It is still the truth…

The following is from a post I shared on August 11, 2009, and is still the truth.

Town Hall Meetings

As most American’s know in recent days our politicians who are in favor of a government health care bill coming to pass have been having “Town Hall” meetings to hear your voice. It seems to me that many of them cannot take the heat.

Maybe I am wrong about what I am about to say, but I don’t think so. When a man or woman is elected to the position of serving in the Senate or Congress do they not serve all the people in their district, whether they voted for them or not? If that is so why are many of them complaining about “plants” at these meetings? If they are people from their district, they are the Senator’s, or Congressman/woman’s constituents. That is at least the way I understand it. Unless, that is, they only represent those who voted for them.

If that is the case, then who are the “plants”.

Now, in saying what I have said, I will say this. It is rude, and unbecoming of true American [USA] citizens to do what I have seen many doing on the news reports. The beating of a man outside one meeting whom the people did not agree with. Cutting the representative off when he/she is trying to speak. Whether we disagree or not doesn’t give you or me the right to be rude. To me when we become rude, unwilling to listen to disagreement, and being disagreeable in our actions; it is because we are afraid the others may be right.

When you believe you are right you have nothing to fear. Listen to the opposing view. Voice your opinion and be passionate about it, but without rudeness, name calling, or bad language. When you listen you are learning.

Someone has said, “God gave us two ears and only one mouth. I suppose that means He meant for us to do twice as much listening as we do talking.” That is good advice to follow.

That is my opinion, and I’m sticking with it.
From the banks of Flat Creek, that is how it is

`tim

By Dr. Benjamin Carson

When our forefathers knelt and prayed for wisdom at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, then stood up and together assembled a seventeen-page document known as the Constitution of the United States of America, they were clearly guided by the hand of God.

Today the forces of political correctness would expel God from every public sphere in American life, and the hearts and minds of every man, woman, and child in America are up for grabs in this cataclysmic battle between the lovers of men and the lovers of God. Some would rather never choose between the two, but life is full of choices, and our individual and collective choices determine the quality of our existence.

I believe it is time for us to stand up and be counted. We can no longer be passive because the Judeo-Christian way of life in America is at stake. We need not be ashamed of our faith, and we certainly should not allow those who believe differently to change who we are in order to be politically correct.

Yes, we should accept them with brotherly love as we have been taught, but we should never compromise our belief system. We do believe in God, and we do believe in the right of everyone to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do believe in an orderly government that facilitates these goals rather than impedes them.

It is time to set aside political correctness and replace it with the bold values and principles that founded our nation and caused it to race to the pinnacle of the world faster than any other nation in history. It is time to stop apologizing and to start leading, because the world is desperately in need of fair and ethical leadership. If that leader is not America, then who will it be, and where will they lead?

If we apply logic to solving our problems and add the godly principles of loving our fellow man, caring about our neighbors, and developing our God-given talents to the utmost so we become valuable to those around us – allowing these values and principles to govern our lives – then not only will we remain a pinnacle nation, we will truly be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

It is my prayer, America, that God will continue to shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. I pray that with his blessings our past will be but a stepping stone to a bright future and that our best days will truly lie ahead of us – a beautiful new beginning! — Dr. Ben Carson, M.D., America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great, 2012.

Jesus and Politics 2019

There is a whole lot of politics going on. You know the idea, and ask the question, “How do you know a politician is lying?” The answer is… I will let you know a little later. That almost sounds like a good answer. That is not it, however.

How should Christians who are ‘followers of Jesus Christ’ be involved in politics, or should they be? Jesus said, “Render to Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. It seems you could get a clear and distinct answer of being involved from that statement, “Render to Caesar…” When we are citizens of a Nation which has a democratic process of elections, then, we should participate in those elections and let our vote and voice be heard.

Should Christians try to get moral legislation for that Nation? That may be a little stickier. As Christians we understand that morality, nor legislation is going to change a nation. A nation changes as the hearts of the people are changed. That works in the positive and the negative. If the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus is received by the populace, then there will be a positive change of hearts. If, on the other hand, society begins to turn more and more away from God, His Word, equal justice for all, giving of their resources to others in need, and Biblical/Christian morality, then there is the negative change and evil will increase. The streets will be filled with crimes such as street shootings, school shootings, robberies – banks, convenience stores, jewelry stores, churches, etc. Husbands killing wives, wives killing husbands, parents killing children, children killing parents, co-habitations (couples living together without being married), and all kinds of immoral sexual behavior, and that includes the U. S. Supreme Court approved same sex marriage. Though approved by men, to God it is still an abomination.

Christians must have a voice, and that voice is in their church buildings and in the voting booth, and in the public forum. Christian, you have the right to vote: Use it or lose it.

I was behind a car from New Hampshire on the afternoon of Friday October 27, 2006 in Cassville, Missouri. I noticed something about that plate and the motto on the plate. It read, “LIVE FREE, OR DIE”. I thought when I saw it, “Now who ever came up with that one had a bold thought”. As long as you and I have the freedom to vote we have a say in the way things are run in our country.

If we get to trusting in the political process to save our Nation we are doomed. In the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ it speaks of a woman riding a beast. That woman represents religion, and the beast is – I believe – democratic government. I must say, has not religion in recent years been riding the beast of democracy? What follows is not pretty.

The Gospel of Jesus will change hearts and lives. No political process can do that. Legislate as you will.

Now to answer the question at the beginning. Their mouth is moving. But, you probably already knew that.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Quote from Winston Churchill

“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” — Winston Churchill

Quote by Margaret Thatcher

I have heard people quoting this at least twice this year (2019); and it is so true.

“The problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.” — Margaret Thatcher.

 

What a Wonderful Life

It is wonderful, and a blessing from Almighty God to be a citizen and living in the United States of America. Some may laugh when I say this, but I really do endeavor to stay out of political issues.  There are times that I feel I must open my mouth, and many times insert foot.

There is much in our government that is evil, wretched, and almost beyond my comprehension.  I do not understand how a man could run for the office of the Governor of a State, shortly after having a sexual encounter with a woman, not his wife, and then portray himself as a “Family man”, but it has happened; and not only a family man, but a “Religious man” as well.

Then, our President has a very bad habit of name calling which is not only uncouth but ungodly and not Christ-like in any possible way.  He, however, is not perfect, and neither am I; and that does not excuse the vile words he or anyone else uses.  We ought to challenge ourselves to do better with our words, our vocabulary.  I heard many years ago that an individual who cusses is showing their lack of education.  Let us all become better educated with good, wholesome, and encouraging words; rather than always trying to denigrate others.

To be honest with you I am completely disgusted with the politics of our day. Neither party can be trusted to do what the people desire, and they certainly are not into doing what God and His word say. I place my trust in God the Father, and His Son Jesus to superintend the events of every day of my life, the family, the State, and the federal government, and the world governments.

I will pray for our Governor and the President, do what I can as a citizen of this nation, and I will continue to live as a citizen of Heaven because that is the home for which my heart longs.

What a wonderful life it is when you put your faith and trust in the Lord, our Creator, rather than in the governments of men.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

`tim

I Will Be Voting…

…By the grace of God I will be voting on Tuesday November 08, 2016.  I will not be voting for “the lesser of two evils”.

I will be voting for the candidate who will honor their pledge (at their inauguration) to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America”.  I will be voting for the candidate who will defend the Second Amendment, and the people’s right to defend themselves against a tyrannical government.  I will be voting for the candidate who defends the right of life to the unborn human child.  I will be voting for the candidate who cares more about the citizens of this great nation, than they do about global causes.  I will be voting for the candidate who will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will honor, defend, and protect the Constitution according to its original intent rather than what is culturally acceptable, or politically correct.

The reason to go vote.  Your vote will make a difference.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

 

 

The Verdict is In

And Justice has been served.  If the Grand Jury would have decided with public pressure, or emotion there would not be justice.

They did however base their decision on the evidence and testimony they were given.  Justice has been served.

Let us all be part of the human race, grieve with the family who tragically lost a son; and grieve with the city of Ferguson, MO for the trials they have experienced by mob rule, and the great injustices done to local businesses and people.

Let us also pray for the peace of all who are not at peace.

-tim

Book – Empire of the Summer Moon

On July 17 of 2013 I posted an article on this book, “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne, copyright 2010.  I neglected to write further of it after I finished a few weeks later.

I am a slow reader, and it just never happened.

This cannot really be a finished review, but I will state I was involved in the story.  The history has much to do with Quanah Parker, his mother Cynthia Ann Parker, and Quanah’s rise in the white man’s world.

The following is a quote from the book about Quanah Parker:

“Quanah speaks English, is considerably advanced in civilization, and owns a ranch with considerable livestock and a small farm; wears a citizen’s suit and conforms to the customs of civilization–withal a fine-looking and dignified son of the plains….He is tall, muscular, as straight as an arrow; look-you-straight-through eyes, very dark skin, perfect teeth, and heavy, raven-black hair–the envy of feminine hearts….He has a handsome carriage and drives a pair of matched grays.”

The quote is a chapter 20 footnote for a quote from James T. DeShields, article “Cynthia Ann Parker: The Story of Her Capture”.

I found it to be very interesting for history, and after I really got into the story found it hard to put the book down.

It is not a children’s story.  It is for an adult reading.

-tim

The Top Five Reasons to Vote for President Obama

With the election coming up in a couple of months I thought I might look at some reasons one should vote for Obama.

The number one reason I thought of is economical, and has to do with the fact that he is already in office, so why waste another 200, 000 or more per year on retired Presidents salary.  I mean if we elect Romney, President Obama will still be getting an income from the American people, why not make him earn it?

The second reason I can think of is that the man likes going around making speeches, and turning peoples eyes upon himself.  He must really be an important fellow who demands such respect, and awe in the hearts and minds of those who adore him.  His promises are as good as his word; and we know how good that really is.

My third reason to vote for the President is because he wants to divide the wealth of our nation.  Under his ideas the rich will stop getting richer; the poor will stop getting poorer; and I am really sure that there will be more food on everyone’s tables, more gas in our cars, and more coal, oil, and electrical production.  Who among us would not like to have the same wealth as Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or the WalMart family?  Is that the way his ideas would work?

The fourth reason would be because he is such a good family man.  He is for everyone having the right to marry, even two men or two women.  I am that sure eventually he would be in favor of a man or woman marrying their own son or daughter; or their own sibling.  Is there anything wrong with that?

Sorry about the title; but I could not think of any more reasons to vote for President Obama in November.

-tim

 

Think About This before Voting…

I received this on an email group I am on.

Think About This Before You Vote …

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. — John Adams

If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. — Mark Twain

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. — Mark Twain

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. — Winston Churchill

Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. — James Bovard

Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. — P.J. O’Rourke

Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. — Frederic Bastiat

Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you!– Pericles (430 B.C.)

No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. — Mark Twain

Talk is cheap…except when Congress does it. — Anonymous

The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. –Mark Twain

What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. — Edward Langley

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. — Aesop

Some pretty wise thoughts.

-Tim

There are Storms A Plenty

It has been amazing the amount of rainfall we have recently received, and more in the weather forecast.  What is even more amazing are the numbers of storms, and especially tornadoes which have struck the Southern States of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and if I missed anyone I apologize.  

At my last reckoning there were 329 deaths associated with these devastating winds and twisters.  To those families my heart goes out to you along with my prayers. 

One of the things which amazes me too is the strength and grit of the human being.  You see it our resiliency to go on despite the storms of life.  Some have that because God gives us zeal for life and living, and we thank Him for it.  Others, wrongly, just give that to the human spirit which is virtually dead to God.  Let me say to all of you; Hang on.  Turn to God now if you haven’t yet.  He loves you.  He gave His Son Jesus to die for your sins, and raise Him again to life.

As the title suggests “There are Storms A Plenty”.  Not all storms are made up of physical clouds, and wind.  Some are going on in the political realm.  Some in the matters of health.  Some are financial.  You get the picture.  With all the hot air that is coming out of Washington D.C. and the truth of God’s Word there are upheavals in our Nation.  With a President who claims to be Christian, but seems tto give more honor to the muslim than to Christ we are in for one doozy of a storm.

I want to give you a link to follow.  It is written by a man by the name of Jack Woodard.  Read it and let’s pray for our President.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Questions, Questions, Questions

The more I know; the more I realize I don’t know. Does that make any sense? I think it does. Anyone who has any real sense realizes that the more we learn the more we realize we need to learn. Am I right?

Questions are usually asked by the questioner for the purpose of learning. How many of us who have children and grandchildren haven’t had one come up to us with one of those questions, and then, always; upon hearing the answer, ask, “Why?” The question that ends all questions. Sometimes there are really odd, and silly questions like, “Why is that car yellow?” The obvious answer to that is “Because they wanted it yellow”, or they bought it that way.

Questions also sometimes spark a debate. Debate is sometimes good. Debates sometimes turn into heated arguments.

I know I am just rambling it seems. “Why?” I am not really sure. I feel like rambling I guess. This is going to be online for the whole cyber world to read. And I really don’t care. I know others feel like this at times. I read some of their blogs and other stuff, so I know. Even politicians; like our President of the USA, rambles on a lot and never says anything meaningful, or constructive. I think I have that right too.

Well! Welcome to Autumn or Fall as we call it often. We are well into the Fall of the year, but around where I live the grass is still green and growing. Farmers are still putting up hay, though it must be a booger to cure for baling.

There is one thing I know and am assured of that God is God. He is Creator of all that is, has been or ever will be; and He has a Son whose name is Jesus who died on a cross for my sins and the world’s sins, was buried, and He rose again. One day He is coming; and to that day I look with great expectation.

Still I want to know more, because the more I know the more I realize I don’t know.

-Tim A. Blankenship