Retired & Thinking

What's Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander...or is it? What's good for the goose is good for the gander... or is it? Here's a suggestion that would never fly, probably should never be tried, might get myself in hot water with an entire world religion but here goes. What if the US decided to replicate the religious freedom of it staunch ally in our War on Terrorism , Saudi Arabia ? What would happen in this fine nation of ours? What would happen to our tradition and lately, IMHO, recent religion of 'tolerance beyond sense'? The first thing that would happen is that 1209 mosques would close their doors. Why, because those in Saudi Arabia who are not Muslims aren't allowed to have public places of worship. A report from the US Department of State in 2005 (the link to the site is below) says, " There exist no synagogues or churches in the country, and, while there have been no specific reports of physical violence against, or harassment of J...

Did you ever wonder about.. Why we drive on parkways and park on driveways? Why the third hand on the watch called the second hand? Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing? Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting? Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"? How come abbreviated is such a long word? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’?" The bible study tonight will start looking at Mark 2. It’s a three part passage with verses 1-12 being about a man who is brought to Jesus by four others guys and Jesus heals him after telling him he is forgiven. The second section (vv. 13-17) deals with a tax-collector, sort of a Roman casual laborer, named Levi. He is called by Jesus...

It is now the fifth day of Christmas… you know “5 golden rings”…OK so they’re not gold but there on NBC, MSNBC and the internet are the Olympic rings in all their glory.  Now I’m more into the summer games than the winter. Phyllis has settled in for the next two weeks. She’ll root for her favorite skaters, gripe at the judges and just enjoy herself. She made a good attempt at downhill skiing and it wasn’t for her. She would still like to try the luge, better her than me. I guess what I find interesting is how content she is as she watches it.  There’s no big production. There’s no big deal. She is simply happy with her show. How come more of us aren’t that way when it comes to life in general? Is there something in our sinful make up that makes us desire more than we have. Is there something that keeps us from being content with the mercy and graces Christ has given us?   I don’t know about you all but I understand the difference between “joy” and “happines...

Interesting site to check out Just a quick note to share with you a site that offers free web templates . This was shared with me by a friend and member and my personal favorite is called " deep ". It seems a bit flash intensive but it's really pretty cool. " Stepping Stone " is another clean and neat template although my 50+ year old eyes need darker text to make it work for me. Have fun, stay close to Christ and say a good word about Jesus today to someone else. Peace

Just returned from the Portland Pastor’s Prayer Summit at Cannon Beach and first of all I will talk in only vague generalities and speak of myself to preserve those who were also there. Here’s my list of observations about the time: It was memorable, not in an earthshaking sort of way, but in the quiet, deeply touching way. It was touching. I had the opportunity to be supported by a brother in Christ in a way that I’ve missed for a long time. Part of that was a sense of being set free enough to do something about the areas in which I sense the Lord speaking to me. I was affirmed in my decision to cultivate relationships with those outside of my denominational box. There is a wealth of experience, love, support, ideas and thoughts out there which are not labeled “Presbyterian”. And much of it is very good. I will go back again. There is little to add to this. I’m working on a piece about the twisted state of the environmental climate here in the Portland area. When I have my evidence in...

Help for the Artisically Challenged I have a bit of artistic sense but not a great deal of talent. I know what colors are and my male volcaulary of colors include "peace", "aqua" and "seafoam". But I am not one who can make the photos I want come out like I saw it. Heck, as a kid, I had trouble with the color by numbers sets. That's why I ran across a site that is better than nice, it's useful. It has free PowerPoint and backgrounds for screen use. Yes, I know PowerPoint may not be cutting edge in a world of flash, CGI and other digital art but you use what you've got. For some congregations PowerPoint is radical. This site, www.heartlight.org offers a lot to consider and look over. I'm not affiliated with them at all but just thought I'd pass on the help where I find it. BTW if you're sick of either alternative Christian music, or the constant appeals for money that seem to be the stapel of "commercial free" Christian r...

Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas You've read about the battle at Sears, Wal-Mart and Target. Newspaper editors and AM talk shows have squared off on the question so much it makes you want to eat fruit cake. Well not it's my turn. As an observer of the political culture with a major in Political Science and as a follower of Jesus Christ I believe I'm in a peculiar place from which to share my thoughts. The argument for 'Happy Holidays' is that we are a diverse and multi-cultural nation in which many people (I'd add most) do not recognize Christmas as a religious holiday but a secular one. In addition Kwanza , Chanukah, and the Winter Solstice celebrations have their own followers. The argument for 'Merry Christmas' is that the exclusion or downright banning of it comes dangerously close to censorship and a violation of the civil rights of those who follow Jesus. I would like to suggest that we adopt the saying 'Happy Holidays' provide...