All this hoopla about whether or not Tom Brady cheated in order to get to the Super Bowl has America taking sides - again. How sad. I decided to add my two cents because my reasons are very different from all that I've heard. All pro football players except one say he absolutely did cheat. All the talking heads say believe him. Or, change the rules to exonerate him, but that, to me, is kind of squeamish and saying, "Yeah, OK, he cheated, so change the rules and grandfather him in."
I have a few questions. For example, if the weather affected 11 of Mr. Brady's footballs and NONE of the Raven's, WHY? He couldn't tell the difference for the whole game, but when a Raven got hold of the football, he knew. WHY? If he didn't do it that, time, WHY was he reported in having done it in other games? Several have commented that the Patriot's like the get as close to the line to cheating as possible. WHY? Belichick, who's got an unsavory reputation of his own, by all accounts, threw Brady under the bus. WHY?
That being said, my point goes in another direction. In the movie, Moneyball, it was said that one player wouldn't be hired because his wife was ugly-a sign of no self-confidence. Discussion with others taught me the statement was not fiction.
I feel sorry for the rich and famous. They have to bow to the likes and dislikes of their audience, even when it comes to who they marry. And what in the world does that have to do with football or my point?
Mr. Brady has enormous talent. He's experienced. He's played football his entire life. So, if he did cheat, WHY? It has to be a lack of self-confidence. He couldn't trust himself to win with all the abilities and experience God has given to him.
That reminds me of David in the Bible when he committed adultery and then had his lover's husband murdered. God said, "I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. AND IF ALL THIS HAD BEEN TOO LITTLE, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU EVEN MORE."
My point then, is that with all God has given Tom Brady, why did he not trust that and play honestly? He didn't trust himself. No self-confidence, let alone confidence in God. Growing up, we had the saying, "Cheaters never win and winners never cheat." Well, that's gone with the wind. Too bad.
The problem is, cheating is kind of like drinking salt water. The more you do it, the more compelled you are to do it and you finally end up destroying yourself. Has Brady destroyed himself? Or has he been given a pass before and will cheat until he does self-destruct? If he's telling the truth, WHY is Dan Merino the ONLY former pro football player defending him?
Regardless, the victory is tainted. There will always be those who do not believe him. After watching him squirm for 31 minutes while reporters questioned him, I was convinced. A cheesy smile as he looked directly into the camera and said, "This is not ISIS," was damning. If it's not that important, WHY then, has he been accused of cheating? And WHY is the evidence so compelling?
Football is no longer important to me, hasn't been since Terry Bradshaw was quarterback for the Steelers in the 1980's. Character, integrity, honesty, and dignity, however, are important.. That's why I've weighed in. If the Brady's and the Belichick's are representatives of the backbone of the nation, we're in big trouble.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
New boy
We have a new boy at school. Yesterday was his first day. Public schools in Florida have taken cursive writing out of the curriculum, but we have not. Over the past 11 years, I have come home with tears in my eyes from a statement a boy has made about their home life, but today was the first time I had tears in my eyes because a boy was so hard working and so willing to learn.
All the years of pulling teeth, just to get a decent sentence out of a boy in an essay he was required to write-well I've been rewarded. In the years I've been there, it seems as though the caliber of students we get have gone from families who are fed up with the boy and just want to foist him off on the school to parents who want their son to learn. It's made it easier and more rewarding. I enjoy working hard when I get cooperation and over the years the cooperation has improved.
But, today! Wow! Thank you, Lord! Since I've been there, one boy spent a year on the mission field, one boy has been accepted into the SEALS program, and now this young man, who enjoys learning. It's often been said reaching just one makes it all worth it. True, but the more I reach, the greater the reward. Thank you, Lord.
All the years of pulling teeth, just to get a decent sentence out of a boy in an essay he was required to write-well I've been rewarded. In the years I've been there, it seems as though the caliber of students we get have gone from families who are fed up with the boy and just want to foist him off on the school to parents who want their son to learn. It's made it easier and more rewarding. I enjoy working hard when I get cooperation and over the years the cooperation has improved.
But, today! Wow! Thank you, Lord! Since I've been there, one boy spent a year on the mission field, one boy has been accepted into the SEALS program, and now this young man, who enjoys learning. It's often been said reaching just one makes it all worth it. True, but the more I reach, the greater the reward. Thank you, Lord.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Book 2
Over Christmas, my granddaughter and I were discussing my next book. I made the comment that I didn't want it to seem like a 71 year old writing about 20 somethings. "But, that's just what you're doing," was her response.
True. However, Bette Davis once said she didn't have to be a murderer to portray one in the movies. I don't have to be in my 20's to write about them. I do need a paradigm shift in my thinking and understanding of the culture today. I've come to realize that today's culture believes sex is merely a teenage rite of passage. How sad. How do I get around that and still be relevant?
I'm grateful I realized before I tried to publish that culture is not just a matter of clothes, food, electronics, and language. I have to understand why they believe it's a rite of passage instead of a beautiful gift from God that belongs to a married couple. I have to understand why they've settled for so little when there is so much to be gained by doing things God's way. And, I have to do it in a way that seems like it's 20 somethings who are talking, not me.
I'm also extremely grateful for the young people who have stayed true to what they've been taught-even though it's diametrically opposed to today's world. They're the better for it. Progress, as the political conservatives now stress, is not always a good thing. My granddaughter shocked me when she made the statement that she wished there was no texting. She, a champion texters! When asked to explain, she said texts are so brief, they often leave her wondering if the comments are just being brief or if there's a need to read between the lines about the person's attitude.
I've noticed, too, that today's favorite expression is, "Oh, snap." Unless it has a vulgar connotation, I have to say I'd rather hear that than much of what I do hear. Are young people actually getting tired of their, angry, vulgar, hurried, devalued existence ? Are they searching for something better? I hope so.
"The Color of Roses" took place in the 1980's and the characters were in their 40's. That wasn't so hard to do because I was in my 40's in the 1980's. Even then, there was promiscuity. John Steinbeck's character in "East of Eden" started having sex for love, but over time she devalued the experience until it became a way to make money. Not all sexually active people are that unfortunate, I realize, but if we so long to have the very best in every other aspect of our lives, why not sex? Lord knows that's about all anybody talks about anymore. Why has it become just a physical act? What happened to the emotions and the spiritual? My husband used to get annoyed with me for saying that sex, to some people, was no more than a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. How does it feel to be a convenience for someone's out of control hormones?
It's often been advised to write what you know. I know God's way is best. I'm not a 20 something, but I've talked to people from their teens to their 70's who've said the same thing. God's way is best. Help me, Lord, to get the message out.
True. However, Bette Davis once said she didn't have to be a murderer to portray one in the movies. I don't have to be in my 20's to write about them. I do need a paradigm shift in my thinking and understanding of the culture today. I've come to realize that today's culture believes sex is merely a teenage rite of passage. How sad. How do I get around that and still be relevant?
I'm grateful I realized before I tried to publish that culture is not just a matter of clothes, food, electronics, and language. I have to understand why they believe it's a rite of passage instead of a beautiful gift from God that belongs to a married couple. I have to understand why they've settled for so little when there is so much to be gained by doing things God's way. And, I have to do it in a way that seems like it's 20 somethings who are talking, not me.
I'm also extremely grateful for the young people who have stayed true to what they've been taught-even though it's diametrically opposed to today's world. They're the better for it. Progress, as the political conservatives now stress, is not always a good thing. My granddaughter shocked me when she made the statement that she wished there was no texting. She, a champion texters! When asked to explain, she said texts are so brief, they often leave her wondering if the comments are just being brief or if there's a need to read between the lines about the person's attitude.
I've noticed, too, that today's favorite expression is, "Oh, snap." Unless it has a vulgar connotation, I have to say I'd rather hear that than much of what I do hear. Are young people actually getting tired of their, angry, vulgar, hurried, devalued existence ? Are they searching for something better? I hope so.
"The Color of Roses" took place in the 1980's and the characters were in their 40's. That wasn't so hard to do because I was in my 40's in the 1980's. Even then, there was promiscuity. John Steinbeck's character in "East of Eden" started having sex for love, but over time she devalued the experience until it became a way to make money. Not all sexually active people are that unfortunate, I realize, but if we so long to have the very best in every other aspect of our lives, why not sex? Lord knows that's about all anybody talks about anymore. Why has it become just a physical act? What happened to the emotions and the spiritual? My husband used to get annoyed with me for saying that sex, to some people, was no more than a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. How does it feel to be a convenience for someone's out of control hormones?
It's often been advised to write what you know. I know God's way is best. I'm not a 20 something, but I've talked to people from their teens to their 70's who've said the same thing. God's way is best. Help me, Lord, to get the message out.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Mixed up, messed up garden
I hate to be so grumpy, I really do, but it hurts me to see supposedly intelligent people say things that make no sense at all.
This morning's news had a story about a 17 year old in Connecticut who doesn't want chemo. She wants to go natural, but the state is forcing her to take the chemo because she's "not old enough to make such an important decision." OK, Fine. What about the political blowhards who want to lower the age of sexual consent to 14? Does that make sense? If a 17 year old can't make decisions about a life threatening illness, how can a 14 year old make good decisions when her insecurities and hormones are screaming?
That's why Planned Parenthood makes a small fortune off them, giving them birth control pills (which do NOT stop STD's, or the release of the bonding hormone that causes broken hearts, OR THE PREDATORS WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM.) Or supplying terminations on demand (which can be even more destructive to young psyches).
Come on, now. Wake up America. How destructively hypocritical do the "experts" have to get before they stop the carnage?
This morning's news had a story about a 17 year old in Connecticut who doesn't want chemo. She wants to go natural, but the state is forcing her to take the chemo because she's "not old enough to make such an important decision." OK, Fine. What about the political blowhards who want to lower the age of sexual consent to 14? Does that make sense? If a 17 year old can't make decisions about a life threatening illness, how can a 14 year old make good decisions when her insecurities and hormones are screaming?
That's why Planned Parenthood makes a small fortune off them, giving them birth control pills (which do NOT stop STD's, or the release of the bonding hormone that causes broken hearts, OR THE PREDATORS WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM.) Or supplying terminations on demand (which can be even more destructive to young psyches).
Come on, now. Wake up America. How destructively hypocritical do the "experts" have to get before they stop the carnage?
Friday, January 9, 2015
They're at it again
I think they're at it again. The NSA. Which is so ridiculously funny when you think about it. Why would they be afraid of this great-grandma who has no clout whatsoever? We've had several calls recently from D.C. and Indio, California, but when we answer, no one speaks. I think it's because I had to get not one, but two licenses to sell my book. Somehow, somewhere, someone listed me as a company. If so, I am a company of one, but Uncle Sam may think I'm trying to cheat him. Such a waste of tax dollars to pay someone an exorbitant salary to check up on me, who has never risen financially above lower middle class. As retirees, we're now below the poverty line.
Several months ago, long distance calls to friends were listened to and, on occasion, even disconnected. Maybe it's all in my imagination and I'm more than willing to concede that. However, if they are listening, their paranoia is showing. I've got nothing to hide and I refuse to wallow in paranoia myself, although if they want me, they'll find a way to get me, even if they have to lie about it.
NSA, if you want to find out about me, read my blog, read my book, "The Color of Roses," check my emails. Follow me on Pinterest, or Facebook. I think you'll find I'm harmless. Unless you don't like Christians.
Several months ago, long distance calls to friends were listened to and, on occasion, even disconnected. Maybe it's all in my imagination and I'm more than willing to concede that. However, if they are listening, their paranoia is showing. I've got nothing to hide and I refuse to wallow in paranoia myself, although if they want me, they'll find a way to get me, even if they have to lie about it.
NSA, if you want to find out about me, read my blog, read my book, "The Color of Roses," check my emails. Follow me on Pinterest, or Facebook. I think you'll find I'm harmless. Unless you don't like Christians.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
What's new?
A very Happy New Year to all. May it be a great one, or at least better than 2014. Although, I really shouldn't complain about the past. God has been so good to bring so many people back into my life I had lost contact with. It's like we've never been parted. The friendship took up where we left off and I love it. If the Lord blesses me with friendships the way He has in the past, I will be blessed, indeed.
Since it's the first day of the new year, I decided to redo something I did a couple of years ago and already, I'm blessed beyond measure. A while back, I started out listing the names and attributes of God. I ended up with spending a year and 1/2 listing all the things I found in Scripture that talk about God. It was 43 pages of double columns and there were no repeats and didn't begin to cover everything. Awesome. With all our computer blowouts, the list has been lost. That gives me the joy of starting again. What a joy it was to have my heart and mind opened to this wonderful God who created us, who loves us, and who is worthy of our praise, our obedience, and our love.
For example, did you know He created light BEFORE He created the sun, moon, and stars? No big theological discovery I admit, but it's the little things that amaze me and delight me. If you still don't get my drift, try creating light without another source. See what I mean? He's God. He can do anything.
I'm so grateful He knows the future and cares for us in a way that He blocks consequences that would be too devastating. He drove Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden before that ate from the tree of life so that they wouldn't live forever in their sin. Thousands of years old and separated from God. Ugh!
I've also decided to memorize one verse or passage of Scripture a week. I know, I know, it's kind of like my dieting; going strong one week, not so good the next, and not at all shortly thereafter. However, try I shall. Today, I began with II timothy 3:16&17. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work." I'm stunned to realize some Christians believe learning Scripture is more a matter of pride than necessity. How can we be thoroughly equipped if we don't have a thorough knowledge of God's Word?
I'm reminded of II Timothy 3:1-6 where 19 things are described about people in the last days and all are present in our society today, even in our churches. Sadly, even in me. I have some work to do.
Since it's the first day of the new year, I decided to redo something I did a couple of years ago and already, I'm blessed beyond measure. A while back, I started out listing the names and attributes of God. I ended up with spending a year and 1/2 listing all the things I found in Scripture that talk about God. It was 43 pages of double columns and there were no repeats and didn't begin to cover everything. Awesome. With all our computer blowouts, the list has been lost. That gives me the joy of starting again. What a joy it was to have my heart and mind opened to this wonderful God who created us, who loves us, and who is worthy of our praise, our obedience, and our love.
For example, did you know He created light BEFORE He created the sun, moon, and stars? No big theological discovery I admit, but it's the little things that amaze me and delight me. If you still don't get my drift, try creating light without another source. See what I mean? He's God. He can do anything.
I'm so grateful He knows the future and cares for us in a way that He blocks consequences that would be too devastating. He drove Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden before that ate from the tree of life so that they wouldn't live forever in their sin. Thousands of years old and separated from God. Ugh!
I've also decided to memorize one verse or passage of Scripture a week. I know, I know, it's kind of like my dieting; going strong one week, not so good the next, and not at all shortly thereafter. However, try I shall. Today, I began with II timothy 3:16&17. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work." I'm stunned to realize some Christians believe learning Scripture is more a matter of pride than necessity. How can we be thoroughly equipped if we don't have a thorough knowledge of God's Word?
I'm reminded of II Timothy 3:1-6 where 19 things are described about people in the last days and all are present in our society today, even in our churches. Sadly, even in me. I have some work to do.
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