"So, I was talking to this little girl, Catherine, the daughter of some friends, and she said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there with us.
I asked Catherine - 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?' Catherine replied - 'I would give houses to all the homeless people.' 'Wow - what a worthy goal you have there, Catherine.', I told her.
'You don't have to wait until you're President to help the homeless, you can come over to my house and clean up all the dog poop in my back yard and I will pay you $5 dollars. Then we can go over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $5 dollars to use toward a new house.'
Catherine (who was about 5) thought that over for a second, while her mom looked at me seething, and Catherine replied, 'Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and clean up the dog poop and you can just pay him the $5 dollars?'
And I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party'."
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED
For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie.
From a Chaplain in Iraq :
I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at att ention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq , north of Bagdad
From a Chaplain in Iraq :
I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at att ention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:
"And the rockets red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled
banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free
and the home of the brave"
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq , north of Bagdad
*I am very Proud to be an American!!!*
Monday, July 21, 2008
YOU AIN'T GONNA LIKE LOSING !!
Most everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President George Bush. But, this article makes a lot of sense, and I hope you will take 2 minutes and read it, and give it some careful thought. I have never seen the 'situation' expressed any better in words!
Recently I was talking to a friend about the upcoming election and the candidates. As we ended our discussion he said 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - when we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII.
It is not.
Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders.
Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not, or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today.
Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.
Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort.
Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.
You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President.
Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted.
And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops!
Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.
There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets.
No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.
It is not the same country.
It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam.
It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So.... We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing.
America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall.
Author unknown
Recently I was talking to a friend about the upcoming election and the candidates. As we ended our discussion he said 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - when we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!'
President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq . Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII.
It is not.
Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders.
Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not, or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today.
Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.
Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort.
Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.
You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President.
Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted.
And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops!
Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.
There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets.
No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.
It is not the same country.
It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices. We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam.
It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So.... We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing.
America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall.
Author unknown
JOHN 3:16
In the city of Chicago, one cold-dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner; the people were in and out of the the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.
He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight, would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there,of a night. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."
The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16 and they will let you in."
So he did, he walked up the steps to the door, and knocked on the door and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace and she went off. He sat there for a while, and thought to himself, "John 3:16... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm."
Later she came back and asked him, "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat anymore. Then he thought to himself, "John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a hungry boy full."
She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean.
You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that old fire hydrant as they flushed it out."
The lady came in and got him, and took him to a room and tucked him into a big old feather bed and pulled the covers up around his neck and kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he laid in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a tired boy rested."
The next morning she came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and she took a big old Bible and sat down in front of him and she looked up at him and she asked, "Do you understand John 3:16," and she began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there in front of that big old fireplace he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought, "John 3:16. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe."
You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God would be willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand it either, but it sure does make life worth living.
Author Unknown
He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight, would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there,of a night. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."
The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16 and they will let you in."
So he did, he walked up the steps to the door, and knocked on the door and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace and she went off. He sat there for a while, and thought to himself, "John 3:16... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm."
Later she came back and asked him, "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat anymore. Then he thought to himself, "John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a hungry boy full."
She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean.
You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that old fire hydrant as they flushed it out."
The lady came in and got him, and took him to a room and tucked him into a big old feather bed and pulled the covers up around his neck and kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he laid in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night he thought to himself, "John 3:16... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a tired boy rested."
The next morning she came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and she took a big old Bible and sat down in front of him and she looked up at him and she asked, "Do you understand John 3:16," and she began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there in front of that big old fireplace he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought, "John 3:16. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe."
You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God would be willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand it either, but it sure does make life worth living.
Author Unknown
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
WHAT IF GOD HAD AN ANSWERING MACHINE?
I have learned to live with answering machines as a necessary part of modernization. But I've often wondered --- what if God decided to install an answering machine? Imagine praying, then hearing this:
"Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please press 1 for a request. Press 2 for a thanksgiving. Press 3 to complain. For all other inquiries, press 4."
So I press 1 and I hear: "We're sorry. Due to heavier than expected volume we are unable to make a connection with God; please try again later. Your business is important to us."
What if God used the familiar excuse: "All of the angels are helping other souls right now. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order it was received."
Can you imagine these kinds of recorded responses as you call on God in prayer:
"To find out how many angels dance on the head of a pin, press 4."
"If you'd like King David to sing a psalm for you, press 6."
"To find out if your relative is here , enter the date they departed and listen for the list that follows."
"To confirm your reservations at My Father's House, press the letters J-O-H-N, followed by the numbers 3-1-6."
"To find out what your pastor is doing at the moment, press 7."
"If you want to know what I think of American politics, don't press anything. Hang up and listen for laughter."
"For the answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth, or where Noah's Ark is...wait till you get here!"
"Our computers indicate you've called once today, already. Please hang up immediately."
"This office is closed for the weekend. Please call Monday."
Thank God we can call on him anytime, and the line is never busy. God takes each call personally, and we'll never be put on "hold"!
Best of all, God often calls on us. Are you waiting for His call? If you listen carefully, you just might hear music in the background and God sing, "I just called to say 'I love you!' I just called to say how much I care..."
© Reverend Paul Kummer
"Thank you for calling My Father's House. Please press 1 for a request. Press 2 for a thanksgiving. Press 3 to complain. For all other inquiries, press 4."
So I press 1 and I hear: "We're sorry. Due to heavier than expected volume we are unable to make a connection with God; please try again later. Your business is important to us."
What if God used the familiar excuse: "All of the angels are helping other souls right now. Please stay on the line and your call will be answered in the order it was received."
Can you imagine these kinds of recorded responses as you call on God in prayer:
"To find out how many angels dance on the head of a pin, press 4."
"If you'd like King David to sing a psalm for you, press 6."
"To find out if your relative is here , enter the date they departed and listen for the list that follows."
"To confirm your reservations at My Father's House, press the letters J-O-H-N, followed by the numbers 3-1-6."
"To find out what your pastor is doing at the moment, press 7."
"If you want to know what I think of American politics, don't press anything. Hang up and listen for laughter."
"For the answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth, or where Noah's Ark is...wait till you get here!"
"Our computers indicate you've called once today, already. Please hang up immediately."
"This office is closed for the weekend. Please call Monday."
Thank God we can call on him anytime, and the line is never busy. God takes each call personally, and we'll never be put on "hold"!
Best of all, God often calls on us. Are you waiting for His call? If you listen carefully, you just might hear music in the background and God sing, "I just called to say 'I love you!' I just called to say how much I care..."
© Reverend Paul Kummer
Saturday, June 14, 2008
WHAT DO ANGELS LOOK LIKE ?
Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.
Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.
Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.
Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.
Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.
Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.
Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn't think you had one.
Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types. Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without. They come disguised as friends, enemies teachers, students, lovers and fools. They don't take life too seriously, they travel light. They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.
They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, but when you choose to see, they are everywhere you look. So, open you eyes and count all your Angels -- for you are truly blessed!
Author Unknown
Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.
Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.
Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.
Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.
Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.
Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn't think you had one.
Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types. Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without. They come disguised as friends, enemies teachers, students, lovers and fools. They don't take life too seriously, they travel light. They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.
They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, but when you choose to see, they are everywhere you look. So, open you eyes and count all your Angels -- for you are truly blessed!
Author Unknown
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
SHOES IN CHURCH !!
I showered and shaved....... ....... I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat......... .... In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer...... ... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our solestouch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine....... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"..... ......... I thought, "This man with
the shoes....................... has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said........ ...... a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer...... . But my thoughts were on his shoes
again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended....... .... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters..... ... His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering.... ... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out......... . What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink." as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service..... . As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow..... ........ And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer...... .. I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming...... ... For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie..... ..... I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large, wide grin.
"Let me explain," he said........ . Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi."
"I know that my appearance.. ......."Is not like all the rest.
"But I really do try......... ........" To always look my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk.
"But by the time I get here........ ."They're dirty and dusty, likechalk.
"My heart filled with pain........ .... and I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize... ...... For daring to sit so near..He said, "When I get here........ ..."I know I must look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite."I was silent for a moment...... ...... Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.. . I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part;
"That the best of any man......... ..."Is what is found in his heart.
"The rest, I thought,.... ......... ... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched mysoul
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead,
tell the storm how big your God is!
"We make a Living by what we get;
we make a Life by what we give.God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you toit, He will bring you through it.
I got there and sat......... .... In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer...... ... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our solestouch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine....... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"..... ......... I thought, "This man with
the shoes....................... has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said........ ...... a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer...... . But my thoughts were on his shoes
again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended....... .... And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters..... ... His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering.... ... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out......... . What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink." as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service..... . As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow..... ........ And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer...... .. I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming...... ... For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie..... ..... I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes....... But he had a large, wide grin.
"Let me explain," he said........ . Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi."
"I know that my appearance.. ......."Is not like all the rest.
"But I really do try......... ........" To always look my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk.
"But by the time I get here........ ."They're dirty and dusty, likechalk.
"My heart filled with pain........ .... and I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize... ...... For daring to sit so near..He said, "When I get here........ ..."I know I must look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite."I was silent for a moment...... ...... Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.. . I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part;
"That the best of any man......... ..."Is what is found in his heart.
"The rest, I thought,.... ......... ... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched mysoul
You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead,
tell the storm how big your God is!
"We make a Living by what we get;
we make a Life by what we give.God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you toit, He will bring you through it.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
HELP !
Please help by logging in each day to these sites:
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3
Every living creature thanks you !!!
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3
Every living creature thanks you !!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
DIVIDING-UP THE NUTS !!
Just outside a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucket with nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.
"One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy. Then they dropped several and those several rolled down toward the fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard something -- maybe voices -- from inside the cemetery.
He thought he better check it out and sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me."
He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.
"Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls."
The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk." When the boy insisted though, the man slowly made his way to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me..."
The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord." Shaking with fear, they both looked through the fence. Still they couldn't see anything.
The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."
And guess what?? The old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the boy on the bike !!!
"One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy. Then they dropped several and those several rolled down toward the fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard something -- maybe voices -- from inside the cemetery.
He thought he better check it out and sure enough, he heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me."
He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.
"Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls."
The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk." When the boy insisted though, the man slowly made his way to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me..."
The old man whispered, "Boy, you've been tellin' the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord." Shaking with fear, they both looked through the fence. Still they couldn't see anything.
The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.
At last they heard, "One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."
And guess what?? The old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the boy on the bike !!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE !
This is the story of our Grandmothers, and Great-grandmothers, as they lived only 90 years ago. It was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs, and their warden's blessing, went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of "obstructing sidewalk traffic."
They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the "Night of Terror" on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly?
Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie "Iron Jawed Angels." It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have mysay. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. "One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie," she said. "What would those women think of the way I use--or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn." The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her "all over again."
HBO released the movie on video and DVD. I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum. I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.The doctor admonished the men: "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity."
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
Author Unknown
The women were innocent and defenseless. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs, and their warden's blessing, went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of "obstructing sidewalk traffic."
They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the "Night of Terror" on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly?
We have carpool duties?
We have to get to work?
Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?
Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie "Iron Jawed Angels." It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have mysay. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. "One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie," she said. "What would those women think of the way I use--or don't use--my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn." The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her "all over again."
HBO released the movie on video and DVD. I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum. I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.The doctor admonished the men: "Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity."
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.
Author Unknown
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