North Florida Writer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Life Around Us
  • Contact
  • MY BOOK PAGE

The British Show How Democracy Works

8/30/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureThe Parliament, London
Yesterday our friends in Britain surprised the world and in so doing provided a wonderful example of democracy in action.  It had been widely assumed that Prime Minister Cameron would provide military support to the Obama administration as it continues its push toward likely use of force against Syria.  British support is critical since they are the only ally with cruise missile capability to back up or arsenal.  Without the Brits, America is likely to be going it alone.

But something interesting happened in London that upset the applecart.  The British people spoke up and they spoke loudly.  Ever since their active involvement in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the British public opinion has grown decisively against military action.  After all, next to the United States, they have shouldered the major burden, they have tragically lost many of their finest to death or injury and they have the same financial difficulties that we face here in America.  So the public stood up and resoundingly said no, they relayed these sentiments to the Members of Parliament, and in a stunning shocker, the Parliament voted against war, 285-272.  Shortly after the vote, the Prime Minister acknowledged the vote and vowed that his government would not get involved in military action if his people disapproved.

Contrast that action with the goings-on here in the United States.  The President tries to hide his true intentions in secrecy, does not willingly deal with Congress on this issue and vows to take action if he deems it necessary regardless of what the Congress says.  Furthermore, only 9% of the American public polls in favor of war in Syria, yet the President stubbornly puts his hubris ahead of his people.  I guess we shouldn't be surprised by this as in so many things, like Obamacare and the atrocious list of scandals, he operated in a similar fashion.  The self-described most transparent President in history hides his plans and schemes in the White House.

Being a former military officer myself, I am certainly not one who opposes war at all costs.  But we have a major problem here.  Neither side in Syria is worthy of our support.  The Assad regime is despicable, yet the rebel opposition is composed largely of Al Qaeda.  Do we really want to  provide support to, and take up arms on behalf of, a group that is sworn to destroy America?  Furthermore, do we want to risk greatly expanded warfare that could be sparked by this action?  After all, the Russians are now sending warships and submarines to the eastern Mediterranean which will only add tension and the possibility of expansion of the conflict.  Somehow I don't think that Vladimir Putin is too concerned about what Obama will do; he just assumes he is a lightweight and will show his true colors soon enough.

Lastly, I want to pose some major questions directly impacting the reason for the President's proposed course of action.  Since Mr. Obama claims that our reason to get involved is Syria's crossing the red line, just what does that mean?  Did Assad really use chemical weapons against his people or was it a set-up where his opponents did the deed to draw America in?  And, furthermore, just where did the weapons come from?  No one asks about that.  It seems to me that truckloads of chemical weapons were reported being moved from Iraq to Syria about the time the Democrats were claiming Saddam Hussein had no such weapons.  Could these be those very same weapons?  Oh, I know this upsets the liberals but maybe, just maybe, George W. Bush was right.

Folks, we've got too many unanswered questions to get America involved in another ugly situation, particularly with a military force that is tired, too strung out, and not properly supported.  And to add even more to this, there is the issue of Obama's war on our soldiers' religious persuasion.  Really, can you imagine a Christian preparing for battle being told that he can't publicly worship his Savior as part of his preparation. Not only pathetic but unconstitutional and morally wrong.

Stay out of Syria and put our resources to use where we need them back here at home.  How about along our Southern open border? And to our British cousins I say, Bravo for a wonderful performance, showing the way democracy is supposed to work.  And you were able to do it under a constitution that is unwritten, yet just understood by all of your citizens.  What a wonderful example for the world to see.  Too bad we here in America fall so short.







0 Comments

What Do We Expect From Our Daughters?

8/29/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
After all of the talk this week about the performance or, rather, shameless display put on by Miley Cyrus at the music awards recently I think it's a good time for all parents to think about what we expect from our daughters.  Glenn Beck opined on this subject the other day and I think he was right on target: Miley is crying out for help.

Oh, she probably doesn't realize it, but for a young woman to shame herself so publicly, losing any modicum of respect and decency for herself in such a provocative and I think obscene performance, indicates a crying need for special attention.  Several years ago when her father, Billy Ray, made the statement that he wanted to be friends with his daughter you could see it coming.  Miley is probably looking for a father, not a friend.

Look, any young woman in show business is under a lot of pressure.  Many people think that they have it made with no cares or worries but the demands to be a star which are placed on them  by their handlers has to be monumental.  And in a time of total disregard for respect and decency which became the rule with Madonna, was copied by Britney Spears, and followed by the outrageous Lady Gaga (gag me, please), I'm sure that Miley just figured she had to push the envelope even further if she was to attract attention.  And so another who got started with the Mouseketeers has advanced into shaming herself.  Annette, if you are up there watching, I'm sure you are shaking your head in disbelief.

What do we want from our daughters?  Is it fortune and fame at  any cost?  Is it public attention by any means, including showing too much skin, or at least suggesting that by wearing skin tight clothes that leave little to the imagine?  Oh, for a small number that might be acceptable but I think most of us abhor this behavior. 

For me, and I guess I now have to say granddaughters since my daughter is grown, I want the young women in my family to grow into well rounded ladies who are capable of supporting themselves no matter what happens but by means which are legal, honorable, and morally sound.  I want them to be able to say when they are older and have grown daughters of their own that they lived their lives with dignity and honor and in a way that their children can be proud of.  To me, womanhood is something to be revered, not trashed and for it to be reached properly it requires the hand of God guiding her. This only comes from parental teaching and guidance, not as a friend but as a parent.  There is always time to be friends when they are grown.

Call me old fashioned and corny if you want, but I think if every man and every father sees a beautiful young woman he wants to be able to say that's how I want my daughter to turn out.  that beauty comes from the whole woman, not just a physical display but from the way she lives and the way she behaves.  I know that all of you father's out there don't want to see your own flesh and blood displayed in a way that degrades her or uses her for impure thoughts, so think about that when you see someone behave like Miley.  And have pity on her because once you have been displayed like cheap merchandise it's hard to ever get your reputation back.  But you can through hard work, it is never too late.

And Miley and Billy Ray, there is always time to change your ways and use yourself as an agent for God and good, not the Black Angel and evil.  He is always there for you and He will always forgive you.  You just need to ask Him and follow Him.

Dear Lord, Help our young women of America to be strong and not follow the temptation of temporary glamour, bright lights and fame that is so often achieved by bad decision-making and immoral behavior.  Remind them that their body is their temple and should not be used in a way that is disrespectful to themselves or Thee.  And instill in all parents, particularly fathers, a strong will to raise them properly with reverence and care and treat them in a way which will clearly show to them their true beauty and value which is clean and pure, not tawdry and dirty.  And Lord, please infect the hearts of women like Miley and others in similar circumstances so that they might see Thy light and seek Thy grace.  We ask in Thy name, Amen.

Men of America, remember the old line from the song, "I want a girl, just like the girl that married dear old Dad".  How about applying that concept in the raising of young women?  All of America will be much better off for it.


0 Comments

Sneak Peak at My Book Cover, Publication Out this Fall

8/28/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
BOOK SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE FALL. A GOOD READ FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS TOGETHER
0 Comments

Would You Like To Be Wheelchair Bound?

8/28/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the feelings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Romans 15:1

Yesterday afternoon my wife and I visited our local barbeque restaurant for a late lunch.  While I know it's not healthy on a regular basis, we do occasionally enjoy it as a special treat.  I love it so.

The little restaurant that we frequent is on a busy North-South artery carrying many tourists to and from the beautiful resorts and beaches we have here in Florida.  While I'm glad I reside in the rural north part of the state, the visitors enjoy the many special places that we are blessed to have and they play a large part in keeping our economy going even in today's hard times.

While waiting for our lunch, an older couple drove up in a large van and parked in the handicapped spot directly by the front door.  I watched out the window and noticed it was taking a long time for them to come inside.  Looking closely I could see that the lady was having trouble with the power wheelchair that contained her husband.  Over a few moments I watched several younger people walk by them, even a deputy sheriff, with nary a glance.

Walking outside to help, I found the problem.  In his hurry to get down the slight ramp from his vehicle to the concrete, he had gone off the side with one wheel and the chair was stuck in limbo.  The elderly gentleman was in danger of tipping over, which would have caused him to fall out on the parking lot and probably injure himself.  My wife ran out to join me as the chair with occupant was very heavy and, at 66, I'm not as strong as I was back in my Army days.  We struggled for a moment and finally righted the chair so that the poor man could "drive" it down the ramp safely.

As I helped them in the door to find a table, I thought to myself how self-centered and callous we have become.  It's as if we have all been so desensitized and unconcerned with the needs of others that we don't see any obligation to help others.  We need to change our outlook and change it fast.

I don't tell you this seeking praise for myself.  My reward was found in watching these nice visitors to my state be able to get their lunch and then get on their way safely.  They were probably on their way to see children and grandchildren and they just needed a little hand of friendship.  And it made my heart warm and it gave me a  good feeling inside to be able to help them. 

Dear Lord,  Thank you for putting me in the right place to help another one of Thy children in their moment of need.  Help us to always look for opportunities to help others with no strings attached, for helping others without expecting anything in return gives us the most wonderful return of all, the good feeling that comes with kindness and love.

And help us to lose the callousness and selfishness that life sometimes brings and to remember that serving others is what our Savior demands of us. 

And finally, Father, care for that older disabled man and his loving wife on their travels, give them the strength to carry on and live their life to the fullest extent that they may, and help them keep Thy love in their hearts always.  We ask in Jesus' name, Amen


Try to perform a little act of kindness for someone each day.  It's the right thing to do and He expects it of you.  Have a great day in His world.


0 Comments

We Need to Stay Out of Syria

8/27/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
The picturesque view shown to the left looks quite peaceful and would seemingly make a great postcard.  Unfortunately, it is a picture just before nightfall of Damascus, the capital city of Syria.  It is probably one of the most dangerous cities in the world right now and the danger level is rising rapidly.

The American military has been involved in "undeclared wars" for longer than I care to remember.  When we fought in World War II, everyone knew that it would be a long and bloody war but it was officially declared.  And once we entered it we fought it with everything we had.  Sure lots of foreign civilians died and much of their land was destroyed, but the end result was peace and America, in its greatest traditions, played a major role in rebuilding our enemy territories, making them better than ever and, as a result, we  turned them into our best allies.

Today, we are constantly being drawn into war which is fought halfheartedly.  Oh, it's not the military don't give it their all, rather it's the actions of the leadership which are problematic.  The legalistic approach with no fire zones and do not kill zones ties our soldiers in knots when split second decisions are needed.  Meanwhile, the enemy commits untold atrocities against their own people in the vacuum.   If you want to win, you have to fight to win.

Look at both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Our soldiers fought bravely and what happened?  The government, under a man lacking in leadership skills and who has no concept of what war is all about, set withdrawal dates and announced them for the world to hear.  The successes we were achieving under the previous administration are going down the toilet fast.  The enemy just sits back and waits for America to depart and then bingo, they move back in. 

Look at the ongoing bloodshed picking up the pace in Iraq and look at the corruption in Afghanistan and the hatred toward Americans who are being shot and killed by personnel supposed to be our allies.  And we can't even take care of our brave personnel and give them the morale boost of a hot breakfast.

And now, the war hawks like John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who I think are pawns of the large defense contractors, are pushing us into entering the fray directly in Syria, a country where neither side can be trusted by America.  Are we insane or is it just pure greed on the part of a few?

To make this even worse, the President has repeatedly cut the Defense budget, we are still not taking care of many of our disabled veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq and we will be arming people who hate us and are sure to ultimately turn these arms against us.  Would any other government in the world be stupid enough to act this way?  I think not.

If we are really worried about the security of the United States, which is what this is supposed to be all about, close and secure our border.  I predict that the next major terrorist attack inside the United States will have crossed our border easily through our porous security.  We don't have the money, the willpower, or the manpower to take care of the entire world.  Get out of the Middle East, develop and use our own God-given energy resources which are plentiful, and let our young men and women in uniform have peace for a change.

Oh, and one other thing, allow these fine personnel the right to worship their Lord and Savior without interference from the Pentagon.  If we treated our military with the dignity and respect that instead we chose to shamelessly give to Major Nidal Hassan, a cold blooded and now convicted murderer of his fellow soldiers, we would be much better off.  His actions were certainly no act of workplace violence, they were Satan-inspired terrorism, through and through.

Eisenhower's warning so many years ago about the "Military-Industrial Complex" was indeed true. Break this bond and in the future only enter a war that we intend to win.  Anything short of that is a complete loss of precious life of America's finest.  What a disgrace it truly is. 

Dear Lord,  Help America to wake up.  Help us to apply common sense to the problems that surround us and to calmly follow Thy guidance in deciding what needs to be done.  Help us to see that war should not be used as a means to achieve riches for some at the cost of so many lives.  It should only be a last resort when we are clearly and directly threatened.  Give us the wisdom to see this and to learn from our past mistakes.

Help our leaders to see the light and  to also live up to the obligations that they have to those have fought and suffered.  Give our wounded heroes the care they need and Thy love.  And help us to understand that a military which has Thee in its heart will be a much better representative of America than a godless one.  Give our soldiers strength, yet compassion and bring them safely home.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.


0 Comments

What Do We Americans Want?

8/26/2013

1 Comment

 
Picture
Yesterday we had a good discussion at church about our country, where it has come from and where it is headed and what we would hope to see for her in the future.  I think it's something we all need to engage in, for it seems like today it is operating on the thoughts and ideas of a small minority of people.  The overwhelming majority have either opted out or frankly just don't seem to care.  The result of this is a society that seems to be running aimlessly, has no foundation, and is headed for disaster.  I personally think that if we don't get focused soon it will be too late to turn her around.

So what do we want, America?  What are our dreams and aspirations?  Or do we just not care?  I think it would be a good idea for each of us to look within ourselves for the answers.  Everyone will have different ideas but it's important to honestly evaluate your hopes and dreams as a baseline for actions needed.  And then, and this is really important, get involved for if not you will have nothing to complain about.

I'll give you a few items from my list to help you get started.  Some of you may disagree, and that's your right, but until you think about what it is you want your country to be you'll never play a part in getting her on the proper course.  When you honestly look within yourself you may find that some of the things you want are quite different from what you assumed.

Part of My Dream List:

+  I want a country that puts individualism and freedom first.  I don't want to be a number; I am an individual with God-given talents and I want the ability to use them to my utmost.  My ultimate destiny from this is limited by me and my mistakes and by my God, not a government edict or quota.

+  I want to see an end to political correctness, something which is destroying our morals, courage and honesty.  If we can't openly and honestly discuss the problems and issues of the day, how can we expect to solve them?  And I don't say this from a judgmental aspect but from truth.  Judgment is something to be taken care of at a time and place determined by Our Maker.

+ I want an education system that is based upon real knowledge not dogma and certainly not constrained by the aforementioned political correctness.  In this regard, I want our history books to be honest, to tell it like it is not slanted as a tool of indoctrination.  We learn from history and if we throw it out the window we will repeat the same mistakes made so many times before.  We have made many mistakes in America but we are still by far the best place to live on the planet.  I also want to see the focus on reading, writing and arithmetic and not birth control.  The 3 Rs worked for generations; they will work again subject to the upgrading of subject matter knowledge now available.

+  I want the media to cover the real news, not a 24/7 rendition of Hollywood.  Much of the world is going up in flames and even here at home heinous crimes and violence are running rampant but are barely mentioned.  Get the politics out of the news and start operating as a factual story scooping network of reporters like it used to be.  I don't care what Kim Kardashian had for dinner last night.

+ I want children to be able to play on a playground without being the victim of another drive by shooting.  I don't want any more 89 year old veterans to be beaten to death while sitting quietly in their car or young joggers being shot in the  back by cowardly gang members.  This will require parents to start paying attention to the things that their kids are doing and, I think, it also requires us to return fathers to the home.  The family, with the help of God, will do more to solve this problem than any government program based upon dogma.

+ I want to see young women married before they have children.  Do you know that  70% of minority and nearly 30% of other children are born to single mothers.  The odds of these children "making it" in society are very low, hence a major factor in the high crime rate and unemployment of young people.  Doesn't it kind of make you think that maybe the Christian idea of family was a pretty good idea?  I think so.

+ I want Christianity to be honored, not held in low esteem as it is today, even by our very government.  Our military should be allowed to practice their religion and say "Jesus Christ" in their prayers and conversations.  We're not talking about a state run religion here, we are talking about freedom.  And this is just one of the rights of the Bill of Rights, all of which should be guarded and defended by all of us, for if you take rights away from one group who's going to be the next?

I will stop here for now.  I think you get the idea.  I have many more ideas but those are for another time or venue.  The point is if you don't know what your belief structure is you'll never be true.   You have to reach those conclusions yourself.  It's kind of like Christianity and the concept of good and evil.  God gives you free will, it is up to you to decide which way you want to go.  But remember, whatever you decide, you have to live with the consequences.

Friends, use your life wisely and with conviction.  Don't squander the precious time you have here in this world, it will all be over much sooner than you think.  Time is fleeting.  Think about it and act accordingly.  God bless.


1 Comment

A Good Friend Named Gabe

8/25/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Every morning and every afternoon come rain or shine I have to visit for a while with our horses.  They know when it's mealtime like clockwork and if I am late they let me know about it. they bang and clang along the fence line like a teenage band rehearsing.

There is one horse who, while not loved any more than the others, does have a special place in my heart.  His name is Gabe and he is the first born of the horses we currently have in our extended family.  My wife already had Gabe when I met her thirteen years ago.  She bought him six years earlier.  Gabe is now twenty-four.

Gabe is a thoroughbred who was originally trained for the track, but due to confirmation problems with his feet it didn't pan out.  When my love found him he was residing on a small farm that backed up on the Florida State Penitentiary.  I sometimes say that Gabe is the only member of our family who has ever looked over a prison fence.

Gabe's primarily use was for trail rides in his younger days.  He was always safe and reliable and he normally responded very well to commands.  On a few occasions, however, when he did balk he was the immovable object.  This happened to me once as we prepared for the trails and my wife grew impatient with me and decided she would show me a thing or two.  Now she is quite the avid horsewoman and I watched thinking I would learn, but Gabe had other ideas.  He just stood there and wouldn't move, frustrating her as well.

Later that day I found him running around in the field like he was a young, spirited stallion.  I guess he showed us.

Being twenty four, which is a lot older than that in human years, Gabe is the only senior citizen in the herd excepting me.  His days are spent these days grazing in the pasture and avoiding harassment from the other horses, all of which are mares.  He routinely tells me he is henpecked.


Every day when I visit with him I talk to him about that.  I tell him that us older gents need to stick together.  Of the horse and human variety, he and I make up the only males on the farm.

A couple of years ago he started showing his age and I began to worry that his demise would be soon, but my good friend at the feed store gave me a couple of tips and we changed his food and added probiotics for good digestion and he perked right up.  I think he'll be here for quite a number of years yet.  He is a good friend and companion and that makes me happy.  Hallelujah!

God has given us this wonderful old boy as a special member of our family to love and enjoy.  There will be more about Gabe in my book, Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, now at the publisher being readied for print.

All of you have a wonderful day with the Lord.


0 Comments

The Killing of an American Patriot

8/24/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Another member of America's Greatest Generation, those who fought gallantly for our freedom and way of life in World War II, died Thursday in Spokane, Washington.  Unfortunately, he did not go peacefully in the night as so many of his brothers and sisters at arms have done in recent years.  He was the victim of random violence by teenage thugs, beaten to death for an unknown reason except for hate. He was 89.

Delbert Belton was waiting in his car for his caretaker to help him into the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge in Spokane where he routinely played pool on Wednesday night.  Two unidentified black teenage males approached, beat him senseless with flashlights, and he died the next morning at a local hospital.

Mr. Belton fought with the United States Army in the bloodiest battle of World War II, the final major battle leading to the surrender of Japan.  The Battle of Okinawa resulted in death and injury to over 60,000 American service members during the period  April thru June 1945.  Mr. Belton was one of those casualties, suffering from a gunshot wound in the leg which resulted in his receiving the Purple Heart.

A surviving sister, Alberta Tosh, who was just a baby when he went off to war, remembers the impact that the war had on him.  She said that when he returned from the Pacific he was different and it took him a long time to readjust and try and get over the awful memories that he had acquired.

Later, Mr. Belton began a career back in his hometown with Kaiser Aluminum and was a faithful and good employee for 33 years, retiring in 1982.  He loved to dance and work on cars, and he spent a lot of time doing the things he loved in his retirement.  And, of course, he loved the weekly pool games at the Eagles lodge, which he never missed.  He is remembered by his friends as a happy and friendly older man who would never harm anyone.

Another fine man, an elderly American Patriot, dies at the hands of violence by a generation that seemingly has no sense of right or wrong and certainly no moral code to follow.  What's more, this same group has many apologists who are always making excuses for their actions and behavior.  I truly hope that justice prevails in this case and for other like situations which seem to be running rampant in America today.


May Mr. Belton rest in peace, may we remember and honor his service to the country he loved, and may those who perpetrated this and other like heinous crimes be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

Let us pray:

Dear Lord,  We honor Delbert Belton today, a simple man who did what so many did in sacrificing for and serving proudly the country that he loved.  Be with his spirit on his journey home and comfort his loved ones who are certainly tormented by the senselessness and the evil of the act committed against him.  And, Lord, open the hearts of the evil doers to the Holy Spirit and infect them with goodness, replacing evil.  While they still must face the proper punishment for the evil they have done, help them change their ways and follow Thee to a better future. 

And Lord, also help our entire American society become reacquainted with 'Thee and relearn to love Thee. Evil seems to be lurking everywhere and our country has lost its way.  Help all Americans to see the error of their ways and to change, to take better care of our children, and to develop them as Citizens of Christ.  For only in this way can we find peace and harmony again.  We ask in Jesus' name, Amen

May the peace of the Lord be with all of you today and all days to come. Honor Him, serve Him and Love Him.


0 Comments

Need A Loyal Friend?  Rescue One.

8/23/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureKaz, our latest rescue
Sometimes people think that my wife and I are "animal nuts".  After all, we love and care for many animals.  But living in the country with plenty of room, and knowing that so many wonderful animals are not taken care of as God commands, it just seems to be the natural thing to do.  We have dogs, cats, horses, birds (both fowl and exotic), fish and even a frisky little ferret.

Where do we get so many of our animals?  The answer: rescue organizations, particularly the dogs.  Many of you may not know this, but there are animal rescue organizations throughout our great land who labor daily to find a good home for wonderful animals.  Most of them specialize in a particular type and breed of animal and they evaluate them to insure that they are a dog that will respond to love. Frequently you can foster one to try them out and make sure that they are suitable for your home.

I've always found that rescue dogs make the best companion because they are appreciative.  Most have been mistreated or homeless and they merely seek the security of a loving home and master.  Once the bond is made, they are loyal beyond belief and bring so much joy to life.

This big "fella" in the picture is Kaz, a three year old Merlequin Great Dane who was a replacement for Goliath, our first Dane who had died.  I never thought I would want a dog as large as a Dane, but that was before I met Goliath. Kaz is smart, energetic, and would be a lap dog if we'd let him.  And while he's my buddy, he truly is my wife's boy.  He loves her dearly and follows her everywhere on the farm.  I never have to worry about her as long as he is nearby.

When we got him last year he had been through five different homes in the past two years.  He was confused and very introverted.  I think he just figured that he wouldn't be with us long.  He was never a "bad boy", I just think that sometimes city folk bring home a big dog on a lark and then realize that they aren't equipped to handle them.  And you must allow for their size and the occasional mess.  Danes do drool a bit and sometimes they track in some dirt, so if your plan is to have a Better Homes and Gardens house they may not be for you.  But if love, fun and devotion is what you seek, they are more than worth any inconvenience they might cause.

Kaz is a gentleman, always responds to directions and loves to play.  In particular, he loves to play with Molly, our little rat terrier.  These two are like Mutt and Jeff, and Molly, the mutt, is clearly the leader.  He follows her everywhere and I don't have to worry about her safety with Kaz around.  The only ones worried about safety in the neighborhood are the raccoons and possum, although Kaz is really more interested in the chase than the capture.  These two great dogs have free run on our property and they are very good at not leaving our boundaries.

So if you are looking for a wonderful pet who will truly love you and be devoted to you, forget the fancy pet stores and investigate organizations that rescue and place animals.  They have many types of dogs, even pedigrees like Kaz, who are looking for a family.  Just remember, they take time to train and bond with you, but once they do you have a friend for life.

Dear Lord,  Bless all of the wonderful dogs that have found loving homes through rescue organizations and bless the wonderful people who volunteer their time in this endeavor.  Help me to spread the word about these great friends and help these beautiful animals to gain the life they so much deserve.  We ask in His name, Amen.

Dogs: what a wonderful addition to God's Creation.  He surely knew what He was doing when he created them.  Halleluhah!

More about Kaz, Molly and other wonderful animals in my new book, Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, in production now with Outskirts Press. Should be available in the Fall.

0 Comments

What Have We Done to Childhood?

8/22/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
There was a country song that was popular a few years back entitled, "it was a Different Time", in which the singer talks about his childhood and all of things that children did that are not allowed today.  Things like riding bikes without helmets, drinking from a garden hose, and the meaning of various words which have been changed today to the point of making them shameful.Do you remember those day?  Those days  when you were a child and your mind wasn't troubled with all of the worries and problems of the world? I do, and I think it's worth remembering them and what they say about what we have become today.  It isn't always so pretty.

When school let out each day, you went home, changed into your "play clothes" and spent the next several hours in glorious play with your friends.  It might be football, baseball, or basketball (depending on the season) or maybe hide and seek or "cops and robbers". And then there was the summertime, with Bible School, Boy or Girl Scouts, campouts, beach outings and endless hours on bicycles, pretending you were traveling the world.  Imagination, competition, fellowship--all of these things helped develop us into well-rounded young men and women ready to take on the world in a few years.

But what happened?  From a carefree time of fun and freedom, we have changed our youth environment into one of fear and tight control and the lack of physical activity and creativity shows.  Pick-up neighborhood games are often a no-no because of fear of being hurt.  We can't let Johnny off the reservation after school because there might be a pervert roaming our neigbhorhood or older kids with guns.  Instead of baseball they play their games on the internet, exercising only their fingers while their minds roam into areas of inquiry which, if not supervised, often lead into areas which are unfit for children and adults.  While the internet offers a great learning experience, it also has the potential to expose children to evil, perversion and many things unsound. 

Boy Scouts has lost its luster due to extreme social engineering, we don't ride bikes because, my word, somebody might get a skinned knee, and much of organized sports has been ruined by our lack of competitiveness.  After all, can't let anyone's feelings be hurt even though it was a great way to prepare for the real world later.  The school of hard knocks was a great way to learn about the way things turn out to really be.

I chose the picture of the empty playground with just a lone dog present because this is so much of what I see when I pass one.  Money was spent on gleaming play equipment which is standing unused while our little ones are home, often unsupervised, getting fat and lazy and expecting the world to "give them" what they need.  And maybe the problem is really just me and my memories as I get older and that things are the way they are supposed to be.  But when I look at society overall and I see the mess we are in socially and economically, I think it all goes back to our foundation, or lack thereof.  Lack of competition, lack of respect, lack of God, lack of parent interest from so many somehow frightens me about what the future might be.

I always remember one of my high school coaches who was extremely hard on us and demanded practice, practice and more practice.  When we'd grumble or complain, he said, "When you're peering out of a foxhole one day you'll remember me and what I did to help you prepare."

I always shook my head thinking about that until the day I was in a foxhole.  It was then that I remembered that he was oh, so right.  It was a different time for sure, but somehow I think we were much better prepared then than we are today and I have a nagging suspicion that it just might come back to haunt us.  I hope that I am wrong.

So parents, love your children but don't give them the easy way out in life.  Let 'em play but also make 'em work and experience the real aspects of life, both good and bad.  It will make them stronger, build character and make them appreciative. Keep an eye on them without smothering them and always remember the importance of God in the equation, for without Him we are nothing.

Dear Lord, Help us to learn from our past experience and incorporate those things that were good for us into things that we do going forward.  Bless our children and help us to do a better job of raising them, teaching them about Thee and Thy undeniable importance and developing them into strong, moral and competent adults capable of leading our world and society in a just and sound way.  We ask in His name, the One who gave His life so that we might live. Amen.

Sorry for the rambling today but I just felt it to be important.  Have a blessed day, the next one in the rest of your life.  Use it wisely and praise Him.


0 Comments
<<Previous

    ABOUT ME

    Hi, I'm James, a writer who studies nature,  animals and all things created by God. I also write from time to time about what I think God expects of us.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these subjects. I hope you enjoy my comments.

    Archive

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    America
    American Sports
    Animals
    Armed Forces Day
    Conservatism
    Doctorpatient0717615167
    Elections-2016
    Florida
    Florida-politics
    Freedom
    Freedom-of-speech
    Geese
    God
    Gods Glory0546cd6883
    Health Care
    Honor
    Integrity
    Jesus Christ
    Koch-brothers
    Leisure-time
    Love
    Military
    Nature
    Primaries
    Proverbs
    Safety
    Savior
    The Future
    Top-political-donors-list
    Tyrannical-government

    RSS Feed

Thanks for contacting northfloridawriter.com.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Arian Zwegers, trvlto, thomas pix, taberandrew, Justin A. Wilcox, Glyn Lowe Photoworks, ckay, phalinn, curtis palmer, bnpositive, oddsock, HooLengSiong, jespahjoy, illustir, ljlphotography, Out at Bob's, The Labour Party, ljlphotography, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, eli.pousson, JasonParis, Fibonacci Blue, wht_wolf9653, bsabarnowl, ` TheDreamSky, Ken_Hoffman, dsearls, NCinDC, James Byrum, DonkeyHotey, Waiting For The Word, cliff1066™, possan, dpape, David Holt London, akeg, Waiting For The Word, Glyn Lowe Photoworks, MilitaryHealth, yukali, infomatique, goforchris, cliff1066™, Wootang01, dctim1, Donald Lee Pardue, LizMarie_AK, campdarby, CedarBendDrive, bill85704, faeparsons, TMAB2003, cliff1066™, Rennett Stowe, KOMUnews, cliff1066™, chris.huggins, USDAgov, mat_walker, gruntzooki, DonkeyHotey, ljlphotography, Elvert Barnes, Paulsasleepwalker, facebook.com/snapshotsofthepast, foto3116, Miller_Center, digitonin, BostonCatholic, Watt_Dabney, jepoirrier, EpicFireworks, derekskey, cletch, DonkeyHotey, KOMUnews, DonkeyHotey, ravensong75, Alan Cleaver, Francisco Diez, hermmermferm, cod_gabriel, Marxchivist, Fibonacci Blue, dbgg1979, “Caveman Chuck” Coker, David Barrie, rjs1322, Just Another Wretch, Keith Laverack, Waiting For The Word, whoohoo120, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, Brett Jordan, yisris, Michael Hodge, Waiting For The Word, MilitaryHealth, doceggman, AlmazUK, taberandrew, cliff1066™, krossbow, shinya, The Jewish Agency for Israel, kudumomo, “Caveman Chuck” Coker, cliff1066™, johntrainor, emilio labrador, cliff1066™, EraPhernalia Vintage . . . (playin' hook-y ;o), **emmar**, Mrs. Gemstone, Andrea Westmoreland, Jeff Kern, Waiting For The Word, Abdulsalam Haykal, Donald Lee Pardue, roberthuffstutter, Dougtone, b1mbo, DonkeyHotey, paularps, kaatjevervoort, Simon Davison, BONGURI, Marion Doss, ex_magician, Bergfels, Brett Jordan, Tim Evanson, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Jeff Kubina, sskennel, DonkeyHotey, VirtKitty, Rodrigo_Soldon, resistealeau, MilitaryHealth, edalisse, Mervi Eskelinen aka tasselflower, Kaz Andrew, nitram242, Andrew Aliferis, uitdragerij, Paul J Everett, Joe Shlabotnik, Jeffrey, Harry Thomas Photography, Tim Evanson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region, Ron Cogswell, Nationalmuseet, escapedtowisconsin, Michael Cory, DonkeyHotey, timsamoff, mrbillt6, bnilsen, themonnie, valeehill, dichohecho, Waiting For The Word, technochick, cliff1066™, RTD Photography, Randy Wick, Enokson, Rising Damp, DonkeyHotey, Waiting For The Word, SteveNakatani, Fovea Centralis, Dru Bloomfield - At Home in Scottsdale, lisaclarke, Mulad, Roswell_UMC, Bengt Nyman, U.S. Embassy New Delhi, FreedomHouse2, SuperFantastic, Rory Finneren, Alaskan Dude, Larry1732, Mr. T in DC, ikewinski, Ivy Dawned, RLHyde, Waiting For The Word, heartajack, dyogi, dailymatador, David Paul Ohmer, Pleuntje, Leonard Bentley, midwestnerd, Donald Lee Pardue, DonkeyHotey, Oli-Oviyan, PatrikWalde, flamesworddragon, The U.S. Army, Zach Heller Photography, DonkeyHotey, EvinDC, Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections, Ronnie Macdonald, Gerry Dincher, The U.S. Army, Jeff Belmonte, DonkeyHotey, Texas Military Forces, jim.greenhill, Ben Sutherland, the Original Jeff Martin, Loz Flowers, CBP Photography, spbpda, OCVA, Hot Rod Homepage, brianholsclaw, dozodomo, quinn.anya, KOMUnews, wtstoffs, Leo Newball, Jr., lilli2de, dmott9, Justin A. Wilcox, sören2013, boboroshi, newagecrap, CoreBurn, simminch, ninahale, EvinDC, Mister Awesome, HeyRocker, beggs, Donald Lee Pardue