Smoke Signals 2

GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING!

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

I do use moderation for comments (somewhat), so please do not post a duplicate comment if yours does not appear right away.

From the book of Luke, verses 1 through 16

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14″Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

So often today, we are caught up in all the commercial aspects of the season, buying gifts, making sure that we have enough lights on the house, putting up the tree, cooking, and so on. Yet, few people ever stop to really think about why we even have Christmas, and I know it’s not the literal date on which Jesus was born. There are those who have never heard about HIM and need to. People today are living in the dark, yet we, as Christians, have such a wonderful light we could give them. You see, about 2000 years ago, a tiny little boy was born in a barn and laid in a manger. His mother was a virgin and in those times for an unwed girl to be pregnant meant she would be cast out of society, yet her betrothed, Joseph, still married her and raised her son as his own. That boy grew and eventually ministered more in just 3 years than most of us can in a lifetime, before dying for the sins of all mankind, and then rising from the grave 3 days later. You see, when he died on the cross, he became a sacrifice for all of our sins, and then when he rose on the 3rd day, he provided for us that death is not the end. You see, HE wants you to have a relationship with him, and he wants to forgive EVERY SIN you’ve ever comitted, all you need to do is ask and he will.

So, tomorrow when you are with your family and the food is being served, and presents are passed out, don’t forget why we are really celebrating, the REAL gift was given on that night in the barn and laid in a manger.

Merry Christmas and GOD BLESS!

Cross posted at Smoke Signals Blog

Froggy has pointed out that President Bush has just gone too far this time. It seems that U.S. Agents are now using GEIGER COUNTERS in the vicinity of some mosques to check for radiation. Now, according to Froggy, this is under the guise of stopping the detonation of a nuclear weapon, but we all know this is just another day at the part for Chimpy Bush-hitler-haliburton as he invades the “right” of TERRORISTS to have NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

Now, for those who DON’T know it, that was SARCASM! You see, in time of war, the President has a little more power than usual. I’m not saying that I am happy or agree with giving up ANY of the rights named in the Constitution, but guess what, YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO POSSESS A NUCLEAR BOMB (unless you’re in the military)!

Read the story here

That said, I’m leaving for a while, need to let the swelling in my head subside a little. Until next time!

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

This poem has been around for a little while, and has made the rounds on various blogs and other web pages, but it has lost none of it’s power to move me almost to tears. As we prepare for all the fun that comes each year at Christmas, America’s military Men and Women are far from home in many cases, and just as we would, they DO miss their families and friends. Now, I know that it isn’t “popular” to be for the GWOT and all, but these men and women are doing what MUST be done to keep our country safe, and I really don’t care where you stand on the war issue, please DO NOT take out your animosity for the mission on those who have taken it up. These are the finest that America has to offer, and if they don’t take this cause up now, then Americans WILL see another 9/11, and it WILL be worse. To those who are fighting right now for my family, my friends, and for me, I can NEVER adequetly put into words my feelings, but I will say simply THANK YOU, God Bless You, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt
(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

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H/T to Blackfive

Listen to the poem - Right click and then select “save as”

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

It seems that some JERK in Londonberry decided that he just could not tolerate a nativity scene, and decided to DESTROY it! From the article, the statues (wise men, Mary, Joseph, an Angel, and others) were either beheaded, dismembered, or worse, and left lying in the snow. The home owner who had the scene in HIS OWN YARD said the scene was only two years old, and that baby Jesus was spared because the family did not put him out until Christmas Day, which they still plan to do. My question is this, why is it that people will defend the “right to choose” to MURDER A CHILD have an abortion, or defend the “rights” of nambla members to SEXUALLY ASSAULT young boys, but when it comes to a right which ACTUALLY APPEARS in the U.S. Constitution (religious freedom), they JUST CANNOT STAND for someone to show their beliefs? Well, I don’t have to hope that this SCUMBAG will burn in HELL for all eternity, because unless he makes a DRASTIC change in his life, he will.

Original Story - H/T to Wizbang

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

I NEED HELP!

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You Are a Classic Martini

You area sophisticated drinker, who knows that simple quality is over-rated. You’re a knowledgeable drunk, but sometimes you’re a know-it-all when you’re blasted. You should never: Drink and gossip. You tend to forget who’s standing right behind you! Your ideal party: Has a real bartender. But no one mixes a better drink than you. Your drinking soulmates: those with a Chocolate Martini personality Your drinking rivals: those with a Margarita Martini personality

What Flavor Martini Are You?

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You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 6/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Well, that’s good to know, but what will I make in college Biology!?

I don’t like to mention it, mostly because when you vocalize that Murphy hasn’t hit you lately, HE WILL soon after you say it (much like saying it hasn’t rained, or just washing your car). Well, Murphy hit me HARD today. I’m house-sitting for some neighbors, and today the toilet “hung up” and flooded the bathroom, closet and bedroom. Well, after about 5 hours of “vacuuming” (with a rug cleaner), almost all of the water is gone, and the toilet isn’t hung much. Anyway, remember, Murphy is hiding around every corner, and when you least expect it, HE WILL GET YOU! Unless of course you get him first, anyone have a preference? Pistol, shotgun, or GRENADE LAUNCHER?

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

The Redneck Quiz

I would beg to differ with this, but that sentence alone speaks volumes about the results (below).

“You scored well this means you are one of 3 things. 1) You are exceptionally bright. 2) You used to be a redneck but have moved out of the south and are in remission. 3) You are a redneck but trying ot hide it.”

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You’re an introspective intellectual.

What Sort of Intellectual Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

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The EVIL quiz

May EEEEEVILLLLLL GLENNNNNNN should take this one, ya think?

“You are Evil, we are afraid of you. Are you a lawyer or a politician? Don’t worry its nothing that can’t be changed or at least covered up with some well placed bribes. For the time being though we recommend you stay away from any blind men trying to cross the street.”

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals Blog

There is no doubt that one of the biggest questions and issues on the minds of most Americans is illegal immigration. One of the “loopholes” for illegal immigrants is the “anchor baby”. What happens is that a couple comes over and the woman gives birth to a child here. Under the current wording of the 14th amendment, that child is automatically a citizen, and the parents are not able to be deported, not to mention that the child also qualifies for welfare and medicare.

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

I want to make clear that I am NOT advocating anything that would deny basic human rights to anyone, but this is more than that. Doctors in America WILL NOT turn the mother away, because their oath as as medical doctor they will make sure they give the mother and the child the care and treatment they need. The question arises though, should the American tax payer be FORCED to pay for that child for 18 years?

There are two schools of thought here. The first, and I see the point in a way, would change the 14th amendment to no longer allow anchor babies, thus saying that anyone born here, but born to parents who are here ILLEGALLY, will be returned to their parents’ home country as soon as is safe for the child, and the parents go too. The second school, which also has merit, would return the parents to their home country almost immediately, but the child (who would still be a citizen) would be placed in the care of the state to await adoption. The argument here is that this is almost facism or stalinism. The question is though, if the child is a citizen, they have all the rights that other citizens have, and therefore to send them home with the parents would violate those rights, but to allow the parents to stay is an undue burden on the American tax payer. If the parents are fleeing for their lives, that is different, but most aren’t, and therefore these are pretty much the only two ways to make a change, should one be made.

Some say that to do this is still forcing the tax payer to pay for the child, but not really. If the children are adopted, then they will have a good home, and their adoptive parents would pay for them. Even if only 40% to 50% of them are adopted, that reduces the tax burden quite a bit, and also ensures the money from taxes is going to support the child, NOT to the parents who may or may not use it for the child.

Mostly, we need to make a choice, we have seen what un-restricted immigration does to a country (see France riot situation), and we now need to either take a stand and say that we still want people who want a better life to have that opportunity, but we REQUIRE they do it right, or we need to just lay down and let our country be invaded continually, as it is being invaded now.

So, what am I asking you to do? Call, fax, write, or e-mail your Congressman (in the House especially) and let them know where you stand on this issue. We elect them to represent us, but how can they represent us if they do not know where we stand? You can bet anything you want that the aclu will be chiming in on this one.

Cross posted at Smoke Signals Blog

For those that do not know, I am currently attending school pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. My campus has a monument dedicated to our fallen heroes in the courtyard area where a dog-tag like marker is placed in memory of a fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. Yet, it seems that some folks here just cannot stand this, and have been VANDALIZING IT! You see, the picture below doesn’t show it, but there are places left to the right for any names to be added, and they are not added haphazardly, so the “blanks” that you see, SHOULD NOT BE THERE! Is there just no sense of DECENCY any more? Well, I can tell you this, I am going to contact the professor who helped sponsor this monument so that the names that have been removed can be put back in the place of honor they deserve, and I am also going to let the campus PD know that someone feels they have the right to DEFACE this monument.

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Cross-Posted at Smoke Signals

Group to protest “Republican Death Machine”And, NO, Ogre, you can’t have one for Christmas, EEEEEEEEVIL GLENNNNNNNNNN has already bought them all. Kidding aside, it seems that “the left” has NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER with the MURDER of innocent babies (see: abortion), nor do they have ANY PROBLEMS with brutal dictators being left in power to murder MILLIONS of people (see: sadaam hussein and the current DNC position on the war they did vote to start), but when a CONVICTED MURDERER is sentenced to death for killing FOUR PEOPLE, they are outraged. Stanley “Tookie” Williams, a former gang member, and current resident of California’s death row, is scheduled to be executed at 12:01AM on Tuesday 12/13 for the 1979 murder of four people. Now, I will grant “tookie” that he does seem to have shown SOME maturity in that he now writes children’s books teaching to stay AWAY from gangs, drugs, and guns, but he has NOT renounced his own time with them as he has not stopped using his “gang name” (tookie). I have no doubt that people can change, and can be redeemed and forgiven for any sin they commit, but just because you see the error of your ways, and repent does NOT free you from responsiblity for your actions. Mr. Willims MURDERED four people, and the court decided his life should be forfeit due to that, therefore, his sentence should be carried out. The main problem I have here is that there is going to be a protest in DC (which is a long way from California) to DEMAND that Gov. Schwarzeneggar grant clemency and commute his sentence to life in prison. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that a small group of people had the right to DEMAND a government official do anything, if I had known, I would have DEMANDED that Pres. Clinton tell the truth under oath, or that Sen. Kennedy tell the truth about the woman he murdered (by doing nothing he is responsible for her death), or I would DEMAND that Sen. Kerry tell the truth about EVERYTHING he did from the day he returned to the U.S. from Vietnam until today (including throwing his medals away, lying about what went on, visiting the VC in France, and on and on and on), but I guess I missed out on those opportunities, didn’t I?

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Leaders of faith mark holiday season by bashing Wal-MartIt seems that no matter what, the unions are just not going to give up until Wal-Mart FORCIBLY unionizes their workers. The ONLY instance I know of where a store closed to avoid unionizing was IN CANADA and therefore does NOT come to this debate, but you know what, if enough Wal-Mart employees wanted to unionize, they could, and I’ll tell you how. The employees hold the reigns, even if they don’t know it. Because if a large percentage of the work force at a company threatened to quit if they couldn’t unionize, the company would at least have to listen and talk it over, otherwise THE COMPANY WOULD BE CRIPPLED! So, let me QB this for you, say the employees of Wal-Mart want to unionize, and they get 75% of their fellow workers to side with them. Then, a letter is sent to the corporate office telling Wal-Mart that unless they are allowed to unionize, the company will be faced with a SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT drop in staffing, and therefore WOULD BE LITERALLY CRIPPLED! Therefore, why not just (and this is dangerous thinking folks) LET THE WORKERS DECIDE IF THEY WANT TO UNIONIZE? American Airlines call centers were HARASSED at least monthly by union reps at our front gate (some of whom would BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY until you talked to them, or looked like you would run them over), yet each time a vote came up, the employees VOTED NO and AA never changed the pay or benefit package to get that to happen. So, the lesson, if people are WILLING to work for the wages Wal-Mart pays, and those employees DO NOT WANT A UNION, then why is it OK to try to FORCE A UNION ON THEM?

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University drops charges against student for opposition to homosexualityThis is a RARE victory for free speech (seeing as it was NOT in support of homosexuality or any other “far left” cause). It seems that a professor sent an e-mail to students inviting them to view a movie about a lesbian couple. Jihad Daniel, a 63 year old grad student, and recent convert to Islam, responded with a request to not receive any further correspondance along this line, as he believes homosexuality is a perversion. Well, that just cannot be allowed can it. Someone not agreeing with the far left on a college campus. Well, a letter of reprimand was placed in Mr. Daniel’s permanent record, and he was charged with harassment as well, seeing as the professor found his e-mail to be “threatening”. Well, a group called F.I.R.E. (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) took up the charge in support of Mr. Daniel, and the school has dropped the charges and removed the letter of reprimand.

When did it come to this? When did simply saying you do not agree with something become a threat? I’m sorry folks, but if I get an e-mail from a professor about something like this, I am DEFINATELY going to ask to be removed from his list for these invites, and I’m going to say why. I can also guarantee that if that professor accuses me of “threatening”, I will take him to court for slander and any other charge I can, and I will have a copy of the e-mail to prove what I said. This was not a threat, this was a man who disagrees with a professor, simply voicing his view, and asking to be removed from her e-mail list.

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Democrats pitch “national community”I’m sorry, but haven’t we seen this before from Senator Hillary “it takes a village” Clinton? I just understand, is the DNC just that dense? This didn’t work the first time, why would it now? Americans don’t want a “national community”, and do you know why? Because New Yorkers are proud to be New Yorkers, just as Texans are proud(er) to be Texans, and so on. We don’t want to be told that everyone is the same, and all that rubbish. Texans are better than anyone else on the planet at some things, why NY has it’s strengtth, and so one. Differences are what made this country strong. Different skills and different talents being harnessed and used. I just don’t see this working, do you?

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AND, LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST!

Democrats: Dishonest On Iraq (streaming video link)

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Well, that’s it for now, I have three more finals this week, and I’m house sitting for a neighbor and the dogs need me right now. Until next time, MERRY CHRISTMAS

I find it just funny that since the “red vs. blue” state thing all started, Texas is one of a VERY FEW states that really has not had a lot of issues, seeing as we are pretty much THE red state of the union. Well, that got me to thinking, if you are a die-hard liberal (and I mean kool-aid drinking, tin-foil-hat wearing, afraid of all things GOP, MOON-BAT liberal), Texas must be HELL for you. Well, it seems that last night, HELL FROZE OVER! The picture below shows the waterfall just outside my college library building and it was not like this when I left campus yesterday, so it happened over night last night. Thought I’d share, plus it’s just kind of a cool picture, wouldn’t you agree?

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Via Ogre, from Always on Watch who received this from Papa Ray, a Christmas poem.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

“What are you doing?” I asked without fear,
“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light.
Then he sighed and he said “Its really all right,

I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.”

“It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ‘Pearl on a day in December,”
Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam,’
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue… an American flag.

“I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.”

“So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.”
“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,
“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?”

It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,
For being away from your wife and your son.”

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
“Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Not much more to say, except I DO remember what each of our men and women in uniform does for me, my family, and my country EVERY DAY! God Bless them all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As many of you know (and those who didn’t now know), I am a bit of a movie buff, and therefore I like to discuss movies when I get the chance. Well, I’ve decided that I want to keep this blog “pure” as it were, or in a more clear way of saying it, I wish to stick to politics and such here. That being said, I’ve started a new blog called SMOKEY’S MOVIE REVIEWS. I’m still working on a way to “rate” the movies, so for now it’s just a place for me to talk about movies I see, and then open it up for discussion. So, head on over, but don’t forget the popcorn and soda!

THE BRICK

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared.

Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag’s side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown The angry driverthen jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, “What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That’s a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?” The young boy was apologetic. “Please, mister…please, I’m sorry but I didn’t know what else to do,” He pleaded. “I threw the brick because no one else would stop…” With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. “It’s my brother, “he said “He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up.”

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.”

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. “Thank you and may God bless you,” the grateful child told the stranger.

Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: “Don’t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!” God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don’t have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It’s our choice to listen or not.

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Thought for the Day:

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

Send this to every “beautiful person” you wish to bless.

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in…

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Pass this message to seven people except you and me.

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About 2000 years ago, on a night that seemed like any other night, a young couple had just arrived in Bethlehem to be counted in the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Joseph had brought his young bride, Mary, who was expecting her first son, though she had never known a man at that time, but was told by the angel Gabriel that her son was the Son of God and had been sent to the world to save all mankind from their sin. The first thing that happened, though, upon their arrival was that none of the inns in town had any room, but finally they were offered a stable to stay in by an innkeeper who knew they should not just be turned out into the night. Later that evening Mary knew that it was time for her son to be delivered, so she gave birth, wrapped her son in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. He was visited that night by shepherds who heard while they were watching their flocks and by three wise men from the east who followed a star to his bedside. You see, Christ was not sent to this world just for rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, black or white, man or woman, but for EVERYONE! He came that none should perish in hell, but that all of us would have the chance to live eternally with him in glory after our time on Earth was done.

Lately, it seems that some in America have decided that all notions of Christmas are “offensive”, and therefore the aclu (aka all crazy lunatics unite) has threatened (only that so far) to sue any school, city, or any other representative of any form of government for any reference to Christmas. We now see “holiday trees” at stores, and some stores are going so far as to BAN THE SALVATION ARMY from their stores. While that store has said their reason is that “they cannot allow every organization” to be there and therefore won’t allow any of them, but the funny thing is that I’ve NEVER seen any other groups fund raising at Christmas in front of stores, so who are the “other groups” that were “excluded”? Well, I’m not going to accept this (or even tolerate it) any more. I REFUSE to shop at any store which has “banned Christmas”, and I will make sure that EVERYONE I meet on campus or anywhere else will be greeted by a hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS from now on. That last one is the one that just completely defies all explanation. What is it about me saying Merry Christmas that is so offensive? I have no problem with someone saying Happy Hanukah, or any other religious or holiday greeting, so why is it that Merry Christmas is so offensive? Well, until someone can convince me (in a legit debate) why they are offended by this (and when that happens, I’LL EAT MY SHIRT!), I will NOT STOP saying MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone I meet, and I go to a state school, and I’ll be at the county offices later this week, so I may have some good stories, or if you hear someone has been arrested or sued for something along these lines, it might just be me!

Any way, to everyone out there, MERRY CHRISTMAS and may the Good Lord bless and keep you all!

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Santa’s Prayer

Why is Jesus better than Santa?

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Well, it seems that Ogre is DEAD SET on finding every quiz he can, either because he too is a quiz-a-holic, or he just likes to TORTURE ME (he is an ogre, hmmmm?) Anyway, here are the results of the latest quiz…..

I love you. You’re santa but you still manage to be
a pirate. You’re crazy enough to throw a couple
of yo ho’s in the general xmas-ness

What kind of Santa are you?
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