This past Monday I heard what I can only say is the most encouraging news coming out of Iran in…well, just about anytime.

About a thousand Iranian students protested a speech by the Iranian “President,” Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, crying “Death to the dictator”! In what can only be called a brave and, frankly, dangerous move, the students of Iran are protesting Ahmadinejad’s “corruption, mismanagement, and deception”, according to the New York Times. More power to them, I say!

While I still believe in the importance of Iraq, Iran is becoming more and more evident as a global threat. They need to be dealt with. Or, more to the point, the Mullahs and Ahmadinejad need to be dealt with. Iran is openly pursuing nuclear capabilities. They harbor and finance known terrorist groups. They deny that the Holocaust ever took place. These folks are so antithetical to that for which America stands they need to be addressed.

What America needs to do is bolster the air of dissent created by the students. I know that they are burdened beyond belief, but we need to refocus our troops on Iran rather than Iraq. If we back Middle Easterners who are opposed to the terrorist regimes, we will not only gain victory in Middle East but we may gain back some of our respect as well.

If we’re going to try to change the region, we must back up our words with swift and decisive action. Negotiation will not work with the Islamo-Nazis who are only interested in the destruction of all who oppose them.

Don’t like it? Well, you still have that right…(at least here in America)

God Bless,

Doug

Last night in my English 102 class--a class in which much spirited discussion takes place--I got the feeling that many people have either misinterpreted me or have been given unclear information about me by me.  First, let me do the backstory:

I walked into this Eng 102 class not expecting much at all.  I expected to read some boring (liberal) stories and write a couple of mindless papers and then be done with my English requirements.  After all, I'm in school for programming, so why do I need to I need to know about Hemingway and the rest?  I really didn't want to write any more papers.

When I arrived at class, I wasn't much impressed, but teacher said that we would discuss issues dealing with the stories.  Over the last 3 months, I have been more pleasantly surprised than I ever thought I could have been.  There are, of course, those in the class that remain silent, but not many.  For the most part, much "juicy" discussion has taken place with 90% of the class involved. 

Enough backstory. 

I have a tendency to come across as close-minded and possibly even arrogant in my beliefs.  I pray that I don't seem judgemental.  Most seem to think they will know my answer before I even give it.  I guess that's a peril of participation.

As I am going to ask the other members of my class to read this post, let me set the record straight regarding what I believe:

1.  I believe and affirm the ancient creeds of the Church.  Click here for a list of those creeds and other documents.   

2.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.  Why?  Because I believe the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible Word of God.  God said it, that settles it.  It doesn't matter if I believe it.  Although I know this to be true, each person must work out his own salvation with "fear and trembling".  I can't make you believe and I won't try.  My job is to plant a seed, not to force that seed to grow. 

3.  I believe that God has called us to reach out to those who are lost and to share the Gospel of Christ with them.  I also believe that this means that we must be sensitive but honest in our presentation of the Gospel.  I don't want to beat you in the head with it, but I will tell you the Truth. 

4.  I believe that my primary responsibility--after my responsibility to my God--is to my family.  I do all that I do because I want to provide for my family.  And providing doesn't mean a new Lexus...it means that we can eat and keep a roof over our heads.  Anything beyond that is a blessing. 

5.  I will not judge your heart.  I don't know what's in your heart.  But I will always remember that I am a sinner saved by the grace of God.  Without that grace, I would be worse than most of you could imagine.  Your sins are between you and God.  I will not condemn you for your sins.  I may bring them to light, but I will not condemn you for them. 

6.  My "Calvinism" is not a religion, it is a theology.  My religion is Christian.  My denomination is Assemblies of God.  My theology is Reformed - meaning I believe that all ability to have faith in God is given by God...man cannot believe in Christ unless he is first given the ability by God.  This forces me to be humble about my faith.  Check out the above website for info on that. (e.g. The Five Points of Calvinism). 

7.  I believe that I have a civic responsibility to be the best citizen I can be.  This is tempered, however, by the fact that I hold a dual citizenship - I am a pilgrim passing through this life.  This land is my home while I am alive, but my true home is in heaven. 

8.  For reasons apparently devoid of logic or reason, I am a Miami Dolphins fan.  One day, Shula/Marino will return. :)

9.  I believe that God has called us to love and care for our fellow man.  This means if you are hungry and I have food, my food is your food.  My clothes are your clothes.  Mi casa es su casa. 

10.  To borrow a line from my Pastor:  If the manner in which I present the Truth has offended you, I apologize whole-heartedly for my inability to deliver the Truth in a pleasing manner.  But if it is the Truth I present which offends, I CANNOT apologize.  This is not my Truth but the Truth of God.  I don't make God's apologies. 

Don't like it?  Well, you still have that right...

God Bless,
Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

On this Thanksgiving day, I wanted to make a short post about that for which I am thankful:

-- Above all, I am thankful for my God and my Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom nothing is possible. 

-- I am thankful that I live in the greatest nation on God's green earth.

--  I am thankful for my lovely wife, Crystal - my proof that God exists and that He is a good God.

-- I am thankful for my Dillon - my unbelievably bright and loving 4 year old.

-- I am thankful for my Noah - my unbelievably sweet and cranky 1 week old. 

-- I am thankful for my job - without which I would not be able to provide for the three aforementioned miracles in my life. 

-- I am thankful for my family, both natural and church.

-- I am thankful to our fighting men and women -- past, present, and future -- who put their lives on the line daily for my freedoms.

-- I am thankful that, even though we have flaws, the American people are willing to fight for that which is good and right. 

-- I am thankful for every breath given to me.  Who knows if the next one will come? 

-- I am thankful that I have so much for which to be thankful that I could never list them all here.

SO,  what are YOU thankful for?  If you don't know, please think about it.  There is so much for which to be thankful in this world.  Whether you believe in God, He has blessed you with a beautiful world.  Take time out to thank Him for it.

Don't like it?  Well, you still have that right...(and thank a soldier for that)

God bless,
Doug

Hello there again. 

I've got to start blogging more frequently.  So many things have happened since the end of November.  The most important being the addition of a future conservative to our household.  Our 2nd son, Noah, was born on 11.16.06.  He was 4 years in the making.  God has blessed us indeed.

Back to the world...So, the Dems pull off the upset.  Okay, but it was more about how far the GOP has gotten from '94 than how good the Dems will be.  People are rightfully upset about the war. 

Rummy steps down the day after the election.  Was that planned?  Oh well...he had his issues.  At least they can't hold that against us in '08. 

What Elton John thinks about religion is somehow newsworthy.  Whatever.  Be gay to yourself, Elton.  I'm getting tired of hearing about it. 

Brittany and K-Fed?!?  TomKat?!?  Does anyone actually care?!?

America, all I know is this...we may be flawed, but we are a great nation.  As Mr. O'Reilly says we are a "noble" nation. 

Thank goodness Pelosi didn't get Murtha elected as Majority Leader.   She's already failing as the Speaker and she hasn't even officially taken the position.  Baa-daa-da-DA-daaaa, I'm lovin' it. 

Hopefully the GOP will get the picture.  We're tired of pork.  We're tired of entitlement.  And we'll soon be tired of  "Pelosikstan".  We need to gear up for '08.  It's only 2 years away. 

Who should we look for in '08?  I'm not sure, but I'd love to see Santorum run for Pres.  Wouldn't be bad at all. 

Don't like it?  Well, you've still got that right...

God Bless,
Doug

Wow...how quickly over a month can go by.  Anyway, back to the blog...

The elections are less than 2 weeks away and Republicans are nail-biting and Nancy Pelosi is picking out curtains for her new office.  Perish the thought that this liberal fanatic would be the Speaker of the House.  I shiver when I hear her talk about her agenda.  

America, we need conservative leadership.  Yeah, Foley was horrible, but I'm tired of hearing about it.  Why didn't we hear about Nevada-gate outside of talk radio?  Why on earth didn't more people bring up Gerry Studds?  Funny how the Dems want to be righteous a month before the elections.

Here in Kentucky, Rep. Anne Northup is in a close race against super-liberal John Yarmuth.  I have faith that my fellow Louisvillians will make the correct choice.  I pray that the rest of this great nation will make the right choice in it's local races.  Just remember, if you want to send a message, do it by email.  We don't want a Democratic Congress.  Our troops, our children, our families...there's way too much at risk. 

Whatever you decide to do, please GO VOTE!!!  I don't want to hear you whine if you don't.

Don't like it?  Well, you still have THAT right...(until Nancy and Hillary make it illegal)O

God Bless,
Doug

I spent most of the day yesterday watching and reading and reliving the events of September 11^th, 2001. I was surprised to feel the fury welling up inside of me five years out from the actual event. Even more, knowing the opportunities we had to take bin Laden out in the years leading up to the most tragic event in American history.

Something else struck me more than the images on the screen. Even more than the black smoke against the clear blue September morning.

I was struck by the lack of discussion pertaining to what day it was. Not one person I spoke to at work said anything about that fateful day five years prior. Not one person I met was enraged. Not one person I met showed any signs of reliving the events within themselves. The closest I came was someone who was trying to discuss 9-11 conspiracy theories with me...which only fueled the fires of anger that burned inside of me.

What I miss is America on September 12^th, 2001. The America that put political differences aside. The America that put racial and religious differences aside. The America that stood in line, all over the country, to give blood for those directly impacted by the horrendous attacks on our homeland. The America who rallied behind the President who said, in short, “Look out. We’re coming for you.” What happened to that America?

Five years later, we’ve let politics, race, religion, in fact, all of our differences puncture through the united fabric that America became in the days and weeks after the New York and Washington DC attacks. We’ve divided ourselves along the same old partisan lines. We’ve become “the America that was”.

We can not revert to our old ways of thinking. We can’t somehow think that we can defeat the enemies before us with division. We must unite in our efforts to remove the threat of evil around the entire world, not just in a few select countries.

Stand behind your President, America! And have no doubt; if you live in America, he IS your President. You don’t have to agree with everything he says or does – I don’t even do that, and I love the guy – just stand behind him as a united people and we can lessen the evil in the world. It won’t all go away, not until Christ returns, but we can make this a better place to live in the meantime.

Don’t like it? Well, you still have that right...

God Bless,

Doug

 

Today, my 4 year old son went to pre-school for the first time. I took the morning off to, with his mother, make sure he got to class and dealt with “school” alright. He’s never really been away from family. My mother and my father watch him during the day. My wife dropped from full-time to part-time at her job to be with him more. He spends time with my wife’s parents at least once a week.

With my son not spending any time away from at least someone in his family, I was concerned that this day would be traumatic for him. He did just fine. My wife and I, on the other hand, were more shaken that he ever could’ve been. Though we withheld our tears, at least until we were alone in our own cars, I could tell that both of us knew that an invisible landmark had just been erected. Our only son (until November anyway) was growing up. Not was growing up, but has grown up.

On the ride into work – 35 minutes of sheer boredom – for some reason, a long forgotten memory came back with unexpected nostalgic intensity. Over 13 years ago, I went away to college. I attended a small state school that was about 4 hours away from my hometown. Except for a month vacation in Europe when I was 17, I’d never spent more than a week away from home. I was, at one time, terrified and exhilarated – terrified at being on my own, exhilarated at being on my own. I knew this was a huge moment in the life of a teenager becoming a man.

Apparently, my father knew this as well. My mother and father had followed me on the 4 hour trip to help carry my belongings. My small two-seater wouldn’t hold all of my things. After we got both of our cars unloaded, it was finally time; time to finally be on my on my own. Ever the momma’s boy, I hugged my mother and kissed her on the cheek. Her ‘baby’ was now a man about to face the world alone. I turned to my father and moved to hug him – it just seemed like the right thing to do. My father – who has never been an overly affectionate man – took a half-step back and stuck out his hand. It took me a second to realize what he was doing. After my mind caught up, I thrust my hand forward and shook my father’s hand. They went home; I went to the dorm.

Not until 13 years later do I recognize the significance of that moment. My father and I have had a somewhat turbulent relationship in the past. We were as two bull-headed men constantly banging heads like two rams fighting over a woman. I was rebellious, headstrong, and thought I knew everything. He was hell-bent on making sure I didn’t screw up my life. More than once, I thought I’d been punished for being a bad person in a past life (back when I believed such nonsense).

Time has passed and my father and I have pretty much reconciled. I’ve started to realize that he was right in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. When my son came into this world, I started to see things through my father’s eyes. Funny how kids do that...

We still disagree on things. I still think he’s a little stuck in the 50’s. He still thinks I’m a little flighty and irresponsible. But we’ve started to get along more than I ever imagined we could. I actually crave time with my father now whereas in the past I would try to get away as quickly as I could. I understand where he was coming from when I was a kid. He was doing the best he knew how to do. He loved me and he showed me that through discipline and guidance. The same thing that I do with my son...

Dad, I hope you read this. There’s something that I haven’t said to you in about 25 years. I don’t know why I haven’t...I just haven’t. I guess this is one of the easiest places to do this....

Dad, I love you and I’m glad that you’re my dad. Thanks for all that you’ve taught me throughtout the years.

Now...everyone out there, call your dad and tell him you love him. If I can do it, you can.

Don’t like it? Well, you’ve still got that right.

God Bless,

Doug

FOX News reported this morning that Radio Shack terminated 400 employees...BY E-MAIL!!! Yes, 400 hundred employees reported to work to find that their inbox advised them of the unfortunate news. Forgoing the “pink slip”, Radio Shack execs chose to guide these employees to the information superhighway to the Unemployment Office.

Could you imagine being fired by e-mail? Not only is it cold and impersonal, but it’s just wrong. What’s happened to the personal touch in this country? Too often we sit at a drive-thru speaker or on a cell phone rather than speaking to a person. Probably 95% of major corporations have computers answering their phones rather than a person. We either call or e-mail the person in the office next to us. Have we lost our minds or just gotten crazy?

I obviously don’t despise technology and the ease that it can bring for us. But the ease that it brings comes with a cost. We’ve lost our interpersonal relationship skills. We now go online to date rather than trying to meet someone at the library or the grocery store... (or the singles club, who am I kidding). The Yellow Pages slogan was “reach out and touch someone”. Now we’re lucky if we even see that person, must less shake their hand.

Humans were created as social creatures. We are made to need other people. We need human interaction to thrive. Babies that don’t receive physical touch within the first 36 hours of life tend to have development issues. (This may not be solid fact, but the point’s made.) We need each other.

So if your mom lives in town, don’t just email or call...GO SEE HER! Invite your neighbor to dinner. Introduce yourself to the person in line in front of you. If there’s someone around you when you’re reading this article, invite them to read it as well and then have a face to face conversation about it.

Okay, I’m done. WAIT?!?!? WAS THAT MY INBOX?!?!?!? OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Don’t like it? Well, you’ve still got that right...

God Bless,
Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

NOTE: I meant to post this yesterday. Funny how life gets in the way, huh?

So, it’s been a year since one of the most devastating natural disasters to every hit American soil. Of course I’m speaking of Hurricane Katrina, the Category 3 storm that hit the Gulf Coast August 29, 2005. Particularly hard hit was New Orleans, LA and the coastal communities of southern Mississippi. We all remember the tragic stories of rape and violence in the Superdome in the aftermath of the Storm. We’ve all seen the footage of survivors stranded on rooftops and on highway overpasses. This disaster was a chilling reminder of just how powerful nature’s fury can truly be.

We’re on the cusp of another important anniversary of a disaster. It was disaster of such unimaginable proportion that the event doesn’t even need a name. Just the mere mention of the date sends chills down our spines. Of course, I’m speaking of September 11^th, 2001. Over 3,000 of our neighbors, friends, and families lost their lives in the most vicious display of pure evil in recent history.

What did Katrina teach us? Well, it taught us that we need to more completely prepare ourselves as a country for another national disaster. It taught us that gas can, in fact, go above $3.00. It taught us that we can help out our neighbor...even when that neighbor is hundreds of miles away.

Katrina taught us something else...how hopelessly dependent on the government Americans can be. It was disheartening to see thousands of people left in squalor – Third World countries have conditions better than New Orleans in those following days – waiting for the government to come and rescue them. Those left behind were obviously the minorities and the poor. And, unfortunately, they were waiting for the government to do what they’ve done for them for the past 60 years – bail them out of situations in which the people should’ve taken action. I don’t mean to sound harsh. I feel compassion for those who were stranded in the Superdome and on the highways and on the tops of houses. But warnings were given for DAYS prior to Katrina hitting the coast. The majority of the Big Easy got out. Why didn’t these poor souls? Part of the reason, I suppose, was that the Entitlement society that our social programs have created was waiting for another entitlement – rescue from danger.

The government does have a responsibility to take care of its people and protect them from harm, within reason. We can’t expect our government to lead us away from the flames. If you walk in front of a train, it’s YOUR responsibility to get out of the way, not the government’s responsibility. America has gotten away from personal responsibility for actions. It’s high time that we get back and start taking responsibility for our own lives. Please don’t leave that in the hands of a government that can’t even realize that you need to live on less than you make.

Don’t agree? Well, you’ve still got that right...

God Bless,
Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

 

My Pastor’s sermon this week was entitled “The Club and the Crook”. His point was that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only corrects his flock with the crook but also protects them with the club. This image, Jesus on the offensive attacking those who would harm His sheep, is shocking to most, even heretical to some. Wasn’t Jesus a peace-loving carpenter who always turned the other cheek when anyone threatened Him? Well, wasn’t He?

NO. When you look at the job that the shepherd had back in Biblical times, it wasn’t a simple little job helping the sheep go from one pasture to the next. It was a dangerous job. There were criminals all throughout the countryside. Constant attacks from predators, such as wolves or bears, were daily exercises for the Hebrew shepherd. He would have no option but to defend his flock.

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd...and I believe Him. He not only corrects His flock but also protects them. Look, when the people were using the Temple for trade, gambling, and prostitution, Jesus started knocking over tables. He called the Pharisees “white-washed tombs”. Our Lord wasn’t always gentle...but He was always righteous and remained without sin. Let’s face it, Jesus wasn’t a mamsy-pamsy tree hugger flashing a peace sign and talking about finding our “higher selves”. Jesus preached almost 3 times more on Hell than He did on Heaven. He said He didn’t come to bring peace but division. And read the description of His return in Revelations. This isn’t the Suffering Servant stumbling His way back up the Via Dolorosa talking about how we should all just love each other. He is the Mighty Warrior. He is the Conquering King. He is the Judge of All Humanity. The King of kings and Lord of lords. He will smite the unrighteous and bring vindication to those made righteous in His Name and His Blood. I’m not worried about the “fury of hell”...I’m worried about the Fury of Heaven. Actually, I’m not worried. I’ve accepted Jesus Christ of the Bible as my God, my Lord, and my Savior. I’m good in that day. I just worry about those who continue to deny Him.

When we say that we believe in Jesus, the next question is “Which Jesus?” Do you believe in the Jesus of your own creation? The Jesus of your mind who is truly no Jesus at all? Or do you believe in the Jesus of the Bible? The Word who became Flesh, the Lion of Judah, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. I am unabashedly, unapologetically Trinitarian. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity.

One last thing...for those who have an issue with the comparison of Christians to sheep – BAA, BAA, BAA! If the Lord God Almighty, who created all things, chose to call me an amoeba and called Christ the Good Scientist, I’d be an amoeba. Despite the obvious comparison - humans are, despite all of our desires, followers – the Shepherd cares for His sheep. The Shepherd loves His sheep. The Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. Can’t get love like that from an amoeba...or the “Absolute Oneness” in Nirvana with all of the Nothingness...or whatever.

Don’t like it? Well, you’ve still got that right...

God Bless,

Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

Bruce Willis plays the part of the 'everyman' with perfection.  From the Die Hard series to 16 Blocks, he reminds us of one of our friends' fathers or the guy who lives just down the street.  I'm not really educated on the social or religious views of Mr. Willis, but that doesn't really matter for this discussion.  All we need to say is that he is (on screen, at least) the classic working-class hero.  He was even graceful when Planet Hollywood went under...he just got up on stage and played Bruno with the harmonica blowing out a soulful blues riff. 

When we watch a Bruce Willis movie, we can easily see ourselves in his shoes - the guys at least.  Ever the reluctant hero, we wonder what we would do if we were placed in a situation where international terrorists were trying to take over a building or an airport.  We wonder what we would do if our nation called upon us to fly to a meteor and blow it up.  If we were the small town sheriff, would we go into the locked-down house to try to save the kids?  We see Bruce Willis and we want to be him, at least, we want to be his characters.  

-NOW-

Tom Cruise, on the other hand, is the complete opposite from Bruce.  Politial and religious views aside (because it's just tooooo easy to pick on a ultra-liberal follower of science fiction fairy tales), he is just too 'slick' when it comes to his portrayal of his characters.  Did anyone really buy that Tom Cruise was a working-class guy reluctant to save the world from invading aliens in War of the Worlds? No, Tom Cruise is the Misson: Impossible ultra-suave special agent.  He is Jerry Maguire, freakishly shouting "SHOW ME THE MONEY" while getting the girl...at least he wasn't jumping on couches then, huh?  Now, alas, Tommy has been abandoned by Paramount and is left to dangle in limbo wondering from where his next meal is going to come.  Poor Tom.  Maybe we should start the Tom Cruise Foundation, collecting money for the future survival of Tom Cruise and Tom Cruise related memorabilia.  (Plus, he grew up in Louisville, KY and went to St. Xavier High School, yet he never makes mention of THAT during his couch-jumping rants.  I'm ashamed to say that I'm from Louisville.)

Why do we focus so much energy on those who are in the media?  There are everyday heroes in our churches, in our neighborhoods, even our homes.  It's not the guy who plays hero who deserves our praises.  It's the firefighter, the teacher, the mechanic, the police officer, the preacher, the drive-thru window guy, the factory worker, the car salesman (well, maybe not the car salesman - just kidding) - the TRUE heroes who are deserving.  We should praise those who go to work everyday and come home to love their families without fanfare.  (And YES, being a stay-at-home mom is going to work, it's probably one of the hardest jobs out there.)

And remember this: (my favorite bumper sticker)

            If you can read this, thank a teacher.  If it's in English, thank a soldier.

Don't like it?  Well, you have that right...

God Bless,
Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

The idea of the forgotten people came about in late 2004. We were heading into an election. We were (and still are) at war with terror. But life in Middle America was pretty much the same. Work, home, church - all went on as usual.

There was a news story earlier that year about a courageous young man named Pat Tillman. He turned down a $3.6 million football contract to go fight in Afghanistan. Tragically, he died in combat on April 22, 2004. He was an American hero, no doubt about it.

Anyway, he was the topic of a discussion that I was having with a co-worker in late 2004. My co-worker was lauding Pat Tillman and the sacrifice he made to serve his country. While I didn't disagree with the idea that he was a hero, I asked my co-worker why Pat Tillman's sacrifice was any greater than someone who walked away from a job at McDonald's or Wal-Mart and then died in combat. This got me ranting...I'll try to remember a bit of it...

The forgotten people are those who live, work, and play without recognition. There's no fanfare when I pay my electric bill. There's no gang of photographers waiting to get a glimpse of me cutting my grass or grilling my steaks. CNN doesn't give a rip if my car breaks down.

We get lost in the shuffle. We are overlooked by the public at large and looked down upon by those in the lofty towers of media and academia. We don't ask for handouts. We don't have freakish antics the media would want to cover. We do our thing without a thank you. We just live our lives and go about our days.

The only time we get recognized is when we do something wrong.  If we mess up at work, we get recognized.  If we drive our cars too fast, we get recognized.  If we leave our socks on the floor, we get recognized.  I'd like to see more positive recognition for those of us who aren't "pretty" enough to make it to a magazine. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm not espousing the idea that mediocrity should be rewarded - 20th/21st century America has done enough of that. We reward lethargy and we sympathize with the slothful. We tell our kids that it's okay to lose. There are children’s sports leagues that don't even keep score anymore. It's not about whether you win or lose but how you feel about yourself when you play the game.

But I think that the guy who drives the truck across the country to make sure that California has its bean sprouts should be recognized. The police officer, the fire fighter, the teacher - God bless the teachers -, the metal worker, the meat packer, the secretary, the garbage man, the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker....you get the point. These people deserve a little recognition every once in awhile.

Next time you go to a fast food restaurant, SEEK OUT the Employee of the Month and tell them good job. If you get good service at a restaurant, leave a big fat tip with a note saying THANKS! Buy a police officer a cup of coffee. Donate to your fire fighters charity. America, we've got HUGE hearts and need to start telling those who provide a good service with pride that we appreciate them.

Not that the movie was all that good, but paying something forward rather than paying it back is a marvelous idea. America, let’s be good to each other – there are already enough people out there who hate us.

Don’t like it? You’ve got that right...

Doug

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering." – St. Augustine

Welcome to the Forgotten People! 

Everyone else has a blog, so why not the forgotten people.  Who are the forgotten people, you ask?  The forgotten people are middle class Americans.  People who fly under the radar.  People who don't ask for help.  People who go to work, go to church, go to school, go to T-ball games, go to Wal-Mart.  People who play softball and throw horseshoes.  People who like fishing and football, boats and baseball.  People who don't have a voice.  

This blog will be decidedly conservative.  This blog will be unapologetically Christian.  This blog will cover whatever topic seems to need attention at the time. 

I hope you enjoy this.  Let me know if you have any ideas.

God Bless,
Doug