Monday, January 24, 2011

A Sad Anniversary

Many of us know God's teachings are wise. We know how His guidance is righteous. We know deep in our hearts His plan is right for us. Living by God's teachings will help us to avoid difficult situations. For example, when we engage in casual sex, it can have dire health and/or emotional consequences for us. It will affect not only our own lives, but the lives of others too. Help us to avoid hurting one another.

We should always keep in mind that God did create us to be sexual beings, and that is a good thing when used in the proper circumstances, such as when you are in a committed relationship. This is because our actions can result in the creation of a new life. It is a life that has both it's own unique DNA, and it's sex already determined at conception. The heart begins beating within 16 days of conception, which is often prior to the woman even realizing she's pregnant. 

There are those that would prefer to use the term fetal tissue, instead of calling it a fetus or baby.  This is understandable because most women are required to process and rationalize the thought or action of having an abortion as something other than ending the life of their own flesh and blood.  They have to diminish or overlook the existence of it's own humanity, for them to be able to cope with and tolerate what should be intolerable.  It takes guts to go through with an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy, especially if you don't have the spousal and/or family support.  It takes guts to raise a child you know in advance may have health issues.  It takes guts to raise a child that was conceived during a tramatic rape or incestual incident.  Yet, those conditions are not the baby's fault. 

Thus I believe the term human being should be used in debating this issue. Then it's humanity and subsequent rights would have to be recognized.  There should be no disputing that fact that when you see what's been previously written concerning the unique and individual human DNA, the sex determined and the heartbeat detectable very early on, that this is a human being.  Thus, since there is no scientific doubt that it's a human being, it's life should not be diminished, cheapened or cast aside. Life should be given respect in all its stages, even when it is conceived in less than desirable situations or when the thought of the future care of this human being would be a challenge.

The plain and simple, in your face truth is....
You cannot claim to be a Christian and also be pro choice. That is an oxymoron.

Psalm 139:13-14 tells us.... For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us.... For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. However, as we recall the 38th anniversary since Roe v Wade was established, over 50 million lives have been snuffed out, because some feminists convinced others it should be their legal right to choose to abort their unborn child. They said it's just a piece of tissue to be removed and discarded. Their thinking was that it would be a quick "solution" to a physical "problem". But unfortunately for those who have chosen to go this "quick" route, it has haunted many of them emotionally and yes, even in some cases physically, for the rest of their lives. Some women have even lost their own lives in the process of this legal procedure. Many of these stories go unreported.

There is a better way.....God's way. Teaching sexual morality, responsibility, and respect for oneself is desperately needed. Our current media culture of music, movies and TV shows are showing just the opposite. It's cool to sleep around and "experiment". But they're playing around with the lives of others. The media doesn't always show the down side of having all this "fun". There can be difficult consequences in a variety of different ways. In reality, young people can be gullible and easily confused by these mixed messages, and they're being misled by our secular culture. We can remain silent no more.


A Prayer for the Unborn to the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary and Joseph I love you very much. I beg you to

shine Your love and hope upon the worried mother, so she

will spare the life of her unborn child that for now, may be

in danger of losing its chance for life, due to an abortion.


I will be their voice....


Let me live...

Let me walk into the sunshine...


Let me live...

To feel my mother's arms around me...

To feel my father's love surround me...


Let me live...

To be a part of God's creation...


Let me live...

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Isn't life strange?

Isn't life strange?

I never met one U.S. veteran who enlisted, in order to fight for Socialism.

I know this term "socialism" has gotten thrown around a lot in our national discourse. Just for a refresher, written below is the actual definition of socialism according to dictionary.com

Socialism

1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.

2. the procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.

3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

After reading this, shouldn't it be understandable why there are many Americans who view the policies, bail outs and bills we've seen recently, as being somewhat similar to socialism? Some in the mainstream media aren't even hiding that fact now. After Obama's election, Newsweek had a front cover which was titled "We're All Socialists Now".

So who really are the so-called stupid ones? The Tea Party? How can it be, when there have been so many obvious "red flags" in their faces?  They should be considered the alert and astute ones.  How are they supposed to act when faced with all the news reports of what's been coming out of Washington D.C. over the last two years?

They ask, "Why are so many people upset? Why is there so much venom and vitriol?" Well, if you see a train wreck about to happen, what are you supposed to do? I guess they must not yell....they must be civil, right?! Are they supposed to take all this with a smile?

To put it simply, many feel this is all about a big power grab by the progressives, disguised as "compassionate" help. But we must know our history. It can repeat itself! Liberalism has been on showcase, and it has been rejected, as shown by the results of the last election.

Don't forget too, that our president wrote in his own book that he sought out the Marxist professors and students when he was in college. He also started his political career with the help of Bill Ayers, who had a known past as a leftist radical bomb thrower (literally) with the Weather Underground, who had a big grudge against the "establishment". Sorry, but facts are facts.

When Obama said he wanted to "transform" America, he wasn't kidding! But is this the transformation we needed, or even expected or wanted from him? There were quite a few prior disconcerting hints (a couple stated in the previous paragraph above) that seemed to go unnoticed by many who voted for him. Maybe some knew, but it didn't matter to them. They were just tired of eight years of Bush and they thought this new "transformation" with hope and change that Obama spoke of would be great. He took advantage of this, especially when our country was in such a vulnerable state with the economy, and they "couldn't let a crisis go to waste" (Rahm Emmanuel quote). They knew the masses would be primed to look towards the government for "solutions" to all of their problems.

Many U.S. veterans fought against oppressive dictators and communist regimes overseas in the past, so the last thing many wanted to see is that form of government slowly taking root in this country. That's why we've seen all the Tea Party protests, which some claim are without merit....plus, these people are so darn threatening! They're all so crazy! If only I had a dime for every time I heard that said. But are they crazy?

The leftist mission is that they must demean and discredit them. That's a Saul Alinsky "Rules for Radicals" technique. Anyone who has an opposing view must be silenced! So much for the freedom of speech our soldiers fought and died for.

History has also shown us that these socialistic forms of governing and managing the masses has not worked. Capitalism isn't perfect, but it still gives the average person the best chance at the opportunity to lift themselves up and out of poverty, if they are so inclined to do so. Otherwise, the other alternative is that they can become dependent on the nanny state which will then "distribute" what they deem is the proper food, housing and healthcare for everyone who chooses to go that route. The Dems will keep handing out all these "goodies", thereby guaranteeing their votes, which they believe will keep them in power....that is, until all the ones who provide the money to pay for all of this are gone, and our country is bankrupt. Is that too uncivil to say?

If we're going to turn this around, we're all going to have to make some sacrifices. Unfortunately, the reality is that it probably will get worse, before it gets better. But no pain, no gain.

I personally believe the housing market will not improve until the jobs start to come back. And what the government should be doing is tightening their belt, like the rest of us have had to do. Also, they need to establish a much more stable environment for businesses, to make it possible so they can flourish here (not overseas) and then begin hiring again.

As it has in the past, capitalism, the independent free market, and conservative values and principles will eventually get our country back on track, not more liberal taxing and spending on ever-expanding socialist programs that create more dependence on government.

And don't forget this very important distinction....Social Security and Medicare were and are paid into by the ones receiving it. They are owed that promised benefit, which the government has unfortunately raided over the years. The other government "safety net" programs like unemployment, food stamps, rent subsidies, welfare and Medicaid are NOT paid into by the ones receiving them. It's paid for by the businesses and their workers.

So what do we want to teach our children and grandchildren?

Dependence or Independence?

We, the people, have to make that call.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Old Love Letters - Chap. 6

(The one thing I was hoping for was that one of these letters would have a photo of "Tom" in it.  This letter I'm posting next did include several photos of the different aircraft on the base he was serving.  He is in some of the planes, but the pictures were taken from so far away that you can barely see him.)

July 24, 1945

Dearest Marge,

I'm so tired tonight I could sleep forever.  Just had a seventeen hour mission and ran into a little trouble, so had to work like fury for the last four hours, and we just did make it back.  Being a little bit new on this type of ship, I had to learn the hard way, but I sure learned plenty today.  As soon as I finish this I'm going to sleep for twenty-four hours without stopping.
I'm sure glad you got your wings and like them, and hope you wear them always.  I'm in the process of making you a bracelet in my spare time, and I hope you like it as well.  Of course it won't be very nice, but I like to make things like that, and even if you don't wear it, you can keep it for a souvenir.
I went downtown and had my picture taken last Sunday, so if it is good I will send you one, if you want it.  And I have all of my ribbons on too.  I've been awarded another cluster to my O.F.C. so that makes the third one for it.  But I wish they would give me something with a little more money with it.  Boy, I'm always broke.  Not that there is anything to spend it on here, or any place to go down here.  This is the dullest place you ever saw.  Just our movie house shows all second run movies at that.  I went to the N.C.O. club house on the base Saturday night and had a few beers and they had a fair floor show, so had a pretty good time.  I sure wish you could have been here with me.  I know we could have had fun.
But I still say that flying isn't glamorous, because if you had been with me on this last trip, and could have seen the way the crew had to work, you would change your mind.  Of course when we are up there with nothing to do but watch the clouds go by like lovely ladies in trailing white veils, and see the stars shining like your eyes do when you see something pretty, and the earth is a dark green, spotted with lakes like diamonds on a cloth, and the song of the engines give you a sense of security and power.  You feel that there is nothing but your own little world and no trouble anywhere.  It's times like that, that I think of you and I feel that I want nothing more.  Sometime I'm going to take you up on a moonlit night and see if you can understand something of how I feel about you.  For I love you more than I love to fly, and up till now I've loved flying more than anything else in the world.  When I watch the stars up there I seem to think that you are watching me, and it gives me the feeling that nothing is impossible.
I've taken some pictures of a few of the different ships here on the field and am sending you a copy so you will know what they are like, and I hope you like them.  I am in some of them but you can't tell who it is for sure, but you may remember what I look like.  Do you?  Say, do you ever get the chance to get Kodak film?  If you can find some size 620, I will send you lots of pictures, for I always have my camera with me, and like to take pictures of places and things. I have an album full I would like to show you some day, and all of these are of places I've been, both here and overseas.  I wish you would send me your picture, even if it's just a snapshot.  Will you?
Well Darling, I must hit the sack, so I hope you write soon.  And as always,

I Love You,
Tom


July 28, 1945

Dearest Marge,

Things have settled into a nice routine now so I'm beginning to have a little more leisure time, and am catching up on lost sleep.  But it's so hot that you're never comfortable, and I can never quite get used to it.  Maybe I will some day.
Yes, Donnie is doing fine and hopes to be at home in another month.  It's wonderful what being near home does for him.  Mother says he is gaining weight and looks very good.  I'm very glad you've heard from your brother, although he is in a rather rough place. 
As for sending him candy and things like that, if you can buy it in sealed jars or cans to send very well packed, it will be fine, but soft candies like chocolate bars will spoil very easy, and the ants will get into it very quick.  But if you wrap the bars in a waxed paper and put in sealed tins, it will get to him in very good shape.  You say you have cans with tight tops, so wrap your candy very good and seal your lids with scotch tape, and I'm pretty sure it will be all right, especially if it is moisture proof.  The biggest trouble there is the moisture and dampness that penetrates everything and causes mold, so the best I can tell you is try to pack it so it will stay dry and not melt and run together, and then it is just a chance at the best.  But I know he will appreciate all the candy and gum and nuts that he can get.  And don't forget razor blades, shaving cream and after shave lotions or face powder.  And don't forget a kiss or two, just to let him know that you always think of him.
I like the way you've answered the question I asked you, and if it is possible I will go to Chicago as soon as it is possible, and I hope you will let me meet your people and get better acquainted with you, and show you that I am sincere, and that I know in my heart that I love you.  I know that it came to me so quick that I didn't think it could possibly be true, but now I'm sure that it is, and all I can ask is that you will give me the chance to see you and prove to you that I am sincere and love you with all my heart.
I'm supposed to get a furlough in November, so if I can't see you before then, I will see you at that time.  Although I'm hoping we get to make a trip up there soon and see you.
I hope I can get Bill to arrange a cross country flight and drop me off in Chicago for a few days and let me see you.  And I do hope you get some good pictures so that you can send me one.  I will have one for you in a week or so and I hope you like it.  I've already sent you a few snaps of the planes on the line, although there is none of me that you can really see.
Well it's time to eat and go to work, so will write more later.

Adios Muchacha Mio

Love, Tom

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Old Love Letters - Chap. 5

Just a reminder that my own comments are in parentheses.

July 19, 1945

Marge Dear,

Just had your sweet letter and you've no idea how much I liked it.  It seems so nice to hear from you and then sit here in the barracks and read it over and over.  When I come in after flying my four hours, I am so tired and nervous, I can't sit still, but tonight your letter has made me feel so darn good that I feel like a new man and could do another day's work.
We're really getting in the groove now and I have seven students assigned to me and am with them from five in the morning till six in the evening, and have to teach them everything I know, so they can do it better that I can.  Most of them are kids from 17 to 20 years old and they learn fast, so they're not much trouble.  Only, they call me "Pop" and I don't like that very well.  I'm only 35 and am a better man physically than most of them.  Although I will admit I am pretty well beat up and am getting gray, but I'm still able to do more than my share, and do every day.  But I shouldn't care, for they do it mostly in fun.
We're still getting lots of sunshine and I wish you were here to go to the beach with me next Sunday and have a picnic lunch with Capt. Jordan and his wife, and swim in the surf.  We're trying to get a boat and surfboard so we can go way out and have fun riding the big waves.  We've had a big argument as to who can ride the board the longest and have a $20 bet up (that was a pretty decent amount of money back then), so keep your fingers crossed for me. 
I seem to run into the nicest people wherever I go, and Bill is really tops.  His wife is a Chicago girl and also knows some people I know in Salt Lake City.  When we first met, Bill said it sounded like old home week.  I'd sure like to have you meet them and Bill says if we get a chance, we will fly up to Chicago and spend the weekend.  I know that I would sure like to see you, and if I do get to go, I will call you as soon as I know.  Darling, I didn't know I could ever miss anyone like I have missed you, even while I'm so busy, I can't think.  Bill is always teasing me about you and sings that song "Margie" over the intercom phone while we're flying, just to hear me yell at him.  But then I catch myself whistling or humming it myself and thinking of you.  When we're  up there and I'm watching the clouds for our "enemy" to come out, I can see your face there and you sometimes smile back at me, then I know everything is fine.  I'm not a poet, but I sometimes wish I were, so that I could tell you how I feel and some of the things I think of when I see you like that.  With all the things I have to do, you are always in my thoughts, then when I have a few moments I can just sit up there and dream.  But I guess you think I'm just a little off to tell you all the things I think, but I know that I love you, for I've never had another girl that I could get so much pleasure from just thinking about and remembering the little things you do.  I seem to remember every little thing you did while I was with you and every memory is perfect.  Darling, I never dreamed that I would ever meet you, and now that I have, I'm just hoping that you will say yes to a question I want to ask you some day.  And Darling, if you think I'm too presumptuous, and I hope you don't, I won't say any more until I can see you and you may learn more about me.  But I'm going to keep on writing to you and I hope you will continue writing to me.  Will you?  And I would like for you to tell me how you feel too.
So my Dear, I will close now for I have to get some sleep and it's getting late.

"Adios Muchacha Mio"
I Love You,
Tom

P.S.  Please write more often if you can.  Have you received your wings yet?


(Since my blog's theme is about God, Family and Country, I think these letters of his combine it all.  I thought it was rather funny when he mentioned in one of his previous letters that he was going to the Catholic services, and thought their sermons were better than the Protestant ones.  That may have been true, but he might also have had an ulterior motive by saying that.  That is, he might just have been trying to score some points with my Mom, since she may have mentioned to him that she was Catholic. 
Also, they both spoke of their families, the importance of them, and the concern they had for their loved ones.  You can certainly count personal relationships as being linked to family also.  And, obviously, they both loved their country, and his service represented that.  He will have some more interesting thoughts on that, in future letters I post.  He also comments in a future letter that my Mom did some work with the Red Cross, which I didn't know about either.
We've all heard of love at first sight, and this fellow certainly seemed like he had been hit with Cupid's arrow!  He's already professed his love and is also now hinting at "popping the question" the next time he sees her, and hoping her answer will be yes! 
My Mom was a sweetheart, and I'm sure the time she took to pay a little attention to this soldier, obviously left a big impression on him.  He admitted in a previous letter that he had done most of the talking during that time they had spent together.  She was a good listener and I'm sure she had some kind and compassionate things to say to him, whenever she got a word in! 
I wonder if she was shocked with what he wrote.  I assume she was already corresponding with my Dad too.  I wonder if she had told her sisters about this guy and the kind of letters he'd been writing to her.  They're both deceased now, so I can't ask them.  All I know is, she never told me about this other fellow.  What I do know is, I'm enjoying every letter....and I'm writing them down as written, even though he seems to have a lot of long, run-on sentences.  He sometimes gets a bit repetitious too.  I must admit I have added commas, just to break it up and add the necessary pauses between his thoughts, though.
Well, I'm only posting this one tonight, because it's one of his longer ones.  Plus, I've added some of my own commentary too.  Hope you're enjoying them as much as I am.)