Monday, May 27, 2013

Remember, Freedom Isn't Free ~ Memorial Day Tribute


In spite of all the crazy things going on in the world. In spite of our once (real or imagined) noble government officials who seem to be comprised of entirely scoundrels, cads, heels, thieves and monstrously outrageous liars. In spite of an overwhelming fear of the future, the corruption, the rampant inflation, the dangerous atmosphere if you disagree with the officials and the ever multiplying scandals, I am still proud to be an American. I still wouldn't live anywhere else.  And it's mostly in part to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day, at home and abroad, who vow to protect the Constitution of the United States.

Besides, I truly have faith that things will get better here, for as Queen Elizabeth I said in 1583 after several failed assassination attempts, "They are seeking to take my life but it troubles me not. He who is on high has defended me until this hour, and will keep me still, for in Him I do trust."

So dear military, I humbly thank you for the sacrifices you've made for all Americans. I will remember that freedom isn't free. You are very appreciated by me today and every day. I support the troops but not the pointless wars, which is why I want you all to come home. I will always with every breathe of my body remember and honor our heroes and patriots who died for our country and our Constitution. You are here to protect Americans, not whatever worthless butt is occupying the Oval Office seat at the moment.

SO LET'S BRING THEM ALL HOME SAFE NOW!

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Friday, May 24, 2013

Funny Friday ~ Biker Bar

I called your house the other day and was told you were down at your favorite biker bar with some friends.

I wasn't sure where that was, but was told I wouldn't have much trouble finding it.

Sure enough, I drove just a couple blocks
and there it was ... 


 There is nothing like the feel of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, is there?

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ Dead Works

Dead Works

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Twice in Paul’s epistles he refers to “dead works”. In Hebrews 6:1 he writes about “repentance from dead works”, while in Hebrews 9:14 he declares that the blood of Christ avails to “purge the conscience from dead works to serve the living God”.

Mark well, these references are not to wicked works but to dead works. These “dead works” are the so-called “good works” (whether moral or ceremonial) which men did — and still do — to make themselves acceptable to God. They are “dead” because they are not the product of regeneration or spiritual life, but the mere attempt on the part of unregenerate sinners to justify themselves before God.

Paul himself, once zealously religious, but wholly unsaved, had to repudiate his “dead works” and count them “loss” to find salvation in Christ, through whom alone he could produce good works which God could accept. (See Philippians 3:4-9).

This is why he later declared by divine inspiration: “For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Eph.2:8-10).

“Dead works” are not only unacceptable to God, but an evil substitute for the faith He desires, “for without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6). But “he that believeth on the Son of God hath life” and this life is bound to bear fruit– the good works with which God is truly pleased.

The difference between the “good works” of the unregenerate man and the “good works” of a true believer, then, is that the former are “dead works” while the latter are the precious fruit of life possessed.

No man can please God while he denies the truth of His Word or rejects His Son, so graciously given to die on the cross as our Saviour. To try to win His favor by “good works” while rejecting Christ is like sending a gift to a man whose beloved son you spurn and despise.

“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hands. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:35,36).

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To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:


"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Tea Party IRS Protests May 21


On behalf of Tea Party, Patriot groups, 9/12, liberty activists, and the American people, we are calling for anyone and everyone to protest the IRS’ complete abuse of power on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at noon local time. [link]

Will you attend? Will you protest now while you still can? Or will you live under tyranny and lose all your liberties instead?

The choice is ours. For now.

h/o Legal Insurrection

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Presidential Mothers Of 5 Living Presidents #MothersDay

They say a picture is worth a thousand words ...


... this one has to be worth $16+ Trillion, wouldn't ya say?

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Tranquility Base

Now that I no longer suffer from the debilitating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome pain, I try to not pass up an opportunity to work outside. Today was almost perfect: slightly cool, light breeze, sunny blue skies. Excellent painting weather too except for the Buick size gnats and the mosquitoes.

When we first moved here, I named different parts of the property just for fun I'm weird like that. I even name my cars and motorcycles. This area I dubbed "Tranquility Base". Years ago I used to sit here reading the Holy Bible or one of my many Agatha Christie mysteries.

BEFORE
The area was wall-to-wall leaves, overgrown trees, cats claw vines, potato vines, etc. The swing needed light repair which my Most Excellent Husband happily obliged. It was now ready for swingin'!

AFTER
I raked the majority of leaves out of the area and put them in the new vegetable garden. Hey, never waste good mulch is my philosophy! Then repainted the repaired swing, hung two new wind chimes and planted shade tolerant flowers (Torenia) in an old black charcoal grill that I resprayed to match the swing and decorations. The orange colored Dwarf Azaleas are deformed from when the tree used to invade them. They are lovely this year in spite of the years of neglect. I'm hoping that once they're pruned and fertilized they'll look a little less scraggly.

Below is the Torenia. It's planted in an old charcoal grill I saved from the scrap heap.


I had never heard of Torenia until today, so, after getting home I looked up the flower on google and learned that this little beauty is in the Snapdragon family. 

Below, I hung an inexpensive cross wind chime over the plants. I gotta have my "tinklies". :)


Oh, and the Confederate Jasmine is in full regalia! The smell is so strong this year it wafts gently all over the yard. It's such a yummy odor. Even the birds & bees seem to enjoy it as much as we do.

I'm whopped now so I'm kickin' back with a brewsky and watching old Seinfeld reruns. Then I'll watch one of my pre-recorded old black and white movies. Hey, it beats the News these days. 

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Jackie Evancho - To Believe



"Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises." KJV Psalm 47:6

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." King James Bible

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Hamburger Vegetable Surprise



Ingredients

¼ cup Olive Oil
1 tbsp Garlic, minced
1 Sweet Onion, chopped
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 lb lean Ground Beef
1 can diced Basil Tomatoes
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/3 package of DaVinci Bucatini (pasta)


In a large fry pan at medium heat cook the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, basil and oregano. Cook until onions tender. Then add the lean ground beef, continue cooking on medium heat. When beef is evenly browned add the can of diced Basil Tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Let simmer.

In a separate pot, bring water to boil and cook the pasta or noodles of your choice until tender (we used DaVinci Bucatini). Then add pasta to the beef mix.

Simmer mixture on medium heat until most of the water cooks off.

Good served with grated parmesan cheese and garlic bread as a side.

Serve hot. Serves about 4-6 people.

~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Friday, May 3, 2013

Funny Friday ~ Cialis Commercial

Caution: This commercial can cause numbness, dizziness, head shaking, regret, and nausea.