Motavation

You get the best efforts from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within.-- Bob Nelson

Medjugorje Message of January 25, 2008

God Bless!Steve and Ana Shawlthe Medjugorje Webhttp://www.medjugorje.org/--------------------------------Message of January 25, 2008 “Dear children! With the time of Lent, you are approaching a time of grace. Your heart is like ploughed soil and it is ready to receive the fruit which will grow into what is good. You, little dhildren, are free to choose good or evil. Therefore, I call you to pray and fast. Plant joy and the fruit of joy will grow in your hearts for your good, and others will see it and receive it through your life. Renounce sin and choose eternal life. I am with you and intercede for you before my Son. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

My First new Helmet since 1959

This helmet is beautiful, and it is actually DOT approved.
I ordered it from LeatherUp.com at a very reasonable price and the speed of service is outstanding.
They even had my size (xs) and I can't find an extra small every where. It fits really good, it is fairly light, not at all like the one I bought in 1959. I told my son (29) he could borrow it if he needed too and he looked at it - once, briefly - and said "Hmm, I don't think so." Wonderful, none of my boys will want to borrow it and I will always know where it is. I LOVE IT ! ! ! !

THIS IS MY MOM

This picture was taken from a poster commemorating her life, she was 90 years old.

This is my beloved Mother, who passed away, from this life into Heaven on January 1, 2008. This is also the birthday of my youngest son, who said it was the worst birthday he has had in the last 29 years. We all loved Mom but didn't call her enough and certainly didn't go see her enough. That part saddens me greatly. Remembering what a great lady she was and what she did for anyone in need, how she loved the world and God gives me a warm feeling all over.

She served in the Army in WW 2. She saved the lives of me, my sister Lucille, and my brother from a hotel fire in Pueblo, Colorado in the 1940's, plus the lives of 7 other children and adults who were guests in the same hotel.

Throughout the rest of her life, she was always there if anyone needed help. She would make clothes, coats, quilts and other things if it were needed by any family no matter the cause. If a family had a house fire or lost their home, she would do everything in her power to see that they would get what they need.

She lived through the great depression and really knew what it was like to do with out and she loved her family more than anything, even if we didn't feel like she did at times. Then again, what child doesn't think their parents don't love them?

I LOVE YOU, MOM, SAY HELLO TO JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH FOR ME.

REST IN PEACE.

Hearing for House Bill 137 --Re-posted with permission from Bruce Arnold

To: 'Bruce Arnold'Subject: HB 137 Hearing - Janury 10, 2008COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE - HEARING FOR HOUSE BILL 137 JANUARY 10, 2008 HOUSE BUILDING, RM 404 TALLAHASSEE, FLhttp://tinyurl.com/37opzmHere's a recap from this morning's hearing on HB 137. All quotes are as Iremember them, as I did not have a tape recorder with me. All internet linksand email addresses are listed at the bottom of this message. I arrived at 8:30AM for the hearing, which was to begin at 9:00AM. The roomwas empty except for the committee secretary, who was more than happy toaccept my request to speak. Out of perhaps 75 seats, only 25 were filled bythe time the meeting started.Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera...[carlos.lopez-cantera@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office:Suite 111 2300 Coral Way Miami, FL 33145-3511 Phone: (305) 442-6877 ]...the author of this bill, gave his introto the bill and stated that he had issued a "strike-through", meaning he hadchanged the wording, and the initial submission was no longer valid.However, all he changed was the speed limit offense to more than 50 milesper hour over the speed limit, up from 30mph. I was unaware of this changeand therefore did not have a copy of this revised bill.Mr. Lopez-Cantera then played a video created by a news team in Miami, onSportbike riders pulling wheelies at high speed on public roadways. In thevideo, two tickets were given out. Riders were interviewed. Statements like,"it's like a drug to me, the need for speed," and, "I just pay the ticket,no big deal."After the video, an officer from Miami spoke to the committee. Mostly heprovided testimony on accident history. One in particular was about a womanwho was killed in her SUV when a Sportbike rider slammed into her at a highrate of speed. His bike went through the driver's compartment. There was nomention of whether the woman violated his right-of-way. He spoke of how thewoman's infant was not in the car seat, but underneath the passenger seat onthe floor, gaining a considerable amount of sympathy from the committee.Questions for him from the committee members presented the first indicationof where this hearing would lead. Representative Susan Bucher felt the drag racing laws already covered thisissue and wanted to know if this current law excluded motorcycles. Mr.Lopez-Cantera did not know the answer and stated he had not researched thatlaw. She clearly thought the bill was redundant with respect to speeding.She also wanted to know why they couldn't put a helmet law repeal into thewhole package, as she feels helmets will save more lives, and is needed. Shelater stated that motorcyclists who did not wear helmets were just organdonors. Though she didn't like this bill, I didn't get any warm and fuzziesfrom her either. Another Representative, Greg Evers, testified that he was dead set againstthis bill. He had received an email where the author described a scenario bywhich a motorcyclist could be arrested for erroneous reasons (by harassmentor profiling). The author then stated at the end of the email, "I know allthis, because I'm a cop". It struck a cord with him, Mr. Evers said. Heseemed to grasp the entire concept of why this bill is so discriminating.I was first up from the audience to speak in opposition to the bill. Ipresented my case from the standpoint that the bill was discriminatory, andthat confiscation of private property was unconstitutional, and from afairness standpoint as well (motorcyclists vs. all drivers). The bill, Isaid, should be written to include all drivers because, yes, I agreed,stiffer penalties are needed for reckless driving.The first question I was asked was, do I think permanently confiscating amotorcycle is too harsh of a punishment. To which I said, yes, without adoubt, not when right-of-way violators, DUI offenders and other recklessdriving, kills without equal punishment.The second question asked was how would I propose stopping these stuntriders from violating speed laws. To which I replied, our tax money would bebetter spent finding a way to catch them. One suggestion made by Mr.Lopez-Cantera was to make it a high fine punishment for not having yourlicense plate permanently affixed, so Sportbike riders could not take themoff. This is how they get away; they can't later be identified by video.I also said, I don't like it when they do this either, but it happens muchless often than reckless driving of auto drivers, and shouldn't we work onmaking stiffer punishment for all reckless drivers, instead of singling outmotorcycles?I was also asked if I thought more graduated punishment would be acceptable,and I said yes it would, but only if the bill is written to include allmotor vehicles, not just motorcycles.Next up to speak was a representative from ABATE, who basically repeated allof the same points.Last to speak was Winn Peeples, who represents motorcycle dealers inFlorida. He also said that most of what he wanted to say, had already beencovered, but added that dealers are also 100% opposed to this bill. He sitedthe revenue netted in Florida by the sale of motorcycles. Financinginstitutions would not finance a motorcycle in Florida if this bill passes.I believe that Greg Evers approached Mr. Lopez-Cantera privately and offeredto defer the bill, rather than kill it, if Lopez-Cantera would agree. Icould not hear what was said, so this is purely speculation, but shortlyafter that private conversation, Evers approached the Chairman on the side,and the motion to vote on a deferment was issued. The committee favorablyvoted to defer the bill to a later date.Final note: At first I was discouraged that I saw no local support from areaBikers. But Winn Peeples and I agreed that those of us who were there, wasenough to work constructively in the time alotted, and push HB 137 back tothe drawing board. That and Representative Greg Evers. Winn was there onbehalf of Florida's dealers. I was there for myself, and for all ofFlorida's freedom fighters who couldn't be there.SO WHAT NOW? IT'S ALL GOOD RIGHT?Sorry. Let's be clear. This bill is NOT dead. And it *could* come up on theagenda again, though it is less likely to now than before, not without arewrite. Below is a summary of each Representative and my perceived*opinion* of their position, based on what was heard today.Representatives Richard Glorioso, Gary Aubuchon, Jimmy Patronis, Greg Eversand Nick Thomspon were all in favor of rewriting this bill to a broaderdegree; to include ALL motorists, and for stiffer penalties for recklessdriving, but with graduated punishments employed. Nick Thompson initiallywanted to kill the bill, as did Greg Evers. They all need to hear we supportthem and appreciate their proposed vision.Representative Ed Hooper wants to see offending Sportbike riders punishedseverely but conceded that a graduated punishment was better than none. Hecould be pushed over to our side, maybe. He also had a personal "story" totell about a death on a motorcycle.Representative Scott Randolph was sympathetic to our position, but feltthere was a need and agreed with a rewrite. He seems to be "on the fence".He needs to hear from us also.Representative Susan Bucher I believe would have voted no, as she seemed tofeel this bill was redundant, though she is no biker advocate. And thoughshe bears watching, I believe she will not be a contender.Representative Steve Precourt would have voted in favor of the bill as itstands. He needs to be inundated with emails and letters of opposition. Heneeds to see just how many of us vote here in Florida, and how manysupporters there for our cause in this country.Representative Michael Scionti was not present due to a recall back toactive military duty.RECOMMENDATIONS:First order of business - send a thank you letter or email to RepresentativeGreg Evers. What he did today was show 100% support in our favor. Let himknow you were watching and waiting, and you appreciate his position. He wasagainst "motorcycles only" and against the confiscation of personalproperty.Second order of business - email or call the rest.The opportunity to rewrite this bill to be a huge benefit to allmotorcyclists and include all drivers is an enormous boon to come out ofthis. I have been asked to help draft the bill in the right way, for all.There is a lot of work left to be done here before anyone can breathe a sighof relief. There will be NO COMPROMISE on discriminatory wording, or confiscation. Thebill will include all motorists or face strong opposition. Those on thecommittee who want to see this happen have stated their position clearly infavor of this. Still, don't let your guard down, don't fall back, hold theline.COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE - All relevant documents are listed here:http://tinyurl.com/2aqomfRepresentative Richard "Rich" Glorioso - Chair rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov District Office: Suite 204110 W. Reynolds StreetPlant City, FL 33563-3379Phone: (813) 757-9110 Representative Gary Aubuchongary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 3053501 Del Prado BoulevardCape Coral, FL 33904-7223Phone: (239) 344-4900 Representative Susan Buchersusan.bucher@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 1022240 Palm Beach Lakes BoulevardWest Palm Beach, FL 33409-3403Phone: (561) 682-0156 Representative Greg Eversgreg.evers@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: 5224 Willing StreetMilton, FL 32570-4971Phone: (850) 983-5550 Representative Ed Hoopered.hooper@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 2062963 Gulf to Bay BoulevardClearwater, FL 33759-4259Phone: (727) 724-3000 Representative Jimmy Patronisjimmy.patronis@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite A455 Harrison AvenuePanama City, FL 32401-2775Phone: (850) 914-6300 Representative Stephen L. Precourtsteve.precourt@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: 310 South Dillard StreetSuite 400Winter Garden, FL 34787-3515Phone: (407) 814-6138 Representative Scott Randolphscott.randolph@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 100701 East South StreetOrlando, FL 32801-2953Phone: (407) 893-3084 Representative Nicholas R. "Nick" Thompson nick.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov District Office: Suite 2082120 Main StreetFort Myers, FL 33901-3010Phone: (239) 533-2411 Representative Michael Scionti (not present at the hearing and will probablynot be involved with this bill in the future)michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.govDistrict Office: Suite 1024221 North Himes AvenueTampa, FL 33607-6228Phone: (813) 673-4674Updates to follow as they occur.Respectfully Submitted,Dara McLain***EXPRESS YOUR OPINION IN THIS ONLINE POLL:http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/13570122.html***"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnoldhttp://ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights.php***Please post your comments and replies here:http://ldrlongdistancerider.com/forum.php

Do You Want to Save Daytona Bike Week ? ? ?

FIRST AMENDMENT NOTICE: This is a political communication to Bruce's Rights Riders List exercising our Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution to convey information regarding motorcyclists' rights and motorcycle awareness issues. To insure that you continue to receive emails like this, please add "bruce@ldrlongdistancerider.com" to your address book and safe senders list. To no longer receive our emails, please reply to this email with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.***From: Imre Szauter, AMA Legislative Affairs Specialist [mailto:iszauter@ama-cycle.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 4:54 PMTo: Bruce ArnoldSubject: Discriminatory Legislation to be Heard in CommitteeAction Alert 01/08/2008 Draconian Legislation Proposed in Florida: Seizure and forfeiture of motorcycles part of legislation HB 137, "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle", introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami)...http://tinyurl.com/yuuu44...proposes that any motorcyclist charged with reckless operation or riding 30 miles per hour or greater above the posted speed limit would face arrest, seizure and forfeiture of their motorcycle, and revocation of their motorcycle endorsement for ten years. The legislation applies ONLY to motorcycles and their operators; no other motorized vehicle or driver operating on a public roadway is threatened with these penalties.Review the history and the text of this bill by clicking here:http://tinyurl.com/37opzmThe House Committee on Infrastructure will hold a hearing on JANUARY 1O AT 9AM in room 404 HOB to consider HB-137. See the committee notice by clicking here:http://tinyurl.com/25ral2A related bill (SB-802) has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Rudy Garcia (R- Hialeah). Click here to review the history and text of SB-802:http://tinyurl.com/2n9gmrEven if you obey the law, HB-137 is discriminatory and unfair because it sends the wrong message - motorcyclists are the ONLY threat on public roadways. Car, light truck, and SUV drivers, alleged to have violated the SAME laws, do not face the same harsh penalties. That's discrimination, period.Because time is short and this issue is important, make three phone calls TODAY to make your voice heard -1) Contact the office of HB-137's sponsor and state that you DO NOT SUPPORT HB-137 because it is discriminatory. Here is Representative Lopez-Cantera's contact information:Capitol Office: 300 House Office Building, 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300, Phone: (850) 488-4202District Office: Suite 111, 2300 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145-3511, Phone: (305) 442-6877Legislative Assistant: Lourdes Gonzalez District Secretary: David Cruz2) Contact the office of the Chair of the House Committee on Infrastructure, Representative Richard "Rich" Glorioso, and state that you DO NOT SUPPORT HB-137 because it is discriminatory. Here is Representative Glorioso's contact information:Capitol Office: 405 House Office Building, 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300, Phone: (850) 488-0807District Office: Suite 204, 110 W. Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563-3379, Phone: (813) 757-9110Legislative Assistant: Cori Cuttler District Secretary: Robyn Bryant3) Contact your representative - use the Florida StateWatch area under the Rapid Response Center...http://tinyurl.com/3xvxcl...to learn who your representative is and then make the call and/or send an e-mail message OPPOSING HB-137.HB-137 and SB-802 are discriminatory - don't let these bills go uncontested. The law and its penalties should apply to all violators, not just motorcyclists.Make those calls NOW!***WANT TO SAVE DAYTONA BIKE WEEK? OR HOW ABOUT JUST SAVING ***YOUR OWN BIKE***? PLEASE MAKE THOSE CALLS!First they put away the dealers, keep our kids safe and off the streets. Then they put away the prostitutes, keep married men cloistered at home. Then they shooed away the bums, then they beat and bashed the queers, turned away asylum-seekers, fed us suspicions and fears. We didn't raise our voice, we didn't make a fuss. It's funny there was no one left to notice when they came for us. --NOFX, inspired by Pastor Martin Niemöller ***"The battle for bikers' rights is not about patches, parties or poker runs. We fight to protect the freedom and promote the interests of American motorcyclists ... to defend our right to choose our own modes of transportation, attire and lifestyle ... to deter and defy discrimination against us ... and to vanquish those who violate our rights or right-of-way."--Bruce Arnoldhttp://ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights.php***Please post your comments and replies here:http://ldrlongdistancerider.com/forum.php

"NEW" gas tank for my 750 Honda

Finished Tank
Primed tank

Tank before

The Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come outof the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out.>From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England werenot permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious realitywhich the children could remember.


-The Partridge in a Pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone.....

Chrome Divas Christmas Party

The Christmas Party for the North Platte, Nebraska Chapter of the Chrome Divas will be at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2007. Every body will bring a covered dish and dress in style, bring a guest and party hearty.

Chrome Divas are a ladies only motorcycle group, consisting of both riders and passengers and even some non-riding women who just love motorcycles and participating in charity functions. Originating in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002, Chrome Divas, a female motorcycle organization, was formed to provide a means of camaraderie, community participation, and a national link to all women who ride motorcycles and strive to be known as outstanding citizens in their communities with a preference to ride, have fun and share their talents and compassion in group effort. Chrome Divas are incorporated and has a trademark logo that identifies them as a female motorcycle organization. However, Chrome Divas do not wear colors and is not a "MC." Chrome Divas support many worthwhile causes; including breast cancer, Children’s Home Society, rape crisis center, Angel Flight, and juvenile diabetes to name a few. Diva fundraisers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, with more events on the horizon. Chrome Divas are indeed “on a roll” and rolling into Europe, Canada and parts unknown! Take a look at our site and if you think you might be Chrome Diva material ... make contact at http://www.chromedivas.com/ Check us out.

Chrome Divas---Aren't We Great?

This is a picture of our Ladies in the North Platte, Nebraska Chrome Divas Chapter on the day of the NebraskaLand Days Parade in 2007. This was our second year to ride in the parade. Our group has only been together since May 2006 and we were only four strong at the time, we have grown some in the last year.

the top picture of the two "old" ladies (One on the bide & one in the side car) are my step mom and me during the 2006 parade. We made the front page of the paper-the whole top half and on the same day Miss Nebraska was a 4X4 inch on the bottom half of the paper in a small article. Pretty cool-huh-that two old women got top billing in the news.

In the last Year we have raised a couple truck loads of food for a local food pantry, we raised $1,200 for the Rape and Domestic Abuse Center and have helped with other charities and fund raisers hosted by other groups.

This year for Christmas we are "adopting" a family of 10 and we plan to gather together everything they will need for a very nice Christmas for all of them.

In the next couple of days I will put our mission statement on here so you will know what we are out to accomplish. We owe it all to the ladies in Florida who started the Chrome Divas. They now have chapters like ours all over the United States and Canada. THANKS LADIES.

We are in the process now of planning our first Chrome Diva (No. Platte Chapter) hog roast and poker run. I'll keep you posted as to time and place. We are also looking for ideas for our next NebraskaLand Days Parade Float. Got any suggestions?

Our Oldest member is my step mom who is 80 years YOUNG and doesn't mind letting you know that she is young, although she doesn't "ride her own" because of hip problems. Our youngest "WANNA BE" member is only 7 years OLD and she doesn't mind letting you know that she is OLD. She rides on the back of grandmas bike, my daughter being the grandma.

I am just learning this Blog Stuff so bear with me. I may eventually work up a decent page. GOD BLESS you all --until next time-- I am the Honda Lady.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

The First Luminous Mystery THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD -John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance. -"I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way ofthe Lord." -"One mightier than I is coming after me." -"I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the HolySpirit." -Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God." -After Jesus' baptism a voice from Heaven: "This is my beloved Son inwhom I am well pleased." -The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove. -In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.-The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard asthe Spirit descends upon the Son. -Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into thedesert for 40 days. Spiritual Fruit: Gratitude for the gift of FaithThe Second Luminous Mystery THE WEDDING OF CANA -Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. -During the wedding feast the wine ran short. -Mary turned to Jesus: "They have no wine." -Jesus replied: "What would you have me do? My hour has not yet come." -Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever he tells you." -There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twentygallons. -Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw someout and take it to the chief steward. -The chief steward said to the groom: "Every man serves the good winefirst... but you have saved the good wine until now." -At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle. -By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of aSacrament. Spiritual Fruit: FidelityThe Third Luminous Mystery THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM -"Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand." -"My kingdom is not of this world." -"Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enterthe kingdom of heaven." -"Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will notenter into it." -"I have come to call sinners, not the just." -"Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you." -"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."-"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall besatisfied." -"Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirsis the kingdom of heaven." -"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church... I willgive you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Spiritual Fruit: Desire for HolinessThe Fourth Luminous Mystery THE TRANSFIGURATION -Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray. -Jesus was transfigured before them. -"His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant aslight." -This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of thePassion. -Jesus foresaw the 'scandal of the cross,' and prepared them for it bythis manifestation of His glory. -Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the OldTestament) were conversing with Jesus about His passion. -"Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets... but tofulfill them." -From a cloud came a voice: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." -Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Sonof Man rises from the dead. -We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day. Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual CourageThe Fifth Luminous Mystery THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST -I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. -Jesus took bread, blessed it: "Take and eat, this is My Body." -Taking the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed foryou." -At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass. -At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present. -At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders toperpetuate this sacrifice. -"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I inhim." -The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and asacrament inasmuch as it is received. -In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to us. -The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to theFather. Spiritual Fruit: Love of our Eucharistic Lord

A Different Kind kof Christmas Poem

A Different Christmas Poem - please read
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,Transforming the yard to a winter delight.The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,And I crept to the door just to see who was near.Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child."What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..To the window that danced with a warm fire's lightThen he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,That separates you from the darkest of times.No one had to ask or beg or implore me,I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',And now it is my turn and so, here I am.I've not seen my own son in more than a while,But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,Away from my family, my house and my home.I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole wit h little to eat.I can carry the weight of killing another,Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..Who stand at the front against any and all,To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.""So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.""But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done,For being away from your wife and your son."Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,To stand your own watch, no matter how long.For when we come home, either standing or dead,To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30t h Naval Construc tion RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum , Iraq

A Soldier's Last Words

>>>>A Soldier's Last Words: Listen Up CBS, CNN, Cindy Sheehan, Al Franken>>by Louisa Centanni>>>>SGT. Edmund John Jeffer's last few words were some of the most >>touching, inspiring and most truthful words spoken since the >>tragedy of 9/11 - and since our nation went to war.>>>>SGT. Jeffers was a strong soldier and talented writer. He died in >>Iraq on September 19, 2007. He was a loving husband, brother and >>son. His service was more than this country could ever grasp - but >>the least you can do for the man who sacrificed his life for you >>... is listen to what he had to say.>>>>Listen up and pay attention to all of the Cindy Sheehans and Al >>Frankens of the world. To MSNBC, CNN, and CBS. To all who call >>themselves Americans ... Hope Rides Alone.>>>>Hope Rides Alone>>>>By Eddie Jeffers>>>>I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city >>burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the >>familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me >>pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly >>rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me >>from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.>>>>I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. >>Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will >>someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am >>just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones >>I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because >>death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around >>street corners and windows, and it is always there.>>>>There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and >>actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. >>I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. >>Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same >>streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.>>>>And to think, I volunteered for this...>>>>And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.>>>>But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi , Iraq , the cries and >>screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I >>will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that >>doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, >>I will walk down the streets of America , and see the yellow ribbon >>stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.>>>>I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the >>Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout >>off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is >>their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by >>hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, >>far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what >>they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is >>nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action >>is Private First Class.>>>>People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but >>to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they >>are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there >>are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are >>not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the >>rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would >>experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the >>shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective >>though, as many men and women have died since the start of this >>war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the >>inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, >>the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. >>The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. >>The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our >>lives. And they do not realize it.>>But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing >>the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from >>society...and they are becoming our enemy.>>>>Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" >>around and compare this war to Vietnam . In a way they are right, >>this war is becoming like Vietnam . Not the actual war, but in the >>isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; >>they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are >>here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for >>their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with >>politics, that it is interfering with our war.>>>>Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the >>Internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills >>an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and >>sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.>>>>It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to >>this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people >>stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence >>of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last >>time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and >>hospitals in Iraq ? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained >>or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their >>hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just >>might show people that Bush was right.>>>>America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend >>what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is >>that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a >>single thing. It's not like World War Two, where people rationed >>food, and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The >>American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless >>you are in the military or the family member of a service member, >>its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you.>>>>But it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, >>and they try to piece together what's left of them after their >>service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy >>Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out >>the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent >>dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They >>will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the >>horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can >>complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; >>things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken >>upon their shoulders.>>>>We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else >>wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want >>a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place >>where their children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they >>do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, >>rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, >>but only if we stay true to the cause, and see it to its end. But >>the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the >>burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, >>whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking >>yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, >>our troops and our cause.>>>>Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, >>hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there >>is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a >>people, if it doesn't.>>>>Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the >>bickering, let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!>>>>>>Eddie's father, David Jeffers, writes:>>>>I'm not sure how many letters or articles you've ever read from the >>genre of "News from the Front," but this is one of the best I've >>ever read, including all of America's wars. As I was reading this, >>I forgot that it was my son who had written it. My emotions range >>from great pride to great sorrow, knowing that my little boy (22 >>years old) has become this man.>>>>He is my hero. Thank all of you for your prayers for him; he needs >>them now more than ever. God bless.>>>>Though Eddie is no longer with us, you can help to let his voice be heard.>>

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Harley Wreath

This was last years turkey.

So What do you all think about the candidates for the presidency?