The following is from the AJC. My comments follow the article.
Senators gut anti-diversion bill
By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
9:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Georgia has long assessed special fees dedicated to paying for environmental cleanups, high school drivers ed and other purposes, only to take a large portion of the "dedicated" money and spend it on something else.
A Senate subcommittee on Monday took up a House bill that seeks to stop the state from diverting those funds - and added language that virtually shreds the measure, supporters said.
The senators tacked on a provision that the bill would be in force only when the state's reserves contain about $1 billion or more. The reserves have run that high only a few times in recent decades. They now stand at about $328 million, after dipping below $100 million during the real estate and stock market crashes a few years ago.
Lawmakers have a history of getting around the the law and diverting the money, and some senators didn't think the new bill would stop the end runs.
"We have been doing this for 20 years, and I still keep getting re-elected," said Rules Committee Chairman Don Balfour, R-Snellville.
House Bill 811 easily passed the House. And sponsor Rep. Jay Powell, R-Camilla, said it's time to stop gaming the system. "The voters don't trust us to put the money where we say we're going to put it," Powell said. "There is no reason to collect a fee for a service you are not providing."
Large sums are at stake. The diversions last year amounted to about $40 million.
By the end of this year, programs for tire and hazardous waste cleanup will have collected almost $200 million in fees since 2004. But only about $76 million of that has actually gone to dump and waste cleanups. Of $58 million in traffic fine add-ons raised for drivers ed, only $8 million has gone for that purpose. There are also add-on fines that go to pay for police training.
House Bill 811 would force legislators to make sure that money from the fees and fines - for example, the $1 fee on new tires - goes where it's supposed to go, or they would have to lower the fees and fines the following year.
So, for example, if the tire fee generated $1,000, and the Legislature spent only $500 on cleaning up old tires - using the rest to cover gaps elsewhere in the budget - the tire fee could drop by as much as 20 percent the next year.
Legislative leaders say they used the diverted money during the recession to help prop up budgets for schools, public safety and health care. And Senate leaders said they want to give lawmakers flexibility to continue diverting the money unless the state is flush with cash.
The subcommittee changed the bill so the fees and fines could be lowered only if state reserves equaled at least 7 percent of what lawmakers appropriate for the year, minus a few areas of spending. That would be about $1.1 billion this year, Senate officials said.
In addition to drivers ed and hazardous waste and tire cleanups, the money also is supposed to go toward police training. Local governments, police and environmental groups, who support the legislation, have complained for years about money being diverted.
Todd Edwards, a lobbyist for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, said supporters hope the bill can be improved and passed by the end of the session. If the Senate subcommittee version passes, he said, "We may as well not have the bill. It defeats the whole purpose."
*********************************************************************
It seems that what we thought was happening with the money for environmental clean-up, high school driver's education, and other worthwhile endeavors is not being used, at least not how taxpayers thought it was being used. Legislators seem to see these funds as their own slush fund to use at their whim. Even if I thought it, I would not put into words the feeling of the Rules Committee chair.
I applaud the words of Jay Powell about citizens distrusting our state leaders. While it is not exactly the same, the Georgia 400 toll which was supposed to end about 2 years ago is another questionable decision. The state seems to say what they want to get a vote, then change the rules after the fact. I am personally angered by the Hot Lanes on I85. Taxpayers paid for the interstate in the first place and now the state is charging drivers to use Hot Lanes. I will never use the Hot Lanes, just as a matter of principal. I think I am becoming a Tea Partier, but that is something for another blog.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Rapture Heating and Air Conditioning
Another of my interesting Florida experiences was a billboard I saw. In Leesburg there is a billboard advertising "Rapture Heating and Air Conditioning." Obviously, the owner is a Christian (or maybe his name is Rapture?). The "t" on the billboard is a cross. Assuming he is a Christian, it begs for someone to ask about the rapture part of his business. At the rapture we will not require heating or air! Not being insensitive, but when a Christian dies, heating and AC are no longer important. And when a nonChristian dies, he may need a significant amount of AC, but I am not sure the Rapture company can provide it!
It reminds me of a joke told by a dentist. He said it was his Christian duty to fix and repair teeth. He said that the Bible says that heaven is a land flowing with milk and honey. He said that when people die and go to heaven it will be awful for them to have to gnaw their honey.
And he said hell was described as a place of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. He said it would be awful for everybody else to be gnashing their teeth and one toothless person not having teeth to gnash. He said it was his duty to fix teeth!
I am sure there is a sermon in there somewhere!
It reminds me of a joke told by a dentist. He said it was his Christian duty to fix and repair teeth. He said that the Bible says that heaven is a land flowing with milk and honey. He said that when people die and go to heaven it will be awful for them to have to gnaw their honey.
And he said hell was described as a place of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. He said it would be awful for everybody else to be gnashing their teeth and one toothless person not having teeth to gnash. He said it was his duty to fix teeth!
I am sure there is a sermon in there somewhere!
Wuzdead.com
On my trip to Florida last week an interesting thing happened. Driving down I 75 I noticed a van approaching from behind. I could see that the van had one of those light bars on the top, like you see on official vehicles like police, fire department, etc. Since I had already received one speeding ticket that day, I slowed down. The van came by on my left side, and I read "wuzdead.com" on the side. Being such a spiritual person, I assumed that it was an evangelistic van (wuz dead=born again!). When it passed me I read on the back of the van "Call us for all your zombie clean up needs." Evidently that is a serious problem in Florida. They must have an influx of zombies requiring significant cleaning!
There may be a sermon in that somewhere!
There may be a sermon in that somewhere!
George Robert "Bobby" Wilkes, RIP
Last weekend I went to Leesburg, Florida to pay my respects to my uncle, Bobby Wilkes. Others may have called him George or Bob, but I grew up calling him Bobby and my aunt Maureen. Maureen passed away in 2009 after a bout with Alzheimer's Disease. Bobby never got over her passing. I consider that to be a tribute to his great love for her.
Bobby actually died on Thursday April 5, 2012, but his son Brian delayed his funeral until Saturday, April 14. Brian's older brother Robin is in the hospital and Brian was hoping Robin would be able to attend the funeral, but he was not out of the hospital.
Bobby and Maureen had lived in Gainesville, Georgia in the 60's, and I always thought they were the wealthy side of our family. Bobby was well known in the radio business in Gainesville, a radio personality, and in my small world that made him famous! Maureen was the one who bleached my brother's brown hair white, but that is another story for another time!
Bobby and Maureen moved to Leesburg where Bobby took a job as the general manager of Leesburg Cable TV. This was in the early days of cable and of the migration of retirees to Florida. Bobby was an astute businessman, and I am told he marketed the cable system to the booming retiree communities, where he would quote a price if a certain percentage of residents would sign up. He did well in the cable business and he and Maureen settled themselves in Leesburg, and particularly in First Baptist Church.
One of my memories about Bobby was when I was in seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. All seminary students struggle financially and we were no exception. I remember on 3 or 4 occasions I would get an envelope from Bobby with a check enclosed. His words were to use it as we needed. He always enclosed the line, "Don't tell anyone about this!" I don't know if he was afraid Maureen would find out, but I doubt she would have objected.
I also remember my family (that is me, Lynette, Allyson and Andrea) going to Florida to visit Disneyworld. We probably could not have afforded to stay in a motel, so Bobby and Maureen let us stay at their house and treated us royally! I also remember Bobby asking if I wanted to go deep sea fishing. I had never been! He booked a boat and we left early one morning for the day. He tried to prepare me for the trip by feeding me soda crackers, but as soon as we got on board and started out into the gulf, Up it came! I had a great time anyway, and enjoyed the time with him.
I also remember when I was the Administrator of the Palmetto Campus of Georgia Baptist Children's Home. My grandfather Ed Allison, Papah, had passed away and Bobby wanted to do something in his memory. Bobby and a group of his friends came to Palmetto and built a playground in Papah's memory. Bobby paid for the materials out of his own pocket. I will never forget that kindness.
Later in his life Bobby and Maureen set up the Wilkes Foundation to support mission projects, primarily churches, children's homes and schools around the world. They built facilities in at least 8 countries and 40-50 buildings all together. Their legacy will live on. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been touched, and thousands saved.
My last memory occurred in 2003. At that time I was the President/CEO of the Vashti Children's Center in Thomasville, GA. Vashti was a Methodist program that was having some tough times. The building and grounds needed a lot of work. Finances were so bad that a previous President had had to use some funds (about $225,000) given by a foundation for renovations. Unfortunately, he had used the funds to pay outstanding bills. The foundation was unhappy with Vashti, many business people in Thomasville were unhappy with Vashti for not paying bills quickly. Jack Wilkes, Bobby's brother heard of our plight and Bobby and the Wilkes Foundation jumped in to help. Bobby brought over 120 people some for up to 4 weeks to help with the renovations. Many came for 1 or 2 weeks. The Wilkes Foundation paid for most of the materials to do the repairs. Due to the influx of volunteers, the people of Thomasville responded as well. About 3 weeks into the project, the donor foundation mentioned above sent a delegation to see what was being done. When they saw the results and all the volunteers as busy as bees all over the building, the donor foundation forgave the debt of the misused funds. In addition they made another donation of about $25,000 to help out. I estimate that the Wilkes Foundation did about $500,000 of actual work to the facilities.
To this day, Vashti is a vital ministry serving children and their families.
Bobby did ministry like he did business...flat out! At the funeral several spoke of his leadership in the bus ministry of their church. They started with one bus that would pick children up for Saturday, Sunday School. The Yellow Bus was the one Bobby and Maureen led. They would visit the children during the week, pass out candy and make friends with the children and their families. Then on Saturday they would pick up the children for Sunday school and later deliver them home. One bus soon became too small so another was needed. I think Bobby bought it himself for the ministry. Often the bus would have 120 children instead of the 60 it was designed for. Again, many lives were touched by Bobby and Maureen.
Bobby never got over Maureen's death. Brian told me he would never let him close her checking account. He often told people she would be returning home. I was told he spent much time sitting at the cemetery talking to her grave. I am certain they are now both in heaven, enjoying the love that they enjoyed for almost 60 years. Bobby Wilkes, Rest in Peace.
Bobby actually died on Thursday April 5, 2012, but his son Brian delayed his funeral until Saturday, April 14. Brian's older brother Robin is in the hospital and Brian was hoping Robin would be able to attend the funeral, but he was not out of the hospital.
Bobby and Maureen had lived in Gainesville, Georgia in the 60's, and I always thought they were the wealthy side of our family. Bobby was well known in the radio business in Gainesville, a radio personality, and in my small world that made him famous! Maureen was the one who bleached my brother's brown hair white, but that is another story for another time!
Bobby and Maureen moved to Leesburg where Bobby took a job as the general manager of Leesburg Cable TV. This was in the early days of cable and of the migration of retirees to Florida. Bobby was an astute businessman, and I am told he marketed the cable system to the booming retiree communities, where he would quote a price if a certain percentage of residents would sign up. He did well in the cable business and he and Maureen settled themselves in Leesburg, and particularly in First Baptist Church.
One of my memories about Bobby was when I was in seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. All seminary students struggle financially and we were no exception. I remember on 3 or 4 occasions I would get an envelope from Bobby with a check enclosed. His words were to use it as we needed. He always enclosed the line, "Don't tell anyone about this!" I don't know if he was afraid Maureen would find out, but I doubt she would have objected.
I also remember my family (that is me, Lynette, Allyson and Andrea) going to Florida to visit Disneyworld. We probably could not have afforded to stay in a motel, so Bobby and Maureen let us stay at their house and treated us royally! I also remember Bobby asking if I wanted to go deep sea fishing. I had never been! He booked a boat and we left early one morning for the day. He tried to prepare me for the trip by feeding me soda crackers, but as soon as we got on board and started out into the gulf, Up it came! I had a great time anyway, and enjoyed the time with him.
I also remember when I was the Administrator of the Palmetto Campus of Georgia Baptist Children's Home. My grandfather Ed Allison, Papah, had passed away and Bobby wanted to do something in his memory. Bobby and a group of his friends came to Palmetto and built a playground in Papah's memory. Bobby paid for the materials out of his own pocket. I will never forget that kindness.
Later in his life Bobby and Maureen set up the Wilkes Foundation to support mission projects, primarily churches, children's homes and schools around the world. They built facilities in at least 8 countries and 40-50 buildings all together. Their legacy will live on. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been touched, and thousands saved.
My last memory occurred in 2003. At that time I was the President/CEO of the Vashti Children's Center in Thomasville, GA. Vashti was a Methodist program that was having some tough times. The building and grounds needed a lot of work. Finances were so bad that a previous President had had to use some funds (about $225,000) given by a foundation for renovations. Unfortunately, he had used the funds to pay outstanding bills. The foundation was unhappy with Vashti, many business people in Thomasville were unhappy with Vashti for not paying bills quickly. Jack Wilkes, Bobby's brother heard of our plight and Bobby and the Wilkes Foundation jumped in to help. Bobby brought over 120 people some for up to 4 weeks to help with the renovations. Many came for 1 or 2 weeks. The Wilkes Foundation paid for most of the materials to do the repairs. Due to the influx of volunteers, the people of Thomasville responded as well. About 3 weeks into the project, the donor foundation mentioned above sent a delegation to see what was being done. When they saw the results and all the volunteers as busy as bees all over the building, the donor foundation forgave the debt of the misused funds. In addition they made another donation of about $25,000 to help out. I estimate that the Wilkes Foundation did about $500,000 of actual work to the facilities.
To this day, Vashti is a vital ministry serving children and their families.
Bobby did ministry like he did business...flat out! At the funeral several spoke of his leadership in the bus ministry of their church. They started with one bus that would pick children up for Saturday, Sunday School. The Yellow Bus was the one Bobby and Maureen led. They would visit the children during the week, pass out candy and make friends with the children and their families. Then on Saturday they would pick up the children for Sunday school and later deliver them home. One bus soon became too small so another was needed. I think Bobby bought it himself for the ministry. Often the bus would have 120 children instead of the 60 it was designed for. Again, many lives were touched by Bobby and Maureen.
Bobby never got over Maureen's death. Brian told me he would never let him close her checking account. He often told people she would be returning home. I was told he spent much time sitting at the cemetery talking to her grave. I am certain they are now both in heaven, enjoying the love that they enjoyed for almost 60 years. Bobby Wilkes, Rest in Peace.
Hanging in like a hair on a biscuit!
Recently Kenny Thompson, my coworker and friend, and I went to Alabama to look at a program over there. Alabama Baptist Children's Home graciously hosted us to review what they are doing. It was a great trip.
Two experiences were memorable.
They took us to Joe's Italian Restaurant to eat lunch. I think it was in Alabaster, Alabama, but I am not sure. The owner, Joe was sitting at the entrance greeting his customers. A delightful character, probably in his 80s, a true Italian. I highly recommend the restaurant and the meal I had. I had Lasagna Bianca. On the menu it said the recipe came to Sonia (Joe's Wife) in a dream. The dream was lasagna with white cream sauce. But the surprise was that it had turnip greens on the inside. What more could a country boy ask for? I highly recommend Joe's and the Lasagna Bianca!
The other experience was going to Bass Pro Shop. Well, I have been to other Bass Pro Shops before, even larger than the one outside Birmingham. The experience came when we entered. There is always someone to greet you at the turnstiles inside the front door. When we walked in there was a guy there, probably in his 50's or early 60's. When I asked him how he was doing, his response was, "I am hanging in like a hair on a biscuit!" Only in Alabama!
Sometime ask me about the two brothers arguing over a canoe outside the store!
Two experiences were memorable.
They took us to Joe's Italian Restaurant to eat lunch. I think it was in Alabaster, Alabama, but I am not sure. The owner, Joe was sitting at the entrance greeting his customers. A delightful character, probably in his 80s, a true Italian. I highly recommend the restaurant and the meal I had. I had Lasagna Bianca. On the menu it said the recipe came to Sonia (Joe's Wife) in a dream. The dream was lasagna with white cream sauce. But the surprise was that it had turnip greens on the inside. What more could a country boy ask for? I highly recommend Joe's and the Lasagna Bianca!
The other experience was going to Bass Pro Shop. Well, I have been to other Bass Pro Shops before, even larger than the one outside Birmingham. The experience came when we entered. There is always someone to greet you at the turnstiles inside the front door. When we walked in there was a guy there, probably in his 50's or early 60's. When I asked him how he was doing, his response was, "I am hanging in like a hair on a biscuit!" Only in Alabama!
Sometime ask me about the two brothers arguing over a canoe outside the store!
Charles Clyde Harper
Another major event that occurred between the last series of posts in 2008 and the restart in 2012 was the death of my Daddy, Charlie Harper. Daddy, or Pop Charlie as we called him, was quite a character. He was very obsessive compulsive (I guess that is where I get mine!) Pop Charlie had Alzheimer's Disease for several years prior to his death. He never forgot who my Mama was, but he thought my brother and I were his brothers. We were able to keep him at home until his death...I think he was better cared for there than he would have been anywhere else. Below I am attaching something I wrote about him after his death:
Charlie Harper
I was proud to call him my Daddy.
People sometimes said I looked like him…my family says I sometimes act like him, at least in his obsessive compulsive ways.
He was always a hard worker. As a bivocational pastor he always worked a fulltime job and as a pastor at the same time. Most of you know that he did not drive, so someone always had to drive him. When Wayne became a legal driver, and later when I got my license, it was our job to take him visiting or to visit in the hospital. The trade off on our part was that he provided a car for us for our other uses as well. I learned a lot from him. I believe his influence was the greatest human one in my becoming a pastor and minister.
Two memories always burst in my mind. One was that he made the best corn bread I ever ate, at least until I ate Wayne’s! Daddy would put lots of bacon grease in it, and he always mixed it with his hands. As a boy I thought that was unsanitary, but I ate it anyway! I even wrote an article one time with my Daddy’s recipe for cornbread.
The other memory was of his fragrance. I remember as a boy getting in his bed and laying on his pillow. I can still remember my thinking that that was what a man smelled like…Old Spice mixed with a little sweat.
In his later year Pop developed Alzheimer’s disease. His life and all of ours changed. One of my friends said that Alzheimer’s was the only illness where you lost your loved one twice…once from the loss of their memories and once from physical death. I remember Mamew telling me one time that Pop was sometimes afraid of the dark, and that she would lay in bed holding him until he went to sleep. When he became bedfast and he had to be fed and changed, he always seemed a little embarrassed that someone had to do so much for him. When I was with him it was always painful for me that he did not know who I was…his own baby boy.
But all that is over now. Pop is in a better place than we are. His body is not weak any longer. His memory is perfect now. The people who greeted him in Heaven are ones who love him, just as we loved him on earth. I am absolutely positive that one day I will see my Daddy again in Heaven.
MILITARY SERVICE
DOB: 1/8/1923
Left Gainesville for Fort McPherson, Atlanta, 11/18/1942
Sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas to train for medical corp.
Sent to William Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas
Sent to Camp Harrihan, New Orleans, LA to join the 79th Station Hospital
Sent to Camp Shanks, New York for debarkation to Africa
Left New York April 28, 1943
Served in Oran, Africa
Served in Algiers, Africa
June 1943 sent to Casablanca to join the 56th Station Hospital
Served in Marrakesh
Attained rank of Sergeant in charge of pharmacy
December 6, 1945 left Casablanca to return to US
Arrived Newport News, VA December 18, 1945
Transferred to Camp Gordon, Augusta, GA for release
Released from Service on December 23, 1945
Arrived home in Gainesville, GA December 26, 1945
I was proud to call him my Daddy.
People sometimes said I looked like him…my family says I sometimes act like him, at least in his obsessive compulsive ways.
He was always a hard worker. As a bivocational pastor he always worked a fulltime job and as a pastor at the same time. Most of you know that he did not drive, so someone always had to drive him. When Wayne became a legal driver, and later when I got my license, it was our job to take him visiting or to visit in the hospital. The trade off on our part was that he provided a car for us for our other uses as well. I learned a lot from him. I believe his influence was the greatest human one in my becoming a pastor and minister.
Two memories always burst in my mind. One was that he made the best corn bread I ever ate, at least until I ate Wayne’s! Daddy would put lots of bacon grease in it, and he always mixed it with his hands. As a boy I thought that was unsanitary, but I ate it anyway! I even wrote an article one time with my Daddy’s recipe for cornbread.
The other memory was of his fragrance. I remember as a boy getting in his bed and laying on his pillow. I can still remember my thinking that that was what a man smelled like…Old Spice mixed with a little sweat.
In his later year Pop developed Alzheimer’s disease. His life and all of ours changed. One of my friends said that Alzheimer’s was the only illness where you lost your loved one twice…once from the loss of their memories and once from physical death. I remember Mamew telling me one time that Pop was sometimes afraid of the dark, and that she would lay in bed holding him until he went to sleep. When he became bedfast and he had to be fed and changed, he always seemed a little embarrassed that someone had to do so much for him. When I was with him it was always painful for me that he did not know who I was…his own baby boy.
But all that is over now. Pop is in a better place than we are. His body is not weak any longer. His memory is perfect now. The people who greeted him in Heaven are ones who love him, just as we loved him on earth. I am absolutely positive that one day I will see my Daddy again in Heaven.
MILITARY SERVICE
DOB: 1/8/1923
Left Gainesville for Fort McPherson, Atlanta, 11/18/1942
Sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas to train for medical corp.
Sent to William Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas
Sent to Camp Harrihan, New Orleans, LA to join the 79th Station Hospital
Sent to Camp Shanks, New York for debarkation to Africa
Left New York April 28, 1943
Served in Oran, Africa
Served in Algiers, Africa
June 1943 sent to Casablanca to join the 56th Station Hospital
Served in Marrakesh
Attained rank of Sergeant in charge of pharmacy
December 6, 1945 left Casablanca to return to US
Arrived Newport News, VA December 18, 1945
Transferred to Camp Gordon, Augusta, GA for release
Released from Service on December 23, 1945
Arrived home in Gainesville, GA December 26, 1945
Significant Event, June 7, 2009
It occurred to me that some significant events occurred between my last posts in 2008 and the restart in 2012. One of the MOST significant was the birth of my granddaughter, the Princess, Claire Elizabeth Brown. Claire is truly a princess with a mind and will of her own...Stubborn as a mule at times. She was born June 7, 2009, one week before the death of my daddy, Charlie Harper on June 14, 2009. Claire and Jake are true blessings to us. I know why people say, "If I had known grandchildren were this much fun I would have had them first!" I also know that grandparents are no match for the energy of grandchildren! It is good to be with them, but sometimes it is good to see them go home!
Monday, April 16, 2012
State Ethics Commission
The following is from the Newnan Times-Herald, published 4/12/2012:
State ethics commission lessens fines for late, local politicians ATLANTA — The state board overseeing campaign disclosures decided Wednesday to let 7,400 politicians off with a minimum fine for filing late reports for a total of $3.6 million.
Isn't it interesting that on the heels of Georgia being named the most corrupt state in the nation (see earlier blog) the state ethics commission, whom I would think would be charged with upholding legal and ethical standards in government, decided to reduce fines for politicians who did not file financial reports or filed late reports. It is not clear to me if the total fines were reduced to $3.6 million or if the initial fines were that amount. Either way, that is a lot of money. It says to me that a lot (most?) of our elected officials do not take this requirement seriously. I am sure that the number above includes state, county, and city elected officials. Shouldn't we expect more from our officials? Don't we have a right to demand better action than this, both by the elected officials and the state ethics commission?
State ethics commission lessens fines for late, local politicians ATLANTA — The state board overseeing campaign disclosures decided Wednesday to let 7,400 politicians off with a minimum fine for filing late reports for a total of $3.6 million.
Isn't it interesting that on the heels of Georgia being named the most corrupt state in the nation (see earlier blog) the state ethics commission, whom I would think would be charged with upholding legal and ethical standards in government, decided to reduce fines for politicians who did not file financial reports or filed late reports. It is not clear to me if the total fines were reduced to $3.6 million or if the initial fines were that amount. Either way, that is a lot of money. It says to me that a lot (most?) of our elected officials do not take this requirement seriously. I am sure that the number above includes state, county, and city elected officials. Shouldn't we expect more from our officials? Don't we have a right to demand better action than this, both by the elected officials and the state ethics commission?
Georgia the Most Corrupt State in America
The following is excerpted from the Atlanta Business Chronicle, March 22, 2012:
Georgia is the most corrupt state in the nation, according to 24/7 Wall St., citing a report by the Center for Public Integrity."The Center for Public Integrity's report examined issues concerning accountability and ethics in each state government. States were graded on 330 separate metrics, which were grouped into 14 major categories. Overall grades are based on the average grades in the major categories, which included lobbying disclosure, political financing, internal auditing, ethics enforcement agencies and redistricting," said 24/7 Wall St.Georgia received failing grades across the board.
From 24/7 Wall St:
GeorgiaOverall grade: F (49%) (Note: highest grade 100%)
Public access to information: F
Legislative accountability: F
Political financing: F
Ethics enforcement agencies: F
"Georgia has the worst levels of corruption risk and lack of accountability of any state in the country. The state scored a D or worse in 12 of the 14 categories. The state's biggest problem is the absence of a strong ethics enforcement agency. Republican governor Sonny Perdue managed to get an ethics bill through the legislature, but by the time it passed, his proposals to ban gifts to state workers and clearly define appropriate campaign spending had been stripped out. According to State Integrity reporter Jim Walls, while Georgia has provisions to prevent certain kinds of corruption in campaign finance and lobbying, the state is full of unaddressed loopholes and lax enforcement. About 2,000 Georgia officials, including one in five sitting legislators, have failed to pay penalties for filing their disclosures late, or not at all.'"
It just makes me proud to be a Georgian!
Georgia is the most corrupt state in the nation, according to 24/7 Wall St., citing a report by the Center for Public Integrity."The Center for Public Integrity's report examined issues concerning accountability and ethics in each state government. States were graded on 330 separate metrics, which were grouped into 14 major categories. Overall grades are based on the average grades in the major categories, which included lobbying disclosure, political financing, internal auditing, ethics enforcement agencies and redistricting," said 24/7 Wall St.Georgia received failing grades across the board.
From 24/7 Wall St:
GeorgiaOverall grade: F (49%) (Note: highest grade 100%)
Public access to information: F
Legislative accountability: F
Political financing: F
Ethics enforcement agencies: F
"Georgia has the worst levels of corruption risk and lack of accountability of any state in the country. The state scored a D or worse in 12 of the 14 categories. The state's biggest problem is the absence of a strong ethics enforcement agency. Republican governor Sonny Perdue managed to get an ethics bill through the legislature, but by the time it passed, his proposals to ban gifts to state workers and clearly define appropriate campaign spending had been stripped out. According to State Integrity reporter Jim Walls, while Georgia has provisions to prevent certain kinds of corruption in campaign finance and lobbying, the state is full of unaddressed loopholes and lax enforcement. About 2,000 Georgia officials, including one in five sitting legislators, have failed to pay penalties for filing their disclosures late, or not at all.'"
It just makes me proud to be a Georgian!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Children's Sermon
When I was a pastor I always did a children's sermon in the worship service. I discovered that the adults were more attentive and often got more from the children's sermon than from the "big" sermon. I even did my doctoral project on the use of the children's sermon in Baptist churches.
We had a great children' sermon at Palmetto Baptist today! Dr. Jimmy Orr began by talking about his love for one sport and one team. He had about twelve Braves caps and other Braves paraphenalia. He asked the question, "Do you know what my favorite sport is?" One child answered "Golf" and the congregation roared with laughter! Jimmy was not flustered and just proceeded to his point of asking the children how we show that we love Jesus. Carrying through with his lead, the children responded by saying, "we can wear a shirt that says 'I love Jesus'; we can wear a hat that says 'I love Jesus; we can have a mug that says 'I love Jesus'" The sermon was effectively ended, however, when one child said, "We can wear underwear that says 'I love Jesus'"
Such innocence!
We had a great children' sermon at Palmetto Baptist today! Dr. Jimmy Orr began by talking about his love for one sport and one team. He had about twelve Braves caps and other Braves paraphenalia. He asked the question, "Do you know what my favorite sport is?" One child answered "Golf" and the congregation roared with laughter! Jimmy was not flustered and just proceeded to his point of asking the children how we show that we love Jesus. Carrying through with his lead, the children responded by saying, "we can wear a shirt that says 'I love Jesus'; we can wear a hat that says 'I love Jesus; we can have a mug that says 'I love Jesus'" The sermon was effectively ended, however, when one child said, "We can wear underwear that says 'I love Jesus'"
Such innocence!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
8th Annual "Cars for Kids" Show
Reprinted from the South Fulton Neighbor, September 10, 2008
Chris Manley/Staff
James Harper, President/CEO of Georgia Baptist Children's Home in Palmetto, readies his 1996 Corvette and 1977 Chevy Silverado for the 8th Annual Cars for Kids Show
Little Red Corvette
Children's home to host car show
By LaTria Garnigan South Fulton Neighbor Senior Writer
Children's home to host car show
By LaTria Garnigan South Fulton Neighbor Senior Writer
On Sept. 20, the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home will host its eighth Annual Cars for Kids Show. The show will be held on its Palmetto campus, located at 9250 Hutcheson Ferry Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It is free for visitors to attend, and for those who wish to enter their antique, classic cars for display cost is $15 by Monday and $20 up until the day of the event.
The car show benefits the children’s home by getting people on the campus that might not have any other reason to be there, according to James Harper, president/CEO.
“A lot of folks come just to look at the cars and we always try to give them some information about the children’s home,” said Harper.
He said they discovered if they could ever get someone to come onto the campus, it changes them.
“They can’t ever hear about the children’s home again and not have a mental picture of where it is or what its like,” said Harper.
Besides being able to see the cars, many visitors just come to have a fun-filled family day outside and enjoy the company, food and many activities for kids that are available. Activities include live entertainment, moon bounce, face painting, games, racing ducks and more.
Vehicles range from antique fire trucks, old tractors, some fast cars, dragsters and other restored vehicles. Harper is entering a 1977 Silverado which he had restored last year. The truck, now belonging to his wife, was her late father’s truck, and was only used on the weekends. Harper also will showcase his 1996 Corvette he purchased a few years ago.
In past years they have had about 60 to 80 cars shown, depending on the weather. They always have a good crowd of lookers come and enjoy the day, said Harper.
The children’s home has been in operation since 1872. They serve school-age children (6 to 18) from broken homes, abusive or neglectful situations, and most of the children are coming from state custody (DFCS), Department of Juvenile Justice or other organizations from the state, said Harper.
“These days the children we work with have sometimes pretty severe psychological needs and part of our ministry is to give them whatever it is they need to be healthy and successful,” said Harper.
The home is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention, which has about 3,500 churches in the convention.
“We are an agency of the convention which means the Georgia Baptist Convention actually elects our trustees,” he said. “Then the trustees are responsible for setting the direction for the children’s home. Ultimately they are the legal ones responsible for the ministry and the children’s home.”
Harper mentioned they have trustees from all over the state of Georgia. This campus is one of three in the state; there is one in Meansville and one in Baxley, which is the largest as far as land area.
The Palmetto campus covers about 300 acres and features a chapel, campus residential homes for girls and boys, a maternity home for unwed mothers who need assistance until their baby is born, a recreational facility with a private school for those not integrated in area public schools and more.
Information: (770) 463-3800 or visit www.gbchfm.org.
It is free for visitors to attend, and for those who wish to enter their antique, classic cars for display cost is $15 by Monday and $20 up until the day of the event.
The car show benefits the children’s home by getting people on the campus that might not have any other reason to be there, according to James Harper, president/CEO.
“A lot of folks come just to look at the cars and we always try to give them some information about the children’s home,” said Harper.
He said they discovered if they could ever get someone to come onto the campus, it changes them.
“They can’t ever hear about the children’s home again and not have a mental picture of where it is or what its like,” said Harper.
Besides being able to see the cars, many visitors just come to have a fun-filled family day outside and enjoy the company, food and many activities for kids that are available. Activities include live entertainment, moon bounce, face painting, games, racing ducks and more.
Vehicles range from antique fire trucks, old tractors, some fast cars, dragsters and other restored vehicles. Harper is entering a 1977 Silverado which he had restored last year. The truck, now belonging to his wife, was her late father’s truck, and was only used on the weekends. Harper also will showcase his 1996 Corvette he purchased a few years ago.
In past years they have had about 60 to 80 cars shown, depending on the weather. They always have a good crowd of lookers come and enjoy the day, said Harper.
The children’s home has been in operation since 1872. They serve school-age children (6 to 18) from broken homes, abusive or neglectful situations, and most of the children are coming from state custody (DFCS), Department of Juvenile Justice or other organizations from the state, said Harper.
“These days the children we work with have sometimes pretty severe psychological needs and part of our ministry is to give them whatever it is they need to be healthy and successful,” said Harper.
The home is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention, which has about 3,500 churches in the convention.
“We are an agency of the convention which means the Georgia Baptist Convention actually elects our trustees,” he said. “Then the trustees are responsible for setting the direction for the children’s home. Ultimately they are the legal ones responsible for the ministry and the children’s home.”
Harper mentioned they have trustees from all over the state of Georgia. This campus is one of three in the state; there is one in Meansville and one in Baxley, which is the largest as far as land area.
The Palmetto campus covers about 300 acres and features a chapel, campus residential homes for girls and boys, a maternity home for unwed mothers who need assistance until their baby is born, a recreational facility with a private school for those not integrated in area public schools and more.
Information: (770) 463-3800 or visit www.gbchfm.org.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Favorite Pictures
These are my new favorite pictures of Jake! Above is Jake and me on Nanny Betty's front porch. As you can see, Jake and I look remarkably alike...at least our hats look similar! Jake is a great baby.
This is my other favorite picture...Jake, Nana and me on vacation at Panama City. I hope this is just the first of many vacations we can take with him!James' Toy
I have wanted a Corvette for 40 years! In May 2007 my dream became a reality! I purchased a 1996 Corvette Convertible. The picture above shows me with my prize at the Children's Home "Cars for Kids" Show in September. I can't wait til Jake is big enough to ride with me!Monday, April 28, 2008
Jake and Great Grandparents
Well, Jake is 4 weeks old now. He is a little over 8 pounds, and is developing his own unique personality. We are very proud of him!
He has been busy traveling to meet his new relatives. Pictured below is Jake with his grandparents. Can you tell that they are proud of him, too?
This is Jake with his five generations of relatives. Great Great Grandmother Nanny Shewbert is holding him. To her left is proud Mom Andrea. In the back are his Aunt Fabby (Allyson) , Great Grandmother Nanny Betty Adams, and Grandmother Nana Nette (Lynette Harper). Not many children can claim to be a part of such an enduring family.
This is Jake with his Mom, Paw Paw (James), and Great Grandmother Dot Harper (Mamew).
This is Jake with Mom, Paw Paw, and Great Granddaddy Charlie Harper (Pop Charlie).
He has been busy traveling to meet his new relatives. Pictured below is Jake with his grandparents. Can you tell that they are proud of him, too?
This is Jake with his five generations of relatives. Great Great Grandmother Nanny Shewbert is holding him. To her left is proud Mom Andrea. In the back are his Aunt Fabby (Allyson) , Great Grandmother Nanny Betty Adams, and Grandmother Nana Nette (Lynette Harper). Not many children can claim to be a part of such an enduring family.
This is Jake with his Mom, Paw Paw (James), and Great Grandmother Dot Harper (Mamew).
This is Jake with Mom, Paw Paw, and Great Granddaddy Charlie Harper (Pop Charlie).
We all love him so much!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Jacob William (Jake) Brown
Jacob William (Jake) Brown made his arrival on Saturday, March 29, 2008. He arrived at 9:01 PM. He hit the scale at 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 19 1/2 inches long. Andrea, Jason and Jake are doing well. Nana Nette and Paw Paw are elated!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Being A Mother
My daughter emailed me this...the daughter who is about to become a mother! She got the email from her mother-in-law.
Both men & women, sons & daughters - need to read this
BEING A MOTHER...After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years,but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend sometime with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'She thought about it for a moment, and then said,'I would like that very much.'
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching upon recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.
'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife.You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct .. somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
Somebody said being a mother is boring ....somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother, your child will 'turn out good'.... somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said 'good' mothers never raise their voices .... somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't have two children.
Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books....somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery (or going through a long adoption process).... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back..somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....somebody never had grandchildren.
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother.
Pass this along to all the 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your life while you have them....no matter who that person is.
Both men & women, sons & daughters - need to read this
BEING A MOTHER...After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to
take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years,but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked?
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend sometime with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.'She thought about it for a moment, and then said,'I would like that very much.'
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said,as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching upon recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.
'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife.You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct .. somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
Somebody said being a mother is boring ....somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother, your child will 'turn out good'.... somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said 'good' mothers never raise their voices .... somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.
Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first .... somebody doesn't have two children.
Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books....somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery (or going through a long adoption process).... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back..somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....somebody never had grandchildren.
Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother.
Pass this along to all the 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your life while you have them....no matter who that person is.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
What is a Grandparent?
This was emailed to me from one of my children.
What is a grandparent?
(taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)
Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of her
own. They like other people's.
A grandfather is a man grandmother.
Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come
to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is
good if they drive us to the store and have lots of quarters for us.
When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty
leaves and caterpillars.
They show us and talk to us about the color of the flowers and also
why we shouldn't step on "cracks."
They don't say, "Hurry up."
Usually grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes.
They wear glasses and funny underwear.
They can take their teeth and gums out.
Grandparents don't have to be smart.
They have to answer questions like "why isn't God married?" and "How
come dogs chase cats?".
When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for
the same story over again.
Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't
have television, because they are the only grown ups who like to
spend time with us.
They know we should have snack-time before bedtime and they say
prayers with us every time, and kiss us even when we've acted bad.
What is a grandparent?
(taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)
Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of her
own. They like other people's.
A grandfather is a man grandmother.
Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come
to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is
good if they drive us to the store and have lots of quarters for us.
When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty
leaves and caterpillars.
They show us and talk to us about the color of the flowers and also
why we shouldn't step on "cracks."
They don't say, "Hurry up."
Usually grandmothers are fat, but not too fat to tie your shoes.
They wear glasses and funny underwear.
They can take their teeth and gums out.
Grandparents don't have to be smart.
They have to answer questions like "why isn't God married?" and "How
come dogs chase cats?".
When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for
the same story over again.
Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't
have television, because they are the only grown ups who like to
spend time with us.
They know we should have snack-time before bedtime and they say
prayers with us every time, and kiss us even when we've acted bad.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Witty Sayings
I have always been attracted to witty sayings...phrases that make you think! I will give you a few with the authors (if I know them!) I don't claim ownership of any of these. Please send me your favorites!
Lie low and peep high!
Homer Morris for those times when trouble comes.
Get all you can and can all you get.
Homer Morris
They will go with you where the bears are.
Homer Morris describing friends through thick or thin.
Never play "chicken" with someone who has less to lose than you do.
Never send a girl to do a man's job.
Books are your friends.
Always be thinking.
Joe Crocker
Never wrestle with a pig. Both of you will get nasty, but the pig likes it. John McCain
Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated. FDR
A long road to a little house. Kenny Thompson
You can observe a lot by watching.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
The future ain't what it used to be.
If you don't know where you're going, you'll wind up someplace else.
Yogi Berra
Never go to a gun fight with a knife. Jon Harper
Feeling like a ground floor tenant in a two-story outhouse.
Torture like going into a lion's den wearing pork-chop britches.
Kenny Thompson
Never argue with a fool...a passerby may not know which one is the fool! Richard Munn
Behind every successful man is a supportive wife...and a surprised mother-in-law!
I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
Winston Churchill
The ablest man I ever met is the man you think you are.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the cornfield.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.
Abraham Lincoln
Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you're aboard, there's nothing you can do.
Golda Meir
All men are equal before fish; fish make no distinction between presidents and garbage collectors.
Herbert Hoover
Lie low and peep high!
Homer Morris for those times when trouble comes.
Get all you can and can all you get.
Homer Morris
They will go with you where the bears are.
Homer Morris describing friends through thick or thin.
Never play "chicken" with someone who has less to lose than you do.
Never send a girl to do a man's job.
Books are your friends.
Always be thinking.
Joe Crocker
Never wrestle with a pig. Both of you will get nasty, but the pig likes it. John McCain
Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated. FDR
A long road to a little house. Kenny Thompson
You can observe a lot by watching.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
The future ain't what it used to be.
If you don't know where you're going, you'll wind up someplace else.
Yogi Berra
Never go to a gun fight with a knife. Jon Harper
Feeling like a ground floor tenant in a two-story outhouse.
Torture like going into a lion's den wearing pork-chop britches.
Kenny Thompson
Never argue with a fool...a passerby may not know which one is the fool! Richard Munn
Behind every successful man is a supportive wife...and a surprised mother-in-law!
I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
Winston Churchill
The ablest man I ever met is the man you think you are.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles from the cornfield.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.
Abraham Lincoln
Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you're aboard, there's nothing you can do.
Golda Meir
All men are equal before fish; fish make no distinction between presidents and garbage collectors.
Herbert Hoover
Friday, March 7, 2008
Why God Created Children
This was emailed to me from one of my own children......
WHY GOD CREATED CHILDREN
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether
they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or
students...here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control, you can take
comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did
not extend to His own children.
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and
Eve. And the first thing he said was, "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve...we have forbidden
fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering
why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few
minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He
was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh-huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said.
"Did not!"
"Did, too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that
Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern
was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children
wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If
God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would
be a piece of cake for you?
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!
1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to
walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to
sit down and be quiet.
2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.
4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat
word for word what you shouldn't have said.
5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind
yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
6. We child-proofed our home, but they are still getting in.
ADVICE FOR THE DAY!
Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home.
AND FINALLY: IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE,
DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:
"TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"
WHY GOD CREATED CHILDREN
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether
they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or
students...here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control, you can take
comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did
not extend to His own children.
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and
Eve. And the first thing he said was, "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve...we have forbidden
fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering
why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few
minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He
was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh-huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said.
"Did not!"
"Did, too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that
Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern
was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children
wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If
God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would
be a piece of cake for you?
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!
1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to
walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to
sit down and be quiet.
2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.
4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat
word for word what you shouldn't have said.
5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind
yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
6. We child-proofed our home, but they are still getting in.
ADVICE FOR THE DAY!
Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home.
AND FINALLY: IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSION AND YOU GET A HEADACHE,
DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:
"TAKE TWO ASPIRIN" AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"
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