Thursday, April 21, 2022 Jackson County Times
A9
Reprinted from August 10, 2017 ~ Jackson County TIMES The Fool has said in his heart, there is no God." Psalm 10:4, 14:1, and 53:1 are three bible verses that pretty much sum up the way the world is going. The other day I was in Wal-Mart, waiting in line to check out when my eyes caught a glimpse of the new National Geographic' magazine for July and August 2017. The N.G. is and has been for many years leaning towards evolution. The criteria of the National Geographic Society is for the increase and diffusion of knowledge and was started by Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor in 1899. The word diffuse means to spread widely or to diffuse wisdom. 'Gra- ham's Law' is the spread of cultural elements from one people or district to another. The N.G. has promoted many explora- tions and expeditions and spread stories of our states and our world and earth with col- orful pictures and interviews like no other magazine has done in our lifetime. The N.G. sent W. Jesco Von Puttkamer with cameras and gear to visit our Cinta Larga expedition in 1968, 69 and to take pic- tures, he had a good camera. I had a small 35 mm Kodak Pony camera that my brother- in- law gave me when we left for the Amazon in 1965. As Jesco would take pictures, I would walk close to him, ask him the number of his shutter speeds and settings so that I could set the settings on my camera. Consequently, I got some good pictures. The article for that expedition is in the N.G. Sept. 1971 issue [Jesco didn't mention my name.] Also, the N.G. put out an article about Theodore Roosevelt's expedition with Col. Rondon going down the River of Doubt in 1914 [N.G. magazine Oct. 1958]. The N.G. has published many articles of different Indians' tribal work around the world plus many other things. But some- times, tucked in parts of their articles, are parts dedicated to evolution, and alien beings. I bought this magazine because in bold print on the front showed an artist rendering of an exoplanet and three lines across the top stating: Search for life across the universe. Explore our sister planets. Uncover mysteries of Alien worlds. There are about 112 pages in beautiful color with explanations and theories along with wisdom but never a word about God being the creator of it all. [They never gave our God any credit] It does mention mythol- ogy gods such as Charon, Ceres, Neptune, Pluto, Poseidon, Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mer- cury, etc. There are many different theories as to how you and I got here, where we came from and where we're going. These theories have changed over the years. I'm a simple man, 89 years old, been here a long time, seen a lot, did a lot-some good, some bad, but I have never doubted who made this world and how I got here. I was all over Europe and North Africa in 1945-49 and saw what man can do to destroy himself and mess up God's universe, but God has a plan for this world and the next thing on His agenda as I see and read His word is that He [God, Jesus] is coming back to rapture His church [born-again believers]. When I read books, magazines, listen to the radio or watch T.V. I get upset because I'm sure there are some out there who will believe or who already believe in the theory of evolution. Remember, it's only a theory, nothing has ever been proven for a fact. All evolution theory is from Satan who pushes it one way and when that fails, he tries with another theory. When Science, with its anthropologist, explorer [NASA] expeditions find some- thing, they only have proven that the bible was right all along. These are false teach- ers trying to take away the glory of God and trample it under their unholy feet. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians, chap- ter 1 verses 19-21, that God has made the debater of this world foolishness. And in 1 Cor. 2:5 that our wisdom should not rest on the wisdom of men but on the power and wisdom of God. Best of all God speaks to Job. [Job 38:4, Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Verse 5, and do you know the measurements, Who stretched the line on it? Etc. and verse 7, When the morning stars sang together. Job 37: 10, And the breath of God made the ice.] My next stories will be about the theory of evolution and how the evolutionists have had to change their strategy over the years. We will talk about Darwin, Big Bang theory, Anthro- pology, Earth, Moons, Solar Systems in gen- eral, Planetology, Glaciers, Global warming, Monkey trials, Butler law, Language evolu- tion, and even Jackson County's waste man- agement wanting to inject a deep well here. One of the articles in the N.G. is all about water and how important it is [the article is Follow the Water.] More next week.
The Jackson County Times reserves the right to edit or not publish any letter. The opinions expressed by the writers of these letters do not necessarily reflect the view of this publication.
SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP . . . .
Keep it up and I'll give you some- thing to cry about. How many times have millennials and younger heard that? ZERO - a big fat ZERO! But, for those of you who have managed to survive for 40 plus years, you have heard it, I am pretty certain. This phrase appeared on a social media page written by a mom. There were actually two that I have read but this one stuck in my mind because of the Suck it Up Buttercup. I just love that because it is so true. No, it's not mean, it's not harsh and for Pete's sake it is not life-altering or if it is, someone missed some parenting skills. The post goes on to say, "Ok this is a hard post to write, and it may be a hard post to read as well. My kid didn't make the 7th grade junior high volleyball team. She is devastated. She has been crying for 2 hours now. Sure, it is really, re- ally hard to watch and comfort a child that you birthed when they are that upset. But also, suck it up buttercup. I don't have experience with this situ- ation personally because in my child- hood and teenage years I made every team easily! But also, I went outside and played softball, basketball, vol- leyball from the time I woke up until the time mom called me in for sup- per. I probably rode my bike a lot in between those sports which helped to build my leg muscles for those said sports. We didn't have TikTok, Face- book, Snapchat, video games, group texts etcetera when I was growing up. I just knew the fun of sports. So, I have told my daughter (after many hugs and kisses), if you want this, put down the phone and GO GET IT! WORK for it. Put in the time every single day. If you don't want it that bad, then pick some- thing else and I will support you!" How many parents take this approach today? I can remember when I was in high school, and they had cheerleader tryouts. It mattered not that you were a senior and had been on the team three previous years. You had to try out. I can remember someone who be- came very close to me in later years but was only an acquaintance at the time stressing over making the squad. That was Karen Howell (maiden name of course). I thought, "Heavens, why is she worried? She's a natural." Not in her book. She was out on the field, in the gym every afternoon for days and even weeks before tryouts, working on stunts (nothing like we have today) but steadily working to make sure she made the cut. Her dad was a coach so there was NO sympathy coming from him if she didn't and there was certainly NO I'll talk to the cheer coach and get you on there," coming from him. He may have even coined the phrase 'Suck it up Buttercup". The year Karen graduated there were eight cheerleaders, certainly not in the teens or twenties in number so with 20, 30 or even 40 trying out, you had to literally put your best foot forward. That year, Janice Schlobohm made captain with yes, Karen Howell making co-captain. Cheering also that year was Jenna Willis, Mary Pender, Susan Miller, Kelly Anderson, Judy Milton, and Celia Willis. I have no idea who did not make the squad that year but I'm pretty sure I don't remember hearing of any detrimental happening to any junior or senior girls from that time'. I'm sure there were many parents with the same mindset as Coach Harry Fuzz" Howell had and their daughters were indeed told to Suck it up Buttercup or even the 'Keep it up and I'll give you something to cry about." There was an- other story making its rounds through social media concerning a child not get- ting any playing time on the basketball team. The story went the same way, basically. The mom went on to explain that teams were there to win and if you wanted to be a part of it, you had to work to get to the point you were a contribut- ing player. I have told these two stories to say this, never in my wildest dreams can I imagine either of my parents; first of all, allowing me to cry over spilled milk, secondly even having it cross their minds to call or visit a coach about something that they would consider trivial at best. Shoot, I am not even sure they would have known my either my brother or I was trying out for anything. However, if they did know and if we did not make the team, there would be no tears in front of them. Back in the day of little league, my brother played, and we played at the field behind the old high school. It had a couple of fields at that time, no softball fields, just baseball. He wasn't a catcher but a hind catcher. That term always amused me because where else would you catch a ball other than BE'hind' the plate. That was the term then and that's what was used. Back at the ranch, my brother made all-stars one year and the games were off of 231 in the ballpark where your turn at the "If you can't stop wave" gas station/store. I can remember before we ever left, dad saying, "Now Larry I ain't driving down here to see you sit on the bench, you bet- ter be on that field." Well, he was but had he not been, it wouldn't have been the coach catching grief from Z.L, it would have been Larry for sure. Hold your kids accountable, let them know what defeat it, what a loss is, how com- ing in first isn't always going to happen. And it's not always sports, it can be an election for student government, Beta, any number of clubs. But let them know, IF they do come in first, there's a next time and people will remember how you acted. They may not remember your campaign or your performance on the field, but they will remember how you carried yourself so encourage your kids to win and lose with dignity!
From the EDITOR
SHELIA MADER
THANKSGIVING IN THE SPRING?! Character COMPASS
MARTI VICKERY
THE REGIONS Beyond
JERRY & JOY BLANCHETTE
EDITED BY JOY
By: Marti Vickery Printed by permission
As a nation, we have many calen- dar days set aside each year to ex- press gratitude, to remember he- roes, and to celebrate various grand events. We are afforded the freedom to observe numerous religious holi- days, birthdays, and more. The greet- ing card companies stay with the times, social media is chock full of posts, and the morning shows have it covered. This must be important, so let's take a closer look. All of the signifi- cant, specially designated holidays are printed out on my drugstore calendar and noted on my electronic one, too, so I can attempt to keep track. But what about all the other days of the year? Why can't every day be Thanks- giving Day? In case some of you are skimming, I am not referring to turkey, dress- ing, football, and pie. My reference, though I do love everything "Thanks- giving", is to the feeling of and demon- stration of gratitude ; choosing to be thankful! By now, most of you know that I function much better with lists. Lists help keep me on track and on time. But here's the cool thing about lists. No matter what the list is for, its proof that there are abundant reasons be thank- ful, even post-Hurricane Michael, the COVID pandemic and so much more. Our hearts ache for the peo- ple of the Ukraine and really all over the globe that are facing the sense- less devastation of war. I don't take any of this lightly. Let me get back to the list'- Need groceries? After compiling our list, most of us have the means to go and get what we need, usually in a motor vehicle of some sort, and a clean, stocked store in which to trade. If you know someone who does not, you have an opportunity to bless them! Need the house cleaned? Well, that one's easy. If you live in a house, town- house, or apartment - eventually it needs cleaning . Again, we are feeling a lot of gratitude for ANY shelter right now. Need clothes? Most of us have too many, but now and then some needs arise, and of course, we have plenty of places to choose from. Need help with your studies? Yes, even a homework or research / read- ing list, is a major reason to be deep- ly grateful. Consider the number of countries where an education is not even possible, either due to poverty, gender, safety concerns, or lack of in- frastructure. Some of our neighbors in the NW Florida region are in this situ- ation, albeit temporary - Every time we make a list, it reflects things we can be thankful for ; rea- sons to be grateful, even in the tough times. I recently came across some lists in a file of paperwork, and as I glanced through them, I thought, "Wow, I came through that. This item was taken care of. Those needs have been met!" Let me wrap this one up with an epic quote, from a dynamic and mo- tivational man by the name of Nick Vujicic. Often people ask how I manage to be happy despite having no arms and no legs. The quick answer is that I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. I chose gratitude. ~Nick Vujicic Thanks for listening. I mean it, thank you.
Marti Vickery is a creative professional with DHM. She has a deep appreciation for music, the arts, and intel- ligent humor and enjoys living in northwest Florida.
GOD VERSUS EVOLUTION
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