Sunday, December 17, 2023

Merry Christmas 2023 and Always

 

This painting arrived as a Christmas card a few days ago. It is the most beautiful depiction of love and adoration of Jesus by heavenly angels and his Mother Mary I've seen. 

Linger here for a few minutes this season in contemplation please. What is important? What are your thoughts and feelings about it including your relationship and engagement now and in the future with Jesus?

You are invited to post your thoughts in Comments.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bill

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Thursday, March 30, 2023

BOMBARDMENTS TODAY!

 

Readers are most likely familiar with prodigious WWII naval bombardments and the destruction intended ashore. Numerous Pacific Theatre battles may come to mind as the Allies recovered lost islands and territories into August 1945.

However, D-Day's thunderous salvoes sent into Normandy on June 6, 1944 may come more easily to mind. I recently watched The Longest Day again thinking about terrible destruction, death, shock and deafness intended for coastal defenders. It consumed every fiber of their being. How could it not?

It got me to thinking about the minute by minute bombardment consuming us daily. What is it doing to us? Why do we allow it --- such as?

Overdoing texting, emailing, social media, screen time at and off of work, video games, addictions, pursuit of experiences, television, workaholic and/or newsaholic behaviors, too busy for interaction with family and friends, the disappearance of quiet time and more. How about allowing cell phones to disturb family chow time, sleep or precious unrecoverable time with our children/grandchildren? 

My Marketing Director, Michael,  tells a story about an ice skating practice. He sat in the stands watching his child skate. His cell phone was intentionally someplace else so he could be in the moment with his offspring. However,  a nearby mom was immersed constantly on a cell phone. Her daughter then had an issue with a skate. The mom did not hear multiple pleas for mom's help because screen time was more important. Michael soon got the mom's attention.

One more thing as Easter nears. The most important negative dynamic is....

There is insufficient silence for us to hear the voice of Jesus in many different ways. 

"And get to know me."

"Come and follow me."

It's Time To Go Home.

Every Blessing and Happy Easter Everyone!

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CLOSING REMARKS WHICH MAY APPLY FOR YOU

It’s Time To Come Home Whether You

·         Retired from the Catholic or your Faith tradition (Understandable)

·         Have remained home since Covid (You aren’t alone)

·         Want to learn about Catholicism (Founded 2,000 years ago in the year 33)

·         Hear an almost silent voice inviting you (Saying come)

·         Aren’t sure, distrustful, hurt, don't believe or too busy (Come anyway)

·         Think Catholicism is unbiblical (It is scripturally biblical)

Don’t think you are welcome (You Are Welcome!)  

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Monday, January 2, 2023

EMPIRE OF WRATH CHAPTER 6: PROCESSION

  

A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLE STORY

EMPIRE OF WRATH

Chapter 6

PROCESSION

Ragnar Khan's Horde is assembled for review and imminent march to engage the Imperials.

Red Sash Horsemen fanatically salute him with flourishing swords and rejoicing.

Count Colonel Villainovich's contingent remained respectful.

Each band cheered approval as Khan processed. 

Suddenly his Great Guns added explosive praise as well.

"See Khan The Magnificent within his elite Household Horse, Jezzail and Swords men!,"  shouted the Red Sash Commander to his men.

"Yes, it is I. Are your Red Sashes ready to do my will?"

"We are ready my Khan!" 

Soon the Green, Orange and Grey Sashes would cast their eyes in turn on their leader showering him with obedient cheers, praise and jezzail fire. Then all marched ....

INTO THE PASS

For a fortnight.

"Your Excellency. Omens portend success!"

"As witnessed by the Blood Red Moon sign at midnight."

"I knew of its coming and so I'm counting on you Utman of Khel to speedily deliver the foe into my hands...."

"In an explosion of violence." 

"Behold. I can and will. We will deliver them unto you."

"Good. --- Very gooood."

DAYS LATER
AT FORT ALBERT'S PICQUET LINE

"Another day wait'n for the indolent Ragnar Khan, eh Sgt. Davies?"

"Corey, was you in the Zulu War back in 79?"

"No Sergeant."

"Well, had you been there, you'd know motivated tribesmen can be...."

"Look Sergeant Sab! Gupta see the enemy!"

"Aye. Here they come and straight at us!, said Ham."

"Those are Khan's Green Sashes," said the Sergeant.

"With 'is Orange Sash blokes behind 'em," continued Davies.

"Swords and jezzails but no horsemen so far," said Ham.

"Is that Ragnar Khan leading the foe?," asked Corey.

"I dunno, said Davies. "I've never seen him though I hear he rides a jumbo mostly."

"Oh that tears it. They've seen us," shouted Corey.

"Time to go troopers. C'mon Gupta. Hurry, no dawdling now," shouted Sergeant Davies.

"Coming Sab," said Gupta.

"We've got to warn the Colonel!," bellowed Davies.


CLOSING REMARKS
1. Previous chapters in sequence:
    
Chapter 1: At The Gallop

Chapter 2: Half A League to the Fort

Chapter 3: Fort Albert

Chapter 4: Ragnar Khan 

Chapter 5: General Pettygree

2. The General's next chapter is planned for late April 2023. What will be the fate of Fort Albert? Come back and see.

3. Meanwhile he welcomes your remarks and sentiments at Comments below.

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