The Big Bang revisited.

Welcome one and all. Today is Wednesday, July 11, 2012, and I send out a big howdy to everyone tuning in for today's episode. My wife is a huge fireworks fan. She prefers to see them in person but will settle for watching them on TV if she has to. They now have a show about those who design and execute those huge fireworks displays. It's on the Weather Channel and it's called Pyros and it is pretty interesting. There's a lot more to it than folks might imagine. The wiring and the layouts are very involved. They all connect into a computer system and that's how they become synchronized with the music. These people have to deal with things like unexpected weather problems, issues involving parts of the system not working properly, and a host of other things that come up as they prepare to entertain. They are paid handsomely to do all of this. It requires skill and ability. It is very high tech. Knowing all of this makes it interesting to read about what happened last week out in San Diego at their planned 4th of July fireworks display. Instead of the 20 minute program they paid for, due to a glitch in the system, it lasted exactly 20 seconds. Talk about the Big Bang! In this case I think they are calling it the Big Bust. And, for them, it wasn't a theory, it became an embarrassing reality. The fellow representing the fire works company said they felt terrible about what happened or didn't happen, but those thousands who showed up were in no mood to be forgiving. It just goes to show you. Sometimes failure is not only an option but it demonstrates just how embedded it is in the fabric of life.

Things do not always go the way we think they will. I read about a lady who retired and looked forward to continuing her collecting pursuit. Sadly, one day while she was away, her house caught fire and burned, taking with it the 1500 Barbies she had spent a lifetime collecting. We just never know. You probably heard about the plane that took off but was disrupted by an elderly passenger who was blind and only spoke French. He became disoriented and began swinging at everyone around him. They rerouted the plane to a different city and the people on board ended up losing a full 24 hours before they finally made it to their destination. No one could have expected to be in that situation. We just never know. I've been re-routed a few times on airplane trips but never with that much excitement. They are very sensitive to what is said at airports these days. One flight last week was delayed due to a casual comment made to a flight attendant. He simply asked if the crew had been out late partying the previous night. That was enough to shut down the plane and have all the flight crew tested for drugs. After they completed that process they continued the flight but they kicked the fellow off who had asked the question. You just never know. These are some strange times we are living in folks, strange indeed. I know the Elvis image doesn't match the commentary but I like it, so I stuck it there.

It reminds me of how I used to make excuses when I messed something up. I would tell my grandfather that it was not what I intended. He would then ask if that was true, then what did I intend. We all start our days with expectations but they rarely go exactly like we think they will. That's why we need to have the Unseen Hand helping us with each and every step we take. I am one to talk. I can get caught up in the heat of the battle or the challenge of the moment about as quickly as anyone. But, when it is all said and done, it is our faith that facilitates our confidence as we do deal with the ups and downs that dog our steps. We are not alone. That's right. Those thousands of other drivers did not get on a conference call and agree to figure out a way to impede your progress and mess up your schedule. That lady at the counter did not see you come through the door and decide at that time to get some small detail wrong on your order. I read a few weeks ago about a fellow who became so enraged with a messed up food order that he drove back around the place and hit the accelerator, lost control, rammed the side of the restaurant, and ended up nearly destroying his expensive truck. He sure showed them, didn't he? We might laugh about that but basically we can do the same thing in our minds as we encounter life's unexpected mishaps, if we are not careful. One thing I've noticed, there are plenty of opportunities for each of us, every single day, to see our own little 20 minute fireworks display go up in a second, and the results are always hurtful to all involved, and especially to ourselves. Okay. I think I've used up my daily quota of keystrokes. May God be with you until we meet again. Amen.   ...More later.

When a wreck occurs during the race, well, that's just racing. When it impacts your driver, well, somebody needs to answer for that one!

It's Tuesday, July 10, 2012, and I bid you welcome from here at the old blogger ranch. I try not to be as intense as I used to be when watching a sporting event on TV. I try. Occasionally, I let one slip up on me. Last Saturday evening I was watching the summer NASCAR race from Daytona. The driver I follow, Jeff Gordon, had some temperature issues early on that kept him a little timid in the early stages. About half way through he became much stronger and was running up front. He was running third, minding his own business, when his team called him into the pits for tires and refueling. As he was slowing down to go into the pits, he got caught up in an accident that had suddenly occurred behind him. Now that just infuriated me. Rarely do you ever see a driver get into the wreck behind them when they are slowing down. He was beat up and banged around but got back into line at about 30th. With just a handful of laps left he patiently was making his way back up towards the front and then at the very end, another big crash that took out multiple cars. Jeff somehow continued driving and crossed the finish line 12th. When I went to bed I had trouble falling asleep. That's a sure sign that I was overwrought. A good reminder. Don't take stuff like a car race so serious and get out of the kitchen, early, if it begins to get too hot. I should have.

Now you know one of my faults. What's that? You didn't know I had any. You have not been paying much attention is all I have to say. That Bible verse that says we are to confess our faults to one another, well, in my situation, that might just end up having to be done as a series, with episodes each week to get caught up. This up coming Wednesday evening I plan to be teaching from Hebrews Chapter 12. That's the passage that speaks about our lives as believers using the metaphor of a distance race on foot. The writer tells us we are to run our race without being loaded down with weights. Those weights have to do with the baggage we carry from the things we allow into our life that shouldn't be there. He talks about laying aside the sin that so easily besets. Every person has something that fits this category. Oh. It might not be one of what we think of as a biggie like the old saying, "I don't drink and I don't chew and I don't go with the girls that do." But, from God's perspective, any and all sin is big. It could be hatred, malice, envy, anger, or even something as obscure as indifference. You know. The not doing of what God would have us to do. But, at any rate, no foot runner in a race in his right mind would load up his backpack with 200 pounds of extra weight and then go out and try to win the race. How then is it that we are to run? Lay aside all those things that would hinder, and most important of all, eliminate distractions by keeping your eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Amen. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

We can get caught up in an event without even noticing it. We have watched a number of the Olympic finals for choosing the Americans who will represent our country in Great Britain later this month. We are not huge fans of diving, swimming, gymnastics, track, and other events. Then why in the world would I be straining to help someone get to the finish line? How silly is that? Me, sitting in my recliner, leaning forward to help them gain that final reach. We are the same way when we watch American Ninja Warrior. We are for the competitors as they attempt some very challenging obstacles and we end up trying to help them with our grunts, groans, and strains.That, I suppose, is a part of the human condition. It actually even impacts the wife who usually is fairly neutral about sporting events. Her thoughts about my driver when she sees me upset is that he should immediately retire from the sport typically worded: "Why doesn't he just quit?" I try to reason with her. I tell her he is only in his early 40's and he is, like, making millions of dollars each year, and he continues to be one of the most popular drivers in the sport, and he is still capable. That's how it plays out at our house. It may play out differently at your place. You may feel that way about The Wheel of Fortune. I know some folks who call themselves Wheel watchers. They have a special credit card connected to the show that somehow entitles them to some prizes if their number comes up. They would schedule emergency surgery around watching that program. See what I mean? We are a quirky bunch aren't we? Yours might be different than mine but we all have them. Have a great Tuesday and may the Lord bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.

The Mama's and the Papas: "Monday, monday, can't trust that day Monday, monday, sometimes it just turns out that way...."

I am aware of the Monday morning blues syndrome. I see it quite often but since it has never been that prevalent in my own personal  experience, I still find it hard to understand. It is that dreaded day for so many, Monday, and this one happens to land on July 9, 2012. I am well aware of those who begin their party time Friday evening and run it into the final hours of Sunday. That would make anyone's Monday difficult. However, that's not the right answer for all of those who drag in. It has something to do with mindset. Back to work Monday during these tight employment times should be a cause for celebration. Yet, I see them every week. They can be seen stumbling and sleepwalking their way to the time clock. Many of them carry in their hands one of those super sized drinks that contains enough caffeine to ignite a bonfire. Unfortunately, they will need some help getting the can open. Sure. I know that not everyone is a morning person. But when you are not a Monday person and also not a morning person, I suppose that's a double whammy in trying to get yourself up and going. Those of you who know me are mumbling right now. I do hear what you are saying. If I didn't get up at 3:30 a.m. each day I could maybe understand a little better these kinds of challenges. That may be true but just so you know, I have plenty of my own to deal with but thankfully Monday or morning are not on my list, that is, not at this time.

I said I didn't understand. I am sure not criticizing or condemning because I've been around long enough to know that things you thought you would never do, well, they have a way of doing a boomerang on you and then you end up with a huge plate of crow to eat. There's a lot of theories about where that figure of speech or idiom, 'eating crow', came from. It may have originated in ancient times because the crow was grouped with other birds that ate the rotted flesh of dead animals and people. Therefore, eating crow would have had a very unpleasant ring to it, like maybe a meal of fried buzzard. It is found in print in the early 1850's as part of a humorous story about a farmer who claimed to be able to eat anything. At any rate, it has the connotation of being humiliated after being proved wrong where someone had taken a strong position. I suppose it is akin to eating humble pie. Now that one typically involves having to apologize after being discovered as being wrong. It also dates back to medieval times where it was a real pie. It was a meat pie thought of as being inferior because it was made out of animal innards, especially deer parts, the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Yum yum. If I thought long enough I could probably remember a time when both of these pies were on the menu after one of my classic mess ups. No. I am not going to think long enough to share one of those with you. But, trust me. I have been there and done that.

I grew up in a small rural town. In some ways, Andy Griffith's portrayal of Mayberry reminded me of my hometown. In some ways. His death last week caused many to reminiscence about that wonderful show. I think most people realized that things don't always work out the way they did on that program. I heard Andy in an interview a few years ago talking about how that his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor did forever typecast him into the hearts and minds of millions. He said that while he was able to play off his upbringing in a small town, he was an actor, and in his opinion, he was not as good a person as Andy Taylor. Who could be? When he would play a role of a bad guy he said his mailbox would be stuffed with letters begging him not to ever do that again. His fans wanted him to always be their hero. I grew up among characters. Some I can recall and a smile immediately comes to my face. Similarly, that show was great because of the variety of characters we saw each week and how we learned to know and love them. I suppose we all enjoy an escape from that reality that grips our days and that's exactly what Andy's show did. It allowed us to take a break in a fun and wholesome manner. I still watch it from time to time. And, even though I've seen most of them more than a few times, I still laugh because it's still funny. I do hope you will have a great Monday and Lord willing I'll see you tomorrow here at the old blogger ranch. Goodbye for now and may God bless. Amen.        .....More later.

Let's thank God again, for the first time, for being an American!

Already Friday? We will take it, thank you very much. It is Friday, July 6, 2012. This past Wednesday we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of our nation's independence. I was up early enjoying some wonderful Community and thinking about how blessed we are as a nation. We traveled over to our eldest son's home and enjoyed a wonderful community patriotic parade in Kingwood, Texas. It was a delightful presentation of American values. It had a little of everything. Plenty of flags. Of course. Floats. Bands. Politicians. They never miss an opportunity to show up where there is a crowd. Horses. Vintage cars. Motorcycles. Military of all flavors including some wounded warriors. Let me just say this. I was raised up in an era where this patriotic respect was poured into my young life and I am so thankful it stuck. Sure. I know that we as a nation are flawed and our failings have been notorious at times. However, there is something about America. Alexis de Tocqueville, the famous writer, observed in 1831 this distinguishing characteristic as he toured our nation, America is exceptional. There are those today, sadly, some in high leadership, who do not see this great nation as being exceptional, as having a special role in the world, and as having been given that role by Almighty God. They would prefer that we tone down our little celebrations and take our place as just another member of the family of nations. That's not who we are. We are America and may God help us to live up to the potential He ordained for us. Amen.

After the parade we enjoyed some barbecue with all the trimmings and some desserts and a wonderful ice cold watermelon. I had put that melon in a cooler and covered it with ice at about 6 a.m., and let me tell you, it was about as good as a watermelon can be. Many of us sat and watched the History Channel where they were running the series on the Revolutionary War. I've watched that series several times but it never gets old seeing the retelling of how we became a free people. When we got to our home we took a short nap and then we watched the Capitol 4th of July celebration from Washington D.C. on PBS, then we watched the Macy's 4th of July on Hudson Bay, New York City, and then we watched the Boston Pops do their thing. Fireworks and more fireworks. You betcha! We thank God for the freedom to make the choices we made on that day. We thank God for those who gave their all in order to allow us the great privileges we enjoy as a nation. We thank God for those who continue to wear the uniform of our nation today. I am not ashamed of the lump in my throat when I see our flag, hear our anthem, our pledge recited, or I observe a disabled veteran. I read some disparaging remarks by a prominent entertainer about our 4th of July celebrations and I thought to myself, he might well be thankful for the freedom of speech and expression that others died for so that he would have the right to even say those things publicly.

Last Tuesday I had an interesting forth and back with a Hispanic fellow. He did not speak good English but he started the conversation by saying something about there being no work on Wednesday. I explained to him that it was because of the birthday celebration of our nation, 236 years. He seemed surprised but also appeared to be genuinely impressed. He doesn't know our history. He doesn't know what it means to have that feeling when the anthem plays. He respects our nation as a place for him to earn a living, and he is fortunate because the fact that he doesn't know anything at all about our country doesn't keep him from enjoying a paid holiday. A number of years ago I remember looking over the materials being studied by a Vietnamese immigrant as he prepared for his citizenship test. It had many questions about our founding, our constitution, and our laws. I could see in him, even as an older person, a sense of pride in his learning about America. I have no problems whatsoever in folks identifying with their heritage. If you know your people came from Ireland, then be proud of that. Or whatever land that might be involved. But, at the same time, I am convinced that our being Americans if what makes us who we are in this land of the free and home of the brave. Returning to that collective sense of Godly pride in how that He in His providence brought this great nation into existence will go a long way in reclaiming the American Spirit, and I am for that. Amen and Amen. See you next week and may God bless one and all is my prayer.  ....More later.

Welcome Back!

It is Thursday, July 5, 2012. I trust you enjoyed your 4th of July celebration. Having a one day holiday that falls right smack in the middle of the work week does tend to get things a little out of sync. I do know quite a few folks who took vacation so they could extend the holiday but for those of us who didn't, we will have to adjust. For me, the things I would have coordinated for Wednesday had to be put off until Thursday and that meant they had to be finalized on Tuesday instead of Wednesday because some of them were to be accomplished early Thursday morning. You don't need a score card to keep up but I didn't say it wouldn't help. It is a part of how it works and I am thankful to be a part of an environment where I can do something to make a difference each day. I'm not saying I can do things like I did when I was much younger, but given the opportunities, I thank God that He has provided me the abilities and the strength to do what I can do. One thing is sure, I do still take work seriously and I am still bothered when when are not performing at our best. Some would say too bothered at times, but the way I see it, caring enough is where progress and improvement starts.

I do have my annual physical examination coming up next week. I have been studying for it. That's pretty funny when you think about it. I find myself trying to get my weight in a little better range and I am trying to wrestle my blood sugar numbers into a more manageable profile. Since the blood testing, (H1ac), looks at the blood sugar for the last three months, well, anything done within the last few days won't make that much of a difference. But incentives can come in any and all flavors and I suppose I'm using this upcoming appointment as a way of sharpening my focus, a little. I might as well get me one of those trick mirrors that makes me look thin and be done with it. I read somewhere that 100 laughs a day is equal to 10 minutes of exercise but today's world with all of its troubles doesn't offer too much to laugh about. I also heard that losing weight when you are older is harder because your body and your fat have over the years become such dear friends. I bet you didn't know that folks carrying extra pounds are happier, more successful in business, smarter, and friendlier. Some take issue with that bit of research since it was funded by the following: McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Blue Bell Ice Cream, and Krispy Kreme Donuts. I thought it was pretty decent research myself.

I was talking with someone the other day about how that some kids are in for a real shock when they start their first job. A college education is a wonderful accomplishment but it will never guarantee that a person will not have to work their way up. That is especially true in today's tight employment environment. These kids come into the workforce with something other than entry level in mind but often that is exactly where employers want them to start. The good news for them is that if they do well they should move up more quickly because of their education. I read this little funny story that reflects upon this:  "A young man was hired by a supermarket and reported for his first day of work. The manager greeted him with a warm handshake and a smile, then gave him a broom and said, 'Son, your first job will be to sweep out the store.' 'But I'm a college graduate,' the young man replied indignantly. 'Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that,' said the manager. 'Here, give me the broom -- I'll show you how.'" Expectations and reality. They do collide sometimes. I also read the results from a huge study that discovered our ideas about success are somewhat misleading. It found that the best and brightest do not always succeed but for lack of a better way to describe it, they found that great success was more of a being in the right place at the right time than in being a genius. I know what you are thinking. It would have had to been that way if I ever achieved anything. Maybe so, and, also they didn't mention it but I will, God does work on behalf of those who belong to Him. Amen.            More later.

Two hundred thirty six and counting!

Hello Tuesday, July 3, 2012. Tomorrow we will celebrate our national birthday. The 236th year commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's a paper document. Right? That is correct. This document was originally rolled up for storage. It measured 29-3/4" by 24-1/2". More than a piece of paper are the words contained on it and what they meant then and what they continue to mean to us today. The signers of the Declaration of Independence did indeed "mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." These men risked everything dear to them in order to make this political statement. There was no way for them to stay safe. Francis Lewis of New York lost his fortune, his home, and his wife who died shortly after her imprisonment by the British. Richard Stockton of New Jersey was captured and was so mistreated that he became an invalid, dying two years after his release. Robert Morris of Pennsylvania, the money raiser for the revolution, was jailed and died a pauper. Thomas Nelson, Jr. of Virginia became a general and turned cannon fire on his own home in Yorktown because Cornwallis was quartered there. Each and every man who signed the Declaration of Independence did so because of his abiding belief that the colonies should be free from English rule. That action started a revolution which culminated in victory that led to this grand experiment called America.

Tomorrow we will celebrate in any number of ways this great accomplishment that gave us the freedoms we enjoy. Our plans include enjoying a time of feasting and fellowship with family.  At the same time we need not wonder if these freedoms came without a cost. Our infant nation cobbled together an assembly of armed forces that were more than often ill provided for. More than 25,000 American Revolutionaries died during active military service. About 8,000 of these deaths were in battle; the other 17,000 recorded deaths were from disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died of starvation or disease brought on by deplorable conditions while prisoners of war, most in rotting British prison ships in New York. This tally of deaths from disease is undoubtedly too low, however; 2,500 Americans died while encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777–78 alone. The number of Revolutionaries seriously wounded or disabled by the war has been estimated from 8,500 to 25,000. The total American military casualty figure was therefore as high as 50,000. The price of freedom. From that time forward our legacy as a nation has been written with the blood of our patriots. We pause to thank God for the sacrifice of so many that we might enjoy the freedoms we all take for granted as we go about our daily lives.

I do hope you will enjoy your holiday in whatever way you choose to celebrate. I leave you with that most beautiful lyric written by Irving Berlin, God Bless America:

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home

God bless America, My home sweet home.

And may He do just that. Amen. Have a great holiday and Lord willing I will see you here at the blogger ranch on Thursday.          .....More later.

Well how to you like that?

Hello and welcome to independence week here at the blogger ranch. It is Monday, July 2, 2012, and I thank you for joining me this morning. I was never a My Three Sons fan but it was on in our home on a fairly frequent basis. I more or less remember the characters from the show. Last week I read where Don Grady, the fellow who played the oldest brother, passed away. I remember that guy. He played Robbie Douglas and he's the one that got married and they had triplets, three sons, of course. But here's the kicker. He was 68 years old! Now wait just a cotton picking minute. No way. But that's how television works. We get the image of a person in mind and it sticks. I would have never guessed the young man who played that part could have been older than me. You live and learn. It would be great if it made me feel younger. It doesn't. It does, however, remind me that time is trucking on down the road, and I think I heard somewhere that it doesn't wait for anyone. Making use of the minutes we've been given each day to make a difference for good, to honor God, and to leave an example for our families, that is the challenge. I actually need help doing that. How about you? Amen.

The Obama-care law has, for the most part, been held as constitutional by the highest court in the land. However, it was not held as such based on how the legislation was presented for a vote in both houses of Congress. It was not held as such as to how the administration promoted it. It is constitutional under one and only one provision and that is that it be considered as a tax on the American people. As some have stated, this means it has not passed constitutional muster as an individual mandate underneath the commerce clause, but it is an addition to the tax burden we already bear. We are talking initially nearly 600 billion, but everyone agrees that it will be trillions of dollars over time. And, I believe the rhetoric to be true, given that it is now officially established as a tax, this means it will be the largest tax increase ever imposed since the creation of the universe. The Obama supporters are spinning it as a huge win and I can see why. He spent over two years on this single issue while the economy crumbled. Those two years have now been sanctioned by the court but as a tax on the American people. That's what we need right now? A huge tax required to cover 30 million people who currently do not have insurance? How the economy will ever recover given the magnitude of this tax increase is the question that must be answered. We have definitely come to the fork in the road and as Yogi would say, when that happens, take it.

And, it should be noted that the administration's lawyers did, in fact, include the taxing authority as one of their arguments but they did so only as a fail safe backup, they certainly never wanted the court to declare the individual mandate as a tax. We should have known. The original legislation did call for monies to be appropriated to the IRS for administrative and enforcement purposes. That should have been pretty much a preview of what the ultra sound later confirmed: Congratulations it's a TAX. Okay. Now that I have that out of my system, I will move on to other matters that might be of interest. I'm thinking. Give me a moment. I should insert an hourglass because it takes me a little time to get the adrenalin back into a normal range. Just joking. I guess I keep getting hung up on how that this particular law is called the Affordability Act. I suppose folks can name it that way when they are using our dollars. But, in all fairness, we've not had a whole lot better from those who supposedly flew the conservative flag. I know. I said I would refrain from commenting further. As you can tell these kinds of things barely even bother me...bother me....bother me! I think I need to send a memo to my gray cell family and call them together for a meeting of the mind, so to speak, or something like that. Until next time, remember, that when it is all said and done, God will have the final day. Amen.       .....More later.