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The Oxford Dictionary defines a phobia as "An extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something: he had a phobia about being under water a phobia of germs a snake phobia."

Extreme or "irrational."  This conjures up an image of someone fearful and running for the border. (Well, maybe not our southern border, for fear of running into ISIS)

A term we often hear now days is "Homophobia."  Now, this is just an observation of how we ALL label one another. I won't remind you of the unkind names for homosexual folk and ANY derogatory depiction is not a good thing, regardless.  The preferred term of this community to describe themselves is "gay" or "lesbian." I HAVE seen a likely irrational fear of homosexuals in people headed to prison, but other than that, I have never seen anyone who thought gays were out to get them, but shouldn't the term be "gayphobe" lor "lesbianphobe?" 

I keep finding myself relating to Rodney King. In a GOOD way. "Can't we all just get along?"

LOVE FROM HEAVEN

As I sit in Heaven and watch you every day
I try to let you know with signs that I never went away

I hear you when you're laughing and watch you as you sleep
I even place my arms around you to call you as you weep

I see you wish the days away begging to have me home
So I Try to send you signs so you know you are not alone

Don't feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me
Heaven is truly beautiful just you wait and see

So live your life, laugh again,enjoy yourself, be free
Then I'll know with every breath that you'll be taking one for me.


Love from Heaven

 Author unknown


This could be from My Diana, Mom, Dad...

When my former boss, Bill Kirby, passed two years ago, a friend of Bill's widow who herself had lost her husband
gave Merle (Mrs Kirby) these words. Now they comfort me when I miss those I love who are in Heaven.

Reflecting on a Dream

The Dream:

I was outside a chain link fence within a concrete building. At first, I could not see inside, but at the far end, I noticed my former wife as she appeared some forty years ago, unaware of my presence, very busy. I didn't wish to startle her, knowing how prone she is to such. "Hello?" I called, continuing a little louder each time, never able to get her attention. Then, I walked back to the long section of the fence, still calling, still unheard. Someone lifted a small toddler, a girl and put her in my arms. I held the little girl, as I wept and talked to her. I woke in pain.

Reflection:

Who knows what dreams mean? Perhaps nothing the majority of the time. But I couldn't help reflecting what a picture this was of my marriage. satan is able sometimes to put fences between us. This was true of my 18 year marriage. he built a wall between my former wife and me and fooled me into treating symptoms rather than the difficulties. It was poor communication-and endictment on ME, as I am a professional communicator. I tried to fix what she SAID was the problem, rather than the real issue.

I believe the little girl represents the "daddy" spirit in me that was in my Dad and is evident in my Son.

She also represents the little girl in my former wife I so despirately wished to reach, but was unable to.

I have been guilty of willingly and at times unwittingly allowing the Enemy to put up fences and even walls between

myself and those I love.

The song I learned as a child is so simple, yet true:

The devil is a sly old fox

If I could catch him, I'd put him in a box,

Lock that box and throw away the key,

For all those tricks he's played on me.

Glad I got converted (x3)

And trusting in the Lord!

From a So Called "Progressive" (who Voted for Obama)

THAT Looks Like Fun!

Admiring Elvis is the first thing I remember. Had something to do with his effect on the female population, initially but later, his amazing voice and talent. But there have been and are more local singers and musicians who have impressed me. Today, Kristen Sayer is a phenominal guitarist and sings very well, Tom Taylor and the guys from Rockzilla, and Alden Smith is living the dream with Blackwood Haze.

In 7th grade a Falls Church band, the Electras made my jaw drop at Charlie Browning's ability to emulate Mick Jagger, Billy Cooksey's spinning drum sticks and the infectious Happy Acosta.

In 8th grade, there was a new band, Ye Bay Rums. I got to know and clown around with George Cotner, who played keyboard but never got to meet the band's singer/guitarist Dave Yarnell. I AM putting his picture in the Amazing People photo album that shows him then, somewhat later and with his band Captain Dave & the Neptunes.
I had the honor of joining another great band, King's Row when the superb vocalist, Dennis DeCreny went off to college. Later, I joined Scarlet Onyx with Lee and John Brennan, "Crew" Pat Murphey, an amazing guitarist, John Doliante on drums, later replaced by Rusty (Bruce) Fuerst.
As Dean Martin sang, Memories are made of this!

Performance - Based Religion

It's all around us. Salvation based on one's performance. Thank God for His amazing grace.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”(Acts 16:31 NKJV Bible)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV Bible)

Ah, but the world has a different idea. The Greeks had to invent a new word for God's unconditional love---agape. Our beliefs may not make us better people...right away, but eventually it will.

Maintenance People

     There are all kinds of people in the world. I call these folks "maintenance" people. You've encountered them time and time again. They may also be called "groomers." There are certain foods that are messy to eat but that is part of the enjoyment. Watermelon comes to mind. It's not near as much fun to eat when made into little balls or cubed as it is when eaten a quarter at a time, one's mouth filling with seeds and wet, red goodness all over one's face. And I don't mean these over-priced icebox varieties. I mean the huge, thumpable melons that didn't used to be harvested until late July and August. Maintenance people at such events are party poopers. They expect you to wipe your face with each bite. They need to stay home. Try to avoid being around a maintenance person while eating spaghetti. Part of the joy of pasta is wearing the sauce at LEAST a few seconds. I don't buy the THEORY of evolution but I guarantee those who do would say this behavior is a carry over from our ape ancestry. No doubt you have witnessed these primates going through each other's fur picking insects and eating them.
     I recently had cataract surgery. The drops that I take cause my eyes to manufacture an inordinate amount of "goobers." One of my well meaning maintenance friends is quick to point these out to me, but there is a catch twenty-two here as my eye doctor doesn't want me rubbing my eyes, not even moistening my pinkie finger and removing the speck.
     Update: The doc has cleared me to now GENTLY dab so Maintenance Boy will be more comfortable in my clean-eyed presence.
     I  have a friend who, when eating, constantly asks, "Do I have cheese all in my beard?" Paranoia no doubt brought on from too many encounters with maintenance people.Where would we be without them? The alternative is discovering spinach on your front teeth on a trip to the restroom.
     The entire time you've been reading this, you've had a little something on your cheek. No, right there. Over a little. Let me see. You got it.