Friday, July 29, 2011

3 houses down

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3 houses down
(by R.P.Edwards)

Three houses down
10 years apart
Children
And laughter
And feasting of heart
Savor these moments
The hours
The years
For soon “you’ll” remember
As others…you hear


I was standing in front of the backyard grill.  Above the coals; burgers, brats and a few “plump when you cook them” wieners.  And, to my left, three houses down; wafting over the privacy fence; the sound of small children in joyful frolic and, mixed in with the squeals and laughter, older voices; no doubt the careful caregivers; monitoring the merry mayhem and perhaps, like I, shuffling some protein on the grill.

And I thought to myself, “Ten years.  What a difference ten years makes.” For, you see, a decade ago many of “my” children were the wee ones; bounding, splashing, laughing, as I, with less gray, shuffled the sizzling meat over the glowing Kingsford cubes.  Ten little years.  Ten little years…from “there”…to here.

However, this isn’t meant to be a somber piece.  Just a gentle reminder of the brevity of being. A reality check to bring to light our common illusion of mortal…immortality.  Yes, a centering to “what’s really important.” And…a little post-it note for the fridge to remind that eternal things…are the things…you don’t see.
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Concerning the Book (upper right). A couple days left on the give-away.  Pertinent info can be found at the bottom of the previous post. 

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Wrong side of Prosperity

 
 
Generic Faith
(by R.P.Edwards)

Generic Faith
A wonderful thing
It makes the saint
And heathen sing
For one can see
The invisible God
And the other sees man
In a lifeless…bog


Poor Tommy
(by R.P.Edwards)

Little Tommy
Fat and fed
Twists upon
His comfy bed
Dreaming of
A life of ease
No more
“Mommy, Daddy, please”
And so upon
His eighteenth toll
He bids goodbye
And takes a stroll
Free from chains
Of Don’ts and Dos
A life of only
“I…will choose”
But soon
With given money…spent
His “life” is labor
Bowed and bent
The world, his tutor
Cold and cruel
His teacher’s taunt
“Now listen, Fool!”
And now see Tommy
Nearly dead
Twisting on
His cardboard bed
Dreaming of
His life of ease
When he said
“Mommy, Daddy…please”


And the thought came to me, “We’re on the wrong side of prosperity.”  We’re on the “handed to me” side.  The “I didn’t have to earn it” side.  And, as is sometimes the case, since we’ve always “had” it, we can get a little “squishy” as to how we got here, and how we can stay here.

Oh, I’ve experience in this.  Mom and Dad provided a fine home: food, clothing, healthcare, a peaceful environment.  But I, as ignorance is wont to do, made broad sweeping assumptions as I jumped into the arms of “the world.” Knowing, naturally, that all the hard earned givens of mom and pop…would go with me.  Nope.

Even so, today, as our parents’ inheritance is nearly spent (financially and morally), and we, at last, become somewhat concerned (well, not in the moral area, we haven’t quite reached Sodom yet), we theorize what “we” will do to maintain the peace and prosperity so willingly handed to us.  And, dear reader, I believe our “assumptions” will lead, if we’re not careful, to the cardboard box, and the tin cup, and the toothless grin, and the diseased death…at an early age.

Ok, enough of that.  Of late, I’ve been busy with the e-book thing (not to mention “the job”).  The words are adequate (maybe, changes with each read). And the punctuation is passable (maybe, changes with each reading) and, I’m a little concerned that there might be a “cat edit” in the mix.  Meaning; in the editing process the cat dashed across the keyboard (at least once.) I didn’t see any damage, but there might be something weird in there.  Please let me know if you find one.

Anyway, the book is back up (to your upper right).  And, till the end of July…it is a “free” download.  So, click on the dragon; put it in your “cart” (there’s some other hoops, of course) and, in the coupon spot, type WN25P.  And, if you don’t have an e-reader device, might I suggest the free adobe reader (that’s what I use on the computer).  Here’s a link:http://get.adobe.com/reader/

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Angela Michael for Congress

 
 
300,000 and counting


















The Fourth estate
(by R.P.Edwards)

Ignorance
May bring mercy
But only by
Degree
But what of those
Who “know” the truth
And “keep” that truth
From thee?

The thought came to me, “I’m a supporter; not a reporter.”

The setting: in front of one of the largest abortion mills in the Midwest.  Name: the Hope Clinic for Women.  The occasion: a courageous pro-life advocate named, Angela Michael, is running on the democratic ticket…for congress.  To introduce her; a man of some notoriety, Randall Terry.  If you’re a little older that name may sound familiar.  He was the former head of Operation Rescue; a group known for blockading abortion providers with their bodies; a kind of civil disobedience thing.  And, he’s also running for president.

Well, you might think this “official announcement” might warrant a reporter or two.  Nope.  Even though the “heads up” press release came out two days prior, the regional rag…would have none of it.

“So strange,” thought I.  Surely “some” of their readership is interested (ironically: this paper is supposedly the “conservative” voice around here [alright, I’ll tell you, The Belleville News Democrat]).  Mr. Terry’s past, alone, is worth at least a paragraph.  And the story of “why” they’re running is compelling.  But, apparently the “paper powers” don’t want to know; and sadly, tragically, they don’t want “you” to know either. 

A while back I read a snippet of something that Pope Benedict XVI wrote: It was in reference to when Jesus asked the Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  And, there were a couple other instances in the scripture where the “ignorance defense” was given.  Said the Papal chief: “Ignorance diminishes guilt, and leaves open the path to conversion.”  I went “Hmmm” that sounds about right.  But then I ask myself, “When it comes to evil.  What of those who not only approve of it; but then actually go out of their way to make sure you remain…ignorant?”

In my rummaging about the web I found Mr. Terry’s website.  If you're concerned about the unborn, I would recommend a look.   Also, included is a link to Mrs Michael’s campaign site.

Angela Michael for Congress
Randall Terry


And, you may notice the dragon to your right.  It’s a book that was penned some time ago and is now available for download.  I recommend you read the “free portion” first, and then, (if you are so inclined) wait a week for the rest.  Why?  Because I want to read the thing for the millionth time to make sure I didn’t make a keystroke boo boo in the final phase (if found, it should be corrected by then). 

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Charlie Rangel and Jesus





To enhance your journey (if you can stand it) you are invited to click the youtube link above.


What Would Jesus Do?
(by R.P.Edwards)

W…W…J…D
Words to live by
For you
For me
But please
Oh please
Before we say
Let’s read the book
To learn
His way


Representative Charlie Rangel, 81 years old, Today! (Happy Birthday, Mr Rangel) [oops, "June 11", not July, Mea Culpa].  He’s kind of up there, so maybe a little slack is in order.  But please, Charlie, “What would Jesus do?”

His comment had to do with the debate over raising the debt ceiling.  How some might suffer from the lack of funds.  On a Sunday interview he added,
“The issues are so morally clear, and that is we are our brothers keeper…if you read your Bibles, and you read the spiritual scriptures you will see that clearly, God would have; Jesus would have something to say about this debate…”

Well, the logical progression (or digression) is, good sir, what would be Jesus’ thoughts concerning your views of the unborn, traditional marriage, etc.

I won’t go on and on.  It’s an old saw.  It’s one of my puzzlements; that so many who “speak” of and for him, either are misinformed, forgetful, or perhaps “hopeful” that “He” is created in “their” image.

One thing is certain; without question, when compared to Redeemer, we all fall short.  However, as many who would inject "Him" into the debate (whatever that debate might be); heaven help us all…to line up with “His” dos.

Here’s a link to Mr. Rangel’s brief interview on Fox (sorry for the commercial) WWJD

And here’s former Pastor/Governor Mike Huckabee’s take: 
Mike's take

The theme music comes from the 1961 movie, King of Kings.  The musical score...by Miklos Rozsa.  I actually love this music.  Why? Because way back when, when I saw these "movies" on TV, the Lord would use these imperfect vessels (Hollywood took liberties) to touch a young man's heart. 

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Monday, July 4, 2011

Washington's Patriotism


 
 
 
The fourth
(by R.P.Edwards)

We remember the colors
Red, white and blue
We remember the fireworks
The boom…and the Oooo!
We remember the food
The burgers and fries
And sometimes
We’ll remember
The soldier
Who dies


You know, when you’re steeped in the stuff; when it’s a part of your reasoning process; when it acts as a filter or prism through which the world is seen, well, naturally you think that most are aware of such things.  That most have a general knowledge.  But, of course, that’s not true and, it is rather silly to live there; in that place of make believe. 

Today is the Fourth of July.  Our nation’s birthday.  When patriotism is in vogue and, no matter our individual persuasion, we can at least celebrate our “being here” with a burger, a beer, and maybe even a nod to “Johnny” on the front line.

And, thinking briefly of the words “patriot” and “patriotism,” I remembered something written by an honorable American who shared his views on the subject.  I dare say you might call him an “expert,” although you don‘t hear his name much anymore.  His name…is George Washington.

Following is an excerpt from his farewell address, circa 1796.


Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness - these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Funny, isn’t it?  How the Father of our Country called religion and morality “indispensable supports;” the “firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” And that “in vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert” them?  And yet, for decades now, so many in power have sought to do just that; subvert, ignore, belittle, destroy.  And, as we continue to eat of “their” labors, still we speak of liberty, freedom, and patriotism, but, as is so often the case, the children…are not the parents. 

Happy Fourth to all.  As we strive to remember the birth of the babe, let us also endeavor to remember…the labor pains…of true patriotism.


Here's a link to the address:   Washington's farewell address

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Saturday, July 2, 2011

From here to there

 
 
From here…to there
(by R.P.Edwards)

From here to there
Is all we need
But some choose looks
And others speed
Some choose comfort
Hot and cold
And some choose new
And others old
Some choose tough
To climb a hill
Some choose sleek
That never will
Some choose pricey
To catch the eye
And others, cheap
No time for pride
But in the end
When said and done
Our choices, many
Down to one
Our simple need
Our common care
Is that we get
From here…to there



For some "tongue-in-cheek" mood music.  Click the youtube selection above the poem.  What song? What else: "I'm in love with my car." by Queen.

“I “am” a mechanic.”  Music to the ears.

A couple hours into my “working midnights” rest cycle…the phone rang.  “I’m in the Sams parking lot…and the van won’t start.”  Sigh.  Up I get; ride I borrow; stand I do; wiggle, hem, haw, pray, and a couple gents walk over.  One, like me, knows some stuff.  I ask (a light-hearted query), “Are you a mechanic?”  His answer: “No.” But, to his left a bearded gentleman speaks up and says, “I “am” a mechanic.” 

You know, there’s something about watching someone mess with your problem stuff.  Someone who knows what they’re doing, that is.  For the computer, it’s my son.  He’s nearly done with his programming degree and, along the way, he’s learned all kinds of “fix that” info that comes in quite handy.  One day I had a virus and it was amusing to see how he did an end-run around the bug’s devious counter-measures.  Problem solved.

Well, this mechanic guy was like that.  He checked this, beat that, wiggled this and, before long he discovered a relay that wasn’t relaying.  Said there might be a short somewhere, taxing the little gizmo to its untimely end.  After giving us some info as to a solution, he asked what else he could do.  And, you know, I believe if I had asked him to ferry us home…he would have.  Turns out he was a Christian.  Not just a talker, but a walker.  Wish I had gotten the name of his shop.

Well, it’s been a few more hours.  The van made it home.  There may still be some “bugs” to work out and, the running theme I get from my “advisors” is “get rid of it as soon as possible.” But, that little “headache” allowed me to meet a couple nice folk.  Got to touch base with daughter and son-in-law (they came to help also), and, it gave me an appreciation for those in a similar situation.  But, don’t get me wrong, I want a vehicle, when all is said and done, that will simply, reliably, get me from here…to there.  But, sometimes, “here to there” is a lonely ride.

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