History Of Father's Day
The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honored by their children. On the third Sunday in June, fathers all across the United States are given presents, treated to dinner or otherwise made to feel special. .
The origin of Father's Day is not clear. Some say that it began with a church service in West Virginia in 1908. Others say the first Father's Day ceremony was held in Vancouver, Washington.
Regardless of when the first true Father's Day occurred, the strongest promoter of the holiday was Mrs. Bruce John Dodd of Spokane, Washington. She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.
Sonora wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.
After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. In 1909, Mrs. Dodd approached her own minister and others in Spokane about having a church service dedicated to fathers on June 5, her father's birthday. That date was too soon for her minister to prepare the service, so he spoke a few weeks later on June 19th. From then on, the state of Washington celebrated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Children made special desserts, or visited their fathers if they lived apart.
In early times, wearing flowers was a traditional way of celebrating Father's Day. Mrs. Dodd favored the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad. J.H. Berringer, who also held Father's Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father's Day Flower.
States and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare an annual Father's Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." Since then, fathers had been honored and recognized by their families throughout the country on the third Sunday in June.
In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day and put the official stamp on a celebration that was going on for almost half a century.

Luke 15: 11-32


Dad will never say
Top Ten Things You'll Never Hear a Dad Say

10. Well, how 'bout that?... I'm lost! Looks like we'll have to stop and ask for directions.

9. You know Pumpkin, now that you're thirteen, you need these birth control pill, and have fun.

8. I noticed that all your friends have a certain "up yours" attitude ... I like that.

7. Here's a credit card and the keys to my new car -- GO CRAZY.

6. You kids don’t have enough piercing. Make sure you dress in grunge, pierce everything possible, and gage your ear enough for your finger to fit thru.

5. Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend ... you might want to consider throwing a party.

4. Well, I don't know what's wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies -- you know -- that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a mechanic and pay whatever he asks.

3. My teenage kids don’t need a curfew.

2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you to spend.

1. Father's Day? aahh -- don't worry about that -- it's no big deal.


Worst Fathers Day Gifts


Thong swim suit in pink
Divorce Papers
A Pink Slip - paper or silk - either is BAD news
The kids 'repaired' all your power tools
Louis Kiel swimsuit addition
A paternity test
Tickets to "The Martha Stuart Monologues"
DVD of Disco Dancing
A nipple ring
The kids redecorated your workshop
Abe Vagoda's Enema Jambouree
Martha Stuart Cook Book
Your single daughter is pregnant

A map- real men don’t need maps
Al Gores comedy selections
Pet rock
The clapper
Ebola Beer
New bed complete with white silk scarf and ice-pick holder
From wife: "Honey, I'm pregnant!"
A tie of ANY kind
A shopping spree planned by your wife
Extra Strength Viagra



How does your father stack up? I was on line the other day and googled my dad. One of the sights was for writing emails to your father who has since passed away. You can tell your father why you are mad at him. People tell their fathers how they are mad because he died. Some tell there fathers how mad they are because their fathers were never there for them. Some tell of their fathers abuse towards them. The sorrow is so great, that I could not make it through very many of the letters. The sadness that fathers day brings to some is enormous. I know that my wife has a lot of sorrow when remembering her father. There are fathers out there who don’t deserve to be honored. Some have abandoned their children, some have abused their children, and some are just not very nice.

There are fathers out there who go unnoticed. They are there day in and day out without being noticed. They fulfill their roles by giving their kids everything, but their time. They let their money show their love. There are those who can’t afford to let money show their love, so they give their love and attention. There are some who do both.

Fathers come in all sizes. Big ones, small one, hairy ones, bald ones, handsome ones, ugly ones, smelly ones, cologned ones. There are loud ones and soft ones, there are flamboyant ones, and shy ones. There are ones that pass gas in public, scratch their butts in public, laugh really loud, burp real loud. Some father might even try to embarrass you in public. There are fathers who try to be cool, when they are square. Some of us fathers are dumb, and some are smart. Some of us look like our fathers. ) Samuel Clements ( Mark Twain) once said, “When I was growing up, my father didn’t know anything, and by the time I became an adult, it surprised me how smart my father had become.” My children are quick to tell me how I just don’t understand. Life is soo different now I cannot comprehend anything.



How many fathers out there are single fathers? I lot of attention is placed on the single mom, but how about the single Dad. Since health problem forced me out of the work field, I’ve had to do most of the house chores. It is not easy. My hat is off to the single dad.



Then there is the case of recognition. When a sport figure has a camera placed in his face during a game, what is the first thing he says? Is it, Hi Dad? No, It’s Hi Mom.


Us fathers are proud when the first words that come out of a baby’s mouth is dada. Then doctors are quick to point out that babies call everything dada.



Then there is the first bike ride. There is the father running behind the bike, making sure his child does not fall. When your child is asked who taught them, they say,”I did it myself.”

Let’s talk about the TV dads. In my time, there were show like FATHER KNOWS BEST, MY THREE SONS, AND LEAVE IT TO BEAVER. The father was revered. When he came home the dinner was ready, made by his wife, cooking in a dress. The father was wise. Now you have father figures like, AL BUNDY, HOMER SIMPSON, AND THE FAMILY GUY. Movies portray fathers as unfaithful, pedifials, wife beaters, killers, and men who only care about themselves. If they like sports, they are demonized as lazy couch potatoes. If they help around the house they are called feminine.

If a women wear man clothes, like three piece suits, they are called “professional.” If men wear women clothes…………well lets not go there.

In this new age, it is tough being an all knowing father. Instead of fathers teaching there kids stuff, us fathers have to ask our kids to program our VCRs. I learned computer in college, and was looking forward eagerly to share punch cards, and computer language with my kids. I could bring them down and show them how they managed to squeeze a whole computer in one room. Now I have to ask them how to turn on the computer.

How about discipline from a father. Moms use to say, “wait till your father get home.” That used to install fear in any child. Now days the children response is, Why?. Spanking is illegal, shouting is wrong. When we fathers get home, what are we suppose to do? ……………………………………………….. Fathers have the final say, mom always say, go ask your father. That’s when you hear, Mom said it is alright if it is ok with you………………………………….. Try saying NO……………………………… Why is it that fathers have to explain their answers to their kids. If you answer yes, you are a great father, and if you answer no, you have to answer 100 questions, along with the obligatory, “You just don’t understand, but Mom said it was ok.” Let’s not forget that if you said ok, Mom was hoping you would say no, and now you are in deep…………………

The ten commandment state, Honor your father and your mother. I guess we need to put an asterisk next to it. Colossians 3:18-21. WIVES, SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS, AS IT IS FITTING IN THE LORD. HUSBANDS LOVE YOUR WIVES AND DO NOT BE HARSH TO THEM. CHILDREN OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN EVERYTHING, FOR THIS PLEASES THE LORD. FATHERS, DO NOT EMBITTER YOUR CHILDREN OR THEY WILL BECOME DISCOURAGED. Now according to Paul, we can’t “pick” on our children or they will become discouraged.

One of my children asked me, “since they have Mothers day and Fathers day, why don’t they have childrens day? What? 363 days of the year is not enough?

What’s this about “The Look”. Every father is suppose to have one. Moms don’t have the look, only fathers.

All kidding aside, I love being a father. The rewards may be few and far between, but they are the greatest rewards. The simple, Thanks Dad, youre the greatest, or I love you PAPA. Our when your child sticks up for you in an argument.





Let me tell you about my father. He was a father of six kids and worked very hard. I remember all the things that we did together

I loved sports. I spent hours throwing the ball against the garage door, because my dad didn’t like baseball. I spent hours shooting baskets by myself because my dad didn’t like basketball. The hours we could have spent hunting if my father liked to hunt, which he didn’t. We did spend some time fishing. For hours we sat in a rowboat in the middle of Green Lake waiting for the bobber to sink. Dad told me to keep quiet to as not to scare the fish. He did let me carry his clubs a few times on the golf course while he played with his friends. My mom taught me how to play golf. I was so proud when I played on sports teams, only to look in the stands and not see my dad. He was away working. When my mom had the time, she would be there.

I loved music. My dad was tone deaf, so he said. He did buy me a clarienet and we did have a piano in the house. He paid for the piano lessons. He got up with me at 6 oclock in the morning to make sure I practiced. He was there for some of my concerts, but I overheard him telling my mom that he would rather be somewhere else. Later in life ,when I had to go to these concerts, I understood.


My father was part of an era where fathers did not express their emotions. Getting a hug from my dad was very difficult. My fathers left the raising of the kids to my mom.

You know, I had the greatest Dad in the world when I was growing up. My Dad was there for me in many other ways. He supported the way my mom raised us. His job forced him to travel, but I always remember the candy bars he brought. My father bought me the things I needed, not just what I wanted. My father took the time to sit down and talk with me. When I got in trouble at school for fighting, my father stood up for me when he found out it was in self defense.

My father never raised his hand against his wife or his kids. My father never fooled around. My father didn’t have a foul tongue. When I would get hurt, guess who was there?

My father and I never saw eye to eye. Even though I was named after him, I felt that I was the least loved. In a family of Six kids, I was the “middle child. I was younger than three siblings by 2years, and older then my two youngest brothers by 5 years. Being named after your father was not easy. I felt that he had to go out of his way not to show favoritism. If my father said that something was blue, I would say it was red, just to be different. My father and I argued over the smallest of things. My Mom would say it was because we were so much alike, which would make me even madder. I would cringe when people would say that I looked and sounded just like my dad. I wanted to be different. Then my Mom would side with my dad, so I would be mad at her.

I got the hand me downs from my older brother, and my two younger brothers got new clothes. My curfew were stricter (in my mind) than anyone else’s. I got in trouble if I picked on my older sister or my younger brothers. As I grew older, my father and I drew farther apart, and my Mom stopped being the peace maker.

The summer after I turned 18, I moved out of the house. I enrolled in Grand Rapid Junior College and lived with my brother in an apartment. I had a job and went to school for two years. My brother went into the service, and I moved back home. I got a full time job and was saving my money up to go away to school.

One Saturday morning, I was sleeping in my room downstairs, my father was playing golf, I thought I heard my Mom laughing upstairs. As I slowly woke up, I realized that she was crying. I rushed upstairs to find he collapsed on the bathroom floor. She was unconscious, but breathing. I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. I called my sister, who was a nurse and on duty, to ask what to do. I had done everything you could do for a person who had fainted, and nothing was working. I called the golf course and was fortunate to get my father, who rushed home. My father and I attempted to move her to the car to take her to the hospital, but she was in to much pain and moving in and out of consciousness. We called the ambulance, which took her to the hospital. She remained in the hospital for 6 weeks, in a comma, with a brain aneurysm, until she passed away. During this time, my father and I became reacquainted. He shared with me things he had never shared before. I learned more about him in 6 weeks, then I had learned about him in 21 + years. When my father remarried, I was his best man.

I went back to college, to finish my degree, and ended up getting a job as a sales rep for a national paint company, just like my Dad. When I was tranfered to New York where I met my wife, my father was very proud. When my son was born, I called him Don, my father was proud again. I moved to Midland Michigan with another paint company, and again my father was proud. Then I excepted a job with the same company that my father worked for, and he was even more proud, even though we had to move to Indianapolis. He enjoyed visiting his grandchildren when he could. Soon after he retired, I was fired. He spent much time talking with me, and helping me thru the tough times. When job opened up in Muskegon, I took it. It was a chance to move home, I took it. I had chances to play golf and my kids could see their grandparents more often. My father had also become a father to my wife, who’s father was abusive and couldn’t care less.

My father and I don’t talk anymore. My father doesn’t even know who I am. He never calls me on the phone. When I visit him, he doesn’t even speak to me. As much as I try to talk with him, he ignores me. I tell him that I love him. And he does not answer. There are times when I wish my father would die, and yet I love him very much. My father left without saying goodbye. My father had Alzheimer disease. He would sits in a wheelchair, oblivious to his surroundings. He would still smiles, but his mind left a while ago. He might recognize his wife once in a while, but that is usually fleeting. He still could pray, and recognized hymns once in a while.

I was wrong when I said that my father and I don’t talk anymore. When I would sit with him and hold his hand, great memories came back. I know that somewhere behind that blank stare is my Dad. We conversed all the time, though no words are spoken. My memories are of a father who loved me very much, and I almost missed out on it. He doesn’t need to say one word to me, because he already has given me more then I deserve. It took a while for me to come around, but now I hear his voice wherever I go. My father is so intelligent, and I was too dumb to see it. My Dad never pushed me into anything, or threatened me if I did wrong. My fathers love to me is unconditional. It transcends disease, and death. His love is always, and will always be there. This is what I think of everyday, not just fathers day.

My heavenly fathers love to me is the same. It was established long ago, waiting for me to embrace it. It is waiting for you also, if you desire to except it. There are no strings attached, no group to join, and no one else to impress. This father has a fathers day once a week, but will accept your gifts any day. This father has given you more then you deserve. There is one string attached. You have to meet him halfway.

Yes, EVERYONE HAS A FATHER.

Thank you father, and by the way, HAPPY FATHERS DAY.

Timeline of Bible Translation History. I have put this togather incorportating my studies, Justins Comentary and I can best remember. Let me know if I missed anything.
1,400 BC: The first written Word of God: The Ten Commandments delivered to Moses.
500 BC: Completion of All Original Hebrew Manuscripts which make up The 39 Books of the Old Testament.
200 BC: Completion of the Septuagint Greek Manuscripts which contain The 39 Old Testament Books AND 14 Apocrypha Books.
1st Century AD: Completion of All Original Greek Manuscripts which make up The 27 Books of the New Testament.
315 AD: Athenasius, the Bishop of Alexandria, identifies the 27 books of the New Testament which are today recognized as the canon of scripture.
382 AD: Jerome's Latin Vulgate Manuscripts Produced which contain All 80 Books (39 Old Test. + 14 Apocrypha + 27 New Test).
500 AD: Scriptures have been Translated into Over 500 Languages.
600 AD: LATIN was the Only Language Allowed for Scripture.
995 AD: Anglo-Saxon (Early Roots of English Language) Translations of The New Testament Produced.
1384 AD: Wycliffe is the First Person to Produce a (Hand-Written) manuscript Copy of the Complete Bible; All 80 Books.
1455 AD: Gutenberg Invents the Printing Press; Books May Now be mass-Produced Instead of Individually Hand-Written. The First Book Ever Printed is Gutenberg's Bible in Latin.
1516 AD: Erasmus Produces a Greek/Latin Parallel New Testament.
1522 AD: Martin Luther's German New Testament.
1526 AD: William Tyndale's New Testament; The First New Testament printed in the English Language.
1535 AD: Myles Coverdale's Bible; The First Complete Bible printed in the English Language (80 Books: O.T. & N.T. & Apocrypha).
1537 AD: Tyndale-Matthews Bible; The Second Complete Bible printed in English. Done by John "Thomas Matthew" Rogers (80 Books).
1539 AD: The "Great Bible" Printed; The First English Language Bible Authorized for Public Use (80 Books).
1560 AD: The Geneva Bible Printed; The First English Language Bible to add Numbered Verses to Each Chapter (80 Books).
1568 AD: The Bishops Bible Printed; The Bible of which the King James was a Revision (80 Books).
1609 AD: The Douay Old Testament is added to the Rheims New Testament (of 1582) Making the First Complete English Catholic Bible; Translated from the Latin Vulgate (80 Books).
1611 AD: The King James Bible Printed; Originally with All 80 Books. The Apocrypha was Officially Removed in 1885 Leaving Only 66 Books.
1782 AD: Robert Aitken's Bible; The First English Language Bible (KJV) Printed in America.
1791 AD: Isaac Collins and Isaiah Thomas Respectively Produce the First Family Bible and First Illustrated Bible Printed in America. Both were King James Versions, with All 80 Books.
1808 AD: Jane Aitken's Bible (Daughter of Robert Aitken); The First Bible to be Printed by a Woman.
1833 AD: Noah Webster's Bible; After Producing his Famous Dictionary, Webster Printed his Own Revision of the King James Bible.
1841 AD: English Hexapla New Testament; an Early Textual Comparison showing the Greek and 6 Famous English Translations in Parallel Columns.
1846 AD: The Illuminated Bible; The Most Lavishly Illustrated Bible printed in America. A King James Version, with All 80 Books.
1885 AD: The "English Revised Version" Bible; The First Major English Revision of the KJV.
1901 AD: The "American Standard Version"; The First Major American Revision of the KJV.
1971 AD: The "New American Standard Bible" (NASB) is Published as a "Modern and Accurate Word for Word English Translation" of the Bible.
1973 AD: The "New International Version" (NIV) is Published as a "Modern and Accurate Phrase for Phrase English Translation" of the Bible.
1982 AD: The "New King James Version" (NKJV) is Published as a "Modern English Version Maintaining the Original Style of the King James."
2002 AD: The English Standard Version (ESV) is Published as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.
Old Testament
The following are brief snap shots of the beginning and ending of the Old Testament and the reasons for the first two translations of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Aramaic and Greek
• 1875 B.C. Abraham was called by God to the land of Canaan.
• 1450 B.C. The exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt.
Autographs
There are no known autographs of any books of the Old Testament. Below is a list of the languages in which the Old Testament books were written.
• 1450-1400 B.C. The traditional date for Moses' writing of Genesis-Deuteronomy written in Hebrew.
• 586 B.C. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. The Jews were taken into captivity to Babylon. They remained in Babylon under the Medo-Persian Empire and there began to speak Aramaic.
• 555-545 B.C. The Book of Daniel Chapters. 2:4 to 7:28 were written in Aramaic.
• 425 B.C. Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, was written in Hebrew.
• 400 B.C. Ezra Chapters. 4:8 to 6:18; and 7:12-26 were written in Aramaic.
Manuscripts
The following is a list of the oldest Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament that are still in existence.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls: date from 200 B.C. - 70 A.D. and contain the entire book of Isaiah and portions of every other Old Testament book but Esther.
• Geniza Fragments: portions the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic, discovered in 1947 in an old synagogue in Cairo, Egypt, which date from about 400 A.D.
• Ben Asher Manuscripts: five or six generations of this family made copies of the Old Testament using the Masoretic Hebrew text, from 700-950 A.D. The following are examples of the Hebrew Masoretic text-type.
o Aleppo Codex: contains the complete Old Testament and is dated around 950 A.D. Unfortunately over one quarter of this Codex was destroyed in anti-Jewish riots in 1947.
o Codex Leningradensis: The complete Old Testament in Hebrew copied by the last member of the Ben Asher family in A.D. 1008.
Translations
The Old Testament was translated very early into Aramaic and Greek.
• 400 B.C. The Old Testament began to be translated into Aramaic. This translation is called the Aramaic Targums. This translation helped the Jewish people, who began to speak Aramaic from the time of their captivity in Babylon, to understand the Old Testament in the language that they commonly spoke. In the first century Palestine of Jesus' day, Aramaic was still the commonly spoken language. For example maranatha: "Our Lord has come," 1 Corinthians 16:22 is an example of an Aramaic word that is used in the New Testament.
• 250 B.C. The Old Testament was translated into Greek. This translation is known as the Septuagint. It is sometimes designated "LXX" (which is Roman numeral for "70") because it was believed that 70 to 72 translators worked to translate the Hebrew Old Testament in Greek. The Septuagint was often used by New Testament writers when they quoted from the Old Testament. The LXX was translation of the Old Testament that was used by the early Church.

1. The following is a list of the oldest Greek LXX translations of the Old Testament that are still in existence.
o Chester Beatty Papyri: Contains nine Old Testament Books in the Greek Septuagint and dates between 100-400 A.D.
o Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus each contain almost the entire Old Testament of the Greek Septuagint and they both date around 350 A.D.
The New Testament
Autographs
45- 95 A.D. The New Testament was written in Greek. The Pauline Epistles, the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel of Luke, and the book of Acts are all dated from 45-63 A.D. The Gospel of John and the Revelation may have been written as late as 95 A.D.
Manuscripts
There are over 5,600 early Greek Manuscripts of the New Testament that are still in existence. The oldest manuscripts were written on papyrus and the later manuscripts were written on leather called parchment.
• 125 A.D. The New Testament manuscript which dates most closely to the original autograph was copied around 125 A.D, within 35 years of the original. It is designated "p 52" and contains a small portion of John 18. (The "p" stands for papyrus.)
• 200 A.D. Bodmer p 66 a papyrus manuscript which contains a large part of the Gospel of John.
• 200 A.D. Chester Beatty Biblical papyrus p 46 contains the Pauline Epistles and Hebrews.
• 225 A.D. Bodmer Papyrus p 75 contains the Gospels of Luke and John.
• 250-300 A.D. Chester Beatty Biblical papyrus p 45 contains portions of the four Gospels and Acts.
• 350 A.D. Codex Sinaiticus contains the entire New Testament and almost the entire Old Testament in Greek. It was discovered by a German scholar Tisendorf in 1856 at an Orthodox monastery at Mt. Sinai.
• 350 A.D. Codex Vaticanus: {B} is an almost complete New Testament. It was cataloged as being in the Vatican Library since 1475.
Translations
Early translations of the New Testament can give important insight into the underlying Greek manuscripts from which they were translated from.
• 180 A.D. Early translations of the New Testament from Greek into Latin, Syriac, and Coptic versions began about 180 A.D.
• 195 A.D. The name of the first translation of the Old and New Testaments into Latin was termed Old Latin, both Testaments having been translated from the Greek. Parts of the Old Latin were found in quotes by the church father Tertullian, who lived around 160-220 A.D. in north Africa and wrote treatises on theology.
• 300 A.D. The Old Syriac was a translation of the New Testament from the Greek into Syriac.
• 300 A.D. The Coptic Versions: Coptic was spoken in four dialects in Egypt. The Bible was translated into each of these four dialects.
• 380 A.D. The Latin Vulgate was translated by St. Jerome. He translated into Latin the Old Testament from the Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek. The Latin Vulgate became the Bible of the Western Church until the Protestant Reformation in the 1500's. It continues to be the authoritative translation of the Roman Catholic Church to this day. The Protestant Reformation saw an increase in translations of the Bible into the common languages of the people.
• Other early translations of the Bible were in Armenian, Georgian, and Ethiopic, Slavic, and Gothic.
• 1380 A.D. The first English translation of the Bible was by John Wycliffe. He translated the Bible into English from the Latin Vulgate. This was a translation from a translation and not a translation from the original Hebrew and Greek. Wycliffe was forced to translate from the Latin Vulgate because he did not know Hebrew or Greek.
In the 1380s, John Wycliffe translated the first English Bible which inspired an English religious revolution which caused persecutions against him by the Catholic Church.
In the early 1500's the German heretic, Martin Luther, almost single handedly caused the final split from the Roman Catholic church and created the beginnings of the Protestant revolution. This split still influences violence to this day. He translated the Bible into German which further spread Protestantism. Luther also helped spread anti-Semitism with his preaching and books such as his "The Jews and their lies," all supported through >his interpretation of the Bible. One should not forget that Hitler (when a Christian and great admirer of Luther) and his holocaust could not have occurred without his influence and the support of Bible believing German Christians. This should no way be confused as the reason for the Holocaust or Nazi belief.
In the 1530s William Tyndale completed his version of the English Protestant Bible (probably with the aid of Luther) and the first to print the English Bible. He too felt the persecution of the Church and he spent his last days in imprisonment and exile. His enemies finally caught him and burned him at the stake, but because of his celebrity, they strangled him first (what nice guys!).
After Luther's German Bible, others followed suit by translating the Bible into their native languages including Dutch and French. Not until 1611 C.E. did a committee of translators and interpreters complete the most popular Bible of all time, the King James Version.
Today we still have dozens of Bible translation versions, with Bible scholars still arguing over the meaning and proper translations of words and phrases. The following shows just a few of the most popular versions:
King James Version (KJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV)
Modern King James Version [Green's Translation] (MKJV)
Literal Translation Version [Green] (LITV)
International Standard Version (ISV)
The New International Version (NIV)
English Standard Version (ESV)
New English Bible (NEB)
American Standard Version (ASV)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Today's English Version (TEV)
The Living Bible (LB)
New Century Version (NC)
New Life Version (NLV)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)
Revised Young's Literal Translation (RYLT)
John Darby's New Translation
Weymouth New Testament Translation
Rotherham's

Bible Basics - Versions / Translations
All pages and information copyright 1996 Net Ministries, Inc.

Early Christians following the example of Jesus and the apostles, accepted the Old Testament writings as inspired and authoritative scripture. They used the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament. Latin translations of this became available late in the second century. Other works such as the 'Wisdom of Solomon', and 'Ecclesiasticus' were also used at times. Later, Christian congregations began to appreciate the writings of Paul, and the other apostles. The first complete 'gospels' or life of Jesus didn't appear until around 60 A.D., but collections of sermons and writings were partly available some time before this. After the 'canonization' of the Bible as we know it (see the Old Testament and New Testament sections for more information) were formed, the Bible had taken shape. There are no original manuscripts of any of the books of the Bible in existance today. Many of the handwritten texts in Greek however are available from these early times. The earliest complete manuscript of the New Testament, is the Codex Sinaiticus which dates from about the fourth century. Less complete manuscripts date as far back as the late second century or about 130 A.D.. There are more copies of scripture and manuscripts available from the earliest times for the Bible than any other ancient writings. From the many numerous manuscripts available, scholars try to achieve the most complete and accurate wording of the books of the Bible into modern languages. The earliest translations of the New Testament were the Syriac, Latin, and Coptic versions. These translations were not as good as some more modern translations since the translators did not appear to have a good command of the original languages, such as Greek.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Bible was known almost exclusively in Latin known as the Vulgate. The Jews were the first to print the Old Testament in Hebrew (the original language) in 1488. About 1514, the Greek text of the New Testament was printed, although it was not widely released. The first widely released Greek New Testament was printed by Froben with the text work completed by Erasmus about 1516. This became known as Erasmus' New Testament and underwent many improvements and editions. Meanwhile, the Latin version known as the Vulgate continued and was confirmed by the Council on Trent in 1546, although it continued to have revisions and improvements to accuracy.
With the invention of printing, the circulation of the Bible expanded rapidly. With the Reformation, the wish to have the Bible available in people's own language became stronger. One such early work was the 'Luther Bible' written in German. The 'Reformers' did not accept the Apocrypha as scripture and did not include it in their versions of the Bible. The first French Bible appeared about 1523 and at first only contained the New Testament, but was followed a few years later by the Old Testament.
The pioneer of the English Bible is William Tyndale who published the New Testament in 1525. Complete Bibles appeared as early as 1535 such as Miles Coverdale's edition. Thomas Cromwell had the Matthew Bible another English version of the time revised by Coverdale to become the Great Bible in 1539. It is interesting to note that about 90 percent of Tyndale's original translation made it into the King James Version that we know today. King James had sponsored a new translation of the Bible at request of the Puritans in 1604. It appeared in 1611, but apparently drew heavily on previous translations.
Today there are many translations, each claiming a special merit to accuracy to the original Greek, or wording to make it more understandable to an intended audience. Frequently it is necessary to look at multiple translations and versions of particular passages to establish the true meaning. Most all the modern translations publishers have sites on Internet which may be explored. A great site to compare passages is the WWW Bible Gateway. This is why you can't wrap christianity into one neat package. The bottom line is faith, pure and simple, and not as complicated.

Atheism by it own admission has said there is a God. Why would so much energy be put into something that doesn't exist. It is not up the Christians to prove God as atheism has already confirmed that. It is now in the lap of atheist to defend their weak statement that there is not a God when of course they claim there is and they are going to prove there is not a God. I am really confused. Before there were atheists God created the heavens and the earth. They can't duplicate that feat. They have to do that to disprove God not vice versa. this is why there is nothing new being shown, nothing put slight of hand, confusion and misuse of information. The bottom line is that atheism can't prove there is not a God without admitting there is a God. They try to change history, identify what they are looking for(God), but are so inept to duplicate or come close to what God has done. Atheist say "show me" I challenge you. The specimen is there, look around. analyse, dissect and then try to replicate earth. I am looking forward to see this. Can you make it orbit the sun like God made the earth to do. The ball is in your court, don't tell me, show me. To me it is like a man who claims to invent a time machine. He has the diagram, the energy sourse, and precise instruction on how to assemble. Scientifically it should work because it worked in theory and is based on pure scientific fact. We all know he has all the facts about time, it's makeup and has carbon dated other objects to know exactly where in time he is going. It still doesn't work. Time travel doesn't work, it's impossible. We don't have the mental ability to time travel, but we have the ability to disect God? Athiest, baby steps first.

I"ll share something on a lighter side

>> Posting from this morning.....just for fun...we all need some.......
>
>
> Ponderisms
> 1· I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.
> 2· There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
> 3· Life is sexually transmitted.
> 4· Healthy is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
> 5· The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
> 6· Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
> 7· Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
> 8· Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
> 9· All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
> 10· In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
> 11· How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
> 12· Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, 'I think I'll squeeze these dangly things and drink whatever comes out?'
> 13· If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
> 14· Why does your OB-GYN leave the room when you get undressed if they are going to look up there anyway?
> 15· If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
> 16· If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?
> 17· Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
> 18· Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?
> 19· Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
>
> --
> Live lively - love long - laugh lots...

http://www.therthdimension.org/AncientRome/Calendar/body_calendar.html#RomanYear. This shows the falsness of the argument about time discrepansies. Sorry, but you are arguing from an imperfect base of information. So we go back to history. I am stopping this now. I have proved my point, history has proved my point, and still they don't want to see. I put down baby steps at the top to you to read. You have to have a constant to build your theories on. Basic science. Wikipedia doesn't count as well as former blogs etc...... I'm taking time off to help other people who want to be helped.

I seem to have lost 1/2 of the previous post. I will repost later. Sorry

You have to love the dogged determination, anger, and repetitive use of outdated rhetoric.
Since I try to help all people ,let review the evidence or rational of this discussion. Please stop me if I use big words.Let me also admit that I lied about not writing anything else about this topic. Sorry.
First, facts and history are on the side of Christianity when attacked by science misused by some atheist. First of all, the biggest rule is that there is no historical facts that atheist can use so they try to destroy or change what they can't understand. They try to spin it.
Second is their claim that science has all the "knowledge" and claims to refute the bible. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Has science duplicated this. The answer is no. You can go though everyday of creation and science can only duplicate one day. The seventh day God rested. These facts are solid.
Third is that they want God to take a blood test or "show his ID" You want to scientifically understand God when you can't even come close to doing what he has done. They want to understand the creator of the universe by a slide rule or a petrie dish. That is like trying to get to the moon in little red wagon. They still stand back and shake their fist at God and try to disclaim him. Man, who doesn't even use 1/2 of their brain is trying to match up to infinite knowledge. I do believe that some of our greatest human brain are in the field of science, but compared to the knowledge of God it is very small. Its like the puff fish that tries to make itself look bigger then it is to scare off those who would attack him.
Fourth is the child like temper tantrum and name calling when someone won't except their point of view and claims that everyone is an idiot if you don't buy into their outdated rhetoric. When all else fails, scream yell, and call names.
Now that I have put this to rest point, set and match lets understand something. We Christians also don't have all the answers. God did not give us a bigger brain or made us better in any way. We are all part of the human race with everything that come along with it. The biggest difference is the atheist inability to realise that not all thing can be understood. If they cant see it, explain it, or break it down in a petrie dish, it must be false. We christian call it faith, believing without seeing. As atheism stumbles for an identity in this world, so do we as christian. We divide our selves into denomination, religions, and some claim that they are the only one. We try to convert the world when in most cases we don't have control of our own lives. You don't need to try to tear someone down to build yourself up. You don't need to convert the world when you can't talk to your neighbor. Atheism and Christianity will never agree until the final proof, There is a heaven or we all are worm food when we die.
I wish the world was black and white, I wish that all christian could come together in peace and harmony, I wish for peace an harmony among all people. As for Atheist and Christians alike, I hope you solve your identity crisis.
I am some what upset that I was pulled into a dialogue that melts down to"I'm right and you are wrong". If I come across with the image that I know everything, that would be a wrong, and I hope I didn't. I don't hate atheist and I have to refrain from name calling when they refuse to see the light. I am sharing my faith and beliefs for all to see. Share your own beliefs.



Fourth point are the "cry baby" atheist that stamp their feet and claim that no one acknowledges them. I just read an article on Jack Adams face book that claim the atheist are never polled. To these atheist, you claim not to be a religion, a party and no political agenda. You have no by rule and are not a branch of science. There is no count to how many atheist there are out there. I have no doubt that there are many atheist, some more fringe then others. In short, A non religion, that wants to be counted as a religion to be counted, and then disappear into the dust. As far as religions go, they are a religion with the good and bad that come from that. Welcome to the real world.

Rewriting history part II

The Bp oil spill. BP is attempting to rewrite recent history. Their scientist are now saying that the spell is not as bad. It's only in one portion of the world and confined to the gulf. They are there to help the small people. Once again we should submit to people wanting a second chance at history. I don't think so.

Al Gore and the democratic party tried to rewrite history in Florida during the election. Once the truth came out, he was smart enough to back off.

The Republican party once said it was the party of God. When scandal broke out in their ranks, they tried to change history by say that other people had called them this. They tried to change history.

History is history. Get it right the first time and you will still have someone trying to rewrite history. This has gone on since the beginning of time and I'm really getting tired of people trying to change it.

Politics don't call it changing history. They put a different slant to it.

Hillary Clinton tried to change history by calling it a vast right wing conspiracy. She couldn't change what Bill did, it was as they say, HISTORY

I could go on and on with these facts but what's the use. Some people will never see the light If history is not what you want, try to change it. It seems to be the intelligent way.

By the way, there are quite a few countries in the African Continent that want to change their history. Let all gather together to help them. I'm sure there is a way that we can spin these violation of human rights

I have a new name for our history books. HISTORY, THE SPUN ADDITION

Rewriting History.
After many on line chat with Justin he has made it very clear. The bible is the only historical document of the times, ie the dead sea scrolls. People through out the ages have tried to rewrite history because it doesn't fit for them. There is nothing historical to refute, so the next thing is to discredit historians. Nazi have been trying to do that. They don't like the fact that came out looking bad, so they claim it didn't happen. They will try to present scientific evidence that it didn't happen. They want to discredit history. Man landed on the moon, but a group of people want to say it all happened in a sound stage. They can't believe eyewitness and would rather discredit history. HISTORY, if you don't like it , change it. This is my last entry on this subject. There is nothing new here, History has spoken.

The person that I was talking about in my previous blog has the entire conversation on his blog site, please visit it to read it all. I would have put it all on but I am not that competent on a computer (old school). To have a fair discussion you have to have ground rules. Be civil, be competent in your sources (Wikipedia and your own publishing are not allowed) These would and are not allowed in most educational settings as well as Universities. For personal reference I can only be competent in the protestant faith, so generalities won't work.( I can't explain why some people kill in the name of God, nor can I explain Madalyn Murry Ohair and her death) As I said in our discussion, we both live in the same town and I would enjoy talking in person. Anyone else that wants to chime in, please do. I ask that you speak for yourself as I want this to be a learning experience for everyone, not a war. If you want to quote the bible, please state what version and what language you are interpreting from. At the time I have posted this entry there were 5 responses from my previous article.

As I afor mentioned, when a Athiest can't win on open and honest discussion, here is what his responce This is a direct quote

God is IMAGINARY you dolt. And you yourself admitted that you have NO evidence to the contrary, and I've explained to your thick skulled self numerous times now that the burden of proof is on YOU to demonstrate otherwise, and that arguing that your God is real because we CAN'T disprove it is an invalid argument... the argument from ignorance (or negative proof), and is no more valid than me claiming that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the REAL God of the universe and your God is his bitch. Of course you can't prove that isn't true... and you don't have to because fantastic claims WITHOUT EVIDENCE can be DISMISSED WITHOUT EVIDENCE.

And more importantly my provincial friend, WE DO HAVE A TON OF EVIDENCE THAT SHOWS THAT YOUR BIBLE IS BULLSHIT. THAT YOUR RELIGION IS A FALLACIOUS HOUSE OF CARDS AND THAT YOUR FAITH IS FUNDAMENTALLY INHERENTLY ILLOGICAL, IRRATIONAL, UNREASONABLE AND OUTRIGHT HOSTILE TO FACTS, EVIDENCE, AND THE VERY THING THAT SETS HUMANITY APART FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMALS... REASON.

You are an embarrassment to the human race.

(There's a limit to my patience when dealing with deluded fools. I have presented more than enough evidence in this discussion to prove how WRONG you and your son are. That you cannot wrap your bumpkin head around that is your loss. I have invested enough energy in this discussion and am more than comfortable with leaving the evidence as it stands for those less lost to reality.)

I bid you good day.

What a 24 hours. As I mentioned before, I was on facebook having what I thought was a civilized discussion with an atheist. What I didn't realize is that the wall belonged to another atheist. Ok, no problems, I have had many such discussion. My son Donald in Japan joined in. Having studied cults and religion I remembered the standard way cults use to win you to their side. This system has been used for many years and was abandoned by because it doesn't work. I could not believe that they were still using this. In short, the system start out with empathy, then the person telling how well versed he or she is in the bible. The next step is a switch to science to start a base of discussion. The next step is to merge all other religions and compare it to science. The next crucial step is to take the bible, and compare it to science. The trick is to stay clear of narrowing down to one denomination or faith, keep it general. One example is how could christian defend the crusades etc... The next move is to cut down the bible into an English interpretation, avoiding all translation and language barriers in translating. Keep piling on useless fact and then tell the person that only he knows the correct translation. The book that Christians most Revere, the book that they most hate, they are going to interpret it for you since you are not smart enough. If this is not working, they will resort to carpet bombing. They want to pour on so much information to make you feel little. If this doesn't work, which is very rare, they will insult you and move on. They will always talk in generalities and never specifics. The last phase that usually works is go apologize for the outburst and try to get the person to hear what they want you to hear. This is the Dale Carnage approach. They will try to point out how you really agree with them. They will say how smart you really are as if to say that ordinary people don't understand, only the highly educated like themselves. What astounded me the most is that Jehovah's Witness stopped using this process over 20 years ago. Most atheist stay clear of the bible, and try to interject politic to get converts. This system was used by a person who was educating your children. Politicians love to use this system by telling people they can only be heard by agreeing with the party, not the person. They will do the thinking for you. I guess it just goes to show you that there is nothing new under the sun. People are creatures of habit and will always fall into old ruts. When someone tries to think for you, run, they are trying to sell you something that most people won't buy on it's own value.

On my facebook I am involved in a discussion with a athiest. This person claims that science has all the answer as any athiest would. Unfortunately science is so flawed, and relegion or the bible is too misinterpreted to have a meaningful discussion. He wants to lump all relegions into one neat package to attack with scientific assumptions and theories. I can have 100 different scientist to discuss one aspect or one topic and have 100 different answers with facts to back them up. How many scientist get published because they used their evidence to prove or disprove another scientist theory. The one big question is, "Did God give scientist the knowledge to disprove Gods existence"?

I am speechless...... People want the government to step in financially to heal the ills caused by BP's oil spill. Even people on the far right are calling for the president to step in. OMG. These are the same people that don't want to pay for a national health care because it will put us in debt. LMO.

TEA PARTY. A non movement that is gaining strength by bogus counts on newscast. If they had a million man march, 2 million would be counted. Keep those camera angle close. The truth is less than 1% show up to the rallies.

Sara Palin knows the truth because she can see Russia from her house.

Quote.... People are against windmills in Lake Michigan because they fear what happened in the Gulf will happen here, ?????????????????????????????? These same people will move next to train track, and complain about the noise a windmill will make. They will then want the train to move.

I must be losing my mind. This is suppose to be the age of intelligence. The great computer age is here and all out worries have disappeared. Machine was suppose to do all the work, and man sits back and enjoys life. We are the the baby boomers. We changed everything with peace love and harmony. I should be sitting back, drinking a twenty-five cent coke and singing " I'd like to teach the world to sing". We solved the oil pollution with the Exxon Valdez spill. Never again would that happen. Our parents learned their lessons in the depression and never again would that happen. Corrupt politicians were thrown out of office(Nixon), and never again would that happen. The carpetbaggers were outlawed and never again would people be conned out of their money. We learned our lesson in Vietnam and would never let that happen again. We learned not to trust in gasoline availability during the the Carter administration. We tore down the Berlin wall during the Reagan administration bringing about world peace. We learned that when a person goes bankrupt in everything he does, you don't elect him President because his dad use to be president. Just because we heard it on the radio or TV doesn't mean it is true. I guess that computers got smarter and people got dummer.

I just realized that it was fifty years ago that I had my first piano recital. Since then I have played in all states east of the Mississippi except 2, and a few states west of the Mississippi. I have played in more denomination than I can count, and a few more bars on the weekend. I have played for Weddings and funerals, baptism, confirmations, and last requests for dying people. I have played organs, all kind of pianos, mogue synthesizer and many electric keyboards. The only organ I haven't played is a Wurlitzer. This is the one with all the drums etc...
I'm writing about this for a good reason. My grandfather, whom I got the music gene from, never told me anything about the piano. He never taught me to play, never told stories of his playing history, nothing at all. I have heard second hand stories, but that was it. He died when I was very young. My father and mother did not have musical ability. My mother felt that if I were young enough to go to school, I could start learning to play the piano. My oldest sisters, and older brother were also taking lesson at this time. My oldest sister and I would would continue with lessons. Every morning,starting at 6am, you could hear my sister and I practicing the piano. I still have my first piano, waiting in the garage to be refinished. For the next 10 years I would take lesson, and once a year participate in a piano recital. The early years were mainly a lot of practice and occasional performance. With all that practice you would think I would have been better. Piano was the starting point for instrumental and vocal training and performing.

I'd like to bash on our medical system once again. For those who work in our medical system this is not aimed at you. The doctors, nurses,aids, and those who work hard in our system are in most cases under appreciated and under paid. These professionals should be paid for what they do, and paid well. It's the system that is broke, not the people. Most hospitals have systems in place to help those who are poor and can't afford medical care. Many doctors contribute to organizations that will help people out. These people are not the problem. There are even some doctor who work their practice like a production line, and as long as they do their job well, they can get a rich as they want. When that doctors level of care diminishes because he is too busy for his patients, then I have a problem. Insurance companies are not the major problem, but do contribute in a major way. I do not bash on them for wanting to make money and a profit for their shareholders. In most cases they are following the law and guidelines set for them. There are those who abuse the system, and they should be held responsible. Then there is our political system where most of our problems are. Our congressman and senators were originally part time, true public servants. Now they are full time, and receiving money from so many resources that money, not intellect runs government. Bridges to nowhere, million dollar toilet seats, and government backed studies in to watching mold grow are the problems. Doctor afraid of being sued for "whatever", when a medical board could determine if there is a problem. Doctors then run tests to make sure they are not going to get sued. Insurance companies paying more in doctor and legal expenses, and on and on...........
In our case, we have had major medical problems and now have insurance, but what insurance doesn't cover is astronomical. It will take a long time to catch up since due to these medical problems my wife and I cannot work. When I look at the bill from her last surgery, the waste is unbelievable. Maybe it is not waste, but I see doctor billing multiple times, and some doctors I don't remember even seeing. If I were to pay cash instead of insurance, my cost would be 50% lower, and discounts to insurance providers make those who have no insurance cost much higher. It's called, "The system", and the system is broke. We need to keep it simple. The procedure done in Maine should be the same price as that procedure done in Michigan. The Cost of tongue depressors are the same, etc....... Companies have the right to make a profit, not to gouge or cheat.

I fixed the lawnmower. To some that might not be a big deal, but to me it is in the miracle department. I was able to get the grass cut before the rain.
One of our local police departments are being investigated by the State Police for a poorly managed evidence room. There is supposedly missing money, drugs etc.... Police being investigated by Police sounds troubling to me. That is like big business writing it's own rules.
Scientist for BP gas are saying that only 3% of the worlds oil pollution is from disasters like those in the Gulf. What they don't say is that 100% of the area is polluted and that is what the locals are concerned about. No matter how much you fine the oil companies, they will just recoup with higher prices to the people they damage. Since there is a cap on how much the companies can be fined, our government will be picking up the tab, as well as lost businesses, lost because of this spill.Once again big business will win and the people will lose.

Monday morning and the lawn mower breaks. Ahhhhhhhh Mondays............What next?

Liz is home. She had her spinal fusion surgery on Monday, and came home yesterday. For the next 6 weeks she won't be able to do much but take short walks, rest, and walk again. I will be her gofer and nurse as well as chief brush and bottle washer. Day 2 and all is well.

What a year so far. On Monday, Liz goes in for spinal surgery. Her spinal cord is being pinched by the disc, moved in 4 different locations. Her walking is very painful and getting worse. There are times when her legs will just give out, or she will be in such pain that even small walking is tough. Sunday, following the worship service, we will have a prayer circle for Liz at Westwood Reformed Church. This will be at approx. 11:30 am. I am requesting prayers for her at that time, even if you can't be there. We are praying for her physically and mentally and that God will guide the surgeons hand, and comfort Liz's mind. The surgery will be Monday morning @ 7:30 am and should be between 2 1/2 and 3 hours long. I am praying 24/7 as God and I walk thru life together.
These last couple of years have been very tough for us, but God never gives us more then we can handle. Liz and I have been unable to work due to my heart disease and lizs many medical and other problems. Many people have said that we are living off the government with disability insurance and are a drain on the economy. My prayer is that God will never put you in this situation, but may open your eyes to the problems that many have to deal with. I am thankful we have SSI as without it, I would most likely not be here. I have been paying into SSI since I was 13, and did not believe I would ever need it. Now I am thankful it is there as it enables us to get by with what we need and not what we want. We have tried to open our house to troubled teens and has been blessed with seeing other life stories that make ours so small. Our Children are on there own and we are very proud of them. Liz and I became grandparents for the first time and we thank God for Vincente. God has truly blessed us as our path has been different but has been in his hands all the way. We are not worthy of Gods love, but he gives it. The gifts that God has given us far out number the problems, and the problems just give us more time in prayer with God.
Prayer is so important and so needed. God is great.

Just when you think you have heard it all, more crap appears. The far right wants less government interference and that I can understand. It seems like today you need a form 20sht to use the bathroom. The president has now suggested privatizing the space program, in other words getting the government out of the commercial space business. The right wing and big business is apposed to this claiming that they need the government to put their satellites into orbit. I'm so confused.

Change, you gotta love it. First people want it, then they realize that things won't be the same, and then they fear it, then they fight against it. Our need for health care is a big change. Many people fear it for the sake of wanting something to be afraid of. You would think that we were giving every person a brand new house and car for free and saying that this mystical beast that we call "government" will pay for it. Lets get some facts down before this becomes a sci-fi movie of the week.
1- We need a better healthcare system then we have now. The one we have now is broken. We can replace it or fix it. Neither side of the asle want to work togather and want to blame each other.
2- We don't have the money to pay for it. The Republicans left us with a huge deficit and that you can't deny. Maybe we should wait until there is no deficit before spending another dime. Maybe a few more non tax paying people will die off while we wait.
3- Let let the current system run it's course. Prescription, insurance and other medical related companys can write their own rules, make as much profit as they like, and then when they have reach the top of the mountain they can withdraw their money, put millions out of work, and leave people dying without healthcare because they lost heir jobs. Wait, didn't this just happen?
4- Let's throw the baby out with the bath water. Let's change everything.
Our system is not set up to handle something like this. Basic changes need to happen first. Get rid of the income tax and replace it with a stright tax on everything. The more you spend, the more you are taxed. No tax exemptions for anyone. Then offer affordable health care to everyone. It's so easy, even a caveman can do it. More to come.

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/03/the_partys_at_alley_door_for_p.html



Check it out, it's my nephew.

What a beautiful Monday Morning. The sun is shinning, The Spartans won (basketball) and health reformed finally passed. Now that the debate is over and the president will sign it, we can now get to the truths of this package. Many have said that they don't want the government running health care. First of all, we are the government. Remember that line"we the people". Instead of corporate greed running the system, the people who We elect will oversee the system. If we lived in China, then I would worry about a government run health care system. Folk, we are number 19 in the world in health Care for our people. 19th doesn't even get you on the medal stand in the Olympics. When you are at work, and your work was rated 19th, you would be looking for a new job. Seniority does not protect a person who is 19th at their job. We now have a president who will stand and take the chance to improve something that is so broken. Special interest can move on to something else, but the job of life and health is now in the peoples hands. This may not be the perfect fix, and yes, I don't believe it is, but we are now moving in the right direction. The democratic process is working. More to come.

Check out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U4Ha9HQvMo&feature=topvideos



I don't need to add anything to this.

What is customer service
1- An automated computer system that works you around in circles. For this press 1, for that press 2
2- A computer system that tries to understand the english language. "I'm sorry,I did not understand the last word you said, please press 5 and try again".
3- A live person, that happens to be in India. The person learned the english language last week and is trying it out on you.
4- An answering system that tells you that due to a large volume of calls, they cannot answer your call, and then hangs up.
5- An email system that give automated responces like a copy of the web page that you just read.
6- At last, a human being that speaks clear english language. Unfortunantely it is their first day, and they have to transfer you to one of the above choices. Before they pass you on they exclaim, have a nice day. As you are swearing at the person not to transfer you, you hear the sound of a dial tone.

In the Muskegon Chronicle there was a letter to the editor from a person who was complaining that an organist was playing too loud. Days later another person responded by saying that this was not the venue for objecting to this. Church organist/pianist are a dying breed. Many churches have gone to electronic music, or just guitars. People don't realize that given time, you may not hear that organ at all. Some day when the power goes out, someone will look at that keyboard and ask,"Does anyone know how to play this thing?" To that organist, "play louder, they still can't hear you."

Why do church people like to fight. Is it the thought that"I'm right and you are wrong"? Through out history, churches have fought with others and themselves. You would think that history has shown that there are no winners, only losers.
Remember the song,"my dogs better then your dog"? Some have rewritten it to say, "My God's better then your God".

Monday morning starting over. Liz and I just got back from our 30 min walk. We were going to go to the Y, but then realized it was MLK Jr. birthday, and all the kids are out of school. That means that the Y would be real busy.
I didn't go to church yesterday. I still have mixed emotions about where to go and why I am going. Socially it is nice to see people, but then does that make it a social club?
My hand look terrible. I went into the ER on Saturday, and they said I have a ganglion cyst. It look and sounds alot worse then it is.
I just can't believe the Haite situation. I heard that The Rev. Pat Robertson said the reason the quake struck there was because they had sinned and God let the devil do his stuff. Pat need a reality check and his medications increased.

I know that I haven't blog lately. Alot has been going on.
I am now completely retired. I quit the part time janitorial job. When you work for the church you are attending it is very hard. The job had fit my condition very well, but along came someone else who wanted the job, and the demands on me were tripled, so much to the point it was effecting my heart and my soul. Obviously this takes a chunk out of our income, so we had to make cutbacks.
Liz and I are starting the YMCA to try to get in better shape. With both of us with health limitations, I think we will start up slowly.
We visited Unity church last week, as we explore the possibility and changing churches. We were warmly greeted, but their piano player is very different. I will try to stay updated to all those thousands of people that read this blog.

wow, I'm enjoying a moment of quiet and solitude. Ok, thats enough, got a lot of things to do. Have to finish up the laundryroom with Cat. She has worked her butt off on the laundryroom and bath. I hope to have it done before Christmas, but stuff keeps popping up. This week two dear friends our ours passed away, one here in Muskegon, and one in Florida. They were both in their 80"s a God had blessed them with a wonderful and spirit filled life. With a funeral on Tuesday and Christmas Eve service, as janitors, we will have a full week on setups, cleanings, and teardowns. (Don & Liz)

Four weddings in 2 years. How should I feel. Happy, sad, wait ...I know...poor. I now have the females in the family married off. Girls are the most expensive. We had 40 rsvp's returned and 175 people showed up. Fortunately I decided to plan for 150 as this was my best guess. We still fed everyone and had no leftovers to try to get rid of. We finished cleaning up the church around midnight after starting the day at 7am. That was a long day. Louie used his truck as a lemo for the bride a groom. They thought it was BA. Monday we took Don Jr. back to Ohare for his plane ride back to Japan. He had come up to surprise his little sister, and that he did. She was so surprised that I was glad she didn't miscarry. Now everything is getting back to it's chaotic state, never back to normal, and we can know prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thank God for Prozac.

Here we go again. Today, my youngest daughter is getting married. This will be the fourth wedding in two years. Donald came home from Japan and surprised his little sister last night. Before the wedding , we still have to finish setting up the reception, putting together food, setting tables, and all the other stuff that goes with a wedding. This promises to be a busy weekend as we will end the weekend by driving Donald back to Chicago for his flight back to Japan on Monday.

Michigan wind power and alternative energy. Our great state government decided that it is time to look into alternative energy to help Michigan grow. Alternative energy would create new jobs, and help out the state. They put togather plans for a great big windmill, that combined with others would create cheaper energy. The construction of said windmills would create new jobs. Wind energy to the rescue..... opps... they gave the construction bid to Canada. The only wind I see is from Lansing. Last person out, please turn off the lights.

I love stupid people. I especially like people who are suppose to be smart but are really dumber than dirt. I know for a fact that I am not the smartest bulb in the pack, but at least I have some common sense and am able to use my brain for more then counter weight to keep my head strait. For years I use to listen to Rush Limbaugh's radio show. Although I did not agree with him on all topics, I did respect his knowledge,until now. I know that his show is all about ratings and making it interesting for people to listen. Love him or hate him, he just wants you to listen. He's a clown, a show man, an antagonist..... he what you want and what you hate. Why do people care what Rush has to say. His show is alot like professional wrestling, fake but with great athletes. Rush tries to be all things to all people. Either you love him and listen, or hate him, and listen. What people understand is that it is entertainment, nothing else. Once gain we give an actor credit for the role he is playing. I don't go to DR. Gregory House for medical advice so why should I go to this actor for political advice. The dumb people are the ones that faithfully follow him like a person follows a soap opera. Soap operas' professional wrestling, and Rush Limbaugh are not real. Why does the media give him so much attention? Ratings.

Wednesday morning and you can tell tht fall is in the air. Now the weather has me thin kin that I need to put the storms up. I turned on the heat yesterday for the first time.
I talked with the people at Westinghouse, about my fire in my TV. The moment I mentioned fire, they were making arraignments for it to be shipped to them and a new one sent back to me. A flat screen HD tv that is less then 2 years old should not catch fire. I have had great success with my tvs, and they all came from westinghouse should it should not surprise me that they don't want a bad one starting a fire. I'm sending ours back to them today, and they will send out a new one. They are also paying the shipping cost and all I have to do is pack it and ship it. I'll update how things go.

It just keep coming. This weekend our main tv caught fire. It's a 32" flat screen and it was less then two years old. Fortunately nothing else caught fire. The lead abatement people said we won't get our house done until next year. Lindsey's baby is due in April so I hope next year means before then. If her husband to be doesn't get work before the wedding, they may be living with us on (Walton's) Van Antwerpen's mountain. Cat and Sean are looking to move out in October, but if they don't, we will have room for everyone.
We talked with Don and Akiko in Japan. We use Skype for two way visual communications. They are doing great and love it there.
We are in the middle of sending out invites for Lindsey's wedding in November. Have you ever heard the story of a man who made a pot of soup out of two stones? This is what I feel like, paying for a wedding with little money and short notice.
Cliff asked me how I do it? I'll get back with you on that one.

Boy, is this a year. I've had more happen in the last 10 years of my life than I could dream up. Although I have had a very interesting life, lot of travel, wonderful kid, and a great marriage. Yes, this was interesting, but not like the last 10 years. When I was 47 I was suppose to be having a mid life crisis. Instead I was dead for a few minutes with a massive cornary. I few months later I lost our home to a expert swindler. WE lived in an apartment for a while until I found our new home. During this time, my wife has serious medical problem that leaves her unable to work. I also am unable to work. My oldest son get married and moves to Japan, my second child marries and her and her husband move in with us. My youngest daughter has announced that she is pregnant and is getting married in November. My youngest son want to fight MMA. I have become a pastor, married many couples, almost excomunicated by another pastor and now am playing the piano for a praise team. What a wild ride.

What a day. My daughter Lindsey told Liz and I that she is pregnant and will now be moving up her wedding date to November. I am very happy for her and Chris and looking forward to becoming a Grandpa. I know I look way too young to be a grandpa. She is due April 16, the day before Liz and my anniversary. So, within a year and a half we will have had 4 weddings and a grandchild on the way.

This bad economy brings out the strangeness in people. My daughter Lindsey has a small dog call Gigi. This dog is about the size of most cats. We licenced her the first year. This past year when didn't because money was tight. By the time you pay for her shot, and her licence you are talking over $200.00. This little dog is always inside and does not roam the neighborhood. Vector Control is now harassing us to licence her at all cost. They have sent a citation and a ticket to appear in court to make sure we license our dog. If we don't comply, we can be arrested and jailed. They haven't even stopped by to see if the dog is alive or still living with us. She is alive, and living with us. She is in great health and is very happy. Still they want their money to save their jobs. People are losing their jobs, going broke, and don't have extra money to spend. Crime rates are up, health care is down, and we are worried about a small dog having it's licence.

It's hard to believe that it is already September. What a year so far. I do misss the chapel and all of our friends from their. I Miss hearing the golden vocals of cliff. What a voice and mind.
I miss Don and Akiko. They are now in Japan. I talk with them regularly on Skypes, two way video. After teaching his first day of school, they closed the school for a week. No, he did not cause it, swine flu did. So his first week is a paid vacation. This swine flu thing might end up being a bad as predicted.
With all this debate over nation health care, and can't but wonder how people can outright lie about nation health care in other countries. As I said, my son and his wife are in Japan which has national health care. They love it, their friends love, everyone loves it. I talk with Canadians, they love it. I cannot find a real Case of people hating it, except people who get rich off it. Getting rich off sick and dying people is.......well............ sick. Oh, by the way, this depression or recession that we are in was caused by the greed of the rich, not the poor. The people who don't want a national health care is because of greed, not because of government, bad medicine or any other thing that they would concoct.

Today, a new day is dawning at Westwood. Our new pastor start his new calling with us. I have worked with him this week and he seems to be a wonderful person. He seems easy to work with and very down to earth. Westwood has shrunk over the last 10+ years and is in need of new life to be pumped into it. We have taken time to look at ourselves, our calling to the community, and our relationship with God. There will be changes, and changes are difficult, but sometimes necessary. I will be learning to play as part of a praise team,( can you teach an old dog new tricks?), plus helping to maintain the old hymns, maybe in a livelier tempo. May God bless us a we renew are faith, in his honor and to his glory.

My tribute to Ted Kennedy. Thank you for not becoming president. Thank you for being a senator from Mass. and not Michigan. His record for winning battles is below average. He is from a troubled family that has had a fair share of adversity. Everyone who worked with him says he was vicious in battle and gracious in in victory or defeat. He was a devoted Catholic, and had a history of bad behavior. He was truly a man of contradictions. He lavished in wealth and fought hard for the poor and downtrodden. If anything Teddy, you were good press. God Bless.

I talked with Don today on Skype. Video conferencing is very nice. Him and Akiko have moved into their apartment in Tokyo and are now trying to get settled in. We got a video tour of their apartment.

I have returned. Many things have happened since I last blogged that have kept me off line. First of all, the computer shorted out and had to be repaired.
Don and Akiko have arrived safely in Japan. We just set up our skype connection with them. This enables us to talk face to face with them, for free. Liz and I bought their car from them, so once again we have car payments for a while. Don and Akiko had to trim down all they had, to two suitcases and two carry on bags each. I'll have more later, as this blog is very cathartic.

Yesterday, two people in the entertainment industry died. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Most of the attention goes to a black pedophile over a white christian. Michael didn't want to be black, didn't want to be a grown up, and played with children and prescription drugs. But wait, he was an entertainer so that makes up for everything. Even when he admitted that he slept with children, he bought his way out of trouble. By the time the results of the autopsy are in, we will know that he abused prescription drugs and his heart couldn't take it. Elvis Presley syndrome. Farrah, on the other hand, fought a courageous battle against cancer. She would be alive today if she had agreed to a colostomy. She decided to get treatment outside the United States because it wasn't approved here. This was called, "The Steve Mcqueen syndrome." They both made beautiful corpses.

How Hot is It?

Is it hot enough for you?

These are just some of the weather related question often asked yesterday. It was so hot that 14% of our residents didn't go to work. It was so hot that republicans were blaming the democrats for leaving the heater on. The democrats were blaming the republicans for trying to make a profit off the heat. It's a government conspiracy to make people more dependent on the government. Idiots.

President Obama introduced his effort to offer government assisted heath care. The insurance companies say that statistic don't support an overhaul. They claim that 8 out 10 peoples are happy with the insurance that they are paying for. What they fail to say is that the other 90% can't afford health insurance. Idiots.

Last week our esteemed governor announced the introduction of new jobs. Bad news is that they won't be available until nest year. She also introduced her wind powers jobs, but local ordinances won't allow these things to be constructed. For more information call the republican headquarters which are now located in India. Idiots.

Summer Celebration announced that if you don't purchase a ticket for the concerts, you have to purchase a pass just to walk around the fairground. For those of us that live near the concert fair will have to pay more because we get to hear the garbage for free. Idiots.

40 years ago we landed on the moon. I thought about this when I heard that NASA was trying to figure out how to go back to the moon. You would think they would have left a map. It reminds me of Captain Kirk asking Scotty if he found the engine room? Mr. Scotts reply, "right where I left it". The moon was right where we left it. In a world wide case of CRS, we forgot about the moon.
This , I believe, is the perfect example on how everything comes around. You would think that after 40 years, NASA would come up with a better way to get to the moon. I don't mean by "transporter", or "warp drive", but come on, the same Apollo rocket. Well at least we left the rover up there, just recharge the batteries. Just a thought, "If we use the same technology to get back to the moon, is disco and platform shoes coming back?" I wish I had my old leasure suit.

Fathers Day 2009

To all you fathers out there, Happy Fathers Day. My father is no longer alive so the emphasis is a little different. Now my kids fight over what I am going to do on this day. This will be the last time for a while that Donald and Akiko will be in the States on Fathers Day so they want us to spend time with them. Catherine and Sean want to share the day with his father and with me. Lindsey is visiting with her boyfriend's father, and I'm not sure about Cody. I always wondered why my father was agitated on Fathers Day. I always thought it was the tie I made him. I guess I'm pretty lucky, I could be sitting alone at home wondering why my kids don't care.

I read in the "comical" that the insurance industry want the government to pass a bill requiring all americans to purchase health insurance. What people don't realize is that they are asking for a bailout. By making it illegal not to have health insurance they are forcing everyone to help them. I have to laugh when people don't want a government run health care system, call it socialism, and want to tell the government to stay out of their business. In Michigan, the government forces everyone to purchase auto insurance. They call it no- fault insurance.
We are told that the Canadians are lining up at the border to come to the States because of their goverrnment run healthcare system. They can't wait to dole out their money for insurance that gives them less coverage then they have already. The insurance industry is already trying to stick it to the middle and lower class people by determining their insurance cost by their credit reports. People that have fallen on rough times, are now paying more insurance because they have missed a few bills. Foreclosures are on the rise and the insurance companies want to charge more.
I apologise to the insurance industry. I have just picked on you, but there are others who do the same thing. For years the auto industries forced gas guzzlers on the American market. They have given lucrative jobs and have forced the cost of buying a new car out of reach for many. They have padded the wallets of the petroleum industries buy failing to make fuel effecient vehicles. The list goes on and on. When will some of these people wake up.

A full weekend and now the new week. I performed a small wedding on Saturday, did my music stuff on Sunday. On top of this I cleaned the church and the house, with some help.
Liz goes in for her shots in the spine tomorrow and hopefully this will help her a lot. She is almost immobile because of her back. Since we don't have proper insurance, we had to come up with $600.00. This is her second round of shots. The first lasted about a month.
We are still waiting to hear from the county as far as lead removal. They did the paperwork, and the examination of the house which revealed a lot of lead. We are waiting for an estimator to come out and then the work is put out for bid.

Let's see. This depression was caused when gas prices escalated past three dollars pergallon toward the five dollar mark. Here we go again. The automotive industry is in chaos, jobless rates are at an all time high, homes are being foreclosed left and right, and the petroleum industry is going for more profit. General Motors is now government motors because of the profit greed. I saw this starting to happen in the 80's. Back then we called it the east coast philosophy. Make your profit today, make your profit tomorrow, and keep making a profit everyday. We call it the "now" generation. It started with the dot com business and spread from there. Instant profit at all cost.

Proofreading is a dying art, would you say?
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No, really? Ya think?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------




Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
-----------------------------------------------------------




Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
---------------------------------------------------------------




Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
------------------------------------------------------




Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
----------------------------------------------------------




War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
----------------------------------------------------------------




If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------




Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
----------------------------------------------------------------




Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
------------------------------------------------------------------------




Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? Oklahoma's new construction program!
----------------------------------------------------------




Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge!
----------------------------------------------




New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
-----------------------------------------------




Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
-------------------------------------------------




Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
***************************************************




Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
*******************************************




And the winner is....
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?

> An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard.
> I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was
> well taken care of.
>
> He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head;
> he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the
> hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.
>
> An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
>
> The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed
> his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour.
>
> This continued off and on for several weeks.
>
> Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the
> owner of this wonderful, sweet dog is
>
> and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my
> house for a nap.'
>
> The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his
> collar:
>
> 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to
> catch up on his sleep.
>
> Can I come with him tomorrow?
>
>
>
>

I know, I havn't updated in a while. We have been very busy with birthdays, graduations, and house work. I am once again the main music man at Westwood. Since Louie hit the road, the chapel has closed, projects going on around the house, it lucky if I find time to retire.
I have watched the gasoline prices rise over $1.00 per gallon over the last few weeks. The news people are trying to excite us by telling us that gas prices are down $1.00 vs. last year.

Donald and Akiko have been busy raising money for their move to Japan. They will be moving in the end of July.

Liz's health is still not good. She will be going back for more shots in her back which is really limiting what she can do.

My health is ok.

The dogs are doing better since they can spend more time outside. This also makes the cats happy.

I just don't have time to sit and blog anymore.

The first half of this month is very busy. Young Don, graduated from Hope College this past weekend. This involved alot of running back and forth from Holland. This week was also the beginning of Tulip Time, so traffic was terrible.
This week is Cody's 18th birthday, Mothers Day, Catherines birthday, and the openning of the Star Trek the movie.

My son is graduating from Hope College this Sunday. I am so nervous. This is another first in my life. I have never had a child graduate from college. I know what it is like to be proud and humble at the same time. Here is the bragging part. I have the greatest son a father could ask for. He has followed his destiny and has made a man of himself. He has a beautiful and intelligent wife and a great future full of travel and adventure. I am soooooooooooo proud. The many nights I spent praying for him and God has answered these prayers and more. Now I get to watch him walk down the aisle in a college graduation. I thank all the people who helped shape his life, as Liz and I did not do it alone. For those of you who mocked and ridiculed my son, I feel sorry for you. You lose. nanana. My son is truly the greatest

April showers bring May flowers, and allergies. It seems like it is taking forever to warm up, and for the leaves to come out on the trees. Once it starts to bloom, we will be complaining about allergies.
Liz and I went by the chapel yesterday. It is now called, "the Bluffton Chapel". Their worship service is 11 am on Sunday morning. It may be a while before I could check them out, as it conflicts with Sunday obligations on the keyboards. I miss the people that worshipped together and hope that we can reunite sometime.
On May 3rd, my oldest son,Donald, graduates from Hope College. I am extremely proud of his achievements. My oldest daughter just graduated from her nursing assistant class, and did it by being the best. She now has to take her state boards.
Lindsey is trying to finish up her high school GED and is hoping to complete it before Cody does. I see MCC for both of them.
This summer we are hoping to do a complete overhaul of our house. New siding, new windows, new plumbing etc...
May also bring birthdays for Catherine and Cody. Cody turns the big 18, and Catherine becomes a year older.
Well I believe that covers it all for now.

Today is Wednesday.
Cody goes in for knee surgery today. He is having a ACL put in. He is very nervous about this. He had his other knee operated on last year.

The sun is shinning and the temperatures is rising. Mid seventies by the end of the week.

Louie resigned as the music man at Westwood. I am waiting to see what happens in respect to who they hire or what style karaoke machine they will use.

Twenty-seven years ago, I married a beautiful Irish girl from upstate New York.Who would have thought I would not only be fortunate enough to marry her, but remain happily married for 27 years. It is wonderful that she still loves this fat boy with heart problems. What is our secret? ................. What part of the word secret don't you understand? Maybe because we are both nuts?

Give me a break.
Yesterday, in different cities, they reenacted the tea party to protest taxes. For most of the people, it was a non partisan event. To some others it was a chance to slam our president. I use the word"our" because we elected him. He has done just what he said he would do to straighten out the mess we are in. Our free enterprise system needed to be bailed out. This country is made up of "we", not me, and Obama is trying to show this. The "me" crowd got us in this situation. Now the "me"crowd is yelling at the government, which is like yelling at yourself. The government is the people. The one thing that is true is that the IRS is an antiquated system that should be dissolved. Eliminate income tax, and tax all goods that are sold. No tax exempt and all people pay taxes according to their needs. You could start this by taxing all non foods. If not enough is raised then you can start taxing non essential food stuff and then maybe a small tax on food. This should more then cover the needs of federal, state, and local municipalities. Give the president a line item veto to get rid of fat.
This is so simple it is laughable.

Happy Easter

I am excited about this Easter. This may be the last Easter we as a whole family have together for quite a while. In August, Don and Aki move to Japan for a couple of years. Today we will all gather together and eat food. Every year there is change in participants. My brothers and sisters have moved on to their own family, Dad is gone, but this is the first years for Don and Aki, and Sean and CAt as married couples. Liz still puts together Easter baskets for the kids. Last night we had a big bonfire and will most likely have one again tonight. Life is good.
Tomorrow Cat will start her classed for nursing assistant. After 2 weeks, she can take her state boards and seek employment. God is good.

Hello everybody. I have a spring cold. I hate colds. When you are on cardiac meds, there is not much you can take to ease a cold. For the most part you have to grin and bare it. Plenty of fluids, sleep, and feed a cold.
Thousands of you out there know that I am a sports fan, and now that march madness is over, pro basketball is winding down, and baseball is starting up, it has to warm up so I can go outside. My alternative is to watch baseball and golf, which is slightly more entertaining then watching grass grow. That reminds me, I have to plant grass this year.

MSU MSU MSU MSU

fOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS, I AM TALKING COLLEGE BASKETBALL.

Michigan State University is in the final four in the NCAA tournament. They will play this weekend for the national championship. This is something good happening in Michigan. The final four will be held in Detroit, another plus for Michigan.
It's almost April and there is snow on the ground. Hopefully this will be the last of it.

Just a little side note for those of literary excellence and biblical expertise. My son,Don, has started a blog. He will be going to Japan this fall to teach English and to be a missionary. His blog is http://amorcineris.blogspot.com. Check it out

Don't it make you wonder. The great state of Michigan, highest jobless rate, in the middle of a depression, and it's governor"s claim to fame is that she is on a list of "hot"female Governors. That should bring new jobs to Michigan. In all fairness, she might be in the top 10.

Insurance companies, the root of the problem in the medical care business needs to be bailed out. If our medical system and health care are better off then other countries, why are they going broke?

What crisis has hit the oil industries. Usually it takes a hurricane, war, or other catastrophes to make the gas jump up in price? Greed?

Just when Louie sold off the chapel, it was on the news that Heritage Reformed Church in Hudsonville is being auctioned off. The interesting thing about this church is that they had just gone to a contemporary worship service with karaoke and screen. Many other churches are going out of business and the same solution is to appeal to the young people. It sounds like they are trying to become a better social club.

It's Friday and the sun is shinning. I officially have spring fever. I want the warm weather to get work done outside. This summer will be different without the chapel on Sunday nights. I no longer can hear Cliff wax eloquent, Brian explore new areas of interest, and have a podium to express my beliefs. I enjoyed the Hammond and the piano together with Lou and Cliff. We got to hear from some very interesting people and heard great music from different people and great groups. The chapel is now history, and the subject of great reminiscing. Will the story's expand? Most likely. Even though, it was a great run with great friends.

Is the honeymoon over for Obama. A lot of people, especially Republicans, are saying that. If you are calling a few days during the inauguration a honeymoon, then the answer is yes. That party is over. We have seen every president go through this in their first 100 days. The Republicans and the Democrats battle for strength of party and everyone else can go to hell.
Our last Democratic President, Wild Bill Clinton, went through a similar 100 days. The difference is that George Bush 1 left the country in better shape then George Bush 2 did. We are now in a depression and drastic measures need to be taken. We gave little George 8 years to get it right and he did to the country what he did to his other business projects before he became Governor and then President. I know very well that one man can't take all the credit or all the blame. We need people who are open minded enough to realize that this is not a game. The trickle down economics did not work. and that was from one of my favorite presidents. You don't give a thief your money(bailout) after he has stolen from you. He will pocket the money and continue to steal from you.
The last heartbreaking story is that the list of billionaires has shrunk. I wonder if it is because they are in jail for ponzi schemes.
Speaking of schemes, here are come legal schemes to look out for.
1- If you are on social security, the law states that no one can garnish your funds. The scheme to get around it is to get a garnishment order from a judge, give to the bank, and the bank will garnish the account. This way the bank blames the lawyer, the lawyer blame the judge, and the judge blames the bank. Meanwhile if you want to fight it, you have to hire a lawyer. now the reason for this law, to protect the poor, has been circumvented.
2-Pork barrel spending. Need I say more.
3- Credit ratings for car insurance.

More to come on later blogs.

Have you noticed how many experts there are about the state of our economy and how to fix it. This reminds me of the panhandler in Las Vagas telling people where the hot slot machines are. What amazise me most, is that we were here back in the twenties. We knew what caused it, we know what fixed it, and we know what we have to do. The handbook is already written.
The republicans thought they found the "holy grail" with the trickle down theory. The only thing that trickles down is bull*##&. I believe that 70% of the business done in the United States is through small business. So what do we do, bail out big business, and let the little business fail.
The bail out bills are so full of pork that it will be a surprise if it get off the ground. Simple solution, Line Item Veto, problem solved.
We are the laughing stock of the world when it comes to health systems. The independent system has shown that it cannot continue without government support. It needs government regulation and control. Canada and Japan have an excelent health care system that is run by the government. The joke is on us, not them.

It seems a little strange, Sunday night and no chapel. This day was full of unusual happenings. First, this morning, it started by turning the clock forward. No big deal, except that I usually have to call Louie to remind him. This Sunday he is off driving his new truck. Last I heard was that he was in Oregon. This meant I had to fill in for him at Westwood. This also meant directing the choir while accompany on the piano. The service at Westwood has added a video screen so that people can sing the songs off the screen instead of the book. They are still getting the bugs out of the system and sometimes not all the words are on the screen. It almost like playing the organ during an old movie. I've never done that before but I've seen old footage of people doing that. The day's of the church organist or pianist are numbered because of the automation and electronics. Once again, computers are taking over the jobs of the musician, that is until the power goes out.

WOW


I turned on the news yesterday and I still haven't recovered. All it was saying was how bad the economy is. We, Muskegon, have the highest unemployment numbers with more and more business laying of workers. Muskegon was listed as the worst place in the nation to live. Employment and chance of improved economy was taken into consideration. Churches are reporting that giving is way down, and food banks have long lines.
My wife and I have our daughter and her husband living with us. Both of them are down to part time work, and the money they do earn helps out his father who can't work. Cody and LJ are finishing school while living at home, and they can't find part time work.
Liz and I have health problems that limit us, and we are thankful for disability SSI.
I know of people who saved and saved for their retirement only to find out that their savings are gone due to the economy or some swindle.
Some Doctors are now requiring that all deductibles are paid in full before surgery is done. Liz has a great family doctor who supplies her with prescription samples, other wise we would be completely broke.
With the government stepping in, business are failing because they have to live up to rules. We as a country relay too much on wall street, and need to invest in main street. Wall street is nothing but a lavish Las Vagas.
General Motors have said that they need 30 billion dollars to survive or they will go bankrupt. Sappi has used the economy as an excuse to close their plant. Some companies have gone to 4 day work weeks in an effort to not lay off people and incur the cost of paying their unemployment. Who was the person that said that the technology age would benefit everyone?

Our next door neihbors are having the lead removed from their house. A program thru the federal and state government is footing the bill. The reason that they qualify is that they have a small baby, they have lead, and the area they live in. Many house have this dangerous lead paint and windows including ours. We don't qualify because are children are older. We are trying to reapply because we do watch a small girl. Wish us good luck

The times, they are a changin. That song once again proved prophetic. Yesterday was the last service for Lakeside Lighthouse Chapel. Louie and Earlaine decided to sell the building to another growing church. LLC never managed to bring in large numbers or money to support itself. It did bring together a unique group of people. Last nights announcement was a shock to us all. I had to honor of delivering the last message for LLC. If I had known it would be the last, I would have made some changes. Thank you all for the memories.

My list of favorite voices of radio has diminished with the passing of Paul Harvey. When as voice matches the personality of person, I call that a true art. I know when listening to that voice, I can trust him like my best friend. Paul Harvey was a friend to me, and million other people. I never met the man in real life, but I will miss him. I just watched an interview he did with Larry King, and it was wonderful.
My other two voices of radio that I deemed great, are still alive. My number two man behind Paul Harvey is Buck Matthews. Once again, a man who matches his voice. I have personally known and met Buck and his late wife.
My number three man, I have known for a few years. I never heard him on the radio, but have heard him speak many times. His name is Cliff Martin. He has that professional voice that only the men of radio have. Wisdom and sincerity are important in their delivery.
These men are the true genius of the lost art of radio.

Winter blues have really set in. I want to work on my car, but it is too cold. I want to work on the house, but it is too cold outside and too crowded inside. I'm tired of the dogs and cats being on top of us all the time. I can't wait to open up the windows and let the warm breeze of spring and summer take me away.
I hear people bitching and complaining about the economy, the jobless rates, the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. I just feel better when the snow is gone. I know, why do I stay in Michigan? It gives me a reason to bitch

Well, it's me. I haven't been on line for a while because I had the computer in for repairs. This doesn't mean that life has calmed down around our place.
Liz got her shot in the back of cortisone. She has been able to walk around a little better but still is having problems.
I was able to get my taxes done and now that monkey is off my back.
I have been feeling good lately, as once again modern medicine has masked what ever problem I was having.

Well

I am alive a doing fine. For those of you you didn't know, last week I had another heart attack. The difference with this one is that while they were treating me for a heart attack, my pressure and pulse were elevated as well as all the other signs of a heart attack, the machine(ekg)said I was not. When the "attack" was brought under control, I was transferred to ICU. After 24 hours of testing, the doctor concluded that the heart was fine, and that no confirmed attack has happened. The stress test, blood work, and all other test showed no problems. So after 3 days in the hospital, I am recovering from a heart attack that didn't happen. I guess medicine is a practice.
Today I get the truck to get it's brakes repair. They also failed last week. Cody and Liz both have doctors appointment tomorrow to schedule their possible surgeries. Cody's is for his other knee (torn ligament), and Liz for her back.
A special thank to my friends and family that helped out this past week.

Well the saga continues..............
Cody has been unhappy at Waypoint Academy and wanted to transfer to Orchard View adult education credit recovery program. Once he transferred there, he found out at he had to be with a bunch of older people and not anyone close to his age. We then transferred him to Muskegon High School. I found out today that he can't attend Muskegon HIgh because he is considered a Senior already and they can't take seniors halfway through their senior year. In other words, Waypoint has screwed up his credits so bad we may have only one choice. He are transferring him to Mtec to finish up his senior year. He needs 23 credits to graduate, and an average year is around 12 credits. The fact that he has been in HIgh School for 4 years and he is 17 and would in fact be a 2 year senior at the age of 18. This would put him in adult education. If you are confused, stand in line behind me. If you understand, "you are a better man then me Gungadine." Hopefully by the end of the day I will understand a little bit better.