Tonight I'm nestled away in the easy chair having just spent a long day traveling from Northern California to the State of Washington in a motorhome.
As the miles passed by-- I was treated to a splendid view of nature. The trees were green and lush-- soaking in the sun and enjoying their verdant season. The mountains still have snow on the peaks which feed the many rivers and streams along the route.
Three volcanic mountain peaks stretch up above the mountain ranges. Shasta, Hood, and St. Helens--with Raineer, Baker, and Adams to see tommorow. Yes--nature was in balance today.
But upon my return to the internet websites and the various news sources therein--it appears the only thing in balance these days is nature.
I was greeted with a petition for the removal of five Supreme Court Justices over the property rights fiasco. Hillary is gaining momentum as she bulls her way toward the 2008 Democrat ticket. President Bush is out on the stump [no offense Yodi]--still trying to gain support for a war that has been going on for a couple of years, diesal fuel prices at the truck stop in Oregon were $2.33 per gallon and on the rise.
And the list goes on.
There seems to be a mood in the air of discontent, anger, and frustration. It seems to be coming from all quarters.
That is--if one allows the restless natives to ruin ones day. Most of these problems have been with us since we were born. There is always unrest. The natives are always on the warpath. There is actually nothing different now--than 60 years ago. Just the names of the individuals in the news and situations of life that need to be dealt with. It would be boring if there wasn't something to rag about.
However---if we allow life to get to us--then we have a problem. You see--99.9% of everything we worry about never turns out bad. And the 1/10th of 1% that does is just a problem that needs a solution. Politicians and society have always disagreed. And--prices are always going up. And wars--there are always wars to talk about.
So as the natives get ready to burn down the fort--why not show up with some marshmellows and weiners. However--don't forget a campstove to roast them on. The natives never do get around to much more than talk. And it is hard to roast a marshmellow on just hot air.
Now a certain puppy I know always whines when he doesn't get his way--much like those natives. We could all learn from him by watching his tirade fade into a wagging tale--and then a nap.
Everything always looks better after a good nap. Yodi taught me that one.
Goodnight and pleasant dreams.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Supreme "malfunction" Court
As a citizen we are required to live by the rules of law. However--whenever there is a reason to question the "rules"--it ends up in front of the judges of our courts.
Either the representatives we send to congress or our state legislators are incompetant when it comes to clearly writing the laws--or we have fallen into a habit of letting judges determine just what these laws are.
I wonder why the constituion still needs to be interpreted by judges? Were the founding fathers equally inept at clearly writing what they meant--or are judges re-writing what they meant. I suspect the latter.
I'm not a lawyer or constitution expert, but I find it hard to believe that our founding fathers meant to take private property from one citizen and give it to another-- through imminant domain. We can all understand that there are times where a need for private property exists by the citizens-- for highways and structures needed for the good of all. But to take a persons home from them and turn it over to a for profit company just does not fit that mold.
I now see where a person has decided that the land where a supreme court justice lives is needed to build a hotel on. Now this may be revenge over that judges actions on the court case which ruled that local governments could in fact do what I thought was wrong. Take land from a citizen for private [for profit] development.
I just bet that there will never be a way the judges land will be siezed. It just will never happen. He probably already has made the calls to thwart such an attempt.Wow! did I just suggest that a supreme court justice would seek special favors? I'm sorry--but I simply have lost trust in this system.
It would be-- "just"-- to see one of these "justices" on the supreme court-- wiggle like the rest of us.
I also think that if this town--- where the suit was waged-- needs more tax revenue-- Maybe they should not stop with the citizens involved with the lawsuit--. Maybe justice would be served if the elected officials-- involved with this fiasco--had their own homes siezed in the name of tax revenue. Once again--I bet you would never see that happen.
If elected officials and judges were personally affected by some of their actions--in a negative way--maybe the regular citizen would start getting some "just" rulings.
There seems to be a supreme malfunction going on in the highest court of the land. You have to wonder where the axe will srike next.
I would bet that my puppy knows more about justice than what has gone on with this case. The "we the people" part of the country should start at the ballot boxes and through citizen initiatives--the process of returning the "rights" of the citizen--back to the citizen.
I sure have "bet" alot in this piece. But It does look like justice is just a crap shoot anymore.
Either the representatives we send to congress or our state legislators are incompetant when it comes to clearly writing the laws--or we have fallen into a habit of letting judges determine just what these laws are.
I wonder why the constituion still needs to be interpreted by judges? Were the founding fathers equally inept at clearly writing what they meant--or are judges re-writing what they meant. I suspect the latter.
I'm not a lawyer or constitution expert, but I find it hard to believe that our founding fathers meant to take private property from one citizen and give it to another-- through imminant domain. We can all understand that there are times where a need for private property exists by the citizens-- for highways and structures needed for the good of all. But to take a persons home from them and turn it over to a for profit company just does not fit that mold.
I now see where a person has decided that the land where a supreme court justice lives is needed to build a hotel on. Now this may be revenge over that judges actions on the court case which ruled that local governments could in fact do what I thought was wrong. Take land from a citizen for private [for profit] development.
I just bet that there will never be a way the judges land will be siezed. It just will never happen. He probably already has made the calls to thwart such an attempt.Wow! did I just suggest that a supreme court justice would seek special favors? I'm sorry--but I simply have lost trust in this system.
It would be-- "just"-- to see one of these "justices" on the supreme court-- wiggle like the rest of us.
I also think that if this town--- where the suit was waged-- needs more tax revenue-- Maybe they should not stop with the citizens involved with the lawsuit--. Maybe justice would be served if the elected officials-- involved with this fiasco--had their own homes siezed in the name of tax revenue. Once again--I bet you would never see that happen.
If elected officials and judges were personally affected by some of their actions--in a negative way--maybe the regular citizen would start getting some "just" rulings.
There seems to be a supreme malfunction going on in the highest court of the land. You have to wonder where the axe will srike next.
I would bet that my puppy knows more about justice than what has gone on with this case. The "we the people" part of the country should start at the ballot boxes and through citizen initiatives--the process of returning the "rights" of the citizen--back to the citizen.
I sure have "bet" alot in this piece. But It does look like justice is just a crap shoot anymore.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Temptations and Barriers
Today I was told the story of a woman who recently broke a deep water diving record. This woman was able to--ON ONE BREATH --dive 400 feet ddep into the ocean and back to the surface.The only equipment she had was a wet suit, fins and a rope that stretched from the surface to the depth.
During an interview, when asked about this seeming impossible feat--she said that some people are just born with the ability to break through records-- that would appear impossible. She mentioned Roger Bannister--the first human to run a mile in 4 minutes as an example.It was thought before Roger appeared on the scene that nobody could accomplish that feat.
Since she broke the record several months ago--a man has now broke her record. So--it appears that once human battiers are broken--that it provides the space for others to pass through.
"GOD" through his son Jesus Christ --through example and teaching-- esablished the spiritual potential of mankind. And--he said to follow him. Previous to Jesus--Moses presented the Jews with the ten commandments of human behavior. And mankind is expected to obey these rule of existence.
We are promised salvation and a return to our Father if we can reach the spiritual potential that our creator expects of us. Many new Christians soon despair when the daunting task of living as Christ taught--bumps up against temptation.. Temptations, lack of will power,and a lack of faith are the ingrediants that prevent Christians from obeying the spiritual laws given them. There is the constant force of the great deceiver pulling them away from "GOD"--while their own aforementioned forces finish them off.
Many Christians will invent shortcuts in the commandments and teachings--so that they can pretend to be--as Christ taught.The Catholic church has been called too strict and out of touch by modern day "new breed" christians. They say that it is stuck in the past--with outdated practices. That is puzzling. Christ sets up the church and provides the practices to reach salvation--but mans weakness to temptations --and free will provide a formula for defeat.Leaders of the church have failed due to their own weaknesses--but the church practices have never failed. However those who leave the church or never belonged always point out the weaknesses of the men as an excuse for denying the church--which was conceived by Christ.
This is the barrier that all must pass through if they are to return to our Father. And--it does appear to most like the eye of a needle--except--some truly have reached this potential. These Saints are now reaching out their hands to pull us if we learn by their through example.
This lady who accomplished the amazing feat of diving to a record mentioned the extreme temptation our bodies have that certainly defeats all other divers who attempted such a feat. She mentioned a competiter who had drown trying to go 250 feet. This temptation is --breathing. Your body wants you to breath wether it be life giving air--or life ending water. It is a extreme temptation yhat one must have an even stronger will power to defeat. Once suffcient training and will power are attained--then the barrier of potential collapse. This ladies next attempt will be 500 feet!! Imposible?---not in her mind.
Just as the athletes break through physical barriers---"GOD" expects us to break through spiritual temptation. He never has given us a task that we are not capable of attaining. Whenever the temptations of life pop up--just think of that woman and how deep 400 feet is.
Come now Yodi. It is time for our walk.
During an interview, when asked about this seeming impossible feat--she said that some people are just born with the ability to break through records-- that would appear impossible. She mentioned Roger Bannister--the first human to run a mile in 4 minutes as an example.It was thought before Roger appeared on the scene that nobody could accomplish that feat.
Since she broke the record several months ago--a man has now broke her record. So--it appears that once human battiers are broken--that it provides the space for others to pass through.
"GOD" through his son Jesus Christ --through example and teaching-- esablished the spiritual potential of mankind. And--he said to follow him. Previous to Jesus--Moses presented the Jews with the ten commandments of human behavior. And mankind is expected to obey these rule of existence.
We are promised salvation and a return to our Father if we can reach the spiritual potential that our creator expects of us. Many new Christians soon despair when the daunting task of living as Christ taught--bumps up against temptation.. Temptations, lack of will power,and a lack of faith are the ingrediants that prevent Christians from obeying the spiritual laws given them. There is the constant force of the great deceiver pulling them away from "GOD"--while their own aforementioned forces finish them off.
Many Christians will invent shortcuts in the commandments and teachings--so that they can pretend to be--as Christ taught.The Catholic church has been called too strict and out of touch by modern day "new breed" christians. They say that it is stuck in the past--with outdated practices. That is puzzling. Christ sets up the church and provides the practices to reach salvation--but mans weakness to temptations --and free will provide a formula for defeat.Leaders of the church have failed due to their own weaknesses--but the church practices have never failed. However those who leave the church or never belonged always point out the weaknesses of the men as an excuse for denying the church--which was conceived by Christ.
This is the barrier that all must pass through if they are to return to our Father. And--it does appear to most like the eye of a needle--except--some truly have reached this potential. These Saints are now reaching out their hands to pull us if we learn by their through example.
This lady who accomplished the amazing feat of diving to a record mentioned the extreme temptation our bodies have that certainly defeats all other divers who attempted such a feat. She mentioned a competiter who had drown trying to go 250 feet. This temptation is --breathing. Your body wants you to breath wether it be life giving air--or life ending water. It is a extreme temptation yhat one must have an even stronger will power to defeat. Once suffcient training and will power are attained--then the barrier of potential collapse. This ladies next attempt will be 500 feet!! Imposible?---not in her mind.
Just as the athletes break through physical barriers---"GOD" expects us to break through spiritual temptation. He never has given us a task that we are not capable of attaining. Whenever the temptations of life pop up--just think of that woman and how deep 400 feet is.
Come now Yodi. It is time for our walk.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Watering down qualifications in California
Just like water can dilute the taste of good coffee, ruin a tank of gasoline in a car, or-- render a walk in the park a slippery experience, California lawmakers are proposing a couple of new laws which will have the same affect on the quality of life in the golden state.
The first has to do with a proposal that would allow highschools to issue diplomas to those who failed the test needed to determine whether a student actually has learned enough to graduate. After completing all required classes and receiving credits needed to take this one last test--the student must pass a very simple test. It actually is based upon what an 8th grade student should resonably know.
But--since California has failed so miserably in public education--the legislature wants to now pass a bill which will act as a magic wand annoiting all that it touches with a diploma. What a student could use instead of knowledge would be other forms of achiements such as class participation--or maybe taking the teachers briefcase to her car each day of the semester.Now I don't actually know what these other items might be--but they are definitly not proving you actually know the required subject material.
I feel for these students. However--is this a good way to begin adult life--with a bogus diploma? Will the next effort be to use legislation to enable medical school students a free pass from learning what is required to be a doctor?
The second bit of legislation being discussed is the 7th attempt to get a bill passed which allows illegal immigrants the right to get a drivers license. Since most of them can't read or write--I will leave it up to the readers immagination how they would ever pass a test.
I won't bore the reader with my take on this. Let's just say--I'm against rewarding crimminals with priviledges. Oh--I'm sorry for forgetting to include this basic fact. In Washington state where I come from--driving is considered a priviledge not a given right.
I'm glad that Yodi does not have the reasoning apptitude of some california legislators. I could just see him insisting that going potty in the house is ok some of the time--as long as he goes potty outside some of the time too. How is that for reasoning and solving the problem?
The first has to do with a proposal that would allow highschools to issue diplomas to those who failed the test needed to determine whether a student actually has learned enough to graduate. After completing all required classes and receiving credits needed to take this one last test--the student must pass a very simple test. It actually is based upon what an 8th grade student should resonably know.
But--since California has failed so miserably in public education--the legislature wants to now pass a bill which will act as a magic wand annoiting all that it touches with a diploma. What a student could use instead of knowledge would be other forms of achiements such as class participation--or maybe taking the teachers briefcase to her car each day of the semester.Now I don't actually know what these other items might be--but they are definitly not proving you actually know the required subject material.
I feel for these students. However--is this a good way to begin adult life--with a bogus diploma? Will the next effort be to use legislation to enable medical school students a free pass from learning what is required to be a doctor?
The second bit of legislation being discussed is the 7th attempt to get a bill passed which allows illegal immigrants the right to get a drivers license. Since most of them can't read or write--I will leave it up to the readers immagination how they would ever pass a test.
I won't bore the reader with my take on this. Let's just say--I'm against rewarding crimminals with priviledges. Oh--I'm sorry for forgetting to include this basic fact. In Washington state where I come from--driving is considered a priviledge not a given right.
I'm glad that Yodi does not have the reasoning apptitude of some california legislators. I could just see him insisting that going potty in the house is ok some of the time--as long as he goes potty outside some of the time too. How is that for reasoning and solving the problem?
Gay Pride Weekend
Across the land, homosexuals were proudly proclaiming their uniqueness in a number of parades and festivities this weekend.
In Seattle over 100,000 people were planning a get together as the areas "Gay's" and friends all march up the parade route decorated in rainbow motiff. Some of those exhibiting their lifestyle are so X-rated in appearance and attitude that they could easily slip into the city of Sodom without so much as a glance.
Perverted side shows are all a part of these events. Booths display all manners of sex toys and contraptions for the benefit of these liberated folks.
In most of the cities that hold these parades--you cannot display the ten commandments or religious icons without protest from the secular media or ACLU. but announce a perverted event like this and the welcome mat is rolled out complete with the mayor and officials joining in the fun.
While those who are mortified by scantly dressed homosexuals prancing about on the parade routes during this annual display of hedonism--they know better than to voice disapproval. After all--acceptance and tolerance of all things perverted is expected --the mantra proclaims.
When Veterans Day comes around I sure hope the media and sponsors such as Microsoft jump on board and give an equally large amount of publicity for this sacred day--as they do the sodamites. Veterans spend money too-- so I hope the big gay boosting business sector rises to the occasion. I'm not going to bet on this happening however.
I think Yodi and I will have our own parade soon. We plan on proclaiming a "Straight Day" parade. I hope we can get the required permits. Once again--I'm not going to bet on it. After all--the city would not want to offend the "gay's" now--would they.
We must be sensitive--you know.
In Seattle over 100,000 people were planning a get together as the areas "Gay's" and friends all march up the parade route decorated in rainbow motiff. Some of those exhibiting their lifestyle are so X-rated in appearance and attitude that they could easily slip into the city of Sodom without so much as a glance.
Perverted side shows are all a part of these events. Booths display all manners of sex toys and contraptions for the benefit of these liberated folks.
In most of the cities that hold these parades--you cannot display the ten commandments or religious icons without protest from the secular media or ACLU. but announce a perverted event like this and the welcome mat is rolled out complete with the mayor and officials joining in the fun.
While those who are mortified by scantly dressed homosexuals prancing about on the parade routes during this annual display of hedonism--they know better than to voice disapproval. After all--acceptance and tolerance of all things perverted is expected --the mantra proclaims.
When Veterans Day comes around I sure hope the media and sponsors such as Microsoft jump on board and give an equally large amount of publicity for this sacred day--as they do the sodamites. Veterans spend money too-- so I hope the big gay boosting business sector rises to the occasion. I'm not going to bet on this happening however.
I think Yodi and I will have our own parade soon. We plan on proclaiming a "Straight Day" parade. I hope we can get the required permits. Once again--I'm not going to bet on it. After all--the city would not want to offend the "gay's" now--would they.
We must be sensitive--you know.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Passages--the stages of ones life
Knowing when to move on is key to individual growth. I once read a book by the title of "Passages". In it-- the author had broken down life into the stages we go through. I'm not convinced that we all pass through the stages as the book portrayed--but I'm convinced his theory was valid to a degree.
Getting stuck in one stage of life denies one the full potential that our existence offers. Some people are cursed by the complacency that comes with playing it safe. People will often finish a particular goal such as higher education, getting married, attaining a career goal, starting a family, retirement--and consider life complete.Fear of growth and change acts like an anchor around our necks--choking off our destiny.
By staying pat--one is actually regressing in all areas of ones life. "Passages" will pass you by if you give into complacency. Marriages, careers, all manner of relationships are also caught up in this. One partner continues to stretch and grow and the other stays put. Before long a gulf will develop and what was once the perfect match is now out of sync.
The comfort zone that begins as complacency soon changes into unease and frustration.We sense that the people and opportunites of our life are abandoning us. But it is we who have abandoned them.
Our "life" literally outgrows us. Friendships, relationships, jobs,--all leave us in the dust as they go forward. Life always seeks to expand. If our free will allows complacency to put the breaks on, chaos will always develop.
So--let's step into the future and all its wonders without settling for today. Not only will all our relationships and ventures be vibrant--but they will be rich beyond our wildest dreams.
Now if I can just keep up with Yodi as he is off exploring the farthest reaches of the neighborhood--dragging me into the future.
Getting stuck in one stage of life denies one the full potential that our existence offers. Some people are cursed by the complacency that comes with playing it safe. People will often finish a particular goal such as higher education, getting married, attaining a career goal, starting a family, retirement--and consider life complete.Fear of growth and change acts like an anchor around our necks--choking off our destiny.
By staying pat--one is actually regressing in all areas of ones life. "Passages" will pass you by if you give into complacency. Marriages, careers, all manner of relationships are also caught up in this. One partner continues to stretch and grow and the other stays put. Before long a gulf will develop and what was once the perfect match is now out of sync.
The comfort zone that begins as complacency soon changes into unease and frustration.We sense that the people and opportunites of our life are abandoning us. But it is we who have abandoned them.
Our "life" literally outgrows us. Friendships, relationships, jobs,--all leave us in the dust as they go forward. Life always seeks to expand. If our free will allows complacency to put the breaks on, chaos will always develop.
So--let's step into the future and all its wonders without settling for today. Not only will all our relationships and ventures be vibrant--but they will be rich beyond our wildest dreams.
Now if I can just keep up with Yodi as he is off exploring the farthest reaches of the neighborhood--dragging me into the future.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Is the glass half full or half empty
How we choose to view a situation has a big influence on our mental well being. With so many media choices to choose from-- along with instant communication opportunites that cell phones and the internet provide--we are all constantly pounded by opinions from other people abut how things are.
Bad news travel fast and bad news sells newspapers. With that in mind, we all need to learn how to filter out the negative-- bad news opinions of todays communications.
When ever a news report hits the waves, instantly all who hear it begin to fret and worry because of how awful the reports make the issue seem.
Ask ourselves this: How often in our lives has the weather ever been as bad as reported? How often does the worse case scenario that is always reported ever come to be? I read years ago that catsup would cause me to get heart disease. I also read that ham and eggs were bad for me. According to statistics I should already be pushing up dandelines in a grave yard.Well--the good Lord will take me when he is good and ready. I doubt some catsup is going to sway his timing. But it did sell a few papers.
We should all make a vow to look at the sunny side of every drama that is reported to us each day. And remember this--good news they claim just doesn't sell.
That is so ridiculous that it makes me smile. The greatest story ever told--the one about Jesus amd his disciples and the troubles undertaken by early church leaders became the number one selling book of all time. It was called the bible.
I say that we are all so hungry for some good uplifting sides of the daily news that when we do find a tidbit every once in awhile--that we gooble it up like starved puppies.
Speaking of which--Yodi always has a wag in his tale and a happy demeaner. Probably because he can't read. Come on Yodi--tell me a good story with that tail.How do you see things washing out. What is that your tail is saying? I thought so--excellent.
Bad news travel fast and bad news sells newspapers. With that in mind, we all need to learn how to filter out the negative-- bad news opinions of todays communications.
When ever a news report hits the waves, instantly all who hear it begin to fret and worry because of how awful the reports make the issue seem.
Ask ourselves this: How often in our lives has the weather ever been as bad as reported? How often does the worse case scenario that is always reported ever come to be? I read years ago that catsup would cause me to get heart disease. I also read that ham and eggs were bad for me. According to statistics I should already be pushing up dandelines in a grave yard.Well--the good Lord will take me when he is good and ready. I doubt some catsup is going to sway his timing. But it did sell a few papers.
We should all make a vow to look at the sunny side of every drama that is reported to us each day. And remember this--good news they claim just doesn't sell.
That is so ridiculous that it makes me smile. The greatest story ever told--the one about Jesus amd his disciples and the troubles undertaken by early church leaders became the number one selling book of all time. It was called the bible.
I say that we are all so hungry for some good uplifting sides of the daily news that when we do find a tidbit every once in awhile--that we gooble it up like starved puppies.
Speaking of which--Yodi always has a wag in his tale and a happy demeaner. Probably because he can't read. Come on Yodi--tell me a good story with that tail.How do you see things washing out. What is that your tail is saying? I thought so--excellent.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Inspired action
I like the feeling when inspiration sends me into action. It generally means that I'm on the right track and there is no need to be hesitant. Full speed ahead.
The reason I bring this up is because I'm in that zone right now. I had been brooding around on what direction to take this blog and the Neighborhood forum. I had to finally surrender the whole matter to prayer --as my own limited human potential simply was not up to the task.
When I did that--it all suddenly appeared crystal clear. I mentioned my inspiration to my brother and he has funded a new website. So this blog, and the Neighborhood forum will become a part of my overall ministry. www.frmikesneighborhood is the website and it will expand into a full fledged effort to inspire, teach, and motivate users to be better than they are.
It will encompass positive uplifting news sources, discussions, links, ---and whatever else inspires me in facilitating this in people lives.
I haven't even mentioned this to my order as they believe I've been laying low with my family and recouperating. Who has time to lay around when there are people to help and serve? And--how can my superior argue with "GODS" inspired plan?
Stay turned. Now Yodi and I are taking a little walk--only this time it will be on the sunny side of the street.
The reason I bring this up is because I'm in that zone right now. I had been brooding around on what direction to take this blog and the Neighborhood forum. I had to finally surrender the whole matter to prayer --as my own limited human potential simply was not up to the task.
When I did that--it all suddenly appeared crystal clear. I mentioned my inspiration to my brother and he has funded a new website. So this blog, and the Neighborhood forum will become a part of my overall ministry. www.frmikesneighborhood is the website and it will expand into a full fledged effort to inspire, teach, and motivate users to be better than they are.
It will encompass positive uplifting news sources, discussions, links, ---and whatever else inspires me in facilitating this in people lives.
I haven't even mentioned this to my order as they believe I've been laying low with my family and recouperating. Who has time to lay around when there are people to help and serve? And--how can my superior argue with "GODS" inspired plan?
Stay turned. Now Yodi and I are taking a little walk--only this time it will be on the sunny side of the street.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Zippy the clown
I met two amazing people this week and still have a smile on my face. They own a small circus. In fact--the two of them are the circus. along with a baby Lion and a lot of audience participation.
Swan Circus operates out of Sacramento, California and provides good clean family fun and laughs in the cental valley of the state.
Zippy and his brother started the circus 37 years ago and it is definitly a labor of love. They are not getting rich in a monetary sense. But they have enjoyed spreading a wealth of happiness throughout their careers.
If memories were money, Zippy would be a billionaire.
In a world filled with dispair, clowns and circus entertainers have been a welcome lighthouse--shining a clowns smile towards the injured and bruised hearts of society.
Zippy gave me a personal message to pass onto my blogger audience. "It is better to wear out than to rust out" He never stops moving around and having fun. His mother died two years ago of cancer at the ripe old age of 92. She was an active runner in track and field. She held the Guiness Book of world records for running at her age up until cancer ended her participation.
Zippy also holds age related records. he has won over 50 gold medals for track and field.
I know--this is the second post today on this blog. But--how often does a clown come into one life full of laughs and tricks?
He even had Yodi's attention.
Swan Circus operates out of Sacramento, California and provides good clean family fun and laughs in the cental valley of the state.
Zippy and his brother started the circus 37 years ago and it is definitly a labor of love. They are not getting rich in a monetary sense. But they have enjoyed spreading a wealth of happiness throughout their careers.
If memories were money, Zippy would be a billionaire.
In a world filled with dispair, clowns and circus entertainers have been a welcome lighthouse--shining a clowns smile towards the injured and bruised hearts of society.
Zippy gave me a personal message to pass onto my blogger audience. "It is better to wear out than to rust out" He never stops moving around and having fun. His mother died two years ago of cancer at the ripe old age of 92. She was an active runner in track and field. She held the Guiness Book of world records for running at her age up until cancer ended her participation.
Zippy also holds age related records. he has won over 50 gold medals for track and field.
I know--this is the second post today on this blog. But--how often does a clown come into one life full of laughs and tricks?
He even had Yodi's attention.
Who owns you?
"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender," - Proverbs 22:7.
Duty, honor, responsibility are all words associated with being an adult and living within societies written and unwritten laws.
However--as Proverbs 22:7 so bluntly proclaims---money seems to be the ruler. wether
it is --he power dervived from accumulating it or the power dervived from using it. Money and wealth rule the planet and all within. That is--as long as those alive agree in principal to the power associated with currency.
But how can man servetwo masters--a frequently quoted statement proclaims. Is "GOD" your master or is the rich man in the house on the hill or the lender of record?
Who is your ruler?
If it is somebody or something other than your true creator--it is time to re-think your reality.
How can you take away from the creator what you don't own? Think about it.
Time to go for a walk. Let's go Yodi.
Duty, honor, responsibility are all words associated with being an adult and living within societies written and unwritten laws.
However--as Proverbs 22:7 so bluntly proclaims---money seems to be the ruler. wether
it is --he power dervived from accumulating it or the power dervived from using it. Money and wealth rule the planet and all within. That is--as long as those alive agree in principal to the power associated with currency.
But how can man servetwo masters--a frequently quoted statement proclaims. Is "GOD" your master or is the rich man in the house on the hill or the lender of record?
Who is your ruler?
If it is somebody or something other than your true creator--it is time to re-think your reality.
How can you take away from the creator what you don't own? Think about it.
Time to go for a walk. Let's go Yodi.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Control---
Trying to control external events in ones life as--- they unfold is a waste of time and effort. It can take some people a lifetime to come to this realization.
There are several internal choices you do have control over. How you react to the world around you is one of them. How you treat other people is another. what you choose to focus on is a favorite of mine. How you view your own self after a personal inventory can be enlightening. How you feel about "GOD" when things go haywire in your life is revealing. Whether you choose to love or hate, nurture or neglect, praise or criticize, honor or belittle, see the sunnyside or gloom.
These are just a few areas we do have control over.
And remember this---life is very short here on earth whether it be measured in minutes or decades. It is how we live the live that was a gift from our creator that matters. Tghe events that make up our life are the canvas we paint by our own choosing.
Let's go Yodi. We both need to get some exercise today. And what a glorious day it is!
There are several internal choices you do have control over. How you react to the world around you is one of them. How you treat other people is another. what you choose to focus on is a favorite of mine. How you view your own self after a personal inventory can be enlightening. How you feel about "GOD" when things go haywire in your life is revealing. Whether you choose to love or hate, nurture or neglect, praise or criticize, honor or belittle, see the sunnyside or gloom.
These are just a few areas we do have control over.
And remember this---life is very short here on earth whether it be measured in minutes or decades. It is how we live the live that was a gift from our creator that matters. Tghe events that make up our life are the canvas we paint by our own choosing.
Let's go Yodi. We both need to get some exercise today. And what a glorious day it is!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Responsibility
Several weeks ago homes worth millions of dallars a piece went crashing down a hillside in Southern California. These were not just any old houses. They sat on some of the most expensive ocean view property in America. They also sat on land that has a history of falling away. Even the insurance companies had shyed away from insuring these homes from natural disasters such as this. However--with in a matter of hours everybody was pointing fingers at others to find who should take responsibility for the homes getting destroyed.
The homeowners are blaming the zoning department, the zoning department is pointing to the civil engineers, --even other builders are being blamed for placing homes on property near by which could have caused the land to become unstable. Rainfall from months ago has been picked as a possible agent. I suppose any and all of these factors could have made the homes fall. However--the bottom line is that reasonably affluent owners chose to buy homes in an area that is known for this type of natural disaster. They were made aware of the fact but chose to ignore the risk so that they could enjoy the beautiful susets and be neighbors to the Pacific Ocean.
A guy in Seattle is picketing Bank of America because somebody stole some checks of his and pilffered $30,000 from his account over a 4 month period. He wants the bank to give him back his money. The problem is is that the bank within their 100 page checking account agreement says he only had up to 60 days to report the ongoing theft. He admits that he never bothered to check his account balances--but still wants to pass the buck [so to speak] onto the banks shoulders.
These are only two cases in recent days that have caught my attention. They are sad and I feel sorry for the loss these folks have endured. However---why are they and others so unwilling to own up to personal responsibility. Sure it is hard to face loss. Loss is part of life we don't take easily. But having the character to accept responsibility is part of being human.
Christians know that there will come a day when they must leave this existance and return to their source. And--they know that they must face judgement for their sins. This too is part of the human experience. Learning to take responsibility for your own actions is an important link in each ones salvation. There will be no finger pointing going on when standing in front of the creator. Instantly it will become apparent where the buck stops. Who dare would point their finger at "GOD" and blame him for ones own weaknesses of the flesh?
Why not grasp onto the idea of honesty--at least when it comes to responsibility in your own life. The civil and crimminal courts are filled to the brim with those in denial of responsibility.
Even my puppy Yodi knows when he has made a mistake. He wears his guilt alll over his face. His body lanquage is one of remorse. He still makes mistakes but he never has pointed his paw at me or outside influences. Once responsibility has been accepted, Yodi knows there will be forgiveness by me.
Failure to be responsible in life keeps one from being repentant. It is ok to make mistakes but never ok to shurk reponsibility. It can and will affect salvation.
The homeowners are blaming the zoning department, the zoning department is pointing to the civil engineers, --even other builders are being blamed for placing homes on property near by which could have caused the land to become unstable. Rainfall from months ago has been picked as a possible agent. I suppose any and all of these factors could have made the homes fall. However--the bottom line is that reasonably affluent owners chose to buy homes in an area that is known for this type of natural disaster. They were made aware of the fact but chose to ignore the risk so that they could enjoy the beautiful susets and be neighbors to the Pacific Ocean.
A guy in Seattle is picketing Bank of America because somebody stole some checks of his and pilffered $30,000 from his account over a 4 month period. He wants the bank to give him back his money. The problem is is that the bank within their 100 page checking account agreement says he only had up to 60 days to report the ongoing theft. He admits that he never bothered to check his account balances--but still wants to pass the buck [so to speak] onto the banks shoulders.
These are only two cases in recent days that have caught my attention. They are sad and I feel sorry for the loss these folks have endured. However---why are they and others so unwilling to own up to personal responsibility. Sure it is hard to face loss. Loss is part of life we don't take easily. But having the character to accept responsibility is part of being human.
Christians know that there will come a day when they must leave this existance and return to their source. And--they know that they must face judgement for their sins. This too is part of the human experience. Learning to take responsibility for your own actions is an important link in each ones salvation. There will be no finger pointing going on when standing in front of the creator. Instantly it will become apparent where the buck stops. Who dare would point their finger at "GOD" and blame him for ones own weaknesses of the flesh?
Why not grasp onto the idea of honesty--at least when it comes to responsibility in your own life. The civil and crimminal courts are filled to the brim with those in denial of responsibility.
Even my puppy Yodi knows when he has made a mistake. He wears his guilt alll over his face. His body lanquage is one of remorse. He still makes mistakes but he never has pointed his paw at me or outside influences. Once responsibility has been accepted, Yodi knows there will be forgiveness by me.
Failure to be responsible in life keeps one from being repentant. It is ok to make mistakes but never ok to shurk reponsibility. It can and will affect salvation.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Gay Games
I just read on a forum that Kraft Foods was sponsoring a "Gay Games". It may be gay, but not the laughing type-- for sure. Active homosexuals refer to themselves as gay.
I wonder why they want to have their own games?
Could a straight normal person participate in the games?
Don't count on it. It appears to me with homosexuals having their own day at Disney World, their own parades, and now their own games that what they really want is preferential treatment--not equality.
Since when does a persons sexuality determine what events they participate in? Who do you know that announces their sexual preferance at events--or for that matter in any normal conversation.
I can envision homosexuals wearing a big name tag at the local garden club that states they are "gay". Then I suppose they will have gay flower club meetings!
Well enough of this chatter. I hope Yodi doesn't request a special puppy day for what otherwise would be a normal outing. I don't want to figure out how to pin a tag on him that states he is a puppy!
The world can be a strange place.
Does Kraft Foods have special "gay food"?
I wonder why they want to have their own games?
Could a straight normal person participate in the games?
Don't count on it. It appears to me with homosexuals having their own day at Disney World, their own parades, and now their own games that what they really want is preferential treatment--not equality.
Since when does a persons sexuality determine what events they participate in? Who do you know that announces their sexual preferance at events--or for that matter in any normal conversation.
I can envision homosexuals wearing a big name tag at the local garden club that states they are "gay". Then I suppose they will have gay flower club meetings!
Well enough of this chatter. I hope Yodi doesn't request a special puppy day for what otherwise would be a normal outing. I don't want to figure out how to pin a tag on him that states he is a puppy!
The world can be a strange place.
Does Kraft Foods have special "gay food"?
Thursday, June 09, 2005
The twisted ego conspiracy
Have you ever wondered why you are never content with being ---you?
I call this condition the great "ego conspiracy"
Having this condition requires that you change as many things about yourself as possible so that you can appear to be more important in your life than "GOD". But---what am I saying? That there is actually someone else who is more important than ones self?
Well--yes--I am saying exactly that. In fact I'm going to propose something even more startling to you--[or should I say to the ego that is pretending to be you].
WE--YOU AND ME--WERE NOT CREATED TO LIVE SELF CENTERED LIVES.
Our sole purpose in life is three fold. Very simple. Very uncomplicated. Yet--profoundly important to our future. And what I mean by our future has nothing to do with this mortal existance.
WE ARE CREATED TO PRAISE, REVERE, AND SERVE "GOD" And for no other reason.
Somehow from birth to now--the vast majority of mankind begins to believe that they themselves are "GOD" So they praise, revere, and serve themselves.
As far as I know--we are the only creation of "GOD" that has an ego. The ego has a very important function when used properly. It always seeks to expand what it is concentrated on. It will use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year --using every resource available to that end.
However--since there really is not much of us that deserves praise, reverance, or service--the ego must invent ways to make us what we are not. Just think how most of mankind spend their every waking moment.
Since the ego knows the truth about our "real" purpose--but our free will has given it the power to turn our gaze from "GOD" inward towards ourselves--the ego has come up with this convuluted conspiracy. How do you think the art of "self consciousness" ever came about?
When I began my religious formation I knew deep down that "GOD" was important but I never had considered all the ramifications that resulted from me ever having placed my self interest above him.
Service, praise, and reverance were firmly under the control of my ego. It had created my human personality at the cost of my souls personality.
In order to recover my true self--from my ego self --required complete surrender. There are still skirmishes being played out on a daily basis. So far my one true victory is the realization of the above stated facts.
The surrender required me to come to a very basic fact of mortal existance. That every single other creation around me was a tool in my life to be used for my-- true mission in this life.
I needed to abandon everything my ego had created in order to find myself again. Once I found myself and recovered my true purpose--then and only then did my mortal life find passion.
Once I could look upon all "GODS" creation including myself as existing solely to praise, revere, and serve the creator--I found a unity with "GOD" I realized that I was nothing outside of him. I also came to the realization that through service one finally finds purpose. And a thrid realization was that everything I saw when I changed my gaze from internal to external--"GOD" centered--was a refection of "GOD". I bagan to see "GOD" in everthing.
Why did I ever start this ego conspiracy to begin with? I'm still trying to grasp that little mis-step of my free will. Since it is now baseball season--maybe an anology can be found between the two. I'm trying to learn to hit the ball in play rather than dwell on--- not striking out.
Come on Yodi--lets go get some batting practice.
I call this condition the great "ego conspiracy"
Having this condition requires that you change as many things about yourself as possible so that you can appear to be more important in your life than "GOD". But---what am I saying? That there is actually someone else who is more important than ones self?
Well--yes--I am saying exactly that. In fact I'm going to propose something even more startling to you--[or should I say to the ego that is pretending to be you].
WE--YOU AND ME--WERE NOT CREATED TO LIVE SELF CENTERED LIVES.
Our sole purpose in life is three fold. Very simple. Very uncomplicated. Yet--profoundly important to our future. And what I mean by our future has nothing to do with this mortal existance.
WE ARE CREATED TO PRAISE, REVERE, AND SERVE "GOD" And for no other reason.
Somehow from birth to now--the vast majority of mankind begins to believe that they themselves are "GOD" So they praise, revere, and serve themselves.
As far as I know--we are the only creation of "GOD" that has an ego. The ego has a very important function when used properly. It always seeks to expand what it is concentrated on. It will use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year --using every resource available to that end.
However--since there really is not much of us that deserves praise, reverance, or service--the ego must invent ways to make us what we are not. Just think how most of mankind spend their every waking moment.
Since the ego knows the truth about our "real" purpose--but our free will has given it the power to turn our gaze from "GOD" inward towards ourselves--the ego has come up with this convuluted conspiracy. How do you think the art of "self consciousness" ever came about?
When I began my religious formation I knew deep down that "GOD" was important but I never had considered all the ramifications that resulted from me ever having placed my self interest above him.
Service, praise, and reverance were firmly under the control of my ego. It had created my human personality at the cost of my souls personality.
In order to recover my true self--from my ego self --required complete surrender. There are still skirmishes being played out on a daily basis. So far my one true victory is the realization of the above stated facts.
The surrender required me to come to a very basic fact of mortal existance. That every single other creation around me was a tool in my life to be used for my-- true mission in this life.
I needed to abandon everything my ego had created in order to find myself again. Once I found myself and recovered my true purpose--then and only then did my mortal life find passion.
Once I could look upon all "GODS" creation including myself as existing solely to praise, revere, and serve the creator--I found a unity with "GOD" I realized that I was nothing outside of him. I also came to the realization that through service one finally finds purpose. And a thrid realization was that everything I saw when I changed my gaze from internal to external--"GOD" centered--was a refection of "GOD". I bagan to see "GOD" in everthing.
Why did I ever start this ego conspiracy to begin with? I'm still trying to grasp that little mis-step of my free will. Since it is now baseball season--maybe an anology can be found between the two. I'm trying to learn to hit the ball in play rather than dwell on--- not striking out.
Come on Yodi--lets go get some batting practice.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Time to re-charge the batteries of my life
Sometimes I think the world is just one big open ended soap opera. And--it is too easy to get caught up in its web if I don't take the time each day to meditate and focus upon what is real and what is fantasy in my life.
The media in all its forms can drown out the simple life and replace it with one full of emotional turmoil surrounding events far removed from my own existance and that lack any value other than a courteous acknowledgement of the chatter being thrown in my direction.
For the past few days I have put myself on a diet of solitude and focus attention on my lifes direction. Staying away from all forms of media input--including this internet device has calmed me and lowered my stress. The reason my sress level was high evolved around the outside world of which I have only a reactive force these days.
After the silence of personal reflection--I believe the quality of any external reaction will be aligned more closely to my own lifes flow.
So--I nows back here with absolutely nothing to comment on media-wise.
Yodi and I will now retire for the evening leaving our blessings and prayers to all.
Goodnight
The media in all its forms can drown out the simple life and replace it with one full of emotional turmoil surrounding events far removed from my own existance and that lack any value other than a courteous acknowledgement of the chatter being thrown in my direction.
For the past few days I have put myself on a diet of solitude and focus attention on my lifes direction. Staying away from all forms of media input--including this internet device has calmed me and lowered my stress. The reason my sress level was high evolved around the outside world of which I have only a reactive force these days.
After the silence of personal reflection--I believe the quality of any external reaction will be aligned more closely to my own lifes flow.
So--I nows back here with absolutely nothing to comment on media-wise.
Yodi and I will now retire for the evening leaving our blessings and prayers to all.
Goodnight
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Is Justice a --"technicality"-or a farse?
Reading through the papers and watching the news, I find the media attention riveted upon several high profile court cases.
Does the average Joe Smuck on trial receive the same consideration of the court system as one involved in a media event trial? I don't believe so.
I believe the judge, lawyers, and juries are so interested in looking good and not making a mistake [which is made more glaring by the media attention]--that they lose ther unbiased judgement.
In Washington State the 2004 election process is on trial. As the witnesses come forward, and swear under oath--it is hard to believe that those representing the Secretary of State office are unbiased. Even e-mails entered as evidence point to a definte Democrat leaning slant.
In the Michael Jackson molestation trial--once again the judge, lawyers, and juries are playing to the audience. I refuse to believe that the prosecution case-- 10 years in the making is wrong. The old addage --where there is smoke--there is fire--loudly comes forth-- in this case with what would seem a never ending stream of young boys telling the same tale.
However--our legal system is not about guilt or innosense--it is about whether said can be proven. And when the judge , lawyers, and juries are so enamored by the case--I doubt sincerely whether an unbiased determination is possible.
In tinsel town or other high profile stuations, the prosecution keeps striking out. Are all these defendants innocent--- OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson, the King county election supervisors? No--but they are guilty of being involved in media driven high profile cases involving sociaties glammor kings and queens. Actors and politics--what a pair.
If Michael Jackson, and the Washington State governors election are ruled innocent--then the lawyers and prosecutors should all be removed from their jobs or office. Batting [0.00] is unacceptable. And by the way--what are the odds of that happening over and over and over again?
So we all await the outcome of these cases. After all--the media keeps it front and center making it impossible to not be curious.
I think I'm going to take Yodi for a walk. If when we reach the sidewalk he turns left--then they are innocent. If he turns right--they are guilty. Whey not let an unbiased puppy decide the cases. It would probably result in a fair decision compared to what we have.
Oh--I forgot--trials are not about fairness either.
Does the average Joe Smuck on trial receive the same consideration of the court system as one involved in a media event trial? I don't believe so.
I believe the judge, lawyers, and juries are so interested in looking good and not making a mistake [which is made more glaring by the media attention]--that they lose ther unbiased judgement.
In Washington State the 2004 election process is on trial. As the witnesses come forward, and swear under oath--it is hard to believe that those representing the Secretary of State office are unbiased. Even e-mails entered as evidence point to a definte Democrat leaning slant.
In the Michael Jackson molestation trial--once again the judge, lawyers, and juries are playing to the audience. I refuse to believe that the prosecution case-- 10 years in the making is wrong. The old addage --where there is smoke--there is fire--loudly comes forth-- in this case with what would seem a never ending stream of young boys telling the same tale.
However--our legal system is not about guilt or innosense--it is about whether said can be proven. And when the judge , lawyers, and juries are so enamored by the case--I doubt sincerely whether an unbiased determination is possible.
In tinsel town or other high profile stuations, the prosecution keeps striking out. Are all these defendants innocent--- OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson, the King county election supervisors? No--but they are guilty of being involved in media driven high profile cases involving sociaties glammor kings and queens. Actors and politics--what a pair.
If Michael Jackson, and the Washington State governors election are ruled innocent--then the lawyers and prosecutors should all be removed from their jobs or office. Batting [0.00] is unacceptable. And by the way--what are the odds of that happening over and over and over again?
So we all await the outcome of these cases. After all--the media keeps it front and center making it impossible to not be curious.
I think I'm going to take Yodi for a walk. If when we reach the sidewalk he turns left--then they are innocent. If he turns right--they are guilty. Whey not let an unbiased puppy decide the cases. It would probably result in a fair decision compared to what we have.
Oh--I forgot--trials are not about fairness either.
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