is for the younger spouse (usually the wife who earned less than the husband) to delay taking Social Security until after her husband passes away so that she will have adequate benefits to live on. This plan could possible be the best way for the couple to maximize their income during retirement. It would take some calculating to determine that.
According to the Social Security office, it does not matter if you take payments at 62 or 72, if you just live to the normal age of people born in your birth year, you would receive the exact same total benefit amount, so the benefit of delaying the taking of social security will only be advantageous to one if they live longer than expected. If one takes the money earlier and really doesn't need it then there is no reason one cannot invest the money.
The way I see things, If the husband has x number of dollars in a retirement account and is drawing social security, then it is probable best if the wife, upon retirement, drawn social security and leave her retirement savings alone, contrary to the experts advise. If her and her husband are about the same age and had similar incomes, and they live to their life expectancy or die before that age, and she took her social security, then her retirement savings would have been intact for her heirs but if she had taken the "experts advise" then all of the retirement money would have been spent and the only beneficiary would have been the government.
I do believe she would have been fine with the lower social security amount as the retirement savings would have grown significantly (in all likelihood) in a good retirement investment account or at least held its own in a more conservative account. I know the experts claim she doesn't need her retirement account as her husbands should take care of that but what if he got sick and they spent his on trying to save his life or the family was faced with another catastrophe that claimed a large portion of his retirement account?
Maybe it's just me but I believe it is best to keep ones retirement account and live from a slightly lower social security benefit.
Really, the ideal is for the younger spouse (usually the wife who earned less than the husband) to delay taking Social Security until after her husband passes away so that she will have adequate benefits to live on. This plan could possible be the best way for the couple to maximize their income during retirement. It would take some calculating to determine that.
According to the Social Security office, it does not matter if you take payments at 62 or 72, if you just live to the normal age of people born in your birth year, you would receive the exact same total benefit amount, so the benefit of delaying the taking of social security will only be advantageous to one if they live longer than expected. If one takes the money earlier and really doesn't need it then there is no reason one cannot invest the money.
The way I see things, If the husband has x number of dollars in a retirement account and is drawing social security, then it is probable best if the wife, upon retirement, drawn social security and leave her retirement savings alone, contrary to the experts advise. If her and her husband are about the same age and had similar incomes, and they live to their life expectancy or die before that age, and she took her social security, then her retirement savings would have been intact for her heirs but if she had taken the "experts advise" then all of the retirement money would have been spent and the only beneficiary would have been the government.
I do believe she would have been fine with the lower social security amount as the retirement savings would have grown significantly (in all likelihood) in a good retirement investment account or at least held its own in a more conservative account. I know the experts claim she doesn't need her retirement account as her husbands should take care of that but what if he got sick and they spent his on trying to save his life or the family was faced with another catastrophe that claimed a large portion of his retirement account?
Maybe it's just me but I believe it is best to keep ones retirement account and live from a slightly lower social security benefit.
Saturday, May 04, 2013
Stuff I won't eat
I'm not talking about vegetables as I like most and the ones I don't a little ketchup masks the taste of some and holding my nose and swallowing quickly takes care of the rest. Just because it's meat don't think I'm going to give it a try. I'm a southern born meat and potatoes man so you can keep your strong flavored fish, lamb and most shellfish. If it's not steak, chicken or pork I'm not going to eat it and just because it came from a cow, chicken, or pig doesn't mean I will wither.
Once, after having nothing to eat for three days I refused to consume some K-rations. I just wasn't that hungry yet. I'm not eating fish eggs, even at $100.00 an ounce, any kind of animal product that has not been cooked, especially if it is still alive, a product called tofu, chickpeas, or humus. The mere thought makes me queasy.
Once, after having nothing to eat for three days I refused to consume some K-rations. I just wasn't that hungry yet. I'm not eating fish eggs, even at $100.00 an ounce, any kind of animal product that has not been cooked, especially if it is still alive, a product called tofu, chickpeas, or humus. The mere thought makes me queasy.
Slit decision
Quoted from a Yahoo article decision
"Former Strikeforce lightweight titleholder and current UFC lightweight contender Gilbert Melendez lost a razor-close slit decision to reigning UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at UFC on Fox 7 on April 20, but gained confidence if the two ever rematch."
MMA Weekly
Maybe it was a split decision. Half of me thinks the word is wrong and the other half thinks maybe it isn't.
Obama says Mexico ready
"President Barack Obama on Friday cast Mexico as a nation ready to take
"its rightful place in the world" and move past the drug battles and violence..."
I about fell out of my chair laughing. ROFLOL
I about fell out of my chair laughing. ROFLOL
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