I am so amazed how our values have changed in just a few years. And I wonder where we really are headed for as a culture and nation.
Enjoy the video clip and the Holiday.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
What John Wayne "The Duke" Wanted for Thanksgiving
This is good. Again, not about feasting and football but something that really matters. Something we should all be thankful for.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving Part II
Now let us consider the words of our 1st President and Founding Father of our country. George Washington led the colonies through 12 years of war and 8 years as 1st President of our nation. Carefully consider his words.
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d by of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d by of October, A.D. 1789.
George Washington
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving Part I
What is the real meaning of Thanksgiving? For Americans in this Post Christian era, it has come to mean 2 days off from work and here in Texas, a Cowboy's home game. It also means a crazy shopping day on Friday and if you are lucky, seeing a movie on the big screen. Yes, in many parts of the country as well as here, people travel to see their families. There is a huge set-up, feast, and clean-up - which most men get out of due to the football games. Yes, I have been guilty of not pitching in just to watch the Cowboys - but I am getting better.
In this post and the one after it, I ask you to not only reflect on the secular aspect of Thanksgiving, but also on the Spiritual. For those of us living in America, we have been truly blessed more than anyone in the entire world - regardless of how much money we make. That being said, let us honor the Creator and Provider of our country and not Bacchus this year.
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation (June 20, 1676)
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present War with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
In this post and the one after it, I ask you to not only reflect on the secular aspect of Thanksgiving, but also on the Spiritual. For those of us living in America, we have been truly blessed more than anyone in the entire world - regardless of how much money we make. That being said, let us honor the Creator and Provider of our country and not Bacchus this year.
The First Thanksgiving Proclamation (June 20, 1676)
On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving, our first. That proclamation is reproduced here in the same language and spelling as the original.
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present War with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions:
The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour, many Particulars of which mercy might be Instanced, but we doubt not those who are sensible of God's Afflictions, have been as diligent to espy him returning to us; and that the Lord may behold us as a People offering Praise and thereby glorifying Him; the Council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."
Dancing Christmas Lights
Starting to get the Christmas stuff early this year. Love Christmas Lights in the neighborhoods and around town. People go all out down here in Texas. The only thing missing is the snow. Now here is a video that should get you in the mood.
Another One Published
Poetry is usually not my bag. But once in awhile one can be inspired.
http://www.stationhill.com/poems/poems165.asp
http://www.stationhill.com/poems/poems165.asp
Thursday, November 20, 2008
One Article Pulished on the Internet
It's been a long time since I have had anything published. This blog is serving as writing practice for me as I really want to crank out articles and even get a book out in 2009. Of course every year I want to get published but something comes up. I just have to knuckle down and do it. Here is an article that is starting to get around. It may also get published in print.
http://www.stationhill.com/nonfict/nonfict091.asp
http://www.stationhill.com/nonfict/nonfict091.asp
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
I published this a few years ago, not sure when, sometime after we adopted Little Rolling Thunder from Romania. It may be published again as it has been requested once again for review. I do not have it posted anywhere and thought this would make a great home for it. If this piece does become published, I will for sure let everyone know where to find it. Again, this is just an opinion. Enjoy.
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
It has been brought to my attention that there are certain beliefs on why Americans choose to adopt children from other countries. I would like to address some of the myths I have heard and offer an opinion based on my own research, experiences, and feelings towards the adoption process. This is a large complex issue that is emotionally charged for all parties involved and this is not meant to be all inclusive of the adoption process.
Myth One: Americans do not love their own children. The fact of the matter is that we do but are thwarted in the adoption process by the current Social Services system. Many local government Child Protective Agencies across the nation receive Federal and State money based on the number of children in their care. While you hear on TV how they would love all the children to be adopted, the truth is that there is no motivation for them to facilitate the adoption process as they could or should. American Child Services has moved from an orphanage system to a foster care/family system. People get paid to be foster parents. While the majority of these people are a great benefit to the children and true unsung hero’s, there is a small minority that are in it for pure profit. Children also are moved from home to home many times for no logical reason. This creates severe emotional problems that in some cases cannot be overcome.
Myth Two: Americans want to adopt only babies. While most domestic adoptions involve babies, a large number of foreign adoptions involve children over the age of two. The percentage of older children adopted overseas is greater than the percentage of older children adopted domestically. While I do not know the exact figures, my dealings with two local adoption agencies bear this out. It is my belief that an older foreign child has a greater chance of finding a home than an older child available for adoption here in America. A sad statistic I do know is that once a child in America reaches the age of 5, the chance for adoption falls almost to nil.
Myth Three: Foreign adoption is easier and less expensive than domestic. As a parent that has closely looked at both sides and adopted internationally, foreign adoption is far more difficult and costly. Most legal domestic adoptions run between 12 – 15 thousand dollars. Our foreign adoption has cost between 25 – 30 thousand dollars. In domestic adoption you answer to the local and state governments. In foreign adoptions you answer not only to the local and state governments, but also to your Federal government and the foreign government of the child being adopted. Time is relative, some domestic adoptions can take only 3 months at a minimum and up to a year to complete. But all foreign adoptions will take at least 9 months and normally around a year to complete. Both may require travel, but obviously foreign adoption will always require travel. While foreign adoption does not have an age limit in most cases such as domestic for the adoptive parents, there are many other factors that could prevent the adoption from taking place. In our example of the first failed adoption, the foreign government refused to cooperate in the process and effectively killed the adoption process through their inaction.
Myth Four: Americans bring the children back and then sell their body parts. This myth is more prevalent in southern Russia and certain other Baltic areas. This incredible myth was brought to our attention while overseas. Basically, this is another urban legend that amazes me is that anyone would believe such a thing.
Now I would offer some of the reasons why we chose foreign adoption over domestic.
Reason One: The government’s family reunification plan that states a biological family is preferable to an adoptive family. Basically what happens here is that the birth parents at a later time can petition for the return of the children should they be able to prove that they have rebuilt their family to the satisfaction of the prevailing court in various States. The legal adoption could possibly be overturned in a court of law even though the adoption is final. This has happened on numerous occasions. Age of the adoptive parents also plays into this as whether the adoptive parents are viable or not as parents in the eyes of the courts and social services.
Reason Two: The strong push for open adoptions only. In this type of adoption we share custody with birth parents and other relatives to a certain degree. While this is fine for many adoptive parents, for many others it is not. We have no problem with culture and heritage and even our child seeking out family members. But I stress that the seeking of biological family members should be done when the child is either an adult or in late teens and has expressed the desire to do so. A healthy, safe, stable childhood needs to be provided and every child should have one if at all possible. Again this is preference and belief system concerning the nuclear family. Some people in starting a family do not want to have a ready made blended family. In our situation, we have had discussions with our daughter concerning her origins and shared cultures.
Reason Three: Availability of children (without the open adoption option) is actually limited. Again this goes back to the social services structure. Another option is the private adoption option that is very risky. The adoptive parents get selected by a mother giving up the child and in most cases the adoptive parents pay all the childbearing costs, which by the way are in most cases not covered by the adoptive parents medical insurance. We have had friends that have gone through at least three failed adoptions where they paid birthing costs and then the birth mother decided not to give up the child. No legal recourse there. And the black market of baby buying is out the question no matter how much a baby is desired. For some though it is the only option.
Reason Four: As true believers in Christ, we went before God and stated we would raise the child God wanted us to raise. In the beginning we were interested in a baby and then God changed our hearts towards older children when an older child visited our home from Russia. And then the direction was changed later when He directed us to Romania. A lot of prayer went into this decision along with a lot of faith. Not every adoptive parent is called to adopt from a foreign nation.
This is just a quick and high level brief on this subject. Americans do love their children and if domestic adoption issues that cause prospective parents to look overseas were worked out, I feel that foreign adoption would be almost nonexistent. Dramatic changes in the social services areas of this country and the foreign countries opening up have caused an explosion in foreign adoptions. Domestic adoptions have suffered greatly as a result of thousands of prospective parents being discouraged from domestically adopting due to many different reasons. And I am sure I do not have the whole picture. People adopt for different reasons and chose domestic and foreign options accordingly. The important thing is that adoptive parents love their children and will always be that child’s Mommy and Daddy. God puts families together, not man.
AN OPINION ON WHY AMERICANS ADOPT OVERSEES
It has been brought to my attention that there are certain beliefs on why Americans choose to adopt children from other countries. I would like to address some of the myths I have heard and offer an opinion based on my own research, experiences, and feelings towards the adoption process. This is a large complex issue that is emotionally charged for all parties involved and this is not meant to be all inclusive of the adoption process.
Myth One: Americans do not love their own children. The fact of the matter is that we do but are thwarted in the adoption process by the current Social Services system. Many local government Child Protective Agencies across the nation receive Federal and State money based on the number of children in their care. While you hear on TV how they would love all the children to be adopted, the truth is that there is no motivation for them to facilitate the adoption process as they could or should. American Child Services has moved from an orphanage system to a foster care/family system. People get paid to be foster parents. While the majority of these people are a great benefit to the children and true unsung hero’s, there is a small minority that are in it for pure profit. Children also are moved from home to home many times for no logical reason. This creates severe emotional problems that in some cases cannot be overcome.
Myth Two: Americans want to adopt only babies. While most domestic adoptions involve babies, a large number of foreign adoptions involve children over the age of two. The percentage of older children adopted overseas is greater than the percentage of older children adopted domestically. While I do not know the exact figures, my dealings with two local adoption agencies bear this out. It is my belief that an older foreign child has a greater chance of finding a home than an older child available for adoption here in America. A sad statistic I do know is that once a child in America reaches the age of 5, the chance for adoption falls almost to nil.
Myth Three: Foreign adoption is easier and less expensive than domestic. As a parent that has closely looked at both sides and adopted internationally, foreign adoption is far more difficult and costly. Most legal domestic adoptions run between 12 – 15 thousand dollars. Our foreign adoption has cost between 25 – 30 thousand dollars. In domestic adoption you answer to the local and state governments. In foreign adoptions you answer not only to the local and state governments, but also to your Federal government and the foreign government of the child being adopted. Time is relative, some domestic adoptions can take only 3 months at a minimum and up to a year to complete. But all foreign adoptions will take at least 9 months and normally around a year to complete. Both may require travel, but obviously foreign adoption will always require travel. While foreign adoption does not have an age limit in most cases such as domestic for the adoptive parents, there are many other factors that could prevent the adoption from taking place. In our example of the first failed adoption, the foreign government refused to cooperate in the process and effectively killed the adoption process through their inaction.
Myth Four: Americans bring the children back and then sell their body parts. This myth is more prevalent in southern Russia and certain other Baltic areas. This incredible myth was brought to our attention while overseas. Basically, this is another urban legend that amazes me is that anyone would believe such a thing.
Now I would offer some of the reasons why we chose foreign adoption over domestic.
Reason One: The government’s family reunification plan that states a biological family is preferable to an adoptive family. Basically what happens here is that the birth parents at a later time can petition for the return of the children should they be able to prove that they have rebuilt their family to the satisfaction of the prevailing court in various States. The legal adoption could possibly be overturned in a court of law even though the adoption is final. This has happened on numerous occasions. Age of the adoptive parents also plays into this as whether the adoptive parents are viable or not as parents in the eyes of the courts and social services.
Reason Two: The strong push for open adoptions only. In this type of adoption we share custody with birth parents and other relatives to a certain degree. While this is fine for many adoptive parents, for many others it is not. We have no problem with culture and heritage and even our child seeking out family members. But I stress that the seeking of biological family members should be done when the child is either an adult or in late teens and has expressed the desire to do so. A healthy, safe, stable childhood needs to be provided and every child should have one if at all possible. Again this is preference and belief system concerning the nuclear family. Some people in starting a family do not want to have a ready made blended family. In our situation, we have had discussions with our daughter concerning her origins and shared cultures.
Reason Three: Availability of children (without the open adoption option) is actually limited. Again this goes back to the social services structure. Another option is the private adoption option that is very risky. The adoptive parents get selected by a mother giving up the child and in most cases the adoptive parents pay all the childbearing costs, which by the way are in most cases not covered by the adoptive parents medical insurance. We have had friends that have gone through at least three failed adoptions where they paid birthing costs and then the birth mother decided not to give up the child. No legal recourse there. And the black market of baby buying is out the question no matter how much a baby is desired. For some though it is the only option.
Reason Four: As true believers in Christ, we went before God and stated we would raise the child God wanted us to raise. In the beginning we were interested in a baby and then God changed our hearts towards older children when an older child visited our home from Russia. And then the direction was changed later when He directed us to Romania. A lot of prayer went into this decision along with a lot of faith. Not every adoptive parent is called to adopt from a foreign nation.
This is just a quick and high level brief on this subject. Americans do love their children and if domestic adoption issues that cause prospective parents to look overseas were worked out, I feel that foreign adoption would be almost nonexistent. Dramatic changes in the social services areas of this country and the foreign countries opening up have caused an explosion in foreign adoptions. Domestic adoptions have suffered greatly as a result of thousands of prospective parents being discouraged from domestically adopting due to many different reasons. And I am sure I do not have the whole picture. People adopt for different reasons and chose domestic and foreign options accordingly. The important thing is that adoptive parents love their children and will always be that child’s Mommy and Daddy. God puts families together, not man.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
'Twas The Night Before Elections
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
'On Fannie , on Freddie ,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
'On Fannie , on Freddie ,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
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