My Last post finally made the paper (Opinion Letters)
Sacramento Bee Sunday 12/21/2008
A More Inviting GOP
http://www.sacbee.com/326/story/1488077.html
God is still working on my Ego
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
California needs a GOP for 2009, not 1977 (Viewpoints Dec 16)
Response to another editorial...
I was part of the “hard-line, self insulated ideological political cult” known as the GOP. I could no longer stomach the idea of aligning with the almost fascist behavior and public persona of the GOP. Nor could I align with the Democratic party and it’s slaying of anybody that dare disagree with it.
Hear, hear for Peter Schrag's viewpoint for the necessity of the GOP “to stretch it’s core principles to be inviting to at or beyond it’s core”.
For years I held out hope that the GOP would not continue it’s move away from sanity and get back to the core things it held onto, political and societal conservatism. But alas, it seems that holding a banner and waving it strong is more important than the ideals it waves them for.
The GOP lost my confidence long ago and until someone regains a true heart for public service over guarding and holding up the façade of their own party’s persona, I will remain an Independent.
I was part of the “hard-line, self insulated ideological political cult” known as the GOP. I could no longer stomach the idea of aligning with the almost fascist behavior and public persona of the GOP. Nor could I align with the Democratic party and it’s slaying of anybody that dare disagree with it.
Hear, hear for Peter Schrag's viewpoint for the necessity of the GOP “to stretch it’s core principles to be inviting to at or beyond it’s core”.
For years I held out hope that the GOP would not continue it’s move away from sanity and get back to the core things it held onto, political and societal conservatism. But alas, it seems that holding a banner and waving it strong is more important than the ideals it waves them for.
The GOP lost my confidence long ago and until someone regains a true heart for public service over guarding and holding up the façade of their own party’s persona, I will remain an Independent.
Friday, November 21, 2008
My Response to Editorial
(yes I did send it in)
Article- Kathleen Parker:Religious right threatens Republican Party's future
Sacramento Bee Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 | Page 15A
Religious right threatens Republican Party's future, how painfully true.
“Armband Religion” is killing the GOP. When religion is an “Armband” it becomes tasteless and sickening to those it is presented to. It is this that offends more than the religion itself. Leave the “Armband” at home not the religion.
Kathleen Parker says “conservatism and the Republican Party – eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs.”
If ones religion exists in the heart it cannot be left at home, it needs to beat through every belief, every action and every reaction. If ones true religion is left only in the heart and not allowed a way out, the stench will be deafening. If your religion is left at home your religion will useless and empty, merely a mask.
If one is truly a believer in something greater than oneself, how is it left at home? Leaving religion on an “Armband” and not on the heart has tainted the GOP. They say they have faith without showing their works. It has stripped the Party of it’s power and has become so obvious to all except those still wearing the armband.
Sacramento Bee Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 | Page 15A
Religious right threatens Republican Party's future, how painfully true.
“Armband Religion” is killing the GOP. When religion is an “Armband” it becomes tasteless and sickening to those it is presented to. It is this that offends more than the religion itself. Leave the “Armband” at home not the religion.
Kathleen Parker says “conservatism and the Republican Party – eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs.”
If ones religion exists in the heart it cannot be left at home, it needs to beat through every belief, every action and every reaction. If ones true religion is left only in the heart and not allowed a way out, the stench will be deafening. If your religion is left at home your religion will useless and empty, merely a mask.
If one is truly a believer in something greater than oneself, how is it left at home? Leaving religion on an “Armband” and not on the heart has tainted the GOP. They say they have faith without showing their works. It has stripped the Party of it’s power and has become so obvious to all except those still wearing the armband.
Economical Mess
Forgive me for seeming naïve, uneducated or just plain dumb.
But it seems to me there is still the same amount of money, cars, houses, gas, oil, electricity, real estate and stock as their was when the economy was flourishing. So what really has changed? Is it all emotional?
Could it be that greed and fear have driven us into our holes afraid to let go of our nickels, dimes and quarters? Afraid that we may not have enough to go around or spend on the latest gadgetry, video entertainment or vacation.
What would happen if we gave it all to some reputable philanthropic organization which in turn would purchase goods for the ones without nickels, dimes and quarters? Could it be that it would stimulate the world’s economy? I think we know that it would. We are just waiting for someone to go first.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NLT) ...people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
But it seems to me there is still the same amount of money, cars, houses, gas, oil, electricity, real estate and stock as their was when the economy was flourishing. So what really has changed? Is it all emotional?
Could it be that greed and fear have driven us into our holes afraid to let go of our nickels, dimes and quarters? Afraid that we may not have enough to go around or spend on the latest gadgetry, video entertainment or vacation.
What would happen if we gave it all to some reputable philanthropic organization which in turn would purchase goods for the ones without nickels, dimes and quarters? Could it be that it would stimulate the world’s economy? I think we know that it would. We are just waiting for someone to go first.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NLT) ...people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Earnest Expectation and Hope
Paul writes this from prison!! (I write this from the chair in my office)
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my "earnest expectation and hope" that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body
What an attitude!!
From prison Paul has an earnest expectation and hope!
Christ will be magnified in his body...
I should have such an attitude in my sickness. What when and how can my situation be used to magnify Jesus Christ? What do I do and how do I act so that Jesus is magnified?
This should be my earnest expectation and hope.
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my "earnest expectation and hope" that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body
What an attitude!!
From prison Paul has an earnest expectation and hope!
Christ will be magnified in his body...
Whatever happens to him in his physical circumstance will bring
glory, honor and attention to Christ (He will be magnified)...
I should have such an attitude in my sickness. What when and how can my situation be used to magnify Jesus Christ? What do I do and how do I act so that Jesus is magnified?
This should be my earnest expectation and hope.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Out in the Wilderness II
I live in a real busy world.
No shortage of gadgets or things all a whirl.
How did we live, even lacking it all?
IPOD cell-phone, desktop
and laptop, that list keeps on going,
and that's not even it all.
They must all be synched or we're not having a ball.
I wondered what life would be like without,
crazy you call me I must be some lout.
Lout is a word if you care,
Would you take me up on the dare?
Merriam says... Lout is a noun
It means I might be awkward or even a clown.
Maybe it's better or maybe I'll cry.
Doing without I must give it a try.
How did the pilgrims and pioneers ever get on?
No GPS, IPOD or a Cell phone,
It's real amazing they ever could find,
Their very own way through this no mans land.
So I must find a space without people.
Far enough, without a church steeple.
Shut off the radio, cell phone and PC.
It's really hard but I just have to see.
If I really am hooked on this electronic stuff.
Out in the Wilderness
I spent 24 hours count 'em 24 without radio, IPOD, CD's or any electronics.
No cell phone or headphone, no GPS. No people , no appointments, no interactions of any kind. I went to a campground and got a spot away from traffic. I brought a sleeping bag, a pad, a couple of blankets and my bible. I brought three oranges and two apples and some bottled water, some firewood and newspaper(I didn't read it! Really!) to start the fire.
I tried to boil this down to just me and God. No agendas, nothing to accomplish.
Just 24 hours without really anything but me and Him. Not looking for the burning bush or an answer to prayer. But just to wait and see what would be what without a distraction or chore to be done. Here is the chronicle in some silly rhyme. Give me a while to finish it all....
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Name is Nobody
February 3, 2008
My name is Nobody, sounds odd, but it’s true. Often mistaken as somebody, I need a tissue, all that aside the name’s still “Nobody”.
Lot’s of people dispute my real name, “you really are somebody” is spoken with glee. But that never changes my name don’t you see! With smiles, back pats and compliments few, you all try and convince me my name’s just not true. The harder you try and make me somebody the more I am sure my name is Nobody.
I have tried many years to be somebody you’d see, mostly by exploit and excess or something unusual. It’s tough to explain let me give you a visual. All along you may be thinking “Sounds so familiar have I heard this before?” Perhaps you have heard it down deep in your soul. A voice so familiar, somebody you know, saying so softly “my name is Nobody, can’t you see it’s all true”
So much strain, so much thought, so much time, spent persuading. Nobody’s the name and nothing’s my game. I’ve done nothing that’s something, my talents are few, I’m always reaching for something that’s new. Ask me I’ve tried it and maybe that’s why, even this story is not very fly.
My dream is to do something, what it is I’m not sure, but when it arrives it will be something pure. Something of record, done by Nobody, a really great deed, to fill a great need. Maybe a plaque they will mount where it occurred, but what they will write seems so obscure. “Nobody did it” right here it is sure. We really wish somebody’s name could we write, but nobody did it and he’s nowhere in sight.
Nobody sees nothin’ real great that’s his mood, unless somebody did it then it’s all good.
Everyone knows, nobody’s no good. Somebody is better, (did you get the post letter?) With a name like Nobody I’m always around. I owe myself somebody but he’s never found. Sometimes when dreaming, my thoughts are all teeming- I am a somebody, the scriptures are true. Then may I ask you, why am I so blue?
My name is nobody. You thought I somebody, you must be mistaken I’m sure.
My name is Nobody, sounds odd, but it’s true. Often mistaken as somebody, I need a tissue, all that aside the name’s still “Nobody”.
Lot’s of people dispute my real name, “you really are somebody” is spoken with glee. But that never changes my name don’t you see! With smiles, back pats and compliments few, you all try and convince me my name’s just not true. The harder you try and make me somebody the more I am sure my name is Nobody.
I have tried many years to be somebody you’d see, mostly by exploit and excess or something unusual. It’s tough to explain let me give you a visual. All along you may be thinking “Sounds so familiar have I heard this before?” Perhaps you have heard it down deep in your soul. A voice so familiar, somebody you know, saying so softly “my name is Nobody, can’t you see it’s all true”
So much strain, so much thought, so much time, spent persuading. Nobody’s the name and nothing’s my game. I’ve done nothing that’s something, my talents are few, I’m always reaching for something that’s new. Ask me I’ve tried it and maybe that’s why, even this story is not very fly.
My dream is to do something, what it is I’m not sure, but when it arrives it will be something pure. Something of record, done by Nobody, a really great deed, to fill a great need. Maybe a plaque they will mount where it occurred, but what they will write seems so obscure. “Nobody did it” right here it is sure. We really wish somebody’s name could we write, but nobody did it and he’s nowhere in sight.
Nobody sees nothin’ real great that’s his mood, unless somebody did it then it’s all good.
Everyone knows, nobody’s no good. Somebody is better, (did you get the post letter?) With a name like Nobody I’m always around. I owe myself somebody but he’s never found. Sometimes when dreaming, my thoughts are all teeming- I am a somebody, the scriptures are true. Then may I ask you, why am I so blue?
My name is nobody. You thought I somebody, you must be mistaken I’m sure.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I Heard the Queen’s Call
I heard the Queen’s call. She called for my help. A new jewel she needed so life would complete. I heard her call and then soon forgot, it’s not that I cared not. It’s just so darn busy, here in the realm. Carpets and dies, the word to be sown, there’s this call and that and the list will wind on. Loved ones to call and still my Queen reigns, a new jewel she needs to continue her reign.
I heard the first buzzer it’s 7am. A couple more snoozes and on to the jewel, the Queens not demanding nor did she ask. But I really desire her life first-class. Her day starts to wind up and the jewel’s still not won. Out of the sack in a flash, into the pool with a splash, it's off to the mountain in search of the jewel. I start up the steed it's Chrysler and Dodge not Donder and Blitzen dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
Through the streets do I go past gulls with shrill cry. Yukon and Escalade spill forth their spry young. Smaller and smaller the Corollas are there, spilling forth young with the shriek of their birth. The higher I climb the thicker they get, together they go to one place it's quite clear, the Middle school cave where only the bravest dare go. I feel I have accomplished the greatest of tests. My trek through five hundred Junior High kids.
Up the mountain I go with it’s peak in my sight, The Home Depot I see in all it’s glory and might. With soldiers around seeking a mission. I nod to one then the other I’m on my own mission. A parking stall is near by divine intercession.
Into the Depot with all it’s selections, other times the distractions, so many I see. “Give me one of each” my soul does it’s cry, "in your dreams" my stoic mind says. On to the tool section, I’ve been here before. The place of the measure, devices and still yet the more. The jewel that I seek is the ancient of tools. "One more tape measure" I hear the Queen cry. My reign isn’t well without two or three more. Seven ninety five the clerk does her cry, credit or debit, is all that’s obliged and this jewel will be yours. With precision and instinct the Visa goes in, the jewel’s in the sack! Now i'm headed back.
Chrysler and Dodge dash away! dash away! dash away all! On to my Queen oh how she will gleam, this jewel’s a real treasure my Queen will adore. And if this ones lost, I know where there’s more.
Back down the mountain no gulls are in sight. Middle school has swallowed them up once more. The trip’s uneventful, and not a real chore. The Queen is in sight and me she’ll adore. With pride I display the jewel that I’ve won and I even surprise her with another shiny new one. You’re my hero she cries and I swell with real pride looking forward to my next valiant ride.
I heard the first buzzer it’s 7am. A couple more snoozes and on to the jewel, the Queens not demanding nor did she ask. But I really desire her life first-class. Her day starts to wind up and the jewel’s still not won. Out of the sack in a flash, into the pool with a splash, it's off to the mountain in search of the jewel. I start up the steed it's Chrysler and Dodge not Donder and Blitzen dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
Through the streets do I go past gulls with shrill cry. Yukon and Escalade spill forth their spry young. Smaller and smaller the Corollas are there, spilling forth young with the shriek of their birth. The higher I climb the thicker they get, together they go to one place it's quite clear, the Middle school cave where only the bravest dare go. I feel I have accomplished the greatest of tests. My trek through five hundred Junior High kids.
Up the mountain I go with it’s peak in my sight, The Home Depot I see in all it’s glory and might. With soldiers around seeking a mission. I nod to one then the other I’m on my own mission. A parking stall is near by divine intercession.
Into the Depot with all it’s selections, other times the distractions, so many I see. “Give me one of each” my soul does it’s cry, "in your dreams" my stoic mind says. On to the tool section, I’ve been here before. The place of the measure, devices and still yet the more. The jewel that I seek is the ancient of tools. "One more tape measure" I hear the Queen cry. My reign isn’t well without two or three more. Seven ninety five the clerk does her cry, credit or debit, is all that’s obliged and this jewel will be yours. With precision and instinct the Visa goes in, the jewel’s in the sack! Now i'm headed back.
Chrysler and Dodge dash away! dash away! dash away all! On to my Queen oh how she will gleam, this jewel’s a real treasure my Queen will adore. And if this ones lost, I know where there’s more.
Back down the mountain no gulls are in sight. Middle school has swallowed them up once more. The trip’s uneventful, and not a real chore. The Queen is in sight and me she’ll adore. With pride I display the jewel that I’ve won and I even surprise her with another shiny new one. You’re my hero she cries and I swell with real pride looking forward to my next valiant ride.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Yippee
Yippeee!
The first follower to this blog is my baby girl Christal. Thanks Christal for making dad feel good. See her picture on the right.(in followers)She really is 25 years old even though I call her my baby girl. Ain't she pretty. That picture was taken on our first family vacation. See pics here http://www.mymathesonfamily.com/
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Forwarders
In a place that must be far far away … since I’ve never been able to find it on any map or even the internet. There must dwell a people of a very strange tongue.
Well I am not really sure they really are people, since I have never actually seen them. Back to my story. ...
In a land far away dwells a people, that send me communiqués of seemingly great consequence. Always by email, never a call or even snail mail. So great is their love for me that never a day is missed that I don’t get one or two. Sometimes it’s twelve or twenty.
Cute little snippets of Hillary or Bill, some are real funny but often a bore. Addressed to me as if my initials were Fw and not MM. Forwarded to me with nothing to do, just church and a business and grandkids a few.
Fw:FW:Fw is hard to pronounce so their name goes unsaid, no signature made. Fw:FW:Fw must be who they are and who they seek. Fw:FW:Fw followed by my correct email and a dozen more so.
Fw: finds FW: and now really fast. Inboxes fill up and I’m really aghast Fw:FW:Fw becomes Fw:FW:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw… now really fast. As Fw finds Fw and delights in their find and sends it to others they think will not mind.
They must not speak English or even some Yiddish. How do I know? you say with a sneer…
I’ve never received a reply never so near. I’ve sent greetings and love and compliments few. But I’ve received not even a word or two new. They send me pictures and print and power point shows, videos, links and some really low blows.
I would love some real words, of the life they do lead. Maybe even the prayer that they need. Tell me how Elmo or Sally is doing. About your new job or even Uncle Bob. As I starve for your words, I hear that little pop it tells me an email has come near. I look to my inbox with deep anticipation. Is this the day? I’ll hear from that land so far away? Nevertheless it is from Fw to Fw:FW:Fw and they just knew I needed this news. Barack is really a Muslim or McCain a warmonger. I reach for the button my finger still sore, I strike the delete key just this once more.
Who are these people that only send something that they were first given and pass it along ? How lucky I am!
In the land that they live the language is odd. It only goes out without even a nod.
It’d be really nice to hear back from the Fw:FW:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw…’s but with names so in common using only two letters. It might be real hard to tell them apart.
Again how do you speak and what do you say to people whose correspondence is only one way?
Where do they live and what do they do? This really strange people with short little names.
I hope none are offended, you are all really dear, but rather than FW your words I hold dear.
Well I am not really sure they really are people, since I have never actually seen them. Back to my story. ...
In a land far away dwells a people, that send me communiqués of seemingly great consequence. Always by email, never a call or even snail mail. So great is their love for me that never a day is missed that I don’t get one or two. Sometimes it’s twelve or twenty.
Cute little snippets of Hillary or Bill, some are real funny but often a bore. Addressed to me as if my initials were Fw and not MM. Forwarded to me with nothing to do, just church and a business and grandkids a few.
Fw:FW:Fw is hard to pronounce so their name goes unsaid, no signature made. Fw:FW:Fw must be who they are and who they seek. Fw:FW:Fw followed by my correct email and a dozen more so.
Fw: finds FW: and now really fast. Inboxes fill up and I’m really aghast Fw:FW:Fw becomes Fw:FW:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw… now really fast. As Fw finds Fw and delights in their find and sends it to others they think will not mind.
They must not speak English or even some Yiddish. How do I know? you say with a sneer…
I’ve never received a reply never so near. I’ve sent greetings and love and compliments few. But I’ve received not even a word or two new. They send me pictures and print and power point shows, videos, links and some really low blows.
I would love some real words, of the life they do lead. Maybe even the prayer that they need. Tell me how Elmo or Sally is doing. About your new job or even Uncle Bob. As I starve for your words, I hear that little pop it tells me an email has come near. I look to my inbox with deep anticipation. Is this the day? I’ll hear from that land so far away? Nevertheless it is from Fw to Fw:FW:Fw and they just knew I needed this news. Barack is really a Muslim or McCain a warmonger. I reach for the button my finger still sore, I strike the delete key just this once more.
Who are these people that only send something that they were first given and pass it along ? How lucky I am!
In the land that they live the language is odd. It only goes out without even a nod.
It’d be really nice to hear back from the Fw:FW:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw:Fw…’s but with names so in common using only two letters. It might be real hard to tell them apart.
Again how do you speak and what do you say to people whose correspondence is only one way?
Where do they live and what do they do? This really strange people with short little names.
I hope none are offended, you are all really dear, but rather than FW your words I hold dear.
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