The other day I was bringing my 86 year old mother back from her Dr's appointment when we decided to go for lunch. Along the was we passed through neighborhoods of her youth. “I cleaned house there every week, one family on the third floor, another on the second” I got a dime every time for the work I did. The stories went on and on, I cant count the times I have heard them. Her memories were almost real to me I heard them so many times.
Then she began to talk of two of Superiors old time Grocers, the Ansells' and Cohens'. “You know, they took good care of us. Mr Ansell would always have a bag of fruit, Oranges or Bananas for us. Henry Cohen would have Mother send one of us down to his store to pick up a bag of groceries. There would be meat in the bag. He was always so nice.”
There were I believe nine children on my mothers family, they grew up during the depression. Times were tough, there was little work and less money. My mothers family was like so many other families in town. Getting by but not knowing how.
I doubt that those two gentlemen ever remember sending groceries my Grand-parents way, it was a part of life for them. I had the good pleasure to know Henry Cohen as I was growing up, our families were competitors in the restaurant business. I can say he was the same gentleman in his later years as he was in his youth. I am also sure that both of these man gave to many religious and civic organizations through the years
The point however is that small gifts are fondly remembered seventy years later. I can't drive down Hammond Avenue without being reminded of them, even when I am alone in the car. These men are gone, their families have perhaps moved on. The only way I can say Thank You is to pass on what was given to my family. It isn't necessarily the size of the gift which makes a difference, but rather being sensitive to the need, and trying to make a difference in one persons life.
The Psalmist wrote ”I will give nothing that didn't cost me something”, my paraphrase. Bulging cans of food and stale bread don't honor anyone, least of all ourselves. Take a moment this week, try to listen with your heart. Hear what our Creator speaks to you, then follow through. Perhaps someone elses' grandson will speak of you in the next century, remembering your kindness this year.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Damn you for making me write... But thanks.
For Emory, on Valentines day.
A breath of new life
filled the meadow.
Yellow and white daisy's dotted the rolling hills.
She was three, perhaps four,
her fingers tightly clutching
the flowers she had picked.
A polka dot dress with shiny black shoes,
skipping through the Lane.
Delicate curls of golden hair
shone like the sun
following a summer storm.
Her mothers tears blinded her eyes
clutching with a kiss:
“You are my Life”
and she handed her daughter away.
A breath of new life
filled the meadow.
Yellow and white daisy's dotted the rolling hills.
She was three, perhaps four,
her fingers tightly clutching
the flowers she had picked.
A polka dot dress with shiny black shoes,
skipping through the Lane.
Delicate curls of golden hair
shone like the sun
following a summer storm.
Her mothers tears blinded her eyes
clutching with a kiss:
“You are my Life”
and she handed her daughter away.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bill Of Rights... more later!
The Bill of Rights: A Transcription
The Preamble to The Bill of Rights
Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.
THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.
ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendments 11-27
Note: The capitalization and punctuation in this version is from the enrolled original of the Joint Resolution of Congress proposing the Bill of Rights, which is on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
The Preamble to The Bill of Rights
Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.
THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.
ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendments 11-27
Note: The capitalization and punctuation in this version is from the enrolled original of the Joint Resolution of Congress proposing the Bill of Rights, which is on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
Fast Eddie...
I have been thinking abut my brother Eddie most of the day. It started early this morning, shortly after I woke, and now He still comes to mind.
On the outside he is nothing special. I think he is now in his late 40's, perhaps he has cracked 50. He is a shorter guy with somewhat of a beard or goatee. He doesn't show the muscles, they are there tho. He doesn't show his soft heart to many either. Just a businesslike yet friendly attitude.
Eddie is one of those guys who takes God for granted. God speaks to his heart, Eddie listens and follows. He has been a part of several medical mission trips to different parts of the former Soviet Union. When rowdy service men on leave would show up, he would talk with them, A camaraderie exists no matter the flag. He would take the time to get to know the man behind the Red Star, and call him friend upon leaving. Guitar strings were a part of every trip, brought in for the local worship group, so they may continue to praise God.
I do remember him going to North Vietnam, and being arrested. Just read the story again last week on his face-book page. North Vietnam doesn't exist anymore, didn't then either. The Southern Government fell as the United States Military pulled out. Eddie answered Gods call to bring medicines to a hospital up north, and was arrested. All the while the Bibles he was smuggling into the country were somehow kept from prying eyes.
He rides in a helicopter as a flight paramedic. Has for many years. I know of times he was faithful in wearing hiking boots to work one day, Later that afternoon he was rappelling down a cliff to rescue a teenager who was injured. I have seen that cliff. It has to be more that 150 feet down the sheer sides to the water.
“How you doin Eddie? I ask when I see him in the Emergency Room.
“You know, I walk, I fall down, I get up and walk again. Eddie has a good life, but there are times when struggles get tough. Fear works its way in, and then he gets up and follows that still small voice in his heart which says, “This is the way, walk ye therein”
Eddie Hoffstrand, I am so proud that you are my friend. This Thanksgiving day I woke at 5am and began to think of you. It's 9:30 pm now, and I needed to take the time to write this down. You are a man who listens to and follows God. You are a Husband and Father. Your prayers and action have benefited far more than you will ever know.
Love ya man!
Chaplain Bob
PS: wanna buy another VCR from me?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Things I think about...
What a shot, I think about Lots of things. Most of them don't make much sense to myself, let alone others. But somewhere I believe there are some valid points to understand. Here goes....
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