WE THE PEOPLE....OF THE UNITED STATES

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines....We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are so confused by the Bill of Rights that they require a Bill of NON-Rights."

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful, do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (lastly....) NOW..

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

STAND UP FOR GOD

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

I’m tired of turning the other cheek. Yes, I know what the Bible says. But I want to turn the other cheek the way Jesus did the day the drove the money changers out of the temple. Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean ignoring stupid, sinful acts until they turn into a movement.

There is a movement to get God out of everything!

I’m not trying to force God into everything. I simply want to keep God in the places He has been in for years. I’m calling on everybody I know to stand with me against those who want to remove God from our society.

The ones crying the loudest and working the hardest to get rid of God are going to wake up some day saying, “Where is God? Why doesn’t He help me?” I want to be there to answer their questions.

HELP FROM CHARLIE BROWN

Monday, October 29, 2007

Once upon a time, 1970, in a busy, Southern California city, West Covina, there lived a young boy named Charlie Brown. Charlie was an active member of the youth group at the South Hills Church of Christ where I preached. When I made the decision to move from West Covina, Charlie and the other young people at the church gave me a little party. They gave me gifts that over the years have been eaten, read and passed on, put away and forgotten or given away. ONE gift I have kept for these many years was the gift from Charlie. It is special because: 1. He made it for me. 2. He wanted to help. He wrote: “For When Your Feeling Low.” It should have read “you’re” instead of “your” but that little mistake endears it even more. 3. It really works! THANKS CHARLIE!

KEEPING US ON OUR FEET

Sunday, October 28, 2007

It’s Sunday again. It never fails to amaze me how fast this day comes around. When I was preaching I knew that just as soon as I had finished a sermon that another one was coming—and soon, or so it seemed. What will the preacher say today? I am always interested in that.

Whatever he says today, I am certain there is one thing which should never be left out. Tennyson wrote, “Never morning wore to evening, but some heart did break.” There is so much that needs to be said and so many people that need different things. But whoever else will be in the service, there will be someone with a broken heart. The Bible is mindful of the broken heart. The Bible never forgets the word comfort.

In the Book of Job, Eliphaz says to Job: “Your words have kept men on their feet.”

Ah, we need that. Life is tough and we need words to keep us on our feet. I hope I hear those words today and I think I will. I hope you do too.

PROBLEMS

Saturday, October 27, 2007

A little guy is sitting at the bar just staring at his drink for half an hour when this big trouble-making biker steps next to him, grabs his drink and gulps it down in one swig. The poor little guy starts crying."Come on man. I was just giving you a hard time," the biker says. "I can't stand to see a man crying.""This is the worst day of my life," says the little guy between sobs. "I can't do anything right. I overslept and was late to an important meeting, so my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car was stolen and I don't have any insurance. I grabbed a cab home but, after the cab left, I discovered my wallet was still in the cab. At home I found my wife cheating with the gardener and my dog bit me. So I came to this bar trying to work up the courage to put an end to my life, and then you show up and drink the poison!"

LIFE IS PRECIOUS

Friday, October 26, 2007

Nobody is just an accident. Everybody is a special creation of God. Everybody is so precious in the sight of God that he sent his son to die for us. Nobody should be aborted. A woman has the right to make decisions about how she uses her body. But if she becomes pregnant she does not have the right to kill her child.

Today is our daughter’s birthday. Her roommate from her Pepperdine University days flew in from San Francisco to help us celebrate. CELEBRATE! That’s what you should do about a birth—celebrates it. In our hearts, my wife and I have celebrated all forty-seven years of Carol’s life. And the same thing is true of her younger brother. Life is precious.

Another police officer was killed in our city last night. Several have died in the California fires. Thousands were killed in what is now simply referred to as 9/11. Thousands have been killed in wars, storms, and accidents.

We must never get used to death as if it doesn’t matter. Every life is precious.

CELEBRATE LIFE!

TERMINAL GRATITUDE

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Most of us are not nearly as grateful as we ought to be. Just a little reflection on the quality of life most of us have will “blow your mind.” We have so much to be grateful for.

But some of us have what I would call terminal gratitude. We just keep saying, “Thank you, thank you, over and over again and still feel unworthy of our blessings. We need to be thankful and we need to express our gratitude and then we need to move on. We need to be a blessing to everybody we can as others have blessed us. But we don’t need to feel we “owe” somebody eternal gratitude. They did what they did because they wanted to.

We thank the one who gave us a job by being a good employee. We thank our parents for what they gave us by being good children and by being good parents ourselves. We thank our friends for all they are to us by being good friends in return. Don’t just talk about what a great friend you are to someone. Show that friendship by the way you treat them. It’s not words that make you a good neighbor, but action. And on and on it goes.

We don’t need to drop to our knees and worship at the feet of those who have blessed us but are not God. If you are truly grateful show it by the life you live—not just by the words you say.

I LOVE AMERICA, CHRISTIANS AND WHITE PEOPLE

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

I love a lot of people and things but I mention America, Christians and Whites because they are hated by liberal politicians and the liberal media. Yes, it’s true; they are constantly putting down America, Christians and white people.

Sure, there are a lot of things, and I mean a lot of things wrong with America—but not everything. I grew up loving this great country and I still do. I have traveled to many places and I am always glad to get back home to America. Christians also have faults. There are many hypocrites in the church. But the greatest people I know are Christians. The world would be in a bigger mess than it is if it were not for Christians. Yes, I know all about white trash. I know about the sins and crimes of white people. But listen to me, not all white people are trash. Not all white people are out to get you. Not all white people are crooks, liars and thieves. Many, if not most of the great people I know, are white. Let’s not focus on the few among us that are bad. Let’s focus on the good!

I love many who do not live in America. I love many God fearing people who are not Christians. I love many people who are not white. God loves the world—and I want to follow His example.

HALLOWEEN, JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Halloween is just around the corner and I wish it was around the world from here. I don’t like Halloween at all! Sure, I used to when I was the one getting the candy. I still get some of the candy and now that’s another thing I don’t like about it. We give out a lot of candy, have a lot left over—and I eat it!

I used to staunchly defend Halloween. In fact, years ago when I was working with a church in California I made a grown man cry over my views. He was the school administrator at our church school and he wanted me to back him in not allowing the school to have a Halloween party. I refused! He cried!

Now I’m old, tired, my kids are all grown up; I don’t have any grand-kids and I want the Halloween crowd to just leave me alone—especially the teenagers. Will they? NO! But I feel better just dreaming about it.

THANKFUL

Monday, October 22, 2007

We have so much to be thankful for!

Southern California is burning.

It is windy in Scottsdale today and my allergies are acting up. Usually I would be complaining, moaning, groaning and growling. Not today!

I’m counting my blessings and naming them one by one.

Pray for California!

LEE STOBEL AT SCOTTSDALE

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Today is the Lord’s Day and as always, I’m excited. Lee Strobel will be preaching this morning. A few weeks ago I recommended his books to the readers of this blog. He is the author of the Gold Medallion-winning books The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith as well as The Case for a Creator.

Lee Strobel was educated at Yale Law School, was an award-winning legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and a spiritual skeptic until 1981. He also served as teaching pastor at two of America’s largest churches. During his academic years, he became convinced that God was outmoded. He said, “My road to atheism was paved by science…but, ironically, so was my later journey to God.”

I’ve heard Lee’s story about his journey to God but I will be thrilled to hear it again and the message he will bring from God’s Word. I hope the message you hear today will also be from God’s Word.

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST. PLEASE PRAY FOR PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY, STAFF, FACULTY, STUDENTS AND THE RESIDENTS OF THE MALIBU AREA. THEY ARE BEING THREATENED BY A WILD FIRE.

THE FROST IS ON THE PUMPKIN

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The frost may be on the pumpkin–but not around here. But it is cooler and the weather person says it will be even cooler tomorrow. Even though it’s not THAT cool it still looks and feels like fall–even in the desert. Up in the high country, up around Flagstaff the frost IS on the pumpkin and at the Grand Canyon it is down to freezing.

No frost, but we do have the pumpkins. Do we ever! Every place you look there are blankets of orange. They are on this corner, that corner, every vacant plot and some parking lots.

One section of this mornings newspaper had a picture of three people from our "old" church, Lincoln Heights Christian Church, selling pumpkins in an area we call "the Oasis". This is a large grassy area right on Lincoln Drive, one of the busiest streets in Phoenix. They are raising money for the youth group which will be used to help them build houses in Mexico.

Way to go guys! Sell the orange! Bring in the green! Help the poor!

TIRED--MY COMPUTER AND I

Friday, October 19, 2007

"How Never To Be Tired Again" is the title of a an old book I have on my shelf. You want to know, "Does it work? Does the book really help you never to be tired again?" Not really. I wish it did. It’s a good book–it just doesn’t work.

I’M TIRED TODAY.

I felt pretty good when I got up this morning. About 9:00 I made my way to the computer and started to write my blog. The computer was tired. I tried to encourage it in every way I could. Nothing worked. I finally went down stairs and took some vitamins. It didn’t help my computer one bit. It may help me eventually but it hasn’t yet.

Its after 1:00 in the afternoon now and the computer has finally snapped out of it. I’m still dragging but things are looking up. Some days are just like this–even in Australia, or at least that’s what Alexander says. (See Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst).

THE RETURN OF THE BIRDS

Thursday, October 18, 2007

They are back. The snow birds have returned to the Valley of the Sun.

Every year at the same time, the migration begins, 130 to 150,000. They leave their snow shovels, tire chains, gloves and earmuffs and head Southwest where the sun is shining and the birds are singing.

The freeways are fuller and the driving is slower. The lines are longer for the "early bird" special. The matinees are crowded. Some churches in the East valley grow by 200 or more for six months. When the "Boys of Spring" return, every stadium in the valley will be filled with white heads, bald heads and capped heads.

Ah yes, it good to have them back. They bring wisdom, money, funny, sunny, sour, and every philosophy under the sun. What would we do without them?

GOOD SAMARITAN

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

She was old, bent, and walking slowly. She walked out in front of me as I left the pharmacy section of the medical building. As I started my car I could see she was walking in the direction of the bus terminal. The bus terminal is several blocks from the medical building.

I would have liked to have offered her a ride. But short of seeing her pass out and fall to the sidewalk, I couldn’t stop and offer her anything. Isn’t that a shame? It is a shame, but it’s the world we live in. I didn’t grow up in a world like this. What happened?

When I was young, adults could approach children, women, elderly people and it was safe to do so. Friendliness and kindness were graciously accepted. No so today. Oh, in a rare situation you may be safe in approaching a stranger, but you have to be careful.

I just "goosed" my BMW and roared on down the street and right pass the bus terminal. I asked myself, "What would Jesus do?". I got the answer before I hit 40, but I didn’t slow down. I also remembered they hung him on a tree. I drove on home trying to figure out if I’m a coward–or just smart!

MIGHTY CASEY HAS STRUCK OUT

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

"Oh somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville–mighty Casey has struck out"

SWEPT
ROCKIES TOO MUCH FOR YOUNG D-BACKS.

That pretty much says it all.

DELIGHT IN OTHERS WEAKNESSES

Monday, October 15, 2007

Have you ever noticed what delight we give other people by confessing to absurd weaknesses! For example, I cannot eat hot food, like some Mexican food, without almost gasping for breath. When this happens to me, and I try to keep it from happening, my “friends” delight to see it or hear about it.

Once in India I ate some hot food with my wife and two other ladies. I was struggling to get it down and almost sick. They were gobbling it up and laughing between every bite. I was embarrassed and although they expressed great sympathy for me, I could see their hidden delight.

On the other side of the coin, I must admit that I take a little delight when someone confesses to me their fear of public speaking. Some people are afraid of flying, others have a fear of spiders—and the list of “weaknesses” goes on.

Why do we delight in others fears? I think we like to feel that there is an equitable rationing system for this stuff and that we are all at times like little children huddling together in the dark. Occasionally someone comes along who doesn’t seem to have a speck of weakness. And when they do, we are delighted to see them go!

GREAT PREACHING

Sunday, October 14, 2007

I go to church to worship God, not just for preaching. But let’s face it–great preaching doesn’t hurt. We have great preaching every Sunday at Scottsdale Bible Church. Today will be no exception. Dr. Donald Sunukjian, former minister at Scottsdale, will be guest speaker this morning. I’m excited!

I have heard many good things about this man. A few weeks ago, Randy Wray, Minister for the Central Church of Christ in Stockton, California, mentioned in one of his blogs that he learned to preach the way he preaches today from Dr. Sunukjian. I have never heard Randy preach but I hear that he is very good.

Again, I’m eager to get to church this morning. I hope you are too!

ONE OF THE DUMBEST

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Former President Jimmy Carter has to be one of the dumbest human beings on the face of the earth! The dumbest? No, just one of them. I do not know who is number one, I just know that Jimmy is high up on the list.

He thinks that if he just gets that silly little grin on his face, sits down with dictators and talks in his slow, Southern drawl that he will bring about world peace.

Listen, I’ve changed my mind. He is the dumbest human being in the world!

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

Friday, October 12, 2007

Secular universities and colleges all over the world are centers of ignorance and evil!

The professors at these schools are at the very top of the list of fools!

The sad thing is they are turning out students who think just like they do.What a mess! You need an education to get a good job but it’s hard, if not impossible, to get it without having your life all screwed up. Makes me want to scream!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

SAY IT AIN'T SO

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Say it ain’t so Joe–I mean Abbey. Dear Abbey has come out in favor of gay marriage. If two people of the same sex want to live together and the government wants to grant them all the privileges granted those who are married, I have no quarrel with this. I wouldn’t do it, but our government does some strange things. That being said, there is no way in the world two people of the same sex can be considered married. Marriage is between a man and a woman and until God tells us something different–that’s the way it is.

I hate this because of the influence her column has. The Dear Abbey column is written by Jeanne Phillips who took over for her mother five years ago when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

You could say that three, four or more people living together were married–but that wouldn’t make it so. You could say two dogs, cats, tigers, kangaroos, ducks, motorcycles, cars, trucks, buildings, rats, candy bars, crackers or anything else, were married–but that wouldn’t make it so.

SAY IT AIN’T SO ABBEY!

DOBSON GONE OFF DEEP END

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Poor James Dobson has finally " lost it." My contention has always been that if you stay around preachers or preaching very long you will "lose it." And "lose it" he has!

He is threatening to start a third political party because he is not happy with any Republican running. The reason this is so stupid is because it will automatically put Hillary into the White House. What a shame–a great man gone bad. I have always admired Dr. Dobson. I have read several of his books, watched his films and supported his causes. NOT THIS TIME! I am opposed to this with every fiber of my being.

Dobson has a right to feel the way he does about the Republicans running. But he should just stay home and not vote. And because of his tremendous influence over others he should just keep his mouth shut unless asked. He should not be out trying to get others to follow him.

I’m so close to the off ramp that Hillary could be the last President of my life. I would be in hell before my heart ever stopped beating.

SPRINKLER REPAIR 101

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

The sprinkler professional came, looked at my work and declared it “Ok.” Hip, hip, hooray. I saved us $69.00. He didn’t say why it wasn’t working, but after he, the professional, repaired the other two valves, none of them worked. This fact filled me with fear but it also made me smile. Maybe I don’t need the book, “Sprinkler Repairs for Dummies” after all.

Long story short—he finally got the system to work. He said he wired it wrong and he didn't know why because he had wired hundreds of them.

See—even professional sprinkler men are sometimes as dumb as preachers.

IS THIS GREAT, OR WHAT?

Monday, October 08, 2007

October baseball–is this great, or what? The Diamondbacks swept the Cubs and play on. Now, they play the Rockies for a shot at the World Series. Wow!

The Cardinals are actually finding ways to win. Can you believe it?

The Phoenix women’s basketball team actually won a national title. I’m ashamed I wasn’t as excited as I should have been. Way to go girls!

The Suns are bouncing the ball again and getting into shape. They look good on paper, let’s hope that transfers to the hardwood floors.

The sun is shining, the breeze is cool, Thanksgiving Day is coming and Christmas is not far behind. "O Happy Dayaaaaaaaaaaaa"

NO TIME TO WRITE

Sunday, October 07, 2007

No blog yesterday. No time to write. Busy trying to be a handyman.

An operating valve to our sprinklers was leaking. No big problem. I got the necessary repair parts, made the repair–no leaks. BIG PROBLEM. NO WATER COMING OUT THE SPRINKLERS FROM THAT VALVE. No big problem. I would find the cause and fix it.

AT THE END OF THE DAY I DECIDED TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL. He’s coming tomorrow and he will tell me what the little problem was.I should have called a professional to start with, you say? Hey, I’m only 73–I’m still learning!

OLD, BUT NOT TOO OLD

Friday, October 05, 2007

My beautiful wife of almost fifty years is celebrating another birthday today. She is the youngest looking __ year old I know.

A few days ago she was in the produce department of the local grocery store when a young lady approached her and asked what kind of potatoes she should buy to cook with a roast. Charlotte told her and the young lady said, "Oh, I’m sure that’s right. I remember now, that’s what my mother always bought." I asked, "Are you old enough to be her mother?" Charlotte said, "I’m old enough to be almost anybody’s mother!"

Not true! At least not in my eyes! But even if she is, in this case old is good–very good!

GIVING VERSUS GETTING

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Even the most self-centered people can learn to give. I want to recommend a simple way to become a giver instead of a getter. I learned this from David Dunn.

Stop as you rush through life; Look for all the friendly, thoughtful, courteous things you can do, and all the little human needs you can fill; Listen to people and learn of their hopes and their problems so that you will be able to contribute in little ways to their success and happiness.

Go for it! Be a giver–not a getter!

TAKE ME IN TO THE BALL GAME

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

I will be in for the ball game today–not out. I will be in front of the large screen T.V.
I will not be eating peanuts and crackerjacks. I will be eating hamburgers and stew.

The playoffs start today. The Rockies and Phillies play at noon, the Angels and Red Sox this afternoon and the Diamondbacks and Cubs tonight.

First it was hamburgers off the grill–recently cleaned grill. I spent a couple of hours yesterday cleaning that grill until it shined like new. And then today at noon I cooked on it. I love burgers!Tonight it will be Charlotte’s stew. She made it yesterday because it looked like rain all day. Needless to say it didn’t rain. But we had the stew just the same and it was delicious. I love stew! We will have it again tonight.

What, no hot dogs? Not today–maybe tomorrow. I love hot dogs.

Predictions: Rockies, Angels, Diamondbacks!

WHY I LIKE ANN COULTER

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Ann Coulter’s books and comments drive some people "up the wall." She can be cutting, arrogant, rude and even crude–things I don’t like. Well then, why do I like her?

I like her because she writes and says all the things I would like to say. Oh, I can say the things she says–and I do, but nobody is listening and nobody cares.

So I just read her books and listen to her on T.V. and sound like a woman when I say, "You go girl!"

NO ABSOLUTES?

Monday, October 01, 2007

The idiot President of Iran (whatever his name is) when challenged about his disbelief in the holocaust said we shouldn’t be so sure because there are no absolutes. And it seems the majority agree with him.
One of the idiot host of the T.V. program The View, said she didn’t know if the world is round or not.
In the view of the majority we can’t be sure of anything–not God, the Bible or anything else. To them there is no right and wrong. Since they do not believe in God–anything goes. Their worldview is all screwed up.
Since I am thinking about this subject today, I pulled a great book off the shelf and perused it again. The book is Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey. It is the best work of cultural analysis from a Christian standpoint available today.
No absolutes? No total truth? Good grief, Charlie Brown!