ONE 1/4 Inch Hose

Have you ever thought of how much water/fluid can flow through a 1/4" water line? Valve fully open, unchecked, water pressure here approximately 50 psi. Inside a home, it is enough to wreak havoc.

Let's imagine 1 hour. I tried to find a calculator to determine the volume flow but for this blog, it was too much effort.  I will say, whether you have 1/2" of water covering 100 sq ft or 9' covering 1,700 sq ft, it's a nightmare. Tear up flooring, remove X inches high dry wall, drill holes in studs to air out the flooring, turn on multiple fans that simulate a Large military cargo aircraft; you probably have a good visual by now.

I commented to Connye, my wife, that standing water for two days or 1 hour is virtually the same destruction; maybe one more mold here and there but mox nix.

Looking at the aftermath and water reparation demo, I almost cried, hurting for my relatives. YET, if the flow had not been discovered and continued for, say, 5 more hours, their home would be in the same state of destruction as ours, due to Harvey.

Equality. We have our caste system in america but catastrophic events can bring a sense of equality to a family, neighborhood, city or nation, so fast you cannot calculate it. Saint/Sinner, Poor/Wealthy, Ill/Healthy, there are situations that can equalize our standing with Life and each other.

Our community has a social media page for neighborhood communication. I asked the status of my neighbors to get an idea where our home repair was in relation to others in our area. The replies have been encouraging, to me, because I can relate my progress to others and consider we are all moving forward in approximately the same speed for similar reasons.

Visiting neighbors on the sidewalk, or standing against a tree or just talking loud across the street, is a form of venting. Even though we cannot help each other, just knowing that the intent to help is present is also a forma of therapy. Being a Christian or not becomes a mute point, in times like these. We help each other because they are our neighbor; because they need help, as we do and because there is a basic sense of compassion to help that person pull their ox out of the ditch.

In time, all this will be a distant memory (memories) but the pain and grief will surface to remind us how fragile we all are. I recall the proclamations of those with Egos and/or Titles how Perfect they are In All Things and I know that ONE incident can change their magnificent selves into a humble, broken, possibly homeless lowly human. Am I anticipating this horrific change so I can gloat? No.

There is a sadness just thinking what these people are missing as they gaze down on us, from their lofty tower of greatness. A person wrote, "It's better to take a lower position/chair/seat and have others promote you than to proclaim your wonder, before all and someone/something bring you down in front of the crowd.

When we are recovered from this storm and all it contains, I do not want to forget My Need of My Neighbors, Strangers, Family and especially my GOD; His Word, His Spirit, His Love and Mercy and Compassion and Presence in the sound and shape of, "Can I help you? I have some cold water, would you like a drink? We have hot pizza, are you hungry and would you like a sandwich?"

Almost three full months. I may have mentioned that I asked God to help us return to our home in December 2017. It's not a command, or "Your Word Says.....". It's just a humble request to my loving Father to help my family and bring relief to our benefactors that opened their home to us.

One of my neighbors observed behavioral changes in our neighbors and the absence of laughter, friendly wave and it disturbed him that this Storm may have hurt us in a negative way. We both thought about that and decided Only Time and Faith and Healing will reveal how we personally recover.

I worked in UTMD for several years and trauma, whether from certain types of illness, war wounds, death can go deep into your emotions and spirit. I also noticed the Children Patients and their ability to rebound, laugh, encourage themselves and each other. Their Simplicity and Innocence and Trust and Love would continually revive their Joy and Forgiveness and Hope in their Future.

A man once noted to a group of adults, "Unless you become as little children..." Unless you surrender your hardness, bitterness, anger and become innocent, forgiving, loving, tender, merciful, caring, you WILL not survive." The ONLY way we can survive the difficulties and hardness and evil of life is to become as little children; Respect one another, respect and obey righteous laws, confess our sins and forgive ourselves and each other.

Well, I will let you know what the 2nd week of this December has for my wife and I. I pray this Christmas becomes truly a time of Worship, Family get together's, Joy and LOTS of laughter.

FORGET the gifts that drain your bank accounts and overflow your credit cards, just send us and each other LOVE.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Well...Well...Well

November 14. 2017 and we are still living with relatives....as are hundreds, if not thousands, of other people. I could post pictures of our home but they don't tell the Whole Story; that's just damage/destruction.

Over the decades, friends have suggested I think of what others may be experiencing. Hmmmmm, H o w, does one do that....?

UNLESS, one Experiences disaster/trauma/catastrophe! Ummmm, well there is THAT method.

Otherwise, the descriptions and explanations are just words and/or pictures or videos of destruction and people wading through waist deep water. In other words, some occurrences have to be LIVED.

I have wept from frustration, anger, loss of trust and respect. I have watched staff of suppliers (grocery stores, flooring, paint, mechanics) start crying because they could not help with whatever we needed. Short of staff, in the context of a catastrophic event; A business/church/person serviced or served an area for 20-30 years, hundreds or thousands of customers. NOW, a LARGE percentage of those past customers are coming to you for help repairing home, car, church, etc.,

According to the movies, all our problems can be solved in 2hrs or less with 20 commercial breaks. This is America. We have instant everything, 24/7. We have AAA, Insurance of every type, Bank Accounts, pristine lawns and homes in pristine neighborhoods (at least on TV). WAIT! Not everyone has one or any of these. Many did not have Flood (RISING WATER) Insurance or a savings account or bank account equal to the 20%.

Hey, Hurricane Harvey victims, think about a form of counseling for PTSD. If you are not familiar with that term, then Depression or Anxiety or How Do I Recover feelings. Recently, I posted a question on FB in our neighborhood, regarding the status of repairs of my/our neighbors. The replies were informative, refreshing, encouraging, sad and, in some instances, funny.

The point IS, I learned about our neighbors and we had a chance to share, which helped me, if no one else. We were not alone and were about the same phase of recovery? or at least headed in the correct direction. I sympathize with Puerto Rico, Florida, New Jersey/New York (remember Sandy). LONG after the celebrity fund raisers are gone and media has moved on, many of us will still be recovering AND will need an Ear to hear or Shoulder to lean on or just someone to Share with.

I tried to attend Church, this past Sunday, but was at my emotional limit and One question pushed me over into tears that would not stop. For those experiencing any of the above emotions or others, God has not forgotten us (even tho it seems so) but sometimes we NEED something/someone with flesh on it. I went home to bed and slept. Rest is absolutely essential for our emotional and physical health.

I realize that referencing God can seem cliche' or superficial and to some, totally useless. In my life, God has always been an influence and support and guide but has seemed VERY distant and quiet when I need that security the most.

You may have noticed, I am venting and this is my counseling session. Some call it "speaking to the universe" and I am fine with that analogy.

If you have not suffered a traumatic event recently or ever, then my request is for you to just be patient with the rest of us. We have learned or are learning the innocents have nothing to relate to; you just don't get it and that is okay. Until water was flooding our home at a speed too quick to save anything that it reached, I could not sympathize with former flood victims. Nor could I grasp water sitting in our home, our street, knee deep, for days. I can NOW!

Well, well, well. I think I'm done. WOW, I feel better! To everyone (government, civilian) that helped us, my wife and I sincerely thank you.

NOW, is this one of THOSE letters a person writes and destroys??

Ps: This Christmas, we will be back in our home, living and being thankful. At least, that is MY plan:) :) :)

WOW, All That Has Happened Since Then....

My last blog was in 2014 and the events of my life and others have suffered catastrophic changes. Storms of every sort; hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, divorces, changes of command and leadership philosophy at every level or our country.

The SHOCK or PTSD experienced by civilians, in this country has been horrific and a gold mine of case studies for the social and psychological academics. For the average person, watching others suffer various forms of life change trauma is sobering enough but experiencing and enduring it is, as always, quite another form of understanding.

Allison, Katrina, Ike, Harvey, Irma are natural disasters that unlike Wars and Conflicts (which are still wars under a different label) cause a type of trauma that, it seems, our minds cannot fathom or justify.

For example: Wars: okay, humans are mean and often enjoy torturing and destroying each other in nightmarish ways. We almost can accept that. But natural disasters come from this loving, serene, comforting Mother Nature that most of the times cares for us like a Mother Hen her chicks and other creatures that show such love and care for their young.

Then, from that same benevolent nature spring these cataclysmic events that destroy our lives and routines in times ranging from minutes to days and last a lifetime. I, family, friends and strangers are experiencing that SHOCK now and it is a struggle to maintain our sanity, relationships and hopes for better tomorrows.

We humans are a wonderful lot and bond with each other thru binding together to survive. We tell each other, we are going to make it and we will, but we WILL BE CHANGED and DIFFERENT.

A person once said, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Another commented, tie the rope around you and let the rope hang on. Which ever method you choose, just hang on and keep putting your life back together.

Make this year 2017 the best one yet.

WHY Doesn't That Change??? We Have Discussed This Before.

And I believe it is worth mentioning again. Ever hear this question or ask it yourself? I heard it again, recently on a radio talk show.
Guest: This labor law was written in 1933 and companies, schools, agencies still use it to write their polices today.
Host: Why hasn't someone updated the law?

Now, my on going question is how can a law or philosophy or attitude continue for decades or centuries?

• Peoples attitudes toward each other based on color, ethnicity, language,
• Company policies differentiating between employees based on gender, marriage or children status,
• Academic organizational structure and educational philosophy, 
• Religious organizations views of each other or other beliefs (Christian, Islam, Catholic, Judaism.

I submit the following as the simple answer for a complex question.

A mentor surrounds his or her self with like minded people that allege themselves to the beliefs and goals of their leader/mentor. Independent Thinkers and Unbelievers are eventually purged to prevent corruption of the body.



This structure and process can continue forever and may if the overall performance of the group is not illegal, immoral or unethical or a danger to the majority rulers. Slavery was brought into this continent,  accepted and continued until a civil war was won by those opposing slavery. The physical act of slavery was abolished but the Mindset of those wanting it did not change, it went underground.

You may ask how a leader can find those like minded folks. Consider this: He/she searches for people

• graduating from certain schools
• attending similar seminars
• drive similar vehicles (trucks, motorcycles, autos)
• frequent similar social events

Once those are located, a few conversations, some fellowship, discussions about current and future goals and how to achieve them. Once the connection is made, the person is brought in on a trial basis. Within a few months, the selected candidate is confirmed and becomes a Team Player. During the Introduction Period, if certain defects surface, the candidate is gently and quietly moved aside and then outside the Circle of Insiders. The process is surprisingly simple, efficient and effective.

General Motors, Chrysler Dodge and Ford Motor Company had similar thought patterns and management styles, even though severe competitors. The Management Teams of all three had built strong secluded islands within their companies that were virtually impenetrable by any Free Thinkers or Public Scrutiny by any agency including Congress. BUT, they did not plan on the Public rebelling and purchasing outside the designated market; hence Bankruptcy.

Foreign car makers expanded within the U.S. market building manufacturing plants in the U.S. and hiring American workers. Then an upstart designed, developed, marketed and sold an all electric car made in America by Americans. The usual attack methods failed to discourage the inventor or the public from purchasing a car the Big Three told us could not be made.

For the sake of this discussion, you may substitute any condition or people labels in the place of the word slavery and slaves.

• Women in the work force.
• Child labor.
• Source of automobiles.
• Ad Infinitum

A small town in Florida recently become national news due to its loss of self governing control.

Speed trap city accused of corruption, threatened with extinction

Excerpt from the article: (formatting is mine)

To survive as a city, the good people of Hampton must toss out the old regime at City Hall and bring in new people. Legislators said everyone must go, both elected officials and staff. The city has to get out of the ticket business and give up that finger of annexed land. It has to fix the water system and figure out how to dig itself out of its deep financial hole -- a prospect that could cost every man, woman and child in Hampton at least $500.

I am ex-Army, Christian Pentecostal,  Married, White Elder Male, Texas Southerner, No College Degree, buying a house and Japanese auto. Each of these has worked for and against me during my adult life.  I am also a Free Thinker and this has worked against me almost every where to include Boy Scouts, Church and Employment. People of Authority often say:

• Gary, I am in charge and we do this MY Way.
• Ware - just be quiet and obey.
• Mr. Ware - I am the boss and the only one that knows what to do and how to do it.
• Gary - you should buy American made ONLY or 
• we will not be friends
• we will demote or fire you
• we will not use your services
• we will destroy your reputation

If you are an Independent Person, you may have heard the same or similar proclamations. These control people do not want us disturbing the formation or control of their developed world. The Sheep/Followers also get upset when different thoughts or logic is introduced invoking THOUGHT.

History records Pharaohs,  Dictators, Genocides, Slavery, Eugenics, Kings, Presidents, Queens; many were divinely wonderful leaders while others were incredibly wicked. Each were able to reign because of like minded supporters. btw: each of these labels may be applied to any individual that thinks and acts like they are God's gift to a decrepit and despicable humankind. I have lived with the same thoughts of grandeur and grieved my family by my actions. I have served under these type of self-righteous, conceited proclaimers of all that is right and holy, according to them.

As members of free society, we have privileges to vote in or out people representing us in the Public sector. These people have power, authority and responsibilities to enforce laws, update laws or write laws to maintain or way of life. Places of employment or worship are more restricted from Public control but do have Policies or Bylaws to permit substitution of executives; Board of Directors.

Ultimately, we have God Almighty, Jesus Christ to call on for help. If you have another God, does yours work, can you see evidence of active support to your requests? If you have no god, well...there you are.

SO, to those wondering, "Why has this event/our situation NOT changed?" Because the people in power keep adding the same type people which use the same structure, laws and policies. Even though we change the person sitting in the Oval Office, we do not change the type of man elected because the system that actually elects the President are the same ones or same types that created this model, then remodeled it then re-modified it to suit their purposes.

I am neutral on the organization called "Tea Party" but I commend them in their efforts to change the system by removing the current officials by lawful means. Revolutions and Coups do not work when trying to achieve a long term Good to Excellent result.

Correct what you can and may, adapt to what you can, leave the area of complaint AND REALIZE the structure in place will not change until the people in place do. Historically, Godless people or People of Occult practices choose bad to evil lifestyles; whereas Godly, righteous people tend to harmony and peaceful lifestyles.

Originally, laws were developed and written to protect individuals and groups with Justice intended. We, the masses trusted and trust our leaders to govern us properly but being human and carnal we all tend to lean to the Darker Side of life.  We cannot give carte blanche to any person in power or authority over us. Without Checks and Balances, anyone can be corrupted by unlimited power or unaccountability.

Vote, Resist, Pray, Serve.

I mentioned, earlier in this blog, my religious affiliation because it is a significant part of my life and I observe its process. The Christian organizations such as Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal and Assembly of God developed and modified their structures over centuries. Some organizations retain control over the Pastor, Priest, or Leader to protect both the local assembly and the unity of the parent organization. Others allow the pastor autonomy to rule locally as fits the area free from a distant monarchy. 

The local Pastor can and may be voted in or out if they go rogue by the local church board unless...UNLESS that person builds a new building in a different location. The Pastor then becomes the Founding Pastor and cannot nor may not be removed by anyone. Is that cool or what? What happens if that Pastor goes bad? Each member has to decide to stay or leave based on their conversation with their God - Jesus Christ, who is really in charge of the place. 

The same process works in every employer run company for every employee.  Even though I left over 26 companies during my adult working life of 42 years and those companies or the branch I worked at closed, I finally understood that the next employer I aligned myself with was very likely to be like the last one I left. What was my option? Stop working and live a nice life on Welfare or start my own business. Four times attempted, four times failed. A successful business person encouraged me to keep trying because, as he put it, each time I tried and failed I learned what I did wrong and was one more attempt closer to success. When I finally transition from this life, whatever I accomplish and succeed at will be the legacy I leave for my children and grandchildren; and so will yours be.

 Vote, Resist, Pray, Serve, Succeed.

The Following Is Not An Advertisement. It IS A Wake-Up Call.

Excerpt from the book: Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Moss, Michael (2013-02-26).

[Now, they had to grow their profits every ninety days. The result was that food companies had to seek new ways to market their foods. And they did that by making larger portions, by making food available absolutely everywhere, by making food as convenient as it could be, and by creating a social environment in which it was okay to eat all day long, in more places, in larger portions.”

Moss, Michael (2013-02-26). Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us (p. 338). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.]

Several doctors advised me to correct my diet, as my health parameters exceeded their limits. Occasionally, I would find a book or attend a seminar about foods and marketing and how the stores were mapped to control what we purchase and how much.

Walking through any grocery store confirmed the mapping information. One doctor, recently, really emphasized I read about processed foods and, of course, he recommended a book. I read it but the author seemed more concerned selling his miracle cures which turned me off to the truths being exposed.

Several weeks ago, I overheard another author speaking of the processed food industry and his intent sounded more sincere. I ordered and finished reading, “Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Moss, Michael (2013-02-26).  I mentioned the book and contents during my reading and having finished am struck by the severity of the information.

We, the public, are commodities to the Food Processing Companies and are negative health issues are simply put – collateral damage – to be accepted as part of any profit making business. In my opinion, Michael Moss, has maintained an honest objectivity about a potentially very emotional process and outcome.

As a practicing Christian, my primary duty is to live correctly.

Note: Allow me to deviate for a comment.

Christianity is a lifestyle.

Holiness is a lifestyle.

Christianity and Holiness IS how we dress, speak, think, EAT, entertain, act. Christianity and Holiness IS balance and self-discipline.

As a practicing Christian,  part of my responsibility is to inform people of a better way to live leading to the better of one of two eternal living locations. Within this process are the choices of maintaining my physical health through choices of diet and exercise.

If I choose to abuse diet for pleasure, this affects my emotional, physical and spiritual lifestyle – to the negative. BUT, if my choices appear wise and the results are still negative, then something else is at work, hence the book, I read and recommend. If you are a confessed practicing Christian, I strongly suggest you must read this book, for your sake, your children’s, your friends, and future friends.

Social Media is flooded with dire concerns about Government over regulation, Police Organizations over reach and such, while our health is being aggressively, ruthlessly, systematically and intentionally destroyed by companies touting family values. They ply us with their multimillion dollar designed and expertly presented commercials appealing to our sense of being and family care.

Many such organizations, companies, behaviors are not going away without the return of God as absolute reigning monarch but we can modify our behavior and move our money to items providing more balanced health and nutrition. My wife and I have renewed our label reading efforts to accept or reject foods presented.

We are all going to die and my preference is to live until then, with as little medicine as possible and the best health I can affect. I absolutely DESPISE being negatively manipulated for someone’s gain.

BTW: If you are not Christian but desire a healthy lifestyle and prefer to know what you are eating, I strongly suggest you read this book, think about its premise, enjoy a fuller life and tell your friends. 

PS: I do not gain any material benefits from recommending this book but my conscience feels relieved. 

 

Gary L. Ware

Make Today A Great Day!

 

Make Thy Face To Shine Upon Thy SERVANT:

Approaching and Addressing God

When addressing a person of Executive Rank, there is a protocol of actions and words.

• Captain Bond, Sir
• Your Excellency
• Your Highness
• Mr. President
• Ma’am
• Sir
• Mr. Last Name
• Mrs. Last Name
• Pastor
• Reverend

Watching movies about past cultures refreshes my memories of courtesies, indicators of respect, modest styles of attire and verbiage of humility.

As a child, my elders taught me to:

• Stand when an elder entered the room and if a woman, offer her my chair.
• Take my hat off when speaking to a woman or tip my hat when first meeting.
• Respond with Sir or Ma’am to any male or female older than I.
• Assist my date, with her chair, when sitting in a restaurant.
• Etc.

BUT

I do not remember being taught etiquette to:

• Address God
• Speak with him
• Worship him
• Request help for a need

Worshiping seems to be a natural event as well as asking for help. Americans are not, by nature or education humble people. We used to be much more courteous and respectful (1950s-1960s). So instead of depending on anyone from this generation or mine, I referred to several Bible versions.

Genesis 19:19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ Your^[a] servant has found favor in your^[b] eyes, and you^[c] have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die.

Genesis 32:10 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps.

Psalm 27:9 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalm 31:16 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.

1 Samuel 1:11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

¹¹ She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite^[a] until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants,^[b] and no razor shall touch his head.”

1 Samuel 3:9-10 King James Version (KJV)

⁹ Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. ¹⁰ And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Luke 1:38 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

³⁸ Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 The Message (MSG)

^36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her.

My thoughts of late have included placing God Almighty Jesus Christ first – verbally – during any communication with him. For example:

• Good morning Father. You are Holy, Wonderful, Merciful and Very Patient.
• Mighty God, Holy and Righteous, please regard your servant with mercy and patience.
• Holy Father full of Mercy and Forgiveness, forgive my iniquity.
• You are Holy, Righteous, and Your Laws are Wonderful and Perfect. Remember your servant and my family, your children.
• O God, Full of Mercy and Loving Kindness, remember your servant, my wife, and her health.

What I believe is going to happen, in my life, is a change in relationship and favor with Christ Jesus similar to those before me.

Bible: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, David, Mary, and Paul.

Family: Grandmother, Uncle, Mother,

Friends: Several have given me great examples of prayer, by their results but I choose to withhold their names.

The majority of people have moments of humility and I know certain ones that their LIVES are examples of humility. The Presence of God is palatable around them. Their speech and actions are tender, NOT weak, but gentle.

AND when these people speak to, about or for God, you FEEL the STRENGTH to the core of your being.

Much, of our lives, is guided by some ritual or rule carefully watched over by an authority figure. But what happens when we live as if we wrote those rules, it becomes more natural, acceptable and blows the mind of our overseers.

When we are in a place of liberty to approach our God in a Respectful, Courteous, Genuine and Gentle Attitude, the result is ALWAYS TRANSCENDENT; Absolute perfect worship and adoration to our Absolutely Perfect and Wonderful Savior and Friend.

Peace Agreement a n d What Else....

End Times 

Matthew 24:34

Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Mark 13:30

Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Luke 21:32

“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

I have written my thoughts about this topic and each time gained insight into the meaning. I returned to Irvin Baxter's presentations on this topic, recently.

 

During this past year, 2013, this United States of America began a dramatic path to becoming a different country.

And this World accelerated it's journey back to its Past.

Adding one of my posts for review: Consider My Hypothesis.

 

Often, when we have anticipated the:

• lottery or other contest win,
• inheritance,
• dream vacation,

for so long, we get apathetic. Then the Great Day arrives and we struggle to believe it finally, actually arrived.
I am becoming convinced we are at the time written of and talked about for 2000 years.

What I also snapped to is once the Event begins, it will end By OR B4 this generation ends.

I am REALLY interested in what happens in 2014!!!

And after!

End Time Minstries