Happy New Years Eve for me!

I am happy today!

I saw my karate student, Jana.

She is going to be 11.

When she turns 16,
I am going to promote her to her full black belt. 

Her and her family moved away,
but not too far.

Her family was in town;
My son Ken and I visited them.

I was happy to see Jana.

How to Stay Young

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice.Loved it both times!"

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)


3. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...
Never let the brain get idle.'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud.Laugh until you gasp for breath.And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.


6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips..

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend!


11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance..

And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares? But do share this with someone.

Remember! Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

The World did not End!

It is midnight and the world is still here.
It did not end yet, but it will one day.
So let us enjoy our lives and life it to the fullest!
One day we will go up in a rapture,
And then we will have a new heaven and a new earth!

Saddened

Over the past few days I have been saddened by the tragedy that happened in Connecticut; it was a completely senseless school shooting.

I feel that there has to be stricter controls on guns. When someone purchases a firearm, they should be trained, licensed, and have an extensive background check. Those with mental disabilities should not have access to guns at all.

On my facebook page I wrote:

My friends this is probably wrong,
but I refuse to pray for the shooter and his family.

I will pray only for the victims of the shooting,
and their families.

I am so saddened to hear of four to eight year old children
being slaughtered for nothing.

It haunted my dreams this afternoon.

I took a nap.

As far as I am concerned the shooter of these children,
can BURN IN HELL!!!

Sad

I am so sad to have been blocked by my BFF,
just because of rumors.
I hope she finds it in her heart to unblock me. 
On this day I pray that our friendship to remain strong,
that our friendship become intimate through god,
and that god protects us.
In Jesus name.
Amen!

Wesolych Swiat!

 Wesolych Swiat! Happy Thanksgiving!

On this day I am thankful for my house, family, reconnecting with good friends, for being able to inspire others through my quotes, and for tutoring and mentoring children.

On this day I pray for the families in the East Coast that are still ravaged by hurricane Sandy, and for the troops deployed throughout the world that cannot be home with family. 



Give thanks for what you have and enjoy the time with family
and good friends!

Overwhelmingly Happy!

Today I am overwhelmingly happy to have seen my friend Piper after 25 years.
When we met, it was like we have never grown apart.
We are like two peas in a pod again.
Piper is my friend again and we vow to never lose that friendship.
We vow to never grow apart again.


In the beginning of my senior year at Moline High School, I did not know what to expect. I just overcame an unknown virus and was hospitalized. I did not think I was ever going to catch up on any of my school work, yet alone graduate on time. I was already in class with my younger sister Tammy instead of my twin Theresa. I had to quit training in the karate dojo for awhile. My life, I felt, was in circles. That was until I met Piper. Piper turned my life around. She is the one who became my best friend; she was the one that uplifted me when I felt down. Piper was my focus; the light that shone upon me.

The saddest moment in my life is when I lost touch with her. My heart felt like it was shattered in pieces. She gave me a friendship bracelet and the day it broke is the day I lost touch with her. I felt like I was going to die. I drank, got into bar fights, and became promiscuous. I had a decision to make, either keep going down the wrong path or make rank and make the military my stepping stone to college. The military later became my career.And I strived to become an officer, which injuries prevented.

Now I am at the happiest moment of my life, to find that light again.

Veterans Day Weekend

 Sunday:

On this day do not forget to take a moment of silence and pray for the troops, the veterans, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God be with them.

 Church was great on this Veterans day!

The scripture was:

"24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26 For then must he often have suffer

ed since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Hebrews 9:24-28 KJV

The song was:

"On Eagles Wings":

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord
"My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings your refuge
His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His wings
do not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you
Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand...

 

Here is some bible verses for this Veterans day Sunday:

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." 

John 15:13 KJV

“As the lions roar, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will deliver it. Passing over, He will preserve it.” Isaiah 31:4-5 NIV

 

Monday:

 

Veterans day has passed, but the kids are still home.
So we are heading out to Hy Vee for free breakfast.
Have a good day my friends.

 

 It was a great breakfast this morning at Hy Vee.
There was a buffet of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, biscuits, gravy, and cinnamon rolls; orange juice and coffee.
At 0900 this morning.

 

 

Dinner tonight was great!
I tried the chicken, bacon, and ranch quesadilla.
Along with two for one lime margarita's.
At 6 PM at Chili's.

 

25 reasons to vote OBAMA!

25 reasons from 25 people who are voting Obama:

1. "The Affordable Care Act is saving my daughter's life."
Stacey, Arizona

2. "Obama is for the vets. He helped us wind down in Iraq, he's improved mental health policy with VA benefits."
Joel, Minnesota

3. "Obama stuck his neck out for us, the auto industry. He wasn't going to let it just die, and I'm driving in this morning because of that, because of him."
Brian, Ohio

4. "Osama bin Laden is dead, and General Motors is alive."
Joe Biden, Delaware

5. "Supreme Court Supreme Court Supreme Court."
Andrew, California

6. "Arithmetic."
Bill Clinton, New York

7. "He cares for the 100 percent."
Shana, Texas

8. "When Obama came into office, he successfully renewed our country's place in the community of nations, making cooperation in tackling the world's challenges possible."
Willis, North Carolina

9. "The actions he has taken with respect to protecting us from terrorism have been very, very solid."
Colin Powell, Virginia

10. "I was really very grateful to him for standing up for those kids who are having a really rough time out there because of their orientation."
Jane Lynch, California

11. "For me, President Obama is our best choice because he has a vision of the United States as a place where we are all in this together."
Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey

12. "He has a real plan for rescuing the economy that passes the 'math' test."
Teresa, Virginia

13. "Having someone in office who understands how powerful our voice can be is very important."
Jay Z, New York

14. "I am voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden because I can trust them to care for the middle class and restore the American dream."
Steven, Florida

15. "The first measure he signed into law after becoming president was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- so a female high school counselor or physical education teacher can fight for equal pay for equal work."
Connie Britton, California

16. "I believe in the America he wants for my grandchildren."
Nancy, Michigan

17. "We need four more years of repair, of helping the middle class achieve a sustainable economy."
James Taylor, North Carolina

18. "I've watched him fight for our country, stand by the middle class, the working class, the military, the education of our children, universal health care, women, the environment, and matters of national and domestic security."
Susan, Virginia

19. "The gifted 12-year-old I taught, whose parents were deported and left her here with her grandmother, will be allowed to stay and finish her education. She's been in the U.S. since age one."
Jamie, North Carolina

20. "I want our president to place scientific evidence and risk management above electoral politics."
Michael Bloomberg, New York

21. "I have four children who are under 26 and able to stay on my health care plan. That's been huge."
Amy, Pennsylvania

22. "He's fighting to defend and better Social Security and Medicare -- because millions of Latino seniors rely on them."
Cristina Saralegui, Florida

23. "Thanks to the President's efforts to keep student loan rates low, I can expect to save nearly $1000 as I work to repay my student loans. And I don't have too many of those, thanks to the Federal Pell Grant program."
Sam, Minnesota

24. "It's been wonderful to have President Obama as a champion for access to health care for all women in this country."
Cecile Richards, New York

25. "Re-electing Barack Obama would lead to a stronger economic recovery than would be the case were Mitt Romney to win on November 6th."
Jared Bernstein, Washington, D.C.

All Souls Day!

Happy All Souls Day!
Today I pray for my relatives that passed.
May they be guiding me from heaven.
My Grandfather Francis Inch, a WW2 veteran;
my Uncle Ray Carlson, a lifelong sailor;
my cousin Steve Carlson, a Vietnam veteran;
and my wife's father Jan Meister, a Army veteran.
May they be looking down upon me and guiding me
and my family.
I pray for the troops who are still in harms way.

I pray for the election, may our country keep going forward.
And I pray for those in need, especially the children of the world.
In Jesus name. Amen!

All Saints Day

Happy All Saints Day!
May Saint Micheal guide me.
Amen!

 "That it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Ephesians 6:3 KJV

What a nice swim at the YMCA!
I tried a new workout machine today as well:
"The triceps press."  

 What a great Lunch I had today
at Los Agave's Mexican Grill.
Chimachanga with spicy chicken,
Avocado salad,
shot of Jose Cuerivo tequila,
and water with lemon.

 When a child gets her M, m, N, n,
and spells the word maze right...
Priceless!
Tutoring went well today at Faith Lutheran Church. 

 
We had fast food for dinner,
since it is leftover day
and no leftovers.
It was no were near as good as my lunch.

All Hallows Eve

What a fun Halloween I had.
My day was busy; but had fun tonight.
It was awesome going through old pictures with my mom today.
Lots of me as a kid growing up.
It brought back many memories.

The Halloween dinner was good.
I made Monster Mash,
Sloppy Goblins,
and Witches Brew.

I did not go out with Ken Trick or Treating.
I stayed and handed out Candy to the Kids.
I had fun playing Freddy vs Jason with Ken.
And taking photos of my lights.

Now I am going to watch the movie;
Freddy vs Jason.

Have a spooky; but fun Halloween night.

 

 Though it is Halloween, I have to write my bible verse of the day from "Inspired Faith" I just went from NIV to KJV.

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 KJV

 

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

If you scare someone do it in good fun,
If you get candy make sure it is wrapped,
and please do not vandalize homes (mine was egged last year).

Keep the kids safe and walk with them,
stay on well lit roads,
and beware of strangers.

Blessed Sunday!

 Buenos dias!
Good morning!
Tener un domingo bendito.
Have a blessed Sunday.

What a great Sunday today.
I did the scripture reading today.
And sang in the choir.
I love what the Methodist church does for the community.
The Halloween party for the kids was great yesterday.
I am happy to have joined.

 The scripture today was,

The Widow’s Offering

Mark 12:41-44 NIV

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

 

 The song today was,
"Find us Faithful" by Jon Mohr.

Chorus
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion
Light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe

And the lives we live
Inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us
Find us faithful

Verse 1
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us
Line the way
Cheering on the faithful
Encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament
To God's sustaining grace

Verse 2
Surrounded by so great
A cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race
Not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through godly lives

Verse 3
After all our hopes and dreams
Have come and gone
And our children sift thru all
We've left behind
May the clues that they discover
And the mem'ries they uncover
Become the light that leads them
To the road we each must find

Bad moment to a worst moment!

Why is it that when one is having a good day,
it suddenly goes bad?

All I wanted to do was have fun at the parade with my family.
I got stuck at home looking for my camera battery.
I told them I will find my battery and I would meet them there,
so I can take pictures of the parade.
It disappeared somewhere and usually things show up,
but it did not.
I could not find it and the parade already st

arted.
I went to try to buy a battery real quick and could not
at Best Buy, South Park Mall, or Wally World.
Battery Plus was closed,
there I noticed that my car would not turn over,
I got it started made it as far as the Sherman Williams.
My car is stuck in the parking lot.
I walked half way down the avenue of the cities,
but was told the parade was over
by the time I got to my wife and son,
by the Mc Donald's.
I lost my temper by then, not cussing but
throwing my mask down (which I wanted to wear)
upsetting a little girl,
I turned around to say "sorry".
But she was gone.
Now I am stuck with a car that won't turn over,
a kid upset,
and no camera battery.

What a heck of a Sunday afternoon.

 

 The thing is with all the help I give to others, no one stopped to help me. 

This was the most upsetting. 

I restrained myself from smashing my windows of my car with my cane. 

I was that mad, but happy to have stopped myself. 

Now I am stuck with dealing with my car tomorrow.

Good Church Service!

Scripture from church today:

"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." Proverbs 28:27 (KJV)

My friends the poor need our help. We can help out by soup kitchens, food pantries, care-giving, and monies.

For a rich man who is greedy will not find his place in heaven.

"And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the e

ye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mathew 19:24 (KJV)

You ask me why I am democrat my friends. This is why. Democrats are known to help the poor, instead of taking from them to subsidize the big oil companies. That makes the middle class poor and the poor poorer. This, to me, is not right.

It also fits in to my believes as a Methodist. All the work my wife and I have been doing for the church and the community. Spread the joy my friends, not the hate.

What I say onto you is let us help one another, let us focus on our country, better education, our infrastructure, phase us off fossil fuels and make us energy independent. By- the- way drilling has went up 10.8 percent while Obama has been in office. If you are for Romney, fine. But do not bash our president and what has has been trying to do. This is all I ask.

Take care and have a blessed Sunday!

The Halloween parade is starting soon.

See some of you there!

Shut down the noise!

We need to try to shut off the noise of our everyday life so we can pray and hear the lord. At night I do not sleep much and, honestly, I have not read lately. I have been watching horror films until Halloween. Which I usually do during the month of October. Now I am thinking I am going to have to balance my night better. I need to finish my Resolutions for Men book. Here is a bible quote from Inspired Faith:

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." Mark 1:35 (NAB)

"Most of mans troubles come from the inability to be still."
Blaise Pascal

Lord help me to shut off the noise of everyday life so I can hear your voice. Lord what you are calling me to do. I am willing. In your name I pray. Amen!

Sad Saturday

What a sad Saturday!

I found out this morning that my friends wife just passed away. 

Bible verses of the day; Acts 2

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:42-47 King James Bible

 

Quote of the day:

"I had rather stand against the cannons of the wicked, than against the prayers of the righteous." Thomas Lye

 

  Prayer from my heart:

God I pray for Disciple Bob, as his wife had passed away. My condolences to him. Prayers to him and his family. May she be watching over him and our church community from heaven above. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

TGIF

On this TGIF it was fun until we left for home.

Today I got up and did some chores around the house,
then I left to go swimming at the YMCA and then sit in the hot tub.

Tonight my son Ken and I left to go to the artery.
The art at the artery was cool; the music was OK.
I liked the expressionist pieces;
especially the one with the purple, yellow and white.
The beer and wine bar was nice.
I was glad to have gone,
because now I can display my art next time.

We were at the artery from 6 to 8 and then we left for home.
In Rock Island the driving is rough. I hate to drive in that dreaded town.
There is a lot of construction and the detour led us back to the same detour.  
Needless to say I got angry! 
For such a nice day and evening it put a damper on the night. 
We got led to the Centennial Bridge, which led to another detour. 
Finally we just went up to 7th and stopped at the Circle K. 
We bought some Gee-dunk and then finally went back to Moline.
No more detours. 

Happy Explorers Day!

Happy Explorers Day!

This is what I call Columbus Day.
Columbus did find a spice route
and discovered an island off Dominica
in which he named Espanola.
He tried to establish a colony in which he failed to do.
He was a brilliant sailor, but a weak administrator.
He first set sail in 1492 with the Santa Maria, Pinta, and Nina.
He set sail again in 1493,

which he crashed the Santa Maria off Cuba
and returned to Spain on the Nina.
Then 1498 in which he came back in chains.
Because of his failed colony and warring with the natives.
His final voyage was in 1502.
He never did really establish what he wanted
nor find the gold he was looking for.
He never found China or the Americas,
though he was close to the Americas.
A Viking actually discovered America.
Columbus died a lowly man.

PS Columbus did not sail around the world either.
Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the world.
Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in the Philippine Islands.

That is why we should call Columbus Day; Explorers Day.
For the Viking, for Magellan, and for Columbus.

Thought of the Moment!

I am happy that I made it to church today!
I was the only man in the choir.
They needed me.

Thought of the moment:

If we all prayed for one another; would not the world be a better place. 
If we all give to those in need; would not everyone be fulfilled. 
If we all said a kind word to each other; would not everyone be happier.

Shift in weather!

Winter is coming soon.
I hate this shift in the weather.
It causes all of my joints to be sore and stiff.
And it causes my head to rush.
I missed the Democrat meeting today.
I was stuck at home.
I got no art work done, nor did I get very far on my writings.
I took my pills and had a beer.
I crashed for a bit.
I hope not to be like this in the morning. 
I do not want to miss church.
Lord give me the strength to make it through the night.
Amen!

My view on the debates!

"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
Psalm 34:15 King James Bible

 My friends even though Romney might have made a strong impression last night; does not mean I am voting for him. For one as an Environmentalist with 350ORG we have been fighting to stop the pipeline and so far we have succeeded. If Romney g

ets in the pipeline will get built and hurt the environment. Two he will give subsidies back to the rich oil companies, hurting the middle class budget. Three he does not have a cohesive plan like Obama has. Four he is for green jobs and is phasing us off of fossil fuels, if Romney gets in everything we at 350 have been fighting for has been lost. And five Obama has a great plan on education reform; and Michelle Obama has a great campaign to end bullying and is reforming the school lunch program. Obama has been doing a lot of good and he has my vote. GO OBAMA!

PS Check out the Obama plan!

http://www.barackobama.com/plans

Bible Verse and Prayer this Day!

Bible verse of the day:

"Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:2-3 (KJV)

"You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you d

o not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3 (NIV)

Quote of the day:

"Prayer is the way and means God has appointed for the communications of the blessings of his goodness to his people." Arthur W. Pink

Prayer of the day:

Lord I pray to lust not and sin not, so I can ask with a pure heart for an absolution for my family and my home. Lord I go to church and I am involved with the community, but full short of you. Lord I desire for my son Ken to be more mature and not as childish, I pray for him father. I desire for my wife to make it through college an find her way in life. I desire for my son Tim to come back to church. And I desire to be a good tutor and mentor to others. Lord, I know you do not work in our life's through money, but I ask to find a way to pay the back payment of my property taxes. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Lord on this day I pray for the church community and especially Missy Case for the loss of her mom and her family. May she be watching over them from heaven above. Amen!

Healing and prayer!

I do believe in the power of prayer, however I do not think just one prayer will completely heal somebody. At prospect park today there was a so-called healing group. They prayed for me. Did I feel a spirit? Yes. Did the pain in my shoulder go away? Yes. Am I completely healed and the nerve and muscle damage is reversed? No I do not think so. Does prayer work? Yes. But god has the power to completely heal and work miracles. Not just one person putting their hands on you. Do I feel pain and the tingling now again after throwing the football around with my son and his friends? Yes. Will I completely heal one day? That is up to god, but I have faith in it.

Ill Today!

Bible verse of the day:

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." 
Luke 14:26-27 King James Bible

Quote of the day:

"Grace is never cheap. It is absolutely free to us, but infinitely expensive

to god." Jerry Bridges

Prayer of the day:

"Lord thank you for your grace. May I never take it for granted. May I always remember with reverence what it cost you. Lord though I am weak in the flesh, my spirit is strong in you. May I avoid backsliding; may I find your grace. Lord today I am ill and sickness causes me to sin. May they be forgiven. In Jesus name. Amen!

Dreaded Tuesday

Bible verse of the day:

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."          2 Corinthians 9:7-8                                                                          King James Bible

Quote of the day:

"Nothing is really ours until we share it." CS Lewis

Thought of the moment:

If we all share, like Obama suggests, would not the world be a better place? Would we not have the basics we need; food, housing, and clothing? There are homeless in America, my friends. Some do not care, but others work their whole life's and cannot get ahead and are struggling and homeless. Let us take care of our own; let us stop the wars, bring the troops home, and focus on our country. This is a shame. The poor get poorer; the rich get richer, while the poor become homeless and hungry. My friends is it not time to take a stand and fight for our own rights; fight for our basic needs?

Prayer of the day:

Father my heart goes out to Nicole Holmes she is emotionally distressed and for good reason. She is struggling father, lift her and her family up. They work hard and cannot get ahead, they need food for their kids father, they need a stable life. Father I pray for Jana may she help guide her mom and look after her during these trying times. Father I pray for Lucas, may he do better in his schooling along with Ken. Father I pray for Brad Richards, he works hard father yet comes home with hardly nothing to show for it. Father please in your mercy find an absolution for this family. Provide for them and do not let them continue to struggle. Father I help give them food and monies, but cannot take to much away from my family. Let there be an absolution. Though it is not mine to ask for the sins I have committed in my life. Let it be so. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Hump Day

 Post on this "Hump Day" Wednesday!

Bible verses of the day:

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." 
Philippians 2:13 (KJV)

"I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." Psalm 52:9 (KJV)

"In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 (KJV)

Quote of the day:

"Obedience is the faith of faith; patience the bloom of the fruit." Christina Rosetti

Prayer:

God I chose to obey you, help me to become pure at heart again. Through the violence and corruption I have seen in my life; it is hard not to backslide in temperament. Father in you I am inspired to sing with joy; then my pain is forgotten. This I do at times and will do more, through the choir. Father my home I give you. Please help me to find a way to hold onto it. Father the tension here is intense at times. Help my family through school; help Ken to be less childish and focus more; help Tim to stay focused on his future, may he also be home more to help with choirs, I cannot do it alone father; help Jill through her English class, may she make it through and find a good job one day. 

She deserves a career.
In Jesus name. Amen!

Celtic Concert!

Sunday 16 September 2012:

Though I did not sleep much last night, I am happy I made it to the church service this morning. The “Four Schillings Short” played at our church for the 10:30 service. They are a Celtic Folk Group. They play instruments from all over the world. We are going back to the 6:30 PM concert tonight. I don’t want to miss it.

After the church service, I went home and watched the Vikings vs. the Colts. The Colts won by 3 points in overtime. The final was 20 to 23. Then I dosed off. I was exhausted.

I woke up at 5 PM. It was just in time for dinner. It was a basic pan-fried chicken patties made into a sandwich, fries, and bug juice.

I then showered and changed out; we left at 6 PM to go to the concert. It was a fun time! With world music – Celtic and Gaelic, popcorn, root beer floats and little kids dancing; what else can you ask for, for fun?

At 9 PM we got home. Then I chilled and played some video games, went upstairs and read, and watched a show from my DVR. I fell asleep at Midnight.

Post on this Friday 14 September 2012!

Bible verse of the day:

"My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." Psalm 119:48 (KJV)

Quote of the day:

"We out to not be weary of the little things for the love of god, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed." Brother Lawrence

Prayers:

Lord I pray that we regain peace in Libya, Egypt, and Syria. I pray that the hate-monger film maker is brought to justice. Was his film worth the cost of the life of our Libyan Ambassador, Christopher Stevens? No. Was it worth the turmoil that it caused in the middle east against the United States? No. That is why, my friends, we have to think of the consequences before we do things. Lord let peace be regained. Amen!

911 Lest I will Never Forget!

Lest I will never forget what happened 11 years ago today; the fall of the twin towers in New York, the attack on the Pentagon in Washington DC, and the crash of flight 93 in Shanksville Pennsylvania. May the lord be with those families of those who lost their lives today and may those who died be looking down on us from heaven and guiding us this day. Lord I will never forget standing in formation on the USS Belleauwood LHA 3 and forming the words, “9 1 1 Lets Roll”. May the tragedy of that day become a memorial forever; even after 11 years I will never forget. Amen!

A Wise Quote!

A wise quote in which the government did not heed too.

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist."
Dwight D.Eisenhower

This is what Bush did not watch out for when he got us into two wars. Was it worth it? No, it was not. The loss of lives and the amount of debt we got into did not equal the cost of getting Saddam Hussein. On the other hand Obama refocused the war on what it should have been focused on and got Bin Laden.

Another quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower:

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."

This is why I am so adamant on Obama. He heeded the warning of Eisenhower. 

Obama is focused on helping the poor and middle class, phasing us out of the wars, and ensuring that we are clothed and fed.

Obama for America!

I had a great day canvasing the area in Bettendorf Iowa talking about Obama,
and getting people to vote for Obama.

He needs four more years to continue to fix America!

GO OBAMA!

Post on this Thursday Sept 6th 2012:

Bible Verse of the day:

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
1st Peter 4:9-10 King James Bible

Quote of the day:

"One thing taught largely in the holy scripture is that while god gives his gifts freely. He will require a strict accounting of them at the end

of the road." A.W. Tozer

Prayer from the heart!

Lord help me to conquer my fear and use my talents for you. Whatever you require lord, I will surely try to do. Thank you for blessing me, Lord. As I survived combat zones in Lebanon, Operations in the Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Yet you still blessed me to come home. Lord though I was injured I still managed to finish college. For this I am thankful. You blessed me with a home and family. Lord may I find a way to pay my back taxes, may I find a way to do more for you lord through my church and tutoring. Lord you are good. Amen.

  

Thought of the day:

What a heck of a day at the VA.
I got a Trigger Point Injection and more pain pills.
I am hoping to continue to manage my pain
and continue doing good in life.

GO OBAMA!

What a great opening night for the Democrat National Convention. 
God bless Michelle Obama in her programs for the troops,
the "Healthy Eating in Schools", and "Against Bullying".
We have a great first lady!
God bless Barrack Obama for the first act he signed in office;
The Lilly Lidbedder Fair Pay Act.
We sure need them for four more years.
We need to keep America moving forward.
GO OBAMA!


"For Barrack success is not how much money you make,
but for the difference you make toward others."
Michelle Obama


They are good people; honest and forthright.
We need people who care about America and not for big corrupt oil companies. 
 OBAMA HAS MY VOTE!

That is for sure!!! 

Posts for this day!

Bible verse of the day:

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."
John 10:17-18 King James Bible

Quote of the day:

"Obey God one step at at a time,
then the next step will come int

Catherine Marshall

Thought of the day:

I feel that god will bless me one day if I keep doing what is right.
Giving back to the community, helping others, and being part of the church. I just have to be patient, and this is hard to do.

Prayer:

God bless Jana may her hands heal, god bless Nicole may her head heal, god bless Peggy may she fully recover, god bless Luis as he is almost ready to come home, may his plans of the future be bright, may the healing hands of Jesus touch upon them, God bless the troops, the president, our economy and infrastructure, may our roads and bridges become fixed and the United States prosper again, god bless this election, may we all find out the truth through all of the lies being told. And god bless me and my family, god bless Jill, Tim, and Ken with their schooling, god bless our home, may we find a way to fix what needs fixing and pay our back taxes, and god bless me. May I be able to find a way to keep controlling my pain and focus on my future endeavors.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

I Joined the Church!

Today I joined the Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church!

I am now an Official Church Member!

Being a Methodist is great!

Western Illinois University...

This morning I received a survey in the mail form WIU, asking me what my experience was like. I kinda laughed. I cannot recall a single good experience at WIU.

Here is why:

1. I had to fight for my degree,
     but I did have Seth and another administrator bend over backwards to help me.
2. I had to do 10 classes over again, even though I got A's and B's in them.
3. I had to do my basic classes over again at Black Hawk College.
    In Science which I took Astrology and Geology,
    English which I had to do 101 and 102,
    and a Language class which I took Spanish.
4. I have two prior Associates Degrees and they did not carry over. 
5. One degree was in Business and they wanted me to do all of my classes over again.
    Just to get a Business Degree.
6. So I went for a General Education Degree and later an Art degree.
7. It took five years instead of two to get my BA.
    And this was going to school full time, including doing summer classes.
8. I had disputes with parking.
    Being on disability and having to pay to park in the parking lot,
    just to park in the parking lot to park in handicap parking was wrong.
    I had to end up parking on the street and walking to campus.

The only good experience was getting my BA degree.

I would not wish my bad experiences at Western Illinois University with anyone.

Post on this fun-filled joyful Friday!

Bible verse of the day:
 
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2 King James Bible

Quote of the day:

"Christ has come away to take away our sins, to roll off our curse, to unbind our chains, to open our prison house, to cancel our debt; in a word, to give us oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaven. Is this not joy?"

 Octavius Winslow

Prayer from my heart:

Lord, on the cross Jesus died for me, he purged away my sins, Lord I thank you for that. I thank you for bringing me close to you. Lord on this day I am thankful. I am thankful for being able to donate to charities: Children International, CARATAS for Children, Saint Jude, African Relief, and others. Lord I pray that the monies actually goes to helping those in need, than in someones pocket. Lord you have provided a home for my family, enough money to pay bills, and monies in which I can donate. For this I am thankful. Lord I deserve not to ask, but I pray to find a way to pay my back taxes. This is all I struggle in financially. Lord you are good all the time, you are mighty and just. Lord I continue to pray for this election, for the economy, for our infrastructure, for the troops and all the military, for my community, and for my friends and family. I pray for Nicole, Brad, Jana, and Lucas. May their lives continue to get better, and may they have to struggle no more. Grant them an absolution. In Jesus name. Amen!

My trip to Cherry Hill!

Sunday 5 August 2012:

What a fun-filled, praise-ful, and blessed Sunday! Though it was a busy Sunday I felt spiritually blessed. At 0730 I awoke. I took my shower, shaved and put on casual clothes. Then I made me a breakfast smoothie and ate some hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Then at 0830 my wife and I left for church. At 0900 I helped lead the kids group. It, too me, was a joy. At 10 AM I practiced my song for church. I sang my solo of, “Above All” today. At 1030 church began and it ended at around 1145 since we had communion today. I was not 100 percent up to par, but managed to sing the song quite well. I was leaning on my walking stick the entire time, not thinking about my equilibrium imbalance. I just sang from the heart. After the service I was supposed to get my photo taken with the kids, but could not find Bonnie to do it. It would have been nice, but there will be other times. At just after noon my wife and I arrived home.

The rest of the Sunday I just listened to my music and napped off and on.

I was pretty tired.

Monday 6 August 2012:

Today was another busy in house field day. I field dayed the bar area, rec room, and laundry room. Dusted and vacuumed. That was the jest of the day.

Tuesday 7 August 2012:

Today I did not go to the YMCA. I had to relax today. I am focusing on my trip to New Jersey to see the USS New Jersey. I cannot wait to go. It has been over 20 years, since I left the ship. I served on her from 1985 to 1990. Five long years!

Wednesday 8 August 2012:

Today was a day of packing, organizing, and cleaning. This morning I did not get up until 1030. I checked my email and facebook. I wrote my final quote for a few days. Then I ate my smoothie, listened to my Christian music, and started to gather my stuff. Ken and I played the wrestling game again. It was late afternoon by the time I packed. I had to end up reorganizing the storage closet. It became a mess when I pulled out a suitcase and everything fell. Ken brought down the red suitcase, which was not in the closet. It figures. I packed up my things then ate dinner. My wife made Sloppy Joes and fries. Ken and I watched the primetime Olympics after dinner. I then decided I wanted to bring my USS New Jersey ball-cap. It was not on the hook by the stairs. I looked above the shelf in the laundry room. My hat was not there nor outside. I ended up finding it after pulling out the shelf. I then had another mess to pick up. What else is new? At 1AM I finally went to sleep. At least I tried I was too worked up and excited for my big trip.

Thursday 9 August 2012:

Today is the day I leave on a plane to go to Philadelphia. I did not get up until 10AM I ate a quick breakfast and gathered my things. My wife, son Ken and I left at for the Chicago Midway Airport at 10:30AM. We arrived there at just before 2PM. She dropped me off and I went through the scrutiny to get to my airport gate. The pat down and scanner like a criminal. Southwest Airlines flight 860 gate E-16. At 2:30PM I was at the gate, at 3PM I boarded the plane first with pre-boarding, and at 3:20PM we were scheduled to take off. Nothing ever can be that simple. We were stuck on the tarmac for 2 hours before take off due to inclement weather. It was not until 5PM until we lifted off. We arrived in Philadelphia Pennsylvania at 8PM local time, but did not arrive at the gate until 9PM local time. At 10:30PM I was finally in a shuttle bus, going through South Central Philly, arriving at the Holiday Inn at just before Midnight.

When I arrived at the hotel I checked into my room, room 224, and stowed my gear. I then went down to the front desk to ask the receptionist where I can get something to eat. I walked across the street in the drizzle to Houlihans. I got me a Burger ’72, Clam Chowder, and a Stella Astros Beer. The Burger’72 is a burger topped with stuffed mushrooms. It was uniquely – good. 

Friday 10 August 2012:

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. Since one this morning it started to pour; storming all through the night. We needed the rain at home. It is dry in Moline. At 4:30 AM the phone rang for the wake-up call. I did not get up. I decided not to go anywhere in the rain. So I rolled over and went back to sleep. At 1PM I woke back up. I missed the fantail reception and prayer, so I decided just to do my own thing. I walked over to Ponzios to get me a 24hour breakfast. Then I took the bus for 1 dollar to go to the

Cherry Hill Mall. I pretty much hung around the mall all day. For dinner I ate at the

Red, White and Blue Pub. I got me a Shrimp Platter, Fries, Coleslaw, and Potato Soup.

At 8PM I hung out in my hotel room and watched the Olympics. Afterwards I dozed off.

Saturday 11 August 2012:

This morning was the busy and filled day I was waiting for. The wakeup call rang at 9AM. This is early for me, since I do not sleep much. I got up, showered, shaved, and headed out for breakfast at Friendly’s. Then I made the mistake of getting on the bus. I ended back at the Cherry Hill Mall. I went over to the internet café and checked my Email. I got back on the bus and ended up back at Friendly’s. I ate lunch. I got me a

Chocolate Frapple, a build your own burger – I got 100 percent beef, on a Kaiser bread, topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, suited mushrooms, 57 sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes; a side of fries and Cole slaw. It was delicious. I ate and then I took a taxi to Camden to see the USS New Jersey BB-62. The taxi driver is Miguel. He gave me half price on the cab rides. He is a nice guy. When we arrived things were not so great. The police were not allowing anyone to go across the bridge; there is a Toby Keith concert in town.

So I had to get out of the cab and walk across. When I got across I saw the ship behind the trees and took a picture of it. I got a golf cart ride to the ship, since I am on disability.

I was happy that it did not cost me anything for the tour since I served onboard. The female security guard called the quarterdeck to tell them, they then escorted me aboard. I was given a private tour by Philip Rowan, but I more like gave him the tour. First we visited my old General Quarters station – the Left Lower Powder Door of Turret Three, then we toured the decks of the ship, going up to the Conning Tower, then back down to the flight deck, and then down to my old berthing – 3^rd Division, to the print shop, brig, and laundry, and back up to the mess decks. I had an awesome tour. It brought back many memories of the gold ole battleship - the USS New Jersey BB-62; the most decorated ship ever in the United States Navy. The motto was: “Firepower for Freedom”!

GO BATTLESHIP!

After the tour Philip gave me a ride back to my hotel. I ended up getting real light headed by then. I security person escorted me up to my room; I took my pills and was fine after awhile. It was just a lot of excitement for one day. I did not know if I was going to make it to the reception at 1830, but I did. I am glad I did go, even though I did not know a single person there. Most of the people there were from the Vietnam era.

There were four main eras of the Battleship New Jersey:

1. World War II 1943-1945
2. Korean War 1950-1957
3. Vietnam War 1968-1969
4. Lebanon 1982-1991

I served on her during the Lebanon era from 1985 to 1990.

At the reception we had a choice of fish – stuffed flounder with white wine sauce; chicken – Chicken Sonoma: chicken stuffed with artichoke hearts, spinach, and feta cheese; or beef – Prime Rib with mushrooms and horseradish sauce.

I chose the Chicken Sonoma. It was delicious!

After we ate there was music from a DJ and dancing. We all got our different era group photos taken, and then there was an awards ceremony. I got my award for the youngest battleship sailor there. It was fun!

At Midnight I left the reception and headed back to my hotel room. I walked back, because it was faster than taking a bus. It was only three blocks away anyway. I hit the bed hard and fell asleep. What a fun – filled; exciting day!

Sunday 12 August 2012:

It is Sunday and it is time to head back to Moline Illinois! I set my wakeup call for 10AM. I went downstairs to the hotel restaurant and got Eggs Benedict, home fried potatoes, wheat toast, jam, fruit, and orange juice for breakfast. I called for room service, but the lady did not know what Eggs Benedict were. It was on the menu. So I went down stairs to make sure the order was right. Then I went up to my room and made sure everything was packed up and I did not forget anything. At 11:30 AM I checked out.

At 11:45 AM the airport shuttle arrived. It was not until 1 PM until I arrived at the airport. I went through the scrutiny again through airport security and walked up toward my gate E-16 for Southwest flight #566 at 5:40 PM. This means I was stuck in the airport for the majority of the day. After I arrived toward the gate area I bought me some Japanese food from the Mako Café. Then I bought me some game puzzle books to play as I was waiting. I killed a lot of time doing some puzzles. At 3 PM I walked around a bit to stretch my legs. When I went back to the gate I saw a fellow Navy veteran. He had a Navy Vietnam war ball cap on. I chatted with him for awhile. Then I read the Time magazine I bought. At 4 PM I got me a big mac at McDonalds. At 5 PM I boarded the plane with early boarding. The plane actually left on time and arrived on time at

Chicago Midway. On the flight I just read my Revolutions for Men. I drank my

Ginger Ale and ate my small bag of peanuts I was given. That was it, another boring flight with Southwest. No, in-flight movies nor music; or dinner served.

Anyway, at 7:20 PM I arrived in Chicago Midway Airport. I walked toward the pickup lot and called my wife on my cell phone. She was still 15 minutes away. So I went out and sat on the bench and waited. I chatted with the college girl, who is studying journalism, while waiting. Finally my wife arrived with Ken. I was hoping Tim would be with as well to help drive, but not. It took over three hours to drive home. We stopped at LaSalle to use the facilities. But the drive home took longer than anticipated due to stormy rain. I was hoping to stop and wait it out, but no place to pull over. At 11 PM we arrived in Moline. We went through the drive through at Taco Bell for a late night snack. I bought me a new black bean burrito and a chalupa supreme. Then I went home and though frustrated and exhausted from the long trip home, I had to unpack all of my dirty laundry from the bag. I threw a load in the washer and ran the cycle. Then I ate my food. At Midnight I dosed off while watching the Olympic Closing Ceremony from my DVR.

Monday 13 August 2012:

Today is usually in house field day. But my wife and I did not awake until late. I was not up to par to do too much. So I slept in until 1 PM. Afterwards I put my stuff up from the suitcase and then I laid around all day not doing too much.

Bible verse, quote and prayer!

Bible verse of the day:

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Philippians 2:1-2 (KJV)

Quote of the day:

"This is the secret of joy; We shall no longer strive for our own way: but commit ourselves, easily and simply, to Gods way, acquiesce in his will, and in doing find our peace."

Evelyn Underhill

Prayer of the day:

God you are amazing. I thank you for allowing me to go on the trip to New Jersey, with your strength within me, you helped me control my equilibrium and pain allowing me to have a fun time. God I am forever grateful. God you know my heart and my dreams. These I give to you. God my home I give to you. I pray that I find a way to pay my back taxes so I can maintain this home for my family. Lord I ask for an absolution for Nicole, Brad, and the kids - Jana, and Lucas. Lord they are my family, though not in blood. Continue to guide them in their daily lives. They are doing better father and for this I thank you. Father you have given me much success in my life - with the military and all the awards, with my family and home, with my college degrees, and many other triumphs; I have overcame much with my actions and words. Father you have been good to me and for this I thank you. God as I mentor children through them I understand your love. This love I try to give back to others. Though some do not accept the kindness that I give. I pray for them father. Thank you for blessing me and for blessing those around me.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

High Chloresterol

Fact of the day:

My friends in today's world children are not active like they were when I was a kid, we rode our bikes and played outside; we did not have the video games, except at the arcade, which we rode our bikes or skateboarded to; we did not have the high tech gadgets which make one lazy; we had fast-food, but rarely ate it - it was more like a treat; studies show that today children are,

for the most part, more lazy - less active, because they stay inside and play video games; eat too much fast food like McDonald's and therefore become obese or overweight and have much more health problems then what we did as children. This is a shame.

"High cholesterol affects 42 million Americans, and 63 million more have borderline high cholesterol." Web MD

"Most parents probably don't think about what cholesterol means for their kids. But high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, which has its roots in childhood." 

Kids Health Org

Let us take a stand like Michelle Obama suggests and give our kids better habits in eating, and activities. Like eat dinner as a family, this has many advantages and we learn about each others day - making the family closer, and have them spend at least one hour a day playing outside or riding a bike. They will feel better about themselves and the family will become stronger as well.

Day of Mourning!

Today was my anniversary, yet my wife and I did not celebrate. Instead it was a day of mourning for us. We attended the funeral reception at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Carbon Cliff of a dear beloved man, Jan Richards. A US Marine, Laborer, and retired at the Moline Housing Authority. He was a man who lived in our neighborhood. He was loved by all, humorous, outgoing, and would do anything to help others. He died of bone cancer on Tuesday July 31st, 2012. He was only 74 years old. He will be missed by our neighborhood. God be with his family on this day of mourning. May he be looking over them from heaven above.

Today my wife and I, also, had to go to the Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church for the Children's Bible Summer Camp. I played the role of Paul, Saul of Taursis, tonight. 

It was fun!!!
It broke the monotony of the day.

  

Prayer this night!

My friends on this night, in my heart,
I am thinking about Nicole Homes, Brad Richards, Lucas, and Little Jana.
I continue to pray for them and their struggles.
Pray for Jan as he is fighting for his life from bone cancer.
If it is his time father may he have a place in heaven by you.
If not his time let him live a little longer as his family has struggled enough.
Father please continue to look after them during these times of hardship and turmoil. Father grant them an absolution soon. 
I pray for Judy and the hardship she is going through - 
father in heaven guide her through her times of distress. 
Father I continue to pray for Luis 
as he continues to recover from his injuries from the war in Afghanistan. 
Father bless the troops during these Olympic times. 
May we have at least two weeks of peace and goodwill. 
No fighting and no hatred.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Starry Night (Vincent)

My friends did you know that this song was really about
the life of Vincent Van Gough.
It was written by Dean McLean in 1971.
I like Jackie Evancho singing it best.

Lyrics to Starry Starry Night :

Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and daffodils,
Catch the breeze and winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.

Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
And how you suffered for your sanity,
And how you tried to set them free.
They'd not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.

Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning fields of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
And how you tried to set them free.
They'd not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.

For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.

Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.

Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
And how you tried to set them free.
They'd not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...

I am Voting Obama!

I am voting for OBAMA in 2012!

Here are the top 10 reasons why:

1. Obama did in under four years in what Bush tried to do in eight,                      KILLED OSAMA BIN LADEN!
2. Obama brought the troops home from Iraq and refocused the war on Afghanistan.
3. Obama accomplished what President Kennedy proposed create a National Health Care Program. Canada and Qatar, for example, have one. Now hopefully we do. If the Bill is not over ruled. Yes it has some problems and should be tweaked, but it has lots of advantages that I mentioned before.
4. Obama has a good energy program. He is phasing out our dependency on oil and coming up with alternate energy resources. I still think that if we must use a fossil fuel, let us use Natural Gas. It is burns cleaner, is safer for the environment, and it is easy to convert car engines to use it.
5. Obama has programs to fix our infrastructure, which is long past do. Our streets, bridges, sewer systems, and energy grid is deteriorating. Let is continue to build our wind power to supplement an overloading energy grid, and fix our infrastructure – roads, bridges, and sewers.
6. Obama is focused on fixing our economy. I agree that the bail out might not have been the best idea, but it is better to use billions of dollars to help our own nation; than to use it on funding two wars in which we should not have been in.
7. Obama has a good Education Reform. He phased out the Now Child Left Behind Act, making it so student success is measured by higher education standards and not just passing students so they can go on to the next grade.
8. Obama is one of the only honest and forthright Presidents we had. He is focused on fixing our country, while the Republican candidates are bickering amongst themselves. Obama has a plan in motion and America is getting better. What do the republican candidates want? To bring things back to the way of a failing America. No, not me. GO OBAMA. Let us keep going forward.
9. The First Lady Michelle Obama has a campaign to end Childhood Obesity and have healthier menu choices at school.
10. The First Lady also has a campaign to stop Bullying and Cyber-Bullying on our school systems. She understands that this is the time to end Student Suicides.

So you see,

between our President and the First Lady we will keep going forward;

Not backward.

GO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA! GO FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA!

Spanish Class

              I had a choice of two classes Spanish or German for my Education Degree.
                                                      I chose Spanish; Espaniel.

Timothy L. Kerofsky

Spanish 101

Profesora Maria Lucas-Murillo

Presentación oral

Ahora son las nueve de la mañana. Es el 21 de septiembre. Mi llamo Timothy Kerofsky.   Soy de Polonia y soy polaco. Soy estudiante, el profesor de karate, y el maestro de arte. Estoy jubilado de la Marina de los Estados Unidos. Soy casado. Soy religioso, generoso, serio, creativo, y ambicioso.  No soy arrogante, irresponsable, y pesimito. Ahora estoy estresado. Los estudiantes están nerviosos. La profesora esta contenta. Amigos, ¿como estáis? Profesora, ¿cómo esta usted? Ahora estoy en la clase de español. Mi casa esta en Moline. Mis lugares favoritos son el restaurante Los Agaves que esta en Moline cerca de South Park Mall y el cine Great Escape que esta en Moline. Los lunes, miércoles, y viernes tengo clase de español a las nueve de la mañana hasta las doce menos quince de la mañana. Los martes y jueves tengo clase de ciencias a las once de la mañana hasta las dos menos quince de la tarde. Los miércoles tengo clase de karate a las tres de la tarde hasta las cuatro de la tarde. Los miércoles tengo clase de arte a las cuatro de la tarde hasta las cinco de la tarde. En mi mochila hay un libro blanco, tres lápices amarillos, y un cuaderno azul. Los martes y jueves voy al gimnasio que esta en Moline. Es todo. 

Timothy L. Kerofsky

Spanish 101

Professor Maria Lucas-Murillo

oral presentation



The time now is nine o'clock. Is 21 September. My name is Timothy Kerofsky. I am Polish and Polish. I am a student, karate teacher and art teacher. I am retired U.S. Navy. I'm married. I am religious, generous, serious, creative, and ambitious. I'm not arrogant, irresponsible, and pesimito. Now I'm stressed. Students are nervous. The teacher is happy. Friends, how are you? Professor, how are you? Now I'm in Spanish class. My home is in Moline. My favorite places are the restaurant Los Agaves this in Moline near South Park Mall and the Great Escape film that is in Moline. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I have Spanish class at nine o'clock to twelve to fifteen in the morning. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have science class at eleven o'clock until two least fifteen in the afternoon. On Wednesdays I have karate class at three in the afternoon until four in the afternoon. On Wednesdays I have art class at four in the afternoon until five o'clock in the afternoon. In my backpack is a white paper, three yellow pencils and a blue notebook. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to the gym which is in Moline. That is all.

 

Timothy L. Kerofsky

Spanish 101

Profesora Maria Lucas-Murillo

Final presentación oral

Hoy es el catorce de octubre. Son  las nueve y medio de la mañana. Estoy en la clase de español.  Estoy nervioso y cansado. Soy casado.

Mi esposa se llama Jill. Mis hijos se llaman Timothy y Kenneth. Mi mentee hija  se llama Jana. Mi madre se llama Sharon. Mi padre se llama Michael. Mi esposa tiene cuarenta y dos anos. Mi hijo Timothy tiene dieciocho anos. Mi hijo Kenneth tiene catorce anos. Mi mentee hija  tiene diez anos. Mi madre tiene sesenta y ocho anos. Mi padre tiene setenta anos.

Soy estudiante, maestre en arte y profesor en kárate.  

Desayuno a las siete de la mañana. Después voy a la clase de español a las nueve hasta las once menos cuarto.  A las once hago mi tarea con Linda. A las doce media voy al restaurante Las Agaves para comer enchiladas. Después regreso a mi casa para estar con mis hijos. Cenamos en casa a las seis de la tarde.

Mi gusta nadar en el gimnasio y jugar el futbol americano con mis hijos. Mi encanta el kárate en el estudio Kerofsky Familia Dojo.  No mi gusta correr y es esquiar.

Los viernes voy el cine con amigos para ver películas nuevas. Los domingos voy a la iglesia Sacred Heart Católica con mi familia.

Creo que mi clase de español es muy difícil. Estudio mucho pero no puedo hablar.

Conozco la montana Pikes Peak en Colorado también conozco Yellow Stone Nacional Park en Wyoming y Acadia Nacional Park en Bar Harbor Maine. Conozco a Billy Blanks muy interesante.

Soy un experto de kárate. Yo se nadar dibujar. Quiero saber el cricket. Quiero conocer a Jessica Alba y Dakota Fanning.  

En el invierno hace frió y nieve. En la primavera hace buen o mal tiempo. En el verano hace calor y sol. En el otoño hace viento y lluvia. Me gustan los colores de las hojas de los árboles en otoño. También mi gusta el invierno, la primavera y el verano.

Jugo a futbol americano con mis hijos. Toco la guitarra acústica. Toco la guitarra baja.

La semana que viene voy a regresar a mi clase de kárate. El semestre que viene voy a empezar mi maestre en la universidad de Ashford.  En el futuro quiero abrir uno gallería de arte.

Es Todo. 

Timothy L. Kerofsky
Spanish 101
Professor Maria Lucas-Murillo
Final oral presentation
Today is October 14. It's nine and a half in the morning. I'm in Spanish class. I'm nervous and tired. I'm married.
My wife's name is Jill. My children are called Timothy and Kenneth. My mentee daughter's name is Jana. My mother's name is Sharon. My father's name is Michael. My wife is forty-two years. My son Timothy is eighteen years. My son Kenneth is fourteen. My mentee daughter is ten years. My mother is sixty eight years. My father is seventy years.
I am a student, master in arts and karate teacher.
Breakfast at seven o'clock. Then I go to Spanish class at nine o'clock until a quarter to eleven. At eleven I do my work with Linda. At twelve half going to the restaurant to eat enchiladas The Agaves. After I go home to be with my children. We had dinner at home at six o'clock.
I like to swim in the gym and playing football with my kids. My love in the study karate Dojo Family Kerofsky. I do not like running and skiing.
On Friday I film with friends to see new movies. On Sundays I go to Sacred Heart Catholic Church with my family.
I think my Spanish class is very difficult. I study hard but I can not speak.
I know the Pikes Peak mountain in Colorado also know Yellow Stone National Park in Wyoming and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor Maine. I know Billy Blanks very interesting.
I am an expert in karate. I will swim draw. I know cricket. I want to meet Jessica Alba and Dakota Fanning.
In the winter it is cold and snow. In the spring it weathers. In the hot summer and sun. In windy and rainy autumn. I like the colors of the leaves of the trees in autumn. I also like winter, spring and summer.
Juice to football with my kids. I play acoustic guitar. I play bass guitar.
Next week I will return to my karate class. The next semester I will start my Master at the University of Ashford. In the future I want to open an art gallery.
It All.