Saturday, December 22, 2012

After Thoughts

It has been a while since the shootings, the media is still talking about it and so are others.  There has been numerous blogs and comments about the why.  A number of people have asked, "Where was God?"  Many have tried to answer that question.  I think the best answer I have heard is that He was at the same place He was when His child was killed.

There has been much speculation as to the remedy to these kinds of situations.  Some, maybe most, think that gun control is the answer.  Some think that armed guard are the answer.  There are other ideas out there I am sure, I just haven't heard all of them yet.  I don't have the answer, nor am I writing to give an answer.  I just want to make some observations.

I have lived in this world for a few years now, and have seen many changes.  Some were good and some were not so good.  I remember as a child, the churches in the communities had a better attendance than now.    Of course, they were not as full as the preacher would like for them to be, but there were more than now.  I remember that people, even those that did not claim to be "religious" had respect for the church and those that tried to live their lives according to the teachings.

I remember in School, we stood every morning and said the pledge to the Flag of the United States.  We, the students, stood at attention with our hand over our hearts.  Not a single one of us would talk or move about, we had respect for that flag.  Not because the flag was sacred, but that it stood for the country that we loved.  I don't ever remember knowing a person that did not respect our country.  Of course there were probably some, I just didn't know them.  Then there would be a prayer said by on of the students.  This was even said over the loud speakers where all could hear.  Also, I remember in school we had respect for our teachers.  I don't mean we liked all of them, but we had respect for them.  We were taught that by our parents.  I remember my dad saying that if we got into trouble in school we would be in trouble at home.  I know by experience that he meant it.  When I was in school, and a teacher called our parents, our parents did not take our side and chew out the teacher.  I think you can guess what would happen then.

I remember our home life.  I suppose mine was a normal on, and I realize that not all were this way.  We certainly were taught to respect our parents and all other adults.  We would say, yes sir, no sir etc.  We were taught not to interrupt someone when talking.  We took our hats off in the house, and especially at meals.  We were at home when we were supposed to be.  At home is where we learned good manners and to respect others.

In those years, I don't remember any mass shootings in schools, churches or other places like these.  We were not afraid to walk in the evenings after dark.  We were not afraid to sit in the car waiting on our parent while they shopped.  We didn't even roll up the windows in the summertime. There are many other things, but not enough time to mention them all.

These thing are not true today.  What happened?

Sunday, December 16, 2012

I'm Baaaaack

Several years ago, my wife and I had a food booth at the Tri-State Fair in Amarillo, Texas.  Our main item was elephant ears, a yeast dough that was rolled or pressed out and deep fried and then powdered with powdered sugar.  We also had German sausage on a stick, sausage sandwiches, nachos, limeades, and soft drinks.  We did this for about 20+ years.  It was really a lot of fun until we got to old to keep up with all the long hours.  We would start about 9 am and close around 12 pm, then two hours to clean up.

The carnival was directly behind our booth.  ever so often I had (or took the time) to wander around the ground to check out our competition to see their products and prices.  Many time I would look at the exhibits and different show (free ones of course).  There was one particular attraction that really caught my attention, I would go to see it every chance I got (which was usually once a day).

This was a dunking booth where people would pay good money to throw balls at a target in order to dunk this clown in a tank of water.  Simple enough, huh.  There was one hitch, the clown was really irritating.  He would insult the clients, calling them names, telling them how ugly or fat they were, how lousy a thrower they were, on and on.  Nothing was off limits.  Some would just laugh at him, but a lot would get so angry, they would spend a great deal of money to dunk him.  Of course, they would be so angry, they could throw straight.  This was his objective.

When he took a break or left for the evening, I wondered if he had to have a escort from the premises or not.  He would climb back on his platform returning to work after the break or the next day.  After he got settled on the platform, in a high shrill, irritating voice shout "I'm Baaaaaack".  The games were on.

Well I hope I am no irritating when I say I'm baaaaack.  It has been a little over a year since my last blog.  I had someone ask why I wasn't writing anymore.  I wasn't sure that anyone was reading my blogs and this is hard work, trying to find new and interesting things to say.  This person assured me that he read them and even was now checking to see if I had written.

Well I am not an educated, nor smooth author.  I don't have many original thoughts (after all every thing I know I learned from someone else).  The Bible even says that there is nothing new under the sun.  I do try to write using my own interpretation in my own words.  Some may sound like the word of others, but some of us think the same thought. I am not sure how often I will write but will try at least once a month.  The key word is try.

So if you read my blog, I would really like for you to comment on it so I will know if anyone is reading.  You may or may not agree with me, I may even make some upset with me, but that is o.k., comment and let me know.

If you don't agree with me, you have the right to be wrong if you want.  (lol)

May you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year