Friday, September 24, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Freedom: Do what you want or Do what you should?

Well, I didn't see the original email, but I guess being included on this email is an invitation for me to jump in.

I don't have a lot to write on this first chapter, but perhaps more will follow:

I invite anyone who holds the belief that America and Americans are evil to take a much harder look.  

Sure, those in charge or our country and other countries around the world have perhaps over-reacted to such hostile acts as Nazi Germany trying to take over the entire European landscape, while cleansing their new world of the undesirable handicapped, Jewish and Catholic population; or the Communist Russians trying to rid the world of being able to worship as you want; or the Japanese from doing their best to expand their empire throughout the Pacific.....and many more!  Although there were people in the aggressor nations that did not support such, many, many, many did.  It was not always their fault, as they always had charismatic leaders who could get their sheep to jump off the cliff with them.  Although we currently have such a charismatic leader in our country, I have faith and hope that the majority will, if not already, see the path that is being laid out for our land and world, and continue to fight back to save our country and our freedoms.  And when I speak of freedoms, I mean the freedom to to as we should, not as we want.  The freedom to do what we want has been a contributor in the downslide of our civilization in the U.S.  

The people who stand for freedom have fought back in each of those situations in the short history of our country.  Do I believe that our country is on it's last leg....perhaps.  One reason is that we have lost the desire to a large degree to fight for freedom and to fight against those who desire to strip freedom from people.  I really admire those who have and continue to stand up, and risk their own blood for me.

It is too bad that we did not take a strong stance against China.  Their large and strong country will one day soon evaporate.  They are fast approaching the time when there will be millions and millions more males than females.  Their civilization will crumble, as there will be no one to carry on.  Most of western Europe has also fallen into this trap, as well as our country.  If not for immigration, we would be very close behind China in our civilization ending.  Muslims do seem to be one of the few groups in the world that see this, and will consciously or unconsciously soon take over the word, just by shear numbers.  They are still populating, while many other so called civilized nations are depleting their most important resource.....people.  I truly wish that Catholics and non-Catholics would  really follow true Catholic Church teaching.  Many have also fallen prey to the culture of death that has reigned for more than 50 years when Margaret Sanger and Katherine McCormick pushed for and got the birth control pill created and legalized.  This, of course, has been a disaster, leading to more sexual promiscuity and the breaking down of the family.  Now we see for the last 30 + years, people killing the truly innocent because they have been brought up to think that they had the freedom to do what they wanted, not as they should. 

The slave period in our history was a shameful blemish, however, American Citizens did NOT initiate such a horrible crime.  We inherited this.  It did take way too long to rid this from our nation.  The English settlers in Virginia, actually  expanded the slave trade in 1619, which was started in the Spanish colonies in the 1560's. The slave trade grew and grew for 216 years before the United States of America was started.  Again, it took long to end this, however, relatively speaking, those who were fighting to end this did a pretty good job to abolish the legal slave trade in just 89 years.   Many hold the United States at fault for slavery, despite the fact that she only had slavery for 29% of the history of the era, and then mostly in the south.  The United States, even then, was fighting to stop  those who were stealing the freedom of others.

A lot of men and women have sacrificed their lives to stand up for the freedoms we enjoy.  If not for those in the 1800's, WWI, WWII, and the wars of my lifetime, I am quite certain this country would have long succumbed to tyranny.  And without the United States, much of the world would be led by dictators or worse.  They continue to strive for this domination even today.  Yes, sometimes we over-reacted in fighting to save our freedoms.  Hindsight is almost always 20/20, and the further we move along from historical events, we become more and more blind.

Although I work hard to not be too prejudiced against others, I have a hard time supporting something that those who truly hate our nation and our freedoms and rights are working hard to support.  Iranian leadership and Al Qaida leadership are certainly among those who favor this mosque to be built, despite objections from the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.  Why do they support this mosque?  I don't believe they have the best interests of moderate muslims on their minds.  I don't believe they are working to build bridges between different cultures and religions.  Sadly, but not unbelievable, our own president supports it.  Absolutely, muslim Americans have the right and the freedom to build, but should they....should they disrespect those who died at the hands of muslim extremists?  We should all work to better understand other cultures, other religions, other races, other sexes.  If we truly would do that, and we would truly follow the teachings of Christ and his Church, bloodshed would have been more of an accident in our world's history, not a driving force to shape it.  

I know this is a hot topic in the news, however, I just haven't had time to really pay attention.  

I wish we would focus more on fighting for religious freedom, rather than freedom from religion.  I am fortunate to belong to the Church that Jesus Christ started.....and if he truly is the Only Son of God, begotten not made, the third person of the Trinity, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, WOW!!.  What a true honor and blessing.  I wish I could better represent myself and carry the lantern higher.  I am also fortunate to be a citizen of the United States of America.  A country that was founded on the philosophy that we should not be forced to follow a religion that was not true.  Although the founders were not on the exact proper path, as they were primarily still a "protesting" bunch, they had the right idea.  Thankfully, the true catholic roots ran deep.  

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

AR Reading Results for Diary of a Wimpy Kid

I am so proud of Christopher. He just took his AR Reading test on Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This book was above his "assigned" reading range.....BUT......

He just scored a perfect 100%.

I am so proud of my son! He told me yesterday, that he needed to read the book again before he took his test. I told him that I was confident that he could take the test NOW.

Way to go Christopher>>>>Keep Challenging yourself in school and life>>>>you will continue to succeed and to exceed expectations. Never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of achieving what you want. Almost everything is possible.....well you know, you can't jump to the moon or run faster than a hot Shelby Mustang Cobra!

Love you buddy!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

A weekend of work and reflection

A busy weekend full of work at home - work!!

In doing so, I ran across some old pictures of Christopher as I was searching for a usb memory stick to use. Very nice!!!

Also, while working on the computer, reconfiguring my weekly recap report I do each week, to merge with the new corporate report, I was listening to Pandora on my Ipad!

Three songs of note that made me stop working and reflect on my life!!

Anyone one who knows me would definitely know the impact these songs have in my life.

Here Goes:

Garth Brooks: Unanswered Prayers

Garth Brooks: Standing Outside the Fire

and yes......a very ironic twist in life....a Kenny Chesney song: There Goes My Life

So....

Be thankful when God doesn't seem to be answering your prayers....He is!

Do not be afraid.....to live life, not just merely survive it!

And for certain....every life is a true blessing, even when you first think that new life is going to ruin your life!

God Bless

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

Happy Birthday, Christopher

My son, it is hard to believe that it was eight years ago today, when you were born. You were then, and have always been, a true blessing from God. I Love You! Happy Birthday!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Who is the Man of the Shroud

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Who is the Man of the Shroud: "Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is now one of three areas in the world to have the exhibit of the Shroud of Turin. The other two areas are Rom..."

Friday, July 30, 2010

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner Coming Soon

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Black Bear Diner Coming Soon: "The Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas will soon be joined by a terrific family restaurant, Black Bear Diner. Black Bear Din..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Trains / Hotels / Planes

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Trains / Hotels / Planes: "Do you live in the central valley of California? Are you coming to Sacramento for business or pleasure? Are you flying to near or distant ..."

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Park/Stay/Fly

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas: Park/Stay/Fly: "Flying can be a stressful experience these days, from the need to watch what you pack, to arriving early enough to plan for a personal body ..."

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Be Baptized

We were taught by Jesus Christ to be Baptized and to Baptize all our family. The Church has baptized children from the beginning. Through baptism, we are saved.