Lois and I went to see United 93 tonight. It definitely brings back the emotions of the day--possibly even more so because at the time there was so much confusion that no one could be sure what was happening. Now that I know what happened, and even though there's no real suspense, my stomach was tied in knots for almost two hours.
The confusion of the day, for almost everyone involved, comes through clearly. There is an implied--and often explicit--criticism of the government response to the day's events, particularly the FAA, the military and the President--as if they should have been immune to the confusion surrounding such an unprecedented attack. Don't get me wrong--this is no Michael Moore type slander. But I can't help but remember watching John Ford's "Battle of Midway", filmed in June 1942 during the darkest days of World War II. I was probably 11 years old in about 1960 when I saw it, and I still remember the pride I felt in our Marines as they defended that tiny island, even though they ultimately were overwhelmed.
A movie about United 93 might have been just as inspiring--if John Ford had made it. As it is, the movie is a grim, but useful, reminder of an awful day. I just wish it had been more than that.
--Cliff
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
United 93
There's an excellent article about United Flight 93 in the Wall Street Journal by David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer. It's at http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008294 .
Cliff
Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
think about such things.
(Philippians 4:8)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Ezra Charles concert
Nathan asked me to pass along to the class that Ezra Charles and his swing band will have a free concert at 5:00PM this Sunday April 23 in Oyster Creek Park. According to Nathan the band is so good it could make a Baptist want to dance, so bring a lawn chair (for when you get tired of dancing) and join the fun!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Makin' Pancakes
From: Sharon Bonnette
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 10:25 PM
Subject: Makin' Pancakes
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 10:25 PM
Subject: Makin' Pancakes
Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.
He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor, which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.
He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.
And just then, he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But, his father just watched him.
Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!
That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.
Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.
But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...
I was thinking. and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, "I love you" can heal & bless! I am reminding every one of my friends that I love them. Even if you don't love me back, its OK! I still think you are great.
Just in case I haven't told you lately... I LOVE YA !!!
Please pass some of this love on to others.... suppose one morning you were called to God; do all your friends know you love them?
Send this to everyone you love! Maybe even send it back to the person who sent it to you.. And never stop "making pancakes.
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Need to Hire
Here are some jobs available in the Hempstead area and in the
Michelle White, RN
Case Manager
Medical Helpline, Inc.
1-800-436-8787
Fax: 281-368-7827
www.medhelpline.com
From: Everyone@entrustinc.com [mailto:Everyone@entrustinc.com] On Behalf Of
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 9:57 AM
To: everyone@entrustinc.com
Subject: [Everyone] Need to Hire!!! {01}
Good morning everyone,
My mother is now the HR Director for Lawrence Marshall Auto Group and they are in desperate need of personnel. No experience is necessary for the sales positions; actually they prefer to train the sales force themselves.
Positions needed for 2 of the locations are listed below and she will give a $200 finders fee for anyone you recommend and is hired. Her contact information is below; just give that to whomever is interested and they can call her to set up an interview.
Entrust, Inc,
Underwriting Manager
Phone - 281-368-7878 xt 107
Cell - 832-721-4934
Fax - 281-368-7828
Toll Free - 800-436-8787 xt 107
-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Thomas [mailto:ethomas@lawrencemarshall.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 9:20 AM
To: dthomas@entrustinc.com
Subject: Need to Hire!!!
Good Morning Derek,
Here is the list of hires that I need to make at
3 FORD SALES PEOPLE
5 CHEVY SALES PEOPLE
4 PRE-OWNED SALES PEOPLE..
6 DODGE SALES PEOPLE
BEDLINER/SPRAYER - SERVICE
2 PDI / ACCESSORY TECHS - SERVICE
At our GMC Dealerships - 610 @ Kirby I need to make the following hires:
4 PRE-OWNED SALES PEOPLE.
1 MEDIUM DUTY TECH
SERVICE CONSULTANT (ADVISOR)
SERVICE CASHIER
I will pay a $200 Finder Fees for the lead that results in a new hire.
Elizabeth Thomas
Director of Human Resources
Lawrence Marshall Dealerships
Ray Childress Auto Group
900 Business 290 North
Hempstead, TX 77445
ethomas@lawrencemarshall.com or
elizabeth.thomas@lawrencemarshall.com
281-732-7465 - Cell
979-826-7940 - Direct
979-826-7351 - Fax
Monday, April 3, 2006
Hello Everyone
From:
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 1:53 PM
To: 'Lois'
Subject: Hello Everyone
Our children (you’ve met Makenna) go to
Praying for you all,
Love, Shawn
713.448.5214
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)