-J
Monday, August 31, 2009
From the Message Bin
"A little learning is a dangerous thing but a lot of ignorance is just as bad" (Bob Edwards).
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Camping Trip
I thought I better put this out on blog world before J.T. did...he is proud of it.
This past weekend, J.T. and I met Grampy and Chris near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas for a campout. Because of some stress going on right now, I was ready to get away for a bit, even if it was for less than 48 hours. Well...
In my rush to get out of town and get camp set up Friday morning, I left our clothes and sleeping bags at the house. I did not realize it until we had the tent set up. Thankfully, I found a Walmart about 10 minutes from the campsite. This was not the worst of it....
We decided to go canoeing again this year and picked a different river. This was so much more work to paddle through than the one last year. J.T. likes the fact that Grampy and I flipped the canoe three times while he and Chris did not flip at all. However, the best flip was the first flip. We came around the corner and hit some rapids. We capsized and went through a bumpy ride over rocks, limbs, under water, and so forth. Grampy was noticeably bruised up. At one point I was sandwiched between the canoe (full of water) and a rock. The wind was knocked out of me. I looked in the canoe and did not see my paddle (everything else was there, tied in). I saw the paddle lodged under the water so I floated down to it to get it and missed it. Dad tried the same but did not get it loose. I did not want to lose the paddle knowing that I woudl have to pay for it. So, out of breath already, I decided to swim upstream and get this paddle. I finally made it to the paddle and had to go underwater to get it and, while holding my breath, I finally shook the paddle free from the rocks and floated (bounced from rock to rock) downstream to where Dad was waiting with the canoe. Now, here is the funny part...
IT WAS NOT MY PADDLE!!!!
This past weekend, J.T. and I met Grampy and Chris near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas for a campout. Because of some stress going on right now, I was ready to get away for a bit, even if it was for less than 48 hours. Well...
In my rush to get out of town and get camp set up Friday morning, I left our clothes and sleeping bags at the house. I did not realize it until we had the tent set up. Thankfully, I found a Walmart about 10 minutes from the campsite. This was not the worst of it....
We decided to go canoeing again this year and picked a different river. This was so much more work to paddle through than the one last year. J.T. likes the fact that Grampy and I flipped the canoe three times while he and Chris did not flip at all. However, the best flip was the first flip. We came around the corner and hit some rapids. We capsized and went through a bumpy ride over rocks, limbs, under water, and so forth. Grampy was noticeably bruised up. At one point I was sandwiched between the canoe (full of water) and a rock. The wind was knocked out of me. I looked in the canoe and did not see my paddle (everything else was there, tied in). I saw the paddle lodged under the water so I floated down to it to get it and missed it. Dad tried the same but did not get it loose. I did not want to lose the paddle knowing that I woudl have to pay for it. So, out of breath already, I decided to swim upstream and get this paddle. I finally made it to the paddle and had to go underwater to get it and, while holding my breath, I finally shook the paddle free from the rocks and floated (bounced from rock to rock) downstream to where Dad was waiting with the canoe. Now, here is the funny part...
IT WAS NOT MY PADDLE!!!!
It did not even belong to company we rented the canoe and paddles from. It was probably lost (possibly years ago) and I found it. All that work for nothing. My paddle was in the canoe, safe and sound.
Hannah Montana says it is about the climb, not the destination. This is one journey I do not wish to relive. Though, J.T. is very proud of the fact that he and Chris did not flip once.
All in all, I am glad I got away and needed the break.
-J
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Kaylee Update
On Tuesday, Kaylee had an appointment with the Spina Bifida clinic. This is the clinic where she sees all of her doctors at one time. She saw the urologist, the orthopedic doctor, and the neurologist. The only doctor that she does not see on a regular basis is the urologist. There are certain issues with this but they are more of a private manner. She sees her neurologist once a year for a checkup and so far has a good report. We know at some point her shunt will have to be replaced but so far, we have been so lucky. Some kids have to have it replaced once or twice a year but she has only had 3 revisions her whole life. Her orthopedic doctor she knows very well. This is the doctor who has done the surgery on her legs. She sees him in his office sometimes too much. This is the main thing that we are working on right now. We are trying to get braces that will benefit her the most. She does not have the muscles in her legs and knees so we are in the process of getting braces that will support her knees better. She was molded on Thursday for the final brace, which will hopefully be done in about 2 weeks. With these new braces, she has more support and it straightens her feet perfectly. Hopefully, these issues will be worked out shortly. She received a wonderful report and is cleared until next year. We will post a picture of the new braces when we get them. Continue the prayers and keep reading.
- S
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
From the Message Bin
"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention" (Duguet).
-J
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Karate, Uh....Mixed Martial Arts
For about two years, J.T. has been expressing his desire to take karate lessons. We declined thinking the closest lessons were too far away. Then, we found some closer. Some friends of J.T.'s from the congregation here were enrolling so J.T. begged his mother and won. We will see what happens.
We started last week but I wanted to wait till this week to post about it as we thought his uniform would be in and we could post a picture. The uniform was way too big and it will be about two weeks before we get the right size. Don' t worry, a picture is coming.
Many of you know how particular J.T. is. I keep calling it karate class. He keeps correcting me saying it is mixed martial arts. He is correct. He has also been a doing a great job in the class. Maybe I'll hire him as my body guard one day. As if I will ever need one!
We started last week but I wanted to wait till this week to post about it as we thought his uniform would be in and we could post a picture. The uniform was way too big and it will be about two weeks before we get the right size. Don' t worry, a picture is coming.
Many of you know how particular J.T. is. I keep calling it karate class. He keeps correcting me saying it is mixed martial arts. He is correct. He has also been a doing a great job in the class. Maybe I'll hire him as my body guard one day. As if I will ever need one!
-J
Monday, August 10, 2009
From the Message Bin
"The tragedy of life is not death, rather it is what we allow to die with us while we live" (Norman Cousin).
-J
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Healthcare Bill
The following is an article that I came accross. This scares me, folks. Let us remember Proverbs 3:5-6. I would encourage all to read this article.
I Read The Bill
by Tom Wacaster
I have listened with great interest and concern to the “pros” and “cons” of the impending health bill that has been drawn up by the House of Representatives. Few, if any, of our representatives have actually read the bill in its entirety. In contrast a growing number of concerned citizens have taken the time to download and examine this piece of legislation in detail. I downloaded HR3200, and have spent a total of slightly more than ten hours reading the bill, page by page, and line by line. I can confidently say that I have read the bill. Having said that, there are some observations I want to make relative to the Bill that is presently underway in the very halls of our Congress.
Before addressing what is actually IN the bill, I want to address a mistake that many are making relative to an honest, but mislead attempt to discredit this bill. The internet is a source of much “misinformation.” I have received emails saying that the bill will demand abortion if a family has more than two children and the wife becomes pregnant – a scenario similar to China’s forced abortion laws. Another email has stated that this bill includes a provision whereby teen age girls will be injected with some kind of a sterility pill and removed later in adult life only when she agrees to the government’s law concerning birth, child rearing, etc. I have read of no such provisions in HR3200. All such emails that misrepresent HR3200 only make our attempt to discredit this bill look foolish, and makes honest and concerned individuals appear to be ill-informed at best, and radicals at worst. There is enough in this bill to discredit it based on its own “merits” (I use that word to refer to provisions within the bill that make it a horrible piece of legislation).
One more note and then I’ll share with you just two or three reasons why every child of God, and citizen of these United States should do all within their power to defeat this bill, and anything like it. I think it important to make a distinction between what this Bill SAYS and what it implies; or in other words, what the Bill states in so many words vs. the authority within those words to enact provisions that are contrary to the very foundation of this country, and which would place in position the means by which the Government could run roughshod over the principles and precepts contained in God’s word. If this were purely a health bill, addressing a reform of our health system, I would never have taken the time to read it in such detail. But in my estimation it is a coordinated effort to infringe upon our God-given rights and responsibilities. Consider if you will the following.
First, there is the issue of respect for life, whether at conception, or in the closing days of one’s life. I am speaking of abortion and euthanasia. Keep in mind that what is “implied” in this Bill is just as important as what the Bill specifically says. On page 230, Lines 8-19 the Bill states:
IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall analyze payments for non-therapy ancillary services under a future skilled nursing facility classification system to ensure the accuracy of payment for non-therapy ancillary services. Such analysis shall consider use of appropriate indicators which may include age, physical and mental status, ability to perform activities of daily living, prior nursing home stay, broad RUG category, and a proxy for length of stay.
The language gives the Government of the United States the authority to determine whether payment should be made to extend the life of someone who may have reached a predetermined age, physical state, or mental status that the Government deems too costly for treatment. While the Bill does NOT say that anyone past a certain age will NOT be given adequate treatment, it implies it in this provision in the Bill. Once this provision becomes a part of law, it is only a matter of time for the next small incremental step to be taken whereby the Government decides who shall live, or who shall die.
The other end of the life cycle is also under attack in this Bill. There are two provisions in this Bill that should concern every God-fearing citizen of our country. The first has to do with the Government’s authority to regulate pregnancies. Page 767, Lines 21-24, and continued on page 768, lines 1-5 read as follows:
The term ‘nurse home visitation services’ means home visits by trained nurses to families with a first-time pregnant woman, or a child (under 2 years of age) who is eligible for medical assistance under this title…to the extent determined by the Secretary based upon evidence, that such services are effective in one or more of the following: ‘‘(1) Improving maternal or child health and pregnancy outcomes or increasing birth intervals between pregnancies.”This provision grants the Government “as determined by the Secretary” the power to come into your home and evaluate the means by which they might improve the maternal or child health, with specific reference to the “outcomes” (note the plural language here) and/or intervals between pregnancies. Please note the language carefully. The only legitimate, God-authorized “outcome” of a pregnancy is BIRTH. The only other outcome would be abortion. In addition, the Government is going to tell the God-fearing family when they can or cannot have children. And, with any other Government “Bill”or “Law” there will be penalties attached to the disregard for those laws. But there is more in this Bill to support and promote abortion. On page 783, Line 7 provisions are made for the Government financing of “free birth center services.” The words are carefully chosen so as to make one think that we are talking about hospitals where provisions are made for births to take place. But watch carefully the language in the lines to follow – and please note the possible interpretation of that provision if so deemed appropriate by the Government. I have placed my interpretation of these possibilities in brackets:The term ‘freestanding birth center services’ means services furnished to an individual at a freestanding birth center [i.e. abortion clinics, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (B)), including by a licensed birth attendant [abortionist, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (C)) at such center. ‘‘(B) The term ‘freestanding birth center’ means a health facility— ‘‘(i) that is not [emphasis mine, TW] a hospital; and ‘‘(ii) where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman’s residence [a teenagers doctor or parents, TW]…The term ‘licensed birth attendant’ means an individual who is licensed or registered by the State involved to provide health care [abortions, even to late term, TW] at childbirth and who provides such care within the scope of practice under which the individual is legally authorized [by Roe Vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, TW] to perform such care [abortions, TW] under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law), regardless of whether the individual is under the supervision of, or associated with, a physician or other health care provider [the patients regular doctor or parents, TW].
There is one more provision in HR3200 that should concern us, especially those of us who are attempting to raise our children in a Godly manner. On page 837, Lines 1-5 we are introduced to Sec. 1903: GRANTS TO STATES FOR QUALITY HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EXPECTING CHILDREN. On the same page, Lines 13-17 we have the following provision:
PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to improve the well-being, health, and development of children by enabling the establishment and expansion of high quality programs providing voluntary home visitation for families with young children and families expecting children.
In other words, HR3200 gives the Government the authority to come into your home and tell you how to raise your children. Interpreted, the “well being” of your child includes indoctrination in evolutionary thinking, humanism, and Godless indoctrination.
Should HR3200 pass the House and Senate, every child of God is going to find himself at odds, once again, with an ever encroaching Government that is determined to undermine every attempt on your part to live a Godly life. There are a number of other reasons why I simply cannot support this Bill, but in this article I am concerned about the impact it is going to have on our service to God. Take action; be informed.
-J
I Read The Bill
by Tom Wacaster
I have listened with great interest and concern to the “pros” and “cons” of the impending health bill that has been drawn up by the House of Representatives. Few, if any, of our representatives have actually read the bill in its entirety. In contrast a growing number of concerned citizens have taken the time to download and examine this piece of legislation in detail. I downloaded HR3200, and have spent a total of slightly more than ten hours reading the bill, page by page, and line by line. I can confidently say that I have read the bill. Having said that, there are some observations I want to make relative to the Bill that is presently underway in the very halls of our Congress.
Before addressing what is actually IN the bill, I want to address a mistake that many are making relative to an honest, but mislead attempt to discredit this bill. The internet is a source of much “misinformation.” I have received emails saying that the bill will demand abortion if a family has more than two children and the wife becomes pregnant – a scenario similar to China’s forced abortion laws. Another email has stated that this bill includes a provision whereby teen age girls will be injected with some kind of a sterility pill and removed later in adult life only when she agrees to the government’s law concerning birth, child rearing, etc. I have read of no such provisions in HR3200. All such emails that misrepresent HR3200 only make our attempt to discredit this bill look foolish, and makes honest and concerned individuals appear to be ill-informed at best, and radicals at worst. There is enough in this bill to discredit it based on its own “merits” (I use that word to refer to provisions within the bill that make it a horrible piece of legislation).
One more note and then I’ll share with you just two or three reasons why every child of God, and citizen of these United States should do all within their power to defeat this bill, and anything like it. I think it important to make a distinction between what this Bill SAYS and what it implies; or in other words, what the Bill states in so many words vs. the authority within those words to enact provisions that are contrary to the very foundation of this country, and which would place in position the means by which the Government could run roughshod over the principles and precepts contained in God’s word. If this were purely a health bill, addressing a reform of our health system, I would never have taken the time to read it in such detail. But in my estimation it is a coordinated effort to infringe upon our God-given rights and responsibilities. Consider if you will the following.
First, there is the issue of respect for life, whether at conception, or in the closing days of one’s life. I am speaking of abortion and euthanasia. Keep in mind that what is “implied” in this Bill is just as important as what the Bill specifically says. On page 230, Lines 8-19 the Bill states:
IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall analyze payments for non-therapy ancillary services under a future skilled nursing facility classification system to ensure the accuracy of payment for non-therapy ancillary services. Such analysis shall consider use of appropriate indicators which may include age, physical and mental status, ability to perform activities of daily living, prior nursing home stay, broad RUG category, and a proxy for length of stay.
The language gives the Government of the United States the authority to determine whether payment should be made to extend the life of someone who may have reached a predetermined age, physical state, or mental status that the Government deems too costly for treatment. While the Bill does NOT say that anyone past a certain age will NOT be given adequate treatment, it implies it in this provision in the Bill. Once this provision becomes a part of law, it is only a matter of time for the next small incremental step to be taken whereby the Government decides who shall live, or who shall die.
The other end of the life cycle is also under attack in this Bill. There are two provisions in this Bill that should concern every God-fearing citizen of our country. The first has to do with the Government’s authority to regulate pregnancies. Page 767, Lines 21-24, and continued on page 768, lines 1-5 read as follows:
The term ‘nurse home visitation services’ means home visits by trained nurses to families with a first-time pregnant woman, or a child (under 2 years of age) who is eligible for medical assistance under this title…to the extent determined by the Secretary based upon evidence, that such services are effective in one or more of the following: ‘‘(1) Improving maternal or child health and pregnancy outcomes or increasing birth intervals between pregnancies.”This provision grants the Government “as determined by the Secretary” the power to come into your home and evaluate the means by which they might improve the maternal or child health, with specific reference to the “outcomes” (note the plural language here) and/or intervals between pregnancies. Please note the language carefully. The only legitimate, God-authorized “outcome” of a pregnancy is BIRTH. The only other outcome would be abortion. In addition, the Government is going to tell the God-fearing family when they can or cannot have children. And, with any other Government “Bill”or “Law” there will be penalties attached to the disregard for those laws. But there is more in this Bill to support and promote abortion. On page 783, Line 7 provisions are made for the Government financing of “free birth center services.” The words are carefully chosen so as to make one think that we are talking about hospitals where provisions are made for births to take place. But watch carefully the language in the lines to follow – and please note the possible interpretation of that provision if so deemed appropriate by the Government. I have placed my interpretation of these possibilities in brackets:The term ‘freestanding birth center services’ means services furnished to an individual at a freestanding birth center [i.e. abortion clinics, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (B)), including by a licensed birth attendant [abortionist, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (C)) at such center. ‘‘(B) The term ‘freestanding birth center’ means a health facility— ‘‘(i) that is not [emphasis mine, TW] a hospital; and ‘‘(ii) where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman’s residence [a teenagers doctor or parents, TW]…The term ‘licensed birth attendant’ means an individual who is licensed or registered by the State involved to provide health care [abortions, even to late term, TW] at childbirth and who provides such care within the scope of practice under which the individual is legally authorized [by Roe Vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, TW] to perform such care [abortions, TW] under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law), regardless of whether the individual is under the supervision of, or associated with, a physician or other health care provider [the patients regular doctor or parents, TW].
There is one more provision in HR3200 that should concern us, especially those of us who are attempting to raise our children in a Godly manner. On page 837, Lines 1-5 we are introduced to Sec. 1903: GRANTS TO STATES FOR QUALITY HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EXPECTING CHILDREN. On the same page, Lines 13-17 we have the following provision:
PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to improve the well-being, health, and development of children by enabling the establishment and expansion of high quality programs providing voluntary home visitation for families with young children and families expecting children.
In other words, HR3200 gives the Government the authority to come into your home and tell you how to raise your children. Interpreted, the “well being” of your child includes indoctrination in evolutionary thinking, humanism, and Godless indoctrination.
Should HR3200 pass the House and Senate, every child of God is going to find himself at odds, once again, with an ever encroaching Government that is determined to undermine every attempt on your part to live a Godly life. There are a number of other reasons why I simply cannot support this Bill, but in this article I am concerned about the impact it is going to have on our service to God. Take action; be informed.
Here We Go Again
The time of year is upon us once again. The years are going by. J.T. started the fifth grade today and will be ten on September fifth. Kaylee turned eight in April and started the third grade. Shawna is teaching kindergarten for the second year in a row and is beginning her sixth year teaching with this district.
On another note, as we always have reasons to thank and praise God, today is no exception. The oldest of my two younger sisters has recently announced her first pregnancy. She and her husband have been dealing with a lot of challenges in this regard for the last several years. God is still God and God is still good. God answers prayers. We have prayed fervantly for this one trusting in His will.
As much as I try to enjoy and savor the moments of life as I am in them, part of me misses the days gone by. God has worked it well as He always does. My kids are older and my siblings are now having children. I enjoy playing with thier kids and enjoy giving them back when I am done. We have reason to rejoice!
On another note, as we always have reasons to thank and praise God, today is no exception. The oldest of my two younger sisters has recently announced her first pregnancy. She and her husband have been dealing with a lot of challenges in this regard for the last several years. God is still God and God is still good. God answers prayers. We have prayed fervantly for this one trusting in His will.As much as I try to enjoy and savor the moments of life as I am in them, part of me misses the days gone by. God has worked it well as He always does. My kids are older and my siblings are now having children. I enjoy playing with thier kids and enjoy giving them back when I am done. We have reason to rejoice!
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it
(Psalm 118:24).
If all of this was too mushy, sorry.
-J
Monday, August 3, 2009
Airforce Hair Cut
I got an airforce haircut from my Dad. I had to take three showers today because of the hair cut. Actually, only two of them were beause of the hair cut. I took a shower to clean up. Dad cut my hair so I took another shower. Then, Dad had to fix the haircut so I had to take another shower.
What do you think of this?
What do you think of this?-JT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)