I understand the Arminian views on doctrine in which a soul can "Fall from Grace."
That doctrine of course is still held in Methodist, Pentecostal, and other churches.
I just hope the old " Once Saved Always Saved" ( Preservation of the Saints in Calvinism) that I grew up with as a Baptist still holds true.
But if Joseph Arminius was correct, I fall from grace about...Well, every 5-10 minutes, and I got a snowball's chance in Austin in July....
Most of you who read this blog, well, I actually sort of like, I know that it's hard to believe, but well, it is true.
So, I was minding my own damn business at the dollar store this morning when a former student walked in.
Most of the time, I am happy to see you, if we actually recognize one another.
But this person had been really ugly to me. Especially online.....This is ugly, but they think they are someone "special."
They waved.....And smiled.
And instead of being cordial and waving back, I snapped. I shot them the finger and walked away....
I don't know what got into me. Maybe what little governor I had is totally gone?
I don't know, it was like, at the time, "Fuck 'em and feed 'em fish heads." ( Which I have had officially now....Not that bad....And not that good either.)
I just wanted to apologize to you the reader, if you hear of me doing this, yes, I did it.
I know in Christian doctrine you are supposed to forgive 70 x 7......But I have hard time with some folks, things....
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Confessions
I do this from time to time. It is somewhat therapeutic to sort of "let it out."
- I've never had a Red Bull a Monster or any other energy drink. I get my caffeine the old fashion way.....Coffee, tea, coke....
- I've never been to the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, Detroit, or Hawaii....And don't plan to go....
- If I never have to go back to Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Montreal( I loved Quebec City), Buffalo, Denver, El Paso, Nashville, Kansas City, Tulsa, Providence, RI......I'll be happy.
- I really want to visit Seattle, Quebec City, Hong Kong, San Fransisco, London, again....
- I hate the beach.
- I am now afraid to eat raw oysters.
- Want to make me happy? Feed me something with Pinto beans, or a Southern pea( Purple Hull, Field, cream, Crowder, etc) and cornbread....
- I am afraid that the state will make me take a measles vaccine.....And I've had measles...twice...I can see them doing something like this...
- The Bill to have the voters of Texas decide which to stay on Daylight Savings or Standard is in the Texas Senate.( It passed the House and doesn't need the governor's signature) I can see those goobs messing it up...Or worse, the voters of Texas.
- My worst fear. Some sort of dementia. Seriously.
- Take this how you will....Most of the friends on Facebook are "outside the box." Outlaws, Ne'er-do-well, the older I get the more I enjoy as the French would say " vive la diffe'rence. " Take this for whatever you want.....Most people on Facebook, well, " Bore the hell outta me."
- I've never had a Red Bull a Monster or any other energy drink. I get my caffeine the old fashion way.....Coffee, tea, coke....
- I've never been to the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, Detroit, or Hawaii....And don't plan to go....
- If I never have to go back to Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Montreal( I loved Quebec City), Buffalo, Denver, El Paso, Nashville, Kansas City, Tulsa, Providence, RI......I'll be happy.
- I really want to visit Seattle, Quebec City, Hong Kong, San Fransisco, London, again....
- I hate the beach.
- I am now afraid to eat raw oysters.
- Want to make me happy? Feed me something with Pinto beans, or a Southern pea( Purple Hull, Field, cream, Crowder, etc) and cornbread....
- I am afraid that the state will make me take a measles vaccine.....And I've had measles...twice...I can see them doing something like this...
- The Bill to have the voters of Texas decide which to stay on Daylight Savings or Standard is in the Texas Senate.( It passed the House and doesn't need the governor's signature) I can see those goobs messing it up...Or worse, the voters of Texas.
- My worst fear. Some sort of dementia. Seriously.
- Take this how you will....Most of the friends on Facebook are "outside the box." Outlaws, Ne'er-do-well, the older I get the more I enjoy as the French would say " vive la diffe'rence. " Take this for whatever you want.....Most people on Facebook, well, " Bore the hell outta me."
Monday, April 29, 2019
Sloppy
I know this is a different time. I understand this.
I know the world changes. I know this and I am proponent of things in society changing.
I understand that putting on a nice shirt and clean jeans is " dressing up" for some of you.....I understand this. I know this is East Texas. I know this is the societal norm.
I still wear a suit and tie to events. I wear dress shoes.
I know how to tie a tie about 25 different ways, but you know, I generally only tie the tie in one of 3 ways. The old standard "Four-in-Hand" the St. Andrews and the Pratt knot. Hell, most of the time, I wear a bow-tie I've actually tied.( At some point I need to discuss Black Tie, Morning Dress, and White Tie.......and I've done the Black Tie several times before.....I keep waiting for the White Tie event. But, I don't work for the State Department....If it was cold for the event, I'd come up with the cape and Top-hat....)
I digress.....
But some of you just don't care.
I have been to affairs in which people should have at least "tried" to dress a little better.
Funerals, weddings, even just church services.
People wearing muscle shirts. Wife beater t-shirts, shorts with holes in them. Jeans with I know cow fertilizer on them.....
Men wearing hats in church. ( In Europe the older men were wearing wool flat caps in church, but it was 50F( inside) on a raw rainy day.....and these were older people)
I have been in church services with women wearing shorts so short, skirts so short( with f*ck me pump shoes) I was temped to ask them, " How much?"
At some point, this mess has to stop.....
I know the world changes. I know this and I am proponent of things in society changing.
I understand that putting on a nice shirt and clean jeans is " dressing up" for some of you.....I understand this. I know this is East Texas. I know this is the societal norm.
I still wear a suit and tie to events. I wear dress shoes.
I know how to tie a tie about 25 different ways, but you know, I generally only tie the tie in one of 3 ways. The old standard "Four-in-Hand" the St. Andrews and the Pratt knot. Hell, most of the time, I wear a bow-tie I've actually tied.( At some point I need to discuss Black Tie, Morning Dress, and White Tie.......and I've done the Black Tie several times before.....I keep waiting for the White Tie event. But, I don't work for the State Department....If it was cold for the event, I'd come up with the cape and Top-hat....)
I digress.....
But some of you just don't care.
I have been to affairs in which people should have at least "tried" to dress a little better.
Funerals, weddings, even just church services.
People wearing muscle shirts. Wife beater t-shirts, shorts with holes in them. Jeans with I know cow fertilizer on them.....
Men wearing hats in church. ( In Europe the older men were wearing wool flat caps in church, but it was 50F( inside) on a raw rainy day.....and these were older people)
I have been in church services with women wearing shorts so short, skirts so short( with f*ck me pump shoes) I was temped to ask them, " How much?"
At some point, this mess has to stop.....
Saturday, April 27, 2019
I Blame Tara Sullivan Laramore....Again
I blame Tara.....Again......She made me wax philosophic while I was doing a load of laundry this morning ......
No, seriously, I was remind that my senior class in high school was larger than any entire student body census while I was at Buna High.
Heck, I graduated with folks, I did not even know, and by the end of the school year, I knew most of the kids in school at Buna. Even the goo on the bottom of my shoe, I mean Freshman....
For years I was disappointed that my Alma Mater didn't, or wouldn't hire.
I didn't want to admit it, but the teaching positions are just like every other schools, political, and I did not have the right connections.
Let's face it, politics is involved in so many schools....Heck all schools......You know good and well it is "Who you know, not what you know..."
It was a fluke Buna ISD hired me.
I had what was in those days a certification that nowadays everyone has. The Composite Social Studies. In the old days, people had History Certificates. Or Government Certificates... Now it has flip flopped. They have a Social Studies. Alone. ( BTW- I have both, History and Social Studies...the Social Studies qualified me to teach Government and Economics)
That said, I was soooo lucky to have spent most of my career in Buna, and little did I know how happy I would be in my time in South Jasper County.....
No, seriously, I was remind that my senior class in high school was larger than any entire student body census while I was at Buna High.
Heck, I graduated with folks, I did not even know, and by the end of the school year, I knew most of the kids in school at Buna. Even the goo on the bottom of my shoe, I mean Freshman....
For years I was disappointed that my Alma Mater didn't, or wouldn't hire.
I didn't want to admit it, but the teaching positions are just like every other schools, political, and I did not have the right connections.
Let's face it, politics is involved in so many schools....Heck all schools......You know good and well it is "Who you know, not what you know..."
It was a fluke Buna ISD hired me.
I had what was in those days a certification that nowadays everyone has. The Composite Social Studies. In the old days, people had History Certificates. Or Government Certificates... Now it has flip flopped. They have a Social Studies. Alone. ( BTW- I have both, History and Social Studies...the Social Studies qualified me to teach Government and Economics)
That said, I was soooo lucky to have spent most of my career in Buna, and little did I know how happy I would be in my time in South Jasper County.....
Lunacy in America
I don't know, I was going to write a blog about a well, potential stalker I have online...But I am waiting and thinking about writing a blog making fun of them....
No...We'll wait.....
First, Coachella.
I'll be honest, before this year, I did not know what it was. I thought it was a store of some sort.
If you were like me and did not know....It's a music festival.
It seems during the festival, there was an increase of people in the area of people going to the doctor with....
Herpes. 250 new cases reported a day.
Once again folks, "Protect yourselves at all times." Be careful....Some of the cases were caused by drinking after people with the virus.
Second.
A couple in Kileen Texas was given 60 years, each for having sex with babies and children.
At least 25 separate cases.
They did this in the production of child porn.
They should have tied a millstone around their necks and thrown them in the river.
Third.
A teacher is in trouble for sending a letter home saying in a nutshell " No extra credit, the kids should have done their work to start with..."
I hated extra credit. Why should little Johnny Lazy-Ass be given another chance when little Bobby Turn-Myshit-In did what he was supposed to do?
No...We'll wait.....
First, Coachella.
I'll be honest, before this year, I did not know what it was. I thought it was a store of some sort.
If you were like me and did not know....It's a music festival.
It seems during the festival, there was an increase of people in the area of people going to the doctor with....
Herpes. 250 new cases reported a day.
Once again folks, "Protect yourselves at all times." Be careful....Some of the cases were caused by drinking after people with the virus.
Second.
A couple in Kileen Texas was given 60 years, each for having sex with babies and children.
At least 25 separate cases.
They did this in the production of child porn.
They should have tied a millstone around their necks and thrown them in the river.
Third.
A teacher is in trouble for sending a letter home saying in a nutshell " No extra credit, the kids should have done their work to start with..."
I hated extra credit. Why should little Johnny Lazy-Ass be given another chance when little Bobby Turn-Myshit-In did what he was supposed to do?
Friday, April 26, 2019
You **** Dog People
Okay, I know most of you reading this blog are responsible dog folks.
Or you attempt to be....
My neighbor's dog is in "season" again.....She just had a litter of puppies in January.
Now, she's a throw away dog and the neighbors try and take care of her. And they find someone who take the pups every time, and the last time, she had 9 pups.
The alternative would be them putting a .22 shell through the 'throw out" dogs that show up.
But some of you people who have dogs, male dogs, not any particular breed, as David Hicks would call them, " Yaller yard dogs." Need to have them fixed.
Already one has gotten run over coming down the highway in search of some " strange."
And then, there is the dogs that show up in my yard and the dog thinking with the wrong head decide they need to bite either me, or worse my wife. I already have one if he shows again is going to get shot. No questions asked. ( I have not seen the dog before?)
You know, if you really value your dogs, you might need to either keep them in a yard......Or better yet get them "fixed."
Or you attempt to be....
My neighbor's dog is in "season" again.....She just had a litter of puppies in January.
Now, she's a throw away dog and the neighbors try and take care of her. And they find someone who take the pups every time, and the last time, she had 9 pups.
The alternative would be them putting a .22 shell through the 'throw out" dogs that show up.
But some of you people who have dogs, male dogs, not any particular breed, as David Hicks would call them, " Yaller yard dogs." Need to have them fixed.
Already one has gotten run over coming down the highway in search of some " strange."
And then, there is the dogs that show up in my yard and the dog thinking with the wrong head decide they need to bite either me, or worse my wife. I already have one if he shows again is going to get shot. No questions asked. ( I have not seen the dog before?)
You know, if you really value your dogs, you might need to either keep them in a yard......Or better yet get them "fixed."
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Rev. Graham
Okay, I am not going to be ugly and ask how much seminary Rev. Graham has.
I am not going to ask about the school( college) Rev. Graham was kicked out of for getting a girl home after curfew.
I am not going to talk about the Christian high school Rev. Graham was kicked out of....
I understand the Rev. Graham used Leviticus to attack Mayor Pete. Now, I am not a supporter of the mayor, too young, not enough experience....I really do not understand his policies except the health care reform.....And we got to do something there.....
But using Leviticus to attack the mayor being gay is well, you need to go after people who eat shrimp, eat catfish, eat bacon/ham....Or go after people who wear mix linens....Or stay in the house wife your wife while she's on her cycle.......
Even if we do the do the 1 Corinthians 6:9-10....
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Last I heard Rev. Graham was getting paid $600,000 a year to run a charity.
A charity....
That is on top of his receiving $250,000 for running the Billy Graham Association...
His personal wealth is guesstimated at $25 million.
Isaiah 10: 2-3 said the following.
..... making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?
Seems to be Jesus spoke about the rich and not making it to heaven.....
Pull the plank out of your own eye....Preach Jesus, not politics.
I am not going to ask about the school( college) Rev. Graham was kicked out of for getting a girl home after curfew.
I am not going to talk about the Christian high school Rev. Graham was kicked out of....
I understand the Rev. Graham used Leviticus to attack Mayor Pete. Now, I am not a supporter of the mayor, too young, not enough experience....I really do not understand his policies except the health care reform.....And we got to do something there.....
But using Leviticus to attack the mayor being gay is well, you need to go after people who eat shrimp, eat catfish, eat bacon/ham....Or go after people who wear mix linens....Or stay in the house wife your wife while she's on her cycle.......
Even if we do the do the 1 Corinthians 6:9-10....
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Last I heard Rev. Graham was getting paid $600,000 a year to run a charity.
A charity....
That is on top of his receiving $250,000 for running the Billy Graham Association...
His personal wealth is guesstimated at $25 million.
Isaiah 10: 2-3 said the following.
..... making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?
Seems to be Jesus spoke about the rich and not making it to heaven.....
Pull the plank out of your own eye....Preach Jesus, not politics.
A Waste of Time
Today might be a three blog day, I am not for sure. I can see 3-4 coming up, if not today, very soon....
No, yesterday we were watching the ABC Evening News and then the KBMT Channel 12 News. We've gotten into watching Sheldon, Leonard, Amy Farrah Fowler repeats at 6:30pm on Channel 12.
But, yesterday we were bombarded with advertisements for the NFL Draft on ABC.
At least the First Round.
The NFL Draft is now an " event."
Three days of "experts" talking about people we've never heard of from some college, we've never heard of.....And a year from now, we'll still not know who they are.....3 years from now, most outta the NFL.
I checked the guide, and the NFL Draft will be shown on 3 channels tonight.
ABC, the NFL Network and, ESPN....
And ABC doesn't even carry NFL games.
I am sure we'll watch something on TCM....I think Brief Encounter with Trevor Howard is on( We always tape Sheldon and watch later).....I know High Society is on Friday at 7pm. ( Grace Kelly's last movie, with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra)
But this is what TV has come to, we are no long smart enough to come up with something "New" we'll just broadcast an event.....On 3 channels.
Thank you Jesus for Netflix......
No, yesterday we were watching the ABC Evening News and then the KBMT Channel 12 News. We've gotten into watching Sheldon, Leonard, Amy Farrah Fowler repeats at 6:30pm on Channel 12.
But, yesterday we were bombarded with advertisements for the NFL Draft on ABC.
At least the First Round.
The NFL Draft is now an " event."
Three days of "experts" talking about people we've never heard of from some college, we've never heard of.....And a year from now, we'll still not know who they are.....3 years from now, most outta the NFL.
I checked the guide, and the NFL Draft will be shown on 3 channels tonight.
ABC, the NFL Network and, ESPN....
And ABC doesn't even carry NFL games.
I am sure we'll watch something on TCM....I think Brief Encounter with Trevor Howard is on( We always tape Sheldon and watch later).....I know High Society is on Friday at 7pm. ( Grace Kelly's last movie, with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra)
But this is what TV has come to, we are no long smart enough to come up with something "New" we'll just broadcast an event.....On 3 channels.
Thank you Jesus for Netflix......
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Sex! Sex! Sex!
I am sure someone's head has blown up just reading the title. Or maybe not...I don't know?
So, the Game of Thrones had one of their characters have sex on Sunday night, some girl who was some sort of an innocent in the show......The same character who killed a couple of people, cut them up and served them in a meat pie to their father....( Meat pies are a big thing in the UK, if you go, try the chicken and leek, it is amazing...with mushy peas? Come on man....)
Can kill 300 folks, but that darn sex.....
You know, we are beat over the head in this country about how "bad sex is."
Well, how do you think you got here? Stork? Under the cabbage leaf?
I know I waited until I got married...But I grew up in a different time period......It was literally beat over our head that we don't until we got married......It cause people to marry too soon. It caused people to marry folks....well, just so they could do sex. Many are now divorced. Many are just miserable. I knew a couple the body parts literally did not fit, some sort of physical difference. But the church condemned them divorcing, or even annulment.
Damn Baptists.
That said, this should be your choice. Not someone telling you when....
The character in the program is in real life 22 years old. Old enough to buy liquor, old enough to make their on decisions.....
That said, as a boxing referee always says....." protect yourself at all times."
So, the Game of Thrones had one of their characters have sex on Sunday night, some girl who was some sort of an innocent in the show......The same character who killed a couple of people, cut them up and served them in a meat pie to their father....( Meat pies are a big thing in the UK, if you go, try the chicken and leek, it is amazing...with mushy peas? Come on man....)
Can kill 300 folks, but that darn sex.....
You know, we are beat over the head in this country about how "bad sex is."
Well, how do you think you got here? Stork? Under the cabbage leaf?
I know I waited until I got married...But I grew up in a different time period......It was literally beat over our head that we don't until we got married......It cause people to marry too soon. It caused people to marry folks....well, just so they could do sex. Many are now divorced. Many are just miserable. I knew a couple the body parts literally did not fit, some sort of physical difference. But the church condemned them divorcing, or even annulment.
Damn Baptists.
That said, this should be your choice. Not someone telling you when....
The character in the program is in real life 22 years old. Old enough to buy liquor, old enough to make their on decisions.....
That said, as a boxing referee always says....." protect yourself at all times."
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
God Bless America?
I hesitate going here. I almost wrote a blog on the history of St. George, the patron saint of England....and several other nations.....
But no, I decided to get into trouble and write about Kate Smith.
You've got to be my age to actually know who she was.
Kate Smith was a 6'2" 300lb contralto. That means she sang in a very low alto range.
She was famous in the 1930s and 1940s. She had a TV show in the 1950s.
And was best known for singing " God Bless America" it was the song people started playing, with her singing after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.
My late grandfather said " Kate Smith paid for World War II." She raised $600 million in war bonds to fight the Germans/Japanese.( That was when $600million was real money, the 1940s)
So, an article was written on Kate Smith singing 2 songs in the early 1930s.
One was for a movie and the song was called " Pickaninny Heaven" and the other is a satirical song called, " That's Why Darkies are Born."
Paul Robeson, the civil rights leader and singer sang and recorded "That's Why Darkies are Born." ( You need to listen to Robeson sing, one of the all time greats)
Robeson even knew knew the song was satire.
I don't think people understand satire anymore......
Folks I don't know......It was a different time......And to be honest, from 2 songs, could you find her racist?
I still have family members in their 80s who refer to my daughter-in-law as an "Oriental." And I have to correct them, and even then, they do not understand. For years, it was a correct term for people from East Asia.
Oriental is strange term and can mean anything from Chinese to Indian to Saudi, to Turkish, to Indonesian. Still, they do not understand.
So, because the controversy, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Flyers have removed statues of Kate Smith outside their stadiums, and will stop playing her version of "God Bless America" at their games.
I wonder how long before Disney get into trouble because of " Song of the South?" " Or their portray of Asians?
How long before something I have said in class, or have written is offensive, I mean really actually offensive, not make people mad because sometimes the truth hurts?
Or perhaps, the truth isn't wanted.....Ever?
I don't know, you can't erase history.
But no, I decided to get into trouble and write about Kate Smith.
You've got to be my age to actually know who she was.
Kate Smith was a 6'2" 300lb contralto. That means she sang in a very low alto range.
She was famous in the 1930s and 1940s. She had a TV show in the 1950s.
And was best known for singing " God Bless America" it was the song people started playing, with her singing after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.
My late grandfather said " Kate Smith paid for World War II." She raised $600 million in war bonds to fight the Germans/Japanese.( That was when $600million was real money, the 1940s)
So, an article was written on Kate Smith singing 2 songs in the early 1930s.
One was for a movie and the song was called " Pickaninny Heaven" and the other is a satirical song called, " That's Why Darkies are Born."
Paul Robeson, the civil rights leader and singer sang and recorded "That's Why Darkies are Born." ( You need to listen to Robeson sing, one of the all time greats)
Robeson even knew knew the song was satire.
I don't think people understand satire anymore......
Folks I don't know......It was a different time......And to be honest, from 2 songs, could you find her racist?
I still have family members in their 80s who refer to my daughter-in-law as an "Oriental." And I have to correct them, and even then, they do not understand. For years, it was a correct term for people from East Asia.
Oriental is strange term and can mean anything from Chinese to Indian to Saudi, to Turkish, to Indonesian. Still, they do not understand.
So, because the controversy, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Flyers have removed statues of Kate Smith outside their stadiums, and will stop playing her version of "God Bless America" at their games.
I wonder how long before Disney get into trouble because of " Song of the South?" " Or their portray of Asians?
How long before something I have said in class, or have written is offensive, I mean really actually offensive, not make people mad because sometimes the truth hurts?
Or perhaps, the truth isn't wanted.....Ever?
I don't know, you can't erase history.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Wow!
To paraphrase the line from Casablanca from Captain Renault. " I'm shocked, shocked I tell you."( Actually Renault says, "I'm shocked, shocked to find gambling in this establishment" at which one of the workers brings him his gambling winnings.)
I made the plunge to give up something I didn't think I could for Lent.
Cussing.
I'll be dadgummed if I did not make it.
And even more surprising I stopped eating meat on Friday's. Some of you who know me, know what kind of a carnivore I really am. Really want make Kerry Thomas happy? Give him cow to eat. He'd never make it as a Hindu.....
I'm almost proud of myself.
Son of a bitch.....Just like riding a bicycle....
I made the plunge to give up something I didn't think I could for Lent.
Cussing.
I'll be dadgummed if I did not make it.
And even more surprising I stopped eating meat on Friday's. Some of you who know me, know what kind of a carnivore I really am. Really want make Kerry Thomas happy? Give him cow to eat. He'd never make it as a Hindu.....
I'm almost proud of myself.
Son of a bitch.....Just like riding a bicycle....
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Why Does Easter Change Dates??????
Why is it sometimes in March....and sometimes in April?
1600 years ago, there was no uniform date to celebrate Easter.
Many did not want to celebrate the time at the same time as the Jewish Passover.
So in 325A.D. a group of bishops in the church met in what is now Turkey in the city of Nicaea.
( This is where the the famous Nicene Creed was written)
At the meeting, it was decided that all the Christian world....even though they did not give a formula as to when to determine the date.....
How this was decided as the formula is not really clear. ( There are theories, but not all can be expressed in totally Christian terms. Some of the formula was an attempt to appeal to the Pagan Community in the ancient world.)
So, you say...This lesson is all well and good...How do you figure the day for Easter?
It is the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the Spring Equinox. Which means Easter can be between March 22 to April 25......
1600 years ago, there was no uniform date to celebrate Easter.
Many did not want to celebrate the time at the same time as the Jewish Passover.
So in 325A.D. a group of bishops in the church met in what is now Turkey in the city of Nicaea.
( This is where the the famous Nicene Creed was written)
At the meeting, it was decided that all the Christian world....even though they did not give a formula as to when to determine the date.....
How this was decided as the formula is not really clear. ( There are theories, but not all can be expressed in totally Christian terms. Some of the formula was an attempt to appeal to the Pagan Community in the ancient world.)
So, you say...This lesson is all well and good...How do you figure the day for Easter?
It is the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the Spring Equinox. Which means Easter can be between March 22 to April 25......
Saturday, April 20, 2019
A Year Ago
What a difference a year makes. Seriously.
I am so glad that Miss Debbie( What my dad called my wife) and I visited Northern Ireland last Easter, 2018. ( Come to think of it, a couple of you who know my wife call her that...)
There have been riots in Derry. ( It is called Derry by the Irish Republicans and Londonderry by the British Loyalists)
It is a place where the Catholic vs. Protestant feelings still hold strong.
Folks being serious hurt and a journalist killed yesterday.
And to think, we got out and walked around in "Free Derry" a year ago.
You knew then, from the graffiti, the feelings, the place could "boil over" in a heartbeat.
Once again, what a difference a year makes.....
I am so glad that Miss Debbie( What my dad called my wife) and I visited Northern Ireland last Easter, 2018. ( Come to think of it, a couple of you who know my wife call her that...)
There have been riots in Derry. ( It is called Derry by the Irish Republicans and Londonderry by the British Loyalists)
It is a place where the Catholic vs. Protestant feelings still hold strong.
Folks being serious hurt and a journalist killed yesterday.
And to think, we got out and walked around in "Free Derry" a year ago.
You knew then, from the graffiti, the feelings, the place could "boil over" in a heartbeat.
Once again, what a difference a year makes.....
Friday, April 19, 2019
What on Earth are You Baptists Thinking???????
I say this as I return from a Good Friday service at a Southern Baptist Church, North of Vidor. ( Grandma got up on the organ and let it go....The Old Govteach loves him some " High Church" organ music at church. And Easter/Christmas is one of the few times Baptists still use organ music like it is supposed to used....)
It was called to my attention earlier this week that a local Baptist Church, Southern Baptist Church, was having a Jewish Passover Seder.
I then discover two other Baptist Churches doing the same.
The Seder of course an oral history, telling the story of the Jews being liberated from slavery.
It is a long celebration including eating traditional foods, matzo, lamb shank, charred eggs, an apple-nut wine type salad....and during the meal, 4 cups of wine are drunk. 4 to symbolize the 4 promises of God to the Jewish people.
I don't remember Southern Baptists being freed by Pharaoh in Egypt in 15th Century B.C......Heck, I don't even remember Southern Baptists in Exodus, or Numbers, or Deuteronomy.
You know the 4 cups of wine will be out. They might Welch's Grape Juice, or perhaps a Fanta Grape Soda.
And I doubt they serve lamb.......Knowing the Baptists they'll substitute it with a good big ham.....And that's just so wrong, on just so many levels.
It was called to my attention earlier this week that a local Baptist Church, Southern Baptist Church, was having a Jewish Passover Seder.
I then discover two other Baptist Churches doing the same.
The Seder of course an oral history, telling the story of the Jews being liberated from slavery.
It is a long celebration including eating traditional foods, matzo, lamb shank, charred eggs, an apple-nut wine type salad....and during the meal, 4 cups of wine are drunk. 4 to symbolize the 4 promises of God to the Jewish people.
I don't remember Southern Baptists being freed by Pharaoh in Egypt in 15th Century B.C......Heck, I don't even remember Southern Baptists in Exodus, or Numbers, or Deuteronomy.
You know the 4 cups of wine will be out. They might Welch's Grape Juice, or perhaps a Fanta Grape Soda.
And I doubt they serve lamb.......Knowing the Baptists they'll substitute it with a good big ham.....And that's just so wrong, on just so many levels.
Good Friday
In my opinion, Matthew is to the Good Friday story as Luke is to the Christmas story, thus my usage of it..
“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[b] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Matthew 27-
27 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. 2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.
3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Jesus Before Pilate
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[b] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.The Crucifixion of Jesus
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[d]47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
The Burial of Jesus
57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Matthew 26
Prepare the Upper Room
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
The Last Supper
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus Prays
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Matthew 26: 17-46
Today is Maundy Thursday- In the context of Holy Week it refers to the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples while washing their feet ( John 13) and in some churches people get their feet washed. ( The Episcopalians) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35.
But what does the “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” mean? It’s certainly not a commonly-used word or something you’re likely to hear outside the context of Easter. What did this term mean, and where did it come from?
“Maundy” comes from the Latin word Mandatum (itself from the verb Mandare), which is translated “commandment."
Today is the day all churches and I don't know of one who doesn't gets "communion, " The Lord's Supper" from. It is the day all churches get one of the two ordinances that all churches practice ( The other being baptism.)
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
The Last Supper
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus Prays
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Matthew 26: 17-46
Today is Maundy Thursday- In the context of Holy Week it refers to the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples while washing their feet ( John 13) and in some churches people get their feet washed. ( The Episcopalians) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35.
But what does the “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” mean? It’s certainly not a commonly-used word or something you’re likely to hear outside the context of Easter. What did this term mean, and where did it come from?
“Maundy” comes from the Latin word Mandatum (itself from the verb Mandare), which is translated “commandment."
Today is the day all churches and I don't know of one who doesn't gets "communion, " The Lord's Supper" from. It is the day all churches get one of the two ordinances that all churches practice ( The other being baptism.)
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
The Old Govteach Philosophizes
I am going to philosophize a little in this blog......And yes, I took down the blogs on the girl who posed a threat to the Colorado schools.
If I was teaching seniors still ( and she was an 18 year old senior) I wouldn't want to read or see anything I wrote....after the fact.
I know, I know at 18 you are an adult, and you're responsible. But you know, when I 'walked' some of you, I was worried about a number of you, and well, most of you " got it together."
But that said, I have had some students commit serious crimes.
You saw it coming, and you either couldn't or didn't know what else to do....
Two ex-students are doing them "ALL" in Huntsville. ( One is up for parole in 2037, but he's not getting out.)
Both crimes were committed while taking my class.( Outside of school) One was arrested in my room.
I don't know, it makes you wonder if you could have "done something else," and that would have worked....
I don't know. Some things are above my pay grade.
If I was teaching seniors still ( and she was an 18 year old senior) I wouldn't want to read or see anything I wrote....after the fact.
I know, I know at 18 you are an adult, and you're responsible. But you know, when I 'walked' some of you, I was worried about a number of you, and well, most of you " got it together."
But that said, I have had some students commit serious crimes.
You saw it coming, and you either couldn't or didn't know what else to do....
Two ex-students are doing them "ALL" in Huntsville. ( One is up for parole in 2037, but he's not getting out.)
Both crimes were committed while taking my class.( Outside of school) One was arrested in my room.
I don't know, it makes you wonder if you could have "done something else," and that would have worked....
I don't know. Some things are above my pay grade.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
New Buna Supt. of Schools
As many of you know by now, the Buna ISD has chosen a "Lone Finalist" as the new Supt. of School. The Lone Finalist means, they will offer the man a contract to take over leadership of the Buna ISD.
Dr. Donny R. Lee is the Lone Finalist and is presently the Supt. of Schools in the Oakwood ISD.
Oakwood is a tiny town, and is a tiny school district. Buna is huge by comparison. It is between Palestine and Buffalo in Leon County. ( A portion of the district extends into Freestone County.)
Oakwood plays 6 man football, and has a total of 200 kids in the entire school K-12.
It has 18.7 teachers in the district.
I've carried 18 high school teachers on an UIL Academic trip to Orangefield before.
Okay, here is the ugly part.
Most superintendents stay 2,3,4 years before they move on, and up. They generally do not stay. They don't make lateral moves, but, supers just do not stay long in one place, if they are ambitious.
Sorry, just a fact. We sometimes forget that schools have a business aspect to them.
Who knows, he may be like an old government teacher who originally started teaching in Buna, planned to stay one year, and remained 20 years.
The real question is this, who will stand up the first day of inservice and say to the new Super " I'm your huckleberry."
I know who my money is on.....
Dr. Donny R. Lee is the Lone Finalist and is presently the Supt. of Schools in the Oakwood ISD.
Oakwood is a tiny town, and is a tiny school district. Buna is huge by comparison. It is between Palestine and Buffalo in Leon County. ( A portion of the district extends into Freestone County.)
Oakwood plays 6 man football, and has a total of 200 kids in the entire school K-12.
It has 18.7 teachers in the district.
I've carried 18 high school teachers on an UIL Academic trip to Orangefield before.
Okay, here is the ugly part.
Most superintendents stay 2,3,4 years before they move on, and up. They generally do not stay. They don't make lateral moves, but, supers just do not stay long in one place, if they are ambitious.
Sorry, just a fact. We sometimes forget that schools have a business aspect to them.
Who knows, he may be like an old government teacher who originally started teaching in Buna, planned to stay one year, and remained 20 years.
The real question is this, who will stand up the first day of inservice and say to the new Super " I'm your huckleberry."
I know who my money is on.....
And You Darn Baptists
I am in the middle of Lent and I "gave up" cussing for Lent, so I wish the title had stronger words.
But last night I heard a Baptist say the following.
" That Notre Dame burning, I don't care, it's just another Catholic Church."
The Alamo was a Catholic Church.
Would you feel the same if it was destroyed in a natural disaster?
And you may say, " Well, Notre Dame was rebuilt, several times."
Yes, but so was the Alamo. The Alamo in San Antonio is not the same building that was there in 1836.
Look, they are trying to change this and make the entire area a historic site, but where the wall of the Alamo mission was, is now several stores, including, I don't know if it was still there, a Guinness World Records Amusement .
Notre Dame is a historic symbol of Paris......The French......Yes, it has changed over the years, but then so has most everything else....
Any time a historical object is destroyed, we should be saddened. Even if you have religious differences.
But last night I heard a Baptist say the following.
" That Notre Dame burning, I don't care, it's just another Catholic Church."
The Alamo was a Catholic Church.
Would you feel the same if it was destroyed in a natural disaster?
And you may say, " Well, Notre Dame was rebuilt, several times."
Yes, but so was the Alamo. The Alamo in San Antonio is not the same building that was there in 1836.
Look, they are trying to change this and make the entire area a historic site, but where the wall of the Alamo mission was, is now several stores, including, I don't know if it was still there, a Guinness World Records Amusement .
Notre Dame is a historic symbol of Paris......The French......Yes, it has changed over the years, but then so has most everything else....
Any time a historical object is destroyed, we should be saddened. Even if you have religious differences.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Well, I've Known It, You're a Bunch of Heathens
Well, I've known it for a while, you are a bunch of heathens.
Well, actually, some of you.
And if you watch Europe, you knew this was coming.
The number of people in America who are of No Religion is at 23% of the population.
Catholics are at 23%......
Evangelical Christians 23%.....
The "No Religion" group has grown 266% in recent years and in 4 to 6 years will be the largest group in America.
And the "so-called" experts do not know why this is occurring. And there is even a debate among the theologians as to " What do we do?"
Why are many of us not shocked?
I know I do not attend church. I went at Christmas for the Christmas Eve service, mainly for the music, and before that...I was in Ireland at St. Finn and Barr Cathedral in Cork.
Other than that I don't go.
I have nothing in common with these Baptist folks( the church I grew up in) and I want to get up in the middle of questions and ask questions. And then, my former denomination wants to make people do what they want, and I've never understood that.....So, I don't go.....
So, I would be in that 23% of "No Religion."
That said, I still pray every day. I've fasted during Lent. Ate fish on Friday during Lent.
But organized religion?
Nah....
And while there are people like me, Christian, outside the realm of the physical church, the " I don't believe anything" is growing quickly.
I can't say that I blame them. I really don't.
Religion, or lack there of is a personal choice. It shouldn't be forced on folks.
Well, actually, some of you.
And if you watch Europe, you knew this was coming.
The number of people in America who are of No Religion is at 23% of the population.
Catholics are at 23%......
Evangelical Christians 23%.....
The "No Religion" group has grown 266% in recent years and in 4 to 6 years will be the largest group in America.
And the "so-called" experts do not know why this is occurring. And there is even a debate among the theologians as to " What do we do?"
Why are many of us not shocked?
I know I do not attend church. I went at Christmas for the Christmas Eve service, mainly for the music, and before that...I was in Ireland at St. Finn and Barr Cathedral in Cork.
Other than that I don't go.
I have nothing in common with these Baptist folks( the church I grew up in) and I want to get up in the middle of questions and ask questions. And then, my former denomination wants to make people do what they want, and I've never understood that.....So, I don't go.....
So, I would be in that 23% of "No Religion."
That said, I still pray every day. I've fasted during Lent. Ate fish on Friday during Lent.
But organized religion?
Nah....
And while there are people like me, Christian, outside the realm of the physical church, the " I don't believe anything" is growing quickly.
I can't say that I blame them. I really don't.
Religion, or lack there of is a personal choice. It shouldn't be forced on folks.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Man, This Was Spooky
Sometimes I do thinks and stuff happens, well, that makes me become an old fashion Luddite.
I was answering a few questions about going to Europe on Facebook Private Message.
Sent them some suggestions on airlines, a website with good travel prices. Even discussed riding the bullet train.
BTW- We are booked for Scotland. Flights, hotels, B&B's, rental car.....Rental car looks like it will be a small Peugeot SUV.... ( That's a French made car......I can see it breaking down and it being in some isolated area.)
So after I get off the Facebook PM talking and giving what advice I can.
I go to YouTube.....and every site is about train travel in Europe. And flights to Western Europe.
Then, I receive 2 emails from travel sites with specials to Western Europe....
None of this happened without us looking on Google or Facebook FIRST when we started to plan the Scotland trip.....
No, don't have an Alexa. Don't have a Siri. And I have mentioned Scotland and travel several times before on FB......
You can't tell me there is some sort of satanic, hoodoo, voodoo not going on....
I was answering a few questions about going to Europe on Facebook Private Message.
Sent them some suggestions on airlines, a website with good travel prices. Even discussed riding the bullet train.
BTW- We are booked for Scotland. Flights, hotels, B&B's, rental car.....Rental car looks like it will be a small Peugeot SUV.... ( That's a French made car......I can see it breaking down and it being in some isolated area.)
So after I get off the Facebook PM talking and giving what advice I can.
I go to YouTube.....and every site is about train travel in Europe. And flights to Western Europe.
Then, I receive 2 emails from travel sites with specials to Western Europe....
None of this happened without us looking on Google or Facebook FIRST when we started to plan the Scotland trip.....
No, don't have an Alexa. Don't have a Siri. And I have mentioned Scotland and travel several times before on FB......
You can't tell me there is some sort of satanic, hoodoo, voodoo not going on....
Friday, April 12, 2019
So, This Has Come Up
I don't understand, and to be honest, I don't understand a lot of your thinking. And I am not sure that many of you do either.
In the last week, Mayor "Pete" of South Bend, Indiana, who is running for President has come out with a speech explaining his being Gay and being a Christian.
He even challenged the Vice-President ( Mayor Pete) about him choosing being Gay, rather saying to Mr. Pence his " quarrel being with his creator."
I've been telling you this for years.
People who are Gay, don't get up one morning and decide they are Gay.
I know Mr. Pence believes in the " Conversion Therapy" in which somehow they can Pray Away the Gay.
There is a former student of mine, a Buna grad, who went through the "Conversion Therapy" twice.
It did not work either time.
They are now married to someone they love very much.
I don't get it Christians. I do not.
Why this sin is such a boogieman?
You have a church full of divorced people, and according to what I read in the Bible there are only a couple of reasons for divorce. And one of them tells you not to marry again after you've divorced for this reason.
Yet, every Baptist Church in this country is full of divorced folks, who have re-married.....And the preacher dare not preach on divorce.
I often wonder about ministers who use the Book of Malachi to get members to tithe 10%. Malachi talks about people under the old covenant, giving grain to the Jewish Temple. Under the old Mosaic Law. Nothing about Christians giving 10%.
How is this not extortion? One of the sins expressed by Paul as not entering the Kingdom?
And some of this tithe is so they can build a new gym, or another edifice. I don't remember basketball, or volleyball in the Bible. Maybe it's in that little known Apocrypha Book, the "Gospel of LeBron?"( I'll get an ugly letter on that "funny.")
I don't understand.
We all sinners, we all fall short. I know I am...
Once again, some of y'all need to pull that plank outta your own eye...
In the last week, Mayor "Pete" of South Bend, Indiana, who is running for President has come out with a speech explaining his being Gay and being a Christian.
He even challenged the Vice-President ( Mayor Pete) about him choosing being Gay, rather saying to Mr. Pence his " quarrel being with his creator."
I've been telling you this for years.
People who are Gay, don't get up one morning and decide they are Gay.
I know Mr. Pence believes in the " Conversion Therapy" in which somehow they can Pray Away the Gay.
There is a former student of mine, a Buna grad, who went through the "Conversion Therapy" twice.
It did not work either time.
They are now married to someone they love very much.
I don't get it Christians. I do not.
Why this sin is such a boogieman?
You have a church full of divorced people, and according to what I read in the Bible there are only a couple of reasons for divorce. And one of them tells you not to marry again after you've divorced for this reason.
Yet, every Baptist Church in this country is full of divorced folks, who have re-married.....And the preacher dare not preach on divorce.
I often wonder about ministers who use the Book of Malachi to get members to tithe 10%. Malachi talks about people under the old covenant, giving grain to the Jewish Temple. Under the old Mosaic Law. Nothing about Christians giving 10%.
How is this not extortion? One of the sins expressed by Paul as not entering the Kingdom?
And some of this tithe is so they can build a new gym, or another edifice. I don't remember basketball, or volleyball in the Bible. Maybe it's in that little known Apocrypha Book, the "Gospel of LeBron?"( I'll get an ugly letter on that "funny.")
I don't understand.
We all sinners, we all fall short. I know I am...
Once again, some of y'all need to pull that plank outta your own eye...
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Again, Lost, Lost
I think I may have written on this previously, but I no longer have a clue.
I can't tell you more than 3-4 network TV Shows.
I could not tell you may more than 2-3 of the Houston Astros. I probably can name the members of the "Shadow Government" in the British House of Commons before I can name Astros. I could watch the games every night, but, I really could care less at this point in my life.
I no longer watch NFL. I think I watched maybe a total of 5 games between the Cowboys and the Texans in 2018.
I was happy that Lamar football made the playoffs, but I could not name one player.
I can't tell you when I watched the last basketball game....I think I saw Lamar live about 15-16 years ago.
I do have Hulu. Amazon Prime, Netflix, and I do watch some shows on there, but they are generally foreign or so obscure, you will not have heard of them....and because I have a Roku, I run them and YouTube before regular TV. I can watch whatever I want, when I want.
I could not name a person, or know a person in the Country Music Top 10....or 20......or 50 in the countdown.
The same goes for Top 40 songs, or any other genre.
When the hip-hop person died, Nipsey Hustle, I thought at first they were talking about poet, comedian, game show personality Nipsey Russell, whom I thought when I heard had died years ago, and I was correct, it wasn't Russell, he'd been dead since 2005.
A few months ago, I watched all of the Game of Thrones on a free week of HBO and when I was caught up, I didn't really care how it would end.
And to be honest, I don't care about most of pop culture.
And don't plan to....
I can't tell you more than 3-4 network TV Shows.
I could not tell you may more than 2-3 of the Houston Astros. I probably can name the members of the "Shadow Government" in the British House of Commons before I can name Astros. I could watch the games every night, but, I really could care less at this point in my life.
I no longer watch NFL. I think I watched maybe a total of 5 games between the Cowboys and the Texans in 2018.
I was happy that Lamar football made the playoffs, but I could not name one player.
I can't tell you when I watched the last basketball game....I think I saw Lamar live about 15-16 years ago.
I do have Hulu. Amazon Prime, Netflix, and I do watch some shows on there, but they are generally foreign or so obscure, you will not have heard of them....and because I have a Roku, I run them and YouTube before regular TV. I can watch whatever I want, when I want.
I could not name a person, or know a person in the Country Music Top 10....or 20......or 50 in the countdown.
The same goes for Top 40 songs, or any other genre.
When the hip-hop person died, Nipsey Hustle, I thought at first they were talking about poet, comedian, game show personality Nipsey Russell, whom I thought when I heard had died years ago, and I was correct, it wasn't Russell, he'd been dead since 2005.
A few months ago, I watched all of the Game of Thrones on a free week of HBO and when I was caught up, I didn't really care how it would end.
And to be honest, I don't care about most of pop culture.
And don't plan to....
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Changes for Travelers
If you travel, this will be a change for you. Or perhaps, it will not?
The Texas Driver's Licenses will now need a star on the front, to show that the state, your card, is in compliance with TSA travel. ( Flights in America)
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
This is part of that 9/11 business.
Texas started to issue the cards with the stars in October of 2016. The problem is, mine was issued in August 2016 and I am not due a new license until 2022.
According to the DPS-"Texans can come into any DPS office to get REAL ID licenses, before their current licenses expire. If not already on file, Texans will need to present proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., and state residency to obtain REAL ID compliant cards."
And then, the DPS says the following- " The cost for new IDs will be the same as current cost for a driver's license or identification card."
I don't know, I have a Merican Passport good through 2028. I'm not going to worry about going through that rigamarole to get a new Texas Driver's License.
You might think about getting either a U.S. Passport, or one of those Passport Cards ( Good for Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean Island nations, and Bermuda. )
Both are good for 10 years, and you never know when you want to travel outside of the country. Heck, you may need the U.S. Passport to be able to vote one day, you never know.
The Texas Driver's Licenses will now need a star on the front, to show that the state, your card, is in compliance with TSA travel. ( Flights in America)
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
This is part of that 9/11 business.
Texas started to issue the cards with the stars in October of 2016. The problem is, mine was issued in August 2016 and I am not due a new license until 2022.
According to the DPS-"Texans can come into any DPS office to get REAL ID licenses, before their current licenses expire. If not already on file, Texans will need to present proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., and state residency to obtain REAL ID compliant cards."
And then, the DPS says the following- " The cost for new IDs will be the same as current cost for a driver's license or identification card."
I don't know, I have a Merican Passport good through 2028. I'm not going to worry about going through that rigamarole to get a new Texas Driver's License.
You might think about getting either a U.S. Passport, or one of those Passport Cards ( Good for Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean Island nations, and Bermuda. )
Both are good for 10 years, and you never know when you want to travel outside of the country. Heck, you may need the U.S. Passport to be able to vote one day, you never know.
America, You Are Boring
Yes, you are.
Oh, you think you are cool with your tattoos and piercings in places I never even dreamed of piercing.
But yes, you are boring.
Stale as day old bread.
Look at what you are driving.
80% of you are driving a vehicle with one of three colors.
Black, White, or some sort of silver/grey.
And I am not going to talk about how boring the vehicles look in 2019.
I am to the point I have a hard time tell the difference between vehicles, they all look like they were made with a cookie cutter.
No wonder Chevy and Ford have stopped making sedan cars.
Even pick-ups.
Makes me wonder if the Fabian Society is correct.....
Oh, you think you are cool with your tattoos and piercings in places I never even dreamed of piercing.
But yes, you are boring.
Stale as day old bread.
Look at what you are driving.
80% of you are driving a vehicle with one of three colors.
Black, White, or some sort of silver/grey.
And I am not going to talk about how boring the vehicles look in 2019.
I am to the point I have a hard time tell the difference between vehicles, they all look like they were made with a cookie cutter.
No wonder Chevy and Ford have stopped making sedan cars.
Even pick-ups.
Makes me wonder if the Fabian Society is correct.....
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
The Test
Okay, Okay, I know, I have not posted in a a few days. I needed a break.
And if you ever need a steak and you are in Flatonia, Texas, eat at Robert's Steakhouse.
Today the STAAR or TASS or whatever the test is being called for the next 10 years will be given all over the state of Texas.
I know for some students to go to the next grade, they need to pass.
Trouble is, I wonder if the tests are actually doing any good?
I remember being in an in-service one year, a prep for the the state test and the the "teacher" of the class told me, " That you can always do better no matter the score the Social Studies Dept made."
I told her, " We cannot, we were the only school in Region 5 that made 100% on the Social Studies exam."
She got mad.
And I found out later she said something to my principal about me being "Insolent."
The lady was wrong, the correct word is much stronger.
It's time for the tests to go. I see no purpose they serve.
I am convinced that some schools cheat. I am convinced that the test is not fair. I am convinced the kids are learning less due to the exams. I am convinced someone is making money on the deal that shouldn't.
That said, good luck on today's exams.
And if you ever need a steak and you are in Flatonia, Texas, eat at Robert's Steakhouse.
Today the STAAR or TASS or whatever the test is being called for the next 10 years will be given all over the state of Texas.
I know for some students to go to the next grade, they need to pass.
Trouble is, I wonder if the tests are actually doing any good?
I remember being in an in-service one year, a prep for the the state test and the the "teacher" of the class told me, " That you can always do better no matter the score the Social Studies Dept made."
I told her, " We cannot, we were the only school in Region 5 that made 100% on the Social Studies exam."
She got mad.
And I found out later she said something to my principal about me being "Insolent."
The lady was wrong, the correct word is much stronger.
It's time for the tests to go. I see no purpose they serve.
I am convinced that some schools cheat. I am convinced that the test is not fair. I am convinced the kids are learning less due to the exams. I am convinced someone is making money on the deal that shouldn't.
That said, good luck on today's exams.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Hanging Out the Windows
So, in the news there has been a story all over the media in which the present Sec. of Education has made the claim that " Kids do better in larger class sizes."
I about fell over when I read this.
I taught school for 30+ years and never did kids do well when I had a huge number of kids in class.
One year in Dayton, I taught an Honors US History class that had 42 kids.
Yes, 42 kids, I did not have enough room for desks, I had kids sit at my desk.
I was probably meaner to that class than any other class I taught in 30+ years.
I had an exchange student from Japan in that class, and she stood the first day I walked in, like they do in Japan, so I made the rest of the class stand, they stood if I asked them a question, and answer like they do in a "British Public School" start every answer with "sir," and end the answer with "sir."
I was so mean, the exchange student from Japan cried for 3 days, making half the class cry with her. ( At that point I knew to "tone it down.")
42 kids, even "Honors" kids?
Sadly, it was more about maintaining control than teaching.
Sure we learn some stuff, but not like we could have in a smaller class.....It took what seemed like forever just to take roll.
Part of the appeal of Buna was I never had a class more than 20 kids. I could "do" stuff with y'all in a smaller setting you just could not due with a large class.
Heck, I had an AP Government class one year with 3 kids. It was like teaching a class in grad school.
The larger class sizes I am certain are a way to either save money...Or it is due to a teacher shortage in this country. Literally, no one wants to put up with your kids any more.
Large classes with huge numbers? A recipe for disaster.
I about fell over when I read this.
I taught school for 30+ years and never did kids do well when I had a huge number of kids in class.
One year in Dayton, I taught an Honors US History class that had 42 kids.
Yes, 42 kids, I did not have enough room for desks, I had kids sit at my desk.
I was probably meaner to that class than any other class I taught in 30+ years.
I had an exchange student from Japan in that class, and she stood the first day I walked in, like they do in Japan, so I made the rest of the class stand, they stood if I asked them a question, and answer like they do in a "British Public School" start every answer with "sir," and end the answer with "sir."
I was so mean, the exchange student from Japan cried for 3 days, making half the class cry with her. ( At that point I knew to "tone it down.")
42 kids, even "Honors" kids?
Sadly, it was more about maintaining control than teaching.
Sure we learn some stuff, but not like we could have in a smaller class.....It took what seemed like forever just to take roll.
Part of the appeal of Buna was I never had a class more than 20 kids. I could "do" stuff with y'all in a smaller setting you just could not due with a large class.
Heck, I had an AP Government class one year with 3 kids. It was like teaching a class in grad school.
The larger class sizes I am certain are a way to either save money...Or it is due to a teacher shortage in this country. Literally, no one wants to put up with your kids any more.
Large classes with huge numbers? A recipe for disaster.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
You Sorry People
I can't think of anything else to call you right now. I am off the swearing right now.
It is like this is a dumping ground around here for dogs. I seriously wonder if people come from Orange or Vidor or Beaumont and look out at our community and go, " This looks like a place that the people will take care of Fluffy."
Have you thought, maybe, you don't need a dog to start?
Some of you can't even take care of your kids, and you want a Labrador Retriever.
Or you get a dog for one of the kids who has been whining forever for a puppy, and when they find out that taking care of a puppy is hard work, or the dog starts to tear stuff up around the house.
You haul it off. And throw it out in rural Orange County.
I keep thinking I am going to get a Border Collie or a Border Collie/ Aussie Shepherd mix or a Border Collie/ Blue Heeler mix......
But the ole Govteach and "the Boss" are still traveling. Scotland in the Fall, Israel in Spring of '20. I want to do New Zealand in Fall of '20 or Spring of '21. And I don't want to ask someone to watch my dog.
You know, if you're going to get a dog, take care of it.....Remember it is going to be a 8-15 year responsibility.
Don't just throw them out in front of some houses in a rural area telling yourself, " The dog will find a new home here."
It is like this is a dumping ground around here for dogs. I seriously wonder if people come from Orange or Vidor or Beaumont and look out at our community and go, " This looks like a place that the people will take care of Fluffy."
Have you thought, maybe, you don't need a dog to start?
Some of you can't even take care of your kids, and you want a Labrador Retriever.
Or you get a dog for one of the kids who has been whining forever for a puppy, and when they find out that taking care of a puppy is hard work, or the dog starts to tear stuff up around the house.
You haul it off. And throw it out in rural Orange County.
I keep thinking I am going to get a Border Collie or a Border Collie/ Aussie Shepherd mix or a Border Collie/ Blue Heeler mix......
But the ole Govteach and "the Boss" are still traveling. Scotland in the Fall, Israel in Spring of '20. I want to do New Zealand in Fall of '20 or Spring of '21. And I don't want to ask someone to watch my dog.
You know, if you're going to get a dog, take care of it.....Remember it is going to be a 8-15 year responsibility.
Don't just throw them out in front of some houses in a rural area telling yourself, " The dog will find a new home here."
Monday, April 1, 2019
Our Buddy
I know he doesn't want me to post this, but I am going to go against his will because some of you I have discovered have a serious "hook up."
Our friend in the High Desert of California is not well.
Chest pains, uncontrollable shaking. He is on the way to the hospital.
If you would, remember him in your thoughts and prayers.
Our friend in the High Desert of California is not well.
Chest pains, uncontrollable shaking. He is on the way to the hospital.
If you would, remember him in your thoughts and prayers.
This Ain't No April Fools
I promised a report on the Amazon sheets. I ain't playing. We got them in the last 24 hours. Slept last evening on them.
Might be the best King Sized sheets we ever had.
I think they are better than Egyptian cotton.
They are so much softer than any sheet I have ever had, including the high thread count sheets.
They don't wad up like other sheets, are smooth.
Now, the only question I have is they ask to wash the sheeting in cold water. I like to cook the mess out of the sheets in hot....We will see.
Also, they did not have a tartan colored sheet. ( They had like 7 color choices)
But that said, here is my score.
5 stars out of 5.
Might be the best King Sized sheets we ever had.
I think they are better than Egyptian cotton.
They are so much softer than any sheet I have ever had, including the high thread count sheets.
They don't wad up like other sheets, are smooth.
Now, the only question I have is they ask to wash the sheeting in cold water. I like to cook the mess out of the sheets in hot....We will see.
Also, they did not have a tartan colored sheet. ( They had like 7 color choices)
But that said, here is my score.
5 stars out of 5.
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