Norman Rockwell had a way of capturing fundamental Americana. In this painting we see the traditional image of thanksgiving in America: mother bringing the platter of plenty to the dinner table. Today, I want to give thanks and I pray that you all join with me in your own expressions of gratitude. Thank you, God,…
Category: Personal
Art, Literature and Entertainment, Christianity, Personal
Important Aphorisms
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Aphorisms: A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage. (TFD.com) Aphorisms are golden nuggets. They are short, compressed wisdom that has been born out over time and experience. I collect them. Here are a few I recently have come across that I think are important. Wretchard – Belmont Club Weakness marked them…
Culture & Social Issues, Personal, Politics and Government
Veteran’s Day
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It is November 11, Veteran's Day in the United State, a day when we remember all those who are serving and have served in the armed forces of the United States (Memorial Day is when we specifically remember those who died). The Washington Post has an article from Elizabeth L. Robbins, an Army major, commenting…
Art, Literature and Entertainment, Personal
Sage Advice on Writing
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In my company website (www.sageline.com), I said the following: “Writing is getting started, which is half the battle. The other half is getting finished, which means editing, rewriting, more editing and more rewriting.” William Meisheid Now FAITHMAPS BLOG has a post on the ten most important things necessary for Becoming a Better Writer. Needless to…
Personal
Demands
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I was once told by a clergyman, with whom I was having a discussion, that my mere presence was a demand. He did not like my “look” either, since it also was a demanding look. That was a revelation to me, since up until that time (my mid-late 30’s) I had never heard anyone espouse…
Art, Literature and Entertainment, Personal
Another Action Hero Quiz
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“What Action Hero would you be” is the question, and the little boy in me responds and answers the questions. It turns out that I would be either William Wallace or Neo. Not succumbing to the temptation to be a messiah (there is only one of those), I chose to be William Wallace, though I…
Christianity, Personal
A Weekend of Wonders
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Due to several converging items, our weekend stretched into five days, beginning Thursday with our daughter’s graduation from college and culminating Monday with a picnic celebrating our thirtieth (30) wedding anniversary. In between there was a lot of work, dental considerations, and renewal of our vows at services on Sunday. I was glad to get…
Christianity, Personal, Philosophy, Work
Real Vs. Synthetic
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Many people suffer from synthetic attitudes. This state of mind can come from living in a dichotomy between the image you feel obliged to present to the world and what is your true sense of self. It is like the difference between bluster and confidence. Synthetic attitudes, such as that of the Pharisees who continually…
Christianity, Culture & Social Issues, Personal, Philosophy
Geeks
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Do you know a geek? Are you yourself a geek? The common image of geeks is of an intelligent and technically competent, though socially backward, often serious backward, individual. I been thinking about geeks and I think I have hit upon the source of the geek problem. Since I am somewhat a geek (really a…
Christianity, Personal
In Praise of Love
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Today, in the Western World, our culture celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, though the Saint portion was discarded long ago–too religious by half, and not in keeping with some of the modern uses the holiday is put to. However, the real Saint Valentine had nothing to do with the romantic traditions associated with him. For that…