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Christmas and the Incarnation

Wow, Christmas already? It feels like a year...okay, it happens that way. This post is a follow-up of sorts to " Christmas is More than People Think ", and it would be helpful to read the article linked there before reading this one. Helpful, but not essential. Most professing Christians and some people who give a nod to it celebrate Christmas. Ask them what it means, you will be told that the Son of God was born. There is far more involved than that simple answer provides. Pixabay / Gerd Altmann As a child raised in the Untied Methodist Church (misspelling intentional), I learned my best theology from the hymns and public reading-mumblings of the creeds in the back of the hymnals. My understanding was still very weak, however. I have a vague recollection of getting on the prod when someone said that Jesus is God: "No he isn't! He's the Son  of God!" Later came knowledge of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Then the phrase, "

For the Right Reasons, or Even Self-Preservation

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen  Something I believe in is doing what is right just because it is the right thing. Maybe something small, a simple courtesy, or even helpful. I heard some women at a previous workplace talking about how they do not need to move over to the left and let traffic merge, that is the problem for that driver. Changing lanes to the right to help someone merge could also prevent a crash, so those girls can still be selfish and helpful at the same time. In some states, the ones who refused to move might even be at fault. If not for decency, think about self-preservation. Man in Manhattan, Unsplash / Diane Picchiottino (slightly modified) Some time ago, I told you (because reasons and stuff) that I have a position that involves wrangling venomous snakes at Universal Widgets. A good part of the property is open to the public, so just about anyone can visit the area. I noticed a guy walking around who had a distinct appearance. In addition, he dressed rather ni

The Demise of Black Friday?

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen  "Whatcha doin' strappin' on them shootin' irons, Jake?" "Come on, Luke, ya know it's Black Friday. A guy wants to get a deal, and crowds get mighty ornery." A scene from no Western show ever. That's because insane shopping the day after Thanksgiving is a relatively new invention. Sure, there have been various events in history with the moniker of Black Friday, but the version we know today apparently did not begin until the 1980s . Now it's a "tradition" tacked onto Thanksgiving. That Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and others are considered launches for the Christmas retail season, so insane shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving (where people seem to have forgotten being thankful and their greed kicks in). Shopping seasons and Black Friday went together. Mostly made at  Custom Tombstone Maker Years ago, I worked in a retail store that was giving away some silly thing to the first hundred customers. Peopl

Fun with Neanderthal Pictures

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen  This is a quick bit of weirdness that I came across when preparing for a post. The article that will be featured involves a Darwinian fantasy about pre-humans and how chewing helped their brains get bigger. Yes, some jaspers really think that. The article goes on to discuss fire and cooked food and had a picture of allegedly primitive hominins around a fire Since I do not like to use the same image used by the post I am featuring, I remembered this one, which has been listed as public domain: Artist's conception of Neanderthals 60,000 years ago, NASA / JPL-Caltech (usage does not imply endorsement of site contents) Although the picture is all over the web, some users gave credit to the source. (I like to do that as well, even when not required.) It's supposed to be humans at 60,000 Darwin years ago, and some credits say that those are Neanderthals. (The article at the link below the picture implies they were looking at Mars during a close approach to Ea

Being Professional in the Workplace

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen Yeah, I know. People who work for a living are told to act professional-like, and are constantly reminded of it. Here is an example that shows professionalism — or the lack thereof — in action. Just a few days ago, I was in town with Roland Meadows, the fiancé of my prospector friend Stormie Waters. Since Roland wanted to get Stormie a gift, we then headed for a bigger town that has one of those big box stores with a passel of stuff. Clothing for sale, Pexels / Marcus Winkler While he was browsing for a gift, I was also wandering. I saw an employee putting things back on the shelf (people ransack these places), and someone came up to him. "Do you know that person working the counter over there?" "I don't —" the employee began to reply. "Well, I asked a question and was told it was stupid and was laughed at! I've had a hard life..." He went on for a few more seconds with a profane tirade, apologized to the employee for cursing

I Dream of Demons

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen  It was one of those nights where I lost some sleep, and frustrating because I had to go to work the next day. Tough it out and pray for strength. Have you experienced dreams that stay with you throughout the day? This was not one of those. Instead, I was laying there at four in the A. of M. trying to remember it so I could write this here article. The first dream that I will mention, however, did  stay with me. I remember most of it rather well years later. Old house, Pixabay / Peter H In the older dream, I was walking alone on a very straight country lane on a very fine day. It was unpaved and there were no fences. Coming toward me was a figure in a hooded black robe, and a dog (like a Labrador Retriever, but with a bit more hair). The dog ignored me and kept on going, but I knew the other character was a demon. I was annoyed, and my immediate response was to rebuke it. "Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the blood shed on the cross —" &q

Being a Cowboy to Get that Position

Wow, it has been quite a while since I posted here! I try to do it once a month but failed on that. The series on why that atheist hates me will continue once things get stabilized in my life. Got some ideas I want to work into it. Some years ago, someone saddled me (heh!) with the nickname Cowboy Bob, and I got the bit in my teeth and galloped with it. Although I don't know nothin' 'bout no hayburners, it fits the attitude inside. I realized that "cowboy" fits me, and I learned that my father was also a cowboy at heart. Pre-employment drug testing, Flickr / Cambodia, P.I Network ( CC BY 2.0 ) Being a venomous snake wrangler at Universal Widgets* has its perks, is interesting, and even fun. I can ride into town for supplies, see Stormie Waters and other friends, and even visit with some of the hands at the Darwin Ranch like Rusty Swingset (yes, there are a few where we can shake hands and part friendly). But I wanted something else in my employment, so I applied