What is Earth Hunger?

2009 August 17
by John Palm

Earth hunger: I had an obstinate craving for fresh air, unimpeded movement, outdoor life. I wanted the earth, and I wanted to live in the close embrace of the earth. Some ancestor of mine must have been a hermit on a mountain, a gipsy, or a peasant: I know not which, but something of the temperament of all three was within me. The smell of fresh-turned earth was a smell that revived in me a part of my nature that had seemed dead; a flower set me dreaming of solitary woods; and I found myself watching clouds and weather-signs as though my bread depended on their favor. The first time I saw a mountain I could not speak. I could offer no explanation of my conduct, but I felt as though the mountain called me. I said to myself, ‘There is my home, there is the earth from which my physical body is fashioned; it is there that I should live and die.’

A Father’s Death Bed Wish

2009 July 29
by John Palm

As I lay on my death bed, my fear is that I will face these regrets and it will be too late…

“I regret that I didn’t watch more television. Those shows are so funny and entertaining. I wasted so much time doing other things”

“I really wish I hadn’t been so healthy. All those workouts, all that health food… ugh. It was the biggest mistake of my life.”

“I wish I had went ahead and sprung for a faster computer and internet connectivity so that I could have spent less time with my friends and family in person and more time sending halarious chain emails to my email list.”

“I wish I spent more time cultivating my ‘friend” list on Facebook, instead of drinking a non-virtual beer with my buddy at the pub or throwing my kids around in the pool.”

“I wish I would have spent more time a work, and less time with my boys. That way, when I’m gone, they can really cherish all the stuff I was able to buy them from the dollar store.”

Creating A Mountain

2009 July 22
by John Palm

Imagine someone so powerful that they could make a small mountain out of a slightly larger mountain with only the flick of a switch on the dashboard of their bulldozer.

A Tribute to Barbara Arrington

2009 April 17
by John Palm
Eyes of Love

Memorial Service: Saturday - May 2 - 11AM - First Baptist Church Indian Rocks - Largo, FL

Last evening as family and friends surrounded Barbara at her bedside, we could almost hear her whisper the words of the apostle Paul,

The time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…

Barbara Arrington slipped through Heaven’s Gates on April 15 into the arms of her Lord.  She was confident

 …to be absent with the body is to be present with her Lord.

Barbara loved life and people.  Her friends and family were so important to her, especially her grandkids!  Their photos and artwork surrounded the proud “Grandma.”  

Her Inspirational Elegance Ladies Boutique was a mission field to our community and the world.  She allowed her business to be an opportunity of outreach for many Christ-centered events and activities. Through the years she sponsored many programs for the Kingdom.  Barbara spread God’s love by donating outfits for missionaries and others whom she knew could use some encouragement. 

What a joy it was to see her faithfully serve in her Church Home at FBIR in the taping ministry. Her cheerful dedication was rock solid.

While we rejoice in Barbara’s promotion to her eternal home,  we miss her.  We take heart in knowing that one day, precious Barbara will be on the welcoming committee, when we, too, enter those pearly gates.

(Written by Carolyn Reynolds)

Barbara Arrington Memorial Service
  Saturday, May 2nd – 2009 — 11AM
First Baptist Church Indian Rocks
  12685 Ulmerton Rd – Largo, FL  33774

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Please feel free to leave your comments, stories or thoughts below… we would love to read them.

 

A Long Line of Barneys

2009 March 21
by John Palm

Barney

Barney Frank, congress person, has been in Congress since 1981. He is the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee. He has been in politics all his life. He has also taught in some local universities.

He is a successful politician. No question.

Barney, Barney, Barney. The question I have is why do I love to say the name… Barney?

Barney, Barney! I shout it loud and it still sounds oh so good.

After minutes of careful thought I have concluded that Barney Frank has inherited some magical “good will” for his name from some other famous and lovable “Barneys”:

1. Barney the dinosaur – that lovable purple friend who makes manners fun. Barney is Googles #1 Barney.

How Barney the dinosaur benefits Barney Frank: gives Mr. Frank his “oh so cuddly and cute” aura. The dinosaurs cuteness factor has definitely rubbed off on the Congressperson!

2. Barney Fife – the overly analytical and alarmist deputy who lacked ability with a fire arm. Barney Fife was played by comedian Don Knotts on the Andy Griffith Show.

How Barney Fife has benefitted Mr. Frank: provides that universal “goofy” likability. He stumbles and bumbles but we somehow believe that his genuine intent in sincere.

3. Barney Rubble – sidekick of Fred on The Flintstones cartoon/comedy show.

How Barney Rubble has benefitted Mr. Frank: one word… Bamm, Bamm! Ok, it’s two words. And is shows “toughness” in a comical way. It’s easy to underestimate the congressperson… then BAMM, he delivers the knock out blow.

I submit that the honorable Mr. Barney Frank would be nothing without the above “Barneys”. I would like to see Mr. Frank publicly acknowledge this fact. Give a “shout out” to those who paved the way… The Barney Way.

barney

Barney and Pot

Not so family friendly Barney

More Barney Satire

Crisis = Danger + Opportunity

2009 February 25
by John Palm

If you turn on the news media we hear the word “crisis” everywhere. Take your pick — Financial Crisis, Banking Crisis, Global Crisis, Housing Crisis, etc. But anyone who has invested for at least ten years knows that a crisis presents the chance to take advantage of new, emerging trends. It reminds me of a quote I’ve seen often.

“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters – one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.” — Saul David Alinsky

Some will get their wealth taken away…

But somebody else is gonna get rich!

Why I Am NOT A “Go Getter Make It Happen Guy”

2009 January 29
by John Palm

Aww… nevermind.

Worst Selling Christian Books

2009 January 27
by John Palm

Christianity Has Neutered It’s Men

From the courage of the Crusaders to the sniffling huggers of Promise Keepers… Plus, 10 reasons how and why this “castration” has happened! Snip… snip… hug… hug…

God is Love? The Genocide of the Old Testament and much more!

  • Drowning a whole race of people in the flood (including women and children)
  • Turning a woman into salt… how bitter.
  • Innocent children killed by the “sword”.
  • Israelites slaughter whole societies at the command of God.
  • Having the power to heal and withholding that power.
  • Having the power to feed the hungry and…

Universal Sufferage In A People Magazine Country

2008 November 4
by John Palm

Founding father and great thinker, Alexander Hamilton, opposed universal suffrage (that’s letting everyone vote for you People Magazine readers). His basic argument was that those with “skin in the game” should have the responsibility and right to elect the person that will have the power impose taxes upon them. This group includes educated property and business owners.

Sound harsh? Maybe not.

Carting in “voters” that own nothing to tax (take away private assets from) those who have worked hard to have something seems harsh.

We are making it too easy to vote… it requires no sacrifice. Free Jimmy Buffet concerts. Two week early voting. Mail-a-ballot to your door.

What’s next?

  • Ballot inserts in People Magazine — Paris Hilton supports your guy!
  • Text your vote — Warren Sapp is President! Whoops, wrong button…
  • Combination Lotto-Ballot — two ways to win big bucks!

As someone wisely said… We get the president we deserve.

Doing Something Big for God

2008 August 25
by John Palm

I’m sorry but that statement really, really, really bothers me. I wasn’t sure why until this morning. I got a picture of Jesus in a large group (maybe a large event in His honor) and a little girl over to the side catches His eye. Jesus leaves the group He was visiting with (probably important people doing “big things” for Him) and walks over to where the girl is. He kneels down and says her name in a quiet voice.

That’s it. He knows the name of the “least of these”. I’m going to forget about the “big things” and try to be more like Jesus.

Monkey Got You

2008 August 21
by John Palm

johnandbob monkey, originally uploaded by budpalm.

Do you ever feel like this?

Chinese Gymnastics Team Hoopla

2008 August 15
by John Palm

Do you think they are too young for this?

 Would they rather be here?

Kids by brunimarco.

Or would they rather get a job here?

Chinese Glass Factory 02 by kungfufighta.

Which one would you choose? I would pick the first… The rest of the world does not have our “set of options”. So give it a rest on the Chinese Gymnastics Team hoopla!