Spring Forward – Fall Back 11-1-2011
At 2 a.m. on November 6, North America -- with the exception of Hawaii and Arizona -- will gain one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends and Daylight Standard Time becomes the norm. So for those who remember to turn their clocks back, the reward is an extra hour of sleep. For those who forget, their Sunday will be really messed up as they arrive an hour early for their first appointment. For all of us it will take a few days to become accustomed to the time change.
Every year the question is asked, “Why do we bother messing with the time change?”
The answer has its roots in World War I and II. By adding an extra hour of daylight to the afternoon hours, less electricity was used for domestic purposes, allowing more energy to be used for the war effort.
Today, the actual energy savings are somewhat questionable, but we still observe the ritual of time travel as we “spring forward and fall back.” Perhaps the ritual is not all bad, as the change marks a clear line that lets North America know it should start preparing for winter. Soon we will get up in the dark and return home in the dark, with many of us fighting snow and sleet, cold and drizzle to do so. The heavy days of winter are approaching, and we must make ready. Having a reminder like setting our clocks back to lose an hour of daylight seems a perfect way to mark this transition.
The time change also signals the start of other wintry events in our lives: crackling fires in a fireplace, hot chocolate and marshmallows, romantic rides in a horse-drawn carriage with the woman of your dreams, taking the kids ice skating and snowball fights -- to name a few. All these things add a little brightness to the cold and dreariness of the season.
So remember, be sure to fall back this weekend.
If you don’t, you’ll be up in time not only to make church, but to get to Bible class as well.
Every year the question is asked, “Why do we bother messing with the time change?”
The answer has its roots in World War I and II. By adding an extra hour of daylight to the afternoon hours, less electricity was used for domestic purposes, allowing more energy to be used for the war effort.
Today, the actual energy savings are somewhat questionable, but we still observe the ritual of time travel as we “spring forward and fall back.” Perhaps the ritual is not all bad, as the change marks a clear line that lets North America know it should start preparing for winter. Soon we will get up in the dark and return home in the dark, with many of us fighting snow and sleet, cold and drizzle to do so. The heavy days of winter are approaching, and we must make ready. Having a reminder like setting our clocks back to lose an hour of daylight seems a perfect way to mark this transition.
The time change also signals the start of other wintry events in our lives: crackling fires in a fireplace, hot chocolate and marshmallows, romantic rides in a horse-drawn carriage with the woman of your dreams, taking the kids ice skating and snowball fights -- to name a few. All these things add a little brightness to the cold and dreariness of the season.
So remember, be sure to fall back this weekend.
If you don’t, you’ll be up in time not only to make church, but to get to Bible class as well.
11-11-11 11-8-11
The young soldier walks 21 steps. The loud click made by his shoe’s metal heel plates echo across the grounds. He comes to a halt. He pauses for 21 seconds, remaining at attention. Then he executes a perfect about-face, his rifle moving to the opposite shoulder. He starts his 21 paces back across the duty station, his eyes ever alert to any sign of impending danger. Back and forth he walks, his uniform spotless, his rifle immaculate, gleaming as the sun hits the exposed metal, but always ready to deliver a lethal charge, if needed. He is a member of Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard" based out of Fort Myer, Virginia, and he is guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. As he performs his duty of “walking post” at the tomb, he joins the hundreds of other men who have guarded this tomb continuously -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year since 1930.
The soldiers who perform this duty do so with respect and honor for their fallen comrades. They are so dedicated to their duty that when hurricane Isabel came ashore across the area and the regimental commander sent word to the nighttime sentry detail to secure the post and seek shelter from the high winds, to ensure their personal safety, they disobeyed the order. Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.
On November 11, the United States will recognize Veterans Day and Canada will celebrate Remembrance Day. Both countries will pause to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line of duty.
Men, as we pause to commemorate the day, perhaps it is a great time to examine our lives and take inventory of how we perform our duty.
Will we be as committed to our duty as these guards were to theirs?
The soldiers who perform this duty do so with respect and honor for their fallen comrades. They are so dedicated to their duty that when hurricane Isabel came ashore across the area and the regimental commander sent word to the nighttime sentry detail to secure the post and seek shelter from the high winds, to ensure their personal safety, they disobeyed the order. Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.
On November 11, the United States will recognize Veterans Day and Canada will celebrate Remembrance Day. Both countries will pause to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line of duty.
Men, as we pause to commemorate the day, perhaps it is a great time to examine our lives and take inventory of how we perform our duty.
Will we be as committed to our duty as these guards were to theirs?
Thanksgiving 11-15-2011
It won’t be long now until the United States pauses for its national day of Thanksgiving. Across this great land of ours thousands of men will soon gather in poorly-lit garages, studying dog-eared recipe cards, as they begin hot-oil preparations for that succulent centerpiece of this traditional meal: deep-fried turkey. For some this will be followed by another tradition: a visit from the local fire department.
After gorging on the day’s heaping victuals, the clan will separate for its family-bonding time. For the men it’s an early retirement to the “man cave,” where the warm spell of a big-screen TV and a 5,200-calorie dinner almost certainly puts them in a state approaching a neurogenic stupor. It is here in between naps that the old men will instruct the younger on the finer points of questioning a coach’s decision, yelling at officials as if they can actually hear them through the TV. And it is here where underlings, sated on the day’s feast, might also find themselves succumbing to their first mid-afternoon nap in years. While this transpires, the women -- off in another location -- will plot their plan of mercantile attack, pouring over newspaper ads, devising the best way to cover “Black Friday” sales and, generally, patting themselves on the back for all the money they are about to save. The older matriarchs, when not swapping stories of life in a simpler time, will be ably instructing their younger sisters on nonchalant body-blocking techniques at the sales counter.
Yes, it seems this traditional day of giving thanks has been replaced with sports, stores and snores. With many malls now announcing Black Friday sales will kick off at midnight, the concept of a full day of family gathering and giving thanks gets pressured just a little bit more. For many their family time will be cut short, as they excuse themselves to catch some extra sleep before trudging off to their appointed task at the local retail outlet. Thankful as these folks are, of course, that there’s a job to go to, our country’s rising tradition of mega sales post Thanksgiving does take our mind off the meaning of the day -- to be thankful for what we have, not what we will buy tomorrow.
As you approach this year’s annual celebration of giving thanks, may you find rich rewards in what you and your family have already been given.
After gorging on the day’s heaping victuals, the clan will separate for its family-bonding time. For the men it’s an early retirement to the “man cave,” where the warm spell of a big-screen TV and a 5,200-calorie dinner almost certainly puts them in a state approaching a neurogenic stupor. It is here in between naps that the old men will instruct the younger on the finer points of questioning a coach’s decision, yelling at officials as if they can actually hear them through the TV. And it is here where underlings, sated on the day’s feast, might also find themselves succumbing to their first mid-afternoon nap in years. While this transpires, the women -- off in another location -- will plot their plan of mercantile attack, pouring over newspaper ads, devising the best way to cover “Black Friday” sales and, generally, patting themselves on the back for all the money they are about to save. The older matriarchs, when not swapping stories of life in a simpler time, will be ably instructing their younger sisters on nonchalant body-blocking techniques at the sales counter.
Yes, it seems this traditional day of giving thanks has been replaced with sports, stores and snores. With many malls now announcing Black Friday sales will kick off at midnight, the concept of a full day of family gathering and giving thanks gets pressured just a little bit more. For many their family time will be cut short, as they excuse themselves to catch some extra sleep before trudging off to their appointed task at the local retail outlet. Thankful as these folks are, of course, that there’s a job to go to, our country’s rising tradition of mega sales post Thanksgiving does take our mind off the meaning of the day -- to be thankful for what we have, not what we will buy tomorrow.
As you approach this year’s annual celebration of giving thanks, may you find rich rewards in what you and your family have already been given.
Letters 11-22-2011
The brothers gathered together to survey the room full of goods. Mom and dad had wanted all of their possessions to be divided among their children and it was now time. A plan was formulated that would ensure that each sibling would receive that which had meaning to him or his family. Some pieces were easy - gifts that had been given reverted back to the original giver, the organ would be passed on to the organ player, and since there were three brothers, any collection was divided three ways.
The day grew long as each item brought forth a time of remembering. "Do you remember when Dad brought that home?" "I can still see mom's smile when she was able to buy that." More stories were shared than items divided - but that was the nature of the day.
One box held a pleasant surprise - mom had saved every one of dad's letters to her. They were engaged to be married, but the war interrupted their plans. He donned the uniform and was stationed in Europe - part of a medical unit that treated frontline casualties. She stayed home and worked in a factory, buying war bonds and collecting items for the war effort. Each sacrificed for the good of the other, and shared their life in letters. He shared what he could about his days, careful not to reveal war-sensitive information; she sharing what she could about her days, careful not to reveal any upsetting information.
The brothers sat down and started through the box. The prose bespoke their heartache of separation, their devotion to each other, and their willingness to sacrifice for the good of the country. But most of all they shared their hopes and dreams for the future - a time of peace, a time of family, a time of love. They left a legacy of love and courage to their children.
Men, when was the last time you wrote your wife a love letter? There is something about taking a pen to paper and pouring out your heart's feelings that is special - both for you and for her. You don't have to be a polished writer, just heartfelt and honest. If the very thought of her brings a smile to your lips, then tell her that. If you can't wait to see her at the end of a hard day, tell her that. If you love the way she laughs, her cooking, or how she cries at movies - tell her that.
Mom and Dad were not writers, but they wrote from their heart. Mom tied a blue ribbon around her letters, dad kept his in a cigar box, but both read and reread them many times. Every now and then one was tear-stained, or folded over to fit in a pocket, but all were saved for a lifetime.
Guys, there is no time like now to write a letter.
The day grew long as each item brought forth a time of remembering. "Do you remember when Dad brought that home?" "I can still see mom's smile when she was able to buy that." More stories were shared than items divided - but that was the nature of the day.
One box held a pleasant surprise - mom had saved every one of dad's letters to her. They were engaged to be married, but the war interrupted their plans. He donned the uniform and was stationed in Europe - part of a medical unit that treated frontline casualties. She stayed home and worked in a factory, buying war bonds and collecting items for the war effort. Each sacrificed for the good of the other, and shared their life in letters. He shared what he could about his days, careful not to reveal war-sensitive information; she sharing what she could about her days, careful not to reveal any upsetting information.
The brothers sat down and started through the box. The prose bespoke their heartache of separation, their devotion to each other, and their willingness to sacrifice for the good of the country. But most of all they shared their hopes and dreams for the future - a time of peace, a time of family, a time of love. They left a legacy of love and courage to their children.
Men, when was the last time you wrote your wife a love letter? There is something about taking a pen to paper and pouring out your heart's feelings that is special - both for you and for her. You don't have to be a polished writer, just heartfelt and honest. If the very thought of her brings a smile to your lips, then tell her that. If you can't wait to see her at the end of a hard day, tell her that. If you love the way she laughs, her cooking, or how she cries at movies - tell her that.
Mom and Dad were not writers, but they wrote from their heart. Mom tied a blue ribbon around her letters, dad kept his in a cigar box, but both read and reread them many times. Every now and then one was tear-stained, or folded over to fit in a pocket, but all were saved for a lifetime.
Guys, there is no time like now to write a letter.
T'was the Night after Thanksgiving - with Apologies to Clement Clarke Moore 11-29-2011
T'was the night after Thanksgiving when all through the town,
Not a person was smiling; they all had a frown.
The mall doors were all locked; they were guarded with care;
In hopes that hoards of shoppers would soon arrive there.
The clerks stood ready, all dressed in holiday red,
While visions of full registers danced in their heads.
Then mama in her PJs, and I in my vest,
Climbed out of our tent, ahead of the rest.
Now out in the parking lot, arose a clatter,
We all turned to see just what was the matter.
In unison we craned our necks longing to see,
Yet keeping our place in line we wanted to be.
The red and blue lights from the top of the car,
Proved a dignitary was close, coming from far.
When what to our disbelieving eyes should appear,
But the CEOs of ev'ry store we held dear.
They spread through the crowd, somewhat panicked and thick;
They jumped up on a stage, erected so quick.
An emcee appeared, and out of the car he came,
And introduced them-called them each by name.
From Macy's, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and more,
Kmart, and Dillards, Kohl's and one other store,
To the front of the line, to the end of the mall,
Now please listen to us, please listen to all.
Christmas gifts for the family are all very fine,
But this is the year you must all draw the line.
You see, it's not the cash or the size of the box,
And it's not the money; why put yourself in hock?
Rather, it's the time you will give that means the most,
It's the stories you tell, the occasional toast.
So dash away, dash away, dash away all;
On to your houses, now leave this here mall.
Off the stage strode the CEOs one and all
From their limos on cell phones they all made a call.
Christmas time is just perfect for lots of nice presents,
But what family needs most is your generous presence.
Not a person was smiling; they all had a frown.
The mall doors were all locked; they were guarded with care;
In hopes that hoards of shoppers would soon arrive there.
The clerks stood ready, all dressed in holiday red,
While visions of full registers danced in their heads.
Then mama in her PJs, and I in my vest,
Climbed out of our tent, ahead of the rest.
Now out in the parking lot, arose a clatter,
We all turned to see just what was the matter.
In unison we craned our necks longing to see,
Yet keeping our place in line we wanted to be.
The red and blue lights from the top of the car,
Proved a dignitary was close, coming from far.
When what to our disbelieving eyes should appear,
But the CEOs of ev'ry store we held dear.
They spread through the crowd, somewhat panicked and thick;
They jumped up on a stage, erected so quick.
An emcee appeared, and out of the car he came,
And introduced them-called them each by name.
From Macy's, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and more,
Kmart, and Dillards, Kohl's and one other store,
To the front of the line, to the end of the mall,
Now please listen to us, please listen to all.
Christmas gifts for the family are all very fine,
But this is the year you must all draw the line.
You see, it's not the cash or the size of the box,
And it's not the money; why put yourself in hock?
Rather, it's the time you will give that means the most,
It's the stories you tell, the occasional toast.
So dash away, dash away, dash away all;
On to your houses, now leave this here mall.
Off the stage strode the CEOs one and all
From their limos on cell phones they all made a call.
Christmas time is just perfect for lots of nice presents,
But what family needs most is your generous presence.
