Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Who Is John Cox?
If you are not enthusiastic about the proposed 'conservative' candidates in the presidential primaries, I encourage you to look at John Cox. I have read his book, titled "Politic$, Inc." and he offers views that I find interesting. Perhaps the most important view I adhere to is the need for STATESMEN as opposed to politicians who make a career out of promising what is needed to be elected and then concentrating efforts on how to be re-elected instead of seeking answers to the nation's concerns. John Cox recommends seeking candidates that are successful in their working life but are willing to give a limited number of years to serving the nation and then rteturning to their previous working life. Cox has formed a national staff and committee chairman in over 25 states and volunteers in over 100 counties in three early primary/caucus states.I am hoping he begins to recieve some national attention and is able to participate in debates over issues before the primary/caucus voting.
I am tired of the entrenched politicians who have the "party machines" and money able to ensure their canadidacy. The people seem to have little choice offered and we end up voting for the lesser of evils. The past election revealed the nations discontent with Congress and opted to give new persons a chance. Unfortunately, these newly elected persons will probably fall into the trap of voting with their party so that they will have party backing for re-election. The concerns of the nation and adherence to the founding principles of our nation will be secondary.
Sen. Lieberman is a prime example of how a party treats someone who is not toeing the party line.
We need some new blood with fresh ideas at all levels of government. I am tired of politicians who view themselves as superior in intellect and personal worth to ordinary citizens. I am tired of politicians maligning the people who volunteer to serve in our military as being inferior and unable to make it in civilian life. I think we have a number of politicians who would be unable to be successful in private life.
Read a little about John Cox at LINK
I am tired of the entrenched politicians who have the "party machines" and money able to ensure their canadidacy. The people seem to have little choice offered and we end up voting for the lesser of evils. The past election revealed the nations discontent with Congress and opted to give new persons a chance. Unfortunately, these newly elected persons will probably fall into the trap of voting with their party so that they will have party backing for re-election. The concerns of the nation and adherence to the founding principles of our nation will be secondary.
Sen. Lieberman is a prime example of how a party treats someone who is not toeing the party line.
We need some new blood with fresh ideas at all levels of government. I am tired of politicians who view themselves as superior in intellect and personal worth to ordinary citizens. I am tired of politicians maligning the people who volunteer to serve in our military as being inferior and unable to make it in civilian life. I think we have a number of politicians who would be unable to be successful in private life.
Read a little about John Cox at LINK
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Twelve Days of Christmas
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. Have you ever
wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping
lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't
come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England
were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era
wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels
of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members
of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious
reality, which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke &
John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of
the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy
Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership,
and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self
Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in
The Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange
song became a Christmas Carol.
wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping
lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't
come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England
were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era
wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels
of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members
of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious
reality, which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke &
John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of
the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy
Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership,
and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self
Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in
The Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange
song became a Christmas Carol.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, President Bush is on the minds of Americans as he struggles with decisions that will have enormous consequences for our nation and other nations. He needs the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job as he considers all of the input of many people who love our nation and many who don't. You have been the strength and guide of former presidents facing critical times whether they openly sought your help or if the Holy Spirit interpreted their mental anguish to you. You have guided our nation since it's inception and I pray for continuing blessings and grace despite our failings. Help us as individuals to recognize that President Bush is a human with failings and virtues who was elected to serve and protect our nation. Remind us that not one of his supporters or critics has the perfect answer since we lack perfect wisdom. We rely on your perfect wisdom. Grant continuing patience and fortitude to us all. Help us recognize the results of divisive speech and loyalty to party or ideology above the wellbeing of our nation. Protect our troops as they serve in many positions in many locales. Grant strength to those Iraqis who are working for the good of their nation that the millions may soon enjoy peace and security of self rule without the horrors they experienced under a dictator and what continues with the current sectarian strife. You are the font of wisdom, the grantor of blessings and I pray you will continue to bless America and those in positions of service. I thank you for the many blessings we receive daily and especially that you have provided persons willing to serve the better good for humanity. Amen
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Author unknown
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Author unknown
Saturday, December 02, 2006
A Good Idea Anyday
Visit this website & send thank you notes to our service men overseas......They will appreciate this gesture.
Xerox is sponsoring and sending out the cards.
LINK
Xerox is sponsoring and sending out the cards.
LINK
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