You do not want to have it, But when you do have it,

You do not want to lose it? What is it?

A Lawsuit.

So many people float through life taking the path of least resisitance. Like a twig in a river. Flowing from side to side, slowing when the flow slows, and speeding up again in the rapids.

My own experience is that we humans need something to do. A path, or a plan. Something to define who and what we are. I once heard the statement, "I wanna be doing something...even if its just making mistakes". I believe that this is very true and fitting.

An open mind is a good thing in the right balance. Yet, to be so openminded to the point we don't know what to believe, or we don't believe anything is a real problem. A Christian music artists song years ago, put it, 'so openminded that your brain leaked out'.

I believe that we ought to be openminded enough so that we don't overlook insight, and life lessons. Yet, to prevent the moss from gathering, to keep us from falling for anything, we must have a foundation to build on. Something to work with. Cults, clubs, and camps are full of people who had no thoughts of their own. They were searching for something. Shallow and empty they went forth, openminded. With no foundation or basic belief in anything, they were easy targets. There are those out there who prey on just such people.

Dont be the twig floating down the stream at the mercy of the circumstances around it. Eventually that stream hits the falls. Aimless twigs go over.

We were never meant to simply be products of our environment. We are to be lights to a dark world. Joy to the sad and desperate, and hope to the hopeless.

I, for one, want to be keeping myself busy. I want to be in the middle of a project when I go. Not waiting around for check out time. Retired from life, waiting to die, instead of going about the business of living.

There are millions of paths we can take. Some are right, and some are wrong. Don't fool yourself. There is a wrong way to go. As I told a dear friend recently, think long and hard before doing something questionable. Wrong is wrong, no matter how you try to justify it.

If youre sitting around waiting for everyone else to do everything. Quit it! Stop being scared and lazy and do the right thing. Youll be rewarded, and those around you just might, as well.

There is a saying, "Stand for something, or youll fall for anything". Think about it. These words are so true.

If you don't believe in something, its time to start. Draw some lines. Make some choices. Not blindly, and without thought, but definitively. Even if it turns out to be a mistake. If you are actively seeking truth, honestly and deeply. I believe with my whole heart that the Truth will find you.

As the day starts with the sunrise,

I feel the stress in my tired eyes.

Weak and sick, my stomach tense,

A blur of thoughts, try to make sense.

Ive come this far based on trust,

Ive kept going because I must.

God is with me, I know its true,

Hell bring joy, restoration, too.

Things have happened, I dont know why,

My hearts so heavy I want to cry.

If theres a God, I know there is,

Hes there for me, Im truly His.

Im here and now, I will win,

His death has promised, death of sin.

Though all against me, I can stand,

Im upheld, strong in His right hand.

Thank You Jesus for saving me,

Saving my soul and setting me free.

I was saddened to learn that legendary comedienne and TV personality, Milton Berle, had died. Not just because I think he was a funny and talented man, although I do think he was. No, it was more, the passing of an era. Something that has been a long time coming, but now seems complete somehow.

Uncle Miltie, was 93, and died from cancer. He had been in failing health a year or so. This seems significant, as well.

TV is a wonderful medium that was, in large part, made successful due to, Mr. Television, Milton Berle. His show was on 4 out of 5 existing sets when television was in its infancy. It was an exciting time, to be sure.

Im not against TV. I have two myself, and would have one more if I could afford it. There is a moral deterioration of TV, though, and it saddens and sickens me. Im not plugging a return to censorship extremism. I do, however, miss the good old days.

Oh, there is always something for extremists to complain about. Uncle Miltie wore a dress, Elvis wiggled his pelvis. We couldnt allow TV to show Dick Van Dyke and his, then, TV wife, Mary Tyler-Moore to share a bed. Nor were Lucy and Desi, and they were married in real life. We were very, if not ultra, strict back then.

As time went on, couples could share a bed as long as one of them kept their feet on the floor. Guys dressed in dresses became less shocking. Now couples in bed simulate sex on TV nightly. Its not uncommon to see gay couples on major series, and networks, kissing and holding hands on TV. Entire plots are dedicated to the lifestyle of the sexual and homosexual.

Language used on TV was very conservative. Gosh and darn were never used next to each other. Profanity in its simplest form was not allowed. If anything objectionable was shown, viewers nationwide would flood Hollywood with harsh letters and calls condemning the questionable acts or statements. And, guess what? Hollywood cared about what people thought. After all, the sponsors cared, therefore they had to, as well.

Recently, I was housesitting for a friend. I was lying on the couch watching some movie, a relatively safe one, I might add. When I fell asleep with the TV on. I awoke an hour later, to what could only be described as porn. I was shocked, and even though I was alone in the room, embarrassed.

This happened two more nights while I was there, until I realized how this was happening. Some channels, especially sattelite channels, as was this case, offer soft porn after 11pm. Decent, almost family shows up until then, and then porn.

Another time, recently, I was watching regular, primetime TV, with my parents. I wasnt paying close attention, but thought I heard someone say G__ D___. I was shocked, and asked if I had just heard what I thought I heard. My parents, good, clean, and decent folks, hadnt heard it. So I began to think I misunderstood the actor. Nope. Before we knew it, the same man repeated the same two words, taking Gods name in vain on TV two more times. He may have continued to do so, I dont know. We changed channels for want of something less offensive.

Lastly, have you noticed that sex, and nudity is in every aspect of TV? Even commercials.

At my count, and to my knowledge, there are two commercials on primetime, network TV that show a flash of total nudity. You have to see them a few times before you realize what you are seeing, but once you see it, you can not avoid seeing it.

While I enjoy some TV, and am so thankful for many hours of enjoyment, and information it provides. It seems to me that the cancer of immorality, and perversion has been and is sucking the goodness and life out of it. How long before good, quality TV goes the way of Mr. Berle?

Im learning to spend my time a little wiser and a little cleaner. No one should be made to feel dirty and immoral simply for watching a little TV. Yet, this is where we have come from those days that Milton Berle was, Uncle Miltie. Those days when, TV was young.

Before I get neck deep in a deadly quicksand, I should state the following. I appreciate America for so many reasons. Our freedoms, ideals, and many cultures. There is, in my opinion, no race better than another, and no financial bracket a better class of people. People can be whatever they choose to be. If you choose to be a winner, and are willing to work toward your goals you have the same chance as the next guy. Not, because you are the same, but because everyone is different. Cultures are different, races are different, religions are different, and even geographical locations can make a difference. Yet, even the aristocratic and privileged have struggles, and their own set of hurdles to jump. We all look at other people and speculate that they have it better, or easier. Yet, we do not know the struggles that come with fame, education, or race.

Having said all of that, allow me to vent a personal frustration of mine. I say all this with no malice and no prejudice toward anyone. A simple observation and thought from a simple man.

Have you purchased a radio, computer, or any type of product that comes with a handbook lately? Have you tried to assemble anything according to the manufacturers instructions?

If you have you'll recognize what I'm talking about, right away. You actually have to search for English instructions. What could easily be one page of instructions is now a booklet with 2, 3, 4, or more versions of the same instructions.

There is, in my community, more than one fast food restaurant where you have to frantically search the menu for English. Where cashiers, and cooks alike, speak broken English at best, and work almost entirely in another tongue. Where even the restrooms are labeled in two languages.

Multicultural living can be a beautiful, educational, and rewarding experience. Of that, I am sure. I am supportive and very receptive to the input and talents of other nationalities. Please don't misunderstand. We're all a part of one body. At least in my opinion.

However, not everyone understands or believes, that we are all a part of one country. That one countrys national language is....(100 points, if you know), English. Yet, a surprising number of American citizens do not speak English. This, is not the pathetic part. The part that is so amazing is that people move to this country because it is a great country with opportunities that they didn't have in their homeland. Yet, to ask them to learn our national language is too much? Instead of teaching them, and strongly encouraging them, we are teaching our English-Americans their languages, and changing our signs, and menus to match their native tongue.

Again, I believe that the diversity of America is one of its strongest assets. I love this country and see its citizens as just that, citizens. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, or what type of accent you have. I admire those who struggle through classes, and sit under private tutoring to learn functional English. It can't be easy to enter an environment where everything is new and different. This is admirable and shows great strength of character and drive.

The difficulty comes when a group, or many groups of people enter an area and take it over as a miniature nation of their choice. It's just and right, in my opinion, that immigrants be able to make a home for themselves here. America is made up almost entirely of peoples who originally came from somewhere else. However, we have laws, and we have traditions that are American. Not Irish, Dutch, German, African, Mexican, Spanish, or any other one culture. We, as a group, make up this country, and its statutes. American citizens, carving America.

I'm confused and appalled when we change our existing American culture to suit incoming cultures. Are they not incoming? Aren't they becoming Americans, not the other way around?

I believe that all people shape this country, and rightfully so. It's a great thing, and from the right perspective, a great country.

Just one thought for our citizens of all races, religions, and financial brackets.... Let's keep America, America.

Thanks for reading..

In memory of  Eugene Franklin Hooks, most knew him as Bud, but some knew him simply as Dad. 

"Alcoholics for Life??"

Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization with Christian roots, with Christian principals, and for all intents and purposes is a good program. This article is not to tear down the organization, or anyone associated with it. I have a healthy respect for the program and know people who have truly been helped through and by the people there.

I have lots of people near and dear to me that are slaves to the bottle even as I write this. I ache for them when I see what alcohol and their dependence on it is doing to their lives. Their personal, emotional, and physical lives all deeply and negatively effected by a fluid in a bottle.

I have just recently finished reading a book about alcoholism entitled, "Getting Them Sober, volume 2". Some of the commentary in this article will be directly related to the book, and some simply my experience and beliefs.

First of all, I want to address the disease. I believe that there is a specific disease which renders certain people susceptible to alcohol dependence. I believe that it is hereditary and that it can be fatal if there is no action taken to stop it.

Having said that, the discussion begins. I do not believe that because you are born with a susceptibility to alcohol dependence that you are cursed to be an alcoholic, or are considered one. If that were true, I would be an alcoholic, as would my brother and dad. We come from a long line of drinking alcoholics, and by all rights could have gone the same way.

There are those that teach and stand on the theory that this is a disease just like cancer or polio or something. I dont argue with the fact that there is a genetic difference there, or even that it may be a disease. My struggles begin with calling someone an alcoholic 30 years after their last drink. If it is a disease just like any other, then this is asking for preferential treatment of this disease. If, for example, someone has cancer, and they get treatment for it, and it is determined to be cured. That person may say a lot of things, and use a lot of terms, but he doesnt go on for 30 years saying he is a cancer patient. A cancer survivor, yes. But, he no longer has cancer. Almost 30 years ago, my dad had cancer. It was a very scary time for us, and we waited and watched for any sign of its return. Dad was treated and then checked on a regular basis to make sure that it had not come back, and to keep on top of things if it did so they could treat it more intensely, and take care of the cancer. Yet, thank God, he was cured of his cancer. From a medical standpoint, the doctors did what they had to do, and from a spiritual standpoint everyone prayed, and together he was cured, and/or healed. Not to negate the doctors role, they did much for his healing, and we were and are thankful for everything they did. God was involved there as well. He guided and instructed the doctors, and insured that the cancer did not return. Our faith in the doctors, God, prayer, and in my dad. He was healed. He does not have cancer, but he definitely had it. To say that he does not have it now, in no way denies that there was a problem, nor does it mean that he could never get cancer again. Simply that he is not a cancer patient.

My opinion with alcoholism is similar to this. I know that this is an addiction/disease that runs deep. I know that without treatment and God, there is very little hope for someone dealing with the disease. I am not belittling the disease at all. Im simply saying that I believe that it can be cured, and that for someone to say that it can not, they are negating the power of God, the treatment, and the person who was treated.

If after 30 years a man goes back to drinking, he makes a conscious effort to do so. Yes, he may be susceptible, and in that respect, I agree with the notion, but the fact that he chose to drink again, makes this disease, somehow less of a disease and more of a bad choice. In my mind, that is.

I believe that to go through those 30 years acknowledging a disease that has been cured and/or healed might be hanging on to a disease that no longer exists. Can you succumb to it again? Well, let me ask you, can you get cancer again?

Another angle to look at is lung cancer. A disease that is almost totally attributed to cigarette smoking. It is a disease, but in almost every single case, could be prevented. If a person wants to smoke, they make a conscious decision to chance lung cancer. Or other breathing disorders and diseases. Does this make the diseases less horrible, and tragic? No. Does this make this a bad choice with bad consequences? You bet.

Im saying things that for some people will be hard to read. They probably want to smack me right now, and I dont blame you. It is a personal thing. Im not judging anyone. Im simply stating that things are not completely accurate the way they are stated in our society today.

To say that someone is not healed of alcoholism even though they have prayed through and received a touch from God in this area, is to say that He can heal everything else in the world. All sickness is in His control to heal or not to heal, except for alcoholism. The alcoholic will always be an alcoholic. To me this is depriving God of His healing power, and questioning at the very least, and flat out disagreeing with at the most, the very words of the Bible that speak of His healing power.

Is alcoholism a disease? Maybe yes, maybe no. Is it treatable? Yes. Is it curable? I think that it can be with Gods help. Is it healable? Definitely yes! If God has healed someone, should that someone and others around them continue to claim the disease? No.

Terminology differs, but I hate to see anyone live in defeat. Some people get healed, and some do not. I dont know why, but I know that He knows. Sometimes the reasons are just not my business.

If you are a drinking alcoholic, please seek treatment. I care very much for alcoholics. I am not judging in any way. Treatment, and God are always a winning combination, if the drinker, WANTS to quit drinking.

God bless all of you. Thanks for reading.

Have you ever been so close to someone that you never show them, or tell them how much you care? Been so close to the source of your happiness that you never truly appreciate it? Are you afraid to grab onto the love and friendship of someone close to you because they might hurt or betray you?

I'd be willing to bet you fit into one, if not all of these categories. Why? Because we live in a busy, rush-rush world, and most of us carry a lot of excess baggage along the way.

Many of us have wonderful friends and family. We're so blessed. But, so busy about the 'business' of living, that we never truly live. No time to notice the love and loyalty offered to us through every kind word, or shoulder in crisis. We seek so desperately to find a special someone. A friend or romantic interest. Yet, fail to see that they're already there so many times.

Then there are those of us that look the other way when relationships present themselves. Afraid of the 'what ifs'. What if we are lied to? What if our loved one leaves us? What if they die? Truly no one wants to be hurt, or lied to, but what is life without taking chances? How can we truly live without letting down our walls once in a while?

Just today I was speaking to someone about gambles we take in life. In January of this year, some of you know that I started preparing for spinal surgery. A few thousand dollars later, still no surgery. Do I regret the gamble I took? No way! It could have just as easily turned out that surgery would have worked, therefore justifying the costs of the tests. Just one example, of the many worthwhile gambles we take in life.

Our relationships are all gambles. Is that friend or family member trustworthy? Are they worthy of the time and effort you put into the relationship? Well, perhaps not. Perhaps only 10% are worth it. Maybe less, but so what? What of the 90%? Maybe they aren't the greatest odds, but look at how successful lotteries and casinos are. The odds are definitely and intentionally stacked against you. Yet, millions of people gamble away their hard earned money in these places everyday. Some taking chances against their families security, and even their own personal safety.

I'm not advocating casinos and the like. I'm simply pointing out that people miss the important things in life because they are willing to take foolish chances, but refuse to stick their necks out to realize very real and attainable relationships that are right in front of their eyes.

I asked you if there was someone close to you. Someone you care deeply about, admire, and/or appreciate. Well...what are you waiting for? Gamble a little. 'Odds' are, they feel the same way. You might find that they will become a closer friend, a more loving relationship, and they might even need to be encouraged just then. If nothing comes of your words, you haven't 'crapped out'. Youre not 'busted'. You don't owe anybody, anything. You simply keep living your life, appreciating the special ones along the way.

I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, the Lord's Prayer. For
several evenings at bedtime she would repeat after me the lines from the
prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she
carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer: "Lead us
not into temptation," she prayed," but deliver us some E-mail. Amen"
 ***********************************************************            

One particular four year prayed, "and forgive us our trash baskets as we
forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
 ***************************************************************

 A little boy was overheard praying, "Lord, if you can't make me a better
boy, it's okay. I'm having a real good time like I am.
 ******************************************************************

 A Sunday school teacher asked her little children, as they were on the
way
to the church service, "why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"
 One bright little girl replied, " Because people are sleeping."
 ****************************************************************

 The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel microphone, and as he
preached, he moved about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went.
Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly
 tripping
before jerking it again.
 After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned
toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose will he hurt us?"
 ****************************************************************

 Six year old Angie and her four year old brother Joel were sitting
together
 in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud, Finally, his big
sister 
had enough.
 "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."
 "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
 Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men
standing by the door? They're hushers."
 *****************************************************************

A mother preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5 and Ryan 3. The boys
began to argue over would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the
opportunity for a moral lesson.
 "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the
first
pancake, I can wait."
 Kevin turned to his younger brother and said. "Ryan, you can be Jesus!"
*****************************************************************

 A father was at the with his wife and children when his four year old
son
ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull
lay
dead in the sand.
"Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.
 "He died and went to heaven," his father replied.
The boy thought for a moment then said, "Did God throw him back down?"
 *******************************************************************

 A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were
ready to
discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it
was.
Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not take the
covers off thy neighbor's wife."
 *****************************************************************

 At Sunday school they were teaching how God created everything,
including
human beings. Little Johnny, a kindergartner, seemed especially intent when
they told him how Eve was created from one of Adam's ribs. Later in the
week his mother noticed him lying as though he was ill and asked, "Johnny
what's the matter?"
 Little Johnny responded, " I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going
to
have a wife!"
***************************************************************
 

This last one is out of the mouth of my co-worker's 3 year old son, "Our
Father, who does art in heaven, Howard is his name...."

A Few More Serious Questions...