The Peaceful Gnome

Here I am in the midst of the RCIA class from St. Charles in Livermore, along with the kids who are in their own class and Salvatore Cordileone Bishop of Oakland. I've since shaved the beard, and am now regrowing it. Fickle is my middle name :-)

Dang, I forgot where I got this. I know it's in California but the photographer's name has escaped me :(

I'm attempting to refrain from sarcasm, combative language, angry outbursts and so so forth.  So far my record this morning is about 5 minutes. :-)  I'm hoping to lengthen the time I can manage not to speak in those various improper ways.   I'm trying to put into effect the words of  Ephesians 5:29-32  "No foul word should ever cross your lips; let your words be for the improvement of others, as occasion offers, and do good to your listeners; do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal, ready for the day when we shall be set free.  Any bitterness or bad tempter or anger or shouting or abuse must be far removed from you--as must every other kind of malice.  Be generous to one another, sympathetic, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ."    I've gone so far as to start a stop watch a few minutes ago.  (Later)   I have now gone some time without being sarcastic or nasty or negative in my...

Most of the time I don't think it really makes sense for a mom to go to work. This story tends to confirm that idea. I'm convinced virtually any kid would rather have mom (or dad, or both!) at home with them rather than have slightly more and slightly cooler toys. http://www.unschooler.com/2012/03/questioning-second-parent-income/ -- Larry Devich I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b

Oh goody! It's time to give up an hour of sleep just because some jerk 19th century bureaucrat decided Ben Franklin was right. Well he wasn't! Studies have shown the habit of moving clocks his way actually costs extra energy and KILLS people due to increases accidents caused by tiredness. But hey, we are all just slaves so whatever Master says, we do it without question, right? We are all idiots. -- Larry Devich I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b

It is now official and scientifically verified, letting people vote is a stupid idea because 50% of the population is below average and stupid people make stupid decisions, in other words, democracy sucks. http://blog.sfgate.com/nov05election/2012/03/09/scientists-say-america-is-too-dumb-for-democracy-to-thrive/?tsp=1 -- Larry Devich I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b

Really, does recognizing reality prevent one from being contented? I don't think so. Our dystopian disaster of a country can't change the fact I love my family. Nor does it alter God's love and provision for us. I still have food and shelter and entertainment. Life as a slave really isn't all that horrible these days. :-) -- Yrral Hcived We are living in a badly written mash up of A Clockwork Orange and Idiocracy. I wonder who the producers are?

We are living in a badly written mash up of A Clockwork Orange and Idiocracy. I wonder who the producers are? -- Larry Devich I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11b

Drug testing, background checks, searches and seizures everywhere and anytime. Extra-judicial execution of citizens on the word of the President with no appeal possible. Religious freedom mocked by the press and government alike. America died long ago but now the corpse is really starting to stink, bad. I hate America. I loved the free republic it once was but this vile murderous empire it has become, I hate. Of course I recognize I am powerless to change it. Only armed revolt could turn back this tide of putrid totalitarian oppression. But the chances of that just making things worse are nearly 100%. Voting is pointless, the Supreme Court and the entrenched bureaucracy rules this empire, along with a congress with guaranteed seats 99% of the time and Emperors (presidents) Appointed by the rich and powerful. It's very depressing and sad. Especially watching as people struggle to fight it through things like the Tea Party, only to be deceived and subverted by the mainstream ruler...

Derek Domke and Max