The Problem Is Not The Problem; Your Attitude...

about the problem is the problem. Johnny Depp "Pirates of the Caribbean". I was reading a FB post about guns by folks that like guns and most comments were polite. BAM, an insulting comment appeared. I clicked on the comment taking me to his FB page and then wondered Why? this person was on the gun post.

Back to the original FB and another comment asked the same question and observed the only comment with insulting and abusive language was this person. Since this person did not like guns OR their owners, what was the reason this person would seek out and insult innocents?

I have always enjoyed weapons (missiles, guns, knives and swords) and impressed by those proficient in their use. My wife does not have the same feelings therefore I have never had one, much less a collection. I have also learned to avoid discussions with certain people because these can get very ugly.

ONE other reason, I do not keep weapons for defense is MY REASON. One day, during a small social event, a guy and I mentioned weapons and then enjoyed a brief conversation about them and their use. In our conversation, we discovered a shared concern that our reason for having a weapon for defense was not completely for defense.

God dealt with both of us that he was our defense and our reason for having a weapon was to shoot someone. Now I know about all the "reality" reasons for having a way to defend home and self. I also researched how to use the powers available to us from God for our protection. Biblical and secular history records people, including Jesus, using other resources to protect and save themselves from physical harm.

I lock and use the alarms in our house and auto, yet have experienced home and auto burglaries, and was angry and wanted the person(s) HURT. Recently, I mistakenly left the auto key in the door of our Honda as we went shopping. We returned an hour later to our vehicle and experienced a range of emotions, including thankfulness to God, that our Pilot was still there.

Later, I reminded Connye that as God took care of our truck, he takes care of other important things in our life such as; finances, home and vehicle maintenance, federal, state and property taxes.

Now, I ask you to think about a concept.

People, proficient with weapons, study their weapons, train with them often, and know the particular/best use of each one. God listed Gifts of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit and why to use his NAME. I suggest to you if we:

• maintain an active relationship with Jesus,
• study the use of his Gifts, Fruit and Name,
• train with each regularly,
• become proficient in the method of use of each item,

we will discover defenses and methods of protection more effective than a pump 10 gage shotgun. We also MUST LEARN WHEN WE CAN USE EACH ONE.

 

We are NOT PERMITTED to:

• claim promises not meant for us,
• use any Gift or His Name any time we desire,
• use God's Word OUT OF CONTEXT.

Because we so often do each of the above, we become confused, frustrated, and discouraged. Non Christians observing us get confused as well and some believe its all a fake. We are permitted to do everything Jesus did during his ministry BUT we MUST do what he did to be able to do what he did.

 

I have watched National Geographic planet and animal channels for several years and received quite and education. For my point, I will ignore the normal evolutionary comment by the shows narrators. Animal, Insect, Fowl, and Fish groups display incredible communication abilities, intelligence, engineering and navigation skills, as well as defensive moves.

 

Each kingdom is designed for balance (what some call natural selection) so that weather or predators filter out weak and sick creatures. The statement that the strong survive and win is not always true. Sometimes the victim drives off the larger predator, which is amazing to watch; the victim "mans up" and defies the attacker. We are the only creatures that have a moral/immoral rating. Nothing the fish, fowl, mammals or insects do has a moral/immoral value. They are  amoral. I suspect you understand why.

 

The other kingdoms have no will just ingrained instinct. We are given a Sovereign Will to choose what we will do and how. You and I have the opportunity, as long as we live, to use resources to achieve what we were created and designed for. I am still gaining knowledge and understanding at 66 and will respond to my Master more readily to accomplishment all God wants and all I desire.

 

Let us have a Wonderful Christmas and Happy, Prosperous, and Exciting New YEARS to come. 

 

God bless you,

Heal you,

Prosper you, and

Most Importantly - Visit You!!

Which Group(s) Are YOU Assigned To?

Which check box or radial do you select when filling out an application form? You know the ones that some ambiguous person or department devised to categorize humans. I have questioned their origin, use, validity and accuracy for decades only to watch increasing numbers of the categories.

First we had:
Male or Female
Black or White

Then:
Male or Female
Black or White
US Citizen or Other

Let' skip a few decades to:
Check one of each of the following 17 categories that will allow US to profile you. BTW, check the one(s) that will best favor you being accepted to an "institution of higher learning", being hired or given the best raises. Accuracy is not as important as the Reality of you being accepted.

To add to the judgmental arena, we develop a list for ourselves and faithfully check it.

• I am fat, thin, too tall or too short.
• I should have been able to answer ALL the questions correctly.
• Am I denying my needs and my family's needs to work harder, longer and faster? Why not?
• I should have treated that client, customer, co-worker, slob better.
• Why didn't I get that degree?
• Why didn't I continue for the Bachelor, Master, Doctorate degree?
• I am too young, too old, too...

I watched a program on CNN titled, "What is BLACK in America?". It was sobering and an education. They interviewed teenage students in a Philadelphia school program regarding their thoughts of what Black meant to them in America. Several adults were selected for their opinions of the students' thoughts and comments.

The students were insightful, sensitive, honest and vulnerable with their life experiences living in a White world, Black world, and Black/White world. Once again I was reminded how brutal people can be to one another with words or actions that leave no physical mark.

The question of why we label and categorize each other rose its persistent head, as it has done for most of my adult life, and waited for an answer. My opinion is we are wired to do this and we respond, with excitement, for a chance to do so; we are also inconspicuously educated to place one another in a box.

We are the GREATEST, BEST, MOST WONDERFUL

 Baptist
Greek
Pentecostal
College Educated
Scientist
Layman
Police Officer
Black
White
European
American
Female
Male
Atheist
African
Ethiopian
Southerner
Northerner
Rebel
Yankee
On and On and On...

there is and we deserve the best of every thing and THEY DO NOT!

Who are THEY?

Anyone NOT in your clearly defined and criteria oriented Group!

And there, you have it.

My conclusion(?); civilized(?) humanity is regressing by digressing from our original stated, proven methods of living harmonious, peaceful, productive, and progressive lives with each other and the "new" neighbors in our hood.

A large segment of the population is persuaded that we can do ANYTHING we dream or think of. Every day we can read or hear or see where a new and better technology, process, or event has been created or developed to advance the arts, medicines, mental prowess, skills in language learning and retention. All these were and are brought to life and use by a HUMAN; so why don't we change ourselves morally?

BECAUSE WE CHOOSE NOT TOO.

I know, I know, the 1 or 2 of you who have it together don't agree with this.

 

Get into a fine Bible based church.

Develop a great set of friends doing the same.

Rediscover yourself and Redefine yourself.

December 21 can be The End of an Old Life and Start of a New One.

Celebrate Jesus' birthday- December 25- by  celebrating Your New Life.

 

Throw away both Checklists.

If I do, will that fix the problem??

 

 

Make this Christmas time a Wonderful and Enjoyable Beginning.

Size MATTERS and NUMBERS Do Also.

Faith as small as a mustard seed.

One Moses.

One Mary.

One inch. (The bullet missed me by...)

One miracle. (Fill in yours ____)
 

Reading various blogs, listening and reading various media convinces me Connye and I are not the only ones with challenging times.

 

I awoke one morning - I think it was morning. Since I sleep, no...., I nap and call it sleep, and then wake up multiple times during daylight and nighttime. Anyway, ONE of those awaking times, I had the revelation that many others are struggling with something (flat tire, large stomach, taxes, finances, marriage, what type of tea to drink and when). That tea thing is something.

 

I settled on Twinings Irish Breakfast for a morning beverage and Lipton Wild Berry the rest of the day. I am researching White, Green and Black teas for health and tastes purposes. BTW, none of this tea information relates to my blog. I started writing so Connye could have some "quiet" time and read.

 

Okay, the challenging parts of life. Often people, myself definitely included, anticipate medium to great changes but more often they start with microscopic permutations.

 

1. Our laptop retired inspiring a new purchase. The Notebook we purchased looks quite similar to the Laptop we acquired 7 years ago but the salesperson assured me it wasn't. It uses Windows 8 (when did we stop using Win95?) and that's a trip.
2. 
   I finally believed the doctor and agreed to begin a healthy regimen. Thank you, thank you for your support.
3. We purchased Christmas cards to MAIL. I researched and found a site we could design and choose how many. I used all extensions on one hand and took a nap. Connye used the site to design our card and ordered 25.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I know, Right?, it is exciting and stunning. Connye is better about sending cards than I. I passed out trying to think of five people and she thought of 25 in a blink.

 

So, small changes is what this is about. December of 2012 and positive adjustments are being made. Some friends just purchased a very nice motor home. Take a look:

Full Time RV Living–Huge, Huge Changes Going On

 

They have wanted one for many years as they enjoyed traveling and camping in their 5th Wheel. Patience and prudence is rewarded. Their blog is fun to follow and explains how they began with a pop-up and progressed.

 

The people that started:

• Amway
• McDonalds
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Wendy's
• Martha Stewart Company
• Mary Kay Cosmetics
• Apple/Macintosh Computers
• continued...

started in garages, on dining tables, an idea from another idea, in shoe boxes.

 

This is MY Opinion, so agree or not. God was and is involved in the endeavors of human kind. Review the past six thousand years we have had our go on Earth and it is clear to ME, that for many "inventions" a mind greater than human injected ideas into us for creation. Creation, in this case, meaning to bring an item, business or nation into physical reality.

 

God did not get out of the business of continued development of what he created when he rested. His staff visits us, stays with us, passes ideas to us and nourishes the projects. Of course, we usually take all the credit and rewards but whatever.

 

As a boy, I fantasized about being a Lone Ranger, or other singular hero to "save the day" but gradually life's negatives removed those thoughts. For decades, I struggled with the abstraction of one person being the "savior" (in a human sense) but again there were too many examples to ignore.

 

When the World needed a:

• John F. Kennedy
• a little maid: 2 Kings 5:2
• Denton A. Cooley
• H. Norman Schwarzkopf
• Esther: Esther 4:14
• Condoleezza Rice
• Hillary Rodham Clinton

each was in place and ready. Each and every person having reached the "top of the ladder" had to take RISKS. For example:

 

RISK

 

and the inevitable and interminable SILENCE:

 

when silence speaks…

 

As with each of the preceding blogs, maturing and promotion in God starts small to protect us. As a young Christian Pentecostal, I applied myself to learning and promotion as I did secular work; AND IT WORKED, to everyone's surprise and consternation. I fasted, prayed, devoured the Word and requested God to use me; AND HE DID, which became my problem.

 

I was a young, inexperienced NEW Christian. There was no Elijah for me and I did not realize I was too young for that stage of use. I finally realized being a disciple/student was my place and the rest would come. My pastor and wife were greatly relieved. Backing down to JUST a student required a lot of personal discipline because I enjoyed the advantages of that spiritual place; The results were tangible to others, powerful and dangerous for a novice.

 

I took a LOA for about 22 years now and am getting hints, I may be ready to start again; Little steps, incremental gains, one step after another on the ladder.

 

December 2012, where are YOU? Ready to step into your motorhome, upgrade your laptop, help bring some peace between warring factions, speak a Word from God to a needy person? 

 

What do you want for this Christmas?

Act 3:6-9 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: Act 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Rom 16:1-3 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

What begins this year continues...

 

 

 

Resolutions While I Still Can!

res·o·lu·tion
the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

I am determined to do what I want or think is right, whether right or not. This manner of thinking or acting has been my fundamental way of living and I do not apologize for it. Passing 66 years, I have been convinced by

1. my health(just trust me here)
2. my doctors(Oncologist, Ophthalmologist, M.D., Chiropractor, Surgeon, Massage Therapist, and Urologist)
3. my wife(supportive suggestions)

I must improve my consuming habits or I will be miserable until I leave this fine Earth. I DO NOT DO PAIN! I prefer sedation before having my blood taken from ANYWHERE. When the nurse approaches my finger tip with that Rail Spike disguised as a needle, I ask, "What did I do to You?".

Anyway, recently, and FINALLY I believed everything I was being told and felt. A friend and Pastor has evangelized me for years about acting and eating healthy and I agreed young folks should do so. Recently, I just finished a Coke ice cream float and didn't fell well. I commented to Connye maybe I should not be enjoying these pleasures since the doc just upped my dosage of insulin and added one.

I know, I know, jus sayin'. My M.D. suggested a book 'The Blood Sugar Solution' and made a profound statement (to me), if I acted on the author's instructions, in a few years or less, I would be off ALL the diabetic medicine AND be healthier.

We purchase the book and within the first chapters, the evidence and rationale make known to us and I for decades was there again. Okay, Jesus, flaming bush, over forty years later, I am finally ready.

How many doctors and others have I exhausted? Well, as Paul said, "putting those things behind me..." I press into the change.

This has captured my zeal for accuracy, truth and commitment for success. Let me clarify an important concept here. Size does NOT equate to health. Read Dr. Mark Hyman or the plethora of doctors, dieticians, nutritionists to hear the same message.

We tend to judge by shape or size to determine a person's health and responsible living. This simply is not true but really, who cares. ON with my blog.

I accept my responsibility to my family and my God to SUBMIT to what is correct. Ya know, this whole submission thing is a rip to my/our carnal nature; especially when we are called to submit to that which is right, correct, pure or perfect. What we do on Earth directly relates to what happens in Heaven and the reverse.

I have spent the past week studying nutrition, diets, teas, origins of food processing, types of vitamins and supplements to learn what will work best for us as Seniors. Regardless of how perfect a prepared plan may sound or look, each of us are ultimately responsible for our actions, health and eternal home.

My wife and I are excited for our future, which, does not have to wait until a "New" year.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

FIRE!! and other ignored warnings.

I woke this morning thinking about preparing for and reacting to emergencies. Certain concerns have been part of my life and irritation to others. Being trapped or confined in an area of danger causes sensitivity to my environment; are there emergency exits, fire alarms, emergency lights, fire extinguishers, guns, etc. I consider these  part of any public facility, including private schools and will request their installment.

I discovered decades ago that many owners and managers place the costs of such items at greater priority than safety of the occupants. Innocence of the differences blinded me to the possible reaction from those in charge when I pressed for updates. Being younger and much more aggressive than now, I developed mind blowing demonstrations to prove my point.

Failing to convince the management, of a private school my daughter was attending, to add security lights to their interior or quick release handles to exterior doors, I procured the cooperation of the supervisor for a real time demo. The interior room had no windows or doors, so as they were inspecting the students, I turned off the main breakers. Although, the supervisor was expecting the loss of power, he confessed later, he had NO clue to how dark BLACK can be.

Outside the building, I counted five seconds and restored power. When life is wonderful and routine and lighted, five seconds does not sound like a long time. An instant, unexpected transition to blindness (cannot see the inside of your eyeball) is mind altering. The lights were approved with my agreement to NEVER do that again.

We had special services with special visitors and I ensured the exit door remained locked. The quick release handles were approved and my entrance to Heaven was placed in probation. Church and Corporate management were not always pleased with my activities and suggestions.

God demo'd a power out, during a storm, and the ushers could not find their flashlights; new emergency lights were installed.

Join me in reflection; The mentioned events were the repercussions of people not contemplating the consequences of inaction.

• When asked, "What would you do if all the lights went out?" was answered with a contrived scenario, "We would turn on flash lights, light candles, etc."
• When asked, "What would you do if a fire ignited in _________?" was answered with a contrived scenario, "We would 1) begin removing the students/employees, 2) set the alarm, 3) use Fire Extinguishers."

Contrived scenarios have the intended effect of allaying fears the situation would be out of control; and once calmed all involved return to normal routines believing the fiction. Unplanned and unscheduled demonstrations clearly define fiction from reality, which usually frightens, then angers the sources and acceptors of the original fiction.

To YOU Adults in any Public or Private position of influence over the safety of those assigned to YOU, I propose consideration of:

• The cost of safety versus injury or death of ONE person.
• Your personal responsibility for the safety or security of Each and All male or females, under your domain.
• Your daughter, son or spouse is in an unsafe Academic or Employed area, that could affordably be upgraded but is not.
• You approved the launch of the Shuttle Challenger.
• You ignored the policy and safety of the BP rig.
• You attempted take off in severe weather, knowing your plane was not ready.
• You approved construction of the Wall, Room, or Building ignoring obvious violations.

The testimony of many involved in the above listed events include:

• I/we did not know or understand or plan for this.
• I/we were not prepared or equipped for the severity or speed.
• I/we followed the written rules and policy (knowing they were not adequate).
• I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE.

Regardless, the Club Burned, the Rig Sunk and the Shuttle Exploded.

YES!! YOU ARE!! RESPONSIBLE!!!

 

Maybe you are asking what my intention for this thought is OR even better THINKING about what action you can and may take. I am not going to answer because this truly is not my responsibility.

Our responsibility  is to act on those things in our life on our path. This weekend I received a course correction from an unexpected source. I decided, this year, to make a conscious effort to stop actions or voicing thoughts that irritate others, as long as no immediate danger exists. With this in mind, this weekend I was encouraged to post my thoughts other places and took this as a course change.

Have you received course corrections that, maybe, irritated or confused you but became a benefit?

I often feel like the Coyote partner to the Road Runner. A safe or piano has to fall on me to alert me to changes; In reality, I would have preferred a safe.

Well it is Christmas before Thanksgiving and all through the house the turkeys are confused seeing decorated trees and hearing those songs already. They are always the other people that drink, drug and drive; SOOOO, our goal is to strategize and compensate. Eat, stay alive, don't fight, enjoy and pray for lots of help from here on.

The Correct OR Right Attitude.

Concerning the election..Like it or not...it's over.
I DO NOT LIKE POLITICS
I DO NOT LIKE POLITICS
I DO NOT LIKE POLITICS in any form, but not because one party or another wins or loses. I do not like politics because of the division it creates with God's people.

During any election season we tend to forget that the church is not Republican or Democrat...we are Children of God. Our Savior
is King...

of Kings...not a politician.

The right attitude should be...
As an American...you are allowed 1 vote. Pray about your decision and cast your vote...then trust God.

I realize that many are disappointed this morning while many are excited. If your favorite candidate lost......I'm sorry. If your favorite candidate won...congratulations. Let's decide to be gracious today to one another. It might be good if many take a break from commenting on Politics all-together. Let's focus on Jesus today. Prophecy is being fulfilled every where we look. The entire world will soon bow at the feet of the Anti-Christ. The Bible tells us that this whole world will eventually burn with fire. No Republican or Democrat politician can change that. Our world is getting worse...Heaven is getting sweeter. Let's not get so wrapped up in the Kingdoms of this world that we forget....ONE DAY WE WILL NOT BE A PART OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA..but residents of The United Church of Heaven.

Let's love one another...
Think the best of one another...
Try not to offend one another...
Trust one another...
Then work together and see how many we can get to that victory party!

(Rob McKee)

A friend posted this AFTER the election. After the elections, the surgeries, the hurricanes, we slowly calm down, get a grip on ourselves and start thinking like wise folk. AFTER instead of BEFORE and tragically almost NEVER DURING.

Obama Admin Tells Court: Hobby Lobby Must Obey HHS Mandate

How often we see and hear people, after experiencing a catastrophe, explain how they did not prepare for it. They heard the warnings but did not believe them. Once a person has survived a disaster, they tend to honor future dangers. Such fortune is not guaranteed but misfortune is a surety in this country's future.

The owners of Hobby Lobby AND their employees will have to decide what they are prepared to lose for their convictions. Each of us would be wise to forget a saying, "they can't do this to us. We have rights." That depends on what the authority honors and our Federal, State, City governments are not going to honor that which is different from their laws or doctrine.

Watch the History channel about some of our "great" builders of today's corporations; steel, cattle, oil barons. Most people reading this know what other people WILL do for money, power, positions or praise and they can get very nasty.

Decide how you are going to prepare and I suggest do so quickly. BTW Christians, you might forget about getting out of here early and start preparing to whether a STORM!

YOU IRRITATE ME!! Now STOP IT!!

What about that irritable person you know or maybe it is you that suffer from an unseen but tangible turn off? The person has to acknowledge the problem and everyone has to cooperate in a peaceful and continuing resolution. Take a look at these pictures.

The object is a stylus I purchased for my iPhone. The white covering was from top to bottom when new.

Notice where my fingers and thumb are. The bare area is caused by my perspiration. It takes several months of continuous use, so don't worry about shaking my hand. I have no control over this trait of mine. What I can control is the physical contact such as putting on gloves as a buffer.

Some folks need a buffer between them and other people because of a social dysfunction. My grandsons are autistic and asperger. Their mother, my daughter, serves as a buffer for them or arranges for one, when they go places. The children know they are different but may not be sure why, at their current age.

I am asperger with options and this has caused friction with others all my life. Part of my challenge was not knowing until recently why I said and did things that set people off. I acknowledge and accept my condition and take responsibility for necessary changes in our social life. Recently, during a purchase in an auto parts store, the cashier and I were discussing the need for a steering wheel cover. As I described the damage my hand contact had on the wheel, he suddenly announced he had the same problem and described the results.

My wife and I were having lunch with a long time friend and during the conversation the topic of my acidic condition came up. Connye used my stylus to demonstrate how serious it is. Our friend was noticeably shocked and politely remarked, "That's interesting" instead of "That's weird or scary".

I attended seminars, took evaluations and met with therapists trying to discover what caused me to speak and act the way I did. One day, as always happens, the truth arrived in an unusual manner. One I knew, then as I stated earlier, I became responsible for my future actions. But what about the ones still in ignorance or denial of their condition? What defense tactics can the population adapt to lessen injury?

I have no pill or 1, 2, 3 list to resolve your dilemma and I have had multiple negative encounters with co-workers, family, friends and strangers. The adage when the blind leads the blind, they fall in the ditch. When two or more dysfunctional people act in primitive ways to communicate both get into a verbal or physical fight. Knowledge and responsible choices are key to every situation and discretion goes a loooong way to a positive outcome. Approaching the offender and asking if they are OCD or ADD will not usually improve the environment.

Years ago, if someone had asked me how I usually handle my asperger condition would have initialized a blank stare. Then request for definition with a what in Heaven's name is this and Why do you think I have OR am this? Now, after months of research and study, I tell people in case I slip. This time it is the other party reacting with a What is that?, Did you catch it?, or inherit it?

 

The most important effect of accepting my diagnosis is realizing that my "acidic" condition can over time damage relationships beyond repair, just as the above pictures indicate. An autistic or speech impaired person or dyslexic individual cannot change their condition anymore than a lame person can get up and walk. Patient and understanding responses from those involved combined with resources can enhance all our interactions with one another.

BTW, while you were on your phone, in your car, the person passing you on your left or right was me. If you were the one driving 32 mph in a 35 mph zone, I was the one sitting on your bumper trying to encourage you to move forward or park.

 

Yes, I struggle with the same emotions others do and do my best to yield to my wife's encouragement to improve my driving, attitude, response to other drivers, etc. It's HARD! Connye keeps working with me.

 

After I have prayed, asked her forgiveness, had lunch, taken my meds, we relax and talk.

 One last thought and suggestion:

If you cannot beat them, join them.

If you cannot join them, get away from them.

He Will Lead You and Guide You.

Joh 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Joh 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

I have been convinced, from my youth and experience, that God/Jesus/Comforter will lead me into all truth. My prayers have included:

• praying for salvation/doctrinal truth,
• how to correctly electrically wire a residence
• where to take my cars for maintenance
• the right doctor to submit to

I also have learned not everyone thinks like this or agrees with me that GOD cares about these minute details of our lives. He has convinced me he does care and wants to be involved like any Father that loves his children. Following are a few examples of events and their results I attribute to God's involvement with us.

1. Our family, in Hemphill, TX, used to enjoy eating at a seafood restaurant, Bryce's Landing Restaurant, outside Hemphill. They closed abruptly with no explanation or projection of reopening. Connye and I became responsible for the homestead, when the family died and return often to status it. There are not may places to eat in Hemphill and we were really missing the seafood place.
One day, while there, I had a thought for buttermilk, yet did not get it at the store. We were driving back home and thinking about the buttermilk became rather insistent and I turned us around. In the parking lot, a man asked if I knew where Pendalton bridge was, which I didn't. Inside the store, I have the coveted milk and stood at the cashier. Now in Hemphill, a conversation can be generated by breathing and many topics covered while checking out.
While engaged I decided to ask about the named bridge was. Location, directions and history were provided including a status on the restaurant AND it is now open. All this came from my yielding to the need for buttermilk.

2. For the past two years, I have had an urge for Connye and I to lunch with a friend. I contacted the person and several times had to cancel, until recently. I began to think God had some direction for us from this person. We met, had a very enjoyable lunch and nearing the end, received direction and resolution concerning the estate.

3. We purchased lifetime free oil changes when we purchase our truck but never used the option. Connye suggested we make use of the freebie since we did pay for it. I started watching the % of oil life so we could schedule. Several times, my impatience almost drove me into our regular Pay For oil. Several weeks passed and I was able to schedule a day and took it in. The technician found two bad bushings which had eaten away at our previous tires and were doing the same with these. The company chosen to replace the tires did not tell me the bushings were bad nor, I was told this AM, did they align the vehicle.
I agreed to the repairs, left the truck, returned home and told my wife, we might owe about $600.00. Three hours later, Honda lets us know our truck is ready and the charge is $50.00. Our extended warranty covered everything.
There was and still is rejoicing in our house today.

We did not experience lightning, earthquakes or a booming voice. A steady quiet thought, not mine, urging me and Connye to go to a place, buy an item, ask a question, make a commitment and TRUST.

OBEY and TRUST

 

Two simple words for two very difficult things to do. 

Rom 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Rom 7:15  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Rom 7:16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Rom 7:17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Rom 7:19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Rom 7:20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Rom 7:22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Rom 7:23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Rom 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Rom 8:7  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 8:8  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Rom 8:12  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Apostle Paul wrestled with his carnal self and determined to obey the Spirit of God. I mentioned in other posts that obeying God every day for life is NOT Super Spiritual but a NORMAL Christian lifestyle. This lifestyle requires discipline and dedication like every other successful endeavour. We all fall short every day for life but we don't quit. Repent, Praise God, and Move Forward.

Give it a try and let me know what you experience.

CUSSING - CURSING, Acceptable? Why Not?

Cuss:

1. to use profanity; curse; swear.
2. to swear at; curse:
3. to criticize or reprimand in harsh terms 

Curse-before 1050; Middle English curs (noun), cursen (v.), Old English curs:

1. the expression of a wish that misfortune, evil, doom, etc., befall a person, group, etc.
2. a formula or charm intended to cause such misfortune to another.
4. a profane oath; curse word.

 

Profane-1350–1400; (adj.) < Latin profānus literally, before (outside of) the temple; replacing Middle English prophane < Medieval Latin prophānus desecrated

1. characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things; irreligious.
6. to misuse (anything that should be held in reverenceor respect); defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily.
7. to treat (anything sacred) with irreverence or contempt; violate the sanctity of:  

Obscene-1585–95; < Latin obscēnus, obscaenus:

1. offensive to morality or decency; indecent; depraved:

2. causing uncontrolled sexual desire.

3. abominable; disgusting; repulsive.

 

Lewd-before 900; Middle English leud, lewed, Old English lǣwede lay, unlearned

1. inclined to, characterized by, or inciting to lust or lechery; lascivious.

2. obscene or indecent, as language or songs; salacious.

 

Vulgar-1350–1400; Middle English < Latin vulgāris, equivalent to vulg ( us ) the general public + -āris -ar1

1. characterized by ignorance of or lack of good breeding or taste: vulgar ostentation.

2. indecent; obscene; lewd: a vulgar work; a vulgar gesture.

3. crude; coarse; unrefined: a vulgar peasant.

4. of, pertaining to, or constituting the ordinary people in a society: the vulgar masses.

 

Normal-1520–30; < Latin normālis made according to a carpenter's square, equivalent to norm

1. conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.

2. serving to establish a standard.

3. Psychology .

a. approximately average in any psychological trait, as intelligence, personality, or emotional adjustment.

b. free from any mental disorder; sane.

 

Bastard-1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French bastard, Medieval Latin bastardus (from 11th century)

1. a person born of unmarried parents; an illegitimate child.

2. Slang .

a. a vicious, despicable, or thoroughly disliked person:

b. a person, especially a man: The poor bastard broke his leg.

3. something irregular, inferior, spurious, or unusual.

 

Think about the definitions and the words you might assign to each category/definition. What is your purpose of each word choice and use? What effect does your choice have on yourself, those hearing it? Do the words have an age limitation, children and young people should not say these?

 A blogger mentioned that his mother told her children, they could not use unacceptable words until they understood the English language enough to know what they were saying. I'm cool with that. People can easily misuse a word and often someone will, with good intentions, correct them.

 But what about the words we consider "socially acceptable" but are considered coarse or vulgar? The words you would not want your children saying, especially in front of a Minister, Christian, Lady. Adults use a vareity of language at work, bars, adult parties.

Dammit

Hell Yes/No

Screw you
God Damn

You are Fat, Gross, Stupid

Ass hole

Etc.

 

I remember being questioned about the reason I was using certain words. Normal words like:

Fat slob

Gross pig

She/He is a Pig

Four eyes (I asked what this meant. Logical no one has 4 eyes.)

and we know they are insults. And insulting someone is neither nice nor polite, lady or gentlemen like.

 

What about the Other words we create or substitute? Euphemisms

euphemism: 1650s, from Gk. euphemismos "use of a favorable word in place of an inauspicious one," from euphemizein "speak with fair words," from eu- "good" + pheme "speaking," from phanai "speak" (see fame). In Eng., a rhetorical term at first; broader sense of "choosing a less distasteful word or phrase than the one meant" is first attested 1793.

1. an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed, passed away for dead; relieve oneself for urinate; fricking for fucking

Christians have developed unique euphemisms, subtle body language and nuances for:

• faiths other than their's
• people not abiding by specific rules

1. they are not of THE FAITH
2. they are not Christian, they are B...C...M...P...etc...
3. they are not REAL Christians (like us) because they:
1. perform any type of activity or entertainment on Sunday
2. don't dress, talk, walk or act like us

Well, I think I have covered most of the population, including ME.

Recently, while studying, I came across a phrase unknown to me. Word of Faith WoF preachers. It was the context that confused me, so I started searching "their" meaning.

 

At the heart of the Word of Faith movement is the belief in the "force of faith." It is believed words can be used to manipulate the faith-force, and thus actually create what they believe Scripture promises (health and wealth). Laws supposedly governing the faith-force are said to operate independently of God's sovereign will and that God Himself is subject to these laws. This is nothing short of idolatry, turning our faith—and by extension ourselves—into god.

I suggest you do your own research and determine your conclusions. I formed mine.

 

Several years ago, I co-taught a program about drugs and the consequences of abusing them. Preparing for each class took me through a variety of source materials including dictionaries (all my English Teachers rejoice). A theme began to catch my attention that most of the words we use:

1. are Latin in origin
2. are assembled from other words
3. are hundreds to thousands of years old
4. were developed from actions of people for them to explain and pass on the activities to others
5. were developed and used to direct, instruct and form bonds among various populations while maintaining and furthering the history of said people.
6. were refined as the World's population refined
7. were and are, in my verbiage, labeled as Good/Godly, Bad/Evil, Neutral per origin and use

I have heard and said that words are just words and don't mean anything. Let's view some examples:
Judge or Officer: You are FREE to go.
State: You WON the lottery.
Husband to Wife-Wife to Husband: I DO
Person to Person: I LOVE YOU
I believe you agree words do have meaning and within context Great Meaning.
Doctor to Patient: You are WELL
Jesus to Us/Me: You are CLEAN-WELL-SAVED-WHOLE

Being Asperger, I have always taking things literally (to my bosses', pastor's, wife's dismay). Many folks have been confused and or shocked when asked, "Why?"  Example:

• Standing in the middle of a store and my co-worker utters - Shit.
• Me, What!? Here? Why!?
• Brief explanation clears everything.

• Working on an electric motor and co-worker slips wrench - GOD DAMMIT!!
• Me. Why would God want to condemn the wrench forever?
• Co-worker. What?!
• Again, Explanation - All is clear.

During my younger years, I was not sarcastic, I just did not understand the use of the chosen word within the context of our actions. Do children or young people that consider you their idol understand? People often say, "God understands" and that is true and he does not look to anyone as a mentor. Since we do not have to worry about God, let's drop our eyes a level to those most affected by our choices and plant refined words into their minds and hearts.

BTW: God is not the NAME of God. It is a title. Best not to play with it, but misuse is not "using the name of the LORD or GOD in vain".