tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15558044903110451612012-01-25T10:10:47.306-06:00     And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. <br>     I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.                  (John 14:16-18 NKJ)Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.comBlogger5721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-44479941246550662292012-01-20T12:53:00.000-06:002012-01-20T12:53:56.795-06:00

Is it possible genuinely to respect a view or perspective while rejecting it and opposing it? If a view or belief or perspective is genuinely respected, will it not be accepted as valid and true?

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-66805872815756293192012-01-18T22:28:00.002-06:002012-01-19T10:53:42.711-06:00

Many people throughout the world have been exposed to the “Transformers” movies, cartoons, toys, and action figures. The Transformers are a divided race of autonomous robots, split into warring factions called Decepticons and Autobots. Can you tell them apart? These are their symbols: The truth is that both are decepticons. They both work through deception. They both hide who they

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-63235548304795463512012-01-14T11:02:00.000-06:002012-01-14T11:02:47.577-06:00

Recently I heard a radio evangelist address the question of why Jesus was born as a baby. He said that it was so that we could relate to Him. He said that everyone can relate to a baby. They are cute. They are tender. They are helpless. They are . . . While it is true that we all can relate to babies, having been babies ourselves, and finding them to be lovable and adorable and all that,

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-60241637883886914222012-01-14T09:39:00.000-06:002012-01-14T09:39:24.349-06:00

Last night my wife sent me to Walmart to purchase some household ammonia. As I waited in the checkout line I conversed with the lady ahead of me about a couple of things. I talk with almost anyone who is willing to converse. After paying for my purchase I told the cashier “Have a good evening.” She responded, “Have a good weekend.” I was a bit surprised. I realized that I don’t really think

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-56878812932003170422012-01-14T09:05:00.001-06:002012-01-14T14:59:26.978-06:00

I read a very interesting article today entitled: Unborn child just a ‘parasite’? Cutting edge science shows fetal cells heal mother for life. It is a very interesting read. My mind immediately jumped to 1 Timothy 2:15. I don’t think that St. Paul was referring to this link between baby and mother in this context, but my mind jumped here nonetheless. But since St. Paul was speaking by

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-75889113056072966622012-01-13T22:15:00.000-06:002012-01-13T22:15:55.768-06:00

This evening I heard on the radio a song/hymn and its authors being praised. The song is “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” It has as a Scriptural basis: “The eternal God is your Refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27 The song turns my stomach. I’ve heard it in a couple of movies before. It causes me to realize why so many people think that Christians are

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-9784578018207639622012-01-05T11:40:00.000-06:002012-01-05T11:40:14.202-06:00

Today I received a surprise from an old friend. He made a statement regarding my sermons that was surprising to hear, especially from him. Thanks for the sermons. But where is the Law? I know that you may seem surprised to hear me say that but I didn't see much about us being poor, miserable sinners and stand in need of God's forgiveness. The soul that sinneth shall die. My friend has

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-47643452008903800952011-12-31T10:40:00.000-06:002011-12-31T10:40:31.747-06:00

Yesterday, on the site where I was removing a dead pine for a household, their dog was in the back yard, contained in an area enclosed by a four foot high wrought iron fence. When I first approached the area the dog was happy and wagging her tail and came gingerly toward me. As it drew near it began to snarl and growl and bark threateningly. This continued as I worked. No kind and soothing

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-53685780886107769122011-12-28T15:16:00.002-06:002012-01-04T09:53:32.722-06:00

In the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides there is an amazingly perverse but true to life conversation. I quote it below but it can also be read here or heard at POTC: Angelica lies to Jack by telling him the truth. Angelica: I need years, Jack. Not for me. For my father. I am truly the daughter of Blackbeard. Jack Sparrow: You've fallen for your own con, love. Angelica: No. He

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-50467018547959840192011-12-27T10:49:00.002-06:002011-12-27T10:57:04.293-06:00

I learned today of the Christmas Eve judgment regarding the Gibsons in their divorce settlement. Mel Gibson divorce: Details of settlement remain private Mel Gibson’s Ex Awarded Over $400 million in Divorce Settlement Mel Gibson Loses Half of His $850 Million Fortune to Ex-Wife in Divorce The third link includes an ABC video in which a male anchor announces the divorce and turns to a female

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-11003911784926471832011-12-24T14:27:00.000-06:002011-12-24T14:27:02.900-06:00

Merry Christmas! What does this mean? Some add, “Keep Christ in Christmas!” or “Jesus is the reason for the season!” Do these really give a more clear definition and better understanding? All of these are good sayings. But do those who use them even understand what they mean? Below is a video that was produced by an atheist. It contains the words “damn” and “hell” as expletives. When I

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-53354140577560735422011-12-20T16:42:00.000-06:002011-12-20T16:42:24.736-06:00

Friday evening Stephanie went to our refrigerator to put away some items and discovered that it had quit working. The frozen food was mostly thawed. We scrambled to move the food items to the backup refrigerator that we purchased a year ago. Yes, Stephanie knew that our aging refrigerator could give out and snapped up an inexpensive used one. We called our friend at Abel’s Appliance yesterday

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-87436178694740294572011-12-20T02:10:00.000-06:002011-12-20T02:10:32.320-06:00

I found an article regarding the recently deceased Czech leader, entitled, Living Responsibly: Václav Havel's View, an article that I found very informative and interesting. Frankly, until today, I was ignorant of this man and his role in the struggle of mankind for knowing the truth and for understanding who we are. I saw some blog posts contrasting this man and the recently deceased ruler of

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-995972906358139472011-12-19T22:17:00.000-06:002011-12-19T22:17:53.318-06:00

     Here is another article regarding the flu, flu shots, and why flu shots are not the answer, in fact, not even safe: Dr. Russell Blaylock Warns: Don't Get the Flu Shot — It Promotes Alzheimer's. Additionally, Dr. Blaylock has at his own web site this article: The Truth about the Flu Shot! . This article has much more information. The information, especially regarding the deliberate

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-5297063982410769962011-12-19T16:16:00.003-06:002011-12-19T16:46:35.167-06:00

Saturday evening, I went to retrieve my T-post puller from the chipper truck so as to be able to replace the broken top bar/lever and as I put it into the cab of my pickup I tore a hole in the headliner. Boo hoo. Then I went to Blockbuster to pick up a couple of free videos. From there I went to Braums to buy the gallon of milk that Stephanie requested. As I drove into the parking lot I

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-4863015554092137362011-12-19T14:30:00.000-06:002011-12-19T14:30:28.866-06:00

Today it is raining so that I cannot safely do my work. The forecast for tomorrow is snow! Farmers of crops, especially here in Kansas where the annual rainfall is precious, are known to say, “We never complain about moisture. We always need moisture.” There are, of course, variations to this saying. Indeed the rain is cause for giving thanks, yet my sinful shortsightedness is not always

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-83366609483164495982011-12-16T10:59:00.000-06:002011-12-16T10:59:29.555-06:00

Yesterday as I worked in a neighborhood in which I have worked on other occasions, two young boys came home from school and approached me. I have met them before. Actually, one came home from school and the other is home schooled. They are nine years old and in the fourth grade. My work intrigues people, especially young people. My equipment is impressive. I have chainsaws and pole saws and

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-83844394480864311352011-12-15T13:50:00.000-06:002011-12-15T13:50:40.750-06:00

Many years ago, when I was attending the seminary and living in the dorm, I received my first and only flu vaccination. The seminary nurse was offering it to us at a much reduced cost. That year I had the worst case of the flu that I have ever experienced. When I later spoke with the seminary doctor (who volunteered his time weekly) he said, “That is why I never recommend the flu shots. In my

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-67841071988617646522011-12-15T03:13:00.001-06:002011-12-15T03:16:53.656-06:00

An article entitled “Have You Seen St. Nick? I Have” showed photographs of a forensic reconstruction of the face of Saint Nicholas of Myra based upon the dear saint’s skull. A link was provided to Anthropology Update: A Visage of Saint Nicholas where some additional information was available. These are the photographs on that site: These were compared to one of the ancient icons of Nicholas:

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-57265564372244091092011-12-15T03:00:00.000-06:002011-12-15T03:00:24.695-06:00

The Christian Creeds, particularly the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, clearly state “I Believe in . . .” These are credos, statements of faith. Many people today, and in times past but even more so today, reduce these to “I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.” They insist that this is all that really matters and that it does not matter what form this confession of faith assumes. Very

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-60348610294047096082011-12-14T17:33:00.000-06:002011-12-14T17:33:02.066-06:00

How many more times will this be played or sung? Argh! Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Lyrics Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Oh! You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town! He's making a list, He's checking it twice, He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Santa Claus is coming to town! He sees you when you're

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-29058455471605204352011-12-14T16:22:00.000-06:002011-12-14T16:22:31.916-06:00

Ah! Just in time for the Holy Days! FDA Approves Hangover Pill Blowfish: The first-ever FDA-approved hangover pill “Blowfish, already available in stores in New York City, is an over-the-counter tablet similar to Alka Seltzer that contains 1,000 milligrams of aspirin, 120 milligrams of caffeine, and a stomach-calming ingredient.” From what I recall, this is a more expensive version of Anacin

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-35977808720769670022011-12-12T14:05:00.000-06:002011-12-12T14:05:04.909-06:00

Have you received information from banks and credit card companies and other creditors urging you to “Save a Tree” by allowing them to cut you off from having your bills and statements mailed to you as actual physical documents? Have you been bombarded by the “Go Green” promoters? Have you ever wondered why? Have you ever felt bewildered by the amount of paper that is wasted in mailings that

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-13335162668200916342011-12-09T10:47:00.000-06:002011-12-09T10:47:55.452-06:00

My next door neighbor, who was ninety-one years old, died. The memorial service was conducted. The family came for the precious memories attached to some of his possessions. Tuesday the auctioneer came to tote away the rest. All that remains is this sign: Everyday this sign reminds me that my old friend is no longer to be found next door. Everyday I walk out to prepare for the day’s work

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-85945282880167916622011-12-09T10:05:00.001-06:002011-12-09T10:06:13.431-06:00

Here is an article that should be of concern to all Americans: DHS Shut Down Blog For A Year On False Pretenses. Why is the Department of Homeland Security now in copyright enforcement? How far will this be pressed? Will the Federal government begin preventing people from openly and publicly criticizing the government? Feds Order You Tube To Remove Video For Containing “Government Criticism”

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-10650597839109639772011-12-06T15:22:00.000-06:002011-12-06T15:22:28.761-06:00

      “Fighting Addictions” is a very suitable title for this topic as it can be received from two different perspectives. The first that a person is likely to receive is the notion of a person who strives to fight against an addiction or addictions. The second is the perception that the addiction or addictions actually fight against the person, both in the effects and affects of the addiction

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-432507186253882962011-12-05T16:46:00.000-06:002011-12-05T16:46:36.007-06:00

Here is a link to Christmas and Holiday Celebrations at Twiggle Magazine where information and materials are supplied so as to be able to celebrate the three opposing religious holidays together. Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa! Whatever! The same kind of greeting can be heard from radio talk show hosts and other program hosts. A nondescript “Happy Holidays!” can be heard

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-89507770717152395342011-12-05T15:31:00.000-06:002011-12-05T15:31:52.472-06:00

The ACLJ - The American Center for Law and Justice sent me an e-mail today regarding a Petition to Protect the Cross. This link will give more information, but here is one explanatory paragraph: At Camp Pendleton, an atheist group is challenging a cross put in place by a few Marines in honor of four heroes who died in Iraq. An atheist group says the memorial sends a message of "exclusion." And

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-15379741288895797622011-12-05T12:21:00.000-06:002011-12-05T12:21:40.348-06:00

This passage quoted from Isaiah 2:4 is also stated in the Old Testament reading appointed for the Second Sunday in Advent, Micah 4:1-7. How wonderful it would be if this passage engraved in stone on this wall were understood as the prophets proclaim it. Sadly, on this wall across the street from the United Nations building in New York City it is used as though these words are to refer to the

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-42322924549752487202011-11-28T21:56:00.000-06:002011-11-28T21:56:11.103-06:00

Over the years I have had many conversations with sufferers of anorexia. I shared with a friend that I know of some who have suffered from anorexia in the past, and my friend asked how a person can “get over anorexia.” From what I have learned, “getting over one’s anorexia” is not really an accurate way of viewing the situation. This is why I have chosen “Beyond Anorexia” for the title of

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-18272829247630497772011-11-27T13:00:00.003-06:002011-11-27T13:15:00.861-06:00

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) This passage from the letter of St. Paul to the saints in Philippi has been used throughout the centuries as words of comfort and encouragement by millions, even billions, of struggling people. St. Paul wrote these words for that very purpose. However, our translations change what the apostle actually says, and

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-24973711599348563512011-11-26T12:36:00.000-06:002011-11-26T12:36:14.498-06:00

Over the last week or so we have had several rains, but I did not check the rain gauge until today following last night’s rain. I was surprised!

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-27372952368643565142011-11-25T17:52:00.000-06:002011-11-25T17:52:14.153-06:00

If a person is said to be the most honest person that one knows, what is really being said about that person? Can a person that is mostly honest be trusted? If a person declares that lying is sometimes appropriate, can that person ever be trusted? If a person declares that lying is sometimes appropriate, is that person not declaring that lying is always appropriate, if that person determines

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-76931681611621877442011-11-25T10:45:00.003-06:002011-11-25T10:47:31.086-06:00

Last week I received a call from the neighbor across the street. My next door neighbor had fallen while shopping and was in the neuro-intensive care unit at the hospital. His close companion of many years was at the hospital with him and could not remember the phone numbers of his children and grandchildren. He had a hemorrhage in the brain and it was said that he was dead before he hit the

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-34986047250966683202011-11-25T10:00:00.001-06:002011-11-25T10:05:32.776-06:00

Yesterday, during the divine service, I had the nagging awareness that this would be the last time that we would be singing the Gloria in Excelsis (Glory to God on high) until Christmas Eve. This is the song of the announcement of the birth of the Savior that the angels shared with the shepherds in the region of Bethlehem. The words of the angels begin with the pastor chanting: “Glory be to God

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-88782713907928093792011-11-23T16:20:00.000-06:002011-11-23T16:20:28.902-06:00

Here is a Thanksgiving story that is new to me: Squanto–God’s Special Indian a Thanksgiving Story. Upon reading this article I found two other accounts, each varying somewhat from the others, but relaying the same primary information regarding this man and his encounter with the European invaders and immigrants as well as his encounter with faith in Jesus. Here are the other two articles:

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-66417020828777725262011-11-18T16:49:00.000-06:002011-11-18T16:49:28.409-06:00

Trash truck strikes underside of Kellogg bridge over Seneca, prompting closures

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-24557487708089023202011-11-18T16:24:00.000-06:002011-11-18T16:24:16.955-06:00

When you hear “Church,” what do you envision? Is it something like this? Like this? Or this? Or this? Or this? Or do you envision something like this? + + +

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-57355961599948202752011-11-18T15:31:00.002-06:002011-11-19T17:16:02.425-06:00

In a blog post entitled How Should We Celebrate Reformation Sunday? the following paragraph stirred up some thoughts for me: Though Luther was, at times, threatened, he did not die a martyr’s death. Neither did Fr. Johannes Bugenhagen, who was given charge of Luther’s wife and children following his death. And neither did the famous lay theologian of the Lutheran Reformation, Philip Melanchthon

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-20693583717054021282011-11-11T10:33:00.001-06:002011-11-11T10:33:36.396-06:00

A once in a lifetime occurrence: 11-11-11 Today's tribute to Veterans' Day. + + +

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-39711977249946767822011-11-09T12:35:00.000-06:002011-11-09T12:35:29.111-06:00

An 80 year old man is being attacked by the Obama Administration and the FBI as a violent criminal because of his pro-life stand. His big acts of violence? He stood on a side walk and he accidentally stepped on someone’s shoe. More information is available at: Obama Admin: Fine Pro-Lifer $25,000 for Stepping on Shoe Bias at Justice: A Tale of Two Cases Federal government out of step with

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-45621794510617789362011-11-08T13:32:00.001-06:002011-11-09T12:22:10.775-06:00

Help for people owning a Cricket TXTM8 3G A410 by ZTE If you have any problems or need help for your Cricket TXTM8 3G A410 by ZTE this is where both Cricket and ZTE place your customer service requests. Don’t bother calling or e-mailing them, unless you enjoy extended wait times, being placed on hold for even longer periods, and finally receiving no intelligible answer or perhaps even an

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-9203193956637147782011-11-05T19:03:00.000-05:002011-11-05T19:03:16.472-05:00

A few posts below is yesterday’s post entitled Learning to say “No”. Today I will address the other side of the coin, so to speak. While it most certainly is true that the Lord is able to supply whatever is needed so that one is enabled to help one’s neighbor when the Lord leads one so to do, is there ever a time when the Lord would have a person to say “No”? Another way of asking this is: Is

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-47919335331966264042011-11-05T12:03:00.001-05:002011-11-05T12:08:14.932-05:00

This article seems to be mistitled: Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend, and It’s Healthy. As one reads the article, the information presented seems to indicate the exact opposite, that the shift in the clocks can actually have detrimental bodily effects. So why this title? The article quotes a study that shows that the change in time causes stress on the body. (Oh, like we need a study to

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-35800551927743530382011-11-05T10:58:00.002-05:002011-11-05T11:23:42.429-05:00

Don’t forget the governmental imposed time warp tonight. The so-called daylight savings plan ends for this year at 2:00 AM. (Actually, it works very nicely to change the clocks before going to bed and not worry about anything at 2:00 AM.) If you would care for an example of how stupidly our society deals with matters of daily living, here is a video to satisfy your need for stupidity based

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-82448571791130848652011-11-04T11:41:00.001-05:002011-11-04T12:00:11.903-05:00

In terms of putting my own needs first, looking out for my business first, I am a terrible businessman. To be successful in business, the model is that one counts the needs of his business as most important and people are secondary. Yesterday, instead of going to do the job that I had planned to do, I responded to a former neighbor. He came and knocked on the door, as he is accustomed to doing

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-70591341531514763862011-11-02T18:29:00.000-05:002011-11-02T18:29:59.124-05:00

From time to time I visit the Cyberbrethren blog. He often has interesting information. Also, his perspective is a reasonable representation of those who today call themselves conservative or confessional Lutherans. Checking his blog as well as others reminds me of the direction that these Lutherans are heading. Lots of information is available on his blog. In September one of his posts was

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-23888543878928546332011-11-02T12:57:00.001-05:002011-11-02T12:58:50.189-05:00

It seems that everyday I have multiple ideas, for which I jot some notes and add to my stacks of possible blog posts. Some I have even spent many hours and in some cases even days studying. Most blog posts require a considerable investment of my time. A few are of such a nature that I can simply cut and paste, but most take much time in order to treat them with seriousness and to attempt

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-32163765640693268552011-11-02T08:36:00.000-05:002011-11-02T08:36:31.271-05:00

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-39951769347853215132011-11-01T13:03:00.001-05:002011-11-01T13:10:28.751-05:00

The transition from October to November carries a mixture of observances, Halloween, Reformation, and All Saints Vigil and Day. Halloween is the observance that most people know and practice. I was amazed to see how far some people go in decorating for Halloween. Some houses were decorated as much as they were for Christmas. My drive-by photo did not turn out well, but here is one house from

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-37000636100540672892011-10-28T11:43:00.000-05:002011-10-28T11:43:28.997-05:00

Reflecting upon my preparations for last Sunday’s sermon, as well as the many texts on which I have expounded, I wonder how many sermons can be written from a specific text. Each time that I approach one of the pericopal readings I wonder, how can I preach this with freshness? Yet each time, as I wrestle with God in His Scriptures, I find that He has said more than I previously realized and

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-29651578672814675792011-10-28T10:09:00.001-05:002011-10-28T10:17:09.279-05:00

This past Sunday’s Gospel reading is surely familiar to all who call themselves Christian. The reading is Matthew 22:31-46. But how many people understand what this text teaches? Sandwiched into the middle of this text is the question: “Which is the great commandment of the law?” The Lord Jesus answers more than the lawyer realized that he was asking. For the lawyer, even with all of his

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-51414538485066794432011-10-18T10:19:00.000-05:002011-10-18T10:19:43.697-05:00

As prices continue to rise faster than incomes can compensate, do you share in wondering: “What is happening to our money?” Here are two articles that deal with this issue: Who Or What Is Really the World’s Central Bank? SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. - - -

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-82828286652129648202011-10-14T10:54:00.000-05:002011-10-14T10:54:34.488-05:00

I have posted about the non-existent customer service by most of the bigger companies today. I often am extremely frustrated by the bad treatment that I receive very consistently these days. Other people talk about this as their common experience as well. Moreover, it seems to be nearly a universal expectation, or at least a universal experience, today. However, there are a few companies who

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-28584488473150661882011-10-14T01:25:00.000-05:002011-10-14T01:25:39.178-05:00

Here are a few bright and happy reminders of God's goodness and mercy and love that show through as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-28325628155225768622011-10-14T01:11:00.000-05:002011-10-14T01:11:58.721-05:00

This past evening I was wandering in the local hardware store and made a very disturbing discovery. To my dismay I observed this sign by the cans of spray paint. I inquired whether I understood what I read. Indeed, a law has been passed in Wichita that makes it illegal to sell to minors and for minors to purchase a can of spray paint or a broad tipped marker. Here is the link for Ordinance

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-67754441121469316022011-10-13T13:07:00.000-05:002011-10-13T13:07:21.943-05:00

The Washington Post has an article, Clearing up the facts on Pastor Nadarkhani’s fate. It includes a link to this translation of the Iranian Supreme Court verdict against Nadarkhani. + + +

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-54022227143072749172011-10-13T00:10:00.003-05:002011-10-13T01:06:12.979-05:00

At another blog, christian-with-a-view, is posted an article entitled: RESPONSE TO A READER. Here is the opening section: Monday, October 10, 2011 RESPONSE TO A READER The reader said: "So what would you do if I told you that, having read both several times, and having prayed about them both, the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God, and it does not contradict the teachings of the Bible....

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-21095857577413589422011-10-12T17:45:00.000-05:002011-10-12T17:45:53.888-05:00

Today as I sat waiting at a traffic light I snapped this photograph. Since it is not at all clear, I am including a graphic link below it. Is this not the epitome of misnomers or oxymorons? - - -

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-42606978737792188352011-10-12T16:47:00.001-05:002011-10-12T16:49:50.458-05:00

Tuesday In the article, 2 Charged in Alleged Plot to Kill Saudi Ambassador to US, it is reported that the “Obama administration on Tuesday accused agents of the Iranian government of being involved in a plan to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States.” Near the end of the article it also reports that “President Barack Obama was first briefed on the plot in June.” That was four

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-75776281964615485322011-10-11T12:48:00.001-05:002011-10-11T12:49:31.652-05:00

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been in the news as a man sentenced to death in Iran for his refusal to repent of his conversion (apostasy) from Islam to Christianity. International pressure has helped to forestall at least temporarily the Iranian government’s plans to execute him. Additionally, the Iranian government has circulated propaganda claiming that the charges in the court documentation

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-8074573749552841722011-10-08T15:05:00.000-05:002011-10-08T15:05:04.291-05:00

For many years I have desired to produce a little booklet that would include the order of service from TLH, The Lutheran Hymnal, with a side by side explanation of the portions of the liturgy for the benefit of people who desire to understand the worship life of the Church. For years CPH, Concordia Publishing House, and the LC–MS, the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, told me that I would need

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-83201834905085048622011-10-08T12:50:00.001-05:002011-10-08T13:52:14.702-05:00

Have you seen this incident? Online banking with Bank of America has been changed, also. About a year ago BoA changed its access requirements for online banking. One day I tried to log on, and after entering my username and password, it would not allow me to access my account online, not even to see the account information. Now one must grant them permission to use electronic notification

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-72703899720640878202011-10-03T11:17:00.001-05:002011-10-03T11:22:13.967-05:00

     Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity cleanse and defend Thy Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Thy help, preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. † † † This week’s sermon: Galatians 5:25- 6:10 — “If We Live in Spirit in

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-38622442407040358322011-09-30T23:00:00.000-05:002011-09-30T23:00:46.185-05:00

Are you a big enough sinner to be saved? Little sinners with little sins do not need to be saved. They just need a little help to get them started in the right direction. Little sinners, those whose sins are not so monstrously wicked so as to require the judgment of condemnation, do not look to a genuine savior. Little sinners look to a cooperative agent to give them assistance in overcoming

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-26864338321773237732011-09-30T22:24:00.003-05:002011-09-30T23:51:04.774-05:00

How many times have the media, our governmental leaders, even so-called Christian leaders referred to the hateful and murderous acts of Islamic followers as “radical” or “extremist”? How many times have these terms been falsely equated? Extremist means: advocating or resorting to measures beyond the norm, especially in politics. Radical means: from the root. According to what is being done to

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-20966246721728867632011-09-29T11:01:00.000-05:002011-09-29T11:01:36.595-05:00

Earlier this week, a locust thorn penetrated my finger and lodged within, causing considerable discomfort. I tried serveral times to remove it with my pocket knife, but the point of the knife was not sharp enough to get the job done without unnecessary injury to the finger. Even after sharpening the knife, the point still was not sharp enough. Some people use a needle to extract thorns and

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-90772278568112806302011-09-23T09:17:00.000-05:002011-09-23T09:17:32.145-05:00

     When a person is confronted with the fact that false doctrine has been part of what has been embraced and believed and practiced it can cause fears to arise. A person can begin to ask: “Was I saved then?”      Other related questions also can arise in the person’s heart.      St. Paul answers these questions with the comfort of the Gospel. He says of himself:      And I thank Christ

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-53630399862664273692011-09-21T01:50:00.000-05:002011-09-21T01:50:31.543-05:00

Today there are many who deny that true unity in doctrine and practice can exist in the Church. But then, how would they know? + + +

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-76112981794638710672011-09-20T12:14:00.000-05:002011-09-20T12:14:43.131-05:00

     A dear friend included in an e-mail today the following:      I was reading Romans 14 and maybe you want to check this one out. I won't tell you what I think yet, but it made a great impression on how one approaches others. Very interesting.      Reading this portion of the apostle’s letter was refreshing. It was encouraging, especially reading it in the greater context of the entire

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-44213674214327391872011-09-20T11:24:00.000-05:002011-09-20T11:24:36.355-05:00

From the readings for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, the Epistle reading was the text for the sermon. The introduction began:      Repent! Repent! Repent! Do you get tired of hearing this message? Nevertheless, it is the perpetual message of the Church. It is the tireless message of the preachers of the Gospel. It is a command. Yet it is a command that we cannot fulfill. It is a

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-45624963308978476262011-09-16T22:17:00.000-05:002011-09-16T22:17:58.615-05:00

A recent conversation with one of my very dear customers demonstrates the difference between what we deludingly label as Free Will and what the Lord establishes as Freed Will. What we count as free will is actually our will that has been placed under the bondage of sinfulness. It is our will that rebels against God’s holy will. Thus it is will that is in need of being freed by God’s gracious

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-50780308268298693992011-09-16T17:43:00.000-05:002011-09-16T17:43:39.868-05:00

Today I received an automated phone call from AT&T wanting me to respond with how satisfied I was with the service I received from the representative I spoke with yesterday. I spoke with four customer service representatives. The first two did not understand English. I had to repeat myself over and over. The one rep said: "Let me see if I understood you correctly . . ." My response: "I did

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-61139344539316816162011-09-12T09:01:00.000-05:002011-09-12T09:01:56.866-05:00

Yesterday was the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. Below are the Collect of the Day and the first of the two prayers for praying after the distribution of the Holy Communion. The Collect of the Day -- pg. 19 (TLH) Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it comes that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Thee

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-39984653750398541032011-09-07T09:47:00.000-05:002011-09-07T09:47:59.420-05:00

I recently performed an Internet search for my name and learned to my surprise that I am not the only Paul Siems listed in Wichita, Kansas. I found that there is another Paul Siems just a short distance away (at least according to that search). He is not me and I am not he. Yet via an Internet search for Paul Siems you will find us both. We have never actually met one another, by the way.

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-22778324300712019042011-09-05T13:31:00.000-05:002011-09-05T13:31:37.689-05:00

Did you know that of the words in the Scriptures for Forgiveness some are the same as for Divorce? Forgiveness is divorcing or separating or sending away or loosing an offender from that person’s offence so that becoming divorced from the person is avoided. This is what God does for us. He looks upon us with mercy and love so that He takes our offenses and pays for them so as to be able to

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-77069802835924719062011-09-02T19:04:00.005-05:002011-09-03T04:22:35.991-05:00

Here are a couple videos that have been brought to my attention to be shared just for fun. Is this one for real? According to the note included at Flixxy it is for real. Here is what the owners say: "Cat Leila and dove Arc-En-Ciel (Rainbow) doing their thing. Happens everyday." "The Sequel: Love over Freedom. A few days after this video was shot, the dove accidently flew out of the house

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-28009228431566574082011-09-02T17:29:00.001-05:002011-09-02T17:32:00.792-05:00

The following is from: Work in Denmark. Working hours The standard working week in Denmark is 37 hours split over 5 days. The primary working hours are Monday-Friday from 06:00 - 18:00. Lunch breaks are typically 30 minutes long. Lunch breaks are paid as regular working hours in the public sector, whereas most private employees pay for lunch breaks themselves. However, this varies from

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-8536168374139600612011-09-02T11:54:00.000-05:002011-09-02T11:54:41.565-05:00

In the video and the transcript posted immediately below in the post: Billy Graham & the Future of Christianity, Robert Schuller makes a statement to which Billy gives absolute assent: “There's a wideness in God's mercy.” God’s mercy is even greater than what these men imagine. It has absolutely no limits. God’s mercy is from eternity. It reaches to every tribe and nation and tongue of

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-85456477737721582082011-09-02T00:49:00.002-05:002011-09-03T13:33:46.749-05:00

I was shocked by what I viewed today.  While I am sure that this is not new to most people, it was new to me.  Even though I knew that Billy Graham was a false teacher, I did not realize the depth of his hypocrisy and antiChristian beliefs and teaching.  The following is a video clip where he answers Robert Schuller’s question: “Tell me, what is the future of Christianity?” The transcript can

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-79178060523139902622011-09-02T00:22:00.000-05:002011-09-02T00:22:01.200-05:00

In one of the earlier posts I commented on the Dirty Rotten Thieves and illustrated how inflation is used by the big boys to rob everyone even without their awareness and often even with people’s thanks. Gary Kah has a video of a TV interview where he talks about some of the ways that these things and the movement to worldwide domination are being effected.  This video and other interviews are

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-68424045159260336412011-09-01T06:00:00.002-05:002011-09-01T06:00:14.122-05:00

Why should we still bother with sermons? Why not simply bypass them or do as many churches do and simply turn them into Bible Studies? Is there a difference between a Bible Study and a Sermon? Many people think not. Yet I cannot imagine a single person counting standing in a grocery store checkout line as being the same as being called to the supper table. What is the difference? In the

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-57904800088453024402011-09-01T00:03:00.002-05:002011-09-01T00:05:17.148-05:00

How many refrigerators are covered with the scribbling of little children displayed as precious works of art? Grandparents, uncles and aunts, and parents alike receive the illegible writings and the muddled scribbling of beloved children and post them on every inch of refrigerator case. Why? Is it because of the quality of the work? Or is it because of the value that love pours over

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-50073772756906000782011-08-31T21:54:00.002-05:002011-08-31T22:08:14.102-05:00

The following report is from a newsletter that a friend, a real estate agent who helped us find our home, sends regularly. Air Conditioners are being stolen. Nope, not the window units, you can carry by yourself, but the big one behind your house. On Sunday, I held an open house at one of my listings. I went inside and it was 97 degrees. I turned down the thermostat, nothing. I kept trying to

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-1965071224914442462011-08-31T11:37:00.000-05:002011-08-31T11:37:35.328-05:00

How many times do we need to be warned? I received the following e-mail today: Good day, As requested I give you Invoices issued to you per Aug. Regards KARLYN Collins The e-mail had an attachment, a zip file attachment: Invoice_08.29.2011_B4293.zip Even though I KNOW BETTER, I was sorely tempted to click on the link to see what it was. I actually did click on the link, but stopped

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-49643076822320920082011-08-31T11:02:00.000-05:002011-08-31T11:02:11.491-05:00

Yesterday the phone rang and yet again another caller invaded my presence with a demand for my money. She barely even mentioned the group for whom she was collecting money, but was urgently pressing to send me a contribution packet in the mail. I explained that we do not contribute to any phone solicitations. I explained this repeatedly, but she persisted, as is the way with phone solicitors

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-63594801729878885162011-08-30T01:47:00.000-05:002011-08-30T01:47:14.378-05:00

Everywhere I turn it seems that I encounter more hurt, both in what I observe in the lives of others as well as in my own life. Hurt, hurt, hurt! Perhaps the saddest part of this is to realize just how much of the hurt that we encounter and endure is actually the result of our own choices. This is why the Lord has given us His commandments. His commandments have a threefold purpose. First

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-73187131992189247612011-08-30T00:36:00.001-05:002011-08-30T07:33:40.702-05:00

Does it seem like the churches today who claim to embrace a Confessional Subscription understand this in like manner to a magazine subscription? Do the churches who claim to subscribe to the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church treat their Confessional Subscription like an old subscription to a magazine that upon delivery by the postal carrier is then tossed onto a dusty stack? Do

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-80844000906214208932011-08-29T13:33:00.000-05:002011-08-29T13:33:35.204-05:00

One of the things that continues to leave me in awe about the historic liturgy is the use of the Collect of the Day. Each Sunday these wonderful snippets direct our hearts to important aspects of the daily pericopal readings. Here is the Collect from this Sunday: O God, who declarest Thine almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity, mercifully grant unto us such a measure of Thy grace

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-38275404104222034662011-08-26T11:00:00.000-05:002011-08-26T11:00:10.972-05:00

I took this photo of one of dozens of posters that have been stapled to power poles all over our neighborhood. I called the telephone number earlier this week to inquire whether the cat has been found. I was informed that the cat has been missing since Aug. 3rd and has not been found. I took the photo because it struck me how much these people must love their cat. These posters are

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-2716022676674476072011-08-24T23:28:00.000-05:002011-08-24T23:28:56.532-05:00

A very kind person sent me the following in an e-mail. I also found it through an Internet search at many other locations, including: Celebrate Recovery: Interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren. I found the following rather inspiring. In an interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-57714710016369035062011-08-24T13:33:00.001-05:002011-08-24T23:41:05.085-05:00

Don’t you love it when a company has one of its phone representatives to call and the person says: “This is a courtesy call”? I recently asked the person: “In what way is this a courtesy call? What courtesy are you doing for me? Oh, you mean that I will be doing you a courtesy!” She responded, “Oh no. This is courtesy call. We just want you to answer some questions for a survey.” I said,

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-26440631490142605922011-08-23T11:41:00.000-05:002011-08-23T11:41:11.082-05:00

“Once upon a time . . .” Isn’t this how the innocent and wholesome stories are supposed to begin? I remember, once upon a time, when the movie industry and TV producers insisted that their movies and TV shows and advertisements merely “reflected” society and did not shape it or define it or influence it or inspire it. These statements were made in response to concerned citizens and

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-13047300645445838092011-08-22T09:09:00.001-05:002011-08-22T09:24:25.724-05:00

Saturday as I was preparing to take a load of willow logs to the landfill, I noticed a mourning dove sitting in the street about a foot from the curb. It simply sat and did not move. I approached and it still did not move. Was it alive? Yes, but very weak. I thought: “You’ll be killed if you stay there.” So I gently picked it up and moved it to the grass in our yard. But it barely had

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-21991651940459724092011-08-21T09:30:00.000-05:002011-08-21T09:30:22.439-05:00

What are you eating? How are you affected by your diet? This morning Stephanie commented on how her cravings have changed since we have become more careful about our diet. (Notice that we are discussing diet and not ration. Diet is the substance of what is consumed while ration is the amount. What most people mislabel as diet is really ration.) Stephanie commented that since we have

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-84818591667140127662011-08-20T10:06:00.000-05:002011-08-20T10:06:18.671-05:00

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12) In the Scriptures certain ones of the Lord are said to have been given favor before men by the Lord. Joseph was given favor before Potipher and Pharaoh. Samuel grew in favor before the Lord and men. This is especially said of Jesus. In Acts it is said of the disciples who gathered to

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-38433654621395277822011-08-19T23:32:00.000-05:002011-08-19T23:32:00.939-05:00

My wife rented some movies for us to watch. Two of the movies, “The Road” and “Shrink” were based upon suicide and the question: “Why do they do it?” The question was left unanswered, with only the pain for the survivors on display. Why do they do it? The answer is actually contained within the nomenclature. The two parts of the word mean self - kill. Suicide is all about self. Another

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-43662602018465630702011-08-17T08:43:00.001-05:002011-08-20T09:03:01.235-05:00

The recent storms in the area have caused a flood of emergency calls over the last few weeks. One of the emergency tree jobs is the removal of an enormous willow that was damaged. One of the broken boughs had a bee hive inside. The bees were not happy, especially as I banged around their hive removing the large broken boughs, including the upper half of their hive. The weather has been very

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-32231735016155193062011-08-12T19:06:00.000-05:002011-08-12T19:06:23.269-05:00

As I remember things, McDonald's had an advertisement in the past where they emphasized that they would give us change. Give them a dollar and they would give us change. It occurred to me this evening, that this is what Obama really meant in his campaign mantra. He (and the FED and Congress) would take our dollars and give us mere change. At least McDonald's gave us greasy food and sugar with

Not Alone +++ PAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176295519558694481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1555804490311045161.post-38414037938473829972011-08-11T10:16:00.001-05:002011-08-11T10:17:56.428-05:00

In the post below I share frustrations regarding the abusive and evasive tactics that companies use regarding customer service issues. In one of my very frustrating attempts at conversation with a customer service representative from another country, after it had become absolutely clear that the representative would be able to be of no help whatsoever to me, upon bringing the conversation to a

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