Blog Archives - North Florida Writer

This Week's Devotional: Have We Created a Substitute for the Living God?

1/30/2016

The Son of God will ultimately win.

This week on Sunday Morning Coming Down we will discuss the state of our belief in God in America in this the twenty-first century. And while it is true that there are millions upon millions of good Christians going about their lives trying to live for Him in all that they do and say, there are also many who refuse to face the fact that mankind can not go it alone.

Ever since God banished satan (I refuse to capitalize this name) from his seat in heaven for not carrying out his duties, he has been free to roam about the earth and influence mankind, trying to gain lives for him instead of God. Sadly for those who falter and turn from God, satan knows his days are numbered and he wants to take as many of us with him as he can. He can present himself in many ways and with many faces, focusing on identifying what our moral weaknesses are and then honing in on them in a manner that seems very pleasing. And when we put those desires first in our heart, we easily succumb. That's why the Lord sent His only Son to earth, to live and ultimately die for us and in so doing, He granted us the offer of forgiveness which, when accepted, allows us the pathway to heaven. And upon Jesus' return to the father after the Resurrection and through His Ascension, He then sent the third part of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, back to us to give us guidance and help maintain our resolve.

We'll talk about this Sunday at 1:30 pm on the show, which will also include a scriptural reading, beautiful Christian music and prayer. Once the show is broadcast it will remain available on demand 24/7 for listening at your convenience. Sunday Morning Coming Down is a production of North Florida Writer Live and is provided as just another way in which the glory of Sunday as the Lord's Day can be honored. God bless you all. Here's the link:

tobtr.com/s/8265773

DID "THE DONALD'S GAMBLE" PAY OFF?

1/29/2016

For the last several days all we've heard is talk about Trump's decision to avoid last night's debate. Would he really not show or would he come in at the last minute and again steal the thunder? Well, now we know the answer. Not only did he not attend but he stole much of the thunder from the debate as well. Trump, the master media manipulator, proved his mastery once again by staging a separate appearance which was again a big success. And in so doing, the thunder was taken out of what was supposed to be the main event.

While a rather lackluster, frankly boring, debate was underway, Trump was at Drake University in a packed, but small venue for him, and raised six million dollars for support of veteran programs, one million of which was his donation. And the overflow crowd loved it while both CNN and MSNBC covered it live. Now of course the Fox News debate had a large audience, but Trump still filled the air at that venue as observers noted the lack of electricity and excitement caused by Trump's absence. And, folks, if you believe that Trump didn't attend because he was "afraid" of Ted Cruz or Megyn Kelley, I've got a bridge to sell you. Neglected by the press is the fact that Fox was going to allow a Muslim extremist to question Trump via a You Tube link and Prince Alaweed of Saudi Arabia, one of the principal owners of the Fox network, stated that Trump should not be allowed to run. And as for Kelley, well, I understand Trump's sentiment, and the other candidates did so as well back during the first altercation. So why should he subject himself to more of the same, probably only worse?

Trump is Trump and he is going to run his campaign, which is booming, the way he sees fit. And the truth is that America loves it. He's an outsider to politics, he refuses to operate by rules set by an Establishment that is corrupt and self-centered, and he is fearless about talking about what the average American on the street is concerned with. And while I don't agree with some of the things he says (but I don't agree with everything anyone says, as applies to most of us), I do believe his heart is in the right place and he will do many of the things that need to be done to put America back in the leadership position where she belongs.

None of us know how this thing will ultimately end up; politics is not a certain sport. But Trump has been a breath of fresh air, he's not going away and at this point it is going to require something much different than what I've seen so far to stop his movement forward. Trump is a fighter and he has the tools to outfight anyone on the scene. I, for one, am going to watch, analyze and enjoy where this cycle of politics goes. I have a feeling that in the end it will result in real positive change for America, come what may. God bless America.

FLORIDA LAND GRAB: THE ROAD TO HEAVEN OR THE HIGHWAY TO HELL?

1/28/2016

The disappearing swamps

A struggle is under way in North Florida that has the potential to change the way of life for many citizens, not to mention the damage it will cause to the ecosystem, especially the clean water supply. Governor Rick Scott, hellbent on bringing millions of new residents and jobs to the state, is pushing a huge highway construction plan which will result in the urbanization of the entire state. By the time it is done, if you want to see the beautiful river which was the basis for the song "Way Down Upon the Suwannee River" you just might have to go on an amusement ride by that name in Orlando. And as for the jobs, well, if past performance is accurate, most of the companies will bring many of the best position holders with them.

Tonight at 9 on North Florida Writer Live we'll talk about the heavy construction push and what it means to those who have lived in the area for generations. Not only will their land be impacted, many will be removed as their land is condemned by the the State of Florida under eminent domain. There is a much easier alternative which will not require the destruction of the fragile environment and lives, but Governor Scott is determined to make Florida just another place on the map that looks like a cookie cutter version of what is happening not only nationwide, but worldwide. There is nothing wrong with growth and development, yet there should be a middle ground between common sense and the never ending push by developers to pave over every square inch of land. Sadly, the middle ground is not something that is of interest to him.

When the big money guys get their hooks into government with lobbying dollars, most elected officials quickly cave to take advantage of the bankroll. And the people? Well, too bad, because many citizens get overrun with nary a care. And the Governor, who won his last election by a small margin deems he has a mandate to wreck the state the way he wants. After all, once his term is up, he can relocate anywhere he wants while the suffering he leaves behind, including a fast approaching major water shortage, will be his legacy.

We'll discuss this issue with Hawthorne Mayor Matt Surrency tonight at 9. The mayor says he is not in support of a major highway addition to the area but what exactly does he mean by "the area"? We'll find out tonight on North Florida Writer Live. Hope you'll join us; here's the link:

tobtr.com/s/8256403

The People Sometimes Rise Up: Does the Government Ever Listen?

1/27/2016

I've been spending the last few days attending and speaking up about the need, or lack thereof, for a new superhighway through the swamp to connect Tampa and Jacksonville here in Florida. This post, while intended principally for the North Florida populace, might offer a good lesson to any rural dwellers anywhere in America who are facing the onslaught of big corporate America and lobbyists working through state legislators to completely urbanize the entire scope of the United States. If you think that the people are considered first in actions to change the country, you need to think again. While development and growth have an important part in our nation's prosperity, it is not the only thing of importance and hopefully this post will exemplify the way things really are. Speak up or get run over, that's the way the world truly runs. This has also been posted in Facebook.

Quite exhausted after two full days of it, this morning I awoke refreshed and thought I would highlight a few things about the people who are in on this fight for keeping a "little piece of the pie" in rural North Florida rural. Being an old Army guy, I always look to the great movie "Band of Brothers" and its story as an inspiration for giving me the strength to get involved in tough issues. And while I know that I am just one very small cog in a gigantic wheel, I know that we can't complain if we don't voice our opinions. You can't have a good program if it turns out to be win-win for some and a win-lose for others. That's not economic development; it's economic disaster.

I know that many people couldn't attend the meetings over I-75 relief during the daytime due to work commitments, but the outpouring of support on line and through people I talk to is extremely gratifying. And then, of course, there is the "Band of Brothers" or, in this case, mostly the "Band of Sisters" who do make it to the daytime meetings. They bring their hearts and souls as they try to salvage some of Old Florida from the development push that wants the entire United States to become a cookie cutter land primarily owned and operated by huge money interests. It was never meant to be that way and I'm sure our Founding Fathers have been rolling over in their graves many times.

I can't remember all who have been there with me, both in Crystal River Monday and/or at the Alachua County Admin. Bldg. yesterday to keep the drive alive, but here's the best I can do. These are down to earth good people who have taken time off during the work week or, if retired, have been willing to get up early and drive long distances to show their concern for what big business and government so often does in a vacuum. Included are:

The wonderful and brave ladies from Citrus County who lit the fire at the opening of comments, the ladies from Melrose who were very encouraging, Commissioner Larry Harvey from Putnam for attending, and of course a few gentlemen and ladies from both places that I don't know; Frank and Susan Morey, Judy Etzler, Dave Mathia, Kristen Young, the group from Micanopy, and about four others that I either didn't know or I have missed. I certainly don't mean to slight anyone who stood for we, the little people against a crony-capitalist effort. Whether you are listed or not, what you have done by being there is important and it was duly noted by both bodies, unfortunately, not in a positive way by most of the State Task Force (but not all) but with great impact on the Alachua County Commissioners. And I say that to all of them for their 5-0 vote to carefully go over things and come up with a county position rather than just roll over for the State of Florida.

We've just begun. This journey will be a long and arduous one, but we are having an impact and the numbers now paying attention are growing. So thanks to my good friends in the "Band of Brothers and Sisters" as we fight a different kind of war. Remember, the war story that I opened with had the unit surrounded without food and running low on ammunition. If they could do it, surely we can muster the energy when we get to go home to a warm and cozy home each night.

I'll update this story routinely as the process unfolds. In the meantime, God bless you all.

NORTH FLORIDA WRITER LIVE TUES. NIGHT: UPDATE ON HUD OVERREACH

1/25/2016

North Florida Writer Live is pleased to have Gainesville, Florida realtor Darlene Pifalo return as a guest on the show Tuesday night at 7. She is shown in the picture with her cat, Mr. Lucky, who is indeed lucky to have Darlene as the head of the family. Darlene is a true animal lover and she donates from each real estate transaction to the cause of caring for homeless animals.

We will revisit the same subject that she talked about with us several months ago: the overreach of the Department of Housing and Urban Development as we now have an opportunity to look at the new regulations enacted October 1, 2015 and their impact. If you need a refresher, HUD enacted guidelines for making every ZIP Code in America identical in terms of makeup by race and other categories throughout the country. They also initiated changes to the way mortgage applications are processed which for all practical purposes eliminates the ability to have closing in a transaction on old and new properties on the same date. This certainly creates a cash flow impossibility for most Americans and thereby makes real estate actions much more difficult.

Darlene is a tireless worker who has mastered her trade and offers a wealth of information for anyone desiring to buy or sell a house in this area. If you want to know what is really going on in an area of importance to all of us, please join us for the show. For most of us, our home is our most expensive possession and anything that government does to make ownership more burdensome is certainly not a good thing. But, then again, it's not about logic and common sense. It's all about control. Here's the link to the show which is good to preview it as well as listen Tuesday night at 7 ET.

tobtr.com/s/8251093

Be Very Careful What You Wish for

1/25/2016

Those of you who have read my blogs know that I live in a rural area that government and many business leaders are working hard to urbanize. I am a fighter when it comes to nature, not because we don't need growth and development, but because new growth and development need to carefully fit in like puzzle pieces with both the lay of the land and the natural reason for its design by God. After all, this is our Father's world; we merely borrow it for the time we are here.

And there's another reason that is critical. Heavily rural areas are usually inhabited by strong and good people who pay their taxes, don't cause problems and generally just want to live the remainder of their lives in peace. They can accept change that doesn't destroy the character of their lives, but when a large corporate structure and developers enter the area they have no such intention. They want to use every square inch with no protection for their neighbors. Actually, they push hard to drive their neighbors out, usually from land and homes that many have lived in for generations. Tax assessment increases, new regulatory and special taxes to pay for the infrastructure that is never paid for by the developers, and the loss of serenity all combine to help do the job.

Welcome to the Sunshine State, which now in the twenty-first century is operating in the traditions of great con artists and swindlers like David Levy Yulee and Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, great land schemers as well as governors of Florida in the days of cheap land that was often unusable when purchased by out of staters responding to the ads for a tropical paradise of joy in the mosquito infested Florida swamps.

Here in Alachua County in North Florida, one of the last bastion areas of Old Florida, the push is on. On top of the rezoning efforts, changing swamp and floodplains into multi-use designation, now comes the push for a twenty-first century multi-modal transportation roadway right through the "land of the earth that floats". With unbridled support from the Chambers of Commerce and Governor "I've never seen a square inch of earth that I don't want to develop" Rick Scott, right of ways will be purchased and properties condemned, largely those belonging to residents identified by a Florida Department of Transportation task force member as "the weakest and most vulnerable" property owners to attack. That is code for those who are not wealthy and able to afford a top notch attorney and/or those without political clout.

How bad will it turn out and will it be a total disaster for not only the dispossessed but many others in the area? It's still too soon to know, but this much is known. Just because something is legal doesn't make it morally right and a society that sacrifices the lives of people who are long time residents, most whom are either elderly or of modest means, by pushing them aside for newcomers is not supporting sound economic development. Sound economic development always looks for a win-win, not a win-lose. How they can sleep at night is a mystery in itself but, then again, the Lord never said that the true and righteous who believed in Him would rule the world, only that they would join Him in Glory one day.

I'll keep you posted as the push continues. And if you are rural anywhere in the good old USA, these types of actions are happening across the fruited plain. You just might be next.

ON SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: WHAT IS REAL VICTORY IN LIFE?

1/23/2016

Touchdown celebration

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

There's just something about going to the big game and watching your favorite tight end make a dream catch for a touchdown. Frankly, I can think of no player in the game who did it better better than Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints in his glory years, shown here celebrating with a slam dunk over the bar at the goal post. We all love to be victorious and sports is certainly one time when the excitement of the crowd adds to the achievement. And there are many other great examples such as the time you watch your little boy or girl master the art of bicycle riding, that day he or she brought home an "A" on the big math test, or maybe it's the victory of being awarded a promotion and a pay raise from your employer for your dedication and hard work.

All of those things and so many more are victories, but they are minor events compared to the victory in life we attain when we make our commitment to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. All of the other things fade to memories and when this life is done we can't take them with us. But with Jesus as our priority in life, not only does He guide us and lead us down the road of Truth, he also grants us the Glory of salvation and eternal life when our time as a mortal on earth is done. And that, my friends, is the ultimate victory in life, the attainment of Eternity.

This week on Sunday Morning Coming Down we'll talk about that greatest of all victories. We'll also have a short scripture reading, prayer and some good Christian music. Won't you join us for the show which is already pre-recorded and on demand 24/7. It gives us a few moments at a convenient time to remember the gift that we have been given and why our Christian faith is so important. Here's the link to the show:

tobtr.com/s/8246445

Sunday Morning Coming Down is a production of North Florida Writer Live designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the Christian faith or just celebrate the joy that we have in our hearts for the ultimate gift that God in heaven above gave us through his precious son, Jesus Christ. God bless you all.

TONIGHT ON NORTH FLORIDA WRITER LIVE: THE REST OF THE GOP FIELD

1/20/2016

The Iowa caucuses are drawing near with primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina quickly following. And as is always the case at this time of the political cycle, the campaigns warp up with a higher energy level, knowing that the time is at hand to give it their all. While Donald Trump has a significant lead if you believe the polls, Ted Cruz is picking up his game as he responds to Trump and fights back. Everybody knew that the "good friend" attitude wouldn't last and "The Donald" would put it in high gear but, then again, the level of ego that all of the candidates have makes that a given.

Since Trump has taken much of the "air out of the room" in the campaign, tonight on North Florida Writer Live we'll talk about Cruz, the clear runner up at this point and a few of the others who think they still have a chance although this writer thinks it is now a two man race. We'll also look at Rubio, John Kasich (because of his surprise spurt in New Hampshire) and yes, even Jeb Bush, who still has illusions of grandeur although that is likely unfounded. But remember, the Republican Establishment despises Cruz and they are no fan of Trump either, for they see the insurgent candidacies as a threat to their power and power is the name of the game for them. Don't put anything past them.

Joining me will be my regular guest, Mark Collier, as we discuss where these fellows are coming from, what they appear to want to do and how it will likely play out. But, like anything else, nothing is ever certain in politics so we'll just have to watch and see. And then we'll look at the Democrats on a later show.

The show starts at 8pm (ET) at the following link and, as always, it will then be available 24/7 on demand:
tobtr.com/s/8239921

A SALUTE TO MARK LEVIN: ALWAYS THE TRUTH

1/19/2016

The truth and only the truth

Every evening after feeding our horses, I always tune in to Mark Levin. A former Reagan staff member (Chief of Staff to the Attorney General), head of the Landmark Legal Foundation and a strict adherent to the Constitution, I enjoy his evening broadcast and listen regularly.

When I first tuned him in about six years ago, I didn't like him. Frankly, I thought he was going to have a heart attack when he got excited and started yelling on the air. But then I got through the "noise" and listened to what he was saying and found him to be saying what I believed. Sometimes he brought thoughts out of my head that I hadn't really considered yet they had been in place for a long time. And then I was hooked and have listened ever since. And, folks, you don't have to believe everything he says, in fact, he tells you not to. Listen, think for yourself, and come up with what you think is right. That's what Levin makes you do. He makes you think and that's what America needs to do right now.

Now this week he has been analyzing the various campaigns and, of course, much focus has been placed on Trump since he is so outspoken. I happen to like Trump, but would certainly support Cruz, and while Mark has been quite critical of his recent remarks, he isn't afraid to identify the shortfall of all of them, honestly and objectively. So instead of getting angry when he picks on a favorite, think about it and you'll see he is giving good advice whether you want it or not.

If you have never listened to his program, The Mark Levin Show, check radio listings in your area because he is on a large number of stations nationwide. Open your ears and try him and even if you don't like him initially give him thirty days. You might really be surprised at how much you will separate yourself from the uninformed masses when it comes to politics and the Constitution.

God bless you, Mark, for the service you provide and God bless America. May she ever be free.

Common Core: Another Program America Doesn't Want

1/19/2016

Do you ever get the feeling that government continues to jam down our throat things that we Americans don't want? And do you also quickly realize that many of the answers they provide to support what is being done are just flat out not true? Well, millions of Americans feel that way and as time goes on none of the unwanted programs out there are any more dangerous than tonight's topic on North Florida Writer Live.

Our subject tonight is Common Core, the latest government fad in education which, unfortunately, is much worse than a fad. Common Core allows the federal government, with the help of many compliant states, to control our children and determine just exactly how those children are prepared for a very difficult future. Common Core doesn't offer opportunity for kids to identify their God-given talents and pursue the dreams that come from that realization. No, Common Core dictates what that future will be from the cocoon of a bureaucratic setting operated as a crony-capitalist venture. It's just another case of where politicians curry favor with select businesses in order to receive campaign funding for the next election cycle and it's found nearly everywhere in today's America. And American education businesses participating can earn huge sums from the production of widely ranging and expensive educational materials.

Tonight, my friend Meg Norris from Georgia, a founder of the Georgia Opt Out program and a seasoned professional in the teaching of children will again join us on the show to discuss what is going on in the Peach State to stop this program. Whether you live in Georgia or not, her comments will be valuable to any parent or teacher, and yes, even students, in determining exactly what is going on in the local community and how they can influence it for the good of our most precious asset, our children.

Won't you join us tonight at 9 for a rousing discussion? North Florida Writer Live can be accessed through the following Blog Talk Radio link. The outline is up right now and the show can be linked as it gets ready to go live. We hope you'll join us and God bless you all.

tobtr.com/s/8236623