Thoughts of Chirstmas, my Brother and Heaven...

Here I sit on this Sunday morning. I am a bit sad. My brother and his family just started for their long journey home. It takes two full days. They will have a short layover in Louisiana this morning to meet around the Lord's table with family there. I only see my brother once a year. It doesn't seem to be enough. It seems like yesterday that I saw him everyday. I would have loved an extended break from his presence then. In many ways my brother and I are very different, but in the ways that matter, we are of one mind.

We had a great 5 days. Both houses, mine and my parents, were filled with family and friends. The food and the fellowship were one for the record books. We are all type A's. We are all opinionated. We are all loud. This combination makes for an experience to remember.

We met together to reconnect. To celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. To express our love for one another and the Hope of reunion of those that are no longer around our table. We even wondered what the celebration in Heaven was like and what part in the preparations our loved ones were playing. We knew that they must be the heads of their specific committee's.

Another Christmas has passed. Another round of good bye's is over. I take joy in the fact that one day, good bye will not be needed. One day tears of sadness will no longer be shed. One day we will no longer miss our loved ones that are far away or the ones that no longer walk this earth. One day the sick among us will be whole. I long for that day.

One of my favorite old hymn's is the song 'What a day that will be'. I don't mean to sound morbid, but I want the gathering to sing this at my funeral. Here are the words:

clipped from my.homewithgod.com

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day, glorious day that will be!

I am ready for that day... Are you?

Happy Birthday!

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

A Jewish perspective...

Do as I say, not as I do...

The Congress just gave themselves a raise. What is up with that? I recently watched them hammer the big three car executives about compensation and private jets. Earlier this year around the time of the TARP, we watched them question the Wall Street types the same, but instead of private jets the topic was frequency of golf games and corporate get-aways.

Here is the two opening paragraph's to the article I read about the raises:

'A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this year, and congressional demands of CEOs to work for free did not convince lawmakers to freeze their own pay.

Instead, they will get a $4,700 pay increase, amounting to an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries, and watchdog groups are not happy about it.'


I have also often wondered about all the 'perks' that are given to our lawmakers. I found an accounting of these perks in this article, it is worth a look. If covers pension, health coverage and even parking spot costs. One topic that was very interesting were the travel benefits, especially to present and former presidents

What about the transportation of our Senators? Do we pay for this? What is the level of 'luxury' of this travel? Inquiring minds want to know so I did a bit of research. What I found was a list of travel rules, very long and very confusing. A lawyer would be needed to make sure you were following every rule regarding who would pay, what the trip was for, how many family members with you or who owns the vehicle you are traveling in. So, who then has to pay for the lawyer who must insure the Congressman is following all the rules? It seems the taxpayer payroll keeps getting bigger.

Does this seem to be a bit hypocritical? If we are going to start regulating and wanting justification for salaries, benefits and perks, shouldn't the ones doing the policing lead by example?

Do you find it warm in here?

Is Global warming a fact. Yes, maybe. But is it caused by man? Maybe and maybe not. I am of the opinion that most of the Global Warming is just the natural cycle of our planet. Come to find out I am not alone in the belief. Apparently about 650 international scientist may agree with me. These scientists are speaking out against the UN and former Vice President Al Gore. Here is a portion of the article titled:

UN Blowback: More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims

Study: Half of warming due to Sun! –Sea Levels Fail to Rise? - Warming Fears in 'Dustbin of History'

POZNAN, Poland - The UN global warming conference currently underway in Poland is about to face a serious challenge from over 650 dissenting scientists from around the globe who are criticizing the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore. Set for release this week, a newly updated U.S. Senate Minority Report features the dissenting voices of over 650 international scientists, many current and former UN IPCC scientists, who have now turned against the UN. The report has added about 250 scientists (and growing) in 2008 to the over 400 scientists who spoke out in 2007. The over 650 dissenting scientists are more than 12 times the number of UN scientists (52) who authored the media hyped IPCC 2007 Summary for Policymakers.

The U.S. Senate report is the latest evidence of the growing groundswell of scientific opposition rising to challenge the UN and Gore. Scientific meetings are now being dominated by a growing number of skeptical scientists. The prestigious International Geological Congress, dubbed the geologists' equivalent of the Olympic Games, was held in Norway in August 2008 and prominently featured the voices and views of scientists skeptical of man-made global warming fears.

Read the entire article here...

Do you remember the Time Magazine article form June, 24, 1974? The title was Another Ice Age? This article outlines the reason scientists believed we were in the middle of a cooling trend that would result in another ice age. It is interesting to read that they thought man was the reason for this trend also.

I also came across this article a few weeks ago that speaks to the current (so called) 'problem' of global warning. It seems that one of the reporting agencies got it wrong when they reported the hottest Oct. on record, This is interesting, especially in light of the fact that the same article reports that arctic water ice is 30% farther along in its freezing process than it was this time last year.

It seems that the 'facts' concerning Global Warming are not all they are cracked up to be. Does this mean that we neglect our planet on purpose? No. But should there be restrictive legislation in all areas of life to diminish a problem that may not be valid? What do you think?


PS - Check out this post over at Common Cents ... Just more info. for your reading pleasure.

We're not rich yet...

This is an actual call made to a repossession company. It is both funny and shocking. This is what much of America really thinks about Obama and what his presidency will do for them.



Let's say the caller was correct and she was going to be rich next year because of Obama. Does that excuse her from her responsibilities to her debts today? How does she know that the repossession company is 'rich'. They may be barely making ends meet just like her. Maybe the employees of this company are waiting on their Obama check as well.

UAW says NO!

The auto bailout was not passed last night. They were so close, but the UAW (United Auto Workers) stepped away from the table. What did it come down to? Sen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee says it was wages. Apparently, they had polled the non American companies that build cars in this country that are still profitable. The poll focused on worker compensation. They even left out one company and its wages from the average because the UAW said those wages were too low. They asked the UAW to do a couple of things, non of which were to cut wages immediately. This was their request: the UAW give a date by which they would have new wage rates based on the above stated competitors poll and that they then let it be certified by the Secretary of the Labor. By the way, this new Sec. of the Labor would have been an Obama pick. This being said, this new pick would look more favorably on the UAW and its interest because of the financial gain the Democrats receive from the UAW and its lobbyist. The UAW said 'NO'! This shows the true nature of this union. They are willing to let the hand that feeds them fall as well as all of the suppliers, line workers, customers, ect.

The bailout was just a bandaid. If the basic way the big three auto companies does business, they will be in the same boat within months. The union with its outragouse emplyee 'rights' and its back breaking legacy costs make it impossible for the car companies to make a profit or put more money into research for new fuel efficient high milage technology. It is a no win situation.

The union was a good thing when it started. It did make the working environment safe and made wages reasonable. It now has too much power. It now puts the worker and its benefit package (including legacy costs) above the mandate of the public company which is to 'build shareholder wealth'. The union has gotten out of control and this non-action as regards to wages proves that.

The story continues...

Why did you vote for McCain?

If you are like Joe the Plumber,you did so because the thought of an Obama presidency scared you so much, a vote for McCain was your only choice. Read all about it...

Here!

If you have other reasons for voting for McCain, please share them. If you agree with Joe, let me know as well. As always, this will be a very scientific 'poll'. Your participation is appreciated in advance.

Is anything sacred?

sa⋅cred

1. Dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity.
2. Worthy of religious veneration
3. Made or declared holy: sacred bread and wine

I guess it was only a matter of time. Nothing is allowed to be sacred. It seems that the gay agenda is on a campaign to infiltrate everything to make it fit into their lifestyles. Marriage and it's God given traditional meaning was the beginning. Then they wanted to redefine what family meant by having children by adoption or other means . We as a people are supposed to say this is OK and we are to teach our children the same. Now, they are pushing into the most sacred of all area's, the birth of the son of God. This article about a 'Pink Festival' in the Netherlands gave me pause. A manger scene has a specific meaning and significance to the Christian. Now, in the Netherlands, the manger scene at this festival will have 2 Mary's and 2 Joseph's.


Recently, in the state of Washington, a sign was allowed to be erected next to a traditional manger scene in a Government building. The sign was sponsored by an atheist group. The idea was to allow all points of view when allowing any religious displays. In the past, this building has had a Menorah erected as well. The problem here is that the sign went farther than stating their view of Christmas which is simply a Winter Solstice with no significance paid to any deity. The sign actually put down and degraded those that would believe in a deity of any kind. This goes farther than putting different views of the holiday on display.


I often wonder why I am so shocked at each new abomination. Why can't those who are not believers practice tolerance to those that are? I guess even tolerance is not completely inclusive of all. This theory has been proved over and over. Most recently in the Netherlands and in Washington state.

Socialism the Sequel: Will it work this time?

Is this what this country needs? A little "spreading around of the wealth?" Has this ever worked in world history?

Joe the Plumber was not someone that would be called 'super rich'. If he owns his small plumbing business, he may have $250,000 as income, but not personal income, business income. He will get the tax increase under our President elect's economic plan if that is the case.

Remember…Obama is the one who said in the ABC debate during the primary season that his approach to raising tax on capital gains is not based on whether it would provide more revenue but on his idea of what is fair:

GIBSON: All right. You have, however, said you would favor an increase in the capital gains tax. As a matter of fact, you said on CNBC, and I quote, “I certainly would not go above what existed under Bill Clinton,” which was 28 percent. It’s now 15 percent. That’s almost a doubling, if you went to 28 percent.

But actually, Bill Clinton, in 1997, signed legislation that dropped the capital gains tax to 20 percent.

OBAMA: Right.

GIBSON: And George Bush has taken it down to 15 percent.

OBAMA: Right.

GIBSON: And in each instance, when the rate dropped, revenues from the tax increased; the government took in more money. And in the 1980s, when the tax was increased to 28 percent, the revenues went down.

So why raise it at all, especially given the fact that 100 million people in this country own stock and would be affected?

OBAMA: Well, Charlie, what I’ve said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness.

That being said, we now find ourselves in an economic downturn. Just yesterday, the highest number of job losses in one month since 1974 was realized. Yet, the stock market held its own and actually ended the day up. Go figure!

In this environment, can any tax increase be good? Even repealing Bush's tax cuts early is in a sense a tax increase. Would it be prudent to do even this now? It seems to me that whatever system one believes in, (Socialism or Capitalism, Christianity or Atheism, for example) that system should be able to stand firm in any environment. I say if Socialism, I believe the core belief of our President elect, is right in good times (stick it to the rich if you will) it should be able to stand in bad as well. Which will it be Mr. President elect? Is it really all about fairness? Can fairness ever be achieved? Does Socialism produce fairness when it is enacted? It might look good on paper, but in reality it fails.

As it is now, we are looking at bail-outs left and right paid with money we don't have so we must print more. There is also talk of no tax increases and of letting the Bush tax cuts (BTW 100% of American's got a break under this legislation) expire on their own. I do not see how any new Government program (Universal Health Care) can be a serious consideration with the outstanding debt the Country has now.

One more thing while I am on a roll. Why aren't the Oil companies the bad guys anymore? How soon we forget. If they can manipulate the market so easily to take the big profits, why aren't they doing so now when oil in a good $100 less per barrel than it was just this summer?

So, Is Socialism the way out of this mess? Is Socialism the way not to get into this mess in the first place? Let's ask the people of China or Russia. The politicians in these countries have it real good while the citizens wait in line for bread and can have their home and land taken away with no recourse. There is no middle class in this type of government. The middle class and what it stands for is what makes America prosperous and the envy of most of the world. Don't be fooled, there will always be poor and there will always be rich. Which side of the stick would you be on if the Socialism line were drawn? I know which side Mr. Obama would be on.

What did you do on Black Friday?

If you happened to be at a particular Wal-Mart, you were in a crowd of people that actually trampled a man to death. This did not happen because people were getting away from danger or going toward rescue, it happened because they wanted to be the first in line to get the best price on the Black Friday specials. It has been reported that the young man that lost his life was protecting a young woman who was 8 months pregnant from being harmed by this crowd.

I have indulged in a bit of Black Friday shopping in years past. It has been a fun time to get away form the family crowd and spend some time alone with my sister-in-law. The spirit of the outing is that of fun and fellowship not the spirit of every man for himself.

What has this world come to? How could this happen under these circumstances? How could people actually continue to walk and run and stomp over this man under their feet? Why didn't anyone stop? Why didn't anyone help? In the end, was the prize worth it?

Solomon says that the job of the heathen is to gather. And in this act of gathering he still finds no contentment. Is this what has become of the average American? The urge to gather, at the lowest price possible, is stronger than the urge for compassion or selflessness.

It is also very telling that Black Friday and it's call to feed the materialism monster in us all comes after the national day of Thanksgiving. The day we count or blessings and name them one by one. These two days are on either ends of the spectrum.

The story goes that a little boy, while watching two dogs fight, asked his dad "which one is gonna win?" His dad responded, "which ever one you have been feeding."

Let's feed the good dog. The one that cares about others before themselves. The one that is content with what they have and not always longing for more. The one that understands it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Let's try to keep the attitude of Thanksgiving on our hearts long past the designated day. In all things, let's give thanks with a grateful heart, even on Black Friday.