Just when I thought I'd heard everything.... I thought the dumbest thing I could hear this week was Obama saying that all of the wildfires in Texas are the result of global warming. How stupid is that! I thought that had to be the dumbest thing of the week. But wait.... now I've heard something even dumber.
A California teacher banned students from saying "God bless you" when a classmate sneezes in his classroom, claiming the blessing is "disruptive" and "disrespectful." Say what?
The teacher knocked 25 points off a student's grade to deter other students from saying "bless you" and other religious phrases that offend the teacher's sensibility. Parents were outraged, and they should be. The parents protested, saying the teacher doesn't have the right to impose his beliefs on others. The school agreed.
This nut isn't smart enough to be a teacher. He claimed the ban had nothing to do with religion. But this is really just another assault on Christianity in America. First, prayer is removed from school; then, they try to ban the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, some want to take all mention of God out of the public arena.
It's sad but really not surprising. The Bible says persecution will grow against believers in the last days.
I never thought America could become a country where Christians could face persecution and even danger because of their beliefs. We're not to that point yet, but America is headed in that direction. Could it become illegal to read our Bibles and worship God in the United States? I pray that never happens here, but the truth is that it could happen.
We must be diligent and pray for our country; we must hold on to our Christian beliefs, and we must stand for God and never back down. God is faithful. He will see us through if we take our stand and persevere until the end. We're almost there. So just hold on to God!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Eternity
If you knew this would be your last day, would you live it differently? Most people don't know the day they will die. No one likes to think about it.
In the last few weeks, two of my friends have passed away. Both died unexpectedly. This has made me think about how brief our lives really are. The truth is that we don't know when our last day will come.
We often get so caught up in the busyness of everyday life that we don't think much about the future. Besides, it's depressing to think about death all the time. But we should stop and think about what happens to us after we die. This life is just a vapor and then we go into eternity.
We don't automatically go to heaven when we die. We must have a real relationship with Jesus.
For those who have made Jesus their Lord and savior, our future is secure. We know we have a home in heaven when we die. But those who don't know the Lord don't have this promise. Sadly, many people die every day, and the majority do not go to heaven.
Matthew 7 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
FEW will find it. I want to be one of the few. I want YOU to be one of the few. I want to see all of my family and friends in heaven some day. That's why I write these blogs. I hope someone will read this and stop to think about their life and where they will spend eternity.
None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, but we can be sure we will go to heaven if we surrender our lives to God and begin to live one day at a time for Him. Don't wait until it's too late. God loves you and wants you to come to Him! Trust your life to Him, and He will give you a secure future in heaven.
In the last few weeks, two of my friends have passed away. Both died unexpectedly. This has made me think about how brief our lives really are. The truth is that we don't know when our last day will come.
We often get so caught up in the busyness of everyday life that we don't think much about the future. Besides, it's depressing to think about death all the time. But we should stop and think about what happens to us after we die. This life is just a vapor and then we go into eternity.
We don't automatically go to heaven when we die. We must have a real relationship with Jesus.
For those who have made Jesus their Lord and savior, our future is secure. We know we have a home in heaven when we die. But those who don't know the Lord don't have this promise. Sadly, many people die every day, and the majority do not go to heaven.
Matthew 7 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
FEW will find it. I want to be one of the few. I want YOU to be one of the few. I want to see all of my family and friends in heaven some day. That's why I write these blogs. I hope someone will read this and stop to think about their life and where they will spend eternity.
None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, but we can be sure we will go to heaven if we surrender our lives to God and begin to live one day at a time for Him. Don't wait until it's too late. God loves you and wants you to come to Him! Trust your life to Him, and He will give you a secure future in heaven.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Attack Watch
When Barack Obama was a boy, I imagine he was one of those whiney brats. You know the type. He's the kid at recess who always ran to the playground monitor to tell on other kids. Most kids grow out of that stage. Not Barack Obama.
"Attack Watch" is a Web site started by Obama's re-election campaign to let his supporters report "attacks" on Obama or on his record. So you better watch out!
If you send an e-mail with an Obama joke, you could end up on his "Attack Watch" list. If you post a disparaging remark about Obama on Facebook -- I don't know anyone who does that -- you could be on the list.
And if you talk about him on your blog all the time and call him a "lying, ultra-liberal, pro-baby killing, Socialist, forerunner to the anti-Christ," you could really be in trouble!
In the first 24 hours after the launch of the Web site, more than 100,000 people had signed on to be snitches for the site. They immediately began tweeting in comments made by conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and others.
This Web site is just a second-rate version of previous "Big Brother" sites created by Team Obama. It's actually the fourth such site since Obama took office attempting to respond to political attacks on the president's record. Obama is either really paranoid or really childish.
Gee, I wonder if anyone has reported me to "Attack Watch." That would be so awesome! But if you're going to turn me in, I have one request: Please spell my name correctly. I just HATE it when people misspell my name!
"Attack Watch" is a Web site started by Obama's re-election campaign to let his supporters report "attacks" on Obama or on his record. So you better watch out!
If you send an e-mail with an Obama joke, you could end up on his "Attack Watch" list. If you post a disparaging remark about Obama on Facebook -- I don't know anyone who does that -- you could be on the list.
And if you talk about him on your blog all the time and call him a "lying, ultra-liberal, pro-baby killing, Socialist, forerunner to the anti-Christ," you could really be in trouble!
In the first 24 hours after the launch of the Web site, more than 100,000 people had signed on to be snitches for the site. They immediately began tweeting in comments made by conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and others.
This Web site is just a second-rate version of previous "Big Brother" sites created by Team Obama. It's actually the fourth such site since Obama took office attempting to respond to political attacks on the president's record. Obama is either really paranoid or really childish.
Gee, I wonder if anyone has reported me to "Attack Watch." That would be so awesome! But if you're going to turn me in, I have one request: Please spell my name correctly. I just HATE it when people misspell my name!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Faith & Politics
Talk-show host Laura Ingraham posted this question on her Facebook page: "When choosing a candidate, what role does the candidate's faith have in your decision to vote for him?" The question drew a lot of responses. While some said a candidate's faith (or lack of) doesn't influence their decision, many others said it is important to them.
In the media, candidates who talk about their faith are usually ridiculed. The media did it to George Bush and Sarah Palin, and now they're doing it to Rick Perry.
Faith matters to me. It does play a part when I am considering voting for a candidate. Perry was hammered when he said he believes he is "called" to run for president. But I believe God really does call people to be leaders. That is their assignment in life. I want leaders who are called by the Lord. In fact, I wish we had more leaders who look to God to guide them.
I'm thankful for men like Perry and others who are willing to step up and run for office. It is a calling.
Last night, I got to hear Pampa's new mayor speak at a men's fellowship. He is very eager to do what's best for the city and to work to make Pampa better now and for the generations after us. That was one reason I voted for him in our last election. I also voted for him because I know he is a Christian and a godly man.
That's also one reason I'm supporting Perry for president. He's done a good job as our governor for 10 years, and he's not afraid to talk about his faith, regardless of how the media and others may go after him.
The apostle Paul was bold in preaching the Gospel, and he was persecuted for it. That didn't stop him, though. He was even willing to die for the Gospel. Thankfully, candidates today are not persecuted to that extent, but they are often ridiculed for their Christian beliefs.
We should pray for them. We should pray that we have godly leaders in office, and we should pray that they will be bold in taking a stand for God while in office. Faith does matter, even in politics.
In the media, candidates who talk about their faith are usually ridiculed. The media did it to George Bush and Sarah Palin, and now they're doing it to Rick Perry.
Faith matters to me. It does play a part when I am considering voting for a candidate. Perry was hammered when he said he believes he is "called" to run for president. But I believe God really does call people to be leaders. That is their assignment in life. I want leaders who are called by the Lord. In fact, I wish we had more leaders who look to God to guide them.
I'm thankful for men like Perry and others who are willing to step up and run for office. It is a calling.
Last night, I got to hear Pampa's new mayor speak at a men's fellowship. He is very eager to do what's best for the city and to work to make Pampa better now and for the generations after us. That was one reason I voted for him in our last election. I also voted for him because I know he is a Christian and a godly man.
That's also one reason I'm supporting Perry for president. He's done a good job as our governor for 10 years, and he's not afraid to talk about his faith, regardless of how the media and others may go after him.
The apostle Paul was bold in preaching the Gospel, and he was persecuted for it. That didn't stop him, though. He was even willing to die for the Gospel. Thankfully, candidates today are not persecuted to that extent, but they are often ridiculed for their Christian beliefs.
We should pray for them. We should pray that we have godly leaders in office, and we should pray that they will be bold in taking a stand for God while in office. Faith does matter, even in politics.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Stand Up For Patriotism
I never thought I'd see a day when saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the National Anthem would offend people. What's happened to patriotism in America?
A group in Massachusetts is calling on schools in one town to ban students from saying the Pledge of Allegiance, saying it has no educational value. These morons say reciting the pledge may put kids in an "uncomfortable situation" by pressuring them to participate in the pledge. The group wants voters in the town to ban the pledge from its schools.
The school district had already limited saying the pledge to once a week, and it was completely voluntary.
This is so unbelievable to me. Do people really hate America that much? Or is it just because the pledge has the words "under God" in it?
In another case, a fan at last week's Cowboys-Jets game started a fight in the stands when other fans asked him to take off his hat and stand during the National Anthem. The man refused. He then responded by using a Taser on others in the group, including one Marine.
The man with the Taser was arrested. He later said he is a Jehovah's Witness and doesn't believe in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem.
Is this what our country is coming to? Violence? I respect people's rights, but people should have more respect for their country. Things may be bad in America right now, but this is still the greatest country God has ever created. I'm proud to be an American, and I'll proudly continue to show my patriotism. If that offends some, maybe they need to move. They may not be proud to be an American, but I am!
A group in Massachusetts is calling on schools in one town to ban students from saying the Pledge of Allegiance, saying it has no educational value. These morons say reciting the pledge may put kids in an "uncomfortable situation" by pressuring them to participate in the pledge. The group wants voters in the town to ban the pledge from its schools.
The school district had already limited saying the pledge to once a week, and it was completely voluntary.
This is so unbelievable to me. Do people really hate America that much? Or is it just because the pledge has the words "under God" in it?
In another case, a fan at last week's Cowboys-Jets game started a fight in the stands when other fans asked him to take off his hat and stand during the National Anthem. The man refused. He then responded by using a Taser on others in the group, including one Marine.
The man with the Taser was arrested. He later said he is a Jehovah's Witness and doesn't believe in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem.
Is this what our country is coming to? Violence? I respect people's rights, but people should have more respect for their country. Things may be bad in America right now, but this is still the greatest country God has ever created. I'm proud to be an American, and I'll proudly continue to show my patriotism. If that offends some, maybe they need to move. They may not be proud to be an American, but I am!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Remembering...
For decades, Dennis Spies worked to make sure the Amarillo Globe-News got out -- on time, every day. He was managing editor of the newspaper when I went to work there in 1992, and he helped me a lot as I was starting out in the business. Dennis passed away on Saturday, so I wanted to share a few memories.
Dennis interviewed me for an internship at the paper while I was still in college. I didn't get that job.
Then, when I was hired as a copy editor two years later, Dennis helped me become a better editor. It wasn't always fun when you saw him walking toward your desk with a marked-up tear sheet in his hand. It usually meant he had found a mistake. But sometimes, he just wanted to show us how we could have made the page better. I learned so much from him, and it made me a better copy editor.
Dennis was an old-school editor who saw many changes in the newspaper industry, like the change from hot metal to electronic type. He started at the Globe-News as a reporter in 1966 and worked his way up through the newsroom to managing editor.
He retired from the paper in 2001 only to return a few years later. This time, he was the editor who was directly over the copy desk. I was excited to get to work with him again. And again, he tried to share his years of experience with us. He had weekly staff meetings for the copy editors. We weren't always thrilled to see him walk in with his stack of marked-up newspapers, but it paid off in helping us make the paper better.
When he left the Globe-News again, he took a position as editor of The Pampa News. He drove back and forth from Amarillo to Pampa for a couple of years. I really enjoyed reading the folksy columns that he wrote for the paper. I'm sure he improved the Pampa paper in the time he was there.
******
The Pampa News sure could have used Dennis' eagle eye last week. It had a doozy of a mistake in the obituaries! Of all the sections in the paper, the obituaries are the worst place to make a mistake. But, not surprisingly, The Pampa News managed to do it again. There were three obituaries with pictures, and somehow, the paper had the same name under all three photos. Ooops! That's why you NEVER use "copy and paste" on namelines. I noticed the paper re-ran all three obituaries the next day.
If only Dennis had been there! He was a great editor and an even better friend. He will be greatly missed.
Dennis interviewed me for an internship at the paper while I was still in college. I didn't get that job.
Then, when I was hired as a copy editor two years later, Dennis helped me become a better editor. It wasn't always fun when you saw him walking toward your desk with a marked-up tear sheet in his hand. It usually meant he had found a mistake. But sometimes, he just wanted to show us how we could have made the page better. I learned so much from him, and it made me a better copy editor.
Dennis was an old-school editor who saw many changes in the newspaper industry, like the change from hot metal to electronic type. He started at the Globe-News as a reporter in 1966 and worked his way up through the newsroom to managing editor.
He retired from the paper in 2001 only to return a few years later. This time, he was the editor who was directly over the copy desk. I was excited to get to work with him again. And again, he tried to share his years of experience with us. He had weekly staff meetings for the copy editors. We weren't always thrilled to see him walk in with his stack of marked-up newspapers, but it paid off in helping us make the paper better.
When he left the Globe-News again, he took a position as editor of The Pampa News. He drove back and forth from Amarillo to Pampa for a couple of years. I really enjoyed reading the folksy columns that he wrote for the paper. I'm sure he improved the Pampa paper in the time he was there.
******
The Pampa News sure could have used Dennis' eagle eye last week. It had a doozy of a mistake in the obituaries! Of all the sections in the paper, the obituaries are the worst place to make a mistake. But, not surprisingly, The Pampa News managed to do it again. There were three obituaries with pictures, and somehow, the paper had the same name under all three photos. Ooops! That's why you NEVER use "copy and paste" on namelines. I noticed the paper re-ran all three obituaries the next day.
If only Dennis had been there! He was a great editor and an even better friend. He will be greatly missed.
Friday, September 9, 2011
In The News
I'm sure my readers want to know what I thought about Obama's dog-and-pony-show jobs speech last night. So, after much thought and careful analysis, I have been able to sum up the speech for you with one word: YAWN!
A commentator on Fox said it this way, "Obama doubled-down on stupid." That pretty much says it all. The jobs plan may have had a few good ideas, but if the country can't pay for the programs, what's the point? Obama didn't say how he plans to pay for these things. Once again, he wants Congress to "pass the bill now" and pay for it later. Just like he did with the health-care bill.
This wasn't a speech on economics. This was a campaign speech. It was about Obama making more empty promises so he can get re-elected. The only job he cares about is his own! He doesn't care about the thousands of Americans who are without jobs and struggling in this economy. He just wants their votes, and he'll say anything to get them.
But the tide is turning against Obama. His approval rating gets lower every week. Maybe Americans are finally waking up and seeing the truth about him. His Socialist ideas won't work. That's why Obama will be a one-term president just like his pal Jimmy Carter!
******
Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. There will be events this weekend in New York City to remember the victims and their families. But New York City's mayor is not allowing any clergy to speak at the event. It will instead focus simply on the families of the 9-11 victims.
This is sad. In the days after the attacks in 2001, people didn't turn to politicians; they turned to God for answers. The clergy was there to comfort families and help them deal with this tragedy. Ministers helped point people to God and were an important part of the recovery process.
Why would Mayor Bloomberg ban clergy from this important event? His critics say it shows a prejudice against religion in America.
I think it's another attempt to keep God out of our nation. Some of the country's leaders simply do not want God to be involved in any part of our society. That's a huge mistake. If we ever needed God, we need Him now.
We shouldn't just look to God in times of need. We should look to Him at all times. God is still in control whether we want to acknowledge Him or not. I hope people will come together to pray and seek God for our country this weekend. And then keep seeking Him long after this weekend's memorial events. God is the only hope for America.
A commentator on Fox said it this way, "Obama doubled-down on stupid." That pretty much says it all. The jobs plan may have had a few good ideas, but if the country can't pay for the programs, what's the point? Obama didn't say how he plans to pay for these things. Once again, he wants Congress to "pass the bill now" and pay for it later. Just like he did with the health-care bill.
This wasn't a speech on economics. This was a campaign speech. It was about Obama making more empty promises so he can get re-elected. The only job he cares about is his own! He doesn't care about the thousands of Americans who are without jobs and struggling in this economy. He just wants their votes, and he'll say anything to get them.
But the tide is turning against Obama. His approval rating gets lower every week. Maybe Americans are finally waking up and seeing the truth about him. His Socialist ideas won't work. That's why Obama will be a one-term president just like his pal Jimmy Carter!
******
Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. There will be events this weekend in New York City to remember the victims and their families. But New York City's mayor is not allowing any clergy to speak at the event. It will instead focus simply on the families of the 9-11 victims.
This is sad. In the days after the attacks in 2001, people didn't turn to politicians; they turned to God for answers. The clergy was there to comfort families and help them deal with this tragedy. Ministers helped point people to God and were an important part of the recovery process.
Why would Mayor Bloomberg ban clergy from this important event? His critics say it shows a prejudice against religion in America.
I think it's another attempt to keep God out of our nation. Some of the country's leaders simply do not want God to be involved in any part of our society. That's a huge mistake. If we ever needed God, we need Him now.
We shouldn't just look to God in times of need. We should look to Him at all times. God is still in control whether we want to acknowledge Him or not. I hope people will come together to pray and seek God for our country this weekend. And then keep seeking Him long after this weekend's memorial events. God is the only hope for America.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Goodbye, Summer
It looks like summer's extreme heat wave has finally given up the ghost, and signs of fall are in the air. It couldn't come too soon for me. I'm definitely ready for fall!
It was in the 70s yesterday, which made for perfect weather for the annual Chautauqua festival that Pampa has on Labor Day. I went early in the day, and there was a nice cool breeze in the park. Some people even had jackets on. Those crazy people! I don't even get my jacket out until it hits 32 degrees.
I enjoyed riding through the park looking at the crafts booths. Some groups were giving out free food like watermelon and popsicles. I went for the cotton candy and a corn dog. (Those weren't free but sure hit the spot.)
I was surprised how many people I knew there. I hadn't seen some of them since last year's Chautauqua. I also met up with some friends from college who I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years. We were in classes together at Clarendon College-Pampa. That seems like so long ago now. We had so much fun at that little campus that used to be an elementary school. I had forgotten some of the things we did there until I talked to this couple yesterday. They reminded me how much fun we had. It was great to see them after all these years.
The festival also had plenty of music yesterday. Area musicians and school choirs performed on the bandstand throughout the day. I heard several good groups while I was there.
And now, with Labor Day and another Chautauqua finished, fall must surely be on the way. We can hope so anyway. Summer has definitely outstayed its welcome. So I will say goodbye to this long, hot summer and.... bring on the snow!
It was in the 70s yesterday, which made for perfect weather for the annual Chautauqua festival that Pampa has on Labor Day. I went early in the day, and there was a nice cool breeze in the park. Some people even had jackets on. Those crazy people! I don't even get my jacket out until it hits 32 degrees.
I enjoyed riding through the park looking at the crafts booths. Some groups were giving out free food like watermelon and popsicles. I went for the cotton candy and a corn dog. (Those weren't free but sure hit the spot.)
I was surprised how many people I knew there. I hadn't seen some of them since last year's Chautauqua. I also met up with some friends from college who I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years. We were in classes together at Clarendon College-Pampa. That seems like so long ago now. We had so much fun at that little campus that used to be an elementary school. I had forgotten some of the things we did there until I talked to this couple yesterday. They reminded me how much fun we had. It was great to see them after all these years.
The festival also had plenty of music yesterday. Area musicians and school choirs performed on the bandstand throughout the day. I heard several good groups while I was there.
And now, with Labor Day and another Chautauqua finished, fall must surely be on the way. We can hope so anyway. Summer has definitely outstayed its welcome. So I will say goodbye to this long, hot summer and.... bring on the snow!
Friday, September 2, 2011
News & Views
In addition to a failing grade for his handling of the economy, Obama has now earned a "Does not play well with others" on his report card. I think it's so funny -- and stupid -- that he tried to upstage the Republicans by planning to give his big "jobs speech" on the same night as the GOP debate. Then, he caved and moved his speech to another night.
This makes Obama look like such an amateur. He thought he could get the upper hand by stealing the spotlight from the Republicans. I have to hand it to the speaker of the House for telling Obama that his speech would have to wait. Obama looks so small and petty now.
Obama's "big speech" will probably be nothing more than regurgitation of the same old failed ideas he's tried for three years. His policies don't work. That's why the country is in the mess it's in. His stimulus plan has been a big flop.
Now, the speech will be the same night as the first game of the NFL season. I think a lot more people will be watching football than the speech. I'd rather watch the game, and I don't even like football!
******
The president should have planned his speech for the opening night of "Dancing With the Stars." That show will have a lot fewer viewers this season.
Fans of the show are upset that it has cast gender-confused Chastity Bono to be on the show. I won't get on my soapbox, but I'll say this... God gives us free will to make many choices in life, but He does NOT give us a choice about what gender we are. He decided that when He formed us in the womb. Whatever parts you're born with, you're stuck with. God is much wiser than we are, so quit trying to change what He created.
OK, maybe I did get on my soapbox. So I won't go into the ridiculous notion that the show's execs also "thought about" having Carson Kressley dance with a man on this season's shows.
Again, I'd rather watch football!
This makes Obama look like such an amateur. He thought he could get the upper hand by stealing the spotlight from the Republicans. I have to hand it to the speaker of the House for telling Obama that his speech would have to wait. Obama looks so small and petty now.
Obama's "big speech" will probably be nothing more than regurgitation of the same old failed ideas he's tried for three years. His policies don't work. That's why the country is in the mess it's in. His stimulus plan has been a big flop.
Now, the speech will be the same night as the first game of the NFL season. I think a lot more people will be watching football than the speech. I'd rather watch the game, and I don't even like football!
******
The president should have planned his speech for the opening night of "Dancing With the Stars." That show will have a lot fewer viewers this season.
Fans of the show are upset that it has cast gender-confused Chastity Bono to be on the show. I won't get on my soapbox, but I'll say this... God gives us free will to make many choices in life, but He does NOT give us a choice about what gender we are. He decided that when He formed us in the womb. Whatever parts you're born with, you're stuck with. God is much wiser than we are, so quit trying to change what He created.
OK, maybe I did get on my soapbox. So I won't go into the ridiculous notion that the show's execs also "thought about" having Carson Kressley dance with a man on this season's shows.
Again, I'd rather watch football!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)