There is a video on the Internet now showing twin boys about 14 months old talking to each other. They hold an entire conversation of babbling. Each takes his turn and then waits for the other to respond. This conversation is complete with hand gestures and laughter. It is a delightful video to watch.
This type of conversation between twins is not unusual. It is called Twin Talk. Many twins enter school carry on an entire conversation, but they are the only ones who can understand the speech. They must be taught the English language so they can communicate with others. Some drop the Twin Talk when they learn language. Some however, continue the Twin Talk when speaking to each other. It is like a secret code that binds them for life.
If you have the opportunity check out the video.http://www.wimp.com/babyboys/
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Belinda Bluebonnet
This is an excerpt from the book A Sunny Tomorrow, A collection of Christian based short stories for the young mind.
Belinda was very happy living in a field with all the other bluebonnet seedlings. She loved to snuggle down in the warm dark soil at night and watch the Texas
One day when she was playing on the ground, a magic carpet came and whisked her in the air. Belinda thought it was magic because she couldn’t see it, but she could feel it. She rode in the air, going up and down. When the carpet dropped her on the ground, she rolled back home.
Mom said, “Where have you been, young lady?”
Belinda said, “I went for a ride on a magic carpet. It was fun.”
Dad said, “That magic carpet is called the wind and you need to be very careful. The March wind is coming and he might take you far from home.”
Belinda said, “I’ll be careful.”
The next day it was raining and Belinda couldn’t play with the wind, so she read a book about it. The book said that the March wind was very strong. Belinda could hardly wait to meet the March wind.
Every day Belinda looked out from the soil, hoping the March wind would come by her house. When it came, it wasn’t as strong as the book had said. It took her across the field and Belinda rolled back home. The next day the wind was a little stronger and it took her longer to get back home. Each day the wind got a little stronger than the day before, taking her farther away and Belinda had to work harder to get back home. She was one tired little seed when she snuggled down in the warm soil after her rides on the magic wind. Sometimes she even slept late in the morning and waited for the afternoon wind to take her for a ride.
One day close to the end of March, the wind picked her up and carried her really high. She rode for a long time. There was so much to see from up here. There were houses for people and barns for animals. Birds flew past them singing really pretty songs. When the sun was high in the sky, it felt warm on her back. Then the sun began to get tired and wasn’t standing up so high in the sky. Maybe it was embarrassed about being tired because it started turning a little red. Then it got so tired that it sat down on the earth. By that time Belinda was getting tired and asked the wind to take her home, but he just kept blowing her away.
Belinda tried again, “Please take me home. I’m tired and I want my nice comfy soil. I want to see my mom and dad.”
The wind just kept blowing, up and down, sometimes fast and sometimes slow.
Belinda began to cry, but the wind didn’t stop. Belinda fell asleep. She slept a long time.
Suddenly the wind dropped her on the ground with a thud and she woke up. She looked around and didn’t know where she was. The soil was different from the soil at home. It was cold here. There were tall plants that looked like poles all around her as far as she could see.
Belinda looked at the pole next to her and said, “Who are you?”
The pole said, “I’m Carl Corn. Who are you?”
“I’m Belinda Bluebonnet and I want to go home. Can you help me get home?”
Carl said, “Where is home?”
“Texas
“Well this is Oklahoma Texas
“The wind blew me here. He used to be my friend, but today he didn’t play nice. He wouldn’t take me home when I asked him.”
Belinda Bluebonnet is one of the short stories included in A Sunny Tomorrow, available on e-format from amazon.com for $3.99. It can be downloaded to any E-reader or as a pdf on the computer. Log on to amazon.com and download the book to learn what happens to Belinda and read the other 18 stories in the book.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Potter's Wheel
Recently while visiting the Great Passion Play we enjoyed seeing the Potter’s Wheel. The potter used the clay and wheel to teach spiritual growth. He showed how God worked to remove imperfections from his children just as the potter did with the clay. He emphasized that God did not destroy the sinner nor did the potter destroy the clay when an imperfection appears. The potter destroys the vessel and reshapes the clay to bring out the beauty of the clay and form a more perfect vessel. The clay yields itself to the potter’s hand. At times, God brings events into the lives of his children forcing them to depend on Him just as the clay relied on the potter. By yielding to the God’s will, the sinner becomes a more perfect vessel able to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Maybe we need to try the same method when we are dealing with others. When trying to help them with with an imperfection, we need to be careful that we do not destroy the person. We need to be sure we are attacking the problem, not the person.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Update on Shock Television
At the beginning of this week, I posted a blog about shock TV. I wrote about behavior on TV that is intended to shock the audience under the guise of entertainment. I challenged the readers to begin emails to their contacts or begin a group on facebook and voice their opposition to behavior we enjoy on TV that we would not tolerate in real life. How many people responded to my challenge? The number of responses I received was 0.
Not one person felt the need to express opposition. There could be many reasons for that. Let's look at some:
Not one person felt the need to express opposition. There could be many reasons for that. Let's look at some:
- The challenge was met, but did not notify me.
- There is no opposition.
- No one cares.
- Everyone is too busy to get involved.
- No one read the blog.
Friday, March 25, 2011
People of Wal-Mart
Someone told me about a website about people at Wal-mart. I did not believe it existed, but checked it out anyway. It does and it is hilarious. It is a website that people can post pictures of people they see at Wal-mart. This website will either make you feel good about yourself, or make you dress better when going to Wal-mart.
Check it out and have some fun.
The website is www.peopleofwalmart.com
Check it out and have some fun.
The website is www.peopleofwalmart.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It Wasn't the Child's Fault
I once knew a woman whose 3 year old daughter did not always come when called. More than once the conversation went like this:
"Mary."
No answer
"Mary."
No answer
"Mary!"
"Yes ma'am." Mary replied as she came around the house from the backyard.
"Why didn't you come when I called you."
"I didn't hear you til the third time."
Question: If she didn't hear until the third time, how did she know there were two other times?
"Mary."
No answer
"Mary."
No answer
"Mary!"
"Yes ma'am." Mary replied as she came around the house from the backyard.
"Why didn't you come when I called you."
"I didn't hear you til the third time."
Question: If she didn't hear until the third time, how did she know there were two other times?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Drugs in Principals Trash Can
Criminals are notoriously dumb. Age makes no difference. Several years ago, one of my high school students was called into the Principal's office for being tardy several times to class. This is a minor infraction. The principal intended to verbally reprimand him and send him on his way.
As the principal was talking, the student reached around the side of the desk and threw something in the Principal's trash can.
The principal asked, "What did you throw away?"
"Nothing." replied the student.
The principal walked around to side of his very large desk and looked in the previously empty trash can. There was a bag of marijuana in the can--the only thing in the trash can.
"Is that your bag?" the principal asked.
"No, it's not mine."
"You threw it away."
"No, I didn't." the student replied.
"How did it get there?"
"I don't know."
Knowing it belonged to the student the principal had to take immediate action. The police were called to file charges. I was called in to begin transferring this student to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.
I somehow doubt this student will be a very successful criminal.
As the principal was talking, the student reached around the side of the desk and threw something in the Principal's trash can.
The principal asked, "What did you throw away?"
"Nothing." replied the student.
The principal walked around to side of his very large desk and looked in the previously empty trash can. There was a bag of marijuana in the can--the only thing in the trash can.
"Is that your bag?" the principal asked.
"No, it's not mine."
"You threw it away."
"No, I didn't." the student replied.
"How did it get there?"
"I don't know."
Knowing it belonged to the student the principal had to take immediate action. The police were called to file charges. I was called in to begin transferring this student to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program.
I somehow doubt this student will be a very successful criminal.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Shock Television
There seems to be a theme emerging in what is shown on television. I call it shock TV. What is it? It is actors, actresses and wanna-bees engaging in behavior intended to shock the viewing audience. Oh not "Can you believe that happened?" rather, "Ha ha ha, isn't that funny?" behavior.
A morning news program showed an actor walking onto the stage of a talk show and kissing the host. Not a peck on the check or lips. A long, passionate, romantic kiss. Neither of these actors are homosexual. It was done strictly to shock and humor the audience. Apparently the media thought it was hilarious because it was shown several times throughout the broadcast.
Some of the behavior on reality shows are just as shocking. Some of the costumes--or lack there of--on Dancing with the Stars deserve an "R" rating. Some of the moves on that show should be rated "R+". Let's don't forget "The Bad Girls Club". This show has no plot, no script, no goal. The camera is set up to capture a group of girls trying to engage in as much bad, raunchy, mother-embarrassing behavior as possible. The Kardashian twins are sure making a name for themselves. Even Bridezillas who treat their friends so poorly, one questions their definition of friendship.
The rate and level of declining behavior being shown on television is increasing rapidly. We have become accustomed to things we would have blushed at just 10 years ago. What is coming? How about live abortions? Or maybe live crimes of violence? Why don't we top if all off with lions eating Christians?
Why is all of this once-considered-appalling behavior on television? Because we have allowed it. We watch it. We use the products that endorse these programs. And most of all we stay silent. We don't speak out.
This is my way of speaking out against the immoral behavior being broadcast. I challenge others to find their own way. Who will begin an email to be forwarded? Who will begin a group on Facebook intended to tell the media how we feel? Who will begin a tweet on Twitter?
At the end of this week, I will post how many responses were made to this posting. Please don't forget, if you click "comment" after this post, your response comes directly to me.
A morning news program showed an actor walking onto the stage of a talk show and kissing the host. Not a peck on the check or lips. A long, passionate, romantic kiss. Neither of these actors are homosexual. It was done strictly to shock and humor the audience. Apparently the media thought it was hilarious because it was shown several times throughout the broadcast.
Some of the behavior on reality shows are just as shocking. Some of the costumes--or lack there of--on Dancing with the Stars deserve an "R" rating. Some of the moves on that show should be rated "R+". Let's don't forget "The Bad Girls Club". This show has no plot, no script, no goal. The camera is set up to capture a group of girls trying to engage in as much bad, raunchy, mother-embarrassing behavior as possible. The Kardashian twins are sure making a name for themselves. Even Bridezillas who treat their friends so poorly, one questions their definition of friendship.
The rate and level of declining behavior being shown on television is increasing rapidly. We have become accustomed to things we would have blushed at just 10 years ago. What is coming? How about live abortions? Or maybe live crimes of violence? Why don't we top if all off with lions eating Christians?
Why is all of this once-considered-appalling behavior on television? Because we have allowed it. We watch it. We use the products that endorse these programs. And most of all we stay silent. We don't speak out.
This is my way of speaking out against the immoral behavior being broadcast. I challenge others to find their own way. Who will begin an email to be forwarded? Who will begin a group on Facebook intended to tell the media how we feel? Who will begin a tweet on Twitter?
At the end of this week, I will post how many responses were made to this posting. Please don't forget, if you click "comment" after this post, your response comes directly to me.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lesson From a Five Year Old
When I was a teenager, I met a man whose son had been born with a heart defect. At 5 years of age the boy required emergency heart surgery. This was in the early days of heart surgery and recovery rate was extremely low.
When the child awoke following surgery, both hands and feet were strapped to the rails of the beds to protect the many IVs in each arm and leg. He was unable to move any part of his body. He lay in bed with only his genitals covered. He had been cut down the middle of his chest from the top of his sternum to his stomach. This must have been a heart wrenching site for his parents.
His dad leaned over the bed and said, "Son, is there anything I can do for you?"
This 5 year old boy replied, "Could you get me an aspirin? I think I have a headache."
Now that's spirit. We can all learn from that small child.
When the child awoke following surgery, both hands and feet were strapped to the rails of the beds to protect the many IVs in each arm and leg. He was unable to move any part of his body. He lay in bed with only his genitals covered. He had been cut down the middle of his chest from the top of his sternum to his stomach. This must have been a heart wrenching site for his parents.
His dad leaned over the bed and said, "Son, is there anything I can do for you?"
This 5 year old boy replied, "Could you get me an aspirin? I think I have a headache."
Now that's spirit. We can all learn from that small child.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Do We Really Want Prayer In School?
This is the last of the series Should We Bring Prayer Back in School? Today I will write my opinions--yes, more than one.
A little clarification: The law does not prohibit prayer in schools. It prohibits mandated prayer in schools.
Let me begin by saying that I am first a Christian. I accepted Christ as my personal savior and believe that is the only right I have to go to heaven when I leave this earth. I am second an American. I believe that we live in the greatest nation on earth.
At church last Sunday, after I had started this series, I heard a woman say "America was founded as a Christian nation and if they don't like it, they should leave." I agree in theory, however, that is not the way it is in reality. America is predominately a Christian nation, but the Constitution says nothing about America being a Christian nation. Rather it says "Freedom of Religion".
We, as Americans believe we are right--that is why we are Americans. The Pilgrims were being forced to worship in a way that they did not believe. They attempted to worship in their own way, but were prohibited. Therefore, they left England. When writing the Constitution, they wanted to be sure no one would be forced to make that choice again. They included Freedom of Religion, not Christianity. Were these men Christians? Probably. Why did they not include Christianity in the Constitution? Because the goal was to establish a nation where no one could be forced to worship in any particular manner or at all. At that time there was no other nation using that concept.
There has been much talk about President Obama's beliefs. He claims to be a Christian. The talk after the election was that he only professed Christianity as a way to win votes. Let's look at this as a hypothetical scenario:
We have elected a non-Christian President.
We have no protection of Freedom of Religion in the Constitution.,
Would our President have the power to order every citizen to be schooled in the religion of his choice? Would Christians be told by our leader "This nation is established in my religion and if you don't like it, you should leave"?
My opinions of having prayer in school:
As a Christian, I say yes because I believe in prayer.
As an American, I say no because I believe in the Constitution of the United States.
As a mother, I say no because I believe it is my job to teach my children to pray. I came to this conclusion after moving into a neighbor where my family were the only ones of our faith.
As Americans we are given a great many rights. One of those is to pray any ole time we please. Just because I am not kneeling, looking up to the ceiling, and chanting, does not mean I am not praying. I have prayed in a lot of meetings with angry parents and teachers. We have the right to send our child to any school we choose. If we believe prayer should be in school, we should send our children to a school established by our faith. If we believe something is wrong with our government, we have the right to disagree in the voting booth or in some cases, seek action to have a ruling overturned in the courts.
One right we do not have is the right to force our beliefs on another. In today's society, I am very grateful for that.
A little clarification: The law does not prohibit prayer in schools. It prohibits mandated prayer in schools.
Let me begin by saying that I am first a Christian. I accepted Christ as my personal savior and believe that is the only right I have to go to heaven when I leave this earth. I am second an American. I believe that we live in the greatest nation on earth.
At church last Sunday, after I had started this series, I heard a woman say "America was founded as a Christian nation and if they don't like it, they should leave." I agree in theory, however, that is not the way it is in reality. America is predominately a Christian nation, but the Constitution says nothing about America being a Christian nation. Rather it says "Freedom of Religion".
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."It took four months to write the Constitution. It was written in rooms with no windows to prevent someone from overhearing the discussions, which had a tendency to become very loud. It took four months to write an eleven page document. WHY? Because these wise men took the time to consider every scenario which could possibly harm this nation and include protection from that in the Constitution.
We, as Americans believe we are right--that is why we are Americans. The Pilgrims were being forced to worship in a way that they did not believe. They attempted to worship in their own way, but were prohibited. Therefore, they left England. When writing the Constitution, they wanted to be sure no one would be forced to make that choice again. They included Freedom of Religion, not Christianity. Were these men Christians? Probably. Why did they not include Christianity in the Constitution? Because the goal was to establish a nation where no one could be forced to worship in any particular manner or at all. At that time there was no other nation using that concept.
There has been much talk about President Obama's beliefs. He claims to be a Christian. The talk after the election was that he only professed Christianity as a way to win votes. Let's look at this as a hypothetical scenario:
We have elected a non-Christian President.
We have no protection of Freedom of Religion in the Constitution.,
Would our President have the power to order every citizen to be schooled in the religion of his choice? Would Christians be told by our leader "This nation is established in my religion and if you don't like it, you should leave"?
My opinions of having prayer in school:
As a Christian, I say yes because I believe in prayer.
As an American, I say no because I believe in the Constitution of the United States.
As a mother, I say no because I believe it is my job to teach my children to pray. I came to this conclusion after moving into a neighbor where my family were the only ones of our faith.
As Americans we are given a great many rights. One of those is to pray any ole time we please. Just because I am not kneeling, looking up to the ceiling, and chanting, does not mean I am not praying. I have prayed in a lot of meetings with angry parents and teachers. We have the right to send our child to any school we choose. If we believe prayer should be in school, we should send our children to a school established by our faith. If we believe something is wrong with our government, we have the right to disagree in the voting booth or in some cases, seek action to have a ruling overturned in the courts.
One right we do not have is the right to force our beliefs on another. In today's society, I am very grateful for that.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Mormon Beliefs (Prefer to be called Latter Day Saints)
This is the fourth in the series Should We Bring Prayer Back in School?
Mormons prefer to be called Latter Day Saints. They say that they don't follow Mormon. They follow Jesus Christ.
Below is a condensed list of their beliefs:
There is one true and living God.
Jesus Christ is savior and redeemer as well as God of Creation.
Jesus Christ is the first spirit organized by the Father of Creation.
Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost.
By the atonement of Jesus Christ man will be saved.
Jesus was resurrected from death.
Jesus has all power over this creation.
The Godhead includes, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The kingdom of God includes 4 elements: King, Laws, Officers, Members.
Principles:
Baptism of water.
Baptism of Spirit.
Gifgts of the Holy Ghost.
Eucharist.
Men have the opportunity to hear and accept the gospel after death of the spirit.
Baptism for the dead.
Literal gathering of Isreal.
Mormons prefer to be called Latter Day Saints. They say that they don't follow Mormon. They follow Jesus Christ.
Below is a condensed list of their beliefs:
There is one true and living God.
Jesus Christ is savior and redeemer as well as God of Creation.
Jesus Christ is the first spirit organized by the Father of Creation.
Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost.
By the atonement of Jesus Christ man will be saved.
Jesus was resurrected from death.
Jesus has all power over this creation.
The Godhead includes, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The kingdom of God includes 4 elements: King, Laws, Officers, Members.
Principles:
Baptism of water.
Baptism of Spirit.
Gifgts of the Holy Ghost.
Eucharist.
Men have the opportunity to hear and accept the gospel after death of the spirit.
Baptism for the dead.
Literal gathering of Isreal.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Muslim Beliefs
This is the third in the series Prayer in Schools?
Muslim beliefs are closer to Judaism than Christianity. The following is a very short list of a very complex religion called Islam:
One God and completely reject the "trinity".
God is not capable of talking, walking, or possesses any other human characteristic.
Muhammad was not the only prophet. But they do believe that revelation ended with Muhammad.
Salvation and a place in paradise is obtained by complete submission to the will of God.
Islam is one community without regard to race, class, or socioeconomic status.
Purity is obtained by abstinence of alcohol, gambling, and drugs. Purity is the basis for violent acts of the Muslim people.
The seven principles of Muslim beliefs.
1. Tawheed - the unity of God.
2. Risallah - acceptance of the Prophethood of Muhammad, a messenger of God.
3. Mala'ikah - belief in angels.
4. Kutubullah - belief in God's books (like the Koran and the Psalms of David).
5. Yawmuddin - belief in a Day of Judgment.
6. al-Qadr - acceptance of pre-destination.
7. Akhriah - faith in a resurrection after death.
Muslim beliefs are closer to Judaism than Christianity. The following is a very short list of a very complex religion called Islam:
One God and completely reject the "trinity".
God is not capable of talking, walking, or possesses any other human characteristic.
Muhammad was not the only prophet. But they do believe that revelation ended with Muhammad.
Salvation and a place in paradise is obtained by complete submission to the will of God.
Islam is one community without regard to race, class, or socioeconomic status.
Purity is obtained by abstinence of alcohol, gambling, and drugs. Purity is the basis for violent acts of the Muslim people.
The seven principles of Muslim beliefs.
1. Tawheed - the unity of God.
2. Risallah - acceptance of the Prophethood of Muhammad, a messenger of God.
3. Mala'ikah - belief in angels.
4. Kutubullah - belief in God's books (like the Koran and the Psalms of David).
5. Yawmuddin - belief in a Day of Judgment.
6. al-Qadr - acceptance of pre-destination.
7. Akhriah - faith in a resurrection after death.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Jewish Beliefs
Today is the second in the series Prayer in School?
The following is a very condensed list of what the Jewish faith teaches:
There is only one God.
Every person was created in the image of God.
Every Jewish person is connected with each other regardless of vicinity. Thus creating one global Jewish community.
The Torrah is considered the most important text, containing the 10 Commandments and 613 other commandments. All Jews consider the 10 Commandments the most important. Not all Jews adhere to the 613 commandments.
The land of Israel was part of the Covenant made by God to the Jewish People at Mount Sinai.
One day a Messiah will unite the world and bring peace to humanity.
The following is a very condensed list of what the Jewish faith teaches:
There is only one God.
Every person was created in the image of God.
Every Jewish person is connected with each other regardless of vicinity. Thus creating one global Jewish community.
The Torrah is considered the most important text, containing the 10 Commandments and 613 other commandments. All Jews consider the 10 Commandments the most important. Not all Jews adhere to the 613 commandments.
The land of Israel was part of the Covenant made by God to the Jewish People at Mount Sinai.
One day a Messiah will unite the world and bring peace to humanity.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Christian Beliefs
This series will examine the question: Should we be put prayer back in public school?
We will begin this series with a review of the Christian faith, although they are probably known by everyone reading this. This will be our reference point for the beliefs covered this week.
The following beliefs are key to the Christian faith:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the complete and final revelation of God.
There is only one God and He is able to manifest himself in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is God in flesh, born of a virgin and will return to set up his kingdom on earth.
Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day, ascended to heaven, and will one day return to earth.
All persons are sinners and in need of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is by God's grace
Eternal life is a gift from God.
Unbelievers face eternal punishment. Believers face eternal life.
We will begin this series with a review of the Christian faith, although they are probably known by everyone reading this. This will be our reference point for the beliefs covered this week.
The following beliefs are key to the Christian faith:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the complete and final revelation of God.
There is only one God and He is able to manifest himself in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is God in flesh, born of a virgin and will return to set up his kingdom on earth.
Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day, ascended to heaven, and will one day return to earth.
All persons are sinners and in need of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is by God's grace
Eternal life is a gift from God.
Unbelievers face eternal punishment. Believers face eternal life.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Freedom of Religion
The Religious Landscape Survey reported that 78.4% of Americans claim Christianity as their religion. Most Americans believe that America is a Christian nation, thus stated in the Constitution. However, America was founded on the belief of religious freedom, not on Christianity.
The following information was taken from religioustolerence.org
The first amendment to the
U.S. Constitution: Religious aspects
Decided that there would be no religious test, oath or other requirement for any federal elected office.
Allowed Quakers and others to affirm (rather than swear) their oaths of office.
Refrained from recognizing the religion of Christianity, or one of its denominations, as an established state church.
Religious minorities frequently suffer a loss of freedom in those countries which do not have a wall of separation. Some extreme examples in the past decade have been:
Laws interpreted as requiring a divorce if a husband writes a book that is critical of the established state religion.
Capital punishment as punishment for speech critical of the state religion.
Capital punishment for those who change their religious faith, unless it is to the state religion.
Laws originating in a religion that prohibited women from working outside the home.
The following information was taken from religioustolerence.org
The first amendment to the
U.S. Constitution: Religious aspects
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
How the first amendment was written:
In the spring of 1778, the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, PA. They resolved three main religious controversies. They:Decided that there would be no religious test, oath or other requirement for any federal elected office.
Allowed Quakers and others to affirm (rather than swear) their oaths of office.
Refrained from recognizing the religion of Christianity, or one of its denominations, as an established state church.
Religious minorities frequently suffer a loss of freedom in those countries which do not have a wall of separation. Some extreme examples in the past decade have been:
Laws interpreted as requiring a divorce if a husband writes a book that is critical of the established state religion.
Capital punishment as punishment for speech critical of the state religion.
Capital punishment for those who change their religious faith, unless it is to the state religion.
Laws originating in a religion that prohibited women from working outside the home.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Prayer in School?
There were many comments on the blog concerning the educational crisis we face in America. The blog was intended to address the financial difficulties of education, but there were other issues raised in the comments. The issues included discipline, overcrowding, and bringing prayer in school.
I will begin researching the pros and cons of each of these issues. I will share my personal feelings in the final installment. Once again, these will be my personal views and you are invited to share your own. Please read with an open mind. You may learn some things that you did not know and just might change your mind about your views.
I invite you to share these blogs with others. You can add them to your facebook page, twitter or email them by clicking one of the links at the end of the blog.
I will begin researching the pros and cons of each of these issues. I will share my personal feelings in the final installment. Once again, these will be my personal views and you are invited to share your own. Please read with an open mind. You may learn some things that you did not know and just might change your mind about your views.
I invite you to share these blogs with others. You can add them to your facebook page, twitter or email them by clicking one of the links at the end of the blog.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Emergency Headache
Our son who is an EMT in a large city has come across some pretty interesting characters. This an accounting of my favorite.
One Saturday night close to midnight, the station received a 911 call to respond to an emergency situation. The ambulance responded in good time. Our son was the lead EMT and the dialogue went similar to this:
EMT: What is the problem?
Patient (while holding forehead): I took a bite of that ice cream and it gave me a headache.
EMT: Well, are you alright now?
Patient (still holding forehead): No man, I need to go to the hospital to be checked out.
EMT has not choice but to place patient in ambulance and transport him to the Emergency Room at a major hospital in a major city on Saturday night. ER is full of patients.
Nurse to EMT: What's the matter with him?
EMT to Patient: You tell her. I'm not telling her.
Patient to Nurse: I took a bite of ice cream and it gave me a headache. I need to see the doctor.
Nurse to EMT: Is he kidding?
EMT to Nurse: No, he insisted on being brought in.
Nurse to Patient in a loud angry voice: You get out there in that waiting room and wait until I have time to deal with you.
Your tax dollars at work!
One Saturday night close to midnight, the station received a 911 call to respond to an emergency situation. The ambulance responded in good time. Our son was the lead EMT and the dialogue went similar to this:
EMT: What is the problem?
Patient (while holding forehead): I took a bite of that ice cream and it gave me a headache.
EMT: Well, are you alright now?
Patient (still holding forehead): No man, I need to go to the hospital to be checked out.
EMT has not choice but to place patient in ambulance and transport him to the Emergency Room at a major hospital in a major city on Saturday night. ER is full of patients.
Nurse to EMT: What's the matter with him?
EMT to Patient: You tell her. I'm not telling her.
Patient to Nurse: I took a bite of ice cream and it gave me a headache. I need to see the doctor.
Nurse to EMT: Is he kidding?
EMT to Nurse: No, he insisted on being brought in.
Nurse to Patient in a loud angry voice: You get out there in that waiting room and wait until I have time to deal with you.
Your tax dollars at work!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Are Teacher Layoffs Necessary?
There has been extensive talk about educational budget cuts lately. There are now at least 2,000 teachers in Texas who have received notice of termination at the end of the 2010-2011 school year due to budget constraints. There is no question that school districts will receive less operating money for the 2011-2012 school year; but is there no other way to trim costs than teacher layoffs?
During my first year of teaching, I purchased a US map jigsaw puzzle for my own children. I bought it at a local discount store for $3.33. I decided it would be a great teaching tool in the classroom and asked permission to buy one for my students. I was allowed to purchase it, but not at the discount store. It seems the store did not accept purchase orders and the district would not operate any other way. I was told to purchase the puzzle at the school supply store for $9.99. I questioned the wisdom of that and received the oldest answer in the book. "That's the way we have always done things."
Here are some measures a few districts are implementing to trim the budget rather than teacher layoffs:
Here are a few questions that should be asked:
During my first year of teaching, I purchased a US map jigsaw puzzle for my own children. I bought it at a local discount store for $3.33. I decided it would be a great teaching tool in the classroom and asked permission to buy one for my students. I was allowed to purchase it, but not at the discount store. It seems the store did not accept purchase orders and the district would not operate any other way. I was told to purchase the puzzle at the school supply store for $9.99. I questioned the wisdom of that and received the oldest answer in the book. "That's the way we have always done things."
Here are some measures a few districts are implementing to trim the budget rather than teacher layoffs:
- Freeze salaries of all employees
- Cut supply budgets
- Restrict travel distance for sporting events
- Revamp bus routes to save fuel cost
- Use school district employees to conduct in-service
- Consider a 4 day week which would save on fuel for buses and buildings
- Examine food budget to determine amount of food wasted by students
Here are a few questions that should be asked:
- A good teacher can teach without a book. Can a good book teach without a teacher?
- How many students will make a career of sports?
- Can success be achieved without the ability to play football?
- Can success be achieved without the ability to read?
- Can we justify paying a supertindent $320,000 and terminating teachers who make $32,000?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Unusual Discipline
When they were in school, my children usually took their lunches because they did not care for the cafeteria meals. Every morning I made sandwiches, packed chips and cookies, and sent my not-so-eager-learners on their way. One morning as I was attempting to make lunches, I discovered that I did not have enough supplies.
When my daughter came into the kitchen, I said, "You are going to have to buy your lunch today."
She replied, "Okay."
When my oldest son came in a few minutes later, I said, "You boys are going to have to buy your lunches today."
He asked, "Why, what did we do?"
I had not realized that buying school lunches could be considered a disciplinary measure.
When my daughter came into the kitchen, I said, "You are going to have to buy your lunch today."
She replied, "Okay."
When my oldest son came in a few minutes later, I said, "You boys are going to have to buy your lunches today."
He asked, "Why, what did we do?"
I had not realized that buying school lunches could be considered a disciplinary measure.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Teacher Was Wrong
When Bill Cosby was in the 4th grade, he came home from school with a note from the teacher. It seems Bill had been acting up in class and the teacher was not impressed with his antics. His mother kept the note. It said: William seems to think he is funny.
The universally dreaded college freshman English class is all about writing. During my freshman year, the professor was unimpressed with my writing. (I was unimpressed with her teaching.) I received a grade of 'C' on all but one assignment for the two semesters. I received a 'B' on that paper. At one point she informed me that I had no writing skills. With three books being released in the next 3 weeks, I hope my professor was a wrong as Bill Cosby's teacher.
The universally dreaded college freshman English class is all about writing. During my freshman year, the professor was unimpressed with my writing. (I was unimpressed with her teaching.) I received a grade of 'C' on all but one assignment for the two semesters. I received a 'B' on that paper. At one point she informed me that I had no writing skills. With three books being released in the next 3 weeks, I hope my professor was a wrong as Bill Cosby's teacher.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
See God's Hand at Work
I received this email from the Brighton Publishing, who is publishing my latest book in e-book format. It is a perfect example of how God works.
Don McGuire
Acquisitions Editor
Brighton Publishing
http://brightonpublishing.com
Theresa,
I thought I would share something interesting with you that you were not aware of. The company had actually passed on your short story manuscript for publishing. It wasn't a permanent rejection, just that they felt we had other submissions that presented the company with a higher profit prospective. I was going to tell you the following day that we were going to pass on your work. That evening when I was at home, for some reason I opened you manuscript on my computer and re-read it. That's when I came upon the idea of re-discussing your manuscript with acquisitions regarding the e-book format. We had never thought of the idea of publishing a work in a traditional format in e-book first and then going to print later. Acquisitions like the idea and that's when I contacted you.
To give you an idea of the remote possibility of me doing that, we get around 30 submissions a day. We have hundreds in queue just waiting to be read. Once acquisitions passes on a work, it's pretty much dead in the water. I have never gone back and re-visited a manuscript, especially after acquisitions had turned it down. We only followup on maybe one in 1100 submissions and only make an offer on a small percentage of those followups. The chance of this happening with your manuscript is so remote as to be virtually non-existent.
I really don't know what inspired me to take another look at your work that evening, but I am very glad that I did. I just thought you might find this interesting considering your prayer the previous day.
Just wanted to share this information with you.
Sincerely,Don McGuire
Acquisitions Editor
Brighton Publishing
http://brightonpublishing.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Book Launch Today
A member of our John 3:16 Marketing Network (a network to promote books by Christian authors) is launching her new book today. Please read about it. There are freebees with any book ordered today.
About the Book
Surviving high school intact can be one of the most difficult experiences we ever go through. In the movie “Never Been Kissed,” one character states, “All you need is for one person to think you’re cool, and you’re in.” But in the new Montgomery Lake High book series, the opposite can also be true.
In Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide, Chris Dunkin arrives for his first year of high school. He is drug-free, with a new attitude as well as a Christian set of values. But it doesn’t take him long to realize that he was a lot more popular when he was the life of the party! Worse yet, his childhood best friend, Jason, turns on him and tries to destroy his reputation.
An oncoming storm is about to unleash its fury over the town of Montgomery, and as the skies grow dark, something more ominous than wind and rain is about to strike Montgomery Lake High.
About the Author
Stacy A. Padula wrote her first draft of Montgomery Lake High #2 when she was 15 years old. Though she is now in her late twenties, she considers her novel to be a young adult book written by a young adult. She hopes her novel will help kids face the “war zone” that is high school, deal with the stress and peer pressure, and encourage them to steer a straight path, pursue God, and not fall for false promises. A native of Pembroke, Massachusetts, she is the program director of JBG Educational Group, and has completed five books in the Montgomery Lake High series.
Read more about Stacy’s first book in the series, Montgomery Lake High – The Right Person. This story of teenage acceptance and the resulting battle over moral convictions will hit home with many teens looking for answers.
Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide By Stacy A. Padula
About the BookSurviving high school intact can be one of the most difficult experiences we ever go through. In the movie “Never Been Kissed,” one character states, “All you need is for one person to think you’re cool, and you’re in.” But in the new Montgomery Lake High book series, the opposite can also be true.
In Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide, Chris Dunkin arrives for his first year of high school. He is drug-free, with a new attitude as well as a Christian set of values. But it doesn’t take him long to realize that he was a lot more popular when he was the life of the party! Worse yet, his childhood best friend, Jason, turns on him and tries to destroy his reputation.
An oncoming storm is about to unleash its fury over the town of Montgomery, and as the skies grow dark, something more ominous than wind and rain is about to strike Montgomery Lake High.
About the Author
Stacy A. Padula wrote her first draft of Montgomery Lake High #2 when she was 15 years old. Though she is now in her late twenties, she considers her novel to be a young adult book written by a young adult. She hopes her novel will help kids face the “war zone” that is high school, deal with the stress and peer pressure, and encourage them to steer a straight path, pursue God, and not fall for false promises. A native of Pembroke, Massachusetts, she is the program director of JBG Educational Group, and has completed five books in the Montgomery Lake High series.
Read more about Stacy’s first book in the series, Montgomery Lake High – The Right Person. This story of teenage acceptance and the resulting battle over moral convictions will hit home with many teens looking for answers.
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