tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post1690443713442820223..comments2023-10-03T07:01:41.144-05:00Comments on Always On Watch: Semper Vigilans: A Christmas VisitorAlways On Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-970628412402956972016-12-27T07:00:44.183-06:002016-12-27T07:00:44.183-06:00TMW,
It's how the Lord wired you when He creat...TMW,<br />It's how the Lord wired you when He created you!<br /><br />You are a blessing -- not only to Mr. AOW and me but also to many. I cannot thank you enough for what you're doing to help us through this terrible time.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-89470388949022332942016-12-26T07:42:20.867-06:002016-12-26T07:42:20.867-06:00Thank you, FT! The funny thing is, I get JOY and s...Thank you, FT! The funny thing is, I get JOY and satisfaction when, I can help...my desire has been to follow in, HIS Footsteps, to see that desire fulfilled is wonderful, amazing, gratifying, and humbling to think that, HE can use even me.<br />HAPPY and BLESSED NEW YEAR!<br /><br />tmwAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-35628249254007079312016-12-26T06:55:01.527-06:002016-12-26T06:55:01.527-06:00And to you, Warren, on this the second of the Twel...And to you, Warren, on this the second of the Twelve Days of Christmas. <br /><br />You are right about accepting our relative degree of helplessness when it comes to trying to solve other peoples' problems. Only <i>"fools rush in where angels fear to tread."</i><br /><br />This, of course, is the fundamental flaw in the Progressive-Liberal-Statist approach. Most leftists have chosen to abandon belief in Almighty God, and have arrogantly assumed that if there's to be any good accomplished in this world it is entirely up THEM and their SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING of what "everyone else" needs. In other words <i>these leftists are trying to "play God,"</i> though they'd never think of it that way.<br /><br />I have known atheists who are very nice, morally upright people, and who mean well, but their determined LACK of FAITH makes everything they say and do seem hollow, cheerless, sterile and missing the animating force of Soul, Spirit –– and above all God's Love.<br /><br />Maybe it's arrogant of me to allow myself to be haunted by the story of Vicky and the homeless young man, because I still feel that I OUGHT to have been able to DO SOMETHING to alleviate their situation. But you are right PRAYER is all I have been able to do about that –– and a great many other things that trouble me.<br /><br />And so I count my blessings, which have been considerable, and I thank God every day for all the good things in my life, and hope I may be acceptable in His sight when the time comes for me to depart this earth.<br /><br />At the same time I believe we are meant to enjoy life as much as possible, but I learned long ago that endless self indulgence does not produce happiness and contentment –– quite the opposite. Real joy comes in doing whatever we do as well as we possibly can, and in making ourselves useful to those who need our help.<br /><br />May the New Year bring you new sources of meaningful and satisfying activity. I hope something heartwarming and really pleasant comes your way.FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-3474419062307614192016-12-26T06:22:43.308-06:002016-12-26T06:22:43.308-06:00TMW, you are a rare and wonderful person. I think ...TMW, you are a rare and wonderful person. I think you have both saintly and angelic qualities. What a wonderful world it would be if everyone made it his business to be as helpful to others in practical matters as you have been to AOW, her husband, –– and many others, I'm sure.<br /><br />May the New Year bring you much joy, fulfillment, and continued good health.FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-4590139457643106022016-12-25T22:13:55.799-06:002016-12-25T22:13:55.799-06:00When an unexpected opportunity to be generous drop...When an unexpected opportunity to be generous drops into our laps is when it is most difficult to be generous.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.Citizen Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10090607751638859650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-72169652568702383662016-12-25T15:03:21.704-06:002016-12-25T15:03:21.704-06:00AOW-What's family supposed to do? Be there...s...AOW-What's family supposed to do? Be there...so, "I be there", for you!<br /><br />tmwAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-2404316471862024272016-12-25T14:57:50.427-06:002016-12-25T14:57:50.427-06:00Warren-For years, you and your wife were in my dai...Warren-For years, you and your wife were in my daily prayers. Now, sadly, it's just you...I know where she is, and look forward to seeing her in person. The 2 of you have been a blessing, love you and continue to pray...after all, you are my blogger big brother!<br /><br />Blessings and healing for the New Year!<br />tmwAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-27458232720766813562016-12-25T14:12:27.455-06:002016-12-25T14:12:27.455-06:00Quick personal note...
A Christmas first for me —...<b>Quick personal note...</b><br /><br />A Christmas first for me — and not a Christmas wish! <br /><br />On urologist's orders this morning after I phoned the after-hours number, I spent some four hours in the hospital emergency room because of significant flank pain. An overabundance of caution on the doctor's part: all the tests indicated that renal numbers are within normal parameters, and I am now back to hearth and home.<br /><br />Thank God that The Merry Widow was here to drive me to the ER and to keep me company during those long hours.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-13676152345047666392016-12-25T13:42:43.558-06:002016-12-25T13:42:43.558-06:00MERRY CHRISTMAS You Two!<b>MERRY CHRISTMAS You Two!</b>Woodsterman (Odie)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00423574390748358762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-17149710949725433782016-12-25T03:20:11.171-06:002016-12-25T03:20:11.171-06:00It truly is more blessed to give than receive. I b...It truly is more blessed to give than receive. I believe that, and I believe in our Lord and all that implies. <br /><br />We are here for a purpose but we are imperfect vessels and don't know exactly what that purpose is. I find myself grieving for my loss and having known what my purpose was for the last 22 years, I am at a loss and seemingly without purpose.<br /><br />Don't worry about me, it will just take me some time. I do appreciate your counsel.<br /><br />Tomorrow I have Christmas dinner with family, something I really haven't been able to do for years, and Monday my son has asked me to go on a road trip with him. Tuesday, its back to work for me. I enjoy the people I work with.<br /><br />On a different subject, you touched on something when you posted "<i>Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"</i> (yes, I know that quote belongs to Dickens character, Scrooge). I believe that it would be sinful to remove someone last vestige of human dignity by seeking to force themselves to accept our unwanted help when they do not wish it. So we must accept our helplessness with grace and offer the only help we can, our prayers. (I have given unwanted help anonymously, Matthew 6:2, it saves dignity)<br /><br />Blessings to you my friend.<br /><br />Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-67209196088915750032016-12-24T23:39:39.190-06:002016-12-24T23:39:39.190-06:00I know it must be hard for you to think of having ...I know it must be hard for you to think of having a <i>merry</i> Christmas this year, Warren, but I hope you will find comfort and inspiration in the meaning of this greatest of Great Events. <br /><br />As I'm sure you know, it's not all about fancy decorations and eating too much rich food. The true meaning of Our Savior's Birth really does transcend human sorrow to those who believe. I'm not especially pious, but I have always found that to be so, ever since I learned that my Sunday School teachers really did know what they were talking about when they told us, <i>"It is more blessed to give than to receive."</i><br /><br />May all good things come to you in the New Year, Warren. I think after having given so much for so many years you are long overdue for a break.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />FreeThinkeFreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-14580028493889079392016-12-24T22:56:32.468-06:002016-12-24T22:56:32.468-06:00FT, Thank you for sharing your story and poetry.
...FT, Thank you for sharing your story and poetry.<br /><br />You read my Story 2 years ago on my blog "Longrange" in 2014 and left a comment. You came to it through a link on this blog. I've never published it anywhere else before now.<br /><br />More later, I'm going to Midnight Mass with my son. I have to change clothes.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-46407078780443711972016-12-24T21:28:36.200-06:002016-12-24T21:28:36.200-06:00"In so much as ye have done it uno the least ...<b><i>"In so much as ye have done it uno the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it also unto me."</i></b><br /><br /><b><i>I wonder as I wander out under the sky<br />How Jesus, the Savior, did come forth to die?<br />For poor ornery people like you and like I ––<br />I wonder as I wander out under the sky.<br /><br />When Mary birthed Jesus, 'twas in a cow's stall<br />With wise men and farmers and shepherd and all,<br />But into the manger a Star's light did fall,<br />And the Promise of Ages we then did recall<br /><br />If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,<br />A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,<br />Or all of God's angels in Heaven for to sing,<br />He surely could have had it, for he was the King.<br /><br />I wonder as I wander out under the sky<br />How Jesus, the Savior, did come forth to die?<br />For poor ornery people like you and like I ––<br />I wonder as I wander out under the sky?</i></b><br />FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-44397514199910458422016-12-24T21:17:16.717-06:002016-12-24T21:17:16.717-06:00IT SEEMS APPROPRIATE NOW TO EXLORE THE SOBER SIDE ...IT SEEMS APPROPRIATE NOW TO EXLORE THE SOBER SIDE OF CHRISTMAS:<br /><br /><b>__ The Holy Enfant __<br /><br /><i>Born in a manger<br />___ a low start in life<br />Given to see<br />___ that no one is alone<br />Ill-fated Child<br />___ destined only for Grief<br />The Star disappeared;<br />___ Herod killed not the One<br /><br />But hundreds of others<br />___ God saved Him for us.<br />He was to show us<br />___ that we could be saved<br />Be happy and free<br />___ from all animus.<br />But we work to kill Him<br />___ we are so depraved<br /><br />God loves us. ’Tis we<br />__ are the ones who destroy.<br />Each trust betrayed,<br />___ each gift that is spurned<br />Is a stab in the heart<br />___ of an Innocent Boy,<br />But, we’ll all feel the agony<br />___ all we have learned:<br /><br />He suffered the Cross<br />___ to height to our goals<br />______ light to our minds<br />_________ and flight to our souls.</i></b><br /><br /><br />~ FreeThinke, The Sandpiper - Winter 1996-97<br /><br />FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-54587353536281449752016-12-24T21:12:42.463-06:002016-12-24T21:12:42.463-06:00HER NAME IS VICKY
PART TWO
I talked with him abo...<b>HER NAME IS VICKY</b><br /><br />PART TWO<br /><br />I talked with him about the dog Vicky, and I could tell from the way he spoke that she was the only reason he had to want to go in living. But Vicky, a retired firehouse dog who'd won several medals during her career, was already 13 years old, and showing signs of exhaustion. They'd already walked several miles across town to get to the place where i'd met them. It looked as though this story could not possibly have a happy ending. <br /><br />I felt a strong urge to take them home with me and offer them food and shelter, but realized it was impossible, and where could it possibly lead? I felt I shouldn't start something I wouldn't be able to finish.<br /><br />I offered him money, though I didn't have much on me, but he thanked me and refused very politely. He wanted to find <i>work</i>, he said. He had a brother who was looking door-to-door for work right then, he told me. They both had been living on the street for seven years. He told me he was twenty-four, but from the look of him he might have been fifty.<br /><br />I knew no store or restaurant would allow him to enter with Vicky, so I offered to buy some food for himself and the dog, but again he politely refused. He had a sack filled with food for Vicky. She obviously came first,<br /><br />I asked him if his parents were alive, and couldn't they help him and his brother? <br /><br />He had a mother, but never had any idea who his father might have been. I asked about the mother, who lived in a trailer. All he said was, <i>"We couldn't Iive with her. Her place is so dirty and full of bugs and garbage the smell would make you sick"</i>. She, apparently, was an alcoholic who long ago had given up on life. He felt trying to live with her would be worse than the street, and told me that's why he and his brother got out of there in the first place.<br /><br />I was practically in tears; I have never felt more helpless –– or more useless –– in my life. There just wasn't anything I could do for them, so finally I had to leave them there, but the thought of that dear animal, who had such faith in the young man nearly broke my heart, and the thought of those two haunts me to this day.<br /><br />I never saw them again, so can only imagine what must have happened. Frankly, I shudder to think how their story must have ended. I suppose if Jesus had met them He would have been able to help them, but it was way beyond my feeble powers to do anything, but feel bad about it.<br /><br />I still do. I often think of them, and get overcome with that feeling of heartbreak and helplessness. It's not <i>guilt</i> so much as it is sorrow, –– and frustration at being made to feel so helpless and so useless. <br /><br />Somehow, there MUST be a way to deal humanely with situations like that, but I'm damned if I know what it could be, do you?<br /><br />It's horrifying to think their story is only one of millions just like it in this the richest and greatest country on God's green earth. <br /><br /><i>"Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? ..."</i><br /><br /><i>"Is there no MERCY?"</i> is all I can ask.FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-8093922629833197412016-12-24T21:00:21.642-06:002016-12-24T21:00:21.642-06:00Warren, I'm so glad you shared your story with...Warren, I'm so glad you shared your story with us again. I was sure once I got into it, that I'd read it before a few years ago, but I can't remember where or when –– probably right here. Anyway, it's a great story, and deserves much repetition. Here is one of my own:<br /><br /><b>HER NAME IS VICKY</b><br /><br />PART ONE<br /><br /><br />About four years ago on a searing hot July day, I stepped outside our neighborhood Chinese take-out place after eating lunch, and ran into a beautiful Boxer dog, who was lying in her side panting with exhaustion in the heat. I looked at the dog –– a beautiful thoroughbred boxer ––, and talked to her, as though we were already old and dear friends. She had a beatific look in eyes, if such a thing is possible in a dog, and I felt great empathy for her.<br /><br />Though she was on a leash, I hadn't noticed noticed her companion.<br /><br />Suddenly a deep, pleasant-sounding masculine voice said very gently, <i>"Her name is Vicky."</i><br /><br />One look at the young man was deeply disturbing. He might have been good -looking, but his teeth were all black and brown, his lips terribly dry, his complexion mottled, his eyes sunken in circles of darkened flesh with a haunted look, and his blond hair filthy and stiff with grease. But Vicky obviously adored him, and his devotion to the dog was almost palpable. The bond and between them was so obvious –– and so strong –– its beauty was extraordinarily touching.<br /><br />(CONTINUED)<br /><br />FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-15591603258952705902016-12-24T15:20:45.171-06:002016-12-24T15:20:45.171-06:00 Merry Christmas AoW, Warren and fellow bloggers! Merry Christmas AoW, Warren and fellow bloggers!Thersiteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15751286903359745316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-75657830672343326622016-12-24T11:00:47.620-06:002016-12-24T11:00:47.620-06:00To all who stop by here:
★ Merry ★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛...To all who stop by here:<br /><br />★ Merry ★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •<br />•。★ Christmas 。* 。<br />° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚<br />˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______ /~\。˚ ˚ ˛<br />˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門| ˚And a Happy New Year<br />* Joy to all! ♫•*¨* Peace on Earth ♪♫•*¨*Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-41046958444986059482016-12-24T09:17:25.475-06:002016-12-24T09:17:25.475-06:00And a Merry Christmas to you and yours.And a Merry Christmas to you and yours.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-58727561506146932902016-12-24T08:52:45.767-06:002016-12-24T08:52:45.767-06:00Great story, sir. Truly inspiring and a great remi...Great story, sir. Truly inspiring and a great reminder of our duty to love our brothers and sister, met and yet met. God Bless, and Merry Christmas.DaBladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16160781062081889980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-1878236478427661952016-12-23T21:58:40.692-06:002016-12-23T21:58:40.692-06:00Wonderful, Warren. :)Wonderful, Warren. :)Baysiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13562129788572031587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-69588651990445599562016-12-23T21:19:39.721-06:002016-12-23T21:19:39.721-06:00Baysider, I was in no danger, I could do no other....Baysider, I was in no danger, I could do no other.<br /><br />A friend of mine, a priest, told me that he believes God speaks to us through our conscience. That morning I was being screamed at. <br /><br />I believe that, that day I was in a state of Grace and I truly felt Gods Peace in my soul.<br /><br />Blessings to you my friend.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-66466270079825843422016-12-23T21:05:34.105-06:002016-12-23T21:05:34.105-06:00Bunkerville, I was raised by my grandparents until...Bunkerville, I was raised by my grandparents until I was 10 years old. Those "old fashioned" attitudes are who I am. Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-17991538491307161242016-12-23T20:56:31.368-06:002016-12-23T20:56:31.368-06:00And you were there for me.And you were there for me.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-71381222683363173242016-12-23T20:55:25.707-06:002016-12-23T20:55:25.707-06:00JonBerg, thank you for your kind words and Mery Ch...JonBerg, thank you for your kind words and Mery Christmas to you.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17720528359843578475noreply@blogger.com