The Defense of Marriage Act. D.O.M.A.
What is it really about?
One could argue that it all comes down to definitions. What is marriage? However, there is more to it than that.
Is it about fairness? Perhaps.
Should governments define categories against which discrimination is acceptable? Yes. Criminals are discriminated against in almost every governmental system.
What determines which classes of citizens fall under categories for which it is acceptable to discriminate? The government defines it. Under a Sharia-based government, all who are not Muslim are on the receiving end of discrimination.
Under a Libertine government it is likely that no one would be on the receiving end of discrimination.
In the United States there is a concerted effort to redefine the basic principles of government as established under our Constitution and succeeding Amendments and Legislation. A re-reading of those documents is in order as we consider the question.
The U.S. Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Amendments
The only item in those documents that could be construed to address the institute of marriage (as far as I can determine) is Amendment I which is the first item in the Bill of Rights which were written according to their preamble "in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers" -- i.e. to limit the power of the government.
Amendment I:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.
I personally believe that marriage is an institute defined by God in the Bible as between one man and one woman. Our Constitution's only reference is to "law respecting an establishment of religion." I don't want the government dictating to me what church I should attend or what I should believe. We are not a country of some form of Sharia-type Law.
According to that same Constitution, the people have the right to vote. We vote for Representatives who we hope will promote our interests. If we want to create a Definition of Marriage that will become a part of the Law of the Land, we can do so. The Constitution provides mechanisms for that. I believe the Supreme Court made the right decision in this case. It is now up to the voters -- both individually and as Representatives in Congress and the Senate -- to take the next step -- if we truly want to define marriage. However, I believe we must ask ourselves, do we really want to head down that slippery path? What then is next?
Marriage IS an institution defined by religious and moral norms. It takes many forms depending on the religious beliefs of those involved. It is recognized as a legal contract, much like a partnership, by most governments. There is nothing in the Constitution or the Amendments attached to it that limits the recognition of other forms of partnership in like manner. The law should apply equally to all except for those specifically designated as subject to discrimination.
As a Christian, I recognize that the Bible clearly defines homosexuality as sin. So is adultery. So are many other behaviors in which Christians as well as non-Christians engage. Fortunately, I believe that Jesus has saved me from my sinful nature which is a product of this fallen world. Should we condemn what we believe as sinful behavior? Absolutely. However, our task first and foremost, is to share the love of God that he so bountifully gave to us in the form of Jesus who washes us clean. When we have a world of believers, the question of legislating definitions will go away.
Chris
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Primroses and Potholes
Life's pathways are never straight,
They twist and wind away.
And as we travel there along
Temptations make us stray.
Sometimes it's just the pretty flowers
Growing on the fence
Like Primrose blooms attract our eye.
And so we travel hence
And dwell a moment where they shine
Drawing us so near.
And for a moment set aside
Those tasks we held so dear.
At other times it's not the eye
That pulls us from the way
But bumps along the traveled road
Direction sometimes sway.
These potholes in the road of life
Force a slowing down
Before we end up in the ditch
Wearing mournful frown.
Metaphors for all of us;
Distractions from the way
That God has laid ahead of us
Until the judgement day.
They twist and wind away.
And as we travel there along
Temptations make us stray.
Sometimes it's just the pretty flowers
Growing on the fence
Like Primrose blooms attract our eye.
And so we travel hence
And dwell a moment where they shine
Drawing us so near.
And for a moment set aside
Those tasks we held so dear.
At other times it's not the eye
That pulls us from the way
But bumps along the traveled road
Direction sometimes sway.
These potholes in the road of life
Force a slowing down
Before we end up in the ditch
Wearing mournful frown.
Metaphors for all of us;
Distractions from the way
That God has laid ahead of us
Until the judgement day.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
A Tentative Spring and Extreme Climate Change
As I look around the countryside of Northeast Texas I see trees that are almost completely leafed out, flowers blooming in profusion and grass that is waist deep. The birds are singing and the skies are blue, but there is definitely a chill in the air.
Just this week as I watched the weather map I saw that places like Amarillo were in the 90's on Monday and in the 30's by mid-week. The front-range of Colorado saw as much as a foot of snow in places. Wyoming faced a blizzard.
Is it global warming? -- well, proponents of the theory that this is all the fault of mankind polluting the atmosphere with greenhouse gasses claim that global warming is a misnomer -- it should be called "extreme climate change". I think the answer is that yes, we are going through some extremes in climate variation but, I don't accept that it is caused by the activities of mankind.
Should we as humans be aware of the potential impact of our activities on the climate? Absolutely. We should always be cognizant of our role as stewards of this planet. After all, we are certainly the dominant species. We are fulfilling the role assigned to us in the Biblical book of Genesis to have dominion over the earth -- to conquer it. But, we are not always the best stewards of the resources in our care. Often, our activities are very short-sighted. That short-sightedness is symptomatic of the corporate Quarterly Report focus that drives the activity of most major corporations.
In recent years there has been much written about the role of livestock in generating greenhouse gasses. Many studies have been conducted that showed they either were the worst culprit or they had little or no impact. Outcomes seem to be driven by the source of funding. Perhaps the answer is to take a common-sense look at it.
An easy example is that of cattle on the high wind-swept plains of the central U.S. Today it is cattle, whereas in ancient times it was buffalo, elk and other grazing species. In total, I suspect there is very little difference in the numbers. Historically, the grasslands were maintained through grazing activity and periodic wildfires. I don't see much difference today except that much of the livestock is more confined and much of the land has been converted to cropland which should mean a greater amount of carbon is stored.
If there is a place where human activity has impacted global warming it is in the cities. Asphalt and concrete are reflective surfaces that return heat to the atmosphere rather than soaking it in. High concentrations of automobiles generate various gasses that could contribute to the warming -- just look at the smog over most of our major cities. Trees and grass have been replaced by buildings and roadways. Yet, we never hear of articles pointing the finger at cities as the problem in spite of the fact that temperatures in the cities are often higher by several degrees than the surrounding countryside. No, the finger is always pointed at rural activities -- even to the point of wanting to regulate the amount of dust that can be released by the act of plowing or driving down a dirt road.
I think the problem is envy. After all, it is city folk writing the articles.
But, as to this seemingly very tentative Spring this year? I suspect it is part of the millennial cyclicity of our planet's climate. Or, perhaps it is George Bush's fault since he didn't support the Carbon Tax..... That's what the media and the current administration in Washington would want us to believe I'm sure.
Just this week as I watched the weather map I saw that places like Amarillo were in the 90's on Monday and in the 30's by mid-week. The front-range of Colorado saw as much as a foot of snow in places. Wyoming faced a blizzard.
Is it global warming? -- well, proponents of the theory that this is all the fault of mankind polluting the atmosphere with greenhouse gasses claim that global warming is a misnomer -- it should be called "extreme climate change". I think the answer is that yes, we are going through some extremes in climate variation but, I don't accept that it is caused by the activities of mankind.
Should we as humans be aware of the potential impact of our activities on the climate? Absolutely. We should always be cognizant of our role as stewards of this planet. After all, we are certainly the dominant species. We are fulfilling the role assigned to us in the Biblical book of Genesis to have dominion over the earth -- to conquer it. But, we are not always the best stewards of the resources in our care. Often, our activities are very short-sighted. That short-sightedness is symptomatic of the corporate Quarterly Report focus that drives the activity of most major corporations.
In recent years there has been much written about the role of livestock in generating greenhouse gasses. Many studies have been conducted that showed they either were the worst culprit or they had little or no impact. Outcomes seem to be driven by the source of funding. Perhaps the answer is to take a common-sense look at it.
An easy example is that of cattle on the high wind-swept plains of the central U.S. Today it is cattle, whereas in ancient times it was buffalo, elk and other grazing species. In total, I suspect there is very little difference in the numbers. Historically, the grasslands were maintained through grazing activity and periodic wildfires. I don't see much difference today except that much of the livestock is more confined and much of the land has been converted to cropland which should mean a greater amount of carbon is stored.
If there is a place where human activity has impacted global warming it is in the cities. Asphalt and concrete are reflective surfaces that return heat to the atmosphere rather than soaking it in. High concentrations of automobiles generate various gasses that could contribute to the warming -- just look at the smog over most of our major cities. Trees and grass have been replaced by buildings and roadways. Yet, we never hear of articles pointing the finger at cities as the problem in spite of the fact that temperatures in the cities are often higher by several degrees than the surrounding countryside. No, the finger is always pointed at rural activities -- even to the point of wanting to regulate the amount of dust that can be released by the act of plowing or driving down a dirt road.
I think the problem is envy. After all, it is city folk writing the articles.
But, as to this seemingly very tentative Spring this year? I suspect it is part of the millennial cyclicity of our planet's climate. Or, perhaps it is George Bush's fault since he didn't support the Carbon Tax..... That's what the media and the current administration in Washington would want us to believe I'm sure.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Cracker Barrel Sunday
Cracker Barrel
Countrified
Sunday lunch
Fireside
Constant roar
Food aplenty
People talking
Dishes clinking
In from church
Or traveling through
Great Grandma
And babies too
Rich or poor
Suit and tie
Overalls
Satisfied sigh
Chris
Countrified
Sunday lunch
Fireside
Constant roar
Food aplenty
People talking
Dishes clinking
In from church
Or traveling through
Great Grandma
And babies too
Rich or poor
Suit and tie
Overalls
Satisfied sigh
Chris
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Another Airport
Blue skies beckon through the pane
O'er hills all cloaked in trees,
Another week has come and gone
As Corporate gods I please.
I bounce around across this land
Once home to Liberty
As those in power do all they can
Enslaving those once free.
I wonder why I work so hard
For something with no soul
When all they ever ask is more
To meet their looming goal?
For Corporate gods and Washington
Are working hand in hand
To make us bow to greed and power
In this and every land.
Disillusioned, tired and bent
I sit and wait again
For shining bird to take me home
One night to rest and then
Again, I face the winding road
With work that's never done
Aiming for those fleeting goals
While all the while the sun
Shines on mountains, distant, blue,
Home to certain peace;
A place of refuge not too far--
Escape from this mad race.
But no, I get upon the plane
Just two short legs away
From one who waits alone at home
Wishing I could stay.
If only that was what I could
But, it will never be;
I'll suck it up and do my job
For those who depend on me.
Reflecting as I sit and brood
A calmness dwells in me.
I know that it is God alone
Sustaining all I see
Out window clear and sky so blue
And there He speaks to me
That peace and rest reside in Him
And only there I'm free
Living out His Grand Design,
For He has called me here,
Staring into distant blue
Stuck in this airport drear
Reflecting on the life I live
With hardly time at home
Where I would sit and rest awhile
Never more to roam
Chris
O'er hills all cloaked in trees,
Another week has come and gone
As Corporate gods I please.
I bounce around across this land
Once home to Liberty
As those in power do all they can
Enslaving those once free.
I wonder why I work so hard
For something with no soul
When all they ever ask is more
To meet their looming goal?
For Corporate gods and Washington
Are working hand in hand
To make us bow to greed and power
In this and every land.
Disillusioned, tired and bent
I sit and wait again
For shining bird to take me home
One night to rest and then
Again, I face the winding road
With work that's never done
Aiming for those fleeting goals
While all the while the sun
Shines on mountains, distant, blue,
Home to certain peace;
A place of refuge not too far--
Escape from this mad race.
But no, I get upon the plane
Just two short legs away
From one who waits alone at home
Wishing I could stay.
If only that was what I could
But, it will never be;
I'll suck it up and do my job
For those who depend on me.
Reflecting as I sit and brood
A calmness dwells in me.
I know that it is God alone
Sustaining all I see
Out window clear and sky so blue
And there He speaks to me
That peace and rest reside in Him
And only there I'm free
Living out His Grand Design,
For He has called me here,
Staring into distant blue
Stuck in this airport drear
Reflecting on the life I live
With hardly time at home
Where I would sit and rest awhile
Never more to roam
Chris
Sunday, February 3, 2013
My Attitude
I've written before about attitude
And how it is all a choice
Yet tonight I find that my attitude
Stinks
I am not really interested in the big game
So I sit at the computer instead
And play some electronic game
Mindless
I sat down at first to attend to e-mail
From work that seemed quite insistent
And spent over an hour on that e-mail
Irritated
Tomorrow is Monday of a busy week
That includes a meeting I dread
But I look forward to the rest of the week
Excited
I know that good things are waiting ahead
And I should focus only on them
Instead of the irritations lying ahead
Distracting
So the question before me on attitude
Is what I've decided is mine
Do I really have a bad attitude?
Yes.
And how it is all a choice
Yet tonight I find that my attitude
Stinks
I am not really interested in the big game
So I sit at the computer instead
And play some electronic game
Mindless
I sat down at first to attend to e-mail
From work that seemed quite insistent
And spent over an hour on that e-mail
Irritated
Tomorrow is Monday of a busy week
That includes a meeting I dread
But I look forward to the rest of the week
Excited
I know that good things are waiting ahead
And I should focus only on them
Instead of the irritations lying ahead
Distracting
So the question before me on attitude
Is what I've decided is mine
Do I really have a bad attitude?
Yes.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Haircut
This may seem a little strange
But it is on my mind
That sometimes it's the little things
That give sight to the blind
A haircut is necessity
But when too long without
I feel as though I'm not myself
In fact I'm quite the lout
It seems so simple to sit down
And have them trim my hair
But I hate to have it done at all
So I avoid the barber chair
Until it can't wait anymore
And force myself I do
And as the hair piles on the floor
I find myself anew
But it is on my mind
That sometimes it's the little things
That give sight to the blind
A haircut is necessity
But when too long without
I feel as though I'm not myself
In fact I'm quite the lout
It seems so simple to sit down
And have them trim my hair
But I hate to have it done at all
So I avoid the barber chair
Until it can't wait anymore
And force myself I do
And as the hair piles on the floor
I find myself anew
Monday, January 21, 2013
Facebook Birthdays
One of the most amazing things about Facebook is that it reminds everyone on your "Friends" list that it is your birthday. It is really nice to see the "Happy Birthday" wishes come in throughout the day. Sometimes I'm surprised at the expanded comments. Sometimes I am surprised by who takes the time and trouble to post. It is nice though.
I must admit that I don't always post Happy Birthday on my friends' birthdays. If not, it usually is for one of two reasons. 1) I didn't get on Facebook for a few days due to travel or something and by the time I noticed it was their birthday, I felt bad about posting late. Or, 2) I don't really know them all that well. Hmmmm.....that brings up the question as to why they are a "Friend" on Facebook if I don't know them all that well. Perhaps the Facebook definition is not as clear as it should be. I think there should be a category for "Acquaintance" in addition to "Friend." Somehow, that sounds clearer to me.
Maybe I'm being too nit-picky.....
I must admit that I don't always post Happy Birthday on my friends' birthdays. If not, it usually is for one of two reasons. 1) I didn't get on Facebook for a few days due to travel or something and by the time I noticed it was their birthday, I felt bad about posting late. Or, 2) I don't really know them all that well. Hmmmm.....that brings up the question as to why they are a "Friend" on Facebook if I don't know them all that well. Perhaps the Facebook definition is not as clear as it should be. I think there should be a category for "Acquaintance" in addition to "Friend." Somehow, that sounds clearer to me.
Maybe I'm being too nit-picky.....
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Seeing Without Seeing
Airports and rental cars
Hotels and planes
Torrential downpours
Traveling pains
Eggs for breakfast
Poured from a box
Coffee that tastes
As if brewed from rocks
City to city
And coast to coast
Of the places I've been
There are many to boast
But often they pass
As if lacking a name
Because after awhile
They all look the same
Hotels and planes
Torrential downpours
Traveling pains
Eggs for breakfast
Poured from a box
Coffee that tastes
As if brewed from rocks
City to city
And coast to coast
Of the places I've been
There are many to boast
But often they pass
As if lacking a name
Because after awhile
They all look the same
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
One of Those Days
I have come to strongly believe that the greater the resistance, the greater the likelihood that I am headed in the right direction. If there was nothing opposing me, it would indicate that I am going with the flow and the best that I could expect is average. I prefer above average at least and exceptional even better.
I am fighting the tide. Swimming upstream. Going against the flow. Whatever you want to call it. It just seems that the obstacles to progress in the direction I am headed grower higher and more frequent with every passing day. I hate it and I love it. I hate the protracted fight but I love the knowledge that I must be doing something right.
In the Star Trek movies there is the Borg whose memorable line is "resistance is futile" yet, the crew of the Enterprise -- Captain Picard in particular -- fight them and win. Resistance is NOT futile. Resistance is life itself. We are born to live -- and yet our entire life is one of fighting approaching death. Why do we fight death and dying? I believe it is because we are "wired" for life. We are made by God to seek eternal life. We find it only in Him.
So, my conclusion is that "the good fight" is the one that resists "going with the flow." It fights average/normal. It is a constant battle against the forces arrayed against. We die when we quit fighting. I'm in this thing to win. How about you?
I am fighting the tide. Swimming upstream. Going against the flow. Whatever you want to call it. It just seems that the obstacles to progress in the direction I am headed grower higher and more frequent with every passing day. I hate it and I love it. I hate the protracted fight but I love the knowledge that I must be doing something right.
In the Star Trek movies there is the Borg whose memorable line is "resistance is futile" yet, the crew of the Enterprise -- Captain Picard in particular -- fight them and win. Resistance is NOT futile. Resistance is life itself. We are born to live -- and yet our entire life is one of fighting approaching death. Why do we fight death and dying? I believe it is because we are "wired" for life. We are made by God to seek eternal life. We find it only in Him.
So, my conclusion is that "the good fight" is the one that resists "going with the flow." It fights average/normal. It is a constant battle against the forces arrayed against. We die when we quit fighting. I'm in this thing to win. How about you?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Struggling With Progress
Sometimes I need deadlines. It seems that procrastination is part of my basic makeup. If it doesn't have to be done right now the reasons for not doing it seem to prevail. But, when the deadline looms, delivery is made -- often just under the wire.
This past week has seemed like one with looming deadlines. My January 2nd "to do" list was almost two full pages long on my yellow notepad. It was intimidating. It is down to under a page now. I think fear was the driver to get some things done. The list had become so long that I feared it couldn't all possibly be accomplished before my next round of intense travel. I feel better about it today.
Why is it that we (some of us at least) have to be pushed in order to make progress? Shouldn't it be our natural tendency to want to be constantly growing, improving? Instead, we seem to find excuses to not do what we should and to instead do the things we know we shouldn't. We sit in front of the television instead of raking the leaves. Or, we play a game on the computer instead of reading a book. We "settle for" the mediocre when we could be moving toward the great.
I think Paul described it well in Romans Chapter 7.
This past week has seemed like one with looming deadlines. My January 2nd "to do" list was almost two full pages long on my yellow notepad. It was intimidating. It is down to under a page now. I think fear was the driver to get some things done. The list had become so long that I feared it couldn't all possibly be accomplished before my next round of intense travel. I feel better about it today.
Why is it that we (some of us at least) have to be pushed in order to make progress? Shouldn't it be our natural tendency to want to be constantly growing, improving? Instead, we seem to find excuses to not do what we should and to instead do the things we know we shouldn't. We sit in front of the television instead of raking the leaves. Or, we play a game on the computer instead of reading a book. We "settle for" the mediocre when we could be moving toward the great.
I think Paul described it well in Romans Chapter 7.
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.It seems that even Paul knew what he needed to do but found himself doing otherwise. I guess I'm in good company.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[d] a slave to the law of sin.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Johnny "Heisman" Manziel
A small-town Texas kid put on quite a show last night as the Texas Aggies beat the Sooners in the Cotton Bowl. The more I watch him play football, the more I am amazed. He makes extraordinary runs and passes look easy.
The A&M Board of Regents took a big gamble moving to the SEC. They fired a head coach and hired one that didn't quite fit the mold of previous coaches. That new coach has sparked a revival of A&M football with the help of a Quarterback of tremendous athletic ability.
There will be "reams of electrons" written about Manziel today, just as there has been since prior to his selection as the Heisman Trophy winner. I won't spend a lot of time doing the same here. But, I do want to say that he seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders. Let's just pray that he doesn't let the hype get to him.
It takes the entire team to win a football game. I suspect the inspiration of playing with someone of Manziel's calibre has caused a lot of his teammates to "step up" and play beyond their expectations. Maybe that's the key. Raised expectations. If you expect great things, great things will happen. With the guidance of Coach Sumlin, the extraordinary athletic ability of Manziel and the willingness of A&M's Regents to back a gamble, Aggie Football has reached the next level.
Keep it humble guys.....
The A&M Board of Regents took a big gamble moving to the SEC. They fired a head coach and hired one that didn't quite fit the mold of previous coaches. That new coach has sparked a revival of A&M football with the help of a Quarterback of tremendous athletic ability.
There will be "reams of electrons" written about Manziel today, just as there has been since prior to his selection as the Heisman Trophy winner. I won't spend a lot of time doing the same here. But, I do want to say that he seems to have a pretty good head on his shoulders. Let's just pray that he doesn't let the hype get to him.
It takes the entire team to win a football game. I suspect the inspiration of playing with someone of Manziel's calibre has caused a lot of his teammates to "step up" and play beyond their expectations. Maybe that's the key. Raised expectations. If you expect great things, great things will happen. With the guidance of Coach Sumlin, the extraordinary athletic ability of Manziel and the willingness of A&M's Regents to back a gamble, Aggie Football has reached the next level.
Keep it humble guys.....
Thursday, January 3, 2013
More on Twitter
I'm kind of liking this Twitter thing. I frequently have a "brilliant" thought in response to things that I see and read on the Internet. They usually just evaporate like those "brilliant" ideas that I have at 3:00 a.m. that are irretreivably lost to the dreamworld. With Twitter I can just respond instantly. I can see how it might be annoying to someone following me. It is the opportunity for a "gut" reaction that isn't always as considered as it should be.
I'm even figuring out how to add attribution and hashtags so that I can attract followers. I have been doing this a little over 24 hours now and have 21 followers. I don't know if that is good or mediocre or just downright pitiful, but, they're MY 21 followers and I'm proud to have them. I wonder if I should set a goal? OK, might as well. I will shoot for 50 followers by this time next week. Who knows?
K-State and Oregon are playing on the television as I sit here with my laptop. I'm hardly paying any attention to it. Oregon is leading but I think K-State will make up the deficit. There's plenty of game left to play.
I don't even feel like Tweeting about the game. I'm more concerned with what's going on in Washington. I'm thinking it may be time to pull out of the stock market and convert to something else. Any suggestions?
I'm even figuring out how to add attribution and hashtags so that I can attract followers. I have been doing this a little over 24 hours now and have 21 followers. I don't know if that is good or mediocre or just downright pitiful, but, they're MY 21 followers and I'm proud to have them. I wonder if I should set a goal? OK, might as well. I will shoot for 50 followers by this time next week. Who knows?
K-State and Oregon are playing on the television as I sit here with my laptop. I'm hardly paying any attention to it. Oregon is leading but I think K-State will make up the deficit. There's plenty of game left to play.
I don't even feel like Tweeting about the game. I'm more concerned with what's going on in Washington. I'm thinking it may be time to pull out of the stock market and convert to something else. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The Twitterverse
I have been fighting the urge to open a Twitter account for a long time. I have struggled with seeing the value in it. My vision for how to use it was limited to the mundane routine of my job or my "life" outside my job. I found a reason yesterday.
With my New Year's commitment to spread the word about the fiscal and other irresponsibility of Washington and the hope that I might open a few eyes to what is going on there, I found reason to enter the world of Twitter. I am still somewhat confused by the appropriate use of the @ sign and hash tags (#) but I am making progress. I have Tweeted several times today -- mostly re tweets or clicking the Twitter button on an article that I wanted to share -- but I am definitely struggling with proper syntax and structure.
If any of you out there have some basic tips or pointers I would certainly appreciate them in the comments. You can find me @PanhandlePoet.
With my New Year's commitment to spread the word about the fiscal and other irresponsibility of Washington and the hope that I might open a few eyes to what is going on there, I found reason to enter the world of Twitter. I am still somewhat confused by the appropriate use of the @ sign and hash tags (#) but I am making progress. I have Tweeted several times today -- mostly re tweets or clicking the Twitter button on an article that I wanted to share -- but I am definitely struggling with proper syntax and structure.
If any of you out there have some basic tips or pointers I would certainly appreciate them in the comments. You can find me @PanhandlePoet.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Starting a New Year
New Year's Day is all about a time for a fresh start. It should be positive and uplifting as we look forward. It should be a time of reflection on things of the past that we would like to put behind us so that we can move forward.
I've never been much for resolutions. I didn't keep them anyway, so why put myself through the "failure" of not keeping them?! Instead, I think we all should constantly evaluate ourselves and as we see areas that need improving we should immediately take steps to improve.....not just once each year, but every day.
I guess I have made a resolution for this year. I have resolved to start sharing as much information as possible about what is going on in Washington and the other "halls of power" that have so much impact on our lives. I fear for the direction our country is headed morally and fiscally. I fear that my children and grandchildren will face a world that is vastly worse than what we live in today. I am morally obligated to fight against those things which I believe are destroying our country and the future for my grandchildren.
I have posted a number of things on Facebook today related to the so-called "Fiscal Cliff" and I have resurrected my political commentary blog:
Panhandle's Perspective
I'm recruiting. Help me get out the message. There is another election in a couple of years that can make a huge impact. It's time now to start.
I've never been much for resolutions. I didn't keep them anyway, so why put myself through the "failure" of not keeping them?! Instead, I think we all should constantly evaluate ourselves and as we see areas that need improving we should immediately take steps to improve.....not just once each year, but every day.
I guess I have made a resolution for this year. I have resolved to start sharing as much information as possible about what is going on in Washington and the other "halls of power" that have so much impact on our lives. I fear for the direction our country is headed morally and fiscally. I fear that my children and grandchildren will face a world that is vastly worse than what we live in today. I am morally obligated to fight against those things which I believe are destroying our country and the future for my grandchildren.
I have posted a number of things on Facebook today related to the so-called "Fiscal Cliff" and I have resurrected my political commentary blog:
Panhandle's Perspective
I'm recruiting. Help me get out the message. There is another election in a couple of years that can make a huge impact. It's time now to start.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
No Time Like Snow Time
Snow is not my favorite kind of weather. My memories of snow are howling winds and brown-tinted drifts piled in inconvenient places. Where I grew up was too flat to get any good from a sled or skis. Snowmobiles were OK as long as you could avoid the bare patches where all the white stuff had blown off and into the fence rows. Of course, we didn't own snowmobiles. They were the domain of those who had cabins at Ruidoso or Red River and spent portions of the winter in the mountains.
Snow meant cold, but cold rarely meant snow. Temperatures in the teens were no fun. Yeah, I know, many of you think temps in the teens is a warm spell.....not me. Those temperatures were always accompanied by howling winds that dropped the chill factor below zero -- or at least into the single digits.
I grew up in town but spent many of my free hours helping my grandfather who always had cattle and horses. The cold weather meant breaking ice for the livestock and feeding them hay. Sometimes the challenge was just to get to them. Breaking snowdrifts could be interesting and sometimes involved a walk to find a tractor.
The crazy thing is that often the field would be virtually bare of snow and the roads filled and overflowing. After years and years of road graders smoothing the roads they were often lower than the fields on either side. When the wind moved the snow from the level ground of the fields it naturally went to the lowest place -- the road. More than once I have driven on the turn rows of fields rather than in the road.
I figured that with the move to East Texas we wouldn't see much snow. Obviously I hadn't done my homework. We had several inches fall on Christmas Day. They are still with us. The challenge here is picking up tree limbs and avoiding the vehicles driven by East Texans who are unfamiliar with snow and ice. Their timidity on the roads seems to be a greater hazard than the snow itself.
I know this sounds like a complaint but it really isn't. The snow is a blessing. It was preceded by good rain and my ponds are replenished and my pasture has a good dose of water that hopefully will start some of the winter grasses to growing. This snow will actually help reduce the amount of hay I'm having to feed because of the drought that hopefully is breaking. The forecast calls for moisture for most of next week.
Snow meant cold, but cold rarely meant snow. Temperatures in the teens were no fun. Yeah, I know, many of you think temps in the teens is a warm spell.....not me. Those temperatures were always accompanied by howling winds that dropped the chill factor below zero -- or at least into the single digits.
I grew up in town but spent many of my free hours helping my grandfather who always had cattle and horses. The cold weather meant breaking ice for the livestock and feeding them hay. Sometimes the challenge was just to get to them. Breaking snowdrifts could be interesting and sometimes involved a walk to find a tractor.
The crazy thing is that often the field would be virtually bare of snow and the roads filled and overflowing. After years and years of road graders smoothing the roads they were often lower than the fields on either side. When the wind moved the snow from the level ground of the fields it naturally went to the lowest place -- the road. More than once I have driven on the turn rows of fields rather than in the road.
I figured that with the move to East Texas we wouldn't see much snow. Obviously I hadn't done my homework. We had several inches fall on Christmas Day. They are still with us. The challenge here is picking up tree limbs and avoiding the vehicles driven by East Texans who are unfamiliar with snow and ice. Their timidity on the roads seems to be a greater hazard than the snow itself.
I know this sounds like a complaint but it really isn't. The snow is a blessing. It was preceded by good rain and my ponds are replenished and my pasture has a good dose of water that hopefully will start some of the winter grasses to growing. This snow will actually help reduce the amount of hay I'm having to feed because of the drought that hopefully is breaking. The forecast calls for moisture for most of next week.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve
Anticipation fills the air
And fires the hearts of men
With hope and love and family
And times without a care;
Remembrances of childhood time
With laughter, food and fun
And peeking 'neath the Christmas tree
For any telltale sign
Of what beneath the wrappings lay;
Delights of Christmas morn
So near and yet so far away
Awaiting break of day.
Jesus in the manger fast asleep,
Unnoticed on the shelf;
Mary and Joseph standing watch
With Shepherds and their sheep.
While towering o'er the manger scene
Is dancing Santa Claus
Proclaiming loudly, "Ho, Ho, Ho!"
When someone pulls his string
Somehow I think that our delight
Is empty -- without meaning
As we focus on the things of earth
Ignoring God's Holy Light.
And fires the hearts of men
With hope and love and family
And times without a care;
Remembrances of childhood time
With laughter, food and fun
And peeking 'neath the Christmas tree
For any telltale sign
Of what beneath the wrappings lay;
Delights of Christmas morn
So near and yet so far away
Awaiting break of day.
Jesus in the manger fast asleep,
Unnoticed on the shelf;
Mary and Joseph standing watch
With Shepherds and their sheep.
While towering o'er the manger scene
Is dancing Santa Claus
Proclaiming loudly, "Ho, Ho, Ho!"
When someone pulls his string
Somehow I think that our delight
Is empty -- without meaning
As we focus on the things of earth
Ignoring God's Holy Light.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Preparations
I am always somewhat dismayed but never shocked that the last few days before Christmas are whirlwinds of activity. I do my best to stay at the peripheral but it seems that I am always pulled into the maelstrom.
I can cook. But I don't really enjoy it. So, I leave the creative cooking to others. Frosted cookies, loaves of bread, candies and pies are not my domain. I find it best to go rake leaves or something when such activities are in full swing.
Then there is the inevitable last minute dash to get packages wrapped before "the trip" somewhere. Always we go somewhere -- even when we would prefer to have Christmas at home. Or, maybe it's just me that prefers to have Christmas at home. I'm the one that travels all the time so when there is a holiday, I don't get especially excited about hitting the road.
Oh, I was talking about wrapping packages. I can do so -- adequately. But, they usually don't turn out "pretty" so I shy away from the task. I wrap what I must wrap. I am thankful for gift bags. Years ago we didn't have that luxury. I can handle gift bags. Just put whatever it is into the bag, stuff some tissue paper in on top, put a tag on it and call it good.
So, cooking. Yes, I cooked dinner. It was a trade. I didn't wrap packages. I can handle a basic meal of meat, potatoes and a veggie. I even did most of the dishes. That's a fair trade isn't it?
I can cook. But I don't really enjoy it. So, I leave the creative cooking to others. Frosted cookies, loaves of bread, candies and pies are not my domain. I find it best to go rake leaves or something when such activities are in full swing.
Then there is the inevitable last minute dash to get packages wrapped before "the trip" somewhere. Always we go somewhere -- even when we would prefer to have Christmas at home. Or, maybe it's just me that prefers to have Christmas at home. I'm the one that travels all the time so when there is a holiday, I don't get especially excited about hitting the road.
Oh, I was talking about wrapping packages. I can do so -- adequately. But, they usually don't turn out "pretty" so I shy away from the task. I wrap what I must wrap. I am thankful for gift bags. Years ago we didn't have that luxury. I can handle gift bags. Just put whatever it is into the bag, stuff some tissue paper in on top, put a tag on it and call it good.
So, cooking. Yes, I cooked dinner. It was a trade. I didn't wrap packages. I can handle a basic meal of meat, potatoes and a veggie. I even did most of the dishes. That's a fair trade isn't it?
Friday, December 21, 2012
Life Marches On
Once upon many years ago a Mayan carved a calendar into stone. Given the limitations of stone, he ran out of space. It is just a coincidence that this day was the last one carved into that stone. But, what does that say to us today? Not that it is the end of the world, but that life marches on.
Back in the 90's I took over management of a division of a company that developed software for feed yards. We faced the Y2K issue. Hmm.....someone failed to consider the fact that the software would be around long enough for that to be an issue. It reminds me of the Mayan carving his calendar. Y2K passed and the world didn't end then either.
On a more somber note, this week also saw another mass murder by a deranged individual. It has become a political football. I am saddened for those families who lost children or other loved ones. But, in the bigger scheme of things, it is only temporary. We all will die. The only question that should be asked is will we be united with them in eternity.
I am not going to debate whether all innocent children automatically go to heaven. I don't know the answer to that. I do know that many of the adults affected by the loss will not. Many do not believe in a life after this one. If they don't it was all meaningless anyway if you follow the logic of their belief to its conclusion. Our temporary sojourn on this planet is but a moment in time. Life marches on.
The real tragedy in the murder of those kids is that people don't see that it is only a symptom of something much bigger. It isn't about guns. It isn't about the mentally unstable. It is a tiny event in the battle between good and evil. Stalin, Hitler, the Huns, the Chinese, abortion clinics -- all have murdered many more innocent victims than the killer in Connecticut.
Ultimately good will win. It will be when Jesus returns. Not before. In the meantime, we struggle on as the Spiritual Battle rages around us. We must choose sides. Jesus told us that if we aren't for Him we are against Him (Matthew 12:30). If you think you haven't chosen sides you are mistaken.....it is time to think hard about that choice. Life marches on but, only temporarily on this earth.
Back in the 90's I took over management of a division of a company that developed software for feed yards. We faced the Y2K issue. Hmm.....someone failed to consider the fact that the software would be around long enough for that to be an issue. It reminds me of the Mayan carving his calendar. Y2K passed and the world didn't end then either.
On a more somber note, this week also saw another mass murder by a deranged individual. It has become a political football. I am saddened for those families who lost children or other loved ones. But, in the bigger scheme of things, it is only temporary. We all will die. The only question that should be asked is will we be united with them in eternity.
I am not going to debate whether all innocent children automatically go to heaven. I don't know the answer to that. I do know that many of the adults affected by the loss will not. Many do not believe in a life after this one. If they don't it was all meaningless anyway if you follow the logic of their belief to its conclusion. Our temporary sojourn on this planet is but a moment in time. Life marches on.
The real tragedy in the murder of those kids is that people don't see that it is only a symptom of something much bigger. It isn't about guns. It isn't about the mentally unstable. It is a tiny event in the battle between good and evil. Stalin, Hitler, the Huns, the Chinese, abortion clinics -- all have murdered many more innocent victims than the killer in Connecticut.
Ultimately good will win. It will be when Jesus returns. Not before. In the meantime, we struggle on as the Spiritual Battle rages around us. We must choose sides. Jesus told us that if we aren't for Him we are against Him (Matthew 12:30). If you think you haven't chosen sides you are mistaken.....it is time to think hard about that choice. Life marches on but, only temporarily on this earth.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Ranchers and Veterans Day
I've needed a lazy morning for awhile. It seems like it has been go, go, go forever.
My job sometimes causes me to work on the weekends -- this one is an example -- and my own projects keep me going when there is spare time -- whether at home or on the road. This morning I don't have to be at the Trade Show until 11:00 so I slept late and now I'm sitting at the computer (must be an addiction).
It seems that when I have a little spare time I also have the urge to write. Often it is just meandering thoughts strung together, but occasionally I have something on my mind that needs to be given wing -- such as the previous post on the election. Today, I am just wandering with no clear direction.
I always enjoy the WRCA's World Championship Rodeo in Amarillo. That's why I'm here. We have a booth and are a sponsor. It is refreshing to see the ranch families who are there not only to compete but to "come to town" for what is for many of them, an annual vacation. In many ways it is like a giant family reunion.
One thing I kept noticing yesterday was all of the children. It seemed like there was an endless line of baby strollers and little kids walking through in their hats and boots. Young families together with joy on their faces. I didn't see an iPod or computer game in any of their hands. I saw simple toys that required imagination. I saw happy faces filled with excitement. It made me proud to be a part of the ranching community.
These are people who make their living from the land. They care deeply about their environment and the livestock in their care. They live simply and work hard. They are one of the reasons that this country is still a land of plenty. Many of the ranches where they live have been in business well over 100 years. That's sustainability. These are just some of the people who produce the food we eat.....and not only us -- they feed the world. I appreciate them.
I also saw a number of Veterans scattered through the crowd. Some carried the scars of their service. Others I'm sure had scars that weren't visible to the eye. Today, on Veterans Day, we need to remember those who have served to keep us free.
Ranchers and Veterans have a lot in common. Both are willing to fight for this country and to take care of each other and to give rather than take. The WRCA Foundation was organized to help those in need. If you get a chance, follow the link and read about what they do.
Well, I guess my wandering thoughts found a path after all.
My job sometimes causes me to work on the weekends -- this one is an example -- and my own projects keep me going when there is spare time -- whether at home or on the road. This morning I don't have to be at the Trade Show until 11:00 so I slept late and now I'm sitting at the computer (must be an addiction).
It seems that when I have a little spare time I also have the urge to write. Often it is just meandering thoughts strung together, but occasionally I have something on my mind that needs to be given wing -- such as the previous post on the election. Today, I am just wandering with no clear direction.
I always enjoy the WRCA's World Championship Rodeo in Amarillo. That's why I'm here. We have a booth and are a sponsor. It is refreshing to see the ranch families who are there not only to compete but to "come to town" for what is for many of them, an annual vacation. In many ways it is like a giant family reunion.
One thing I kept noticing yesterday was all of the children. It seemed like there was an endless line of baby strollers and little kids walking through in their hats and boots. Young families together with joy on their faces. I didn't see an iPod or computer game in any of their hands. I saw simple toys that required imagination. I saw happy faces filled with excitement. It made me proud to be a part of the ranching community.
These are people who make their living from the land. They care deeply about their environment and the livestock in their care. They live simply and work hard. They are one of the reasons that this country is still a land of plenty. Many of the ranches where they live have been in business well over 100 years. That's sustainability. These are just some of the people who produce the food we eat.....and not only us -- they feed the world. I appreciate them.
I also saw a number of Veterans scattered through the crowd. Some carried the scars of their service. Others I'm sure had scars that weren't visible to the eye. Today, on Veterans Day, we need to remember those who have served to keep us free.
Ranchers and Veterans have a lot in common. Both are willing to fight for this country and to take care of each other and to give rather than take. The WRCA Foundation was organized to help those in need. If you get a chance, follow the link and read about what they do.
Well, I guess my wandering thoughts found a path after all.
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