Fact vs Fiction?

Merry Orthodox Christmas to Everyone!

As we enter this new year of 2012, many of us no doubt have had some thoughts of the proverbial end of the world, at least from the Mayan calendar’s perspective. With a target date of December 21st, 2012, one wonders if this will end up being even more hype than now retired ‘TV evangelist’ Harold Camping’s erroneous predictions about the ‘Rapture’; Jesus’s taking from the Earth of all believing Christians in the blink of an eye.

Our worlds history is full of similar such false and misleading predictions, from the Jehovah Witness’s continual resetting of the end of the world date, and only ‘they’ would be the ones spared from whatever end does meet this planet, to even mass suicide cults, like the Jones one a few decades ago.

While some still continue to scoff at the Christian Bible, its countless predictions actually have come true over the past several millenia. Some of course, have run wild with illogical and mistaken interpretations of said prophecies actually are, and in the end, bring a strong cloud of doubt to the very Faith many of us adhere to.

From Hitler to Stalin to even Kissinger and Obama, some scream into the TV cameras for us to see, those who would mistakenly point to one they feel is the Anti-Christ among us. Well, as we have seen, most of their so-called ‘evidence’ was circumstantial and suspect at best, for the way in which they misinterpret various scriptures.

I am certainly not here today to shine any light on who may, or may not be the ‘Real’ Anti-Christ; who may well now be living on planet Earth. Now, bear in mind, the scriptures do say, that in the beginning he will be so popular, so charismatic, that even ‘Christians’ will be swayed by him.

All I am saying to you today is; beware, be alert, be cautious…see, the Bible also tells us, to test those who may appear initially to be speaking for God, but, as we have all seen before and continue to see, even many ‘popular’ TV evangelists, for example, have been proven and exposed to be nothing more than white-collar criminals…And too, simply Google all their names, and see the countless, proven, documented exposes of some of them…

You will be shocked…trust me…

Just…Thoughts…

Cheerful vs Charity?

Our Bible says, ‘The Lord loves a cheerful giver…’

Now, many of course presume to take this simply as one’s tithing to their choice of place of worship, etc…But, what about at Christmas? While we are all frantically trying to beat the clock ticking ever faster towards the 25th, what motivates us? What reactions there will be for those we have given gifts to? Or perhaps there is some latent feelings of obligation, towards perhaps an estranged friend, or even a family member?

Yes, most of us North Americans pretty well take it for granted, that someone will give us at least one present…The ‘Occupy’ Movement, that started out as a plea for changes for better distributions of wealth among the proverbial have-nots, was indeed a noble, worthy cause; but like it, has the very celebration of ‘Christmas’ gotten bogged down and over crowded with so many add-ons and tales and myths, been lost for its original intended celebration?

As I type this, there are literally hundreds all over this world of ours, dying of starvation, malnutrition, or revolts, protests and wars…But, I wish to not bring pessimism to this always Festive Season, but rather, maybe a little message of hope and peace…Earlier Blogs of mine have referenced ideals for what one person can do, to make effective and notable changes within our society…far too often, we shrug, reassure ourselves that ‘someone else’ can rise to the challenge and cause of shining even a glimmer of light into someone else’s darkened world…

But, what if we ALL thought and felt that way? Well, sadly, BECAUSE so much IS happening internationally, it is far too painfully obvious, that so much more is needed to be done and accomplished. When is the last time you happened upon someone begging for some spare change? And then lowered your eyes, stepping up your pace just a little faster to avoid their out-stretched hand? One person connecting with one other person…that all it takes really…

Jesus when on Earth knew that for thousands of years to come, said the declaration, “The poor will be among you always…” Yep, someone elses problem, if they only just got a job, well, then all their problems would be solved, right? Well, perhaps a much smaller degree of noticing this in Canada than in the USA, there ARE the poor and destitute among us today…If we will even look back over the past few years, what with recessions, etc, thousands…think about that, THOUSANDS of people who had good paying careers, are now unemployed, and yes, homeless…

We ‘sheltered Canadians’ are somewhat well off for the most part…but, even more so, what would some spare change a month do? What would you like it to do? What could you do with it tomorrow…or even today?

I wish for one and all, a truly Very Merry Christmas, and a Joyous, Hopeful 2012…

Just…Thoughts…

Peace vs Prosperity?

Christmas Day 2011 will soon be upon us…with Billions of fellow humans around the world in celebrating either The Saviour’s Birth, and/or at least another day off work…This year has been marked in great detail with the deaths of many a harsh dictator, and now, recent news of North Korea’s leader now gone as well.

What with all the ever-increasing unrest, strife, conflict, wars and famines all over our globe, one wonders if ‘Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men’, is something now to be only dreamt of…something unatainable…something impossible?

Well, one person did tell us, that it can be possible…one person shared of how His Father’s Love for everyone, can help us to also realise, that in sharing that very love with others, whether friend or foe, can truly make the world a better place. But, sadly, the very religious leaders of His day, those that He spoke out against, those that he pointed out that ‘their’ ways only led to a life filled with guilt, burden and grief, were then to be the instigators of His eventual cruel torture and subsequent death. Yes, His message of Peace, Love, and Hope, was to be quashed, eradicated and dismissed…but, as most of us know, His message, His life, His Love and His conquering of death, left us all to have that very Peace, Love and Hope…all it takes is a decision, a committment, a heart-felt wanting of it all.

He never promised ‘Life’ would be then spent on ‘Easy Street’ and full of prosperity; in spite of what some erroneous ones even on so-called ‘Christian’ TV programs would have you think…No, He did say, even the rain will fall on the just and the unjust…even ‘the world’ will hate you for wanting to just simply live a life of sharing with others, the very Peace, Love and Hope, that we ALL can have…

But yes, many of us get lured into a false hope of ‘Riches and Prosperity’ here on earth; no wonder so many at THIS time of year, are far more depressed and in sorrow that ever before during the year; no wonder this year brings an even higher number of suicides…He even spoke to us all, with a reminder of ‘Blessed be the poor…’ And He also had a strong message for the ‘rich’ all around us…

‘What can we do?’ some would ask in lament…well, it really doesn’t take much you know; a Christmas card sent to a family member that has been estranged from you, and simply signed ‘Love Always’; an email sent to a long-lost friend, a smile, and yes a cup of coffee shared with a friend that is hurting and/or ‘in need’…

What can make ‘the world’ a better place? Can one person really make a difference?

Well, one person came to our ever wildly spinning ol’ world, and look at the difference HE made for us all…

Share a smile, send a card, click on ‘Send’ for even a brief email…even strangers will usually smile back in return…

Which would you rather have, Contented Peace? Or Selfish Prosperity?

Just…Thoughts…

Bill's "Thought of the week"

The Video says it all Folks...

Remembrance vs. Reminders?

“War, what is it good for, absolutely nothin’…”

Yes, for those who will remember Edwin Starr’s anti-war song from 1970, at a height of the Vietnam War, and regarding the killings at Kent State University, also in 1970, could most likely agree with me; War(s) kill humans.

And here we are, decades later, and now witnessing a variety of world-wide protests; one subject of course, being the War in Afghanistan. And, as I have predicted in previous blogs, violence and yes, even deaths have occurred at some protest sites. Where and when will the escalating protests stop? Well, now there is something to watch…

Now here we are, on Canada’s Remembrance Day, with even present day reminders of what war is, and how it affects not only the Veterans, but we civilians as well. Past wars were fought for our very democratic freedoms; one could pause to really dig deep to see if there were any anti-war protests way back when, during World Wars 1 and 2, and even the Korean War.

Fast forward to today’s world, and because of ‘wars’, several greedy, despicable dictators have been overthrown; some even killed. Now, am I here today to step upon the proverbial soap box against war? No…But, am I also against legitimate PEACEFUL protests against certain injustices in society? Again, no…

However, I do find it quite ironic, that the very protesters against war violence, far too often resort to said violence themselves in their protests…hmmm, a bit hypocritical methinks?

But in truth, where does one draw the line between a ‘valid’ war, vs. an ‘invalid’ one? Should North America and Nato have remained silent, and let Extremist Terrorists run rampant all over our globe, and left unchecked, someday entrench themselves so much, that the majority of our planet is then under Taliban Rule?

Careful Dear Readers, it may well yet be something to come to pass…

Just…Thoughts…

Occupy vs Outrage?

Let’s face it, many of us are now to the point of asking; ‘Good Grief, what next is going to be occupied?’

For those of you following this now global cause for social and financial ‘justice’, the crowds are diminishing many areas, while those still in the firm stances are clearly becoming more and more outraged at what they feel is little to no action being taken. Their protests are in part quite understandable, in that a very small minority of humans, hold the vast majority of financial wealth and power world-wide.

Sadly though, there has been seen over and over, other fringe elements trying to infiltrate the various locations with their soap boxes as well. From Communists to Muslims to…well, you name it, some ’cause’ or group is also shouting out their various agendas. As I have speculated in other Blogs, it might not take too big of a match to ignite some very potent, unstable, and very flammable emotions now simmering below the social masks of thousands (millions?) of people all over our planet, to erupt in riots, violence, chaos, etc.

I would propose however, to all the ‘Occupy’ groups world-wide, to perhaps consider some other targets, that equally, if not more so, to be protested against in various cities. Known drug dealers; go protest at their houses and hideouts. Known pornography producers; go protest at their homes, etc. Known Mafia leaders; go protest at their homes, etc. Known…well, you are most likely thinking of a myriad of examples already…

But really, what kind of changes would then be made, COULD then be made, all over our real estate we call ‘Planet Earth’?

Just…Thoughts…

Defeat vs Death

To say most of the world, even the Arab nations, were thrilled with the news of the capture of Gaddafi, and his subsequent death, would be quite an understatement indeed. The ongoing siege of Libya by rebel forces, supported by NATO, captured our interest for months. As many other Arab nations had succumbed to the ever-increasing protests by disenchanted citizens, it was only a matter of time before Gaddafi would be next for being ousted.

But as other tyrannical despots have done, they fought to the proverbial bitter end, and as with Saddam, Gaddafi was also caught in rather un-dictator-like surroundings. His capture in a sewage drainage pipe was truly a fitting end for his oppressive rule.

Now the question that echoes through the minds of many is, should he have been shot so soon after, or should he have been brought to trial? Few would argue that had he lived, many guilty verdicts would have been imposed over his long-standing cruelty over his own people. But would then the final judgement have been death anyway?

Logic would dictate that obviously some over enthusiastic rebel in the crowd that captured him took matters into his own impulsive hands and pulled the trigger for pent-up vengeance and retribution. And so as the world has seen the videos and picture, death came to a defeated despot.

One could certainly wonder, what is next for several other Arab nations currently under siege as it were, if other rulers will face the same fate as Gaddafi? Already those in Syria are calling for their leaders demise; will this continue to escalate to encompass a world-wide outpouring of revenge against other regimes of oppression?

And to beg forgiveness in advance, for referencing this again, but what of the continuing “Occupy” protests now world-wide; how soon will it be for some in the crowds to instigate more than simple ‘Peaceful Protests’ and escalating violence gets out of control?

Who may be next to be in the gun sight cross-hairs of some trigger happy individual, intent on bringing down someone he or she feels deserves the ‘final solution’?

Could this actually happen ‘over here’?

Just…Thoughts…