And The Sign Said, Ugly People Need Not Apply.

  I am encumbered with a Handicap,  and have been from birth. I can assure you, I have experienced discrimination in my life even after the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act. I found however,  that through hard work and persistence I was able to find some kind of employment.I am disabled now, but I did work for thirty years and did a great deal of ordinary jobs.
  I heard on the news recently, a man named Daniel S. Hamermesh has written a book titled, Beauty Pays. The premise of the book,  basically, contends,  that attractive people, will always be hired, before those, who are less attractive, and attractive people usually get higher paying positions. Mr. Hamermesh believes this is a form of discrimination.I believe he is correct, I would submit to you however, that some forms of discrimination are warranted. I guarantee you, you will never see an ugly NFL. cheerleader. You will never see an ugly fashion model. You will not see an ugly news  anchor especially, female news anchors. Watch FOX NEWS anytime, and you'll see what I mean.Let's face it, we like looking at and being around attractive people. Boys didn't date ugly girls in high school, and girls didn't want to date ugly guys therefore,  as a society, we do practice discrimination to some extent. Mr. Hamermesh wants the government to offer in his words,  job protection for ugly people.I guess this is a form of affirmative action for those who are ugly. One question,  who decides who is ugly? How can you prove you didn't get hired because you were found to be ugly? I have to wonder what's next? Should the government pay for plastic surgery  for those who are deemed to be ugly? Should the government  pay  for  liposuction if  being too fat is deemed to be a factor that causes folks to be ugly and therefore,  they don't get hired?When will Americans learn, that the government can't be the answer,  to every problem,  that plagues our society? The government will never be able to protect us,  from every form of prejudice,  and that's just, the ugly truth! As always my friends, these thoughts, remain, just some words, to think on.

And The Sign Said, Ugly People Need Not Apply.

  I am encumbered with a Handicap,  and have been from birth. I can assure you, I have experienced discrimination in my life even after the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act. I found however that through hard work and persistence I was able to find some kind of employment.I am disabled now, but I did work for thirty years and did a great deal of ordinary jobs.
  I heard on the news recently, a man named Daniel S. Hamermesh has written a book titled, Beauty Pays. The premise of the book basically, contends,  that attractive people, will always be hired, and have higher paying jobs

Some Things. Aren't Worth Splitting Hairs Over.

  I lost my father to cancer, three years ago. I miss him, and think of him often. I heard a story in the news recently, that made me, rather sad. It seems that a six year old was suspended, from school  because his hair was too long. The mother said,  the boy was growing his hair so he could eventually, donate it to a charity called, Locks Of Love . This charity takes human hair made makes hair pieces for kids with cancer. It seems to me,  if this is true, the school could make an exception until the hair donation can be made.
  There are so many more important issues facing our schools today, this child, is only six, and probably thought he was doing something to help those who are less fortunate. This same school will ask for their own donations for various school projects.I have to admit if I were a parent whose children attended that school that my tax dollars help pay for, I might choose to send my child to another school if possible. Let me say this, I understand, Schools must have rules. As I said, the school should make a temporary, exception to their dress code until the donation of hair can be made. With so many other issues for schools to worry about, I just, don't see the need,  to split hairs over this particular issue. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

How Can We Bridge The Gulf Between Us?

  I am handicapped,  and have been from birth.I guess that is why I love the game of gulf. You see,  gulf  is the one game you can play,  and every one  who plays will have a handicap so, I fit right in. The only gulf I ever played, was Putt Putt.  I know President Obama enjoys a good round of gulf. and according to a news story, that I heard recently, apparently so does Vice President Joe Biden. I was so glad to hear that when Vice President Biden's home state of Delaware was just, hours away from financial and economic devastation, the Vice President made time for a round of gulf! I noticed even the news anchors were rather shocked, that of all the things the Vice  President could be doing,  for his home state,  to help them prepare for the on coming hurricane,well,  It was good to know,  the  Vice President was hard at work, on his gulf game!
  The news also said, that President Obama came back a whole day early, from his vacation. I that that was nice of  him considering, that he was shopping and eating ice cream while the stock market was in a nose dive. I guess the President felt, the recent earthquake in Virginia and in Washington DC. wasn't anything to get all shook up about! In any event, I hope one day, the American people and our leaders in Washington, can find a way to bridge the gulf,  between us! As always, my friends,these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Make Sure You Spell My Name Right!

  I heard a preacher say this in his sermon not too long ago.  He said the following, 'The world would truly be amazed, what could be accomplished for God,  if nobody cared, who got the credit.' I've  been in enough churches in my life, I think I know what the preacher meant. I was in a church business meeting one time, and they spent forty five minutes discussing, whose name would go first on the new church organ dedication plaque. One person thought, their name should be listed first, and in the largest print and they wanted to sure, the family's  name would be spelled correctly, after all, this particular family,  had donated the largest amount of money for the new church organ. Another member thought, that their name should be listed first,  since they had been the churches first charter member. An argument would  have ensued, had the pastor not promised to list both names side by side at the top of the church organ dedication plaque. This whole situation, seemed rather strange to me. I thought the organ, should have been dedicated for the glory of  God. It sounded to me however, as if the organ was being dedicated , for the glory of  those two,  prominent,  members of that church. It seems to me, that if the organ  was for the benefit of all the church  members there, then, who cares who gave the most money,  or who was the church's first charter member! Do those particular facts make the church organ's music play any sweeter? Do you think God was impressed? Somehow, I don't think so.
  Jesus speaks on this very clearly in the Bible. He makes it clear we are not to do good deeds just to be seen of men and thus gain their praise here on earth. As Christians, if we good things just to gain the praise of others, then, we have our reward, already. How much better then, to do good deeds perhaps even anonymously, and seek rather, to be rewarded one day by God in Heaven. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Time for A New Habit

  Recently,  I heard a story in the news which really made me a bit upset. It seems, a woman was shopping, at a local Kroger's store, this lady was the mother of ten children. When the lady got to the cashier's line she was told,  they would not accept her coupons because she was a habitual coupon user. The  lady shopped there on a regular bases and always used a lot of coupons. I guess,  Kroger's felt,  she got too many things for free or almost free thus,  Kroger's wasn't making enough money from her purchases.
  As a former cashier I was always told,  if a customer had a valid coupon,  you took it furthermore,  you took as many valid coupons as  the customer could use. When I was a cashier, we were told to do whatever we could,  to satisfy the customer. As a cashier, I was always told, if I took care of the customer, then,  the store's profit,  would take care of itself. Speaking only for myself, I can't blame this woman. If  I  had ten children, I would use every valid, coupon,  I could find! Since Kroger's finds this woman's use of a lot of coupons too much of a habit then, perhaps, this woman should start a new habit and shop somewhere else. I would also make it a habit,  to never shop at Kroger's again, and I would make it a habit,  to spread the word to all my friends and tell them,  just how Kroger's had treated me. Who knows, maybe then, Kroger's would reconsider their attitude, and thus, change their habits! As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.,

All Hail King Obama!

  It seems to me, if I remember correctly, one of the reasons America was founded,  was because we the people decided,  we no longer wanted to be under the rule of  King George The Third of England I believe we fought a Revolutionary War to gain our Independence  from England, and the last time I checked, we won! In America,  instead of a King,  we have a representative government, that is composed of three separate but equal branches Now, as I recall, these three branches are the Present, the Congress, made up of  the House Of  Representatives and the Senate, and a third branch called, the Judicial branch that is made up of the nine judges of  the Supreme Court.  I'm sorry if  this crash course in American history is a little boring to some, however I gave this lesson , to make this point, when I went to school I was taught that the Congress made and passed the bills that become law only after the President signs the bills congress votes on. I believe that's the way I heard it , when I was in school.
  Perhaps then you could explain something to me. Last year the Congress failed to pass The Dream Act. This legislation would have given illegal residents here in America a path to citizenship basically, this is another form of amnesty. It seems, the president has found another way to provide a form of amnesty for our illegal residents be simply telling  our Immigration  officials who they can,  and who they can't deport. I noticed,   the President did not bother to go through Congress to get this change in policy approved. I guess the President felt it wasn't necessary. In  May however,  the President said he could do nothing,  without the approval of Congress. It seems then,  our President only needs Congress when he can blame them for not passing some particular policy or program he may want. The President has already stated,  that if  Congress fails to pass his jobs plan he will blame them and they will be the reason unemployment  remains above nine percent. The President will then use Congress as a shield  to benefit his chances for reelection in 2012. It seems to me,  the President can't ignore  Congress one minute,  and then use them as a  whipping boy the next minute. As I see it, if,  the President wants to be a king then,  as his subject, I lay the failure of  his economic policies and frankly,  failed  leadership solely, at his feet! As always my friends these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.
   

Obama, The Man With A Secret Plan.

  I've heard lately, President Obama has a new jobs  plan, maybe you heard that too. It seems President Obama's jobs  plan is top secret. I wonder why? I have a feeling,  I know why. President Obama has to keep his jobs plan a secret, until sometime in September. It seems his new  jobs  plan is so secret,  that even he,  doesn't know what it is  yet!  I think President Obama is a man of  many hidden economic and  job creative talents.  Now these talents are very well hidden,  so well hidden in fact, unemployed Americans have been looking for them  for almost three years now,  and they haven't found those talents yet!  I have a feeling President Obama won't even know  the details of  his jobs plan till he reads them off a teleprompter,  as he gives another lack luster speech,  in front of the American people.  Perhaps President Obama is afraid the American people won't understand his jobs plan, after all,  he is a Harvard intellectual  you know, and after all, Americans are a very  simple minded people.
  I know, maybe,  Vice President Joe Biden should explain the new jobs plan to the American people, after all he's a real man of the people you know. Vice President Biden,  has a real ability to make complicated things very simple. As a matter of  fact, he recently, said in China, that he understood why China had the right to force families to have abortions,  even if they didn't want to. Surely a man who can understand  China's government policies, would have no problem explaining the new jobs plan to the American people. Wait a minute, I have a better idea! President Obama should let Congresswoman Maxine Waters  present his new   jobs plan,  to the American people, after all,  Americans know,  she tells it like it is!  By the way, a special note to the members of the  Tea  Party, the next time Congresswoman Waters tells you to go straight to Hell just consider that an open invitation to come over to her house , because after all, she's the Congresswoman from Hell!
  It seems,  that some of the details of President Obama's jobs plan have been leaked to the press, it seems,  the jobs plan calls for more investment in infrastructure which as  we all know, is code for an increase in taxes, and more economic stimulus is also  in  the new jobs plan as well.  Wait a minute,  this new jobs plan, sounds        a  lot,   like the old jobs plan to me.  Americans know how well  President Obama's economic stimulus  worked the first time. I bet, Americans,  can't wait,  to try these economic policies again. I find this,  a bit strange however, I would have thought,  a man with President  Obama's intelligence,  could have come up with a jobs plan a bit, more original. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Obama, The Man With A secret Plan.

  I've heard lately, President Obama has a new jobs  plan, maybe you heard that too. It seems President Obama's jobs  plan is top secret. I wonder why? I have a feeling I know why. President Obama has to keep his jobs plan a secret, until sometime in September. It seems his plan is so secret that even he,  doesn't know yet! I think President Obama is a man of  many hidden economic and  job creative talents Now these talents are very well hidden so well hidden in fact, unemployed Americans have been looking for them for almost three years now and they haven't found those talents yet. I have a feeling President Obama won't even know the details of his jobs plan till he reads them off a teleprompter as he gives another lack luster speech in front of the American people. Perhaps President Obama is afraid the American people won't understand his jobs plan, after all he is a Harvard intellectual you know, and after all, Americans are a very  simple minded people.
  I know, maybe,  Vice President Joe Biden should explain the new jobs plan to the American people, after all he's a real man of the people you know.Vice President Biden, has a real ability to make complicated things very simple. As a matter of  fact, he recently, said in China, that he understood why China had the right to force families to have abortions even if they didn't want to. Surely a man who can understand  China's government policies, would have no problem explaining the new jobs plan to the American people. Wait a minute, I have a better idea! President Obama should let Congresswoman Maxine Waters Present the jobs plan to the American people, after all Americans know she tells it like it is! By the way, a special note to the members of the tea party, the next time Congresswoman Waters tells you to go straight to Hell just consider that an open invitation to come over to her house , because after all, she's the Congresswoman from Hell!
  It seems that some of the details of President Obama's jobs plan have been leaked to the press, it seems the jobs plan calls for more investment in i

What Happens, When The Government Comes For Your Children?

  There's an old joke that ask the question, Is the world's greatest problem ignorance, or apathy? The reply is usually, Frankly, I don't know and don't care. When you first hear that joke, it sounds pretty funny. I would caution you however, think again. When it comes to my children,  government involvement in  their lives matters a great deal to me.
  Recently I heard on the news. about a mother that was charged  with  misdemeanor child abuse, because she made her boy drink hot sauce because the boy used foul language. In another case a mother was reported to Child Protective Services by the teachers at her daughters school , because the mother cut the daughters hair so much it looked like a buzz cut. The mother says, that her daughters hair was all she cared about so, when she became disrespectful to her she cut the daughter's hair hoping that would teach  the daughter to respect her. Let me make this clear right now, I am not advocating child abuse in any form. I think in these two cases the parents went a bit too far. I will say this however, I see nothing wrong with giving a smart  mouthed  kid, a smack in the mouth! I received a few of those when I  mouthed off to my parents, and  I deserved it! I received my share of whippings and as far as I can tell, it did not warp my fragile personality!
  Look, today,  the government steps in a parents home to keep a child from being abused and they should do that. Suppose however,  the government decides they don't like the the Christian values you as a parent are teaching your children? Suppose, the government should decide, they want your children to only go to state funded schools? suppose one day,  the government decides you and your family can only go to the state churches they sanction? Let me ask you something? Should you,  as a parent decide not to comply with the government's new rules,  what will you do when they come for your children? Think of it this way, today government steps into a family home to prevent child abuse, tomorrow, the government comes into a parent's  home to take your children, to prevent what they will call intellectual or mind abuse. The government will decide,   that they should teach your children what they should know. The government will say,  that as Christian parents, that your Christian teachings are corrupting your children's impressionable young minds and that's the governments job!  Parents, let me ask you again. What happens when the government comes for your children? I pray that is a question, I never have to know the answer to but,  that day may indeed, come. Parents, are you ready? As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Time Is Of The Essence.

  I turned fifty, not too long ago. I guess when you reach a milestone like that one, you begin to reevaluate how you spend your time. I suppose, we do this because as we grow older we become keenly aware,  of our mortality and how all too quickly, time passes. John Lennon said, in one of his songs, 'Life, is what happens to you , while your busy making other plans.' I believe there is a great deal of truth in those words. Let me ask you something? Why is it that we don't have time to go see our loved ones while they are living yet, we find time to send flowers and go to the funeral? Shouldn't we give our loved ones flowers while they are still here to enjoy them? As I pondered these questions recently, I remembered a narrative poem I had written some twenty years ago concerning the sudden death of my grandmother. The title of the poem is called No More Time. I hope the words, will speak to you.
  Look, I wanted to see her. She was really on my mind. I wanted to be with her, but, you understand,  there just wasn't time. I had busy schedules, full of many plans. What little time I had was filled, with far too many demands. So, I told her that I would see her, when came the first of spring, then, all her flowers would be in bloom, and her favorite birds would sing. For some, forgotten reason, I never did arrive, I should have gone to see her I know, but, you understand, there just wasn't time. So, I told her that I  would see her her , when came the first of fall. I knew I wouldn't forget this time, for this was the season she loved most of all. Alas, again, still busy, I never did arrive. I should have gone to see her, I know but, you understand,  there just wasn't time. Then, came the first of winter, and with it, the falling snow.Now, I had the time, and I'd be sure to go! How this vow cheered me!'I'll go today!' At least, that's what I said. Then, came the fatal phone call that told me,  my grand mother now, was dead. You know, I finally did go see her, when to rest she was laid, but, she could see, or hear me, for she was dead, as were all the promises, I had made. Now, I'd give all I have, to see her. How could I have been so blind? I would do anything to see her once more,  but now, there's no more time.
  I hope this poem reminds us all,  to love our loved ones while they are still here, Believe me when I tell you a life time is a long time to live with regret. Hug your children today. Hug your parents today. Whatever it takes find the time. When your loved ones are gone, you'll find you have nothing but time,  to remember, all the missed opportunities you let pass, when you could have spent time with them. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Real Class In Politics Is It Possible?

  When I was a young man,  my mother told me  to be careful  with the words I use, especially when dealing with others. I find that is still good advice today. Another thing I learned from my parents is,  that all people have worth. My mother always said,  even if people do foolish things,  don't call anyone a fool. When I asked my mother why she felt this way, she told me that all mankind is created in God's image. I concluded then, that if I call someone a fool, in one sense at least, I was calling God a fool! My mother said,  that only God has the right to decide if someone is a fool. The point I am making, is simply this, be careful of the words or phases you use when you describe others. They can always use the same words to describe you.
  Today, as I watched the news,  I heard  Maxine Waters, a member of Congress,  and an out spoken member of the Black Caucus, express her opinion  of the Tea Party. I must say, she expressed herself so eloquently. I could tell,  rubbing shoulders with President Obama has had a very positive influence on Congresswoman Waters. Let's see... I believe her exact quote was, 'The Tea Party could go straight to Hell!' My goodness!  She must have stayed up all night to come up with  a statement so eloquent, and so befitting a woman of her political standing!
  To tell you the truth, if I were asked my opinion, of Congresswoman Waters, I'd have to say this.Each time she opens her mouth she reminds me of a cartoon I used to watch in the seventies called, Fat Albert as one of Fat Albert's friends used to say, 'Man, when you talk,  your like a kid out of school,  no class! As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Will You Also Go Away?

  There is an instance,  in the Gospel of John,  where one time followers of Christ, are now beginning to leave him. Perhaps they feared for their lives, or at least, Roman persecution. Whatever the reason, so many were leaving, Jesus turned to his disciples and asked them, 'Will you also go away?' I felt inspired by this question, and so I wrote the following poem, I hope you like it. The title is simply, Will You Also Go Away?
  They had watched, as he fed  the thousands. They had seen him heal the blind His touch healed the broken bodies. His words, renewed their  mind. Now, they all were leaving. This, caused the Lord, to turn to his disciples and say, Will you be like the others? Will you also go away? Will you go away from me? Will you  go back to the world, from which you came? Or , will you stay,  and rather seek,  to glorify my name. Lord, let this be my answer, in my life today, that while others may be leaving you, I would  choose to stay. This choice is yours to make my friend, now, what will you say? Will you be like so many others? Will you also, go away?
  I hope you enjoyed this poem. I think it poses  the only question that truly matters, in the lives of those who would call themselves followers of Christ. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Never Place All your Eggs In One Basket.

  I'm sure many of you have heard the saying don't put all your eggs in one basket. I just heard this advice again, when a financial advisor was discussing when to buy stocks on Wall Street. I believe this same advice can be useful when considering the election of America's next President.I caution my conservative friends here. Don't think that America's future rest solely, on the election of your favorite conservative candidate. Almost everyday, I see the news,  and they seem to be almost holding their breath wondering if Governor Sarah Palin or Governor Chris Christie, or whoever you would  like to see run,  will run.  Look, I'm not saying that a conservative President in the White House would not help the conservative cause. As a matter of fact, I believe it would.
  Conservative Americans however, must not fall in the trap of believing that any one person can change America's future by themselves. Americans placed all their hopes for change on Obama, in 2008 and as we can now see, that didn't work! What will change America's future,  is a change in Americans, from the inside out. Yes, it is important,  for America to be a bit more conservative on economic and social issues, however,  I believe it is even more important, for America to return to  traditional moral and yes, Christian values. These values, although  old fashioned to many, are what  America was established  for  in the first place. I believe, if America returns to her Christian roots, the change we will see will be far greater, than any one President can do. Who knows, America may actually, see what God can do! As always, my friends, these thoughts, remain, just some words, to think on.

The Black Caucus Begins To Abandon The Sinking Titanic That Is Obama's Presidency.

  I can't imagine the fear that is gripping the Democrats right now. Although they would never admit it, you can bet,  they wish things were a lot better when it comes to this nation's economy. Having unemployment at nine point  two percent is certainly not helping their cause. Recently, in the news even Sarah Palin, now wonders if the the Democrats wish they had chosen Hillary Clinton to be President. If that weren't bad enough, a large part of President Obama's own base is beginning to leave him. When you hear Maxine Waters tell the black Caucus that she doesn't know why President Obama's recent bus tour did not include any black communities you can bet,  President Obama's in trouble!
  I think Obama's Presidency, can be likened to the sinking Titanic. The ice burg of his many failed economic policies, has struck the ship that is his chances for Presidential reelection, and his ship is beginning to sink. When the next election rolls around, many of his one time supporters will be racing for the life boats, or jumping off the good ship Obama.I believe by that time, the ship of Obama's Presidency will sink to the the bottom of the ocean of political disillusionment. President Obama, is on vacation right now. Funny, I don't think he is even aware that the ship that is his failed presidency has already stuck the fatal doomsday ice burg that is his failed policies. Stay on vacation Mr. President, your vacation in bout fourteen months may very well become permanent. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on,

Honesty Is Still The The Best Policy.

  I'm sure by now,  you've heard that story in the news about the young boy who made the fantastic hockey shot. When he made that unbelievable shot he supposedly won 50.000 dollars. There was one little problem however,  the boy who made the shot was the twin of the brother who was the supposed to make the shot. They would have gotten away with it but the boys father decided to tell the truth. I can't speak for anyone else, but I was proud of that  father for telling the truth especially, since there was a good chance they would have gotten away with the deception. The lesson that father taught  those boys is worth far more than 50.000 dollars
  As I think about, it seems to me that various political  pundits seem to mislead the American people with various degrees of dishonesty everyday. President Obama said if we passed his 87 billion dollar stimulus  package unemployment wouldn't go above eight percent. America's unemployment now stands at nine point one percent. President Obama's political honesty is to say the least, a bit lacking. The price future generations of Americans will have to pay will be far more than than 50.000  dollars. President Obama's economic policies have added two and a half trillion dollars to the national debt since he entered the Presidency almost three years ago now. Recently,   the president just increased the debt ceiling another two point four trillion dollars for the next two and a half years. You know, it seems to me, that a little political honesty, would have a lot cheaper for all of us. as always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just, some words, to think on.

Watch Your Driving, Big Brother Government will be Monitoring You!

  I am unable to drive,  but I am concerned for my fellow Americans who enjoy driving and traveling places. I'm not sure, but if I understand this correctly, our Government is now considering having car manufacturers install GPS devices in all cars. the purpose for this is so the Government can keep track of how many miles you drive each month. As I understand this,  if you go over a predetermined amount the Government will charge you a fee that they will bill to the credit card of your choice. I suppose You'll have to provide the government  the credit card number so they can charge the card you choose.
  Wow! I'm not crazy about giving the  government any of my credit card information. I suppose they could always get it if they wanted it so what's the difference. When you think about it you don't have as much privacy as you might think.This idea,  should it become a law one day,  will be just one more  government intrusion. I wonder what will be next maybe,  they should install web cams in our homes so the  government  can track how much water is used each time some flushes their toilet then,  if you use too much water from too much flushing,  the government can charge you,  a too much water fee,  to your credit card of course! How much of our privacy should Americans be willing to give up? How much does the government really have a right to know? A scarier question might be, how much do they know already? I find it rather strange, I thought God was was the only one who was all knowing. I guess the government is getting closer, and closer,  to being God! As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, to think on.

Can A Ruined Reputation Ever Truly Be Regained?

  Someone once said, trying to regain one's reputation after careless and often thoughtless gossip has destroyed it, is about as easy as cutting open a father pillow on a windy day, scattering   the feathers in every direction, and then trying  to find all the feathers and place them back in the pillow. I can assure you,  it can not be done! Today, as I consider politics in America, I realize, there are always those in politics, who will stop at nothing to destroy an opponents reputation especially,  if some political advantage can be gained. There are those I'm sure,  who would tell me that's politics as usual, and it's always been that way. The sad truth is, they're probably right.
  I have however a greater concern, particularly, among those who would call themselves Christians. I fear Christians have developed something I call Christian gossip. Christian Gossip usually starts out something like this. Brother, or sister, I just want to share this prayer request with you so you'll know better how to pray for brother or sister so and so. What follows after that,  is often a litany of unsubstantiated rumors that are often filled with juicy lured details that really shouldn't be shared with anyone! I found however, if you stop them before they can really get going, and ask them if they have confirmed,  and discussed the situation they are telling you about,  with the person or people they are telling you about, more often than not, you'll find out they have not, and the conversation then comes to an abrupt end. How I wish,  Christians would spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the same diligence they often use to spread useless Christian gossip.
  We will always have leaders in politics who love to gossip some things never change, but Gossip is a sin that should never be named, among those who would call themselves Christians. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.      

Responsible Government Spending? Not A Ghost Of A Chance!

  Recently, my daughter either misplaced or lost one of her very expensive computer games. My wife was very upset and told my daughter she needed to learn to be more responsible. My wife reminded  my daughter how expensive those computer games can be, and how hard she has to work to earn the money to buy them for her. I am sure this is a lesson my daughter needs to learn, but she is not the only one.
  I saw in the news recently,  our government supports, and thus, finances a program called ghost flying basically, with this program, the government helps a small airport stay  in business by giving the airport the money it needs when the air port doesn't have enough customers to fill all the seats. I think this is very considerate of the government. I wonder however,  if the government bothered asking the American tax payers if they minded picking up the tab? I doubt it! Well look at it this way, the American tax payer already pays for so many government programs really, what's one more right? As always, my friends, these thoughts remain just some words to think on.

What's Mine Is Mine?

  A story is told of a young father who took his four year old son to McDonald's. The young boy couldn't wait to taste those world famous french fries. As the young boy was eating his meal suddenly, the father reached over and took one of  his son's french fries. The young boy was stunned, and after a pause,  he said to his father,  'Daddy, 'You know these are my french fries!' The father thought a moment,  and then asked, 'Who bought those french fries for you?  The boy replied,  'You did,  Daddy.' The father then asked,  Are you willing to share your fries with me?  The young boy thought a moment,  and then said, 'Sure daddy why don't we share them.  The father was so pleased,  he went back to the counter and bought his son some more french fries  The son asked his father,  'Daddy, why did you buy me more fries'? The father replied, 'When I  knew you were willing to share your fries with me just because you love your Daddy, 'I was so pleased, 'I wanted you to know how much I love you so, I bought you more fries.'
  As a Christian, I think this story, makes the point,  that everything we may have really belongs to God in the first place. We may think we work a job to earn the money to buy the things we have,  I would ask however,  who provided the job and gives you the ability to work the the job to earn the money in the first place? Finally, I have found,  the more I am willing to share what God has given to me, the more God is then, willing to give to me. As Always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Should America Take God's Blessing For Granted?

  As a young boy, I enjoyed reading comic books. one of my favorite  heroes was Spider-Man. Peter Parker learns  a very important lesson when he becomes Spider-Man, the lesson is simply this,  with great power, comes great responsibility. I remembered this basic truth,  when I heard Governor Tim Pawlenty say,  that God, had richly blessed America but, with God's blessing come certain responsibilities.I believe the Governor, is correct.   The question then becomes, can America expect God's continued blessing I am not so sure. It seems to me,  that America as a nation hasn't really sought God's opinion on anything lately, much less his blessing. On those rare occasions, when God is acknowledged, political lip service seems to be the only real recognition he is given. I must confess to you, as a Christian sadly, that all to often this is true in my own life. If I am completely honest I'd have to say, more often than not I receive God's blessings not because of me but rather,  in spite of me.The same I think can be said of America in recent days.
  I believe, if America expects God's continued blessings, then  America must accept  the responsibilities that come with those blessings. America must recommit herself,  to the Godly principals upon which she was founded. I believe should America choose not to do this, then, God's blessing will become strangely absent and  America will one day, cease  to exist as a nation. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

What Now Obama?

  I often think of  President Obama, and the fears on Wall Street this way, Wall Street  is a lot like a yo yo,  it goes up and down according to the jerk on the other end of the string! I am so concerned,  with the present state of the American economy. It seems to me, that President Obama is a lot like, the great wizard in the 1939 classic 'The Wizard Of Oz'. Americans are now sadly discovering, that President Obama is no great wizard. He is however,  just a man behind the curtain.President Obama seems to be hoping that Americans aren't paying attention as he pulls the economic strings and levers behind the curtain of  his meaningless  rhetoric.
  I am reminded,  of a conversation my family and I were having concerning our household budget, when I told my wife and daughter that we would have to make cuts in our living expenses, my daughter spoke up and said, ' make all the cuts you need to daddy, just don't cut out my Barbie dream house for Christmas! I then thought to myself that is the problem with America's federal budget, everyone seems to agree cuts need to be made, just as long as you don't cut their particular federal spending entitlement program. America must make budget cuts  and sooner rather than later otherwise, America's decision on future existence, will be made for her, in the form of economic collapse. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Absence Of Eloquence

  I have listened, to President Obama's  recent speech concerning the uncertainty in the world markets and the affect that uncertainty is having on Wall Street. I have to ask myself is it just me,  or  have  President Obama's speeches lost some of their luster lately? I remember how his words were almost spell binding when he was running for president in 2008. The young  people thought, Obama had the answer to all our nations problems and he was going to teach the whole world to sing and buy all our enemies a coke and the whole world would be at peace.
  I have to say, President Obama's speeches, don't seem to be inspiring anyone these days. Chis Matthews used to think that President Obama speeches were the greatest thing since sliced bread, lately however, let's just say,  President Obama's words aren't rising to the occasion. I believe now,  after almost three years, I know why. Inspiring words are not enough, the words must be followed with inspiring actions. The only real success, President Obama can claim in the nearly three years in office is the ability to shove down America's throat a health care law that Americans didn't and still don't want. President Obama's talk is cheep however his economic polices are not!. President Obama's speeches remind me of an old Bee Gees, song. President Obama might say, of his speeches lately, 'there only words and words are all I have to take this counties economic heart away. The truth may be,  that words  were  all that President Obama ever had. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words, but hopefully, more than just words to think on.

"Please Sir May I Have Some More?"

  I'm sure you remember the title of this blog as the famous quote from the1969 musical "Oliver." I really hate the thought that there are many hungry children all over the word. My wife is from the Philippines and many people there just barely have enough to eat.The people are so thankful to have enough rice to eat even if that is all they have to eat that day. I still remember when my wife arrived in the United States.I welcomed her to America by taking her to a local all you can eat restaurant. My wife was floored!  She has never seen so much food in one place. I told her she could go back as many times as she wanted. I remember she kept saying, I really can have all I want? I don't have to share? I remember, she noticed all the food that she saw people throw away, and she asked me why people here in America waste so much food. She said don't Americans know that the food they throw away would feed a third world county? I finally said to her honey,  I guess  Americans  for the most part have forgotten what it is like to be truly hungry.
  When I was growing up, it was understood that if you took the food you ate it, and if by chance you went to someone else's house you better eat whatever they have! I remember Dad made us try every thing. I remember if you took a second helping you were expected to eat the food you took. Dad used to say" take all you want, but eat all you take! The poorest American is still far better off then people in a third world county. Remember, the next time you ask, "please sir, may I have some more, ?  I want you   to remember to be thankful and please,  eat all you take. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Are Government Benefits Too Much Of A Good Thing?

  When I was a young man,  I had a job at a local grocery store chain as a bag boy or carry out. I enjoyed the job. I liked meeting people, one thing always bothered me however, I noticed when I was carrying out groceries that the  customers who paid for their groceries with food stamps often ate better then I did.My family was eating peanut butter and tuna and lunch meat but these folks were eating steak shrimp and even lobster.I also noticed they always seemed to have plenty of junk food and snacks including several flavors of ice cream. One thing I never understood, no matter how poor they claimed to be, it seems they always had enough cash on hand to pay for their three cases of beer and five cartons of cigarettes. I would load their groceries into their car and be surprised to find that many of my food stamp customers often drove nicer cars then my family could ever have afforded. Look. I don't mind helping those in need, but don't tell me how hard your life is when you eat better than I do and you drive a real nice car certainly better than I could ever afford, and then to top it off you still have plenty of cash money for your beer and cigarettes. As I  consider situations like this I have to say, what's up with that?
  When I consider America's present economic condition, I'm almost in shock when I hear the democrats say that America really should provide larger unemployment checks for those out of work. The democrats also want to extend unemployment benefits for another year. If this happens, why should anyone look seriously for work? I have heard of people who have been on unemployment benefits for three years now. There are those in this country, who don't want just any job. One person I know, turned down a pretty good job. It seems he calculated that he could make more on unemployment, and besides, it really wasn't the job he wanted anyway.
  I often wonder just how hard unemployed Americans would look for work, and just what kind of jobs they might take, if, the government were to suddenly announce that all government benefits were going to stop in a month. I don't know, but I have a feeling places like Walmart and various fast food places, would have a sudden increase in job applications. Look I realize that there are sincere, hard working people who are seriously looking for work, but for everyone of those you find, I bet you could find ten folks who could work if they would settle at least temporarily, for the job they could get, as apposed to the job they wanted. I know there will be those who will disagree with my conclusions, but as always my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.                                                                      

Just Put It On My Credit Card.

  I recently applied for a credit card over the phone. I received an application in the mail that said I was already approved  I knew my credit score was as high as it could be I had perfect credit, this will be easy right? Wrong! I had to give the person on the phone my whole life story. I had to tell them our total house hold income, I had to tell them how much my mortgage payment was each month I had to assure the person on the phone that I had never defaulted on any loan at any time. I finally asked the lady why she was asking me so many questions after all the letter said they had already approved me. The lady said," Oh yes sir you have met all of our qualifications, but we have to ask you these questions to make sure you satisfy the governments qualifications" The government wants to be sure I can make my credit card payments before the credit card folks at the bank will issue the card to me?  The lady finally said they will mail me their decision in thirty days. I'm so glad I had already been approved imagine how long I might have had to wait if I wasn't! Well, three days later I received my card
  I have some questions I'd like to ask our government. First, how come you want to be assured I will pay my debt, but you get upset when your creditors down grade you because they're not sure your going to pay yours? Secondly, now that the government's credit card has been downgraded, why does the interest rate on my credit cards automatically have to go up? I fully expect credit card interest rates to rise. Finally, I wonder how many future generations it will take to pay off our governments current debt? I saw a  calculation that said if we did not add another dime to our present debt and used every bit of income that comes in we might pay our 14 trillion debt off in about 700 years! If, this is a true, then it would take about 35 future generations if you count a generation as 20 years wow! You must understand, that's if our government stops spending right now,  and uses  all the governments income to pay the current debt  and we know that's not going to happen! I wonder,  if the day will come,  when all of America's creditors  suddenly attempt to collect on all of America's outstanding loans. I guess the result would be that the world would foreclose on America. I pray that day never comes, but whose to say it won't. As always, my friends,   these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

What Will Your Mansion Be Made Of?

  I heard a preacher tell this story recently. According to the story, two people who attended the same church for thirty years passed away at the same time.  It seems then in this case,  the angels check your name and you enter  by your last name alphabetically, therefore, Mrs. Jones was checked into Heaven first, while Mrs. Smith waited outside for the angels to  return and check her into Heaven. Now, while Mrs. Smith waited out side , she was able to see the beautiful sights in Heaven and many of Heaven's lovely mansions. Mrs.Smith observed, as the angels handed Mrs. Jones the key  to a marvelous mansion. Mrs. Smith then wondered what her mansion would be like. Finally, the angels returned, to check Mrs. Smith into Heaven. Mrs. Smith could hardly wait for the tour of Heaven to end, she really wanted to get the key  to her beautiful mansion. the tour came to an end but Mrs. Smith noticed that the angels led her to a different section  of Heaven, and in this section of Heaven, there  were  no mansions only several rows of  log cabins.  The  angels handed Mrs. Smith her  key and said, "okay Mrs Smith yours is the first cabin on the left enjoy! Mrs. Smith then asked the Angel, why she had to settle for a log cabin, while Mrs. Jones got to live in a beautiful mansion. The angel paused a moment, and then said, "I'm very sorry about this, but, we did our best with the building materials you sent up."
  The truth this story brings out is clear. If one claims to be a Christian that is, one who seeks to live by and follow the teachings o f Jesus Christ then you have to realize you will be be rewarded to some degree, for the quality of Christian life you choose to lead. I understand  full well  no one can be perfect myself included. I do believe however,  to some existent, the intent of my motives will be evaluated and I will be rewarded accordingly. Thus, even though I realize, this story, is only a story, if the story were true, I often wonder what kind of mansion is my life building? The Bible does speak of gold , silver and precious stones, and wood, hay, and stubble. I'm afraid my mansion will be made out of a combination of all of these. I wonder, how many Christians have  ever really considered   this?  As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Everything Is Free In America Right?

 I really love living in America,  not only is it the land of the free now everything is free. Now a cell phone is one of our civil rights,  if you live in Pennsylvania. It seems that Lifeline Phone Service has decided that  if you're on welfare along with your food stamps and section eight housing,   you have a civil right to have a free cell phone with 250 free minutes a month all paid for by the taxpayers of the great  state of Pennsylvania.I thought maybe There should be some added civil rights as well. Why not give those on welfare a  free new car and  new clothes,   just give an extra 200 a month to buy new clothes. While we're at it  let's  give those on welfare  at least 300 a month to make their payments on their new car all furnished at tax payer expense of course that's the new American way! Hey! I know, let's give everybody on welfare their own free credit card with a 500 a moth limit. I'm sure tax payers won't mind paying for that either.
  All right now, let's get real. America just had her credit down graded. and if we keep giving everything away for free, soon no one will be free. America has chosen to  for get the basic economic truth that there is no such thing as a free lunch. America is now having the rest the world eat their lunch! How long can this careless endless spending continue? I don't know but, I do no this if America doesn't wake up and soon. there will be no lunch for anyone. As always my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

So It's Time To Rate God's Job Performance

  Last evening just like many of you I'm sure,  I was watching The O'Reilly Factor on Fox. In one of the segments of the program, it seems someone took the time to rate God's job performance in America. Personally, I find this rather strange. I didn't even know  God  worked for Americans.Does anyone know when America hired God? I wonder who conducted the job interview? I wonder who cuts God's paycheck? I wonder does God work by the hour or is he on salary? I wonder who decides how much God makes? I wonder why America is suddenly conducting this job performance review, is God up for a raise? I was pleased to find out that fifty two percent of the people polled thought  that God' over all job performance was pretty good, I'm sure God was relieved to know that! I learned forty percent of the people weren't  sure God was even on the job.The remaining eight percent probably don't even know what planet they're on!
  I don't know who conducted this so called poll however, to the forty eight  percent who are either, unsure or unaware of God's job performance,  I have some news for them. It seems to me America , seldom seeks God's advice or help on anything at least not lately. If  God was working for America , It seems to me America fired him along time ago now.America decided in the early sixties that we didn't need God in the class room. There is a movement even now to remove his name from our pledge, and from our money, and America certainly doesn't want God in the affairs of government, even many churches won't preach his word with the power and conviction like they should. America if God seems far away, guess who moved? Does anyone know what happens to a nation that forgets God? I'll tell you, that nation is soon forgotten. As always,  my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

So It's Time To Rate God's Job Preformance

  Last evening just like many of you I'm sure I was watching The O'R

Have You Lived In Vain?

  I'm sure you have heard this expression especially,  if a person dies defending our country in the military,  the phrase is often expressed this way, we will make sure our brave soldiers have not died in vain. I understand what is meant when this phase is used however I believer there may be a greater question to consider. Is it possible for someone to live in vain? As I consider this question further, I believe it just may be possible to live in vain. Let me explain it this way, if you live your whole life looking out only for yourself while ignoring the needs of others, then your life will benefit no one and your existence will have been basically meaningless.As you climb the ladder of success in life remember this, be careful who you step on on your way up, because chances are, you'll meet them again on your way back down. My father told me once it's not really important how long you live, it's much more important how you live while your here. I believe that's true. my father said,  be careful  of the bridges you burn. I took this advice and wrote the following poem I hope you like it it's called bridges.
  Some people say to burn your bridges and leave your past behind you. Some people say to burn your bridges because the past will only bind you .Well, I don't know that may be true but I have a different point of view, for I say,  never burn a bridge that once led you to a friend. One day in time , you may just find,  you need to cross that bridge again.
  I hope you enjoyed this poem.I realize the words are simple,  the truth this poem brings out however,  is very real. You can choose to live only for yourself however, if  you make this choice, you will find as you approach the end of your life that your existence has meant nothing thus as terrible as it may be to die in vain,  I believe it is a greater tragedy to have lived in vain. As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

Can America Face The Truth?

  There's a passage in Shakespeare's Hamlet that I try to remember when I have to make a tough decision. I will now try to quote this from my memory, I believe it goes something like this, " this above all,  to thine own self  be true and this must follow as the night the day." "Thou canst not be false to any man." I  have  weighed carefully, and often,  the meaning of these words. I believe the meaning is simply this,  You must live your life in a such a way that when you must make difficult decisions, or speak truthful opinions  that are often unpopular, you must still speak the truth, by doing this you will be true to yourself and thus, be true to others. Speaking the truth often comes at a price. As a matter of fact, the only person I know who always spoke the truth was Jesus Christ and he was crucified for it. These words also mean a great deal to me," the harder the truth the truer the friend that tells it." I must admit, I often  feel like Jack Nicholson, in the movie, " A Few Good Men" when he says, " You can't handle the truth!" I'm afraid, I  have to say those words to many people in America today.
  I wish I could tell you,  Americas future looks bright. I must be true to myself, and my conscience demands  that I speak the truth as I see it.The few people in America who try to speak the truth are often called terrorist. I will admit , it is much easier, to go with the flow and say or do nothing. People often tell me I am to political or to to religious. they tell me they won't discuss such controversial topics. Well, that is certainly a safe position, and I can assure you it will accomplish nothing to help America's future.
  Some give America, less than twenty years if as a nation we stay on this path of moral,  social,  political,  and economic destruction.I wonder, if  China or some other nation should  one day gain control  of America either militarily, or economically, which, is just as bad, in my opinion, on,  that day when children ask their parents how could this happen, how come no one said or did anything, will parents, take comfort in the knowledge they said or did nothing because it was easier, and  safer to avoid controversial topics? America better wise up and soon but, I wonder can America face the truth? As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.
 
 

Time Warp

  I recently wrote a blog about what life would be if we could go back in time 120 years a go. Well yesterday I got the chance to find out I didn't go back in time,  but I  did loose my television,   phone,  and computer  for a day. I have to tell you, it was like steeping in a time warp. I had almost forgotten how many calls I make each day. I took for granted how much research is easily done on a computer. I couldn't see my favorite History,  sports, or news programs now what?
  I had to accept the fact I would have to find some thing else to do and you know, I did. I went to bed early, the next morning I had a nice talk with my wife and my little girl swam in the new pool that I recently bought for her. I had a second cup of coffee and discovered I kinda like it  Quiet in the mornings, you get to hear the birds sing. I even caught up on some reading I had been meaning to do. I was surprised, how  life  did go on,  and how quickly adjustments can be made when life gives you no choice.
  I won't kid you,  I am glad to have my television, phone, and computer back. I am happy because my little girl can play her favorite computer games. I must admit however,  this temporary trip through a time warp wasn't all bad in fact, it was kinda nice for a change, As always, my friends, these thoughts remain, just some words to think on.

America Is God On Our Side?

  The Civil war was without question, one of the most turbulent time periods in American history. The very existence of the nation was at stake. President Lincoln understood very well that America was clearly, divided. Lincoln, in an attempt to gain divine wisdom, began reading his Bible late one April evening in the spring of 1862. As he searched the scriptures for both comfort and guidance, it seemed his soul was troubled. Lincoln's Secretary of  State William Seward noticed the Presidents distress and and asked, "Mr. President, what's the matter? "I am perplexed, replied Lincoln, then, Seward asked, " Mr President have you come across a passage in the Bible that you don't understand? " Lincoln replied, " it is not the passages in the Bible that I don't understand that trouble me " what troubles me are the passages of the Bible I do understand." Seward, seeking to offer encouragement to the troubled President then, said, " don't worry Mr. President, I'm sure God is on our side" President Lincoln considered Seward's words then said, " Secretary Seward,  "I am not concerned  so much if  God is on our side, but I am deeply concerned whether I and this fragile nation are on God's side."
  As I consider the many problems America is facing today, I can not help but see a  striking similarity between 1862 and today. While our nation may not be at war per say, with in our own boarders, America certainly is waging war in the arenas of  economics politics morality, religion,  and over all world view. Whether America  continues as a thriving country depends largely, I believe on the direction we choose to go in all of these areas. I am reminded of a quote Ben Franklin said in the early days of our nation he said this, " if a sparrow can not fall without God's notice,   can a nation truly rise without his aid?"
  There are many, in America today who believe, that America should be a totally secular nation void of any religious influence. I  fear, that once again the future existence of America is at stake. Today, I  pause to wonder just as President Lincoln did, not so much whether God is on America's side, but is America on God's side? As always, my friends, these thoughts  remain, just some words to think on.

America I God On Our Side?

  The Civil war was without question, one of the most turbulent time periods in American history. The very existance