Blog Posts

The Michael Flynn Case Should Make All Good Americans Cringe

1/10/2020

Will Michael Flynn go to prison for nothing?

Paul Craig Roberts is a distinguished economist who understands as well as anyone the impact of economic policy on both political and related social aspects of life in America. His career has been varied, serving extensively in academia at schools including Georgetown, Stanford and Virginia Tech; as a top-notch journalist with the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and as a nationally-syndicated columnist; in public service as Ronald Reagan's Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy as well as being the author the Kemp-Roth Bill as a congressional staffer; then finally as president of two companies and economic board member of others. Through it all, Roberts has been devoted to explaining and supporting the importance of a nation being run on behalf of its citizenry and finds himself troubled today with the state of affairs of the Washington Establishment. No example bothers him more than the unjust actions and treatment that have been afforded Lieutenant General Michael Flynn by rogue and out-of-control interrogators and prosecutors.

General Flynn has been subjected to vile behavior by officials hell-bent on getting him to agree with their claims that he knows never took place and, if guilty of anything, it was refusing to cooperate with the actions of "Russiagate" which he knew to be untrue. Accordingly, and with excessive and abusive interrogation tactics, Flynn committed what is a process crime according to the government, something which even Peter Strzok admitted later was actually never a lie, and now, despite a vigorous battle by a new lawyer trying to clear his name, he is said to be facing at least six months behind bars. He has lost his home, all of his funds and now, after a thirty-two year career of distinguished service to his country is likely to be "hung out to dry" by a system of justice which has rightfully failed to live up to its duty while destroying his reputation. I hope you will read Dr. Roberts' article which appears this morning at the following link. Just copy and paste the link into your browser to bring it up.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/paul-craig-roberts-justice-department-devoid-justice

Every American should read this and realize that if the United States has a legal system which will do this to a good man, when so many others walk away from real crimes, likely including many who created the myth that is "Russiagate" as construed today, then our sense of fair play and justice is truly dead. And what if they wanted to come after you and me? Think about it.

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Dogs: The Joys and the Final Sadness of Having a Dog in Your Life

1/8/2020

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Chopper: He was a great little dachsund with a big heart

One of the great joys of life is owning a dog. They love you unconditionally, lift your spirits when they need to be lifted and, at least in my humble opinion, they seem to know what you are thinking as they, in a dog's way, analyze you. But, as is true with all living things, the day comes when you have to say goodbye to them and it is always very difficult. After all, they are, indeed, part of the family and when they are gone, they leave a void that is never totally filled. In the case of little Chopper, shown above, that came for my grown daughter this past Sunday when she returned home from after church activities and found he had died in his sleep. His death came after seventeen years of devotion to a good woman who loved him dearly and he clearly knew that.

I knew there was something not quite right when I called her Sunday afternoon for one of our routine father-daughter phone conversations. We don't see each other in person very often, but the phone conversations always fill my heart with joy as we share what is going on in our lives and update one another. When she answered the phone that afternoon, I knew something just wasn't right for she sounded so sad. As fathers do, however, I could I asked her what was wrong and I could hear a gentle sob as she said her Chopper was gone. He was her sidekick and her special friend for life, a happy dog who of late had some ailments as older dogs do, but he still had spunk and spirit as he carried forth to the end and I know he loved her as dearly as she loved him. So, I know right now there is a void in her heart that will take some time to fill, but she's a trooper of a good woman, fully filled with the Spirit and I know she will handle it well.

I asked if she would get another dog and she said not now and that her teenage daughter said she never wanted another one. I know that is because my granddaughter is also suffering from her long-time good little friend's loss. That's certainly no surprise and yes, they both need time to mourn their loss. But, as a father and grandfather who loves them both, I hope they will then find a new dog who needs a home, for while a new dog will never replace Chopper in their hearts, he or she will fill a void that, when filled, will bring another gift of love and joy to them as only dogs can do.

But what about Chopper? Well, Chopper is the only one we don't have to worry about, for he is on the other side of the rainbow bridge, digging holes, getting into a little innocent mischief and getting to know all those great canines that preceded him. He is as happy as a lark in the warmth of the sunlight that is found in his new home. And he will never forget those who loved him, both my daughter and granddaughter, and will come running across that beautiful bridge, tail wagging and barking with excitement when their time on earth is also done. You see, dogs make the word go 'round, but they also have a place in heaven for those who loved them because they become part of their heart and soul. And Chopper, enjoy that big bone you've found and that pure spring water by the bridge instead of out of a bowl. You deserve it, so enjoy. Woof, woof!

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WILL VIRGINIA STAND AGAINST TYRANNY?

1/7/2020

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The flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia shown above presents one of the most important statements that were likely in the forefront of the mind of those great Virginia patriots who played a leading role in the Colonies gaining independence from the British Crown. The motto emblazoned thereon in Latin, "Sic Semper Tyrannus," or in English, "Thus Always to Tyrants" is reinforced by the Roman goddess Virtus (Virtue) with her right hand holding a battle spear spiking the ground and her left foot on the chest of a man representing Tyranny with his crown on the ground. Virginians have always been proud of their heritage and their belief in the Constitution has always been a major factor in her political arena. Sadly, however, today that very heritage and the lifestyle of Virginians who hold it is under severe threat today. The relatively new Governor, Ralph Northam, a man who ran as a moderate but is governing as a dedicated liberal under the changed meaning as brought by progressivism, has announced that with the beginning of the new term of the legislature, he will propose sweeping changes to how Virginia deals with the right to bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Northam, the man who has voiced support with no qualms for abortion up to and even after birth itself, is embarking on a course to begin tearing apart the Second Amendment and in doing so he is advocating force against law-abiding citizens.

What is likely to happen? Of course, no one knows for sure, but we do know that eighty-six of Virginia's ninety-five counties have indicated they will not support the Governor's proposal and now have proclamations or similar public statements that call each a Second Amendment Sanctuary County. A number of incorporated cities have done the same and so, the lines appear to be drawn. When the legislature, now controlled in both houses by the Democrats with the smallest of majorities, begins discussing the subject next Monday, an extremely large number of members of the National Rifle Association are expected to be there. Judging from the rhetoric that some of those legislative members have been spouting, it could be a fiery day, but only time will tell. And should the Governor push forward forcefully and try and force his will, which many including myself consider to be unconstitutional, on a large population that is opposed vehemently. Tyranny of the majority without protection of minority God-given rights is where his is headed and that will make the future dangerously uncertain. I do know, however, from my upbringing as a Virginian and knowing how so many Virginians cherish their freedom of decision-making, that this Governor is creating a disaster for himself that is likely to follow him wherever he goes. Patriotic Virginians will not silently relent and bow to his whims. And if he continues to push his ideological and dogmatic views to overrule reason and logic in his actions, it would be a huge mistake, one that will likely result in consequences far beyond just Virginia. I will pray for Virginia and all of her people and their safety and their freedom and ask God to be with them in a time of trouble that should never have been created in the first place. And as for Governor Northam and those of his ilk, shame on all of you. Your job is to serve the people, not force tyrannical edicts on them. It's a tradition in Virginia that, if eliminated, will serve no one well and your name will go down in infamy.

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The Dead of Winter Must Precede the Promise of Spring

1/6/2020

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Today is Epiphany, a day when we of the Christian faith celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men after their long journey to bring gifts to the Christ Child to honor Him, for they knew the importance of what His coming meant and would provide. But for many of us on a cold January morning, we merely see this day as the end of the color, beauty and fun that Christmas represents and the dread of the stark and cold winter that now sets in for several long months. Some even dread it and just wish it didn't have to be, yet winter, like the other seasons will be with us as long as the earth exists, for it is just one of the factors of earthly life provided by God with a distinct purpose that maintains life on this planet.

Winter does, after all, have a very special purpose in the routine of the world and no one should ever challenge God on why He did and does what he does, for none of us has the capacity to fully understand His wisdom. Winter closes out the four seasons, annuals die and perennials go dormant, awaiting the warmth and light that will come with the spring. It also in many ways offers a cleansing of the earth, eliminating bugs that are too prominent and killing off environmental problems which can't survive the cold, plus the heavy snows result in a life-giving snow pack in the mountains which provides needed water for areas that usually have a long and dry summer as the snow melts. Viewing winter while having the Spirit active in us complements the promise of the eternity to come with the bright and warm light of God following the dark winter and replacing the drab landscape with the color and variety of beautiful springtime plant life.. Even in the sense of just its appearance in nature, it, too, has its beauty, but it is a stark, sometimes more of a black and white appearing picture as snow, gray skies, and longer periods of darkness inherit the season. But I think if we combine the two aspects of it, what it is as we physically see as well as what the Spirit says to us, we are given us the promise of something better that awaits. That matches up very well with our darkest moments in life when, if we believe, we also know that perfection awaits and indescribable beauty will follow for those of us who stay true to our trust in God, including Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For each part of the Holy Trinity, all comprising together the totality of God, jointly give us the aid and resources we need to maintain our quest for the light.

So, the next time we complain about the bitter cold, the snow and sleet and the gray skies of winter, remember that they have a direct relationship to God, the Creator, who created all the seasons and all things, both living and not, on this earth. It plays a place in life and it gives us a great representation of a much bigger purpose which God has for each of us if we only open our eyes and stop, look and listen. And it too shall pass and spring will come again with the warmth, the nourishing rains and the beautiful sunny skies. God be praised!

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Faith and Family Are a Good Combination

1/5/2020

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A family of faith makes for a stronger family

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. - Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

As I look back on my life, I realize the importance of all those things my parents tried to teach me about the importance of faith and family. The Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes and so much more, they all play a part on trying to keep me on path to a better world. Faith provides the hope that all of us need to weather the storms of life and a family with faith provides a close knit group to help reinforce that faith. But during my formative and development years, while I quickly learned what my parents were trying to impart to me in a value structure for living, I sometimes didn't fully appreciate the things my big sister did to be a comfort to a little boy who I am sure was sometimes a big pest. Today, my older sister turns eighty and she's as spry and full of the Spirit as ever, and I must salute her as I remember some of those things that I took for granted.

I remember as a young boy going to sleep the night before Easter Sunday with a high fever and the aches and pains of the flu. That night I was very disappointed knowing that I wouldn't be going to church which was traditionally followed by the annual Easter egg hunt. It was a great event and all who participated found a basket full of eggs which at the conclusion was traded in for surprises. I was very disappointed, but something was done for me that eased the pain. When I awoke early on that Easter Sunday, I found the end of a strand of yarn next to me on the bed which ran out my bedroom door. On that end was a note which said follow the yarn for your surprise. I was just a little dizzy, but I got up, put on my slippers and robe in the early morning light and began winding up the yarn as I began following the trail. Outside the door was a basket with a note telling me to pick it up and over the course of my navigating the steps downstairs, walking through the front vestibule and looking in the coat closet, down two steps to what we called the playroom, up the other side into the kitchen, dining room, sunroom and living room I found goodies, a couple of neat games and a large chocolate bunny. At the end was a note that merely said Happy Easter and as I sat there in wonder, looking at my now filled basket with a smile on my face. Just then my older sister came down the steps and told me to go back to bed before Mom got up.

A year or two later, I remember the time on a Friday evening after dinner when my older sister invited me to go to a high school basketball game with a few of her friends. It was a big deal since the high school she attended, the same school where I would later spend my own high school years later, was the number one basketball team in the state and it was a joy to watch them play. Now she certainly didn't have to have a tag along with her friends, yet she knew I was probably bored on that Friday night and she included me. She even took me with the after the game to Mama D'Angelo's for pizza which was special. And that evening, like the Easter previously mentioned, was probably something which at the time I never properly thanked her for, but it certainly comes to mind dramatically now.

I remember when she went off to college and while I tried to act like it didn't matter to me, I realized that I would miss her and I recall that when she told me goodbye, I merely said, "See you at Thanksgiving, Freakface." She laughed at my nickname for her. After all, she called me "Cootie," like the character in the then popular game of the day, and it used to make me mad. And I realized as I got older, that she was the one I could turn to for a shoulder when I needed one no matter how far apart we were. I could just pick up the phone and she was there to encourage me, always giving good advice and willing to listen. And her dear husband Gerry probably became just as close to me in my heart as she, for he was a dear soul. We used to have an annual get-together during football season which was always an annual highlight, but now he is gone.

Big Sis is always still there for me and I hope she knows that I am also here for her. We don't get to see each other much anymore, but we have a nice long chat on the phone each week and I always look forward to our "visits." And now we're both getting old and I guess we just enjoy sharing the memories we have of the family and those good old days in Newport News and at Nags Head. And so, if you ask what this all has to do with being a Sunday devotional, I will just say this. Our faith in God and Christ is all about love and love comes in many forms. But the love I have received from a very gentle and kind big sister is truly love from the heart just the way God intended for us. If we can learn to apply that very love in its proper way to all we cross paths with in this crazy world of ours, just imagine how things could change. And to my dear big sister on her eightieth birthday, I wish her Happy Birthday and a most splendid Sunday for her to enjoy. May God continue to guide her as she navigates the remainder of her life here on earth and I just know when life ends for both of us in this realm, we'll be close together again in a much better place. God bless you all.

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Just Imagine.........

1/2/2020

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What does this beautiful little church tell you about itself?

....... that you are visiting a good friend in unfamiliar surroundings and the two of you decide to take a leisurely hike over the hilly terrain on a snowy, cold, but very still January day. You both wrap up in layers for warmth and begin a trek through the wooded hills nearby, enjoying the crisp air while watching nature run its course. You know that there are many unseen animals in their burrows with foodstuffs for the winter, yet you do see an occasional fox and squirrel out and about, reminding you that one will likely be the winner, the other the loser, in the fight for survival in the wild. But then, as you come to a rise and cross it, you look down on a resplendent scene. There is a small country church located near the banks of a running stream, likely clean and pure with the water provided by snow melt in afternoons of sunshine in he surrounding hills between snowfalls. The two of you decide to go down the hill and examine the scene more closely, and you want to know about that beautiful country church.

Reaching the church itself, you notice that it is very well taken care of. The steeple is of white siding, likely having replaced the original white clapboard exterior that was weather-worn and no longer fully functional. The basic church building exterior, a natural wood covered look, is in fact new as well, made of a siding in sheets, not slats, and also insulated, likely doen at the same time as the steeple renovation. The church windows are new and of the insulated storm variety as was the front door, sturdy, thick and attractive and all of these things said that the more recent congregants all love the old church and want to save it for posterity. When you ask your friend about it, he surprises you by telling you that he attends the church himself and as you ask him more questions, the only thing he will add is that it was at one time a specific denomination but is now non-denomination and attracts a nice crowd who specifically seeks a Bible-centered church. When only a few years ago the denomination wanted to close the church for lack of financial strength, a group of locals stepped in, kept it alive and reorganized it, finally getting the large church body to accept their plan for independence. But he won't tell you anything more and you are left to ponder the specifics and the "what ifs."

You take time to take pictures, then the two of you go back to his cozy cabin, enjoying the renewal of friendship and the sharing of stories about what had transpired since your last time together. Before leaving a few days later, your gracious host asks if, after you get home and think about things, you will let him know what your experience at the church told you about it. You promise to write soon with a response, but first you want to do a little research and ponder what it all means. Once home, you begin a search on the internet and find the church, but there is not much about it except to say that the congregation was first formed in the mid-1840's and it has been nearly continually in service since then. From that, you search for information about churches in the general area and what has transpired since that time frame. When you get your results, you are amazed at the general information found and what it means to you and, with that in hand, you formulate your response.

Sitting down at the breakfast table two days later, you open you laptop and begin writing. You tell your friend that the beautiful rural church tells you that there is hope for the faithful and a future as long as there are people like the congregants of that little church. You tell him you found the church and it's age, and that in that time churches in that time went through great trials that test souls. It was in Indian territory, and many settlers died in skirmishes, not to mention the havoc created by outlaws who commandeered churches in the forest as hiding places, even on occasion killing the minister just for spite. Yet, despite such horrors, those little churches survived and they retained their mission of teaching the Bible as the Word of God even today, offering a place for those who put their faith in the Good Book to work. That such little churches can make a recovery from the more centralized and less Bible-centered organizations of today just prove that when good people come together to experience and share and spread the Good News of the Living God, that good things happen to them and they keep the faith alive. After re-reading your work several times you put it in the mail and call your friend, telling him that the letter is coming in the mail and to let you know what he thinks of your thought.

About a week later, he responds with a phone call and says, "You are right on the mark. That's exactly the way I feel and it's why I got active in not only helping to fix up the old church and make it a future landmark, but also why I attend it every Sunday. Nothing can be a viable substitute for the Word of God, nothing! The Word of God is always the foundation of the faith and we will all work to keep it so."

You thank him for his response, tell him the two of you will meet again soon and you invited him to come and visit you after the winter is over. As you hang up with abig smile on your face, you look upward and merely say, "Thanks be to God."

If you look around as you go about your life, you can find an event just like this to impact your life. It's all in what you look for and, indeed, Thanks be to God.

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Words of Guidance and Love as We Start the New Year

1/1/2020

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Another new year and new decade begins

Are you fully prepared for the challenges that 2020 is sure to bring?

Last night at midnight we not only rang in a new year but also a new decade. It will be one of about seven decades that most of us will ring in during our lifetimes if we look at life expectancy charts, so it offers us a special moment to see from where we've come and start to determine where we go from here. If life has been good to us and we have kindness and love in our hearts, then we are likely to be reasonably satisfied with our performance and have a good idea of what we need to do in the future. On the other hand, if things have not gone well and we are disappointed with ourselves and have frustration and anger in our hearts, then perhaps a good soul searching is in order to turn our ship of life around. In either event, however, there is always room for improvement and for me, making changes in the way I live and how I look at life itself is a good thing to do at this actual juncture which begins with the new year.

I know many don't care for resolutions. Today many think of them as out-of-date and old fashioned, but whether or not we like them, perhaps instead a prayer for the New Year is in order, for 2020 is likely to bring many challenges and changes as modern life morphs into new phases faster than most of us can anticipate. Having faith in Divine Providence is at least from my point of view of paramount importance to being able to navigate the year ahead. With my devout belief that the Great Creator did in fact create us in His image, I know that for me asking him for his love and grace which he freely gives is of paramount importance to my future. So, for this New Year's Day, I offer a prayer for the New Year which, if you read it carefully, offers all of the things in it which can serve as a resolution for living life going forward. I have posted it on my shaving mirror where I will see it first thing every morning. And no, I can't take credit for it for it was not written by me. It is, however, short and clear and can be read in about thirty seconds, but if we take it into our hearts and try to live by what it says, it truly offers the guidance that we need going forward. If you are a believer, I hope you will read it and agree on its worthiness. If you are not, I will ask you to read it anyway, for one never knows when the Spirit will grab and fill you, but with an open heart, it surely at some point do so. With that in mind, here's the prayer. It's from thedailyverses.blogspot.com.

                                  Thank you, Lord for giving me the brand-new year ahead.
                           Help me live the way I should as each new day I tread.
                           Give me gentle wisdom that I might help a friend.
                           Give me strength and courage so a shoulder I might lend.
                           The year ahead is empty, help me fill it with good things,
                           With each new day filled with joy and happiness it brings.
                                                                      Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

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New Year's Memories, December 31, 1959: "ROCKET MAN"

12/31/2019

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A modern day version of a similar type of rocket

New Year's Eve was always a great time for inquisitive young boys as we did our best to make an even bigger bang out of the midnight hour. On no occasion can I remember a more illustrious example than December 31, 1959. A group of us had been experimenting with rockets. It was in the heart of the NASA rocket era and we wanted to emulate it. One of our group members was a true budding scientist and he was the idea man, but we all worked together to set up test launches as we tried bottle rockets and water rockets but they just didn't provide the kick we wanted. Our scientist decided that we should order a rocket and then customize it on our own. We pitched in the funds, ordered the rocket which was strong and largely unbreakable, assembled it while our technical wizard decided how to replace the current blast off source with one of his own design. What could possibly go wrong when a young boy figures out how to increase the blast on his own? We would soon find out.

The rocket came in early December and the weather was rather warm. It was perfect for testing and we had the perfect spot for the launch pad, the large vacant lot next to my house. One afternoon after school it was decided to try a launch using the liquid fuel designed for it which was similar to the oil fueling display candles in church. When the fuse was lit, the rocket lifted off skyward probably two hundred feet, then fell back to earth perhaps fifty yards away and intact. Perfect, we thought, and now our wizard friend would go to work. He told us to give him three days and he'd come up with a bigger boost so we just waited. In the meantime, I was the record keeper and started a journal concerning conditions of weather, performance of the launch and condition on return with date and time.

About a week later, our technical wizard scheduled another test. When we assembled at the launch pad, a careful examination of the rocket noted a big difference. The exterior of the fuel section now had a light metal interior chamber with a cardboard base with a pinhole in the bottom allowing a long fuse to extend out the bottom that was about five inches long. When we asked what the new fuel was, our wizard just laughed, saying he'd tell us after the test. I assisted the brave one, the "Moose," who would light the fuse. I placed the rocket on the firing pad and backed off to my observer's position. The "Moose" lit the fuse and the rocket blasted off with a whirring roar resembling a jet being launched by catapult off the deck of an aircraft carrier. The burn wasn't long, but it was nearly out of sight in seconds in the bright afternoon sky, far above the earlier shot. Moments later, however, it was spotted and it landed no more than one hundred yards away. There was a slight dent in the exterior metal housing for the fuel pod, but otherwise just as it was at take-off. It was only after success was affirmed that the "Wizard" told us he had ground up two cherry bombs for fuel and hence, the explosive lift off. The cardboard base allowed the force to be delivered downward through the weakest link and into the ground, causing the very forceful lift off.

We were now ready for New Year's Eve, the big show, and on that night, at about one minute to midnight, I placed the rocket on the launchpad, having a little trouble getting it stabilized due to the soft earth from the rain earlier in the day, and then walked to safety as the "Moose" lit the fuse and ran to get out of the way. As the explosion of force from the blast hit, the launch pad listed and instead of going up, up, up, the rocket made a sharp ninety degree turn and skimmed the ground in the direction of the "Moose" who took a glancing blow to the arm, otherwise unharmed, and the rocket sizzled into the huge hedge separating the field from my house. It was lodged within the bush and was hot, so we waited for it to cool before removing it. The force was noted by the fact that the "Moose" had a burn mark on the sleeve of his coat from the hot rocket. Luckily, a near miss was as good as a mile. Not to be deterred, the "Moose" then performed what he called his "snow dance," as he did every New Year's Eve in hope of the snow that never came. This year, however, the rain turned to snow and by sunup we had about five inches, before the later rain turned it to slush.

When we asked the "Wizard" why the power had seemed so much greater, he sheepishly said he had doubled the fuel, using four instead of two cherry bombs. Later, we would fire one more shot, this time with five ground cherry bombs for fuel. It was a perfect late afternoon launch, more powerful than ever, and we never saw the height she reached or the rocket ever again. We combed the entire area, but to no avail and no one ever said they had seen it. Who knows? Perhaps it's just another piece of space junk floating around up there. Wishful thinking and Happy New Year! And here's to those crazy memories of yesteryear.

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The Ever Changing Christmases of North Florida

12/30/2019

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There is one thing that is certain about Florida at Christmastime. Wait a little while and it will change and despite the aggravation it might make on your holiday plans, it definitely makes things interesting. Now after living here in North Florida for nearly twenty-five years, I can truthfully say that when I first got here, I was shocked. I remember spending Christmas afternoon that very first year in our swimming pool, wearing shorts and sandals once I got home from church. The next year on Christmas day I walked the beach in a parka with gloves in snow flurries. Oh, they didn't amount to any accumulation, but seeing snow actually falling in Florida made me just a little homesick for my boyhood days.

That first Christmas and its summer-like weather was quite the novelty. Walking to the nearby shopping center in swim trunks, T-shirt and sandals, I fit in with the locals who just saw it as a way of life. Later, when the temperatures finally dropped below fifty I was amazed at how quickly the smell of smoke became noticeable as the natives and/or longer term residents from colder climes began to fire up the fireplaces as if it was in the twenties. But by my full second year, I understood the concept of the thinning of the blood and I would go jogging in sweats on days when I used to go in just running shorts and a top and that was back in Virginia on a day when it wasn't much above freezing. And my first real freeze, a night when it dipped all the way to the low twenties, made me glad that a Florida cold front usually just lasts for a night or two. It made me quickly realize that Florida is truly a land of extremes, either we get too much rain or we are begging for it and that is something that is difficult to get used to. And since the Sunshine State is often referred to as the lightning capitol of the world, my view of electrical storms has morphed into recognizing both the power and the glory it displays. If you think a fireworks display on New Year's is beautiful, take the time from a safe vantage point to watch the beauty of a thunderstorm and it will put you in awe.

Finally, as the little slide show above shows, Florida also makes use of her very unique yet beautiful environs to celebrate Christmas in lights and amazing supporting display. Some of the light displays I've seen using palm trees are awesome and the only thing that can match them is the same process applied to Saguaro cactus in the desert of Southern Arizona. In both cases, the trees depict a vibrancy that their unique creation allows when lights are added. And if in the resort areas, consider a high rise tourist hotel where the entrance to each room is from the outside and the entry door lights on the outside are changed from standard white to an alternating green and red. That gives quite the impact with the trees and other decorations and it also tells me something else. Why wouldn't plants that thrive in dry climates be perfect for Christmas since the Baby Jesus was born in such a place. Perhaps the environment of America's semi-tropical paradise and her desert Southwest are the most appropriate places to represent the Spirit of Christmas. Then again, maybe it's just my mind working after too many years in Florida and those days that I spent in Arizona, but I really don't think so. In any event, if you ever get the chance to spend a Christmas down here or out there, I think you'll find it special. A look at the moon rising with the Christmas star bright over either Arizona's Catalina Mountains or the tranquil Florida Atlantic provides a peace at Christmastime that we all can understand. That's a memory and a feeling worth keeping for a lifetime.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: A New Year Can Offer A New Start

12/29/2019

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The start of a new year offers a great time to evaluate and make changes in your direction in life.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
- John 14:6

Today is the last Sunday in 2019 and in just two days at midnight, we will welcome in 2020 and look forward to a new year. Some of us hope it will be a better year, some of us are perfectly happy with the way the last year went and just want things to keep going as they've been, but whatever the case life moves on. For me, the reminder of a turning of the page on the calendar offers also a good reminder to take a look back at ourselves and evaluate what we think of it. And while many of us go out and celebrate the occasion, why not think about our lifestyles and ourselves and make a commitment to correct those things that we know could make us better. Nowhere is there a better time to ask ourselves the question: What does God think of our performance and our approach to living? Would he be happy or disappointed? Likely, it's somewhere in between since he wants us to live for Him and none of us ins capable of fully doing that on our own. No, we need his help and if we read carefully the words from scripture above, it becomes obvious that to attain Salvation and life hereafter in His Kingdom, all of us have things we need to do to show our desire to attain the unattainable goal of perfection by God's standard.

We have, of course, many traditions that we follow to usher in the new year and by no means should we alter any of them. For some it's parties and/or fireworks; for others it's a quiet night with loved ones at home, perhaps celebrating with a glass of bubbly and a good old movie as we tick off the minutes until the new decade arrives. Some believe in a meal including cabbage and black-eyed peas for good luck and money, others treat it as a special part of the Twelve Days of the Old English Christmas with the singing of carols up until Twelfth Night and, of course, many watch the "Ball" drop in Times Square accompanied by the timeless Guy Lombardo rendition of Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne. Then, of course, there are the many parades and the football games that take center stage for so many. But all of these things, while offering fun and great memories quickly end, and our need to have someone greater than us to guide is comes back to the fore, whether we believe it or not.

But how about on this Sunday before the new year we put an emphasis on recommitting our lives to God and there is no better way to do it than make it the center ingredient of your resolutions. In fact, since God is the one who provides us all things, it can be a resolution all by itself. Write it down in easy words and put it up somewhere where you can't miss it. That way, every day you will see it and remember it and reinforce your efforts to life as He wants us to. In a nustshell, God wants us to love others as we love ourselves and that is a tall order. But with the gifts God has given us, foremost of which are His Son who died for us and the Holy Spirit who lives within us, we have the tools we need to meet the task. We just have to use them and that requires discipline. And if we stay true to the cause, come next year this time, we will see that we have become better, that we have become kinder and more loving and someone that others wonder about what makes us as we are. The love that our Lord and Savior offers us if we accept His offer will do amazing things for all of us, lowly mortal sinners that we are by nature.

If you are a believer in Christ, a New Year's resolution to recommit to Christ is a perfect way to reinforce those things that you want to accomplish. If you aren't a believer, might we suggest that you take a look at what Christianity is all about with an open heart and see what happens. The Prince of Peace is here for all of us and He wants us all to inherit the Kingdom if we learn to know Him and what He has done for us. After all, we have nothing to lose but lots to gain, for nothing is more important than gaining Eternal Life with all the joys and beauty it brings. At least think about it.

Happy New Year, everyone. Get those resolutions done and commit to following them every day of the year ahead. God bless you all.

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