Son Wittnesses Actual Crucifixion in Philippines

Most people know that some young men in the Philippines have themselves nailed to a cross on Easter Sunday. Jason actually witnessed a crucifixion during a four-hour Easter service last Sunday. I don't think I care to witness a man having nails driven through his hands and feet and fastened to a cross. I wonder how long a man hangs on the cross.  I don't know whether this practice is followed in any other country

Being Lost Twice in Fog in San Francisco

When the USS Pickens arrived back in San Francisco August 3 after a year in the South Pacific, it could use some repairs and maintenance before taking part in the invasion of Japan.  One=half of the crew was on liberty when the ship moved from its anchorage in the bay to a berth at Moore's Dry Dock.  I was given the duty of 
standing at the end of Market Street to meet those returning from liberty and instruct them on how best to go to the dry dock and locate the ship.  Although it was August and I was wearing a peacoat, I nearly froze.  San Francisco can be very cold in the summer.

Later, when we were making regular trips to bring troops home, I was on liberty when the ship was moved and had to find my way to the new location of the ship.  I got lost in a heavy fog and was near panic when I saw a blurry light that was just able to penetrate the fog.  It was a small cafe and I, who never drank coffee, had a cup that tasted better than any I have  had since, and got new directions to the dry dock.

 The next time I was caught and lost in a dense fog I was not alone but in a boat with other members of the ship's crew.  We utilized our LCVP's to travel from the ship to the pier at the foot of Market street and back.  I was in a group of sailors going back to the ship after an evening of liberty who boarded a boat and headed towards the ship anchored in the bay.  The fog was so heavy the sea and the sky disappeared from view and we failed to reach the ship.  Every half hour or so we would see some hazy light signifying we we were near a ship.  An officer in the group would board that vessel and get new bearings on the location of the Pickens. This went on all night until, shortly after dawn, the ship we reached was ours.  I feared that we would travel our of the bay and give out of gas with no way to contact any one or any ship.

If You Pray for Rain, Shouldn't You Wear a Raincoat?

When it began raining here last night I remembered Texas Gov. Perry asking people to pray for rain to help firefighters get control of the forest fires burning across the state.  I am certain he was not expecting the tornadoes, which fanned the flames and worsened conditions. Hopefully, the rains have helped.

Speaking of praying for rain, this was common  in many communities in past years.  My dad told the story of one such prayer meeting.  Even it was not factually true it was typical.  Farmers gathered at a small rural church to ask God to send rain to save their crops, some arriving in buggies and others coming on horseback.  One man tied up his horse and removed his saddle, taking it with him into the church.  When asked why he brought in his saddle, he responded, "it is a almost new saddle and I don't want to get it wet."  Someone replied, "why, there is not a cloud in the sky."  He answered, "We are here to pray for rain, are we not?  Shouldn't we have faith that our prayers will be answered?"

World War II museum Continues to Add Exhibits

The WWII museum has added a spectacular movie-type presentation since we last visited.  Plans have been made for other  buildings and exhibits as money becomes available. I am a charter member so get in free and am pleased that contributions have made it possible to admit all WWII veterans without charge.

Every time I go I am reminded and amazed at how unprepared this nation was to defend it\self and how quickly we were able to get production of war materiel underway and train fighting men.  We ranked l8th  in the world in size of military force when Japan attacked.  The country leaned toward isolationism even before the first world war and only the navy  -- our "first line of defense" -- was at near full strength.  We lost much of our fleet at Pearl Harbor and needed three big victories at sea to save us and put Japan on the defensive.  The lesson should be never forgotten  -- to live in peace you must be strong militarily.

Just a Summary of the Holiday Activities

We-- that is Jen, Josh, Matt and I -  left the middle of  Thursday afternoon in time to meet Mark, Julie and especially Lily arriving from North Carolina by way of Houston via plane.  We then checked into the  hotel.  We were typical tourists Friday and Jessica arrived from LSU to spend the night  in readiness for her race Saturday. One of the reasons we were there was to watch her run but I was unable to have that pleasure.  Some 25,000 runners took part.  Saturday we visited the World War Two museum and Sunday we traveled to Baton Rouge to attend Easter serrvices.  River had joined us Saturday; he and Jessica were late getting back to Baton Rouge.  After church we visited a camp on False River and enjoyed being with relatives and friends and partaking of a barbecue. We returned to New Orleans and checked into a hotel near the airport.  We had to get up very early Monday to get Mark, Julie and Lily to the airport, from where they were to leave at 5:30.  After saying goodbye we drove on home, getting Jen and Matt here in time to go to work.

What if Obama Is Mistaken and $7 Gas Is Not the Answer

Three - now four - now five - now six on the way to seven or higher.  Yes, gasoline at the pump is five at the pump in places, on the way to six very soon.  Will it stop at seven?  That is the price that Obama said even months ago that he was hoping for.  He is doing all in his power to bring this about when by opening up more drilling he could lower the price.  If  he gets his way and oil and gas prices go out of sight, will this actually have the effect he wants, of turning people away from fossil fuels and depending on "green" energy?  He is getting the high gas prices he wants and he may get the exorbitant utility bills he wants imposed on us all. 

One thing is certain; the suffering economy is taking a blow that it may be unable to survive.  The dollar is continuing to weaken as you know if you visited a grocery store.  This inflation is being driven by the high cost of energy, which affects every thing.  More than two-thirds of economists surveyed identified oil prices as the most serious risk facing the economy.  While we know Obama and his nutty cohorts are directly to blame, is also find fault with Congress. They continue to allow boondoggles like subsidies for ethanol, solar panels and other crap to go on without raising hell.  If I had a voice I would should and scream and curse every day.

Palm Sunday -- A Day of Triumph for Jesus

(I wrenched my back and neck Saturday and was unable to go to church today.  I'm sure it has been years since I missed attending Palm Sunday and Easter services. We've spent Easter in Baton Rouges often but we always found a church to attend.  I want to recognize Palm Sunday and have decided to re-run the remarks I posted on Palm Sunday March 28 last year.)

 Jesus and his disciples had been on a slow but determined trip to  Jerusalem .  On the way  Jesus had preached and healed the lame and blind, and he warned his disciples that he would be put to death.  Today he entered Jerusalem riding on a colt, and he was welcomed with adoration and acclaim.  People carpeted the street with their cloaks and many waved palms.   The crowd shouted "Hosanna to the Son of  David!  Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the heavens!  (Matthew 21/9)

Jesus faced arrest and crucifixion, but  that day he could enjoy the excitement, joy and love that the people wanted to give him and that he deserved.