WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

The end of another year brings about a time for renewing values and goals while reflecting on the past. 2016 has been a trying year for everyone, even children and the elderly.  However, we have survived the year, the election is over, and we are faced with an uncertain future. As I think back over the years, I remember the same reflections and anxieties followed all changes in our world. So with confidence I look forward to the future expecting all is well. God is in control and the sun will rise tomorrow. I’m beginning my fourth year residing in New Orleans. A city defined by its art and music, I have written several poems inspired by its charm and history, but I cannot compete with the haunting beauty and magic of a ballad written by Robert Thiele and George David Weiss, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. First recorded in 1967 by New Orleans’ own talented musician, the great Louis Armstrong, the melody echoes in my mind as I remember the gruff, powerful style of Mr. Armstrong as he smiled singing out, as only he could do, the awesome lyrics of the lovely ballad. The music expresses the theme that, although knowledge and education are important, only love and appreciation for the priceless treasures of life make the world a wonderful place. As you read these simple, inspiring words, let them speak to your heart.

                       I see trees of green, red roses too
                       I see them bloom for me and you
                       And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                        I see skies of blue and clouds of white
                        The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
                        And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

                         The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
                         Are also on the faces of people going by
                         I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
                         They're really saying I love you.

                         I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
                         They'll learn much more than I'll never know
                         And I think to myself what a wonderful world
                         Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world.

As I reflect on these thoughts, I realize how vital a positive attitude is to our health and mental well-being. As I continue the December of my life, I resolve to rise up each morning with thanks to God for trees of green, skies of blue, birds singing, babies crying, friends and family loving me, and Louis Armstrong’s echoing melody drifting on the breeze to remind me WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD I am blessed to enjoy. I wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

          

ADDING TO THE NOISE

I’ve been practicing good behavior and trying to avoid the political forum. However, I’ve been surfing today, and the news media can make one’s head spin. Tempted beyond what I’m able… I must add my chorus to the noise.  Wow, it’s November again, and I’ve lived through another year. And what a year it has been. I’m grateful for reasonably good health. At least, I’m still ambulatory, alert on most days, and my 83rd birthday is just around the corner.  The world welcomed me on November 8, 1933, exactly one year after Franklin Roosevelt was elected to his first term as President on November 8, 1932. Since that time, two other Presidents were elected on my birthday;  John Kennedy and George Bush, the elder.  Election Day occurs on November 8^th every 28 years. Therefore, on Tuesday, November 8^th, a new President will be selected on my birthday again.

With very mixed emotions, I have already voted for my choice. In view of my conservative principles, this election has aroused a number of emotions to be endured while so much controversy has permeated our culture. For an elderly citizen, the political trend has been alarming and difficult to accept. Although my years are certainly numbered on this planet, I am fearful of the world I must leave for my grandchildren. I can only hope and pray that the future generation will return to God realizing that the liberal world will bring them a painful existence  A study of history reveals the demise of cultures in past generations that embraced immorality, socialism, and the lust for power and materialism. I wish it were not so, but we should be warned.

I fear, while our nation is distracted by the globalist, greedy for power, hungering for wealth, blinding citizens to the truth, our leaders of the ever-growing government will allow a profound, long-developing CHANGE to occur in our world. Europe is already falling to this dark, oppressive form of slavery. Mrs. Clinton stands in allegiance with Islam. Although her motives are greed and power, she will be defenseless against the rise in Islamic power when indeed their numbers reach the majority. The western world as we know it will disappear. At this writing, she is the frontrunner, and may be President.

As a Christian, I could live beside Islam with normal exchange of ideas as long as they allowed me freedom to exist in peace. However, Americans, look around you and notice that where Islam governs, unbelievers (those who reject Islam) are eliminated or must submit to their (Islamic) law. Those of you who espouse atheistic ideology will find you also will adhere to Islam or be eliminated.  Historically, these are the facts. My Christian faith will not allow me to submit to Islam. It is my observation that Islam expects me to leave God and bow to their god, to be content with sharia law, and submit to the fallacy of the Quran.  I will die before accepting such government.

So, as I said, I voted for conservative policy, a conservative Supreme Court, strict adherence to the First and Second Amendments, law and order in our streets, freedom to speak and worship as I choose, a less intrusive government, respect for authority, and a strong military. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” I refuse to be intimidated by those who threaten saying my views are flawed. I stand for the America I once loved, where we felt safe, cared for each other, and could respect our leaders even though they were not perfect. Donald Trump is sometimes crude, untried, inexperienced, and a risk, but he seems sincere, and at this point, we have nothing to lose. Although Hillary Clinton is well-known, having lived off the tax payers for all her adult life, she is deceitful, dishonest, self-serving, manipulative, flawed, predictable, and unwise in judgment. I cannot support her globalist lust for power and greed.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I stand a CONSERVATIVE VOTER, without shame, unabashed, with hope that new leaders will serve our nation wisely, protecting our freedom from threats from without and within, while allowing us to move forward in peace and prosperity. In the December of my life, with years of experience on the exciting roller coaster ride called living,  I am convinced, one fact is evident. Almighty God of the Bible is in control, and when He has had enough…check your history. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!  VOTE your INFORMED conscience, and STAND ready to DEFEND your values. America is in trouble.