Friday, October 12, 2012

Vice Presidential Debate





The filthy rich
(by R.P.Edwards)

Oh, how I hate
The filthy rich
And all their filthy ways
Their filthy cars!
Their filthy land!
Their filthy food flambe'!
So yes! Let's bring them down a notch!
Let's tax them to their knees!
Until, of course
I make some dough
Then, hands off...filthy me!


Saw the vice presidential debate. Not earth shattering. Not game changing. Predictable. Somewhat...boring. As expected, Mr Biden brought out the class-warfare card and the now-famous 47% remark by Mitt Romney. Ho-hum.  And, conversely, Mr Ryan reemphasized the dismal record of the current administration and laid out the  five point plan (with the media's background refrain, "What are the specifics?!")

To be nice: On Joe's side, I was not dissatisfied with his emphasis that the Afghans need to carry their own water, and they won't do it if we hang around.  On Mr Ryan's side: his pro-life stand was refreshing and a stark contrast to Mr Biden's "I'm a Catholic...but" remarks.

So...game changer? No. But the distinctions seem clear enough. Looking forward to the next Presidential debate. 

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Saturday, October 6, 2012

To the lions!




Of Daniel
(by R.P.Edwards)

"He has to go!"
The common cause
Deliver him
To Lions paws
But how?
He walks an honest way?
"Just this!"
They scheme
"A crime...to pray"


Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation...Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God."
(Daniel 6:4,5)

Getting a bit cool in these parts. My annual "save a buck" mentality is slowing overcoming my procrastinative ways. Perhaps plastic on the windows and such. We'll see.

Speaking of cold. I did see the debate the other day (post production) and the President seemed a bit sluggish; perhaps numbed by the elements. Obviously his respectful adversary knew his stuff; and there was a lot of stuff...to know.  And oh, how easy it was (back in '08) for the then fresh and phenomic Barak Obama to paint a picture of the coming bliss. Sadly, his dream had and has no foundation in fact and, as the experienced and almost eloquent (he's getting there) governor Romney kept boring us with statistics (kidding! I loved it), along with a flashing of his impressive resume from time to time; the President had that familiar to all expression (for who hasn't been there?) which said, "I can't wait for this to be over with!" (YANK! Rinse. Spit).

And, as I understandably watched and listened to the post-debate debates, one individual warned that the Obama camp would, no doubt, stop at nothing to abort the flight of the Romney/Ryan rocket, and that we should expect it. And I thought to myself, "Hmm, what in the Governor's life could they bring to light to dissuade and distract (after all, he's been under the microscope for a while)? Yes, what tawdry tidbit could they resurrect or redo...to undo? And one answer is, of course...his religion.  Now, I've blogged about said "faith" before, and how I've gone beyond expecting the candidate to be the national pastor (see What I thunk), but it seems fairly obvious that the camp of O and B will try at some point to emphasize the "Not like many of us" beliefs of this follower of Joseph Smith's child.  And, the reason? Because like Daniel of old (no, I'm not putting Mormonism on the same plane as the OT prophet); like that outstanding bureaucrat who got under his peers skin--so much so that they had to invent a crime in order to convict him--Mr Romney seems quite upstanding and outstanding in many ways.  And so...into the lion's den with Mitt.  However, said coming accusers need to read the rest of the story for, in the end, the lions dined not on the innocent...but on the guilty. 

Under the heading of "Why not," here's another link to my video "Why I can't vote for Obama." Enjoy.





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Monday, September 24, 2012

Election Insanity





























Election insanity
(by R.P.Edwards)

Expecting change
Without changing
Insanity...some say
Then why would reelecting "him"
Produce
A brighter 
Day?
Just sayin'...


Ahh...Einstein's oft quoted definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well, honestly, doesn't this little nugget of obviousness carry over into politics?  Really, think about it; the Barak Obama we've been privileged to observe the last four years; the government expander, debt multiplier, for USA apologizer, abortion cheerleader, media and Hollywood schmoozer (and, ok, a fine family man); do we really think that reelecting "him" will take us a new direction? Insane.  

What say you and I stop putting on the straightjacket and exit the asylum; at least lean towards the door.

Here's another Einstein quote...of note.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... 
It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.

 And a link to more of Albert's nuggets:  BrainyQuote



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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Don't swallow the fly!





Fruit fly suicide
(by R.P.Edwards)

French Vanilla
Wafting sweet
The fruit fly dives
A tasty treat!
Into the drink
Its end to meet
And wonder I
The tallied...eat



At the time most of my fellow humans were sleeping--perhaps dreaming of the urban myth that we hominids swallow eight spiders a year while dozing with mouth agape--I was doing that "job thing" and maintaining the minimum measure of alertness by ingesting steady quantities of java ala French Vanilla creamer. Oh, it wasn't a pour, quaff, repeat kind of thing (which you might expect when the sun is shining). No, it was more like, pour, sip, wait, reheat, top-off, quaff, repeat, kind of thing. Plenty of time for the fruit fly (I assume that 's what it was) to dive-bomb into my tepid brew. And, thankfully, though the area was devoid of constant illumination, there was just enough (plus a wayward glance) for me to observe the wiggling intruder in the bottom of my cup. And I wondered to myself, "How many of these things have I swallowed?"

In the news; aside from the horrible events in Libya, there's the trumpeted note (by some media) that Mr Romney has released some more income tax information. Really? This is that important to you? That maybe a smart business guy discovered a few ways to keep some of his dough out of the wasteful paws of Government? How about we ask the deceased ambassador what he thinks? Let's ask the multiplied millions of unemployed what they think. And while we're at it, let's ask the nearly 60 million aborted Americans what they think of the revelation (added, because Mr Obama is very pro-abortion).  

It's a little over a month till the election and it appears the tilting press corp is taking its predictable path. I only hope many in the electorate, like me earlier, see the bug in the mug and DON'T swallow.  It's not too late to avoid the unsavory addition. And having seen...to throw it out.

Here's a video you may not have seen. Hope you're not eating.



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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Obama remorse








Buyer's Remorse
(by R.P.Edwards)

Ice cubes to Eskimos 
Just call me Nonook!
I had no intention
But I jumped at the hook
I don't fault the saleman
A master, of course!
But later I cancelled
Why?
Buyer's Remorse


I told the young man, "You need to understand; I don't even like this paper!" I said this as I was giving my card for the swipe and reaching for the pen to authorize the debit.

He was all of nineteen but something about his presentation was affable, endearing, disarming; and, since it was a deal after all, I took the bait.  However, upon reflection I finally realized that I, in that impulsive moment, had made all sorts of positive assumptions about this talented fellow without knowing him in the least. Yes, I dearly hope he is all that I at first imagined; however, there was no time for the telling. No time for the tested...truth.

And so, a week later I finally started to watch the video of our President as he began his remarks at the Democratic National Convention and, after the briefest of times...I just couldn't do it.  Yes, I recognize him as my president; admire him for his family ties; but I just couldn't listen to the talented talk that means, in the end...nothing.  I just couldn't listen because the actions of the last four years mean the present presentation is, most likely, beautiful balderdash.

And so, I stopped the viewing, reached for the phone, and cancelled my subscription. Buyer's Remorse had risen to the level...or reason.  The ultimate sales-pitch...connected with the lesser...and I wised  up. And now, as the glow of the Convention lessens, I can only hope that the many interested, like me, refocus to see that the victory we all desire is not found in the old playbook, but in another direction.

The song, once again, to boost and embolden...believers.




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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Energy voters unite!







It's the ENERGY, stupid!
(by R.P.Edwards)

All things being equal
All things...just the same
What might just get me leanin'
Is the gas pump
And...the pain
For one's in love with nature
The other? "It's a tool!"
And me?
I'm just so tired
Paying fortunes
For my fuel


Well, the democratic convention is in full swing. The party faithful are crooning and swooning.  The all time favorite, Bill Clinton, has been trotted out for that old good time feelin'. And...I don't really give a rip. Why? Because talk and words are cheap (this blog included.)  It truly does come down to actions.

Now, granted, I've only heard a snippet or two. One was by a "choicer" who equated "woman's healthcare" with the ability to end a baby's life (see poem below). The other had a class warfare flavor (Oh, those evil rich folk!). Other than that I haven't tuned in (do plan to record the President's speech).  And, as for the eloquent Mr Clinton, I remember when my eldest boy (then 11) cried when Mr C won his first presidential election. Why? Because the lad understood that an anti-baby, anti-life, person would be in the White House. And, after all the A-plus performances by Bill, Mr Obama, and any other polished orator they put in front of the teleprompter; after all is said and done; the Democratic party is the party of infanticide. And, just as "slavery" was a litmus test for many in 1860, even so there are those (me included) whose starting line (as to acceptability) includes the rudimentary ability to discern good...and evil.  Ok, enough of that.

Now, as to the poem above. Every now and then I see a commercial aimed towards the "energy voter." And, dear reader, if I was none concerned about abortion, healthcare, national defense, Israel, and on and on; this one area might cause me to choose one candidate over the other.  Why? Because I'm tired of filling up my mini-van with the equivalent of half a shopping cart of groceries. And, since we all know that beneath our native soil (dry and wet) there is more than enough potential energy to distance us from our Arabian masters; and that of the two candidates only one seems willing to head in that direction; my choice would have to be...Mitt.  And, understanding this, if I was the Romney campaign I'd buy up all the add space in every gas station, coast to coast.  I'd have a nice mug-shot of Mr R., and say something like, "Tired of paying too much at the pump? I'll fix that."



Whose Health Care?
(by R.P.Edwards)

Women's health care
What a crock!
They mean a butchered babe
And though they paint the sepulcher 
It's still a stinking grave

****

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Now, I'm a Romney fan







Changing Minds
(by R.P.Edwards)

What does it take
To change a mind?
Wind and wave
Or merely...time?
To open up
To banished things
When walls and ways
Escape on wings
And in comes good
Or evil's way
And lives are blessed
Or thrown away
Yes, what does it take
To change a mind?
It's wind and wave
But mostly...time


What America needs is jobs; lots of jobs.

President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet.
My promise is to help you and your family.

As President I'll protect the sanctity of life;
I'll honor the institution of marriage
And I'll guarantee America's first liberty; the freedom of religion.
(excerpts from Mitt Romney's Acceptance speech 
at the Republican National Convention 2012)


Well, it took me a few days to hear the whole thing. No, I wasn't bored, just drained from my self-inflicted work schedule ("self-inflicted" as in: if you don't like your schedule...get another job). Anyway, with remote in hand, reclining against the pile of pillows (hmm, maybe this is part of the problem?), I finally watched it all. And, my conclusion...I really like this guy (Mitt Romney). What I found most endearing was his reference to family, community, faith...the places where true joy is found. It seemed, overall, that the words were as a soothing tonic, deliberately devoid of too much acid or arsenic; more like a healing balm on the skinned knee of the child who found out that the promised thrill of rollerskating down Dead Man's Hill instead resulted in the loss of skin, blood, and pride. "There, there; I can see why it would seem like fun, but now that you've learned the truth, I'll take you somewhere that's safe...and fun."

The Poem: As the final words of the offering were spent and the balloons and confetti began to fall, I contemplated the journey...of change. You see, I've liked Mr Romney for a while. I happened upon him years before his run in 2008 (via the tube) and liked what I heard. However, I must admit, his "religion" was a barrier I wasn't prepared to let down. You see, my "classical" Christianity has little place for variances of any significant magnitude. Yes, I liked what he said, but I was wary of his inner...compass.

Now, enter President Barak Obama...and time.  He, a professing Christian, has shown by his actions (abortion, marriage, Israel) that "his" religion is something quite mutated from that which I hold very dear.  And so...I have decided to remove the label of "Pastor" from the Chief Executive and embrace, with open arms, a man who believes in God...and by his actions...proves it.  And I will simply do what most of us do concerning the many we associate with on a daily basis: I will look at the job performance, and not worry so much about whether prayers are said in the kneeling position or not.

At the end; as family members showed themselves and balloons bounced and confetti still flew; Archbishop Dolan delivered the benediction. I liked it very much. Below is a youtube link.





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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Santorum's Say




Casualties
(by R.P.Edwards)

You bathe yourself
In babies blood
And cast aspersions
Like a flood
You feign concern
"A woman's right!"
While killing infants
Out of sight


"I thank God that America still has one party that reaches out their hands in love to lift up all of God's children; born and unborn."
(Rick Santorum, Republican National Convention 2012)


And my last entry was so...sweet.  Yes, and I wanted this one to only be marginally less so.  However, with the "in the mean time" lambasting of Rep. Todd Akin, and the threat of the Democrats resuming their mantra of "A war against women" because some dare to think babies...count; well, some ugliness found it's way to the page.  Truth? Absolutely! But ugly truth.

I was fading in and out of consciousness (due to my swing shift dishevelment [normal]) and I only heard a bit of the former senator's remarks.  But...it was enough.  And, from the reaction from the audience I dare say many had hungered for a nugget that was brighter than the "we built it" theme.  Yes, a throw back to the birthing of the Republican party. When the great evil was slavery and, ironically, that detestable institution was championed by (you guessed it) the Democrats.

Anyway, it is sadly and tragically true. Of the two major parties, one is more likely to recognize the in utero infant that is made by the finger of God.  And, for those who think such things are important (you know, saving life, not killing it) there really is no choice as far as the vote is concerned. So, good job, Mr Santorum. Thank you for reminding us that elections have consequences, and the last one's leavings...are deadly.

The video: just completed days ago speaks to the "God issues;" those areas of concern that are a concern...to Him. And, if we are wise, they will demand our attention also.  

By the way: there is a pro-life democrat running for congress nearby. Her name is Angela  Michael, and here's a link to her site. www.angelamichaelforcongress.com

How about another sort-of poem?


To the Left
(by R.P.Edwards)

what about the baby?
WHAT about the baby!?
WHAT ABOUT the baby!!?
WHAT ABOUT THE baby!!!?
WHAT ABOUT THE BABY!!!?
Oh, that's right...
YOU DON'T CARE!!!!

****
 

Monday, July 23, 2012

She waits





She waits
(by R.P.Edwards)

The Kitty waits
Upon the stair
The favorite child
No longer there
His sure affection
Loving care
And so she waits
Upon the stair



If I was in a sighing mood, I could sigh this morning.  Added to my general disdain for the dayshift (yes, I'm glad I have a job; I'm just not a fan of the alarm clock), we had the killings in Colorado; my mother-in-law informed me of the passing of her brother, and now...the cat. No, the little fur-ball has not moved on; she just looks on...longingly.  You see, her favorite human has moved out (an eventuality for most offspring [in this culture anyway]) but the cat hasn't made the connection yet. And so, as has been her routine, for years and years...she waits. Looking at "his" door.

As best I can figure she's a Russian Blue (at least in part). The pictures posted are "not" she, but if not knowing...I would say they are.  And, I truly feel for the little bug-eater (and face biter) and I am reminded by "Miss Kitty," and by all the events of late, that this life...is at best...transient.  And oh, how foolish are we to ascribe immortality and permanence to anything not connected to He...who does not change.

And so, as there is a pause in politics to reflect on the Colorado tragedy--a horrible, senseless loss of life--let us also reflect on "our" relationships that are only a breath away...from passing. And, dear reader, may I gently suggest that before the inevitable comes, that we consider He, who offers a more permanent...peace.

Cat Nipped!
(By R.P.Edwards)

When I awoke
Upon my face
A curious mark
A curious place
I must conclude
That in the night
The disgruntled cat
Decided...to bite!


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

July Morning





July Morning

(by R.P.Edwards)
Morning stillness
No pressing care
Before the bombs
That burst in air
Before parades
And marching bands
Before the speeches
Great...and grand
Before the fires
Feasting fare
Before the sportsmen
Leave their lair 
In morning's stillness
I recall
That freedom's price
Was simply...all


Worked the midnight shift last night and, though I wasn't thinking of posting today, as I rode my two-wheeler down the quite streets of "anytown" USA, I took note of how still it was.  Aside from the little traffic due to the holiday, even the air seemed hushed, almost reverent.  And I thought to myself, "This peaceful pause came with a price. A very expensive coin, indeed."  And then, in a segue to current events, I thought of how our "freedoms"--those God-given tangibles--are being slowly (and sometimes not-so) whittled and belittled by the seed of man, and I wondered if "this" generation; "this" band of flag-wavers--after going through the motions (as do we all) of partying patriots--I wondered if "we the people" would be willing to stand once more and say to the tyrants we have allowed, "Not one step further!" And then, having stopped the advance, to push our spawn back into its hiding place.

So, am I speaking of Revolution? No...and yes.  No...not with bomb and blast, but Yes...to ballots cast.  For, although our "today remembered" founders pledged their lives and sacred honor to sever the King's oppressive tether, we, the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, need merely join our wills on election day. And, if we do; if we dare stand and demand...and then, through victory, command; then we can again let freedom's lungs fill unfettered and wings fully unfurl and, with our dreams firmly attached, we can then let this great eagle take us to new unimaginable heights. And, having done so, and with the aid of Divine Providence, perhaps then many more fourths...will come forth.  Yes, many more Independence Days where the reverent morning stillness speaks again; ever again...of patriot's blood.
****
A song of remembrance: The Stone 




Friday, June 29, 2012

Yep, it's a tax







Candle Sense
(by R.P.Edwards)

Johnny loved the candle
It's warm and friendly glow
But when he'd try to touch it
His mother told him, "No!"
"That light will hurt you, honey."
Her tired and worn refrain
But Johnny finally listened
 And what taught him was...
The pain


Well, it's been over twenty-four hours since the "Obama Care is Okay" decision handed down by the Supreme Court.  I have to admit, like most I was a bit surprised. Especially at the revelation that Justice Roberts was the deciding nod.  And, although I haven't spent much time with the "whys" and "wherewithals," I've heard that the persuading argument given was that the Federal Government has the right to tax and, when it comes right down to it, the individual mandate is a tax; albeit a wolf in sheep's clothing, a bald faced lie to the public, an obfuscation leading to emasculation...tax.

And so, it seems, we the people, via the reasonings of the Chief Justice, have been given the opportunity to fix the mess that we the people inflicted upon ourselves in 2008.  Yes, rather than have the Supreme Court do our dirty work, it turns out that if "We the People" actually want to remain a viable constitutional republic, then we must, in the coming months, roll up our sleeves, rally, and then roust out those who promised hope, but have delivered instead...chains.  

And so...the poem.  Like the little boy who is best taught by pain, we, who were in 2008 dazzled by the eloquence of the current administration, we now have touched the flame...and it burns. The question however is; have we learned enough to remove our hand, our favor, from that which injures us?

****

For your viewing pleasure, the Supreme Court song: 



Monday, June 18, 2012

Keith Green and me







Get up you bum!
(by R.P.Edwards)

Candy Bars
And coffee quaffed
Shaken from
My lazy loft
"Up, you sluggard!
To the chair!
And pound the keys
Your simple...share"


Candy bars and coffee. Those were my obsessions this early morn. You see, my sweet sixteen year old daughter (having recently discovered the world of work, and pay) well, she indulged her old man by purchasing for me candy bars (a big Hershey, and a bag of bite sized 3 Musketeers) along with some bagged brew...for Father's day.  Yum. 

Well, when my older offspring then approached with their gift; rather than a bottle of slightly more expensive wine than I'm used to (sorry, my tea-totaling brothers and sisters. I am among those who believe the wine Jesus provided was actually that...wine; and that non-abuse can be of use [a topic for another day]) well, instead they gave me a four CD collection of Keith Green's work.

To the younger crowd: Keith Green was the modern Christian artist of my day (1977-82). Talented, tenacious; his passion for the work and message of Christ set many ablaze and, as I meandered in the kitchen this hot summer's day, I listened anew...and a fire...stirred.  

And so, to the keys!  Honestly, I had resigned myself to the notion that my meager offerings were of little import, but perhaps, PERHAPS! there is even one whose notch is mine to fill.  So, as my system valiantly nullifies the sugar and caffeine in my system I offer two things to ponder. One: the song Mr Green sang that helped me awaken (at least a bit). And two: a reminder (via an article from Small Victories ministry) of the tragedy of abortion in our midst. A tragedy that an awakened church...can alleviate. And an awakened electorate...can mitigate.


 


Small Victories article. Please read: Small Victories 

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Monday, May 28, 2012

We Remember




True Remembrance
(by R.P.Edwards)

And so we stand
And bow the head
And whisper thanks
To honored dead
But no greater tribute
Can there be
Than to keep their country
Good...
And free



The video, The Stone (below), was one of my first efforts a few years back.  Written before the fiftieth anniversary of WWII, Youtube and Windows Moviemaker brought the simple tune...to life.  It's a bit long...and unprofessional.  But, I hope, on this Memorial Day, you have a few minutes to pause and remember the sacrifice of the many.  God Bless.




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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Romney/Huckabee 2012







The Ticket
(by R.P.Edwards)

Two governors
No waiting
No hurtful OJT
The People's choice...
Mitt Romney
And his choice...
Huckabee!


I thought it was gone with the beloved XP (moment of silence).  Yes, when my former engine of communication and creation had an untimely death last year, I thought the many unprotected items also went to the bottom.  But, hallelujah!, garnering some sense from somewhere, I had actually backed up at least a few things and put them on a flash drive.  And...when uploading from the little tyke, eureka!, my "Huckabee Run" song...was intact.

History:  Yeah, I'm a Mike Huckabee fan.  Yes, yes, I know there are many who chafe at his populist ways.  But...I really like the guy!  And, last year, hoping to encourage him to jump into the presidential fray, a simple song and video were written and sent into cyberspace.  The result? Well, Huckabee on Fox is doing quite well.

Now, fast forward.  The Republican choice for President, Mitt Romney, is weighing his options for a second banana.  No doubt his many counselors are clamoring for a niche man or woman; you know, someone who can help deliver a state, or an ethnic, or even a gender vote.  But, Mr Romney, may I suggest you put your old adversary (think 2008) Mike Huckabee, to the front of the line?  Not only is he a "get along and still get things done" conservative.  But, like you, he actually knows what it's like to govern.  To bear the weight...and delegate.  To do what's right...in spite of sight. Yes, Mr Romney, I think you would do yourself, and us, very well by giving Mike a call.  

Romney/Huckabee 2012!  I like the sound of that.

So, here's the video. Watch, listen, and pass on if you are so inclined.



Sunday, May 13, 2012

The National ill









The National ill
(by R.P.Edwards)

I resign myself
To the National ill
As evil rises
And has its fill
With God debased
And man...held high
If not abated
We'll surely
Die


Ah, it's Mother's Day (nearing the end thereof) and although I had thought to drop a line or two in praise of mothers who truly are, the national dialogue on President Obama's weigh-in on same sex marriage grabs my attention.

I fear for my country. Why? Well, it's not that a prominent politician (decent fellow that he is) is on the wrong side of the God issues (abortion, marriage), but that, from recent polling...it seems so many of my neighbors are leaning in the same direction.

You see (and call me naive) but I really do believe that this nation had a divine birth.  That deity was mentioned four times in the Declaration of Independence...deliberately.  And that, what was so obvious in the beginning (that WE need HIM), now we wise inheritors have assigned the Almighty to the role of flavor or tint.  He is insignificant.  A "not real anyway" inconvenience.  A vestige organ in our body politic.

But, dear reader, it behooves us to recall that so many of our modern "ministers;" (the 'mouths,' if you will) be they in academia, the media, Hollywood, Washington, or even behind a once sanctified church pulpit; it behooves us to remember that our blessed America came not one whit from these who so confidently dare to define what is right; and what is wrong.

And so...I fear.  I fear that we who dance the dance of carefree apostasy; hopping, and skipping, and twirling ever farther from our stable center and ever closer to the precipice of pride; I fear that without a national revival...we will surely, soon, step off...and in.

And, as for me--as the once unthinkable becomes thunk and done-- I cannot fathom how any person who cracks their Bible, and believes; I cannot fathom how one of these of genuine faith can enter the sacred booth and cast their vote for those who mock their God and invite His rebuke.

****

Friday, April 20, 2012

We Pigs?






Pretty Please
(by R.P.Edwards)

Would it be possible
Pretty please
To lean towards good
And not towards...sleaze?
To practice truth
In the inward part
Where outward polish
Reflects the heart
When words like "honor"
Include your skin
To love the light
And shun the sin
To tame the flesh
With its wayward ways
To pause the paws
To kneel...and pray
Oh, is it possible?!
In this tawdry time
To remember virtue
And make it mine
To choose the better
Though 'gainst the flow
To walk the walk
The selfless...show
And build anew
With common stones
A republic worthy
Of God..to own
And give the children
At our knees
Who reach and whisper
"Pretty please."


6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?
7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. 
(Proverbs 20:6,7 NAS)

In response to those of the Secret Service who were doing a, er, Disservice to us all.  

I'll not belabor the point.  Some of our "protect the President" professionals were caught doing unprofessional things with prostitutes.  Yes, shameful. Yes, disturbing.  But, to this weary one who tires of "our" tendencies towards the tawdry...it's just plain sad.

Yes, I know we universally have the "flesh" to deal with.  And yes, I know the human heart naturally leans towards the unclean; thus we need a Savior (and yes I'm a big fan of the second chance.) But can't we, at least today, can't we at least TRY to be moral; try to be virtuous; try to be someone our heritage might possibly be proud of? And maybe, once we get our own house in order, perhaps we can remind those over us that it would be nice if they...set the example.

****


 

Saturday, March 31, 2012

April fools





Atheist Day
(by RPEdwards)

Agnostic?
Yeah, I get it
They say that they're not sure
But Atheists
They're different
Their faith is strong...and pure
The Agnostic is uncertain
A candidate for school
But the Atheist
He knows it all!
So God declares,
"The fool!"


It was billed as "The Reason Rally." An out of the closet sort of thing concerning Atheists and their ilk.  Yes, "finding their voice," this growing minority is letting us know that they exist...and that they vote.  Take that, Religious Right!

Not much to say, but, as April Fools Day is--at this writing--tomorrow; I would like to commend the ralliers at placing their pronouncement so close to their holiday.  Not to be cruel, but the inherited America we enjoy; the inherited America that supplies the luxury and leisure for lunacy...it was birthed, mainly, by those who believed in someone greater than themselves, a divine someone who created, and endowed, and is the Supreme judge of the world.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Awkward we




The Awkward Stage
(by R.P.Edwards)

The awkward stage
The in-between
From ugly duck
To beauty queen
From crawling bug
To butterfly
Betwixt the two
Unsettled...I
And so, thus burdened
To the store
To purchase bread
But home...with more
For there I heard
The grocery sage
"We're always in...
the awkward stage."


"How long did it take?" I asked.  The setting: the grocery store. I was on some menial gathering errand. A "we need one more item to complete it" recipe run.  And there before me--as I paused midst the sauces and salad dressings--in simple shorts and shirt, was a gent of similar age (I would say "older," but that so often is not the case these days) with long graying hair that he had simply tamed by pulling back and restraining with an elastic band. Simplicity itself. The low maintenance solution to which I aspire.  And so I asked, "How long did it take to grow your hair that long?"

"Oh, a year or two," said he.

And then I added (since my locks are far from the desired length), "It's only been about six months for me. I'm in that "awkward stage.""

He paused a moment, and, with a little knowing chuckle gently added, "We're always in that "awkward stage.""

I had to laugh at this bit of unexpected insight.  And, as we parted company I realized that philosophers are ever in our midst. Even in the grocery aisle.
____

Yes, much to my wife's chagrin, I have decided to rebel against the ever present and pressing "have to's" by simply doing...nothing. Maybe its middle-aged madness, or merely a wistful revisit to longer hair of forty years ago; whatever the psyche or psychosis, since my occupation cares little about our individual "package," and since mama has less interest in "molding" the old man...I let it grow.  But, the road to the tail...is a long one.  And before that blessed state, when hair doing consists of a pull and a twist...I am in the awkward stage.
____

Super Tuesday has come and gone. Romney leads, but his anointing is not certain.  We are indeed in an "awkward stage" in this choosing of a champion.  But, it is a necessary trip. An arduous journey that has no short cuts (pun intended).  And, I am believing, when all is said and done, when the next president (not the current one) is sworn in, that I will be watching the joyous event with my locks neatly locked...in a ponytail behind.  Or, if I find the style unsavory, perhaps I'll consider the "dome" look. Hmmm....

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Monday, February 20, 2012

Christie says, "I don't!"





Marriage
(by R.P.Edwards)

It's not the same!
It's not the same!
Though some would fight
To claim the name
The marriage bond
By God ordained
All other "joins"
Are not the same!

What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.
(Mark 10:9)

 "I am adhering to what I've said since this bill was first introduced -- an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide,"


Post-poem; the first quote comes from the incarnate Word; the Son of the Living God; the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Light of the world; the Good Shepherd; the Redeemer; the Savior; the Advocate...Jesus Christ. The second quote comes from the Governor of New Jersey upon his decision to follow through with the promised veto of gay-marriage legislation.

Alas, once again the favored few have latched onto the new "right" (as in "right and wrong") and tried to cram down the throats of the many their value system that insists that "man plus man" is in all ways equal to "woman plus man." In other words, saying the God of the Bible; the one referenced four times in the Declaration of Independence...got it wrong again.
  
Thankfully the governor of said state put a stop to Representative madness and made, once again, the sane and sensible call for a state-wide referendum on such an important issue.
And, of course, I'm not anti-individual.  But I am very much desirous of reasons for God to continue to...Bless America.  And, dear reader, continually calling Him a liar...is not the way to get there.


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