Happy New Year

Winter

Winter - the cold months depending on where you live. 

I live in an area where the temperatures truly change when the seasons change.  Usually, a few days after the first day of winter we will see our first significant snowfall with the exception of this year.  In mid January will be some of the coldest days of the year usually lasting to mid February.  

So, along with the colder temps I will be spending more time indoors hopefully blogging more.      

Intentions

My intention this year was to post at least a few times a month, but that didn't happen.  So,in the last days of 2019. I will attempt to close out the year blogging. 

Fall

It's finally Fall

Im looking forward to the cooler temperatures.

Fall is the time of the year for change like Spring - a transitional season. The trees lose their leaves, the animals prepare for the cold winter months ahead just as we should getting our homes shielded against the winter winds. 

Just a thought - maybe a time for us to transition - to prepare ourselves - to shed the old. 

A season to start a new prayer devotion like the rosary or a few novenas during the winter months.  We should always be in mind to pray always, but the seasons can be a good time to renew ourselves.   

Friday

Its Saturday, but I'm writing about an observation on Friday.

So, it seems to me that the entire week people strive for the day everyone longs for - Friday (except for those that don't work) This process starts on Monday (the least favorite day) and continues throughout the week. I understand it is the end of the work week for most people, but their are those who work six or even seven days a week. I will usually say to those I work with to have a nice week-end, but I don't assume everyone has the weekend off.  We strive for Friday to get to Saturday only to work some more to get the things we didn't accomplish during the Monday to Friday week. And then there is Sunday the day of rest - the day we worship the Creator of the Universe - the day for physical rest and rest in the the Lord's love. 

My point and proposal to declare Sunday as the day everyone strives for - the day everyone is glad it has arrived. 

The best day of the week. 

Three Words

Faith - Hope - Love

Three words we can live by everyday. Sometimes its hard and sometimes it's easy but all three everyday. These virtues can be applied to the things we do - at home - at work - or to anyone we meet. But more importantly God wants us to live by theses words. He wants us to live our lives while our short time here by the commandments he has given us. But if we are having difficulty then maybe theses three words are a place to start - Faith Hope Love.

Putting them in practice in our lives doesn't even have to start with interaction with those around us. Faith, by praying everyday. Hope, by living what God commands us so we will one day come in union with Him in heaven. And Love the greatest commandment - to love God with all your heart.

Three words to live by.....    

Growing Old

Growing older is an odd statement I think most people when they think of something growing its associated with new life, a baby growing, a seed growing into a plant. But growing older doesn't seem to go along with new life. I see as the same we are always growing even in the later stages. We should always want to improve ourselves, both physically and mentally just as we did in our younger days. Aging is not the end it is a discovery of a new stage of life. 

There is always something new to learn.

A powerful word - commitment

How much commitment is in our life?

Are we fulfilling our obligations?

Just something to think about. 

commitment

 noun

com·​mit·​ment | \ kə-ˈmit-mənt  \

Definition of commitment

1a: an agreement or pledge to do something in the futurea commitment to improve conditions at the prisonespecially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date

b: something pledgedthe commitment of troops to the war

c: the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelleda commitment to a cause

2a: an act of committing to a charge or trust: such as

(1): a consignment to a penal or mental institutionfiled a petition for commitment

(2): an act of referring a matter to a legislative committee

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commitment?src=search-dict-box

The People You Meet

The people we meet every day could possibly be those we might establish a lifelong friendship.

  

True friendships are hard to find. I have had friendships with those I have met at work, church, meetings, and just about any place people gather. But as I grew older life took its turns going in different directions and some of those friendships have faded away. Since then I try to look at everyone I meet as friend. I have to say my one true friend in my life is my wife, the one who knows me inside and out - the one that I love.

Take time to interact with everyone you meet. Look up from your phone occasionally and talk to those around you. 

In Service

Last month police officers in New York were attacked/insulted by a group of people in the area where they responded. Anyone following the news or YouTube could not miss the story of complete disrespect for law enforcement.

Just a few comments...

I put anyone in the professions of emergency services - police, firefighters, paramedics, EMT's in the same category as the military because they are first responders. They rush to an emergency when we need them. And they put their lives on the line every day for us. How many occupations can have that in their job description?  So, how can anyone disrespect someone who might come to save their life in a time of crisis? I just don't understand.

Pray for our first responders 

August

It's the end of July and then we move into August.  July is a month with the celebration of our Independence and many of the other months during the year are typically know for at least one major holiday that represents that month. But I do not know of a major day that represents August. The only thing I can think of is its hot and humid (it's a southern thing). 

If I'm missing something please tell me

Their Way

Just a bit of a rant about opinions. I have a few as most people do and usually when opinions are expressed it is because one person is trying to convince another to lean their way, and that is the way it works. But when people just accept a particular opinion without reasoning and accepting of a view just because someone said so, is crazy. Opinions should take in consideration the source - whose opinion is it? - have they been reliable in the past? - are their opinions respected? - or can they be trusted?

How can someone just read or hear an opinion in the media and accept as the absolute truth?

Opinions have to be evaluated by yourself - is it right or wrong? - good or evil?

Political Times

I'm not sure if it is because I'm getting older, but the political world lately, seems to be more involved with following the differences between liberal and conservatives. The times have changed so much that I believe the democrats from 25 years ago would not be getting along with some of their policies of today as it seems to be far left. And the conservatives in the same time frame are either close to the middle or the far right.

My point here is, no matter who is in office someone is not going to be happy. But when the core principles of what this country was founded upon are threatened that is when I get upset, because I have seen other countries, and their extreme forms of government. We need to pull together and move away from socialism.

Proverbs

Proverbs 8:22-31


Thus says the wisdom of God:
"The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways,
the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago;
from of old I was poured forth,
at the first, before the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no fountains or springs of water;
before the mountains were settled into place,
before the hills, I was brought forth;
while as yet the earth and fields were not made,
nor the first clods of the world.

"When the Lord established the heavens I was there,
when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;
when he made firm the skies above,
when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth;
when he set for the sea its limit,
so that the waters should not transgress his command;
then was I beside him as his craftsman,
and I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race."

Connected

Are we so connected to technology and or devices that we have become dependent upon them?

Is it hard to put your phone down?

Our connection to technology almost at times seems to be a necessary part of our daily lives. But do we really need to check our phones every few minutes? 

I ask these questions because we have become slaves to our phones, computers and favorite apps. Don't get me wrong it is not all bad, but we need to set limits to how we interact with our devices and take time to interact with those people around us. And I'm guilty of all of the above myself. 

Just try a simple observation - take moments during the day to look at the people around you. What are they doing?

Technology is part of our world, it is not going away and we will always be connected at anytime, but there has to be balance. Take time to talk to those people in your life.   

Time to Speak up

Now is the time to speak up about conservative issues. But as a general rule, conservatives are reserved its just the nature of how we do things. But we need to step out of our comfort zone and talk about things like pro-life, faith, protecting and country and communities, limiting government regulation, secularism, traditional values, protecting the Bill of Rights, marriage between a man and woman. These are in no particular order of importance, but all need to be discussed. So, when topics like these come up, talk about them not out of anger, but in a civil and polite manner, because that is what we do. Now is the time.   

Remembering Our History

Yesterday I was thinking of the ones who came before us.  The men and women who died in service for our country. I believe we do not recognize the sacrifice they made as well as the sadness of families who lost love ones.   

Memorial Day

A reminder to everyone. 

This day is not about the backyard cook-outs or the best advertised sale.


It is about.....

Summer work

I have discovered that as I get older I have slow down just a bit. I posted an entry on the outdoors - about getting outside. So to continue....

The other day my wife and I spend the day cutting the grass. 

I find a great deal of satisfaction in accomplishing this summer work. Its physical, its therapeutic and keeps me young. I'm in my late 50's and still able to do this summer work. We are one of the few people in our neighborhood who actually still cut their on grass. I thank God for my physical health. 

Birds

One of my past times outdoors is watching birds at our feeders. I guess it is a hobby spending time enjoy Gods creation.  

Here is a list is some of the birds that frequent feeders daily

• Cardinals
• Blue Jays
• Chickadees
• House Finches
• Purple Finches
• Goldfinches
• Towhee
• Song Sparrow
• White-throated Sparrow
• Junco
• Titmouse
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Caroline Wren
• House Wren
• Mockingbird
• Brown Thrasher
• Cedar Waxwing
• Red-wing Blackbird
• Grackle
• Brown-headed Cowbird
• Starling
• Mourning Dove
• White wing Dove
• Hummingbird
• Downy woodpecker

My wife and I have even acquired the skill of being able to ID the birds by their song at our favorite place to sit a watch on the back porch 

More to come on birds and the back porch

Southern Funeral

I live in a major southern city and it still amazes me with all the people that have move here from other states that our southern ways still hold on.

One Saturday afternoon, I'm driving around working on my to-do-list. I noticed the traffic was starting to back-up. On the opposite side of the road was a funeral procession and out of respect for the dead everyone stop their cars and waited for the procession to pass. 

Its a southern thing - Respect for the dead.    

The Flag and the NFL

I like football. I mostly watch college ball lately because in recent years of what the NFL has done and approved of with the actions of there players. 

Here's the deal. I hope that one day I will watch NFL football again, but they will have to redeem themselves. If there is one thing the represents this country its the American Flag, don't disrespect it. 

NFL Draft

The NFL Draft was in town this past week-end. This pic somewhat describes the craziness of the Draft.

More about the NFL in a later post......

Health

Just a short comment on being in good health.

I thank God for my good health. I posted yesterday about being outdoors and it is one thing I do not take for granted.

The physical ability to work outside is something I look forward to after the cold winter months.

Outdoors

The weather is warming up and it is time to be outdoors. 

This is at least a reason why I haven't posted much this month. 

You need to be outside and to enjoy Gods creation. If you don't have a job outdoors and you are stuck inside for whatever reason you need those rays of sunshine.  

Spring - the second renewal

Spring is the second renewal

We usually think of January as the time of the year for us to start a new with our resolutions which is true, we usually do. But Spring can also do the same as we transition from the harsh winter months to the renewal of spring. We can renew ourselves. 

We are coming to the end of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation for the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. 

Take this time of the year to re-commit ourselves to God in prayer and to continue throughout the year.   

Technology

Will the advancement of technology ever slow down?

The changes that are currently in place with technology are advancing to the point where the mobile phones we buy today will be obsolete in a few months.

When will it slow down?

I realize the smart phone will always be in the improvement stage because that is what generates sales. 

But, technology like self driving cars, medical devices, security systems all have liability issues. 

Can we trust that the research has been complete.

Is it safe?

It Will Work Out

Have you ever wanted something to change?

- job
- apartment or house
- health
- relationships

And the list could go on an on.

Sometimes, we can control what happens in our life and other things we can't. When we are faced with those issues we can't control, we have to have faith it will work out. I know the statement seems general, but if you have faith in God and believe your concerns should go away just ask him. Prayer is the start for us asking God what we want, but remember we are just asking and sometimes God has a different opinion on what is best for us. We might think we know what is best, but God is the one in charge and that will not change.

Aging

The aging process is so gradual that I think most of us don't even realize as each year passes there is a very small part of our youth that goes away forever, that is the physical part. Even highly trained athletes will eventually lose the physical strength they once had in competition. 

The mental state, however I believe can stay youthful if we continue to use it to think through complex thought processes. We can also remember our youth. The good memories we had as kids. 

I believe that age is a state of mind, but not the physical part. Our physical part will age no matter how old we think we are and our minds can stay sharp and remember.   

Lent

Lent starts this Wednesday. 

Have you reflected on what you are going to to do?

• Give up something
• Take on a particular task
•  Pray more
• Go to Mass during the week (Monday - Friday)
• Give Alms

and the list could go on but the important thing to remember is Christ died on the cross for us. When we sacrifice something during the next few weeks, we can show our love to God.

#576

Steam Engine #576 

Good Times Bad Times

These are the good times of our life.

For some people they would say this is the worst of times, but that depends on how you look at it and compare it to history.

Some examples of the worst of time historically:

• Rule of the Roman Empire 
• The Black Plague
• Yellow Fever
• Two - World Wars
• The Civil War
• Slavery

Yes, we have had bad times but every generation has to deal with the bad. 

My point here is, its tough living in the world today. And we will get through this time with prayer and looking for the good.

The Library

The Public Library is the internet of the past. The time before computers, the library was the only real source of any information. Anyone in school who had to research a particular topic had to go to a brick and mortar building, look through hundreds of paper cards in the card catalog. (a large wooden box). You would go flip each card to find the dewy decimal number assigned to the book you wanted. Then you proceeded to find the book only to discover it was not what you were looking for and the cycle started all over again with the card catalog. 

Now-days, this seems old, but at the time it was a well-organized system of looking for books and information. Libraries across the nation are combining old with the new. Now computers have replaced the card catalog, but you still have to find your book. 

I still enjoy having an actual book in my hand. There is something about turning the pages that are reminiscent of researching a topic. The turning of pages back and forth to make sure you understood the words on the page. 

If you haven't been in a while, go to your local library you might discover something new.

Conservatism

Conservatism - just some points in what I believe

First the definition

From Websters Dictionary:  

conservatism noun

con·​ser·​va·​tism | \ kən-ˈsər-və-ˌti-zəm  \

Definition of conservatism 

1 capitalized

a: the principles and policies of a Conservative party

b: the Conservative party

2a: disposition in politics to preserve what is established

b: a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change

specifically: such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (such as retirement income or health-care coverage)

3: the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change

religious conservatism

cultural conservatism


God 
     I would think that most Judeo-Christians would have this on their list. But some are luke-warm in their faith and do not subscribe to all the moral points of their faith. I chose God as my moral compass.

Family 
      This includes all of those family members as well as those very close to me.  

Country
      I have always remained a patriot to the United States. Even when the political winds change I hold on to my conservative beliefs and work at changing or at least giving my opinion to those who disagree.

US Military
      This includes law enforcement and all those who serve and protect.

The Bill of Rights

      https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript