Sunday, January 9, 2011

Point of View

I would like to clear up my feelings concerning those who are presently serving as our leaders in Washington. My number 1 issue is BIG government, not who is sitting in the Oval Office. If Tiny Tim were sitting there with his crookedy leg, I would still feel the same. I don't understand why any American citizen wants a leader to make up a set of rules for the common folk to live by. The 'rules' of our country were put into place long before any of us were born, long before socialism entered the USA. We became a free nation because people were tired of being told what to do. The Constitution was put there for a reason. Put there by men who had differing opinions but came together to do what was best for America. Of late I see the higher echelon trying to change things to favor only part of the people. It is not right. Again, let me say, Obama is not the problem. In my opinion he is a puppet being used by something much more sinister than many people want to acknowledge. This trend did not start with this administration. It has been building over many years. Years ago I heard it said of Russia - we will not have to fire a shot to destroy America, they will destroy themselves'. It is happening. There is an elite group of people who want to control everything and everyone. If you are not aware of these people you should become aware. Have you ever heard of the Builderburg Society? Did you know they are still in existence? Do you know they are still meeting with the intent on taking control of you? Some of the players have changed, but their ideals have not. Look it up, see just who some of those involved in this project have been and are now. They are all money people. Some have gotten their riches in less than honest dealings.

The present mind set of many elected officials seems to have a mother hen concept. Keep those little chicks under the wing, don't let them see the outside world. That is great for a biddy, but American voters are grown up now. I remember my kids as teenagers were a bit testy when I tried to micro-manage their lives. It was not about to happen. Rebellion was on the way. Why is it such a surprise that those of us who take the time to think would be more like a teenager than a biddy? Washington might as well get used to the idea it is not going to happen now either.

When we assert our rights we are labeled as idiots, yes that is right, I have been called an idiot, uneducated, and many other things because I choose to disagree with the fat cats in Washington. I have been called violent because I agree with a peaceful collection of people called Tea Party Patriots. I am selfish because I prefer to keep what I work to earn. IF I want to give it away, it should be MY choice to do so, not a mandate signed into law by someone who is a puppet of the bigger problem. I am a bigot because I oppose giving any rights to those who break the law. When I stated my opinion I was 'blocked' by one liberal because my opinion caused her 'stomach to knot up'. And you say liberals are open minded! That is not being open minded. What others think of me will not stop me from stating my opinion. That is like willingly giving up my right of freedom of speech. What I think is not put out there as hatred toward others. I state my opinions because someone, somewhere may just think of what I have to say and look a little deeper into what is happening to America.

Pushing your head down deeper into the sand will not stop the coming events. Either stand up and face the truth or learn to live in a socialist country. Health care run by the government is not the answer. Government is not the answer. More laws is not the answer. The change has to come from within each person. I still say if you don't like America, you should leave it, not try to change it to fit you. We are who we were, are and will be. True Americans will not change. We enjoy being a free people. I think some are trying to enslave the entire population to fit into a very controlled lifestyle. I think of a mother duck walking in front of her ducklings. How rigid she is, how straight is the line of little ones. I am not a duckling, never was and never want to be.

Now when you disagree with my point of view, you know where I stand. A couple of people have said I am an angry person. Wrong again. I am a very happy person with the freedom to say how I feel. I know how all of this ends because I have 'read the end of the book'. I know America is not a great power during the end times. She is not mentioned in the book of Revelation. It seems Russia was correct in that. I just hate to see it happening. The Bible tells us there will come a time when people are self-absorbed and far from God, each doing their own thing. It is happening. I also have a peace knowing I will not be here during the devastation to come. I belong to the Creator of all things and He will transport me to my new home before these things happen. You see, I have nothing to fear. I do, without a doubt know where I am going and how I will get there. My heart aches for those who stubbornly hang on to their own self destruction.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

I felt so honored. A birthday celebration was being held in my honor. I had gotten an invitation to come and join the celebration. I was so happy.

There was just one problem. I was unsure where the celebration was to be held. I would have to look around town to see where I should be going.

As I traveled down the road coming into the little village I saw many houses with decorations befitting a celebration of colossal merit.

There were lights that shone at the windows and doors of many homes. Twinkling lights danced about in the crisp night air. The fresh fallen snow glistened like tiny diamonds. I saw shiny ornaments that had been carefully selected to adorn the beautiful trees that had been cut just to celebrate this occasion - my birthday. I felt humbled by this scene.

At the edge of town I saw all of the street lights along Main Street had been dressed up to herald the party that was to be held in my honor The shop windows were filled with special displays which were pulled out once a year just for this occasion. There were shoppers hurriedly checking each shop to find just the right gift, the gift that would undoubtedly be the best of the assortment of gifts being offered at the birthday celebration. There were wonderful aromas wafting from homes as I passed along the way. It was truly a marvelous sight to behold.

But, I knew it was time to find the place where my birthday commemoration was being held. I saw a house just ahead, people were gathering there. It looked as though every aunt, uncle, cousin, husband and wife, as well as all their children were gathering here for a great celebration. I knew this must be the place.

I fell in step with those entering this gathering place. Everyone seemed so happy. Smiles were given away freely as were the exchange of greetings. The cold air brought puffs of steam as the villagers quipped regards to one another. I was sure this must be the place. I knew a gathering of this size would surely be a good place to celebrate my birthday. Music started playing just about that time. The people all sat down to listen. The music was heavenly. I relaxed in a seat close to the back door of the gathering place and got lost in the sounds of the organ.
Soon I realized this was not the place to which I had been invited. This was not the place where my birthday was being celebrated. Why, I was hardly mentioned at all. There were songs being sung and a story was read, but the people; the people were hardly listening at all. They were shushing the children at times.

I noticed one with a shopping list, and still others lost in thought far away from this gathering. A few were trying to recall things left to do before they were ready to celebrate my birthday party. Many of those at the gathering seemed eager to be gone from this place. They were eager to hurry to somewhere else. Saddened, when the gathering had ended, I left, unnoticed. I continued my journey to find the place I had been invited.

I came upon a home where many people were gathering to enjoy a banquet. The women were carrying in a variety of foods which were made special for this occasion. Each woman had worked for days to prepare their addition to the meal. Each lady seemed ready to accept adoration, hoping her sumptuous fare would be considered the best dish at the banquet. The men and children were carrying gifts wrapped in elegant paper. Ribbons and bows were carefully protected so as not to be crushed, causing the package to look second-rate. As I observed the plethora of gifts, I wondered if there could be anything left in the shops at all. I was again so happy to see the care folks had taken to make my birthday special. The crowd gathered inside.

I stepped inside the door and stood. I stood waiting for someone to notice that I had arrived. I stood there hoping someone would notice the guest who was supposed to be honored at their party was here, waiting to be recognized. The food was laid out on long tables and placed just right to make the festive occasion perfect. The chinaware shone and the silver was wiped clean of spots, as were the stemmed goblets placed close to the punch bowl within easy reach of anyone who desired to drink. It reminded me of something in the past, it was something about living water to drink. I was jolted out of my reminiscence by the lusty call of someone announcing it was time to eat.

In no time at all, the beautiful banquet was in a shambles and with full bellies, the entire group moved to the area of the decorated tree where they had placed all the gifts that I had supposed were mine.

A young boy was sitting down beside the tree picking up each gift and reading a name written on it. With squeals of delight, someone would quickly gather up the package and start ripping off the pretty paper. Soon all of the gifts were passed around and everyone had a gift ... but there was none for me. There were no gifts there for me, in fact, my name was not even mentioned. I realized this too was not the place I had been invited.

I quietly slipped out the door unnoticed. The wind was picking up a bit more, and I felt a chill as I pulled my cloak closer. I seemed to be walking into the wind. I could not help but think this was just about par for the course of the evening.

The gatherings I had visited were not in my honor. The gatherings, though very festive, had nothing whatsoever to do with wanting to celebrate the day I was born. Again, I felt sad and alone. But I knew my invitation had come from somewhere, and I was determined to find it.

I walked on through the town, seeing nothing that would cause me to think anyone even knew me let alone want to celebrate my special day. There was a humble little house just ahead, and I thought I should stop here to see if maybe someone there could tell me where the celebration was to be held.

I was beginning to get a chill from the cold and if nothing more, I needed to stop and rest awhile. I knocked at the door of a little cabin which had only one small candle in the window. One of the panes had a board taped to it to keep out the cold. The fireplace looked warm and inviting. Soon, the door opened just enough for me to see inside. The frail old woman stood there with a smile on her face. The wind, through the door, blew her shawl from her shoulders. As she clutched it close she asked me to please step inside as it was just too cold to stand out in that weather. I was surprised at her hospitality, as I had a feeling strangers were not welcomed with open arms in this village.

I gladly accepted her kind invitation and stepped inside, closing the door quickly behind me. I was invited over to the warm fire and was handed a cup of hot cocoa to warm me inside.

I told the aged woman I was so glad to have found a friendly place to rest. I told her I was also glad she had accepted me into her home. It was then she told me I was not a stranger to her at all. She said she had been waiting for me to arrive. She had been sitting there by the fire, rejoicing because it was my birthday. I smiled and sat down close to the fire with this one soul who understood how to celebrate my birthday.She offered me a fresh baked roll swiped with butter and another cup of cocoa. She bowed her head and gave thanks as we sat together.

I listened as she read from a worn old book which had been well-used. She turned to a familiar story and read about the night I came to be born of a virgin long ago, in the city of Bethlehem. With labored breath she read of how the angels had told the shepherds of my birth. She told of the struggles I had faced before I died.

And then she leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes and relived the day she had asked me to come into her life. She opened her eyes for only a moment and thanked me for all I had given her. She said she was ready to go now to live in my home with me forever.

We left the shabby little cottage on the edge of town together. We both knew the true celebration of my birthday was not in those big gatherings. There, no one even mentioned my name. All of the glitz and glamor was not a celebration of me at all. Not one bowed their head to thank me for anything.

The true celebration was in the heart of the bent, old woman who accepted me as LORD of her life and then waited patiently for me to come take her to her new home on this, my birthday.
Hazel Williams-Jann
© Dec 2002


The Birthday Celebration
by
Hazel Williams-Jann

Published by
HWJ Enterprises
70 East Fourth Street
London, OH 43140-1258

Illustrations by:
Jason Mascari
Sue Henthorn - front cover
Betty Mitchell

Copyright © 2002
by
Hazel Williams-Jann
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

Dedicated To
My Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ
Acknowledgments:

I wish to express my appreciation to those who continue to encourage me by continuing to read the thoughts I put on the written page.

A special thank you to Ken Robison who spent hours helping me with my computer software skills. Without his patience in teaching me to navigate the word processor, I could not have completed this work.

And, to those who so graciously supplied the graphics, I applaud your abilities and am humbled by your kindness..

Last, but not least, I must thank the One who gave me the ability to write. Without Him, I could do nothing.

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Luke 2: 1-20 (KJV)
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed 2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10.And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

About the Author

Hazel Williams-Jann, a widow with five children, eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren began writing at an early age. Her first published writing was in high school. Throughout her life she has continued to put her thoughts on paper in the form of short stories and poetry with a personal touch. Many of her poems are in homes across America, some have even made their way overseas. Hazel continues to write articles for her local newspaper and other assorted publications.
The Birthday Celebration came together while observing how many chose to celebrate the birth of Christ one Christmas season.

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Sunday, November 7, 2010

Homeless in Delaware

November, 2010

On the coldest night, so far, of the year, plans were made for the entire family of five to take on the elements as though they were homeless. This project was set up to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. After working all day the parents gathered their three children, the oldest a boy of fourteen and his two sisters, age 11 and 12. It would be a night they would not soon forget.

Many cardboard boxes had been gathered and placed on the street to simulate the sleeping quarters of those who are unfortunate for one reason or another and have to live without a home. My mind, being of the older generation fixes on images taken in the early 1930's and 40's. It was a time when men could not find work. These were not all just worthless people who had no desire to work, they consisted on once affluent members of society. Due to the economy, many lost well-paying jobs. Some were soldiers who had come home from fighting for America’s freedom. So many similarities face America today.

Banks have failed, the construction business is at a standstill for lack of money to pay workers. Jobs are being lost. Ordinary people are losing homes to foreclosure. It is beginning to look worrisome to many families. America has been fortunate until now. People have been spending money with no thought of ever having a problem paying it back. Many have been living far beyond their means with the use of credit and credit cards. They have purchased more than they need, because they could. Hindsight is not much help now. The time has come to pay the piper.

Mom and Dad decided their children should look at the reality of what could be just around the corner for America. Dressed in layers, the family walked to their designated ‘home’ for the night, determined to face the bitter cold as though they were truly homeless.

Much to mom’s chagrin this was not the case with many others in the area. What WERE they thinking! She could not imagine how they were going to learn anything about being homeless with heat generators plugged into electrical plugs. She shook her head at those playing corn hole, a game that costs around $100.00. These young people were going to be totally clueless of the plight of the homeless after their night outside. She wondered what sacrifice they were making that would help them understand the plight of a homeless person. She thought; “Little do they realize this could actually happen to them in the near future”. She continued her journey of teaching her children.

Mom, dad and the three children started the process of dressing as a homeless person. Each child had on at least two pair of socks, three layers of shirts, three pair of pants, a large coat, gloves and a hat. They each carried blankets for extra warmth. They walked among the crowd and she taught as they went. They were cold, but did not entertain the thought of using an electric heater of any kind. How would her children understand if she gave in to make their stay more comfortable. After all, she was quite sure no homeless person would have access to those things.

Soon it was time to sleep. Shivering, they bundled together in their cardboard box. At this point a family of five was a blessing as each helped keep the other stay warm. Mom and her youngest daughter lay close together with their heads covered with the blanket because mom’s long hair kept causing her hat to come off. The child mentioned that being that close together did not smell very good! Yes, it was a lesson to be learned. They each had stinky breath, just as a homeless person would have. Supper was still on their teeth as they were not at home with a toothbrush. I had to chuckle.

With only a few hours sleep, dad shook them awake to say the boxes were being torn down. They needed to get up. Another reality set it. There was an urgent need to use the bathroom!!! What bathroom? There was none! Another lesson that would not be soon forgotten. This was where mom drew the line. She gave in to that one modern convenience and scampered off to the place she works. She said; “That was just much to ask, no toilet!”

They gathered their belongings and thought they would go to McDonald’s for breakfast. But, that was not to be. She taught her kids another bit of truth. In order to have any money, those who are homeless would have to panhandle if they were to eat. She pulled out four dollar bills and told them that was all they could get during the night. In actuality, the lack of funds was in place to show them eating a meal was not always possible for those on the street.

I spoke with the children to see what they had taken away from this experience. I think they will never again look at homelessness in the same way. Because of this one cold night they will forever have compassion when they see someone less fortunate. They learned it is better to buy things you can afford, leave credit cards alone and be truly thankful for every little thing you have. They will think twice before spending money on the latest toys, games and expensive clothing. There are things much more important in life than trying to keep up with the Jones’. I applaud mom and dad for showing their children these truths.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

My view of Politicians

I have a question: Suppose you are a business owner and you hire a worker. This worker promises that they know what they are doing and can get the job done. Not only that but they promise to make things better because of their knowledge of the job you are hiring them to do. Ok, you give the job to that person thinking all will be better in your company very soon because of all the promises made by the employee. A year passes and things have not gotten any better, in fact they have gotten worse and your business is going under. My question to you is: How much longer are you going to pay this person before you have had enough? That is exactly what is going on with these elections. The man promised, he did not keep those promises and in fact things have gotten worse not better. But he is blaming someone else for the problems. If we are going to blame someone else, why stop at Bush? Do you really think he causes all this mess? I don't. It started somewhere around Woodrow Wilson.

So, it is my opinion those who are in Washington to 'fix' us need to be changed, new faces, new ideas. Yes, it is going to get worse. I have no doubt we are headed into a deep depression. It is coming, look for it. I am not putting the blame one either party. I think the problem is the power they have. Those we hired to work FOR us have forgotten what their roll really is. They are to work FOR us, not against us and for themselves. I think there should be term limits to EVERYONE. Every four years we need to change EVERYONE in Washington. These 'lifers' seem to forget their roll.

I do not blame Obama for this mess, nor do I blame Bush. I blame the voters for voting because a politician looks good or speaks well (even if they have to use a teleprompter). Moral character should be high on the list of why we vote for a person. If they cannot be trusted morally, why should we trust them to lead. O, you just should not get me started.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Bent But Not Broken

Bent, But Not Broken
(Our nation in mourning)

Today I am so weary, my head is bowed so low
Troubles are surrounding, everywhere I go.
I see such devastation, shattered lives and broken dreams
Heavy hearts are all around me, their loss is clearly seen.

I may be bent, I am not broken, evil shall not win
I know my Lord is near me, He will triumph once again.

Today when I am weary, I will bow my head down low
Talking to my Lord, as through the day I go.
In all this devastation, He will hear me as I pray
My spirit will be lifted with every prayer I say.

I may be bent, I am not broken, evil shall not win.
I know my Lord is near me, He will triumph once again.

I must open up the shutters, I must face this day with faith
I will comfort those around me, those with fear upon their face
For I know there is a warrior that is standing by my side
He will fight my battles, He will not run and hide.

I may be bent, I am not broken, evil shall not win
I know my Lord is near me, He will triumph once again.
Hazel Williams-Jann
© Sept 11, 2001
....“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings”.... Rev 17:14

Friday, August 27, 2010

Packing school lunches

I read a Facebook comment on trying to pack school lunches this morning. What memories flooded my mind. I wonder how many could begin to relate to the time I was in school and my mother packed my lunch.

In the early 1940's we were tenant farmers growing most of what we ate. There was no choice in the matter, that was just the way it was then. There were few trips to the grocery store. I recall several occasions of sitting in the back seat of the old family car with my two brothers and one sister while mother and daddy went into the store to purchase things that would be needed for putting food on the table. I remember they had to purchase some things with ration stamps as we were allowed only so much coffee, sugar, gasoline and other products. It was the time when America was dealing with a deep depression and two world wars. Everyone was called upon to tighten their belts. Our first concern was the men who were fighting to protect America. They needed our support. They got it without argument.

At the cost of 5 cents, a loaf of "store bought" bread was a rare thing. It was just not possible to justify that when mother could make biscuits for breakfast and cornbread for dinner and supper. The remembrance of the loaf of bread brings to mind one of my most embarrassing moments. Because 'light bread' was a rare thing being the consumer of the heal of the bread was based upon which child "called" it first. On this one occasion when I was about 9-10 years old I had waited all day, thinking of that piece of bread.

We lived about a mile off the road where the school bus picked us up and dropped us off each day. It was quite a walk to the old farmhouse and being the youngest I was usually last to get there. It can be assumed I was not going to reach that piece of bread before the other kids got home. This day I decided I was going to have that tasty morsel, no matter what it took. I would remember to "call" it before anyone else thought of it. Oh, what that bus load of kids must have thought when, before stepping off the bus I yelled; "I get the bread tonight!" Of course I got the end piece of the coveted store-bought bread, but at what price! I don't recall ever needing that particular piece bad enough to yell it out the second time in hearing distance of all my peers.

It was not that we did not eat well, we did. We grew what we ate. During this season of the year we were busy canning. We started the summer by planting a garden. It was an ample garden for a family of six. An acre of ground will produce lots of potatoes, corn, tomatoes, green beans, carrots. beets, turnips, sweet potatoes, cabbage and other things that could be preserved for the winter months. We would make trips to the near-by woods to pick blackberries. Now that I am older, I know my mother was a sneaky person. She had her reasons, of course. I never understood why it was so important to wear boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and let her lead the way sporting a walking stick. I know now what that was all about. Did you know SNAKES live in berry bushes??? Well, I sure didn't. Had I have known, I would have had to been dragged kicking and screaming into those woods. Mom was smart. She kept us involved in seeing other things. I remember the smell of the May apples as we passed by a tree. Now don't ask me what a May apple is, I really have no idea. But I do know it had one of the sweetest smells ever. As we walked along looking up to find May apples was her way making sure should a snake slither across the path we would not be seeing it. Sneaky, smart mom. I have to smile.

When all the canning was finished it was time for school to start. I miss those days of anticipation that held my sister and I captive as we sat under a shade tree shelling beans by the bushel. I didn't even mind the long walk to the bus. Now I would need a motorized vehicle for that task. The years do take a tole.

The school had a lunch room, but that cost money that was not available. Mother packed our lunch every morning. Folks, we didn't even have little brown bags in which to carry a sandwich. Mother used old newspapers, or cut up brown grocery bags tied with string to wrap things. I never gave it a thought. It was just the way it was. I noticed others with lunch pails, but I wasn't jealous. I was happy with what I had. Inside that paper tied with a string I would find a fried egg sandwich on a biscuit, or peanut butter and jelly on a biscuit. I remember one time, mother made cornbread and brought it to school for our dinner. This was when we were in a one-room school around Plain City. I recall the kids wanting to trade their lunches of lunch meat on light bread for our plain ole biscuit and egg. I thought they were weird. How could anyone prefer what I had to eat every day over a real sandwich? It was beyond my pattern of thought. At times we would have a treat of homemade jelly on a biscuit. That was the extent of dessert. We never had carrot sticks, or celery sticks like some of the others. I don't recall taking anything to drink. It is amazing to look back at those times now. It is totally foreign to today's youth to live with so little and be happy.

So, now Facebook friend, are you ready to tackle the grocery store? Don't you wish you too was living in a more laid-back time, when life was made up of just biscuits and cornbread? I know, if I were packing a lunch I would be inclined to "allow" my children to see that side of life. I wonder what the outcome of that would be.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

I am not a Republican

I am not a Republican, I am not a Democrat. I am not a conservative, nor am I a liberal. I am not a Communist, Marxist, or any other stereotype written and talked about on TV and the radio. I am not a puppet of Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, or Sean Hannity. I am not a right-winger nor a left-winger. I am neither white, nor black, red or yellow. I am not African-American, Hispanic, Muslim American or of any particular country. I don’t think there is such a thing as Muslim-American because the Koran teaches if you serve any god other than Ala you are an infidel, therefore must be killed. I think if any one tacks another origin to their name, they are only half American. I don’t even know what the word Hispanic means. I also think the black people should ‘get over it’ as the Indian and Japanese people have. So, there were slaves in you family. So be it. I was not a slave owner, you are not a slave and using that as a talking point says forgiveness is not in your nature. It is over, get on with life. It just might be if you didn’t call yourselves black American others would be able to accept you as just plain American. If Hispanic was not used, maybe America would accept you as American. I am not a racist, terrorist or illegal. I don’t care what color our president might be. He could be pink polka dotted for all I care. What I care about is what is being done to America.

I am an American! Because of this I am concerned about what is happening to our country. American people speak English. Those who came here for a better life, back in the day, did not ask for their former country’s language to be used here. They learned to speak English. They did this because they wanted to be Americans. I don’t think they asked for a handout when they docked at Ellis Island, nor did they expect others to build them a home. They did this themselves. Yes, they spoke their native tongue when they were in their own community as they learned English. No problem there. They did not ask for school books in their native language or teachers who spoke it. They adapted to the American way of life. These people came to America not to change us but to change their way of life to a better one. When they came here they did not all press together in overcrowded living condition to save money to send back to their native land. They lived here, paying their own way in order to have better than the place they left. They did not come to try to destroy us. They came to help us build a great nation. They didn’t sneak across borders with fake passports, or obtain a fake ID to keep their nation of origin a secret. They obeyed the laws of the land. They farmed, they did wood working, they became bakers, butchers and even candle stick makers. They contributed to America. They did not come to take away from America.

I am fed up with the blame game being played out in Washington. I am fed up with politicians who run for office on the pretense of wanting to serve their community. I am fed up with the bulging deficit this country has. I don’t care who caused it. We owe too much money to foreign countries. No one seems to see what is being done. Why is that? I am not a genius, nor am I stupid. I am intelligent enough to understand if I break the law, I must pay the price. I have eyes. I see what is happening. Jobs are being given to people who are in American illegally because they can be paid less money by their employer. This is taking jobs away from Americans who, if paid a good wage for what they do, would be more than happy to do the job. Families are losing their homes because the government enticed them to buy things they could not afford. That, I feel, is a shared problem. Americans have become used to living beyond their means, thinking they need the latest of everything. Why can’t people see what they are doing to themselves when they buy with a credit card? I talked with a woman recently who was happy about the new finance bill. Her only comment was now the credit card companies have to put the interests rates so people can see them. Well, duh! Did they think the banks are not going to make a profit? Did they not read the fine print? It has been on every application I received, that the interest rates may and, in fact will go up after a certain period of time. Getting you hooked is their first priority. It is up to the card holder to know what they are getting into. As with anything else, it is buyer beware. I would think no one goes into a restaurant to eat without first checking the price tag on their chosen item. That should be done everywhere, including accepting a credit card. I guess it is easier just to blame others when it is time to pay the reaper. Once again, the blame game.

I am fed up with those elected to serve thinking they have the right to TELL me what they are going to do. I have yet to have a job where I told my boss what to do. If they are working FOR the people, then stop trying to make decisions the people don’t want. Taxing the people to pay off a debt the people did not want made is not my idea of serving. It is a way to manipulate the people. Why should I be expected to pay for schooling, housing, hospitalization and food for an illegal? I am against them being here, so I surely have no desire to pay their bills. See if this makes sense: Fill a bird feeder with food. Watch the birds fly in to enjoy something they would not have without my having purchased it as well as placed it in the feeder. Do this for a month. Watch how many birds make it a habit of coming to eat three - four times a day. Now, empty the feeder. Let it sit empty for a month. You will see a huge difference in the amount of bird poop you have to clean up. They just quit coming. So why is it the companies that hire the illegal is not being held accountable for their behavior? They should be fined so heavily they would happily stop hiring them. Cut off the supply! The illegal then goes home. Simple as that.

Stop giving away what others work for. I have never been to Mexico or any other foreign country except Canada. If I went to a foreign country I don’t think I would be given anything. If I wanted something I would have to buy it. If I came in illegally I would be given a jail term. So why can’t America do the same? Note, I am saying ILLEGAL, not immigrants. I have absolutely no problem with immigrants. They obey the laws. Illegals break our laws while getting paid to do so. What’s with that?

Then there is the passing of bills, just to get them passed. Never mind what is in them, that can be sorted out later. What message do we get from the people who think that is a good thing? We are not in a race to see how quickly the American way of life can be destroyed. That seems to be what is happening in Washington these days. Again, this is not a ‘party’ problem. It is on both sides. Votes can be bought with the promise of something extra for the candidate who votes the way someone wants them to vote. I think any politician that does that should be immediately thrown out of office. He/she SAID they were running to help the people, not themselves. What has happened to honesty? What has happened to morals? It does matter to me what a person has done as a private citizen. If a person does not have a clean record then how can I trust them? I can’t, simple as that.

The bigger government gets, the more corrupt politicians we have in office. Why must I pay for the salary of unnecessary Czars, committees on committees, staff members to fold papers, staff members to answer the phone, staff members who work for the staff members. How many people does the first lady really need? I am just using her as one example. There are plenty others who have way too much help. If they would stay in their office doing what they were elected to do, they would not need so many. O, of course you say that is creating jobs. It is not creating jobs for the common folk. It is just doling out money for things the fat cats don’t want to do. It might take away from their golf time, or shopping with a government provided credit card for frivolous items. Sometimes these cards have even been used to buy an escort. As I say, morals do matter. They are costing us money because the level of honesty in our government leaders has diminished to what used to be found only in back alleys and brothels. God forbid!

Where has patriotism gone? How many have noticed the amount of people who never stand when the flag goes by? How many have noticed the younger generation can’t even recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Why is this? It is because it has been taken out of the schools as though it does not matter anymore. Listen, this is America. I don’t care who is offended by saying the Pledge. If you don’t honor the flag, leave the country. This is not where you belong. Go to the country that waves the flag you like. I will not miss you. I imagine there are others who will not miss you either. If you came to America it should have been because you like our way of life. If you had another reason then by all means find a third-world refuge and stay there. I take offence at people walking around with their faces covered, only their eyes showing. Americans don’t dress like that. If you like that dress, there are countries that can accommodate you. Mind you, I am not anti this or that. I am just pro American.

Those who came here struggled to make America a good place to be. They set to work forming the Constitution. Now we have leaders trying to change that. LEAVE IT ALONE! It is what makes America, America. Your job is not to change us, it is to uphold what the framers have already done.

There is one thing I am besides being an American. I am a Christian. I am one who believes in something I have never seen. Because I believe I will one day be in Heaven with God. If you don’t believe, that is your right. You are not made to believe. You also do not have a right to tell me I can not speak of what I believe. Contrary to what our sitting president says, we ARE a Christian nation. The ‘rule book’ was used in writing our laws. I don’t care if you are the ACLU, NAACP, a tree hugger, or animal activist, that is your right. If any of you start trying to take away MY rights, then I come out fighting. You can say what you want, you can hang onto your ways. You will NOT take away my freedom to speak.

I have read the end of the Book. I realize persecution is inevitable in the end times. The more you persecute me for my beliefs, the more sure I am that those times are fast approaching. I am ready. I know where I am going. I have no fear of this world. I do have a very healthy respect for the One who created it.

I will state my thoughts, I will tell others how I feel. I can do all of this without losing my grip on reality. Yes, I am upset with what is happening. Yes, I think things need to change back to the smaller government. All in all, so be it. God is in control. I know He sees everything that is going on. Will I lose sleep over all these things? Hardly. I have learned that praying is something Satan does not like. So when I lay me down to sleep, I start praying. Soon I wake up realizing it is morning. I can’t even remember where my praying ended and sleep came. It usually does not take very long. I just so enjoy upsetting Satan.