Boston Bombing & Road to Tyrany
Nearly a decade after one of the most defining moments of my life, once again I read the news and mourn for the American people. I have the sense, just as I did on that day, that everything has changed and that the America of my youth is forever dead. I of all people know that America was a myth, but – though it may be the rose tint so often applied to the past – I do remember that much of that myth was lived in to. Read more...
Lenten Social Media Fast
At rather the last minute -- Tuesday evening before Ash Wednesday -- I decided that I was going to abstain from social media for Lent. This decision was prompted by others on Facebook giving up the same and, since I hadn't figured out what I was giving up -- or taking on -- yet, I decided I would give up social media to start with and then add on something "real" once I figured out what that was. Read more...
Collect for Coffee
Almighty God, who in your mercy provides all things for our goodwill and maintenance, pour out your blessings upon the farmers, harvesters, distributors, roasters, and all others who participate in the manifold tasks required to provide your people with that most useful beverage, coffee, that we, your church, might continue to reap the benefits of this beverage for the glory of your kingdom and the sake of your only son, our savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Read more...
Melanie Davis Funeral Address
This afternoon I have the great honor of speaking on behalf of the Metro Nashville German Meetup Group. Melanie founded our group in January of 2010 and was our faithful leader until her other life responsibilities required that she turn the reigns over to me in 2011. I remember the first time I met Melanie. It was back in February 2010 at a little Mexican restaurant here in Hendersonville. From the first moment she was welcoming and wearing her always-infectious smile. Read more...
Let Your Servant Depart in Peace
Luke 2:29-32 (KJV); Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Isaiah 57:1-2 (ESV); The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their bed who walk in their uprightness. Read more...
Guns-in-Trunks Legistlation
Jerry Askew, SVP Governmental Relations, Tennova Healthcare "Given the increasing violence against health care workers that we see across the nation, particularly in emergency rooms, I don't think we have any choice but to maintain our position against the introduction of more weapons at our hospitals." Bill Ozier, Chairman, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Referencing recent shootings in Colorado, etc.) "I'm not sure having more people armed is the answer to all of that. Read more...
More Chick-fil-A "Controversy"
Everyone has read/listened to the actual interviews, right? (If not, links to both are provided below.) Adhering to the orthodox Christian/historical Western definition of marriage as a religious oath/sacrament between a man, a women, and God does not make one "hateful" or a "bigot". If the actual source interviews are referenced, it's very clear that Dan Cathy is not spouting hate, but rather affirming the definition of marriage that he believes his God has revealed to mankind through the Bible. Read more...
Chick-fil-A Controversy
Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV) He [Jesus] answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Dan Cathy: I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, “We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. Read more...
LDS Resignation Letter
Member Records Division, LDS Church 50 E North Temple Rm 1372 SLC UT 84150-5310 Dear Friend, I, Michael Wayne Arnold, herewith voluntarily and with full knowledge of the consequences, present my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, effective immediately. I therefore request you to make the necessary changes in the church membership records to indicate that I am no longer a member and remove my name permanently and completely from the membership rolls of the church. Read more...
Mother Moon: Das erste Abenteuer von Alex Müller
Mother Moon: Das erste Abenteuer von Alex Müller1 A warm breeze glided through Neuer Platz as Alex sat waiting for the bus. It felt good, especially on this unseasonably warm day. In three minutes the bus should be arriving, at least that is if nothing else strange were to happen today. Alex reflected on the unimaginable events of the day. Could it be only six-teen hours ago that he was walking down Ginskiegaße2 in the bright Austrian sun? Read more...
Rules of the Club-House
Approved on May 29, 1998 by President Michael Arnold All rules must be followed. If rules are violated avenders will be removed from the club-house. Members must keep the club-house clean. Nonmembers are only allowed if they have been permited by the Vice-President No outside food is not allowed unless it has been preplanned and approved by the Congress. No cussing allowed. No running or horsing around in the club-house. Read more...
