Most of you know that we had to make the difficult move to Cherry Hill nursing home with Dad about a month ago. He had improved from his fall and is walking around quite a bit. He seems to be in fairly good spirits and one of the aides told us he played his "French Harp" for quite a while one day last week. Taking everything into consideration, he seems to be adapting very well and the folks at Cherry Hill have been super thus far.
Mom is staying with us most of the time. Jasmine stayed with her at our house last week while we went to the mountains. She is doing fine and spent her day today paying some bills and cooking cornbread and turnip greens. She is enjoying going with me to Ladies Class on Wednesday and seeing the grandkids and great-grandkids a lot more than she was accustomed. I know she would like to be home, but I think she is quite relieved in a way not to be under so much stress with keeping up with Dad. Some of us have been getting her over to see Dad at least every other day.
We are very thankful that everything is working out so well thus far. One could never ask for better parents than mine. I hope I can be half as good for my kids.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Bear Bait?
The fall colors are great in the Smoky Mountains, as you can see from my new profile picture. We had a great trip to Gatlinburg last week, staying at the very top of Ski Mountain. It was "Cold"(that was with a capital "C") the first part of the week. But not cold enough for the bears to be hibernating. I first noticed paw prints on the dumpster about mid-week, then trash spilled everywhere from a dumpster a few hundred yards down the hill a day later. On Thursday night about 10:30 we were coming back up the mountain and spotted a large, shiny black bear about 200 yards from the house we were renting. He ran away before I could get the camera out for a picture. On Friday we saw a truck pulling a bear trap up the road, I am sure to move the bear to less populated area.
I wonder how many times as a young boy I looked intently into those mountains hunting a bear. We usually made a trip to Virginia each year and went through the mountains. It was exciting then just to look for bears and Indians.
Well, it was extremely exiting on Saturday before daylight when we were preparing to leave the house when I heard all kinds of clanging and banging in our dumpster about 40 yards below the house. I told Susan to get back inside, realizing how close we were and with 2 bags of stinky garbage ready to be deposited on our way out. I figured the bear would eat that first, then lick his lips as he gazed upon the fat preacher(I hear they are great bear bait). You should have seen how fast we moved getting back in the house. Then I realized that we had left the car doors open and the trunk with food inside. I shined my flashlight but couldn't see the dumpster, but I still heard noise, so I quickly went out, closed the doors and trunk, and ran back inside.
Imagine my chagrin when I looked out the door and saw a man walking up the hill who had just deposited his trash. How dumb could I be? But I did feel somewhat justified as we drove away and got about 100 yards down the hill, when we saw where the bear had been in yet another dumpster. Yes, thar's bears in them thar hills.
I wonder how many times as a young boy I looked intently into those mountains hunting a bear. We usually made a trip to Virginia each year and went through the mountains. It was exciting then just to look for bears and Indians.
Well, it was extremely exiting on Saturday before daylight when we were preparing to leave the house when I heard all kinds of clanging and banging in our dumpster about 40 yards below the house. I told Susan to get back inside, realizing how close we were and with 2 bags of stinky garbage ready to be deposited on our way out. I figured the bear would eat that first, then lick his lips as he gazed upon the fat preacher(I hear they are great bear bait). You should have seen how fast we moved getting back in the house. Then I realized that we had left the car doors open and the trunk with food inside. I shined my flashlight but couldn't see the dumpster, but I still heard noise, so I quickly went out, closed the doors and trunk, and ran back inside.
Imagine my chagrin when I looked out the door and saw a man walking up the hill who had just deposited his trash. How dumb could I be? But I did feel somewhat justified as we drove away and got about 100 yards down the hill, when we saw where the bear had been in yet another dumpster. Yes, thar's bears in them thar hills.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Comments Please
A few weeks ago I changed the template on my blog to make it easier. Little did I know that that template changed my settings so that you could not leave a comment on my blog. Sorry for blocking you out! It should be fixed, but if you have trouble leaving a comment, let me know by e-mail at davidwc78@wmconnect.com
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Justice and the Death Penalty
Warning! This is a pretty serious subject for this blog. While I like to include some humor when possible, there is nothing humorous about the death penalty. The Birmingham News used to be a very conservative newspaper. I have read it daily since before I was a teenager. Even as a youngster, I would venture out of the comics and read the editorial page at times. Today the News carried another article on the op ed page against the death penalty. You will find many articles opposing the death penalty in the News now days, which would not have been the case in years gone by. The reasoning given in this article for opposing the death penalty was a common one and perhaps the most persuasive that opponents offer. That is that there are occasionally innocent people who are executed. Of course, we would never favor executing innocent people- who would? In truth, I am never in favor of anyone being executed. I would rather that we lived in a society where people were never killed at all and where there were no repeat offenders of violent crimes. But that is not reality.
This article showed its bias by not mentioning the fact that there are hundreds, even thousands of innocent people killed every year by murderers, who are never punished for their crimes. Why is there so much concern for the innocent person who is put to death with the death penalty, and so little concern for the victims of crime?
Here is my opinion- there is a failure on the part of many to understand the very principle of justice. Justice is what our whole “Criminal Justice” system is all about. Justice means that if someone commits a crime, there is a fair and just punishment given for that crime. IT MUST NOT BE A CRUEL AND UNREASONABLE PENALTY OR IT IS NOT JUST! BUT IT MUST BE A PUNISHMENT THAT FITS THE CRIME, OR JUSTICE IS NOT SERVED!
God is always fair in his justice. Speaking of murder, God’s word says, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13- NKJV). We can likely agree that murder should be punished, but what is a fair punishment? A just God’s answer is found in the very next chapter, “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.” (Exodus 21:12).
Much more can be said on this subject, but the basic principle of justice is that one must pay a price that is in keeping with the damage he has done. The death penalty is a just penalty for crimes that take innocent lives. Speaking of the government, in Romans 13:4, Paul said, “For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” The government is in the punishment business. It should do its job faithfully and fairly.
Frankly, I am glad that I am not in this business. I am in the business of showing men how they can receive forgiveness from the almighty God for the sins that they have committed. Thank God, Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we will have faith in Him (John 8:24), turn from our sins (Acts 2:38), confess Him (Romans 10:10), and be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16), we will never have to pay the eternal penalty for our sins, because Jesus, an innocent man, died on the cross to pay for your sins and mine.
This article showed its bias by not mentioning the fact that there are hundreds, even thousands of innocent people killed every year by murderers, who are never punished for their crimes. Why is there so much concern for the innocent person who is put to death with the death penalty, and so little concern for the victims of crime?
Here is my opinion- there is a failure on the part of many to understand the very principle of justice. Justice is what our whole “Criminal Justice” system is all about. Justice means that if someone commits a crime, there is a fair and just punishment given for that crime. IT MUST NOT BE A CRUEL AND UNREASONABLE PENALTY OR IT IS NOT JUST! BUT IT MUST BE A PUNISHMENT THAT FITS THE CRIME, OR JUSTICE IS NOT SERVED!
God is always fair in his justice. Speaking of murder, God’s word says, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13- NKJV). We can likely agree that murder should be punished, but what is a fair punishment? A just God’s answer is found in the very next chapter, “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.” (Exodus 21:12).
Much more can be said on this subject, but the basic principle of justice is that one must pay a price that is in keeping with the damage he has done. The death penalty is a just penalty for crimes that take innocent lives. Speaking of the government, in Romans 13:4, Paul said, “For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” The government is in the punishment business. It should do its job faithfully and fairly.
Frankly, I am glad that I am not in this business. I am in the business of showing men how they can receive forgiveness from the almighty God for the sins that they have committed. Thank God, Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we will have faith in Him (John 8:24), turn from our sins (Acts 2:38), confess Him (Romans 10:10), and be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16), we will never have to pay the eternal penalty for our sins, because Jesus, an innocent man, died on the cross to pay for your sins and mine.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Hello Out There
The fall leaves are beginning to turn a bit and things are going pretty well on Hathcock Drive (My Aunt Ree once called it Hockypock.) To those of you who check this blog regularly, thanks. I haven't written much lately because I think I have a case of canthelpititis. I get that occasionally. The creative juices seem to be barely flowing through my veins. Perhaps it is that nice cool air and those melancholy afternoons, or maybe it was that Auburn game last Saturday that did it? I'll write more later.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Importance of Walking
My friend, Eddie Nagle, sent this to me. I don't know the author, but I wish I had had it this morning at 6:30 before I got on the treadmill! I hope you are having a great day!
Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where she is.
I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.
I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.
The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.
If you are going to try cross country skiing, start with a small country.
..............And last but not least,
You could run this over to your friends but why not just e-mail it to them!
Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where she is.
I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.
I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.
The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.
If you are going to try cross country skiing, start with a small country.
..............And last but not least,
You could run this over to your friends but why not just e-mail it to them!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
School Shootings Again!
School Shootings Again!
What Is Wrong With Our Country?
It is hardly shocking news anymore to hear that there has been another shooting where innocent young lives are snuffed out. Last week, the news in Birmingham was of a young baby, shot in its mother’s apartment while it slept. In the last few days, we have heard of three school shootings with many lives taken. We might like to think that it won’t happen in our community, but if it could happen to a remote, one room school of Amish children in rural Pennsylvania, couldn’t it happen anywhere? And the sad thing is, this is just one example of the horrible things that are happening in our country. The murder rate is increasing, there is concern of sexual predators in every community- nothing shocks us anymore.
The cry goes out, “Why can’t the police do something? Why aren’t the churches doing something? What is wrong with our schools?” We could go on.
While the news media highlights these events, the government promises to study the problem and fix it with more policemen and more prisons, and the masses either ignore the problems or think they can solve them by worrying and complaining, we must realize that not much is truly being done to get to the source of the problem and fix it.
We should ask, “What is the real problem?” Some will answer, “corrupt politics, poverty, or lack of education.” I would beg to differ. These things may contribute, but they are not the cause. You see, the problem is the same one that has plagued mankind from the beginning- lack of respect for God which leads to lack of respect for one’s fellow man.
Long ago man was given some rules to follow which began, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] You shall have no other gods before Me”(Exodus 20:2-3). Every problem of man begins with a lack of respect for the almighty God. Following these verses are the rest of the Ten Commandments, which all teach respect for God and respect for our fellow man.
One might read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and think that they could not be made more simple, but Jesus, the Master Teacher simplified God’s laws even further when he was asked what was the greatest commandment in the law, replying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."(Matthew 22:37-40) Think about it- no matter what laws God might give, they are of no value unless men respect God. The same is true today in regards to the laws of our land. Lawless men don’t care what law you pass. If men had respect for God and his law, they would have respect for the laws of our land(See Romans 13). They have no respect for God, and it follows that they have no respect for law or their fellow men.
Instead of trying to pass more laws, putting more money into school security, hiring more policemen and building more jails, what not go back and try what has worked since the beginning of time- respect for God. Our joy will come back when we remember that, “…He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…”(Ps. 100:3). Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.
But we have a real problem here. You see, a nation cannot pass a law making God our Lord. This is done on an individual basis. The first part of Psalms 40:4 says, “Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust,” Are you that man? Most people are not. If you trust God and follow Him, you will obey his laws- all of them- and follow Him daily. You will not allow you selfish interest to override your love for God and your fellow man.
Yes, the problems of our land can be solved, but not without God. What can I do? Respect and obey God, pray for His blessings, and teach his Gospel to those you meet so that they can become men who trust the Lord.
What Is Wrong With Our Country?
It is hardly shocking news anymore to hear that there has been another shooting where innocent young lives are snuffed out. Last week, the news in Birmingham was of a young baby, shot in its mother’s apartment while it slept. In the last few days, we have heard of three school shootings with many lives taken. We might like to think that it won’t happen in our community, but if it could happen to a remote, one room school of Amish children in rural Pennsylvania, couldn’t it happen anywhere? And the sad thing is, this is just one example of the horrible things that are happening in our country. The murder rate is increasing, there is concern of sexual predators in every community- nothing shocks us anymore.
The cry goes out, “Why can’t the police do something? Why aren’t the churches doing something? What is wrong with our schools?” We could go on.
While the news media highlights these events, the government promises to study the problem and fix it with more policemen and more prisons, and the masses either ignore the problems or think they can solve them by worrying and complaining, we must realize that not much is truly being done to get to the source of the problem and fix it.
We should ask, “What is the real problem?” Some will answer, “corrupt politics, poverty, or lack of education.” I would beg to differ. These things may contribute, but they are not the cause. You see, the problem is the same one that has plagued mankind from the beginning- lack of respect for God which leads to lack of respect for one’s fellow man.
Long ago man was given some rules to follow which began, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. [3] You shall have no other gods before Me”(Exodus 20:2-3). Every problem of man begins with a lack of respect for the almighty God. Following these verses are the rest of the Ten Commandments, which all teach respect for God and respect for our fellow man.
One might read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and think that they could not be made more simple, but Jesus, the Master Teacher simplified God’s laws even further when he was asked what was the greatest commandment in the law, replying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."(Matthew 22:37-40) Think about it- no matter what laws God might give, they are of no value unless men respect God. The same is true today in regards to the laws of our land. Lawless men don’t care what law you pass. If men had respect for God and his law, they would have respect for the laws of our land(See Romans 13). They have no respect for God, and it follows that they have no respect for law or their fellow men.
Instead of trying to pass more laws, putting more money into school security, hiring more policemen and building more jails, what not go back and try what has worked since the beginning of time- respect for God. Our joy will come back when we remember that, “…He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…”(Ps. 100:3). Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.
But we have a real problem here. You see, a nation cannot pass a law making God our Lord. This is done on an individual basis. The first part of Psalms 40:4 says, “Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust,” Are you that man? Most people are not. If you trust God and follow Him, you will obey his laws- all of them- and follow Him daily. You will not allow you selfish interest to override your love for God and your fellow man.
Yes, the problems of our land can be solved, but not without God. What can I do? Respect and obey God, pray for His blessings, and teach his Gospel to those you meet so that they can become men who trust the Lord.
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