8.21.2014

Literature That Sorrows

I'm not sure why it is the case, but the latest three nonfiction books I'm reading are all about:

Despair
Oppression
Hatred
Sorrow

I read a book about Kosovo following a civil uprising there; so tragic.



I'm listening to a book about American slavery; it is beyond horrific.



And, then I am reading a book about poverty (grinding poverty), alcoholism, and family struggles.



These books have left me breathless;

I cannot believe man's inhumanity to man.

I cannot believe I live in a country that did what they did to Native Americans and African/Americans as slaves...it is beyond comprehension.

It's hard to read about the kind of poverty where children go to bed hungry and are always gnawed by hunger, being teased and laughed at, and are left to struggle on their own.

But, reading books like this encourages me to give thanks every day for

MY LIFE!

8.06.2014

8.05.2014

Making a Believer Out of a Non-Believer

For quite a number of years now, I've encouraged RAH to join the throngs of people who use and are attached to a

SMART PHONE.

But, he was perfectly content to use his well-worn

FLIP PHONE.

What do I need with a phone....I just need to make a few calls...or text someone once in a very rare while.

And, so it was....

UNTIL, we started looking at saving money.

His little phone was costing us a bundle, even though he rarely used it.

We heard about a different kind of plan....

Inexpensive, CHEAP even.

And, I jumped on board.

BUT, you had to buy a new phone for $179.00

SO, reluctantly he gave in.

RAH is now the proud owner of an American-made SMART PHONE.

And, guess what?!??!

He's HOOKED.

He LOVES it.

And, that makes me smile.

(But, I"ll never say, I TOLD YOU SO!)


8.04.2014

It's A Conundrum

Our students in China were:

Kind,
Gentle,
Thoughtful,
Naive,
Hard Workers,
Industrious.


And, yet, China is filled with evil men and women;

People who make shortcuts when building roads, buildings, etc.,

People who will do anything to get ahead in the Communist Party.

People who steal US secrets and use them to their advantage.

People who are deceptive, dishonest, untrustworthy.

It confuses me....

WHERE do those people come from?!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?




8.01.2014

Buying Things...

the article said.....

"Increases momentary happiness, but that dissipates very quickly."

Probably true.

But, man oh man, I surely do love my MAC computer and I missed it dearly while we were away!

And, so I have to say in all honesty...

Yes, it STILL makes me very

H.A.P.P.Y!

The Quitter Finishes

 I quit things so easily; if it gets tough, I quit! But today, I finished a goal I told Allen about.  I told him I was going to go 45 minute...