Expectations

“Expectations”…We all have them, some more than others of course, and at different times in our lives, most often when either a crisis arises or a somewhat drastic change to our proverbial “comfort zone”. Let’s face it folks, we mere mortals, if we were all honest with ourselves, enjoy our comfort zones, ruts, and complacent way of lives.

But, it would seem as of late, once again we have witnessed others, some high-profile individuals, are not happy with ‘The Norm’; why, take Mr Conrad Black for example…He was very much hoping (along with his fainting prone spouse) to get BACK to somewhat of a comfort zone; away from prison and exile, from his perceived freedom and way of life. But as we saw, the presiding judge chose instead to impose even more jail time for his sentence.

Canada Postal employees also have been highlighted lately as well; some would say, they are striving for even MORE of a ‘comfort’ zone, but I am certainly not about to judge the inner workings of a zealous, if not inflexible, union leader’s thoughts and intents. Ironically, the government wishes to impose a compensation package, that is even less that what the Canada Post’s management officials were willing to offer.  

So, when does one draw the line at what to settle for, or what to continue to ‘fight’ for? It has been often quoted, that when good men remain silent, evil will flourish, but to what extent are we willing to remain in our comfort zones, when we DO see wrong-doings, immoral behaviours and/or ideologies shouting to be heard, and accepted as ‘normal’?  

Before some will accuse me of stepping up onto the proverbial soap box, just a thought to consider; just only a few short years ago, many things we see today as what more are calling ‘normal’, and seemingly ‘accepted’ by society as a whole, were then looked upon AS immoral, wrong, and, well, I’ll say it; sinful… 

Perhaps society’s very moral compass has either shifted, or a more ‘magnetic pull’ has been influencing it? How is YOUR ‘Moral Compass’ as of late?  

What are YOUR ‘Expectations’ for a future for your children, and grandchildren?  

Just…Thoughts…

"Only in Canada"? Really?

For those of you, that like myself, watched in disbelief and disappointment that the hoped for Vancouver Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins, were most likely not realizing of what mass destruction there would soon be on the streets outside after said game.

Yes, we Canadians wanted the Stanley Cup back on ‘home soil’, and a tip o the hat at least, for Vancouver taking the challenge to 7 games, but, the horrors that have been now seen replayed many a time, on the numerous TV and news channels, is almost surrealistic. This could not be happening in “OUR” country, could it? That is Vancouver we are seeing? Those are Canadians bent on endless carnage and destruction?

Sadly, yes, our so-called ’polite image’ as a country, yea, citizens we often portray to the world, was shattered deeply and painfully this past Wednesday night. To say this was something that sprung forth after the game because of the loss, and that it was simple pent up frustration because of said loss, would be naive thinking at best. Folks, this was plain and simple premeditated criminal acts, however carefully planned or not beforehand, but nonetheless, the core group of instigators were clearly out for pre-thought out destruction.

“Why?” is the question that has often been asked, and has even baffled many a member of the news media and their various commentators.

Well, the thing is, this kind of behaviour is becoming more apparent and more aggressive and happening much more often than even we sheltered Maritimers may care to admit. Violence is world-wide Folks; take a long hard look in any newspaper, TV news show, and especially the 24/7 internet news venues; Mankind is, excuse the expression, hell-bent on destruction by whatever means many men (and women) can accomplish.

From the west coast of Canada, to the continued strife in many Middle East countries, violence is seemingly the common denominator. When will it end? Well, the thing is, it will continue, and to an even greater scale than even being seen at present. Yes, even the Bible warns in various prophetic passages, that events like this and others will be ushering in the “End Times”.

I for one, will not be planning any Middle East trips anytime soon, nor will I plan to be in any cities where ANY final game of any sports series will be played; I kinda still value my safety these days, and too, not to sound like a plan for being a Hermit either anytime soon, but, sometimes, the safety of one’s home, is apparently better than out in the streets with large crowds…

Pray my Dear Friends…that someday it will not be US being drug out into the streets for whatever reason…

Just…Thoughts…

Busted?

And so once again, we have heard about yet another politician that has, PLEASE excuse the expression, ‘been caught with his pants down’…As we all no doubt watched the story unfold of how initially he denied the photos being sent by Twitter, to then various phases of admitting to it, and then to discover there was more than one female who received said pictures?

Honestly, are there no moral standards anymore as to what conduct our elected officials should be held accountable to? This one refuses (so far) to resign, even amongst a public outcry that he should. Smugness, arrogance, indifference, and certainly, careless disregard for marital fidelity seems to be more and more the common ground for politicians, entertainment stars, sports ‘heroes’, and others in the proverbial spotlight.

Is this an epidemic? Is it something new? Well, no…History is rife with various leaders and other note-worthy individuals trying to get away with, (Yes, I will say it) sin…However their mindset started with a plan, idea, concept, to then end up as the subject of public ridicule and debate, the fact still remains, “Hey, you’re busted!”
Yes, even so-called religious leaders over the years have also fallen prey to temptations of one sort or another, and strayed, fallen and have been defeated.

Interestingly enough, most who daily live ‘that lifestyle’, have convinced themselves, they are ‘ok’, and not doing anything wrong; funny enough though, when someone famous, especially a religious leader gets caught in something wrong, they are usually the first ones to point the finger and go “Ah HA! See! THEY are sinning!”…almost as though, they are trying to justify their own wrong-doings in their lives?

I am not saying any one of us should be perfect, but, maybe just suggesting that, as we have too often seen, the more you try to hide something, the more likely it will be discovered?

Just…Thoughts…

Another Milestone...

And so, Oprah has left officially, a major network TV outlet, with a great deal of fanfare, etc, over her ‘retirement’. She is of course now going to devote her time to other ‘Media Projects’, such as her own Television Network Channel, but one cannot help but wonder, who will fill, what many feel to be, a void on afternoon TV?

I would be the first one to admit, Oprah has done a great many things, for even a greater number of people. Her rise to stardom from humble and troubled beginnings is a marvel in itself, for what she has overcome and accomplished. However, I can not help but remember, on more than one show, her sometimes outright denial of Jesus being the only way to Heaven. Some of you may even recall but a few short years ago, her ‘argument’ with some members of her audience, who were clearly Born Again Christians, about the importance of Jesus and His ‘role’ in our very salvation.

I am not here to belittle her vast accomplishments, but rather to point out, that even someone as popular as her, even someone who does ‘great works’, and even someone like her who does promote a ‘good life’ with moral values, that very person still has publicly denied Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Now, before I am accused of running down Oprah, do remember as well, what were some of her most popular shows? Yes, the ones in which she gave away many “things”; material possessions, ‘Bling’ for the most part. Yes, for our consumer mentality driven North American mind-set, these were quite the shows indeed.

But, to bring up the spiritual aspect again, as popular as she is, and with all that she has done, remember, she still at the end of the day, denies Jesus as the one we all need to rely on for our eternal destination, not for a few mere objects to get that ever so brief ‘feel good’ moment.
I need not remind my fellow believers, that our often prophesied about ‘End Times’ are undoubtedly closer than most would care to admit. I am certainly not the one to draw the proverbial line in the sand for anyone to consider who we should ‘support’ or ‘follow’ here on good ol’ Planet Earth, but at the same time, should we not perhaps examine our ‘idols’, and who we ‘should’ be ultimately following as # 1?

Just…Thoughts…

Rapture Anyone?

Well Folks, as I start to type this, having waited until 6:01 Eastern Time, it is apparently obvious that my wife and I have NOT been caught up and away in Mr. Harold Camping’s prediction of the Christian Rapture. While that prophesied event is something that I as a Christian do believe in, I also believe in Jesus’s words in Matthew’s Gospel, that clearly tell us, that no man knows the day or hour of this and/or Christ’s return.

Having been wrong once before, back in 1994, one would have presumed that Poor old Harold would have clued in then; he is but a mere mortal, with obviously no inside connection to the mind of Almighty Jehovah. But nope, for many a month now, Mr. Camping has been proclaiming HIS so-called spiritual math formula to whoever will listen.

Needless to say, the secular, and even some Christian, media venues have been having a field day with this ‘news’. Those of us who do follow Biblical teachings and Prophecy, do realize “The End Times” are indeed near; but to, for whatever misguided reason, we would dare peg down the precise hour of ‘The Rapture’, is at best an effort in futility. One could even dare make the statement, that to try to do such a thing, borders even on blasphemy?

As I continue to type, I have not felt any world-wide earthquake, nor are the heavens ablaze with any impending doom from above either. I do feel pity for Mr. Camping’s followers however, as in, to have followed so blindly his ‘interpretations’, and now to be the subject of ridicule. Jesus Himself warned about many a false prophet, that would foretell of things even in His name; while I am at best, feeling that maybe Mr. Camping’s intentions were possibly good, his understanding, or lack thereof, of certain key Bible verses clearly lead one to believe this was more about his ‘Spiritual Ego’, rather than his knowledge and allowing of God’s long-standing word to be followed.

Having said all of that, we still must remember, this event, and many other ‘End Times’ happenings will occur, and sooner than we may care to admit.

Just…Thoughts…

Freaky Frantic Fabulous Fantastic Friday Feelings

http://wphb1957.wordpress.com/

So, as per the latest news reports in the entertainment world, Mr Demi Moore (Ashton silly!) will be ‘replacing’ Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men.  

While he apparently will not be replacing the actual character Mr. Sheen portrayed, he will be a new character addition to the show; at a smaller salary as well, go figure.  

Several other names had been bounced around the media moguls think tanks, but, ta da, Ashton will be ‘The Pick’.  

Change is always happening in our world, and will continue to do so, but one wonders now, what will poor old Tiger Blood Charlie do now?  

While the spotlight is less apparent on him lately, his ‘winning’ streak seems to be diminishing as rapidly as the flood waters are rising in the Mississippi. Perhaps Charlie may return to the big screen? Perhaps some other network will snatch him up for another project? Time will tell, but methinks Charlie is not completely down and out…yet… 

If there are to be some things we should all learn from this, staying sane, having at least some morals, and kinda watching the words coming forth from one’s mouth are but a few to have one’s life on a ‘true’ winning streak.  

Just…Thoughts… 

Stay safe, Happy Thoughts, and Best Wishes for a Great Weekend Everyone!

“Happy Mother’s Day!”

Yes, that phrase almost all of us are either hearing, or saying today, to Mothers, Mother-in-laws, Grandmothers, all over both near and far. For what your Mother has meant to you over the years, whether or not she is still on good ol’ Planet Earth with you, or has passed on to be with God in Heaven, is the focus of this day of Homage to our Maternal Parent.

And to say there have been some very famous Mothers over the years, ‘Eve’ included, would certainly be an enormous understatement. Mother Theresa (although not a biological Mother, in the strict sense of the word, but a great ‘Mother’ all the same) may come to mind for many, while I am sure many more are already filtering through your thoughts as you read this, including even Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

It is also perhaps fitting that within the calendar year, Mother’s Day is celebrated before Father’s Day, in that, Mothers often bring to mind images of renewal, refreshment emotionally and that life does have the various cycles we go through year to year. If you have not already taken at least the time to even give your Mother a phone call today, perhaps do so now… (I already called, got her voicemail… haha!)

Tell her you love her, and remind her of what she means to you. She is the only one you had; remember and cherish that fact always. No Mother was ever perfect, but yours was perfect for ‘you’.

Just…Thoughts…