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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Are You an Annual or Perennial?

9/29/2018

A beautiful riverbank in Virginia in Autumn.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Fall is a beautiful time of year. The greenery of the lush trees gradually turn to red, orange and gold in color as they prepare for the upcoming winter when they will lie dormant. These growing and older trees are perennials, meaning they will live for a long time while other beautiful plants that are gorgeous will die with the first freeze. Those plants are annuals, living for only one year before they must be replaced. Their beauty only remains in pictures and memories while perennials return the following spring to bring joy to your heart over and over again.

We humans are blessed in that we have the choice of determining whether our lifespan is of short duration or even more lasting than the perennials, a life for eternity. As Paul's words from his letter to the Romans clearly tells us, God has given us the opportunity for eternal, not just mortal, life if we make our free will decision to believe in His Son and Our Savior, Jesus Christ by faith and thereby make our commitment to live for Him. Living for Him with faithfulness will transform us from mortal life to life everlasting, something so grand and marvelous that we can't even fathom the beauty and glory awaiting us. On the other hand, if we choose not to do so, we will find ourselves just like those annual plants, dying off and never coming back to life again. Our very existence will be miniscule on the timeline of life.

So, this leaves each of us with a question to answer, an answer that is entirely up to us using our free will. Will we be like the annuals, living our life on earth before sinking into darkness or will we live for Our Lord and be like the perennials? Each of us has the opportunity to make that choice and live accordingly while we are still mere mortals here on earth. Choose wisely, my friends, choose wisely.

Dear Lord, We thank you for the beauty of the fall and it's colors and glories. And we also thank you for giving us the opportunity to choose between eternal life or death after mortal life is done. Help us to open our hearts to make the right decision so that we might be granted a seat at that glorious table in heaven above when our time here is over. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

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MEMORIES OF DAYS PAST: YOU'RE IN THE ARMY NOW!

9/26/2018

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The degradation of the shaved head

Just over forty-nine years ago, on September 23, 1969, I answered the call for duty in the United States Army. Like most men in their late teens or early twenties in those days, it's not something I really wanted to do at the time, but I did it since I believed it was my duty and I certainly didn't want to be a stain on my family's name. On that fateful morning, I boarded a Greyhound bus in my hometown and was off to Richmond where I would be poked, prodded, tested, harassed and otherwise processed into the United States Army. The day in Richmond was spent to a large degree in lines in our underwear as military medics had fun humiliating us as they made the final pre-enlistment check pf our physical readiness for service. Then we were fed a box lunch of mystery meat sandwiches before, row by row, stepping forward to take the oath to the Constitution, upon the completion of which we were officially the lowest form of military life, the Army trainee. We then had to fill out a boatload of forms including who would receive our insurance should something happen to us. Now that was definitely a "downer" in 1969 to think about.

After the full day of poking, prodding and testing, they put us on a bus and delivered us to the Broad Street train station where only then did they give us our official orders and destination. We were bound for Trenton, NJ, which meant our training post would be Fort Dix. We had about three hours to wait for the train and we finally boarded about nine that night. All of us were exhausted but there was no sleeping to be had. Some cards and other games were played as well as idle chit chat filling the air through the night until we rolled into Trenton around six a.m. A drill sergeant in his Smoky Bear hat entered the car, told us politely to exit quickly and once we stepped on the platform the politeness was over.

The bus ride to Fort Dix was memorable by the choice words used in our face when the now full training squad of five drill sergeants worked the bus. If you looked at them, they screamed at you and if you didn't look at them, they claimed you weren't paying attention so there was no way to win. It didn't take me long to realize the best thing I could do was just shut up and respond when called, otherwise try to blend in with the bus seat.

They herded us off the bus and we walked into an area called the reception station. It's where new trainees waited until the unit assignment was ready, for the barracks were full at all times during the Vietnam War and things were chaotic. We were stuck in our civilian clothes until the assignment was made, yet they screamed, drilled us and made us march to nowhere endlessly in the hot late September sun. When the sun went down and we realized the assignment still wasn't ready, we slept on cots with no bedding in our now raunchy clothes. They did, however, give us about five minutes to eat a meal of slop called stew and then, first thing the next morning we were awakened to a similar meal, this time made of powdered eggs.

Next, it was off to the barber where they destroyed our dignity and our last semblance of civilian life and then, only then, were we finally sent to the quartermaster for uniform and accessory issue. One size fits all was basically the idea, but finally they realized that some size adjustments had to be made. And then, after finally getting a shower and donning our new olive green attire, it was off to more testing. Last stop in the afternoon was the post office, where we were given a box and told to put all of our civilian clothes in it, seal it and address where to send it. I think it would have been more appropriate to burn the clothes but, no, that wasn't in their procedural guide. I couldn't imagine what my family thought when they opened that box.

Now six in the evening, they marched us down a road with no indication of where we were going. We went through woods and then turned around a bend and there in front of us were rows and rows of World War II vintage Army barracks. A young Army Captain walked out with two sergeants to tell us this was our new home for eight weeks. They gave us twenty minutes to unpack our gear in our assigned bunk area and reassemble for chow call. At least this meal was the first one I could recognize and as hungry as we were we would have eaten leather. Afterward, we were told we were restricted to barracks until told otherwise and to make our bunks Army style, but no instructions were given.

In the morning, our made bunks were inspected, we all failed and then training started. We ran everywhere, never had time to think and did what we were told if we knew what was good for us. But somehow over the next eight weeks we built a camaraderie of teamwork which turned a rag tag bunch of civilians into young soldiers ready to learn more and serve. Whoever the psychologists are who set these plans up knew what they were doing.

I'll probably write more at a later time about other times during my eight years of active service, but I will say this right now. The Army taught rules, it taught consequences of not following those rules and it developed discipline and I know it was good for all of us. Somehow I think today our society needs some kind of mechanism like this for all young people. When you try to live your life with a "if it feels good, do it" point of view, sooner or later you will falter big time. And this much I know: none of us ever needed a safe room for we figured out what you needed to do to survive and we all accomplished it.

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THE POWER OF GOD'S NATURE VS. THE LIMITATIONS OF MANKIND

9/25/2018

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A monumental surfing performnce, but one slip up and it could be fatal

The picture above is truly magnificent. It shows the size and power of the huge wave as well as the talent and determination of the surfer riding it. But it also tells us something very directly about the relationship between mankind and nature, for one slight slip or error on the part of the surfer and, at best, he takes a spill or,at worst, he ends up seriously injured or even killed. The surfer knows this, yet he has trained and worked hard and is confident. The wave, well, the wave is just doing what waves do. It is roaring ashore and anything in its way must either master it or face the consequences.

Nature is truly amazing but, after all, it should be for it is an earthly display of God's glory and power. Whether it be a beautiful and sunny day with fair winds and following seas, or a dreary, stormy one with dangerous winds and pounding waves, it all comes from God. He is our Master, our Creator and magnanimous and He knows everything there is to know about us. So, when we challenge his nature in any way, we need to either respect His power or suffer the consequences. And if what we do is shoddy or doesn't make sense for where we might do it, serious issues will impact us.

The next time you go out for a leisurely drive in the area where you live, take a good look around you and evaluate what you see. If you live in an urban area, are there blocks and blocks of shuttered buildings while new and larger facilities are sprawling outward from the city? Are coastal regions so overpopulated that driving there is like rush hour traffic and when you arrive, unless you have an ocean view room, you can't even see the ocean without taking a significant hike? And what about the footing, is the building placed right on sandy soil or is it placed on huge pilings deep into the sandy soil? How you answer these questions is up to you, but I pose them since we so often create cities where they really don't make sense and result in major tragedy when the always coming storm finally arrives. After all, about eighty-five percent of our population lives within one hundred miles of a coastal location.

It's not just in the cities and coastal locations, the problem is also prevalent in rural America where we bulldoze forests, even those in swamp land, to create new communities that become a soup bowl of muck when a storm like last year's Hurricane Irma or this year's Florence comes. And we then ask the question of why God does things like this. And, sadly, the answer is that He didn't. He gave us free will and we used it in a much less than appropriate way. But as long as man is a mortal being on earth and their is money to be made and people want more and more stuff without fully enjoying much of what they already have, this battle between God's nature and man will continue. He doesn't want it to be that way, he just allows us to do as we wish.

Look, I'm not saying that we go live under a rock and don't improve our lives as human nature expects, but I am saying we need to be more careful and skeptical of anyone who says he can turn your town or your beach or even your farm community into heaven on earth. There is only one heaven, folks, and it's not here on earth and the sooner we recognize that and live accordingly, the better off we all will be. Just consider those things as you evaluate the world around you and let God into your heart via your inner Holy Spirit. Ask hard questions and apply a little skepticism to their promises. A little discernment will help you know what is right, appropriate and a good course to follow.

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Thank God for Judge Brett Kavanaugh

9/24/2018

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Judge Kavanaugh: Standing Tall

Just after noon today, Judge Brett Kavanaugh sent a letter to Chairman Charles Grassley of the Senate Judiciary Committee, making it clear that he would not pull his nomination to the Supreme Court, that he demanded the hearing to clear his name from the disgusting claims made against him and that, accordingly, he would be at the hearing Thursday. Professor Christine Ford, the complainant, still is waffling about her own attendance and, of course, another name has surfaced which has basically already been debunked by her own friend who claims no knowledge of the the so-called violation against her.

In the latest allegation by Deborah Ramirez, a freshman at Yale in the same class as Kavanaugh, she claims that he exposed himself to her at a dorm party. The story was published by the New Yorker, yet the New York Times refused to publish it. They found no corroborating evidence and now, just coming out today, even Ms. Ramirez herself claims she may have been confused. Oh, the problems the minority has when their evidence proves to be worthless. And to make it worse, now even Michael Avenatti, the disgraced Stormy Daniels lawyer, claims he has some witnesses from other complainants. Yeah, right, Avenatti, you'll probably try to even throw Stormy into the mix.

The Democrats on the committee have, of course, already declared Kavanaugh's guilt merely be saying that they believe Ford because she is telling the truth. Wow, I wish I could use that defense in court. They made up their mind before the long hearings were even adjourned so this is, of course, no surprise. It's what the Left does, which means anything that will further their disgusting goals. And it's no surprise that the Democrats have asked for him to withdraw his nomination which by his letter he has said he will under no circumstances do.

Now I don't write this to be a Republican versus Democrat thing, but since the Democrats have decided to think that we are now a land where government is no longer subject to the rule of law but, rather, the rule of man (or woman), then our striving for truth demands that this entire subject be based on truth, not gender. After Senator Hirono of Hawaii made the absurd statement that men just need to shut up, that's when I reached my breaking point on the issue. Women are not to be believed because they are women, they are to be believe when they tell the truth and truth is not determined by sex, it is determined by the facts. The same applies to men and Judge Kavanaugh has made it clear that he will be there on Thursday to do the same. Will Ford respond to the call although she was not given the favorable terms for her testimony which turned the rule of law on its head, which is what she wanted? We just don't know but we do know the Judge will be there.

So, here's what should happen. Chairman Grassley should gavel the meeting to order on Thursday and call for Professor Ford to testify. If she is not there or is and refuses, then allow Judge Kavanaugh to make his statement. If the Democrats want to grill him so be it, but they'd better be careful. This man isn't a witness who will stand silent and be abused, this is a man who knows what they've attempted to do and he will defend his honor and that of his family with skilled oration and all by the book.

And then, Chairman Grassley should immediately bring the matter to a vote. The matter is just as simple as that. If he doesn't and he waffles and wilts, the rule of law as we know it will be fatally harmed and we'll be lucky if any honest man or woman will be willing to accept a nomination to the United States Supreme Court. And, frankly, I think that is just what the Democrats want.

Anybody out there remember the Duke lacrosse team that was railroaded by an overly zealous and outlandish prosecutor in Durham, North Carolina years ago? The guilty pleas were ultimately overruled and the prosecutor, Mike Nifong, was forced out of office in disgrace. Well, the Democrats are trying to "Nifong" Brett Kavanaugh. And to the majority members of the committee, Chairman Grassley and Republicans, if you allow that to happen, you will be the laughing stock of the country just like Mr. Nifong is in North Carolina. Last time I heard he was working at a 7-11.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Divided We Fall!

9/22/2018

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Lose your faith and a moral backbone, lose your soul.

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. - Matthew 12:25 (KJV)

As I look back over my life, I can't help but wonder how our American society has so drastically changed over that time. Furthermore, it's not just America, but all of the nations who considered their people to be children of God. Violence has run amok like the incident shown above in Baltimore just a few years ago. When hate replaces goodness, people do bad things to one another. Many people have lost their self-control and patience, expecting everyone to accept bad behavior as normal. Selfishness has often become the rule and not the exception and putting faith in God has been removed to be replaced by faith in politicians and others who have no capability to do what they say they will.

Oh, there are still many good and devout followers of God in our land, but to say today that America is a nation of God is just not a reality anymore. The nation that was founded under the guiding hand of Providence by a group of patriots who understood the importance of Him, has now given way to a philosophy which basically says "if it feel good, do it," no matter what that means, the results be damned. And as each new generation begets further generations, the preponderance of the new naturally moves farther from God due to the example of their elders that they witness.

So what is the evidence today of what I say is a deeply divided nation?. People won't speak to others or even in some cases stay married to a spouse over minor issues, using them as reasons to justify what they do. Riots erupt, foul mouthed mobs threaten and we just so often look the other way for fear of being a victim of the carnage. This division between the lawful and good versus those who think any means to an outcome is acceptable has now reached a boiling point. If we don't figure out a way to correct it, our society and nation will be lost because as the passage from Matthew says, "A house divided against itself shall not stand."

What caused the change and, in recent years, put it on steroids and moved so fast that it's hard to grasp? The answer is simple, yet it's one that many won't accept and it is that we have replaced God in our hearts with our own desire for money, material things and the acceptance of lifestyles that curse rather than praise God. The Bible isn't just a story, it's God's word for how our lives should be lived and it's what He who made us in His image expects of us. And once we grasp that and realize that it's never too late to change our way of living and belief in Him by faith, our future again becomes bright and promising, not just for the individual but for a people who realize they were meant to be a nation of God.

Can the change to a positive moral outlook be accomplished? Yes, but it's not easy. Those of us who maintain our Christian faith and values are expected to set the example by loving others, even though they may hate us. Now that doesn't mean that we go stand in the middle of a riot and preach, but it does mean that we live for God with love in our hearts and forgive those who want to change their ways. We will never know how effective that can be on lost hearts until we try. After all, if God gave His Son up to die for us so that we might have the opportunity to live forever, He certainly has the power to use us as His representative with others on earth. It's what the Holy Spirit within us can do if we decide to use His grace to its fullest. And the result will be not only be a life of hope and promise but a nation that offers the same.

Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us the tools that we need, including your love and grace, the sacrifice of your son and the Holy Spirit within us to guide us and keep us on the right track of life in this world. Strengthen us, protect us and love us as we try to be living missionaries for your Kingdom as long as we live on earth. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

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ELEVENTH HOUR COURT COMPLAINT: What if You Were on the Receiving End?

9/19/2018

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Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a brilliant and good man.

I've been pondering the action going on in the Senate the last few days regarding Judge Brett Kavanaugh and his nomination to the Supreme Court. I take great issue with what is happening and the way it has been unfolding but, at the same time, I don't want this to be a political commentary, I want it to deal with what is just and right. So, I've decided to address it from the perspective of what if I were undergoing the same stress as this good man under my own circumstances. I think it's important to discuss since the impact has the potential to create horrible precedents for law and order in the future and the possibility for anyone to get fair treatment regarding something so important as a confirmed appointment to the United States Supreme Court. Therefore, I will discuss the matter like it is a dream, my own dream, a dream that unfolds as a nightmare.

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I had a dream. I was living my life as I always did, working hard, holding down a good job which required upstanding moral and social values and for which I had been recognized as being fair, reasonable and compassionate in the things I was doing. I worked in an important management position with a large company that had a stellar reputation. I was respected in my community, was reasonably well known in the community and had no background blemishes on my record. In fact, from my earlier military service days I held a Top Secret security clearance which, if you understand the military, requires some pretty stringent investigations to be passed successfully. I was also active in my church, a Sunday school teacher and got along with neighbors and associates in a very positive way.

One morning as I came into work, my supervisor, a very senior management official called me into his office. Normally a very light-hearted and cheerful man, he looked serious and grave. He asked me to sit, then began his words.

"Jim," he began , "It's come to our corporate attention that a woman who claims she went to high school with you has submitted a claim that you behaved inappropriately with her back in your school days. Apparently, you will be served with a notice by a court officer, but I wanted you to know because our corporate headquarters has been advised and they are very, very concerned. As you know, they expect all off us, past, present and future, to be clear as a whistle, reputation wise, and if this can't be resolved quietly and off the record l will have no option but to dismiss you. See if you can't work this out and get back with me."

I was in shock. There were no offers of help, no indication that he knew this must be false and he dismissed me like I was a homeless man asking him to be a corporate officer. l took the day off, went home to await the letter and called my wife who was at a meeting. She gave me total support and said she'd come home as soon as she could.

In the mail was a letter from a law office back in Virginia. My hands shook as I opened it because I was so upset and, yes, angry. In the letter was a vague complaint, filed by a woman who I didn't know claiming that back in 1967 in high school in Richmond I had groped her inappropriately at a party at a student's home. I read it again, realizing that not only was I not in high school in 1967 but I never attended school in Richmond. I called the law office, explained the situation to a legal assistant who put me in touch with an attorney. She listened, then said in a matter-of -fact fashion that my response needed to be in writing, to which I replied it would once I was provided the details of when, where and exactly what I was being accused of. She abruptly hung up the phone but only after saying that I had seven business days to file a response, even though I didn't know what I supposedly had done.

I was lying there in my dream wondering what I should do next and how could I deal with something so unreal, so untrue and so evil. Luckily for me, I awoke from the dream and there next to me was my loving wife and partner in life, smiling at me as she asked what the bad dream was all about.

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Back to reality and you probably are thinking, well, something like that can't happen in the real world. And I think of Judge Kavanaugh, a man who has been vetted by the FBI on six different occasions, a man of stellar reputation and one who was put through a completely repugnant Senate confirmation hearing complete with vile remarks from Senators and obnoxious and foul protesters who should have been cleared from the room. He also met for two long meetings with the person who waited until the eleventh hour to put forth a complaint when it should have been clearly discussed during the entire preceding process. And now we are learning that the complaining party doesn't even want to come forward with her story in front of the Senate, with her attorney saying she has no responsibility to come forth with her charges because it is up to the judge to prove his innocence.

America, if this is what we've come to in the seat of power of the United States of America, we don't have to worry about our democratic republican government being destroyed for tyranny has already taken hold. We are a government of laws, not men, and when mortal men are given unfettered ability to overrule law, the nation is dead. I pray that someone in authority in Washington speaks up and addresses this situation for just what it is. And think about this from your own life and answer this question. What would you do and how would you feel if this was happening to you?

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THE MAN WHO DROVE NOAH'S BUS TO NORTH CAROLINA

9/18/2018

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Noah's Bus Driver, Tony Alsup (photo courtesy Breitbart News)

As a man married to a woman who has been involved all her life with enjoying animals and providing protection, care and rescue, I have learned just how much work is needed to help those animals who have been abandoned, abused or thrown out into the world unprepared to fend for themselves. I even wrote a book about our experience with those wonderful creatures who only want a little something to eat and a lot of love. So, when I saw an article about a Tennessee truck driver who has been spending the last week on his own time and at his own expense to rescue stranded animals in North Carolina's hurricane region, it really touched my heart.

Tony Alsup began his efforts last Wednesday, visiting shelters in the zone facing destruction and taking those animals least likely to be selected for a home. The sick, the less beautiful. the animal outcasts were his primary mission and he took them on board his Noah's bus as he continued search for other such animals. Tony's work is clearly a labor of love and he is of the opinion that all of those animals are beautiful creatures and deserve a decent life. And with the help of shelter workers who have praised his effort, new homes are being found for many as Tony continues his rounds to find more. Since he is using a bus, his cargo is dogs and cats, but he has loaded it up with dozens of canines and felines who quickly understood he was there to help them. Tony is just a hard-working man with a big heart for animals and his love shines through and he vowed from the outset that all those animals who would normally be found at the back of the bus of life will never be in the back again.

So, here's a heartfelt cheer to Tony for his good work and for his efforts which point out a most positive action in a society that is oh, so woefully putting tragedy and suffering in the headlines. He deserves some praise and I hope he reminds us of the importance for caring for our animals if we've chosen to bring them into our homes. Turning a domesticated animal into a homeless waif as a storm approaches is not what God expected when he granted us dominion over all living things on this earth. Hopefully, the efforts of this simple man and his devotion to the task will resonate in the rest of us as well. And isn't a story with a positive message and a good moral action good to hear once in a while? I think we need more of them.

God bless you, Tony, and many thanks for your efforts.

Hat tip to Breitbart News for picking up this story.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Whether a Hit or Miss, Now What Do We Do?

9/15/2018

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The Atlantic Baach, NC pier: The end washed away on day two of Florence (courtesy, AP)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 (KJV)

Those of us who live on or near the southeastern coast of the United States have by now experienced, continue to experience or dodged the experience of facing the wrath of Hurricane Florence as she slowly winds down while dropping huge amounts of water on the people of North Carolina and South Carolina. Hurricanes are a frightening experience and the aftermath is usually worse. Days without power, wondering if life as it was known is over and fear of the unknown and all of the hard work and toil required to return to normal can be haunting. And I'm sure that the owner of this pier in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, a landmark in the area has some of those concerns today after the strong structure finally succumbed to the sea on the second day. He must face the decision of whether or not to rebuild and what that will entail for his livelihood.

But whether or not you were impacted directly, indirectly or not, just knowing that such an event can suddenly turn your world upside down should be used to change your life. For piers and houses come and go and people live and then they die, but what kind of impact will the knowledge of the storm have on you. We humans live in a world full of trials and tribulations of varying degree, some are critical and others are just inconvenient, but we need to learn from all of these that without putting our trust in God, not mere mortal man, we can never overcome the obstacles that life brings. One of the reasons we face adversity is that it strengthens us, if handled properly it gives us patience and will allow us to open our heart to find the way, the truth and the life.

If you are already a believer, then you've already made the biggest and most positive decision of your life, but you still have to guard against slipping back as the Evil One always looks for any signs of weakness. If you haven't made your free will decision, well, the moment of truth is here, for without opening your heart to the Light of the World through the Holy Spirit within you, the trials and turmoils will get the best of you which become unbearable. We were created by God in His image and He wants and expects us to live up to what that means. Oh, we can turn him down and He will be saddened, but His promise of life forever to those who accept the truth by believing in faith is a paramount requirement in the end and it can only be made while you are still living an earthly life. When you're gone, it's too late.

So, if you've been facing external and internal adversities and haven't figured out the way to face them and end the turmoil, then open your heart, let the Spirit fill you with the light of love and then you will be attuned with your ultimate mediator, the Lord Jesus, who will positively represent you on the road to heaven. Get prepared and get your name on the pages of the Book of Life now. If so, your eternity in glory will be assured. No ifs, no buts, just positively so.

Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us the opportunity to end all trials and tribulations through the proper use of our free will. Help us to always keep our hearts open, to listen to the Spirit and follow the advice given for living our life and, in that way, through belief by faith, we will be worthy of salvation. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

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Cover the Storm, Media, But Do It Honestly!

9/13/2018

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Latest chart on Hurricane Florence (courtesy of Plymouth State Weather Center)

As Hurricane Florence nears the Carolina coast, the hype by the media is already ramping up to the point where it will be ridiculous. On the morning news I heard a wannabe weatherperson, actually a news reader, saying that the storm was already hitting the Outer Banks with 32 mph gusts and some of the beach road on Hatteras Island is under water. Wow, 32 mph gusts is like a normal occurrence on a routine sea breeze around those parts, as is a flooded roadway with any abnormally high tide or heavy rain at Hatteras. So, please, get rid of the wild eyes and the fast-paced talk and report things honestly not based on what will get you noticed.

Yes, Hurricane Florence will be hitting the coast and it will be a wind and rainmaker with a storm surge, now likely to be somewhat less severe as winds have dropped it to a Category 2 storm. And while there is a possibility of some strengthening as it crosses a stretch of very warm water, when the projected slow down occurs near the coast and it may already be gradually starting, the delay will cause the upwelling of cooler water which will temper the energy. And while a large swath of the coast will be damaged, the degree of damage is not because of this being the worst hurricane in history as some proclaim but because of the massive population growth on a series of above water sandbars sandwiched between ocean and sounds.

I by no means want to tamper the concern and danger inherent in such a situation and, yes, it is wise to evacuate as a precaution from these fragile islands. But please, please, tell the truth and report on exactly what qualified experts project and not based upon your desire to hype the story for your own purposes, media folks. And, I'll tell you, the next time I see a weathercaster wannabe, standing with protection from the wind, holding a palm frond up and pointing to a small tree limb in the middle of the street as the evidence of severity, I won't know whether to laugh or cry.

Beachfront properties will be damaged for sure, beach roads will be under water and the bridges to the mainland will be closed as they always are. But my biggest concern is for the rainfall, for those areas further inland, unlike sand, won't absorb it so well and there is likely to be massive flooding. But, and this is important, major flooding from storms in North and South Carolina due to flooding from overflowing rivers has happened before and it will happen again. And back in 1954, Hurricane Hazel came ashore with 140 mph winds, but thankfully the coast wasn't heavily populated in the area. As it stands now, Hazel is most likely to retain its standing as the strongest hurricane in those parts in many generations.

The worst storm, however, to hit the Carolina coast, particularly the Outer Banks, wasn't even a hurricane. It was a nor'easter, the Great Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That one stood stationary offshore with 70 mph winds blowing onshore for five consecutive high tide cycles. It was a disaster from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod and if that one happened again today, I don't know if the beach as now populated would ever get back to business.

All I ask, media, is that you temper your reporting with truth, not rumor and hype. Your job is to report what is actually happening, not make it sensational to gain fame and fortune.

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A Conversation with God for the Protection of Those in Harm's Way

9/12/2018

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In deep prayer by the sea.

Whenever I want to pray to God, I do so in the form of a conversation, a conversation just as if I'm sitting on the porch and He is sitting next to me as we talk. It's informal, it can be unspoken, spoken out loud or even put on paper like I'm doing here. Sometimes putting it in writing is better for it helps me to focus clearly on the topic which always includes praising Him and thanking Him first before asking Him for His help and guidance. Today's topic is important since the conversation will be asking for grace and mercy for those Americans to our north, in the Carolinas and Virginia, who will soon be facing a very deadly storm.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to thank you for giving me the time to share this prayer with you. I know how busy you are, yet I also know that you know each and every one of us individually and that you want us to speak with you whenever we have need. Even though you understand our plight, you delight in us coming to you to express it in our own words. I am thankful for that also. And I thank you for all of the many blessings that you bestow upon all of us, your children and give of ourselves to help those who are in pain, suffering, fearful or threatened by what life brings us sometimes.

Lord, the part of this great country that I grew up in and where I spent all of my youthful summers on the beach is in deep peril this day. Now I don't know why these things happen and what havoc Hurricane Florence might bring to that beautiful land, but I do pray that you will keep your comforting arms around them and give them comfort in the storm. I pray that each in fear and danger will open their heart and let the Holy Spirit take charge of their lives and keep them safe and secure until the sun once again shines and the sea is tranquil.

I also ask, Lord, that the guidance of the Holy Spirit infect them in the tough times after the storm when they may feel that all is lost. Living in hot and humid weather without electricity, water and the things we have become dependent on in the world today is not easy, but give them the strength to persevere and, when the storm is over, the strength to go forward in their lives in whatever direction you direct them.

I also ask, Lord, that you keep the first responders and all others who give of themselves for others in the storm and thereafter safe and determined to do what you would have them do. And help all of us fortunate enough not be in the storm to give of ourselves when the need is there. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us is always a good way to live and each of us might need a similar boost in our own lives one day.

And finally, Lord, when all is over and done, help all of us to remember from this unfolding event that we can't just live unto ourselves. We must incorporate you into the center of our lives, for by doing so, we will inherit a life when this earthly life is over where there will be no hurricane, hunger, thirst, pain and suffering, only goodness and light. That should be the goal of us to attain, both those facing the storm and all of the rest of us as we navigate the storm of life. Nothing can be better than that and it is available for all of us if we believe through faith.

I ask this prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

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