Monday, January 13, 2014
A New Year
Much transpired in 2013. Vickie started as an IPA with Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Sarah put two more semesters behind her (one to go!). Isaiah excelled musically. Anthony joined the newly formed science club and impressed with his robotics knowledge and demonstration. Ariel began her first year in band choosing the french horn and enjoying first chair. Aurelio is speaking more coherently largely due to reconstructive ear drum surgery.
On the Farm:
We are down to three hives and as yet, don't have plans to replace our losses from the previous year. The peach trees produced their first fruit last year so we should see more and larger fruit this year. Maybe we'll see our first plums, apples and pears too. Our Plymouth Rocks are over wintering well. Although their egg production has slowed we still collect enough for personal use. We have talked about a lighter planting this spring. Suprasistence Farm has a Facebook page. If you are interested in what we have going on 'down on the farm' "LIKE" us on Facebook.
As for myself:
In September of 2013 I became more serious about helping my body heal. I made more changes to my diet and began walking one mile three times a week. I also began to daily log my energy and pain levels along with other variables like weather, travel etc... This month I joined the local gym, increased to one fifteen minute mile a day five days a week and now one and one third miles in twenty minutes. My energy is increasing substantially, my pain decreasing slightly, my weight is dropping slowly but steadily and inches are melting away. I look forward to being half the man I am today. While I understand this will help decrease the negative effects of RA and Fibromyalgia I continue to seek out other avenues of relief.
On April 20, 2013 in Old Washington, Arkansas I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Tonight I will be installed as Junior Warden at Pleasant Valley Lodge #30. I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful fraternity.
This is an election year! I serve as Chairman of the Howard County Democratic Central Committee and Chairman of the Howard County Board of Election Commissioners. We recently hosted the largest political event ever held in Howard County, Dinner with Mike Ross. Over 150 Arkansans from eight counties participated. This April we will have our 'Meet and Greet.' Political candidates from Senator and Congressman, Governor, State Senator and Congressmen as well as local seats like Sheriff, JP, Circuit and County Clerk will be in attendance. This event, along with scheduling speakers and setting agendas for our monthly meetings, signing up, training and supervising volunteers for the November election has me busy. Not too busy to catch a few Yankee games though (pitchers and catchers report February 14th).
Stop by if you're in the neighborhood. We still have that guest bedroom, WiFi and some of the tastiest food you'll ever eat!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Q and A
Q: Allen West (R- FL) said, “I believe there's about 78 to 81 members of the Democrat Party who are members of the Communist Party. ... It’s called the Congressional Progressive Caucus." What do you think of this?
A: We’re talking about raising some pigs this year so I went to a local hog farm to look at some. I don’t chose normal pet names for my animals. I like to choose names for my animals which make it easier at harvest time. I wanted to name a pig John Boehner but the pigs each had a spine. Look, Speaker of the House, John Boehner is silent about Allan West’s outrageous communist claims. He is the Speaker, why isn’t he speaking? That makes me wonder if his silence is due to the amount of money West brings in to the GOP partly because of his ridiculous comments. Come to think of it, where is House Majority Leader Eric Cantor on this?
… I think I found names for two of our chickens.
Q: Ted Nugent said, “I will either be dead or in jail if Obama gets re-elected” Are you still a fan?
A: I think cat scratch fever is causing him to go stormtroopin’ and his comments should be taken within the context of this illness, which clearly has a stranglehold on him. Hopefully he can borrow his buddy Mitt’s etch-a-sketch, shake himself clean and start over again. I do support his freedom to speak however ill advised his comments may be. I love the Motor City Madman’s music … not so much his politics.
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: Firstly I am always reading some biblical and extra-biblical texts. Currently I am working on a four part sermon series on Sin, Oneness, Love and Acceptance. Also, I like to read what my kids are reading so I just finished a couple books by Jordan Sonnenblick, “Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie,” “Zen and the Art of Faking It” and am starting “The Hunger Games,” by Suzanne Collins. As far as newspapers and magazines, I subscribe to and read the local papers, and some farm related magazines such as American Bee Journal. I do some online news reading from USA Today and The Washington Post as well as numerous other sources.
Q: What’s your prediction for the Yankees this year? How about the Giants, another playoff birth, another bowl appearance, ring?
A: The YANKEES are going to have a great year and will win their division, without a doubt. I believe they will do well in the playoffs. It’s a long season; we’ll see how it goes. I’m not ready or willing to claim another World Series Championship yet although I’d love to see it happen! The New York Football GIANTS are facing a tough schedule but should fair well and make the playoffs with at least ten regular season wins this year. They’ll make the playoffs and as much as I’d love to see them get another ring much depends on how healthy they stay. They have to play their way through the same teams they beat in the playoffs last year and that will be no easy task.
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email; revmotta@hotmail.com and maybe I’ll answer you via my blog.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
NY Sports in Brief
Pitching coach Dave Eiland will not be returning next season as pitching is scapegoated for the ALCS YANKEE loss. Girardi appears to be safe with Cashman saying both parties want to go forward together. I have respect for Cashman but regarding Eiland and Girardi I think he is dead wrong, and would have gone forward exactly the opposite direction.
My disappointment in the YANKEE loss to the Rangers in the ALCS was brief as I find solace in the 27 World Series Championships, and what is shaping up to be another New York Football GIANTS championship season.
The New York Football GIANTS manhandled the crygirls this past Monday night bringing their record to 5-2 as they go into their bye week. They have faced some tough opponents to date but the schedule really gets interesting after the bye as they face the crygirls at home and the Eagles and the Skins twice. These Division games are of paramount importance but the games at Seattle and Green Bay aren’t exactly unimportant or a surety either. Yes, that’s right … I didn’t even mention the Jaguars or the Vikings.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10-10-10 and Conflicted
Today will soon be over, and with a W in the result column of my GIANTS schedule the aforementioned conflicts may not be resolved but certainly put aside, as I look forward to Friday 10/15/10 and game one of the ALCS. GO YANKEES!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Yankee in the Deep South
The New York football GIANTS begin the new decade in a brand new stadium. Too bad that doesn't factor into anything in the W column. I don't know what to make of the G-Men this season. If they make it to the post season I will be tickled. According to the schedule we might get to see six of the sixteen games and that is a good thing because we really can't afford NFL Sunday Ticket ... today anyway.
Vitriolic rhetoric seems to be increasing exponentially as the midterm elections approach. Seeing so many people jumping on extremist bandwagons I felt it necessary to list a few facts to help people make an informed decision.
1. Are you aware that the proposed community center-mosque is located at 45-51 Park Place, just over two blocks from the northern edge of the sprawling, 16-acre World Trade Center site, roughly half a dozen normal lower Manhattan blocks from the site of the North Tower making this location not “AT” Ground Zero at all?
Are you still opposed?
2. Did you know that from Ground Zero you cannot even see 45-51 Park Place and from 45-51 Park Place you cannot see Ground Zero?
Are you still opposed?
3. Did you know that there is a Mosque at 245 West Broadway, about a dozen blocks north of the World Trade Center grounds and that the Manhattan Mosque, stands five blocks from the northeast corner of the World Trade Center site?
Do you want these closed too?
4. Are you aware that Muslims hold a daily prayer service Monday through Thursday and a weekly worship service on Fridays in the Pentagon close to the area where hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the building, killing 184 people in a mussallaah opened in November 2002 over a year after 9-11-01?
Do you think this should be stopped?
5. Did you know the proposed community center which has a multi-faith board will house not only a mosque but also a basketball court, an Olympic size pool, a culinary arts training institution and more all open to the public?
Are you still opposed?
“I see our country teetering on the edge of an abyss. At its bottom brews the simmering bile of deep, dark hatred. Hatred that's dividing our country: politically, racially, economically, geographically, in every way- whether it's political vendettas, sports brawls, corporate takeovers, or high school gangs in cleats, the American competitive ethic has changed from 'let's beat the other guy, to let's destroy the other guy.' Too many, too many are too willing to stigmatize and demonize others for political advantage, for money or for ratings. ... This cycle of tragedy-driven hatred must stop, because so much more connects us than that which divides us because tragedy has been, and will always be with us. Somewhere right now, evil people are planning evil things. All of us will do everything meaningful, everything we can do to prevent it, but each horrible act can't become an ax for opportunists to cleave the very Bill of Rights that binds us. America must stop this predictable pattern of reaction.” Charlton Heston's NRA Keynote Speech excerpts May 1999
As a wave of hate seeks to divide us we must not be silenced with fear. As the airwaves fill with vitriolic rhetoric we must speak the truth from every platform afforded us. Now more than ever before we must choose to educate because knowledge is power and the truth will set you free.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Inerrancy; Baseball is Drawing to a Close as The NFL Season gets Underway;
The preceding comments come from the scholar in me, and the following come from the pastor. 2)'As the Spirit prospers our study we should trust and submit to all biblical teaching about Jesus, salvation, life and any other topic the text deals with. We should also constantly be working to fulfill our commitment to God as our grasp of biblical text grows. For us to live in Christ is more important than which words we use to explain biblical authority.'
It is 2:29CST and I am still rubbing my eyes in wonderment; The YANKEES have swept the RedSox ... yes, you read exactly what I typed, The NY YANKEES beat the RedSox like redheaded stepchildren over and over again. In fact, the YANKEES swept the series. The RedSox scored a run here and there but they didn't win a single game of this series. This has not happened for almost a quarter-century. The question I have been asked is are they peaking to early with just over fifty games remaining in the regular season. Peaking? Who said they are peaking. In my opinion they are merely beginning to build up a head of steam to take them to and through the playoffs to the World Series.
With the return of Osi Umenyiora, the intensity of the GIANTS D-Line has increased exponentially to unmeasurable limits. Manning is seeing and completing better than ever as long as he gets the ball from center. The regular season opener is 35 days away and this NY Football GIANTS fan has already stocked his fridge and cabinets with everything needed to enjoy each and every crack of the helmets and pads.
I'll save the 'On The Home Front' information 'til next time.
*Special thanks to 1)Kent Leslie and 2)Al Hearne for their ideas about the subject of inerrancy and infallibility.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Some of y'all might not like it but ...
The NY football GIANTS are to begin practice at Albany, Monday, August 3rd. This is their final contract year at the U so get out and support them. IF you remember, please do a couple of things for me while you are there. Chant OSI OSI OSI OSI (that’s pronounced oh-see for the uninitiated) and don’t forget to send me some pictures!
This past week and one more time we brought contemporary worship back to Hope! We led service at Hope Family Church and had a great time.
We will continue to worship as we have for over the past year, every Sunday morning in Blevins, The Church of Hempstead County meets at 10am, Knowing Christ and Building Christian Community, where contemporary worship in song and relevant, compelling biblically based messages are staples. Join with us whenever you’d like!
On a personal note: Summer is almost over and we are getting back in school mode. The kids are going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. We still have not found property to build our house on yet, but we know we will soon. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers especially regarding some acreage.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Baseball Pre-Season Has Begun
Go YANKEES!
I need to mention howbeit quickly that even though the NY football GIANTS have shored up the defense with the additions of Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and Michael Boley my thoughts and prayers are with the Buffalo Bills as they have picked up the leagues premiere problem child whom I won’t even name.
Sunday, March 8th, was the first Sunday I have missed since we began meeting in Blevins on January 6th, 2008. An argument could be made that I should have missed at least two other mornings but I pressed through. I appreciate all those who aware of my disability lifted me in prayer especially this past weekend. I have recently been approved for a program where Pfizer will send me one of my medications free of charge. The medication they send me would cost me just over $150 each month. For this and other programs that help people in need, I am truly grateful.
This week I am continuing my studies on tithing. It is my desire to see others free from all kinds of bondage. Pray from the Church of Hempstead County and me as we continue to search the scriptures for the truth about tithing.
Because I have been writing this for several weeks now and I have not added a post to my blog in way too long, I am cutting this short.
Check back next week for rants about the current administration, marijuana, and more.