Before the beginning . . .

BEFORE THE BEGINNING, GOD SENT MICHAEL AND HIS ARMY TO DEFEAT LUCIFER AND HIS MINIONS AND HAD THEM CAST TO EARTH.   The Turf War was coming to an end.  

These minions and Lucifer made Earth their playground.  What a great place to end up.  What became of all the minions and Lucifer once they inhabited Earth?  Had reproduction taken place amongst them all?  If so, They are here, and They dwell with ordinary citizens.  

How many of Them are there now?  Now since humans came into existence.  Their population has probably exploded as has the human population.   

Lucifer and his minions had their own sense of power since before the beginning, and their life goals and purposes were to what? Disassemble.  However it needs to be done.  Forever, or until the end of Time as we know it.   They're all really just a bunch of p.o.'d angels, with Lucifer getting too big for his britches.  And they're vengeful, having a huge bone to pick with God.   They will always be there; everywhere.   They just will.  There will always be evil, bad "people".  There always had been, even before Our beginning.  History repeats itself'; over and over and over.  It just does and it always will.  We can wish for global peace, and it's a gracious attempt.  There are Those that will never leave it alone.  It's part of the disassembly.  

Global disassemble.  

What if We are all just Lego characters vs Transformers?  It is Them that are the Transformers.  

Military Brat Life - Racism

The more caca I read and hear and how everybody hates everybody else, I am thankful for the growing up I had that was NOT like any of the heathens from the outside.

I was born and raised a military Brat and I retired from the military. There IS NO color, just people doing what they are there to do. School life with children of all colors and backgrounds was the norm. Getting a good education was the norm.  People of all colors living in the same neighborhoods was the norm.  At one post we lived, one next door neighbor was black, the other were Mexicans.  Across the street were Asian kids; down the street were mixed black/white kids, and of course the white kids.  Whoopee doo doo.  We all played together.  We all went to school with each other.  We ate with each other.  We hung out together.  We did everything together.  And we believed the same way - that we were all just people, here to do what we were here to do, to keep on pursuing our adventures of assuring peace, justice, and the American way.

This civilian population is who needs to live behind the gates of hate. There is no room out here for hate to overrun the productivity and sensibility for people to live peaceful, productive lives that do nothing more than help others and bring communities together.

Me and Mary Jane since the 1970's

I was never a stoner, but I knew plenty.  I enjoyed those friends of mine; they were always amusing.  I've always loved being amused.  This is not to say that I had not indulged a time or ten; it's saying that I've sure been around long enough now to have had decades of deep thoughts about the subject of the wild wood weed.

On the one hand, I love to eat; in particular tasty foods.  These people would end up with the munchies and they usually had some pretty good stuff to eat around the house.  Or to conjure up a tasty new recipe made from whatever was in the refrigerator and the cabinets.  As we got older, our new-found recipes became more complex and even more delicious; but that comes with the experience of age and wisdom.  And even better food items in the pantry and cabinets than any 25-year old's.   Fortunately for me, I was a small person who needed to consume as many calories a day as I could just so I wouldn't be dragged off by a good gust of wind.  I ate well, thanks in part to my friends, thank you Jesus.  

On the other hand, I liked making money to support my habits - eating well, having a roof over my head, and helping others when I could.  I took on education, training, and jobs that did not allow drugs of any kind, and testing was the norm.  You just could not do it, period.  It even said so in the books.  I didn't have a problem with that because having that goal and being on that mission of being career oriented with the intention of furthering myself in the work force to provide the best service possible (thus promotions, more money, more great food!), being of sound mind, of being mentally prepared 100% of the time, meant nothing but good results for me and my resulting families.

And speaking of Jesus - his Dad.  Don't you want to be used by God? What are some of the reasons you're on this earth?  I think one of my purposes is to give people a reason to laugh.  Laughter is such great medicine and good for the body and soul.  So, how can God use you as a witness to others if you have no self-control, no self-discipline, are setting a bad example to others, and are behaving like the present world by drinking or getting high?  God's Word tell us that for us to be used by God, we must be sober and of sound mind.  100% on top of your A-game.  We must be of sober mind to be able to act/react at any given moment to anything that is thrown at us; and there's always some strange things out there that is thrown.

Back to the stoners.  Hey, they'll be stoners, but to me, if that's all they are and nothing more, come time when somebody has to be of clear mind to undo a situation or take action. there will be those present who can step in.  This is by no means endorsing weed or trying to be an enabler; that is far from the truth.  This is simple logic for now.  There are those who do not and cannot see right now, but they are good, helpful people.  These are but one group of my friends that I love.  God and Jesus loves them too.

 

Are You and Your Family Prepared to Shelter In Place (SIP)?

Whatever happens Out There, IS THERE A SAFE PLACE in your home for you to go?  My granddaughter and I have a safe place that's in a pantry with mostly dry goods.  Any jars are on low shelves or on the floor.  There is even a hook in the wall that holds a working flash light.  My granddaughter is only six years old, but she's known our safe place since she was three.  We would practice and have drills, then end up in the pantry with her in charge of the flash light.  One day she'll probably be too big for us to be in that pantry, but at least she knows where other safe places are in this house.

If and whenever we DO have to go to our shelter, when it comes time that those of us in the house can come out of our safe places, it's then time to see if venturing outside, beyond any possible standing doors and walls, is even a good idea.  If not, you're all staying Inside.  You will then Shelter In Place.  (SIP) Sheltering with family or whoever may be in the house with you, if there is no idea of how long you'll be out of services, transportation, outside communication, etc., even the best of friends will start to get on each others' nerves, especially if there's never been a Plan.  Would you like to survive while retaining some semblance of still having your marbles even if a few of them got lost in a disaster?  How about knowing that with preparation, you can make a difference on how well, or not, a disaster affects you and your family when needing to SIP.  Just taking the time to get started and then maintaining stock of what's needed is pretty simple.  JUST DO IT.

Here is a list to get started.  It does not have to be expensive; just secure.

• Bins with a good latching lid.  The better dollar stores have ones with good lids.  Start off with two - one for Food, the other for Other Stuff.
• Water.  As much as you can buy and put away.  Rule of thumb for people - one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.   Water is needed for foods and drinks.  They are not to be put in the Bins.

• Bin 1, Food Items - 
• Foods that are canned, freeze dried, dehydrated. 
• Just-mix-with-hot-water foods. 
• Coffee, Instant or Freeze Dried.
• Instant/Powdered milk.
• A Pot to cook in. 
• Salt/pepper.
• Eating and cooking utensils.
• Plates/bowls.
• Drinking cups.

• Bin 2, Other Stuff, needs to have - 
• A can opener.
• Toilet tissue.
• Flashlight.
• First Aid Kit.
• Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio.
• Extra batteries.
• Dust masks.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. 

NOTE:  Take into account if there are babies, to have on hand in a bin baby foods, diapers, wipes, ointments, formula, bottles. 

• If you have an indoor wood burning fireplace, you are blessed, assuming there is wood kept in the house and not just outside.  We are still talking about SIP.   You then have a heat source for hot water.  There are other methods for heating water, like sterno.  Just find a heat source to have on hand that does not require going outside.  

At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
• Flashlight 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) 
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit 
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket 
• Map(s) of the area 

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

• Whistle
• N95 or surgical masks
• Matches
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach, preferably Clorox brand
• Entertainment items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
• Replace expired items as needed
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

They Know All About You

Edward Snowden went about it all wrong.  He's known all along that data was had on everybody.  Everybody.  From the days of retrieving data through someone's trash to wire tapping to cyber threats, somebody is always watching and knows what you do. This has gone on forever.  Since he had known this for a very long time and it became part of his world, he obtained employment where he was able to do just that - gather personal data.  One day he announced to the world that he had proof that big brother had tabs on everybody; and to prove it, he shared plenty of that information with an old rival.  I doubt he is happier in his new home country, even though their president who took him in despises traitors.  Snowden can't be too smart since he didn't think far enough out to know what repercussions and consequences there would be to pay.  ID 10 T.

I have known since I was a mere child that people watched people and wanted information about them for odd reasons; and from the television and newspapers stories, even trash cans were gone through to gather personal data.  I knew about spies and espionage, and the stories were just amazing.  I felt sorry for the young children of a parent who was found to be an international spy for a nemesis country who had been trained and then planted in this country to live and blend in with the government personnel.  Poor children.

It is partially human nature that there are those who like to gather information just for the sake of gathering info. Store that information and you now have records, whether it's on cave walls, in a library, or in cyber space.  Gathering, storing, and analyzing information has always been done for many and various reasons since the beginning of time.  It just has.  How that information is used is then dealt with by the people who want it.

Professionalism - Learn It

PROFESSIONALISM can be defined as the strict adherence to courtesy, honesty and responsibility when dealing with individuals or other companies in a business environment and conduct at work.  This trait often includes a high level of excellence going above and beyond basic requirements. 

Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase.  It means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence.  It also means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding ways to be productive.   Professionals strive to become experts in their field, which sets them apart from the rest of the pack.  

Part of understanding professionalism is figuring out how each of our individual actions impacts the actions and work of others.  Professionalism and the work ethic demonstrated by individuals in the business world may be built around an internal moral system or code of ethics.   The word "ethics" comes from a Greek term meaning "duty", thus a code of ethics consists of all the obligations that professionals must respect when carrying out their duties.  It includes the core values of the profession and the behavior which should be adopted.  Thus, a code of professional conduct. 

Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization.  The guiding principles dictate behavior and can help people understand the difference between right and wrong.  Core values also helps companies determine if they are on the right path in fulfilling their goals by creating a guide.  

Work ethic is usually concerned with the personal values demonstrated by Business Owners or Entrepreneurs and instilled in the company’s employees.  The good work ethic may include completing tasks in a timely manner with the highest quality possible and taking pride in completed tasks.  Work ethic is defined as a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its ability to strengthen character.  Work ethic is a value based on hard work and diligence.  

Morality and Ethics usually represent the personal beliefs individuals display when working in business.  Common traits often include honesty and integrity.

These personal traits often display themselves publicly when individuals respond to various business situations, negatively or positively.  A professional work ethic may be seen as somebody "walking the walk" regarding their personal morality and ethics.  

You may wonder if anyone will notice if an employee does not demonstrate professional behavior at work.   "As long as you do your job well, who cares, right?"  It turns out the boss, customers, and co-workers notice.  The lack of professional behavior could have consequences on a career, and to discount this trait could be a big mistake.  It can affect chances for advancement or even keep the job.     



            Do and Do Not -

     ~  Make it a priority to be on time.  When one is late for work or meetings, it gives the boss and co-workers the impression one does not care.  It affects them and it is like saying their time is not valued.  Pay attention to the clock.  Show up before the start time.

     ~  Do not bring your problems to work.  Don't be a grump.  Leave the bad mood at the door.  Everyone has days they are not feeling their best. Complaining is counter-productive to getting work done.  If your work is the thing that is causing the bad moods, it may be time to look for another job.

     ~  Dress appropriately.  Regardless of how you are to dress for work, appearance should always be neat and clean.  Choose the type of clothing the employer requires.  If there is not a dress code, pick attire that is the norm for work.  Save the flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops for the weekends, along with clothes that are better suited for a night out at a club.

     ~  Watch your mouth.  Swearing, cursing, or cussing has no place in most workplaces.  Unless it is positively okay where you work, don't.  Others present may be offended.  That is not professionalism.

     ~  Offer assistance to your colleagues.  A true Professional is willing to help co-workers when they are overburdened or facing a challenge at work.  Don't be afraid of offering an extra pair of hands or some creativity.  One person's success reflects well on everyone in the workplace.  It is important, however, not to be too pushy when offering assistance.  If your colleague rejects your offer, don't push it.  They may prefer working alone.

     ~  Do not gossip.  Gossiping makes you look like a middle school student.  While you may be tempted to tell a co-worker what you know about somebody down the hall, don't.  If you simply must share, tell someone who has absolutely nothing to do with the workplace.

     ~  Try to stay positive.  Negativity is contagious and it brings people down.  The boss will not appreciate a drop in morale in his employees.  If it is seen that something should be fixed, give the boss the feedback along with a plan for how to make improvements.  If you are complaining for no reason, stop.

     ~  Do not hide from your own mistakes, as hard as it may be to do.  Make sure you don't make the same mistakes twice.  Never blame others for your errors, even if they deserve it.  Bite your tongue.  Set an example so that those who share responsibility for the mistake can step forward and admit their part.

     ~  Always fight fair.  There will inevitably be occasional disagreements with co-workers or even the boss.  You may think something should be done one way while someone else will believe another way is better.  Don't let yourself get angry.  It does not matter how upset you are or how strongly you believe you are right, screaming in the workplace is not allowed, nor is name calling or door slamming.  Calmly explain your opinion and be ready to walk away if you cannot sway the other person or if he begins to lose control.  Always avoid physical contact.

     ~  Do not lie.  Dishonesty always makes one look bad, whether it is lying on your resume or calling in sick when you aren't.  A Professional is always upfront.  If you are unqualified for a job, you have two choices -   1. Do not apply for the job at all or,    
2. Submit a resume that reflects your real skills.

     ~  Do not air your dirty laundry.  Confiding in a close friend at work is usually okay, but sharing too much information is not.  Be judicious of whom you talk to, especially when discussing family problems.  If you decide to share personal information with co-workers, do not do it where customers and clients may overhear.


1.  "Ethics" comes from the Greek word _________________.
          (duty)

2.  What does "bite your tongue" mean?  _________________________________
          When a person wants to say something that may be offensive or hurtful to someone, so instead says nothing.             It is the opposite of "speaking your mind". 

3.  When working with others, how do you think your individual actions could impact the action and work of others?  ____________________________________________

4.  How do you conduct yourself as a professional?  ________________________

5.  What is your definition of "professionalism"?  __________________________


Learn the art of professionalism.  It isn't hard to do and the return on investment is great. Learn, practice, and apply.  Learn to reach your maximum potential.