I'm in trouble.... AGAIN. I guess I was sharing too many details about our wild weekend in Oklahoma. HA! I got a lot of hits on my blog link. I even had offers from people willing to pay money for the pictures of Karen. (Call me, Alice. We can negotiate.)
Well, it's not the first time I've been in trouble for something I've written. Karen says I've lost some friends on Facebook because of my "opinionated" comments. Maybe I am a LITTLE opinionated on things like politics and religion. I'm just telling it like I see it.
It's true. I have been un-friended by some on Facebook who didn't like my opinions. I've been dropped by a lot of liberals.... a few atheists.... and probably a couple of cross-dressing vegetarians.... But, hey, this is America. We still have the right to free speech (despite Obama's efforts to silence Conservatives).
I haven't always been so outspoken, though. When I started writing, I was afraid to write anything controversial because I didn't want to offend anyone.
When I first became editor of my college newspaper, I had to write the editorial. I dreaded it every week. I didn't want to express my opinions because someone might disagree with me or I might offend someone. I would put off writing the editorial until the last minute before deadline. Sometimes, I drafted one of the other editors to write it. I was so afraid people would disagree with me.
In time, I came to enjoy writing my opinions. I'm sure I offended a few people (not on purpose, of course), and a whole lot of people called the paper to disagree with me. And that's their right. I know my opinion isn't the only opinion, and it may not always be the right opinion (although most of the time I AM right).
I still don't like to offend people. But sometimes you have to take a stand and speak out for what you believe in. So if I have offended anyone, let me just say as kindly and humbly as I can.... OH, GET OVER IT (or start your own blog and give me YOUR opinions)!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
'Party' Weekend
It was a great weekend of fun and laughter. The family -- about 30 of us -- was all together in Oklahoma, for my aunt's birthday. I better not tell her age. (I don't think she'd want everyone to know she's been around three-quarters of a century....)
Mom and her three sisters, dubbed "The Golden Girls," were the life of the party. We taught them my new favorite drinking song, that "Red Solo Cup," and we have photographic evidence to hold against them. I better be clear, though.... The strongest thing is their red cups was iced tea! I can say the same about my red cup and about at least most of the cousins. HA HA!
We had a lot of fun with the "Doggie Doo" game. If you haven't heard about the Doggie Doo game, Google it! I can't explain it. You just have to see it for yourself!
Of course, there was LOTS of food. Mom's famous chocolate cake and Della's Mississippi Mud cake were gone in no time! (I got some of both!) For the record, I did not tell Mom that she should go back in the house and eat at the old people's table.... Well, not in those exact words anyway.
I'll remember the laughs we shared for a long time, and we'll all remember Karen's "shopping cart." We have pictures to prove that, too.
It was nice that we could all be together on a happy occasion. Often, it seems the only time the whole family is together anymore is at a sad time, like a funeral. So it was great that so many of us were there this weekend.
Now that I've exposed all the family secrets and our party weekend, I want to thank the cousins and everyone who worked to put it together. I can't remember when I had a better weekend!
Mom and her three sisters, dubbed "The Golden Girls," were the life of the party. We taught them my new favorite drinking song, that "Red Solo Cup," and we have photographic evidence to hold against them. I better be clear, though.... The strongest thing is their red cups was iced tea! I can say the same about my red cup and about at least most of the cousins. HA HA!
We had a lot of fun with the "Doggie Doo" game. If you haven't heard about the Doggie Doo game, Google it! I can't explain it. You just have to see it for yourself!
Of course, there was LOTS of food. Mom's famous chocolate cake and Della's Mississippi Mud cake were gone in no time! (I got some of both!) For the record, I did not tell Mom that she should go back in the house and eat at the old people's table.... Well, not in those exact words anyway.
I'll remember the laughs we shared for a long time, and we'll all remember Karen's "shopping cart." We have pictures to prove that, too.
It was nice that we could all be together on a happy occasion. Often, it seems the only time the whole family is together anymore is at a sad time, like a funeral. So it was great that so many of us were there this weekend.
Now that I've exposed all the family secrets and our party weekend, I want to thank the cousins and everyone who worked to put it together. I can't remember when I had a better weekend!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Temptation
Whitney Houston's death was a tragedy that never should've happened. It's a tragedy we've seen over and over with celebrities. Anna Nicole Smith, Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Kurt Cobain. These are just a few of the celebrities who died too early because of drugs or alcohol.
The point is.... Actions matter. What we do today sets the course for the rest of our lives.
We all have things we must deal with -- temptations and trials. It may be drugs and alcohol, or it may be something else.... We all have a cross to bear. The devil has a trap made for each of us, and it's easy to fall for his tricks. The good news is we don't have to face these temptations alone. God is ready to help us.
One of the things that helps us relate to Jesus as a personal savior is that He has been there and can relate to us. The Bible says Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. Yet, He was without sin. He underwent trials and temptations so He would be fully able to help us when we're tempted.
Many times, we think we can handle temptation on our own. I've tried, and it doesn't work. It's too big for us to handle by ourselves. We have to turn it over to God and let Him take control.
I keep thinking about the passage in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus who has any chance of entering heaven. Jesus said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." (Mark 10:27 The Message version)
Whitney Houston had a problem with drinking. She tried to handle it herself, and it may have cost her her life. If only she had turned it over to God....
Are you holding onto something? Give it to God and let Him help you.
The point is.... Actions matter. What we do today sets the course for the rest of our lives.
We all have things we must deal with -- temptations and trials. It may be drugs and alcohol, or it may be something else.... We all have a cross to bear. The devil has a trap made for each of us, and it's easy to fall for his tricks. The good news is we don't have to face these temptations alone. God is ready to help us.
One of the things that helps us relate to Jesus as a personal savior is that He has been there and can relate to us. The Bible says Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are. Yet, He was without sin. He underwent trials and temptations so He would be fully able to help us when we're tempted.
Many times, we think we can handle temptation on our own. I've tried, and it doesn't work. It's too big for us to handle by ourselves. We have to turn it over to God and let Him take control.
I keep thinking about the passage in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus who has any chance of entering heaven. Jesus said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." (Mark 10:27 The Message version)
Whitney Houston had a problem with drinking. She tried to handle it herself, and it may have cost her her life. If only she had turned it over to God....
Are you holding onto something? Give it to God and let Him help you.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Nanny Obama
When Obama was sworn in, I said the Socialists are taking over. I was joking, of course. But it's turned out to be closer to the truth than I imagined. Obama thinks the government should control everything, and he's been pushing the country in that direction for three years.
The government is intruding in our lives, in everything from health care to birth control. It's trying to tell us what kind of cars we can drive and what kind of light bulbs we can use. (I'm hoarding the old-style light bulbs, which are on sale at Walmart for $1, by the way.)
The government is literally trying to take over and run our lives. Now, it's gone from intruding to invading our lives.
A 4-year-old girl in North Carolina had her lunch -- packed by her mother -- taken at school after a state employee said it didn't meet federal nutrition guidelines. Are you kidding me! The girl brought her lunch from home. It had a turkey sandwich, potato chips and fruit. Sounds pretty good to me! But it wasn't good enough for the government. The school replaced her lunch with food from the school cafeteria: chicken nuggets. Then, it charged the girl's mother $1.25 for the school lunch.
That's just ridiculous! I don't care if the girl's lunch had pizza and Twinkies every day. It's none of the government's business!
That's just one example of government intrusion. What's next? Will Obama start telling us what mosque... I mean, church.... we can go to? Will the government try to ban Bibles? It sounds far-fetched that something like that could happen in the U.S., but it wouldn't surprise me. That's where we're headed under Obama.
That's why Obama is so dangerous. He's trying to foist his Socialist ideas on the country, and he won't stop until he turns America into a nanny state.
I don't want that for the United States. I don't want the government interfering in my life. We have to stand up and protect our freedoms, and that starts by voting Obama and his Socialist ideas out of office!
The government is intruding in our lives, in everything from health care to birth control. It's trying to tell us what kind of cars we can drive and what kind of light bulbs we can use. (I'm hoarding the old-style light bulbs, which are on sale at Walmart for $1, by the way.)
The government is literally trying to take over and run our lives. Now, it's gone from intruding to invading our lives.
A 4-year-old girl in North Carolina had her lunch -- packed by her mother -- taken at school after a state employee said it didn't meet federal nutrition guidelines. Are you kidding me! The girl brought her lunch from home. It had a turkey sandwich, potato chips and fruit. Sounds pretty good to me! But it wasn't good enough for the government. The school replaced her lunch with food from the school cafeteria: chicken nuggets. Then, it charged the girl's mother $1.25 for the school lunch.
That's just ridiculous! I don't care if the girl's lunch had pizza and Twinkies every day. It's none of the government's business!
That's just one example of government intrusion. What's next? Will Obama start telling us what mosque... I mean, church.... we can go to? Will the government try to ban Bibles? It sounds far-fetched that something like that could happen in the U.S., but it wouldn't surprise me. That's where we're headed under Obama.
That's why Obama is so dangerous. He's trying to foist his Socialist ideas on the country, and he won't stop until he turns America into a nanny state.
I don't want that for the United States. I don't want the government interfering in my life. We have to stand up and protect our freedoms, and that starts by voting Obama and his Socialist ideas out of office!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Short Stuff
I loved the snow yesterday! It came down heavy and hard for a little while in Pampa, but it didn't add up to much over an inch. It was enough to try out the new scooter in the snow. That was fun. The new scooter has bigger, fatter wheels, so it's great for doing doughnuts in the parking lot!
The neighbor across the parking lot has a little dog. He really gets excited when I ride by on my scooter. He's on a leash, so he can't reach the sidewalk. It's fun to watch him run and play in the snow!
*****
Political commentators are saying the Republican infighting between Mitt and Newt is hurting the GOP, but I love a good catfight.
Four years ago at this time, Obama and Hilary were tearing into each other like Rosie O'Donnell ripping into a box of Ho-Hos®! It wasn't pretty, but it sure was fun to watch. Their attacks on each other didn't hurt the Democratic Party. In the end, they came together. Obama gave Hilary a top post in his Cabinet, and they've lived happily ever after with each other ever since. Yeah right...
The commentators also say Newt should drop out of the race. Again, I disagree. I think he should stay in to let more voters have a say in the process. Only a few states have voted in the primaries so far. So I say let all the candidates stay in and slug it out to the finish.
After coming in dead last in Maine's caucus over the weekend, Newt doesn't seem to have much of a chance of a comeback, but he'll keep the race interesting. It's fun to watch Newt when he's angry. Who knows what he'll say?
If anyone needs to drop out, it should be Ron Paul. He's just crazy. But as long as he's out on the campaign trail, at least it will keep him from coming home to Texas..... For that, I think all Texans will be grateful!
The fun is just beginning. There's a long way to go until the Republican convention this summer, and anything could happen. So hang on. It could be a bumpy ride!
The neighbor across the parking lot has a little dog. He really gets excited when I ride by on my scooter. He's on a leash, so he can't reach the sidewalk. It's fun to watch him run and play in the snow!
*****
Political commentators are saying the Republican infighting between Mitt and Newt is hurting the GOP, but I love a good catfight.
Four years ago at this time, Obama and Hilary were tearing into each other like Rosie O'Donnell ripping into a box of Ho-Hos®! It wasn't pretty, but it sure was fun to watch. Their attacks on each other didn't hurt the Democratic Party. In the end, they came together. Obama gave Hilary a top post in his Cabinet, and they've lived happily ever after with each other ever since. Yeah right...
The commentators also say Newt should drop out of the race. Again, I disagree. I think he should stay in to let more voters have a say in the process. Only a few states have voted in the primaries so far. So I say let all the candidates stay in and slug it out to the finish.
After coming in dead last in Maine's caucus over the weekend, Newt doesn't seem to have much of a chance of a comeback, but he'll keep the race interesting. It's fun to watch Newt when he's angry. Who knows what he'll say?
If anyone needs to drop out, it should be Ron Paul. He's just crazy. But as long as he's out on the campaign trail, at least it will keep him from coming home to Texas..... For that, I think all Texans will be grateful!
The fun is just beginning. There's a long way to go until the Republican convention this summer, and anything could happen. So hang on. It could be a bumpy ride!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Things Are 'Looking Up'
Some are saying the economy is improving, and things in the U.S. will get better in 2012. What planet are they from? I'm usually optimistic. I try to look at the bright side of things. But I believe the U.S. is headed for a disaster.
For once, I'm not blaming Obama. (Well, maybe a little.) In the end, it's not going to matter if Democrats or Republicans are in charge in Washington. All of the signs are pointing to a one-world economic system, just as the Bible prophesies in Revelation. Many say a one-world economy is the "solution" to our national and global financial crisis. Even the pope is supporting the idea of a "central world bank."
That's where we're headed, and I don't think it's far off.
There's been a lot of hype about the year 2012 and the end of the world. The Mayan calendar predicts that the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. Well, it's not the Mayan calendar we need to be watching.... It's God's calendar. And the next big event on God's calendar is the return of Jesus Christ to rapture the church.
The return of Jesus is soon. Yes, it could happen in 2012! It's so awesome to think that we're so close. There's a better world ahead, but it's not in the hope of a one-world government. It's in the hope we have through Jesus! I like what my friend Jimmy Phillips said on the radio last week: "I'm not looking for a hole in the ground... I'm looking for a hole in the sky!" And it could happen any day.
I'm ready to get out of here. I'm ready for my new body. I want to run and run and run all over heaven. I'm going to dance, too! I have a dance waiting for me there.
That's going to be the greatest day ever, and I don't want to miss it! How about you? Will you be ready when Jesus appears? We must do everything we can now to make sure that we're ready and that our family and friends are ready, too.
There are dark times ahead on this earth, but keep looking up. Look up! Jesus is coming soon!
For once, I'm not blaming Obama. (Well, maybe a little.) In the end, it's not going to matter if Democrats or Republicans are in charge in Washington. All of the signs are pointing to a one-world economic system, just as the Bible prophesies in Revelation. Many say a one-world economy is the "solution" to our national and global financial crisis. Even the pope is supporting the idea of a "central world bank."
That's where we're headed, and I don't think it's far off.
There's been a lot of hype about the year 2012 and the end of the world. The Mayan calendar predicts that the world will come to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. Well, it's not the Mayan calendar we need to be watching.... It's God's calendar. And the next big event on God's calendar is the return of Jesus Christ to rapture the church.
The return of Jesus is soon. Yes, it could happen in 2012! It's so awesome to think that we're so close. There's a better world ahead, but it's not in the hope of a one-world government. It's in the hope we have through Jesus! I like what my friend Jimmy Phillips said on the radio last week: "I'm not looking for a hole in the ground... I'm looking for a hole in the sky!" And it could happen any day.
I'm ready to get out of here. I'm ready for my new body. I want to run and run and run all over heaven. I'm going to dance, too! I have a dance waiting for me there.
That's going to be the greatest day ever, and I don't want to miss it! How about you? Will you be ready when Jesus appears? We must do everything we can now to make sure that we're ready and that our family and friends are ready, too.
There are dark times ahead on this earth, but keep looking up. Look up! Jesus is coming soon!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Pass the Guatemala dip, please!
Old habits die hard! As a former copy editor, I still cringe when I see mistakes in the newspaper or hear someone use the wrong word. We were talking about grammar pet peeves last night, and it reminded me of some of my pet peeves.
I try to overlook a lot of the grammar mistakes I see on Facebook, but I find myself wanting to edit people's statuses. It's the little things that bother me, such as using "its" instead of "it's" or "your" instead of "you're." So if YOU'RE on Facebook, please edit YOUR posts.
The worst offender, though, has to be The Pampa News, which obviously has never heard of The Associated Press stylebook! The reporters all make the same mistakes. One of my big pet peeves is when they use the day and the date..... "Friday, February 3." AP style is to use one or the other, not both. I could go on about The Pampa News, but I won't bore you.
It's not always mistakes in written material that bother me. Sometimes, it's when people say the wrong word. Some of the mistakes are funny. I won't name names because I don't want to embarrass my mama! I'm sure a lot of people go to The Plaza and order the "Guatemala" dip. You know, that green stuff!
Even the "professionals" on TV and radio make their share of blunders. I listen to a Christian radio station from Amarillo, and most of its local in-house staff needs to go back to school for some remedial grammar lessons. They're terrible!
On this station's morning show, a husband-wife team has a devotional program. The wife is constantly using the wrong word. It cracks me up sometimes. She's always talking about "getting off her hobbyhorse." Honey, a hobbyhorse is a long stick with the shape of a horse's head at one end.... you need to get off your HIGH horse! I'd like to send this woman Hooked on Phonics, so she can learn to pronounce words correctly, too. It's Clarendon, not Clarenton.
Sometimes on their program, they have a guest host who sounds like he just fell off the turnip truck in Oklahoma! He uses terrible grammar! An example.... "I done seen that there verse before but ain't never saw it like that...." That's the actual sentence he used. I ain't kidding!
The station used to air a program with a retired pastor. He was a pretty good preacher and knew a lot about the Bible, but his catch phrase was "Have you been borned again, friend?" I was tempted so many times to send him an e-mail to tell him "borned" ain't no word.
The drive time host really drives me crazy sometimes. Besides her grating voice, she doesn't know the difference when saying "you and I" and "you and me." She always says, "Jesus loves you and I." NO! He doesn't! Jesus loves you and Jesus loves me, so.... Jesus loves you and me! Got it now?
I know I'm being nitpicky, but these people are on the radio! They should know better. I can't criticize them too much, though. They are doing their best to serve the Lord and spread the Gospel on the airwaves. And, for that, I admire them.
But would it hurt them to pick up the dictionary once in a while?
I try to overlook a lot of the grammar mistakes I see on Facebook, but I find myself wanting to edit people's statuses. It's the little things that bother me, such as using "its" instead of "it's" or "your" instead of "you're." So if YOU'RE on Facebook, please edit YOUR posts.
The worst offender, though, has to be The Pampa News, which obviously has never heard of The Associated Press stylebook! The reporters all make the same mistakes. One of my big pet peeves is when they use the day and the date..... "Friday, February 3." AP style is to use one or the other, not both. I could go on about The Pampa News, but I won't bore you.
It's not always mistakes in written material that bother me. Sometimes, it's when people say the wrong word. Some of the mistakes are funny. I won't name names because I don't want to embarrass my mama! I'm sure a lot of people go to The Plaza and order the "Guatemala" dip. You know, that green stuff!
Even the "professionals" on TV and radio make their share of blunders. I listen to a Christian radio station from Amarillo, and most of its local in-house staff needs to go back to school for some remedial grammar lessons. They're terrible!
On this station's morning show, a husband-wife team has a devotional program. The wife is constantly using the wrong word. It cracks me up sometimes. She's always talking about "getting off her hobbyhorse." Honey, a hobbyhorse is a long stick with the shape of a horse's head at one end.... you need to get off your HIGH horse! I'd like to send this woman Hooked on Phonics, so she can learn to pronounce words correctly, too. It's Clarendon, not Clarenton.
Sometimes on their program, they have a guest host who sounds like he just fell off the turnip truck in Oklahoma! He uses terrible grammar! An example.... "I done seen that there verse before but ain't never saw it like that...." That's the actual sentence he used. I ain't kidding!
The station used to air a program with a retired pastor. He was a pretty good preacher and knew a lot about the Bible, but his catch phrase was "Have you been borned again, friend?" I was tempted so many times to send him an e-mail to tell him "borned" ain't no word.
The drive time host really drives me crazy sometimes. Besides her grating voice, she doesn't know the difference when saying "you and I" and "you and me." She always says, "Jesus loves you and I." NO! He doesn't! Jesus loves you and Jesus loves me, so.... Jesus loves you and me! Got it now?
I know I'm being nitpicky, but these people are on the radio! They should know better. I can't criticize them too much, though. They are doing their best to serve the Lord and spread the Gospel on the airwaves. And, for that, I admire them.
But would it hurt them to pick up the dictionary once in a while?
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