Oh it was very plain his heart was breaking Anybody could see her's was breaking too I had to ask myself, 'When that kind of love was found Why would she leave him on that old Greyhound?'
I sometimes follow the blogs of people I don't know very well and some I don't know at all. These are usually friends/aquaintances of people I do know. My repeat visits are determined, of course, by how interesting I find them to be. One such blog is that of Kelly Bowron. I hadn't checked out Kelly and the Global Nomads for quite some time, for reasons I won't go into here. But recently I thought I would check in and see if she was still blogging. And I must say I was surprised to learn how much had taken place in her life, since my last visit. There is a new addition to the family, Griffin, a bouncing baby boy. They have been back home to see their families in the south east, my neck of the woods, and are now back in Qatar, where her husband works. Kelly is the mother of four boys. She bakes, she knits beautiful things, and home schools their three boys-- among many other things. Her pictures are funny, interesting and some are even informative. The Bowrons seem like the ideal American family---living in Doha, Qatar. Kelly gives us an idea of what life is like in that part of the world.
Another interesting blog is that of my husband's nephew, Greg Ireland and wife Chris. They are a great Christian family with two small children. Esther is a beautiful 3 year old and Jadon, their adorable baby boy was born last December. Chris already has them in Bible study. Greg was a pilot with Alaska Airlines who felt the Lord was leading him into the ministry. So, after much prayer and careful deliberation, he is now a student in Seminary. His decision was not an easy one. But he finally decided to follow what he believes to be God's plan for his life.
And I must not forget John Teihlet down in Tennessee (Ahyesindeed). He is quite a character and seems to always have something adventurous going on. His pictures and video postings should receive some kind of creative/ innovation award. Only problem, he doesn't blog regularly, to which I can relate. In fact, he said not long ago he realized the "pulselessness" of his blog and was considering deleting the whole thing. But upon some sensible reflection, he reconsidered. Just hope he never gets such a wild- hare idea again!
If you check out these blogs, you'll get an insight into how the average American family is coping with raising kids in today's society. If these three families are any indication of how the young are being raised, not to worry, everything is going to be OK.
I am so happy to hear that Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue" is already # 1 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And it isn't even available yet. Now that's impressive! I don't believe the MSM has/will acknowledge it, but, of course, that is no surprise. The support for Palin is growing by the day. And if this level of support and urgency for her to run for president is like this now, what will it be in 2012?!
Her face book page is continually filled with ardent/passionate supporters - many of whom have just discovered what she's all about. And many of whom have already ordered multiple copies of her book. Someone suggested that those people purchasing multiple copies might consider sending one to the troops. Great idea, and we must not forget that her son, Track, has served in Iraq.
The increasing admiration for Sarah is nothing short of amazing. And it isn't difficult to understand why the liberals are doing their best to ignore and dismiss her as a joke. The joke just might turn out to be on them. I think the liberals are beginning to realize they may have a tigress on their hands in 2012. Realistically, it is too early to predict, but considering her increasingly passionate support and the public embarrassment of an incompetent and dysfunctional Democratic party, she just may have a shot at the White House in 2012....if she wants it.
My song, "Thunder Rolls" expresses the sentiments of her growing multitude of fans and supporters. Sarah took the time to express her personal appreciation to me in a beautiful Christmas card, bearing Trig's picture. That's just the kind of person she is. And I hope, "Going Rogue" goes viral.
I want to thank all of you who have down loaded Sarah's song, "Thunder Rolls" and passed it along. The response has been great, and one e mailer said she is even using Twitter to distribute the song. Thanks to the posters on Sarah Palin's Face Book account, this song is getting tremendous response and other countries are weighing in -Austria and London today- Japan yesterday.
Guilty! I have been posting a link to Sarah Palin's Face Book account several times a day. I am pretty sure Sarah is ok with it. And I can see no problem since it is her tribute song. The response to, "Thunder Rolls", a song I wrote before the '08 election, has been very good. The song extols the virtues of Sarah and the lack of virtue in the way she was treated by the left, before and during the presidential campaign and election. And, of course, the attacks never ceased. They are still going after her with as much malice today, as before.
As with anyone's FB account, there are a few critics and detractors- and even some "fringers". However, the overwhelming majority of Sarah's visitors are so thankful for her and all she stands for it would make the MSMs' collective heads spin. Qualities like her integrity and bold stand for what is right and good for America are what matter most to these Conservatives, Republicans and Independents. I don't know how true it is, but some of the posters say they were Democrats, but have changed because of Sarah. It is truly amazing how many people love, support and are so desperate for her to run for president in 2012.
Many of the comments reflect the fear so many have about America's future. There is major distrust of the current administration and it's over reaching policies. There is a ground swell of resistance that transcends party affiliation. There is also a certain desperation and worry that the greatest country on Earth is about to be turned into a country we won't recognize as America any more. And I share their concern. Sarah is truly a fine example and roll model for our nation and women everywhere.
I intend to write another more current song about/for Sarah at some point. .
Today, a friend of mine was telling me about her grand daughter's first day at Penn State. This morning, her grand daughter had called her complaining about her professor's foul language in the class room. She told her grandmother the professor used curse words excessively including the "F' word. He also had a pack of cigarettes in his pocket and was bemoaning the fact that he couldn't smoke in the class room.
Her grand daughter admitted she wasn't that shocked at foul language. But was disappointed that there did not seem to be a distinction between regular campus crudity and a professor using such language in the class room. This 19 year old student was obviously very uncomfortable in this professor's class- especially since she comes from a Christian home.
Her concerned grandmother asked her why she didn't get up, walk out and report him. To which her grand daughter replied that it would probably result in her failing the required class and being labeled a snitch....not a great way to start her college tenure. And the professor was unlikely to be reprimanded, anyway.
What ever happened to common decency? It wasn't all that long ago that this type of behavior would have gotten the professor booted from his position pronto! Now, such people are tenured and they know that they can get away with almost anything (ex: Ward Churchill), including exhibiting such disrespect for their students and themselves. Of course, tenured professorship has been in place for many years. But there was a time when common sense, common decency and the awareness of responsibility to teach with honor and respect were expected traits of any teacher. In today's liberal educational environment, those traits are becoming increasingly rare.
The Penn State professor is just one example of how people in positions of responsibility, power and leadership are devaluing their roles as leaders. And we need better than that in this ever increasingly crass culture. Teachers/professors were once among our most respected role models.
This youth oriented project launched along the banks of the Mississippi River near the LSU Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge and has traveled to St. Louis and the Quad Cities. The final stop is Minneapolis/Saint Paul on August 16th. According to the update I received from the BGEA, thousands of young people from all over the country have shown up....11,000 at the opening event in Baton Rouge. Entertainment included major Christian bands such as Mary Mary and Flyleaf. Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf lead singer) told the crowds of youth about her terrible past filled with drugs and suicidal thoughts and how Jesus saved her.
It is encouraging that so many young people are interested enough to show up, take part and give their time and energy to spiritual things. There is so much secularism and social/peer pressure every where competing for the minds and souls of our young people. And a project like Rock the River Tour that will change the lives of many of these young people forever is something to be lauded. It seems that many young people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the fruits of un-Godly living. Far too many of the young can relate to the life style of Lacey Mosley. When they are made aware of anew way of life in Jesus Christ, they are responding.
I recently received an email from someone who had heard some of my songs and thought they reflected an interesting enough life to warrant my writing an autobiography. Since the e-mailer seemed like a totally rational individual who probably thought my songs chronicled my life, I wondered just how many others mistakenly think the same way.
While it is true that song writers will draw on personal experiences for some songs, I believe most of us get an idea and then do the musical architecture and arithmetic of adding, multiplying, subtracting, building and trimming. The song may come totally from imagination, from something read or be inspired by other peoples' lives and experiences.
"House in the Burbs", is an example of a composition comprised of a grain of truth and a load of fiction. True, we had just bought our first house in a nice suburban neighborhood when the song took root. But in no way does it reflect the nature of the neighbors or the competitiveness so pervasive in much of suburbia today...an idea I incorporated into the song.
The patriotic and tribute songs are the most reliable and authentic. And "Velma Jean" which is about my friend from high school/ college, is a prime example of the tribute songs.
I just learned today that Velma Jean, who lost her battle with juvenile diabetes in '97 was joined once again with her preacher brother, D.C Byrd, who went home to be with the Lord this week.
He was a man who lived his life in the service to Jesus Christ. Velma's family treated me like their own. And "preacher brother", D.C. thought I was a very funny kid. So, he and little sister, Velma Jean, along with many others are probably still having a joyous family reunion today. All who knew him can say his was a God honoring life well lived.
The social network, Facebook, may be one of the most popular ways to meet and connect with people in today's society. Facebookees are comprised chiefly of the teen/college crowd but, of course, it is open to anyone. I joined FB some time ago but I have not contacted many people. However, a few people have invited me and we are now Facebook "friends". Funny how anyone you accept, or are accepted by, in cyberspace is now referred to as a friend. People with whom you will likely never speak or ever see, except in photos, are now your, "friends". By being on Facebook, you are privy to personal information about these so called friends and their friends' friends, ad infinitum. Most of them post scads of pictures of themselves on a regular basis. I periodically peruse the photos of my "friends" depending on their creativity and my interest. My, "friend", John Teilhet's children's pictures are among the most adorable I have ever seen. And some of his video ventures are entertaining, to say the least. John is a real character, I'm sure, though I've never met him. Maybe on my next Tennessee visit? What say you, John? Anyway, I find such photos, videos and comments as John's very note worthy.
But then there are other photos that are somewhat less than admirable. Among these are some very risqué pictures- mostly of college girls. Most of the ones I see are cute, wholesome and beautiful, but inevitably you will come across a few pictures that are overtly sexually provocative, a bit crass and down right tasteless. Don't mean to sound prudish but after all, we are friends and friends should look out for friends-- right? Friends don't look the other way when they see the possibility of trouble down the road. They will sound the alarm.
Everyone needs to remember these pictures will follow you. They may be there forever. If not on your site, then on someone else's. You must think of your future because it will be here before you know it. You must consider how such pictures and poses could affect your job search and other professional opportunities and community activities. Remember this: serious employers (the kind you'd want to work for) aren't interested in how well your bod stacks up. However, any employer worth his/her salt will be interested in integrity and strong character along with ability. Background checks are becoming essential in today's society. And competition for jobs will continue to increase as the economy continues to decline. If your Facebook site appears to indicate a lack of integrity and good judgment your chances of landing that job will be automatically lowered. You also may want to consider your future husband, your future in laws, children, etc.
I suppose it is a bit narcissistically intoxicating to splash pictures of one's self all over the net. But remember, when those photos are blatantly provocative someone down the road may well find this bit of personal history objectionable enough to negatively affect your future. Worst case scenario: some crazed nutzoid may set out to find you. Happens all the time. So, be smart, post with prudence, show some restraint and modesty and your future will be more secure.
I was visiting my niece's (Amber) Facebook site and found this announcement from one of her sorority friends:
"Bible Study for all the Pan-Hellenic Sororities (Fraternities) at ETSU--We will meet in the Buc Ridge Club House Wednesdays at 7:00 for Bible study. Everyone is welcome to come whether you are just curious or are wanting to dig into God's word a little deeper---Get excited and bring a friend!"-----Amber has joined the Bible study group.
My alma mater, East Tennessee State University (ETSU), may be one of the few institutions of higher learning in the country that still allows and encourages religious activity/participation on campus
Most universities are hostile environments for religion, especially Christians. I find this effort at ETSU to acquaint fellow students with Biblical teachings very inspiring and refreshing. ETSU President, Paul Stanton, seems to realize that denying this opportunity to students would be less than wise and good. He is aware that our founding fathers and most of American university founders (including Harvard's) were religious men. They were great men whose faith and courage inspired them to lay the solid and Biblically based foundation for the greatest nation and the once greatest universities on Earth. Our Constitution provides for such individual rights as the students at ETSU are now exercising. Kudos to them all.
I am proud of the great curriculum and fine medical school at ETSU. And I am especially impressed with the Greek organizations for their respect for religion and for their strong stance on their First Amendment Rights. May it always be the case.
Below are pictures of recent ETSU graduate, Alex Johnston and Amber Shea Keesecker, who will graduate in May. .
