Hassle

Hassle

 

I got good news today, and bad news today first comes the bad news. I have a trip to help a friend and his wife move to Sunny Florida from Ft Leavenworth, KS. We have been friends for 48 years, so I will come when the man and his wife call. I even received a kitchen pass from my household 6, permitting me to go. To hang out with my friend, a prominent member of my inner counsel, and his wife for a week on a road trip; Oh heck yea!!! I’m leaving sometime later this month. No dates as I’m still practicing OPSEC. I won’t be posting any pictures until my return either. The Good news is I bought a nice steel-sided, locking single pistol case. I was planning on being armed traveling as the states we will be going through are constitutional carry states. Now for the bad news. I can’t ship it. I was confused at first because upon moving to my present location, I sent them to myself here from New Mexico. I now have to think of an alternative way of getting the mission accomplished. My first thought was to take it through the TSA process. I’m thinking no seeing one of my stops is in DC, a nonstarter. So, I will have to think of something. There is no way I am going through Washington DC with a pistol. Because “I going to the joint for the man. I will think of an alternative, but the classification of that information prevents its disclosure. 

Proverbs 2

 Proverbs 2

 

1. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding.

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding

            The proceeding scripture is a warning to listen to sound judgment and wisdom; to memorize the commandment of the Lord, and apply oneself to its application. It should be as valuable to you as silver, gold, or hidden treasure. You will have the understanding and fear (reverence) of the Lord and learn of the knowledge that God has for each one of us

7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

Sound wisdom is stored for the righteous. He (God) is a buckler to them that walk with honorable and moral status. Note: a buckler is a handheld shield; it is usually round. It is held in the right hand for defense while the offensive weapon, the sword, is held in the right hand. God makes directions clear and concise and preserves the way of those that serve him. Following his wisdom will give understanding to righteousness, judgment, and fairness. When wisdom takes residence in the heart, the knowledge of it is pleasant to the soul

11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

 

 

 

            Making a sound decision will preserve the saint's knowledge and maintain their safety. These things will deliver the saint from the evil man, who speaks froward things. Froward: a person that is in the habit of being disobedient and in opposition. People who are excited to do evil enjoy being rebellious and wicked. They are dishonest in their dealings and contrary. These are those who leave the path set before them to do what is wrong and walk in the discipline of evil deeds.

 

16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

            To save the saint from the woman (or anyone) who flatters a person with their words using flattery to manipulate a person to do things they would not normally do. These people have forgotten the sound lessons of their youth and the promise they made to God. Their ways lead to death, and her road leads to the place of the dead. Anyone that commits to that path will not return nor hold to the things that pertain to life.

20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

            By following these instructions, the good man (person) will keep the path of righteousness, for the upright shall live in the land, and the best of those will remain in it. However, the wicket shall be ostracized, and those that violate this trust will be rooted out of it.

 

           

            

What does Papi look like

                                                   What does Papi look like

                                                                            or

                                                 (What does Marcellus Wallace look like)

 

I have interesting conversations with my seven-year-old grandson Jackson. As I overslept yesterday, he headed up the stairs to my bedroom to make sure that I was awake this morning. Today I asked, "would you like me to fix you some oatmeal" To which he said yes, Papi. Then he continues Papi; it would be nice (if you liked me) for you to make oatmeal….   FULL STOP. What did you say, son? After he repeated himself. I asked, "why would you add that to what I already told you I wanted to do." at that point, I wasn't angry in the least, but I turned in that direction. Then I thought I could have some fun with this.

Son, do you know what a puppet is? He explained it's a toy that moved using strings to seem real. Good, that's correct. I must ask you Do I look like a toy? Am I this puppet to be led around the room? He answered No, Papi. Smiling, I said, you do not treat people like that. You should be direct in what you want and answer questions directly when asked. Playing the guilt game is not a good way to deal with another human being. Being direct is best because there is less room for misunderstanding. Do you know what the word manipulation means? No Papi, it is the way people get others to do things that they may or may not want to do. It's like saying that if you want me to love you, you will do this or that for me. This is playing on the affection or love that a person feels to make them do something that they do not want to do or to make sure that they do this particular thing for you. That is wrong and sometimes evil.

My wandering mind thought of Pulp Fiction and the dialog between Jules Winfield (Samuel L Jackson) and the dearly soon-to-be departed Brett (Frank Whaley) at the movie's beginning. At that thought, I just smiled. Jackson and I have conversations daily on various things. Like how some meals get ravenously consumed and others he plays with then ask with that childlike wonder, "Papi, can I have a popsicle now" when it's the latter, I say no, son, not at this moment, but you can later. "When Papi?" when you stop playing with your dinner. I have no problem with you saying you are full. That's no problem; however, when you come back an hour later saying you are hungry, that is an issue. 

Proverbs 1 and explanation

 Proverbs 1

This one is self-explanatory. As it is the introduction to the book and its aim. Written by Solomon the King of Israel, the son of David.

2. its purpose is to develop Wisdom and instruction

3 instructions for prudent (careful) behavior doing the right thing, and being fair.

4 for giving prudence to the simple, which in this case means gullible naive easily directed to evil things.

5. those that are wise will hear and add to their education and guidance

6 to understand the riddles of the wise.

7 the fear of the lord (meaning reverence) is the beginning of knowledge, but the fool will despise (hate or not accept) Wisdom or instruction.

This is the end of the introduction of the book of proverbs. The preface of the book.

 

8 Listen to my son to your father's instruction and do not forsake (dismiss) your mother's teaching.

9 for they are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck

 One's father, mother, adult in a position of care for one has the responsibility under God for raising their charges in instructions in proper living. A garland represents a mark of honor or an award for excellence.

10 My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give into or join with them. 

There is a saying that states that one is known by the company that they keep. If a person's associates are people of good quality, it will affect the quality of all those around them. It does not work in reverse. A single person will not easily or at all affect the dynamic of the group.

11 if they say come along with us, let.s lie in wait for innocent blood, let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.

12 let us swallow them alive like the grave lets and whole like those that go down to the pit

These two verses describe the process that people are drawn into the evil of criminal behavior. The group dynamic causes people to do things that they would not usually do just to be accepted. For example, Jumping out of an airplane is not an exercise that most people would do "just because." However, when done in a group setting, as in jump school for the military, it is more acceptable as all share the burden, and a person is much more likely to participate in that atmosphere. This is the importance of having your peers be of equal or higher quality than oneself or conduct themselves more acceptably.

 

13. We will find all kinds of precious possessions we will fill our houses with the Spoil

14. cast your lot amongst us; let us have one purse

These two proverbs are reasons they participate in the misdeeds; it is for gain that has not been earned. Not by hard work but by thievery. When it is time to pay for the group's deeds, being associated with the group exposes all the group's punishments. All participants will be subject to the same punishment. For example: if someone is involved in criminal activity and someone is hurt or killed, that punishment is applied to all that were associated with that act. 

15. My son do not walk in the way with them do not consider going in their direction

16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.

            These two proverbs encourage the wise not to walk or even consider going in the direction of those that participate in that practice. As they are quick to hurt others for fun and or profit.

17. Surely In vain, the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives

19 So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain which taketh the lives of the owners thereof.

            It is futile to set up a trap when the victim is can see and is aware of the trap.

The trap will be turned around on the trapper, and it will be them that will be the victim of the trap set for others. This is how the greedy that look to take the lives of the people they seek to hurt.

20. wisdom crieth without; she utterth her voice in the streets:

21 she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the opening of the gates: in the city, she utters her words saying  

22. How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge.

23. Turn you at my reproof: Behold I will pour out my spirit unto you I will make known my words unto you

Wisdom is represented in the feminine form, as it is meant to be reproduced to duplicate itself in like-kind Wisdom cries out for an audience in the main concourses of business, in the city's entrances, and states her case. How long will the ignorant remain ignorant and those that scoff and dismiss Wisdom and the foolish do not seek to enlighten and educate themselves? If at any time that you turn and listen to Wisdom, I will not withhold any knowledge from you I will make my knowledge evident to you

24. Because I have called and, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded.

25. But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and none of my reproof:

26 I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh

            Because I (Wisdom) have done my best to instruct you, and you have refused to listen to reason, I will laugh at your misfortune the problems that would have been avoided if you would listen. I will make an example of you an object of disdain and derision.

27. when your fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress cometh upon you

28. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer, they will seek me early, but they shall not find me  

            When you fear the consequences of your inaction on my warnings, and those consequences are coming very quickly, you will call for me, but I will remain silent. You will look for me earnestly but will not find me.

29 For they have hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the lord.

30. They would none of my counsel: and despised all my reproof.

31 They will have the result of their going their own way and be filled with the things that they bring into their own lives.

32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33. But those that harken unto me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil.

            Because they have hated good counsel, and did not choose the fear of the lord, had nothing to do with my counsel, and would not listen to sound instruction. They will suffer the benefits of their folly and the pain it causes. The turning away of these simple minds shall be their demise. The false foolish concept of prosperity shall be the cause of their destruction. However, those that choose to listen will be safe and live a quiet life away from evil.

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Tabled Discussion

 A Tabled Discussion

 

On the way home from church yesterday, my grandson and I had a conversation (as we always do). The question was, Papi. “Women have babies, right?’ after a pause, I said yes, that is correct. Knowing the next question, I waited for it. Why is that Papi? Well, son, it was set up that way from the beginning. You will notice in the real world the female of the species, well 99% of the has babies. Some species can change, but those exceptions you will learn in school. 

I’m at this point are having very many thoughts. Namely, how do I deal with this in the 21^st century with the ambient level of craziness is at an all-time high. I know the truth of it. Just how to present it to this inquisitive young man is the issue. I can do the whole biological thing as I believe the science, as Biology is a science, and the biblical as I believe they can coexist in a well-balanced human being. So, I made my decision and said…  Well, son, I promise to discuss this with you in detail. However, I am not prepared to do it with you today. I believe this is a discussion is better suited for when you are Donovan’s age, and you will be better prepared to understand what I am going to tell you much better than you can understand it today. I do promise to explain it to you. Is that OK with you? Jackson replied, yes, Papi, it is OK. I was now considering what in the Sam Hill am I going to tell this young man. I was relieved that I did not have to go through that process, but I will be prepared to complete that task when the time comes 5 years from now.   

Conversations

 Conversations with my Grandsons

 

Like most other mornings, I made breakfast for the crew this morning.    For the wife and youngest, Oatmeal. Diced ham and eggs for the eldest and me, and a  PB&J for the middle grandson. I find this relaxing and enjoyable taking care of them.

     The youngest came to me directly (I encourage this) with a problem he had with me.  I said go on. “He asked how sometimes when I ask you questions, you cut me off when I need to speak to you.” I thought and answered. “That is 100% true, and here’s why.  There are times I am fully involved in a task that requires my full attention.  At those times, the task is so important that I cannot stop, so I abruptly cut you off; for that, I am sorry. Here is an example: “If I am dealing with Nana who is going through a low blood sugar issue. Her health is more important than anything I am doing at that moment or, for that matter, anyone else, so I take care of that first. At other times I am making dinner cutting vegetables and meat for dinner on those tasks. I cannot be distracted with a sharp knife in my hand.”  I will say that I do cut you off at other times. “I will work at being better at paying attention to you as I am doing right now,”

            I was encouraged that he dared to approach me directly with a problem, state it succinctly, and listen for what I had to say. This is not bad for a newly minted 7-year-old.  Bringing Grandfather is the most rewarding task that I have accomplished to date, and it is what I have prayed for to atone for the person I was in my former life. 

    With the eldest (I so relate to him), I discussed leadership styles with him. In the realm of my responsibility to him as a mentor/grandfather.  I asked, “you remember me telling your that your life is a series of digital decisions?” Yes or no, on or off, which means that no decision is a decision.  There are things in this household that are my decisions to make. And those that, even though I disagree with, is not my primary area of responsibility.  However, your role is to either comply or not to with things you may or may not like, but at the same time understand there are consequences for those decisions. This is until such time as you have the power or opportunity to leave and do this on your own. Which is at minimum 5 years from now.  I stated there is a process in programming that is called an if-then statement.  If this happens then, that will occur. An if-then-or statement also adds another decision loop that could go in a whole different direction. My if-then statement in my last job. Was scary at first but had to be made. Was I going to continue in what became a situation where I was unable to repair a problem that I did not create nor have the authority to influence for various reasons when I had no need for the income to survive and take care of the family? I did not need to be there to stay, but I believed it was the thing I should do because I have done it for almost 20 years. The endemic problems at that locale were not fixable by me, so I chose to leave something I loved to do for something I loved more to do. Mentoring my grandsons and taking care of my wife, as she needed a lot of help with her medical issues. In fact, that decision was going to be made for me from both directions since Nana’s medical issues escalated while my work relationships were heading in the same negative trend. After finding out, I did not need that income to buy the new home, the decision was easy to make. It was my grandsons and wife, and I would pick that that every time. It was a choice between 150k with stress and anger or 84K and freedom. You will have to make choices sometime soon, and I just want you to be ready.

 I love being a grandfather; I love my family, and I love my life. Right now, it gets kinda crowded to the point where I am writing this essay in a coffee shop, but it's all good. 

Field training exercise.

 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted^[a] by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Then the Master Sergeant embarked on a field exercise to prepare for an upcoming action; after surviving for 40 days, one of the training cadres approached and said.  If you are the chosen one, tell these stones to become bread.

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b].”

The Master Sergeant replied. Regulations dictate that I am not to partake of rations provided by you or anyone else. It must come directly from Higher Headquarters. Additionally, I will not deviate from the plan as laid out in said regulation

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone

Then the master sergeant was taken to the Jump tower in the midst of the exercise area.  If you are who you say, you can call air support for an immediate dust-off to take you to a safe area.

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.

I am under strict orders to maintain radio silence and not break radio discipline. In an unforeseen circumstance, I will be medevacked by forces already in place to support me.

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only

The Master Sergeant replied. You are dismissed; I will not violate the sacred trust given to me by command; I will only follow the orders from a lawful authority. Period!!!

 

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

The trainer departed. The Master Sergeant popped smoke and was evacuated to the rear to recuperate.