To be insightful means to intuitively grasp things - an "aha!" moment!
About Me
- Netagene
- I am a member of the church of Christ. I have been writing things since I was little. Some have been printed, some posted. I write to teach or encourage; to blow off steam; and for fun! I had my own motorcycle in my 40s; I was a bluegrass music DJ for about 13 years; I've performed some. I am a member of the NRA. In 2003 (age 59), I became high partial legally blind; in 2005, I had to get hearing aids! Franklin Field said: "Poor eyes limit your sight; poor vision limits your deeds". And no kidding, the picture was made April, 2012!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Flowers in my yard
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Nature Girl, part 2
Monday, September 20, 2010
LOVE is How You Stay Alive
Love is how you grow and thrive when you can't dance and jive -
When you no longer drive - even when you're 85.
Love is how you stay alive!
You're at a friend's, alone, and then
You wander through the room.
With some, you chat - just "this" and "that"
And almost leave too soon.
You meet by chance. You catch a glance.
He looks so debonair.
He turns toward you, but looks right through
As if you were not there.
But then his eyes catch your surprise,
And someone comes your way.
A friend so sweet says, "You really must meet ... "
And brightens up your day.
Our life - our verse, for better or worse -
Oh yes, there's ups and downs.
Marriage and kids - so much that we did! -
Always more smiles than frowns.
Through thick and thin, we're always friends
At 30 or 55 -
Most good, some bad, most happy, some sad -
Our Love keeps us alive.
Sure, there were spats - can't ignore that,
But we promised, and found a way.
Now we stay snug - a kiss and a hug,
And Love closes out each day.
Love's music we hear in our older years.
Love's how we grew and thrived.
Remembered songs - we danced along -
Love's how we stay alive!
Now hearing aids - our walk is staid -
We fit like hand in glove.
So we can't dance, but still we glance -
We're still so much in Love!
Love is how you stay alive.
Love is how you grow and thrive when you can't dance and jive -
When you no longer drive - even when you're 85.
Love is how you stay alive!
- by Netagene, in a couple of hours today, another idea from "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. Professor Schwartz told Mitch that "Love is how you stay alive", and Mitch said that sounded like a song lyric. The professor and his wife Charlotte were married about 45 years (if I remember correctly what I read) before his passing.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Jacob's Ladder
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A REDBIRD in an APPLE TREE
That's what I told a friend.
I'm thankful I can hear and see -
My senses joyously blend.
To behold the wonders God has made,
Watching through the glass,
Or sitting, rocking in the shade,
Contemplating things that pass.
Some apple trees are in my view -
Redbirds come to nest -
A peaceful scene when day is through
Helps me unwind and rest.
The apples feed both birds and me,
And both are a delight.
I thank the Lord that I am free
As day turns into night.
- by Netagene - Mother saw her doctor a couple of days ago, and told me that she mentioned all the real tall trees outside his office. He told her that he wished it was a redbird in an apple tree, rather than the tall deciduous trees. Mother told me that about an hour ago, and said she wishes I could paint a picture for the doctor of a redbird in an apple tree, or at least write a poem about it for him, for her to give to him. Because it took me only a few minutes to write the poem, I will probably change some words. (A note Monday evening - Mother said the poem is not quite what she had in mind, but she was unable to explain farther.)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
WHAT's IMPORTANT
I won't reminisce about the "good ol' days". My 'rememberer' just might lie!
'Philosophysing' is not for me. But let me get one thing straight -
Humor me, now that I am old: Enjoy what's on your plate.
I'm not talking about eating vegetables. I'm talking about deeper than that.
Make the most of the life you are given. It's too late when your lifeline goes flat.
Maybe you were born with money. Maybe you just got by.
Make the most of whatever you're given, Because the days do surely fly.
One day you can't **take out the garbage**, So what will that matter to you?
It will let you know you are sliding. You may miss that before you are through!
The things that seem unimportant Are the most important of all.
You might miss a cool drink from the kitchen, Or a hug when a friend comes to call.
You can't take your money with you. It's only to ease this life's wheels.
Love all the ones who're around you. Life is not about lock-step drills!
So what if you don't clean the windows? So what if your lawn's a bit high?
Is that all that to you is important? What will be said when you die?
At your eulogy, will one say your windows Were always shiny and clean?
Wouldn't you rather be known for loving - That you made smiles, rather than windows, gleam?
March to your own personal drummer. One day you'll miss simple things.
You won't miss the corporate rat race. Do things that make your heart sing!
Take a friend and go on vacation. See mountains, rivers, a beach.
Take time to stroll through a garden. Good things are not out of reach!
Read to your child, some story. Listen as he says his prayers.
Everyone needs some loving. We all want to know somebody cares.
It's better to love friends and family - Better than a spotless home.
So what that you're now wrinkled and shaky! With friends, you won't sit all alone!
We've faith in God and good things. We wish; we dream; we hope, but
Love is the only thing that lasts. It's our real and true anchoring rope.
"Love is the only rational act" Is what some wise man once said.
So be glad you can still do that. It's too late when your body is dead.
So while there's time - Are you listening? My life here I know will soon end.
So listen, and learn what's important - And love, as I love you, my friend.
- by Netagene, September 15, 2010 -
Couplet 5, between the asterisks, can be personalized with such as: paint a picture, wash the dishes, throw a baseball, write a letter, work a puzzle ... and so on.
"Tuesdays with Morrie"
DETERMINATION
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hummingbird
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where I was when ...
May 9, 1980: I was driving for United Cab, Tampa, when the Sunshine Skyway Bridge went down. Several people were killed. I usually worked Tampa International Airport - had just returned from an early trip, taking a businessman home not far from TIA. It was raining hard. When I got back to TIA, someone said, "Did you hear? The Bridge went down!" There are a LOT of bridges in the bay area, but in taxi-talk, "The Bridge" meant the Skyway. Any of us could have been on it because we frequently got fares from TIA going to the Sarasota area. It was a long time before I could go over what was left of the bridge (the northbound span was opened to 2-way traffic). After the new bridge was built, I eventually rode over it late one night, alone on my Honda 400 motorcycle.
December 15, 1998: I was on I-20/59 by the Civic Center in downtown Birmingham, going to work at Bruno's corporate office, about 7 a.m., when, without warning, my left retina imploded. I worked the rest of the week, not thinking that if one eye did that, the other could, too.
Odd that I cannot think of where I was when some special GOOD things happened ...
A Guide Dog and the World Trade Centers
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thinking about September 11, 2001
I had heard that on the evening of September 8, 2002, Jeff May, the preacher for the Gardendale church of Christ, was going to preach a sermon about 9/11. Rather than attending worship where I was a member, I was there to hear him. These are my notes from that sermon. Jeff started with a short story, which I am also including here.
or
WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN IT REALLY DOES?
One day a man was strolling in a park near a lake, when he saw another man fall in. Being a good swimmer, his immediate response was to jump in. He was able to save the near-drowning man. Some months later, this same man who almost drowned was brought, chained, into court for killing another person. The jurist was none other than the man who had pulled him out of the lake.
After the evidence had been given and the jury had spoken, the man behind the bench announced, "As the authority in this court, I now sentence you to death in the electric chair. Do you have any questions?"
The condemned man said, "Why is it that only a few months ago, you saved me, yet today you condemn me to death?"
Said the judge, "That day, I was your savior. Today I am your judge."
9/11 happened When MANY THOUGHT It NEVER Would. We've got the greatest military in the world. It’s not going to happen. Who would have thought it could happen? And the ones involved did it quite easily. Do you realize that when Jesus comes again, it'll be just like that? Hoards of people today say, “It's not gonna happen.” They mock at those who preach His return. Peter said they would (II Peter 3:3-4). Look at His response (3:5-10). People didn’t expect the flood either (Genesis 6) - 9/11 happened when many were saying, "Naa"
9/11 showed how TRAGEDY can COME at the MOMENT when We LEAST EXPECT It! It was an ordinary day in New York City. And then ... boom!!! That's precisely how it will be when the Lord comes again (I Thessalonians 5:1-9) - Like a thief! He does not call and tell you to get ready. The events of September 11 unfolded from the sky. Jesus returns on the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:16) - a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet. Graves will open. The living will be changed instantly (I Corinthians 15:51-53). All are given incorruptible bodies but that's not good news for everyone, depending on where you spend eternity.
9/11 Awakened a Few to WHAT MATTERED! One problem with the world we live in is that we seldom think about what really matters. A few things will jerk us there - death, disease. September 11 did!!! Was it a wake up call from God? I don't know. He does believe in them (Amos 4:6-11). It is not beyond Him to use a wicked and evil empire to get the attention of one considered less evil (Habakkuk 1:13). I'll take what happened last September 11 as a wake-up call. What should 9/11 do for right thinking people? See II Peter 3:11-13. This is the only thing that matters.
9/11 Left Two CLASSES of PEOPLE! DEAD and ALIVE - pictures held or posted near the World Trade Center, not knowing which of those two classes their loved ones were in. When Jesus comes again, there will only be two classes. Dead and alive. He separates them (Matthew 25). Both will have an eternal existence, but do you recall anywhere that both are called “life”? One of them is called the “second death”. Do we sometimes forget this? Many people have gotten it in their minds that Jesus' return is going to be like the first time - an announcement of good news to all the world. But not so (John 12:47-48). When Jesus comes again, which of those two groups of people will you be in?
9/11 Proved that ONE RELIGION is NOT as GOOD as ANOTHER! Many Islamic followers declare that the element of Islam that brought on the events of 9/11 is a radical element and does not represent the mindset of all Muslims. Maybe so. All I know is that the mindset and the religious beliefs of the men who brought September 11 to us is not from God.
Jesus taught 3 things the men who brought on 9/11 did not believe.
1. That the way of God is not advanced by physical war (Jihad) - (John 18:36; II Corinthians 10:4; Isaiah 2:4).
2. That He is the son of God. Islam places him as nothing more than a prophet.
3. That He is the only way to God (John 14:6). The early church spoke of "the way" and it was not the way of Islam.
We live in a world of world religions and denominationalism. What's right? Jesus is exclusive and says His way is the only way that's right. One religion is not as good as another.
Conclusion:
A. What is His way? He spoke the truth before He left for Heaven.
B. Have you come to fully believe in Him as the Son of God? Have you confessed that faith? Would you turn from all your sins in repentance and be buried with Him to have them all washed away? (Mark 16:15-16)
C. It's going to stop turning!
Where will YOU be when the world stops turning?
(Thank you for reading this. Netagene ... and since posting that, I found another tribute. It's on http://bevq.blogspot.com - scroll to September 11 of this year.)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Bird Bushes
Flying Ants?
Here's a close-up of the 2 feeders and the corn. This birding can get expensive and time consuming! (October 3, looking back at some pictures - I just now noticed there's a hummingbird about to land on the right of the feeder!)
This morning, I patiently waited, stood in different places, got a few more pictures. I wish I could zoom closer, but I stood as close as I could, held my arms out as much as I could, and zoomed as close as I could. God's tiny jewels are out in force this morning! Also, yesterday I realized where a lot of the sparrows are. There's some kind of big shrub near one corner of my house, and if sparrows were bright colors, that bush would look like a Christmas tree, loaded with birds!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon
Patience, Pictures, and Birds
Friday, September 3, 2010
LIFE CYCLE
Meanders 'round and on, then gone
'til I don't know which way I've flown.
I wonder how I'll get back home.
Little children laugh and play,
And wish it was a longer day -
'cause children love a-maze-ing ways,
While parents guard and watch and pray.
Then comes a time - the child's a teen,
When some are nice and some are mean -
When hormones flash and whine and scream -
Need parents' love - a calming stream.
Then college, and we leave the nest.
We're on our own. We've passed the tests.
Our parents now can have some rest -
And all involved know we're so blest!
Then marriage, family, jobs and more -
The hours move slowly. Life's a bore.
We wonder what we're living for.
We've drifted far from peaceful shore.
Honeymoon's over. Laughter dies,
Yet Love and Life is worth a try.
Yes, it takes work. We'll sometimes cry.
Recapture Joy, and we'll get by.
The cycle starts all over again.
In Love and Life, we lose, we grin.
It all takes effort. We can't give in.
Keep our eyes on our goal. We know we'll win.
The road of Life I've long years on.
It skitters, rambles here - then gone.
Can't measure what my Life has sown,
But Heaven waits - that's my real home!
- By Netagene, written in less than 15 minutes today at work, with only a few changes after I got home. I have no idea where this one came from; it just did. -
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2010
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September
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- Flowers in my yard
- Nature Girl, part 2
- LOVE is How You Stay Alive
- Jacob's Ladder
- A REDBIRD in an APPLE TREE
- WHAT's IMPORTANT
- "Tuesdays with Morrie"
- DETERMINATION
- Hummingbird
- Where I was when ...
- A Guide Dog and the World Trade Centers
- Thinking about September 11, 2001
- Bird Bushes
- Flying Ants?
- Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon
- Patience, Pictures, and Birds
- LIFE CYCLE
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