Thanks, Martin

Happy belated birthday, Martin. I plan to remember you, and think about your words and deeds for years to come. Thanks for the example you set. Thanks for giving your life for something you truly believed in. Thanks for your kindness. You are with Jesus now. You know: "absent from the body, present with the Lord." Jesus is perfection. You are now close to perfection because you are close to Him. Thanks for sharing these words with us: "Darkness is only driven out with light, not more darkness. Hatred is only driven out with love, not more hatred." Thanks, Martin.

Goodbye, January 2011

Goodbye Janeleven. We will miss you, but we must move on. You have been good. You are a memorable gift. Most of us will not forget you. Why? Because a lot of stuff happened with you. You are still cool.......in more ways than one. Janeleven; thank you. You are the newborn. You are the infant. You are moving on. Let your brother take over. Let Brofeb take it and run with it. He is cool too. One twelfth of your life will soon be gone. Great things are about to happen. Thanks again. But above all, I thank your maker.

Don't Be A Complainer

The old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the oil" is sometimes applicable when there is truly a need that should be taken care of. However, when a person is a complainer and uses complaining as a personal therapy because he/she is an unhappy person; that person needs to realize that he/she is being very selfish and annoying. It may be that in the opinion of some; that person may be a form of entertainment. Maybe. On the other hand, quite possibly, in the view of many he/she is a type of pest. I realize that serious personality problems are not likely to be resolved with this humble and short discourse, but maybe, just maybe, someone may consider that chronic complaining is often a nuisance to others, and will stop to think about his/her actions.

The Repeal Of Don't Ask Don't Tell

In the course of natural events, nature, guided by the will of men took a different course. Certain men became sexually attracted to other men. Certain women became sexually attracted to other women. Was there a certain rule, guideline, or moral parameter designed for humankind to prevent this from happening? Was there a natural law? Was there a legislative law? Was there a divine law? Yes, there was/is. Nevertheless, due to the 4 D's, disobedience, defiance, disillusionment, and depravity of the human race; adjustments have had to be made in this nation regarding the permission to openly serve as a lesbian or a homosexual in the armed forces of the United States. The time has come. Will there be problems? Yes, there will be problems. But every problem has a solution. Every problem related to this change will be a human problem, a personnel problem, a military problem. There will be solutions. Nearly all of them will be imperfect solutions. But they will be solutions. The pursuit of justice using the devices of men will always produce imperfect justice. Why? Because there are imperfect laws. Imperfect laws produce imperfect justice. Albeit, there are men and women serving in the military service who have connections to divine answers. They will play a major role. In order for right to prevail, God must be involved in the equation. If I am optomistic about the decision to repeal the "Don't ask don't tell" policy, I am because I have faith in the men and women in our great military who have faith. "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4)

Dorwin Stoddard And George Morris

On Saturday January 8, 2011, something terrible happened in Tucson Arizona. A deranged young man shot and killed 6 people and wounded 13. Among the wounded is US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. This event is tragic. However, in spite of the lunacy, anger and cowardice shown by the shooter; Jared Loughner, heroism was also a part of the scenario. I would like to point out what two men did during the shooting. I consider both of them heroes. Dorwan Stoddard quickly put his wife on the ground and laid on top of her. He was shot and killed. She, being wounded in her legs, survived. George Morris did the same thing. However, even though he tried to shield her, she took fatal bullets and he is recovering from his wounds. Two different outcomes for two men who showed valor. The greatest teacher that ever lived said: "Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends." The wife of a man should also be his best friend. Maybe it sounds too idealistic, but these two men put the ideal into action.

Even If You Are Locked Up

Most of my words refer to a poem that Richard Lovelace wrote in 1642 while imprisoned in England a few months before the English Civil War. His main point was that as long as you have love you will always be free, even if you are in prison. Richard Lovelace was in love. He was deeply in love with a woman named Althea. His poem, "To Althea From Prison," of four stanzas, starts off by mentioning how he felt when Althea would come to visit him. "When love with unconfined wings hovers within my gates, and my divine Althea brings to whisper at the grates......" He goes on to speak about the liberty that he feels because of his great love for her. He talks about the tremendous joy that he experiences.....because of his deep love for her. He talks as if he was not locked up. He refers to himself as a flying bird or a fish "tippling" in deep waters. He claimed he was more free than the wind. Why? All because of love. He concludes his poem with these last words:

"Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage; minds innocent and quiet take that for a hermitage; if I have freedom in my love and in my soul am free, Angels alone , that soar above enjoy such liberty."

Love made Richard free. I failed to mentioned something found in the third stanza of his poem. He spoke of how good his King was to him. As he refers to his King by saying: "The sweetness, mercy, majesty, and glories of my King," and that he would "voice aloud how good He is," I can't help but think: Lovelace is not referring to any ordinary King. He refers to a perfect King. The perfect King can do anything for you.....even if you are locked up.

2011.....The Year To Serve

This can be the best year of your life, on one condition.....that you serve others. Philanthropy, volunteerism and helping those in need are bedrocks of this great nation. Enrich your life by helping others. Enrich your life by volunteering. Sure, hobbies are fun. Fishing is fun. Golfing is fun. We need the fellowship. We need to socialize. We benefit from it. How about volunteering at a school or social service agency. You will benefit, but others will also benefit. Help someone out, be willing to give. Give of your time, talent and treasure. A great teacher once said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." His opinion is superior to the opinions of men. Be willing to give. Give, serve. Your life will be enriched. You will not regret it. Men are not honored for what they get, they are honored for what they give.