Latest Political Correctness

I realize many people will hate me for saying this, but LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) has NOTHING to do with whom you love. It has to do with whom you choose to have sex (yes verb) with.

This has again been made an issue because Phil Robertson, Originator of Duck Commander (ergo the Duck Dynasty) talked about homosexuality, and it being a sin, in an interview for GQ magazine. Then A&E, the television network suspended Phil from appearing on the Duck Dynasty show indefinitely. A&E said they support the LGBT community.

Here's the thing; you can love anyone and everyone, but that doesn't make you gay or lesbian. It is your sexual attraction and actions that make you Lesbian or Gay. That's according to Webster's Dictionary. As for Bisexual, Webster's says that is "body parts of both male and female" or "sexual attraction to both sexes." And Transgender is nothing more than "attempting to appear as a member of the opposite sex, e.g. a habitual cross-dresser."

I'm not arguing whether or not someone is born with a gene that gives them a greater potential of being gay. That is for the scientists to argue and/or prove.

What amazes me about this whole issue is that we seem to cater to the wishes of a group that is less than 4% of the US population.

Consider;  "The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, a sexual orientation law and public policy think tank, estimates that 9 million (about 3.8%) of Americans identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (2011). The institute also found that bisexuals make up 1.8% of the population, while 1.7% are gay or lesbian. Transgender adults make up 0.3% of the population."

I pulled that information from About.com by typing the question; what percentage of the US population is gay.

If you believe in God, you know He wants us all to love each other. That doesn't mean we have to agree that everything everyone does is okay. But we are called to love each other. And so Phil Robertson communicated that same thing. He said he wouldn't treat someone differently. But it seems most people (when talking about sexual orientation), ESPECIALLY the gay community, are afraid to admit that what they call themselves is about what they do in the bedroom.

Again, loving your fellow man or woman doesn't make you gay or lesbian. Because I love my male friend, that doesn't make me gay. Just as a sister's love for her sister doesn't make her a lesbian.

Thanksgiving 2013

On this day I give thanks especially to my family. I love you all! You have blessed me and my family with such wonderful memories and great times when we can be together.

Things I miss;
- The entire family around Mom's table with every good, hot food at the ready.
- The Turkey Bowl
- Brothers imparting their wisdom and knowledge on me…and one particular Brother making us laugh with repeats of funny movies.
- My Sister's love, listening and continuing of traditions.
- My Sister-in-Law's and Brother-in-Law's perspective on lots of things.
- The Black Friday round of par-3 @ Yingling's w/the guys…especially when Number 1 Son is with me.
- English Muffin bread.
- Grandma Utz's potato chips.
- Having plenty of room to keep drinks cold 'cause it is so freakin' cold they sit on the back porch and still stay cold.
- Mom bagging up leftovers for the trip home.
- Mom.
- Most of all I miss the warmth there always was when we had so many people and so much love filling any house we occupied.

To all my family; I hope you know I will always love you no matter how far apart we may be. I take great comfort in the love I know you have for me and our family. I hope some of these memories make you smile.

To all my friends, I give thanks you've let me be a part of your lives. You make me a better person.

To God be the glory and on this uniquely American holiday, may we all give thanks to God for all His blessings.

Birthday Blessing

On this day many years ago, God blessed me by bringing me into His creation. He breathed life into me. Okay, with a little reminder from the doc that it was my responsibility to breathe.

On this day so many years ago I was blessed to come into a wonderful family. One that I'm sure I've not praised or appreciated enough. No doubt my parents thought I was a blessing (at first) but it was me who enjoyed a solid roof over my head, nice clothes on my back and lots of food in my belly. They taught me so much and I am so grateful.

On this day all those years ago I began my journey with a Sister and Brother and we were later joined by another Brother. This sister and these brothers are amazing. They love, laugh and live with vigor and are another of God's blessings on me and those around them.

Throughout my life I've been blessed with many great friends, co-workers and neighbors. All of whom have provided me great wisdom and friendship. Some have been there in my darkest times. All have been there at the point God meant it.

I've also been blessed (yes I'm using that word a lot here, but I don't use it casually like so many do) with a wonderful Wife and two terrific children. The children have brought great joy, laughs, entertainment and enlightenment. And I could go on forever about my terrific Wife, Stacye. Without her, I'd be a wandering wreck.

On this day I give God the praise and thanks for all these blessings and those that will come in the future.

On this day I thank all of you who are in my life. If you are reading this, you are in my heart. I love you for all those things you do day in and day out. Those challenges you've overcome and that beacon of hope, faith and love you have been to me (and likely many others).

On this day, I hope that you all take comfort in the goodness that you are and continue to be.

On this day...THANK YOU!