The Deceit of the Debate

 

Being wrong may be shouting we are right at the top of our lungs.

This blog is dedicated to the truths we've uncovered for our family. My aim is to offer assistance to others by sharing the wisdom gained predominantly through experiences of pain and loss.  

Here are a few of our truths for example. First, we've found that purchasing cars too often is costly and financially burdensome. Next, consuming the American average amount of simple carbohydrates and sugar leads to weight gain and inflammation. Also, Honda and Toyota are best vehicles for us in reliability.  Moving on, we've realized that our life's purpose extends beyond our occupation. Fifthly, studying and applying biblical principles simplifies life's journey. Finally, Pex plastic plumbing has been easy to install and reliable in use.

I maintain a YouTube channel, but you may notice that I haven't uploaded new content for several years. This hiatus was due to persistent negative feedback in the comments section and my place of employment. Additionally, I once had a Facebook account, which I have since deactivated because it became a source of emotional and spiritual discomfort.   

I may consider posting on YouTube in the future, but as for Facebook, I'll pass. It's all too easy to get dragged into debates over the most trivial matters. Attempts to be helpful can quickly lead to being berated by an irate individual armed with extensive research, claiming expertise in their field.  Our research encompasses over five decades of life experiences, diverse academic studies, and observations of others' decisions leading to unfavorable outcomes.

I am not an expert in any one field even though I have much experience and education behind me. I am a "jack of all trades, master of none." It seems I can do everything quite well, yet I lack the desire to put forth the effort to be the best.  The margin for being the best is so elusive.

We recognize the numerous pitfalls in our world, and if we can assist even one person in avoiding these snares, it would be all the more worthwhile. Our aim is not to prove anything, but rather to offer ideas others may use to bypass mistakes. Deception is rampant and promoted in every facet of life.  

For every truth we discover, someone else may offer a different perspective.  Even with the truths above we find straightforward.  "Ted, you should lease cars," they argue, providing a list of reasons. We would consider leasing only if we desired luxury vehicles like Mercedes or BMWs. "Ted, what we eat is irrelevant; it's all about portion control," another suggests. "We drove a Ford F-150 for 500,000 miles, not those flimsy, unpatriotic Japanese-made cars." "We must pursue the vocation we were born to do, or else our lives are squandered," some assert. "The Bible is akin to a science fiction novel filled with absurd tales, and we find it foolish," others declare. "Copper is the superior plumbing material, far more aesthetically pleasing than that plastic mess resembling tangled noodles," some advocate, with declarations often accompanied by a dissertation.

We would not debate any of the statements above. They are pretty much a waste of time.  We are messengers not deliverers.  We learned a long time ago that most people who want to argue just enjoy debate.  Or they are trolls. We have never changed anyone's mind through debate.  That's because the above items are not debatable, really.  There are too many variables.

Hear are the reasons debating such items are futile:

We have not ever owned a Ford truck. The last Ford brand that we owned was in the early 90s. So, we have no dog in the fight.

 We cannot afford to lease cars in retirement. In our situation it appears to be the most expensive way to own cars. Leasing may make sense in very specific situations. 

 Eating sugar or simple carbs causes me inflammation and I feel terrible. Someone may have won the genetic lottery and McDs causes no weight gain or distress in their body. 

  I retired after my career came to an unexpected halt. Had my job been my sole purpose in life, retirement would have been a significant loss. However, there are those who find immense joy in their careers and choose never to retire.  Good for them.

The Bible may seem nonsensical to those grappling with faith, as the scriptures require spiritual rather than logical interpretation. It is recognized that some individuals may have been misled or injured by those professing faith. 

Many professional plumbers still use copper.  We are do-it-yourself type of people.

Conversely, it is often with those closest to us that we find ourselves in intense discussions. When loved ones adopt beliefs or partake in actions that could be detrimental, we feel the need to step in. This is why the blogger opts to avoid Facebook, a platform where harmful beliefs and behaviors have been perpetuated. Family members may make choices that are unwise and distressing, yet it is not obligatory for us to observe or endorse these choices. From a biblical perspective, Jesus taught about shaking the dust from your feet when your message goes unheeded.

Being helpful is generally positive, but it's also acceptable to step back if someone declines assistance. We shouldn't compel anyone to accept our help. This respect for personal boundaries is an important consideration in recent times.

We have been deceived that we need to make sure everyone agrees with us.  

There was a time when someone might claim that 2+2 equals 5 or that the Hallelujah Chorus should be performed in the key of "H sharp". Before retiring, I felt compelled to challenge such statements. Now, in retirement, I no longer feel the need to always correct others. I simply assume that the person is either trying to provoke me or is uninformed. Over the last two years, I've significantly improved at choosing to walk away—or even run. Sometimes, it's necessary to change the channel or shut off the television entirely. 

The reality is that debate often seems futile and has been causing considerable animosity of late. This blog serves as a personal repository for the knowledge I've acquired. If others discover valuable content here, then all the better.

I'm tired..........................................more later. 

 

Fake Rich

 

To alleviate significant stress, anxiety, and worry, it is crucial to acknowledge the detrimental patterns prevalent in American culture when it comes to wealth.

Even Christian culture has not been immune to this influence, yet there is no scripture that, when taken in proper context, supports this pursuit of status.  Historically, we have been counter cultural.

Every book on millionaires suggests that true wealth is built up over time. However, if you take a drive through your neighborhood, observe what the majority of people aged 21-35 are driving. Notice the cell phones in their hands as they drive, or perhaps even a gourmet coffee.  

My 2006 Highlander looks invisible and bland around these late model SUVs. Can they afford that expensive shiny SUV?  No, not most if we do a little research. 

In nearly every "I'm Rich after Being Deceived" book, they warn you of the many pretenders. This is often because the authors themselves were such pretenders. 

Because of our financial mistakes my wife and I never got to participate in this status game much. We never looked wealthy unless you think Toyota Camrys are "the ultimate driving machine".

 Moving forward, it's noted that over 70 percent of credit card users are unable to pay off their balance each month, incurring substantial interest charges. This raises the question: why would anyone choose to engage with companies perceived as unscrupulous? In some views, they are likened to upscale loan sharks, though perhaps without the 'upscale' part.

It is likely not a contentious point to say that three-quarters of Americans might be considered "fake rich." This may come as a relief to those who feel they are falling behind. 

At first glance, one might think we're impoverished. My wife drives a Camry that's a decade old, and I get around in a 2006 Highlander. I'm writing this blog on an ancient HP laptop that I acquired in my teaching days during the 2010s. If I disconnect it, I've got roughly 15 minutes before it shuts down with a battery warning. My gaming collection includes a Sega Genesis with games I've yet to play, an original Xbox with a similar backlog, and a PlayStation 3. I had a used PlayStation 4, but I sold it before we moved because the collection was becoming too much. 

That's essentially the situation with all the things we've accumulated, yet here I am, able to blog while the baby sleeps. Meanwhile, most people have to work to maintain the facade.

My wife will need to work for approximately four more years to sustain the standard of living to which we have become accustomed. We wouldn't be in distress, but certainly, some adjustments would be necessary.  The huge issue for us now is Health Insurance.

Healthcare represents a significant challenge in retirement. In the past decade, we've allocated more funds to healthcare than in all our previous years of marriage combined. We anticipate the next decade to be similar, if not more demanding. Once healthcare expenses are wrangled, retirement will become much more manageable.

The significance of housing diminishes when one can comfortably reside in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling anywhere in the nation with minimal complications. It's quite astonishing how infrequently we entertain visitors from out of town. This observation prompts me to wonder about the necessity of two additional bedrooms for everyone. 

But I digress............................ 

Here's our journey from the illusion of wealth to the reality of impending retirement.

Debt free:  This milestone is monumental. We settled our last debts around 2015 and have avoided incurring any new ones since then. Encouraged by our parents, we also paid off the mortgage. This phase was likely the most crucial in our financial journey.  

Cars with cash:  Purchasing cars from private sellers is now the preferred method for us, as it's often where the best deals are found. It's advisable to invest $100 in a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. 

Emergency Funds:  This fund has been a lifesaver—like when we needed a new roof for our townhouse four years earlier than anticipated. It's set aside for the unforeseen yet inevitable events: car collisions, appliance malfunctions, hailstorms, fires, plumbing failures, floods, physical ailments, pet illnesses, and even job layoffs. We've established a fund for nearly every conceivable situation. It may drive my wife up the wall, but in times of widespread crisis, this fund is as comforting as mink.

Invest:  We fully contribute to our 401K and HSA; simplicity is key. The complexity of a financial instrument equates to higher risk for us. If it's not understandable, we avoid it. 

Insurance: Retirement brings many challenges, and one of the biggest is ensuring financial security. Insurance plans are crucial to prevent significant financial losses. However, the most substantial expense we face as we age is health care. Health insurance represents the final and most formidable mountain to climb. Studies indicate that an elderly individual could spend up to $300,000 on health care, even with insurance coverage. Securing robust health insurance is essential.

The "fake rich" often prioritize possessions. With an extra $600,000, one could purchase a luxurious house or a flashy car, yet the question remains: who will take care of our healthcare expenses? It's clear why this is a contentious issue.

How we know when we are no longer "fake rich"? Priorities shift.

Here are a few unmistakable indicators for us. If my wife were to come home today and say that a truck had ripped off the front end of the Camry, my primary concern would be her well-being. I would insist on her being thoroughly examined by a doctor first. In this blog, we will discuss insurance extensively. A serious health crisis could quickly lead to bankruptcy. Interestingly, I never considered health insurance seriously until I reached my late forties.

 Regarding the cars, we have the cash ready to purchase another Camry. Moreover, if someone were to inform me that our Highlander has been damaged, we have the funds to travel to any location, acquire a replacement with comparable mileage, and drive it back home as if nothing occurred. It's not a significant issue anymore. Car insurance is nice and all, but we've learned some hard lessons in that area.

If houses, cars and stuff are second thoughts, you've probably moved beyond the "fake rich" crowd.  We need to move from accumulating funds to distributing funds in retirement.  If there are no funds to distribute.......................well, there's your answer.

I'm tired............................ 

The Warped Perception of Status

 

It's intriguing how frequently the term 'unaffordable' is used in this country. Cars and housing are deemed unaffordable, a sentiment that has persisted for as long as this writer can remember. It raises the question of why some people finance a car over seven years and a house over thirty years.  In other words, why did people ever agree to pay so much for a house or a car in the first place?

Mortgage means "death note". 

Should it take almost half a decade to pay off a car?  Should it take most of our lives to pay off a place to live? I've always thought that these transactions were odd. Everything would be cash on the barrel in Ted world.     

The enigma of new cars always gives me pause for thought. The moment a vehicle is driven off the dealer's lot, it is considered used, and its value diminishes. Despite careful maintenance and protection from the elements, most vehicles depreciate approximately 50 percent within five years. The pandemic caused a short halt to this fact, but things always snap back.

 However, people often retain their Toyota SUVs for extended periods, averaging 11 years, as indicated by research. And that's a long time to most Americans. Consequently, one could purchase an SUV and opt to replace it just three years after paying it off!  An expensive Wash, Rinse, Repeat. We want to do better than that. 

Looking at places to live, many people don't stay in one location for long. Given the high transaction fees, it begs the question: why purchase a permanent home if there's a likelihood of moving within 5 to 15 years? This blog will later explore the notion that owning a primary residence often offers little advantage over renting. Real estate professionals frequently debate this topic, with some even suggesting that homes are not assets but liabilities. I find that idea interesting. Understanding human behavior in this context can be quite confusing.

It seems it's all about appearances for neighbors, family, and friends, right? That's pretty much the definition of status, isn't it? Pride used to be a struggle for us too. Now in retirement, we couldn't care less.

Lately, our focus has been solely on maintenance for house and cars. The Camry has just surpassed 50,000 miles. Is it time to change the transmission fluid, or should we wait until it reaches 60,000 miles? As for the Highlander, it last had its timing belt changed at 80,000 miles in 2015. It's due for another at 160,000 miles or in years? Hmm.

When should we get the furnace serviced before next winter?

That reflects the mindset of initiated individuals who have experienced the downsides of getting caught up in status through purchasing.  We think of maintaining what we have, not spending to replace all of the time. There are significant savings there.

 Let's have some fun ruminating about this status mindset with just cars:

This thinking is how we start the temporary insanity. Our cars are 10 and 18 years old. I saw an ad on the deception box (TV) or internet that proposed, typically, cars are expected to last 150,000 miles or ten years, whichever comes first. This suggests that our cars may soon become unreliable, and it would be wise to consider replacing them as soon as possible. Additionally, the lower bumper on the Camry is damaged from scraping against curbs.

The Toyota Highlander's paint is shiny and remains in excellent condition; however, its design has become outdated. It appears rather plain when compared to the dynamic curves, bold front grilles, and prominent headlights and taillights featured on newer SUV models. It's also almost invisible in a parking lot being a beige or gold color.

Additionally, our good friends Ralph and Roxy in Washington have recently purchased a 2023 Toyota Highlander. They've also entered retirement. The vehicle's cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and emergency braking features are quite impressive. It's important to prioritize safety while driving, especially as we get older. Their acquisition of a brand-new SUV somehow leaves us feeling like we've missed out or inadequate. We have excellent credit too.

Our neighbors recently acquired a newer Toyota 4Runner. According to Consumer Reports, the 4Runner ranks as the most reliable SUV available. Unlike the unibody structure of the Highlander, the 4Runner features a body-on-frame design. These 4Runners are known to last up to 500,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Purchasing a new 4Runner would not only elevate our status above Ralph and Roxy but also equal the Joneses next door. Indeed, two birds with one stone. 

However, this mindset contributes to the widespread financial issues, including debt and stress, among many Americans.

Remember, the Highlander and Camry are working flawlessly, but we must create a context in our mind to replace them.  The opposite of logical thinking.

Let's examine this flawed logic. We must break this cycle of thinking, or we will face painful consequences. A decade ago, the 2005-2006 Toyota Highlander Limited and its Hybrid variant were the most reliable SUVs available. And they still hold that reputation. On Cars.com, a 2006 Toyota Highlander Limited is listed with a reliability score of 4.9 out of 5.0. Interestingly, a newer 4Runner also holds a reliability score of 4.9 out of 5 on the same site.  Understand that the 1st Generation Highlander still holds this high score, and scores typically drop as cars age. Will the 4Runner maintain this high score?  We don't have a crystal ball. 

Furthermore, My Car Angel and Scotty Kilmer on YouTube state that, "in my opinion these are some of the best Japanese cars ever built," and "these things run forever, I've seen them with 400 to 500 thousand miles". And so far, both YouTubers have been dead accurate.

So much for leveling up in vehicle, eh?  Only in the status seekers mind.

The 4Runner is more than an SUV; it's essentially a truck with comparable fuel efficiency. It's designed for the serious off-roader who prefers cruising around the campsite over just reaching it. In contrast, the Highlander navigates effortlessly, ideal for urban dwellers like us. It's akin to a lifted Toyota Camry, offering all the associated benefits, which is just what we need. 

The latest Highlander model features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Historically, turbocharged cars have had less reliability. To add to the concerns, Highlanders are no longer manufactured in Japan, which, in my experience, makes a noticeable difference. https://tfarabees.blogspot.com/2024/04/how-long-will-my-toyota-last.htm

 When we are cycling in a distorted view of status, logical explanations like the ones above are unwelcome. They bounce right off as we spin. We just sense that something is amiss and believe it won't be resolved until there is money spent. If not, this sense of depression will persist like a burr in our saddle.

The status issue plagues the insecure.  And most of us have insecurities. We think friends, family, and neighbors will notice and be impressed with our whatever.  A few shallow people might be impressed, but not as much as we like to think.  They are thinking more of their whatever.

I'm sorry to 'rain on the parade' of why most Americans get happy buying something new.  But most people don't really notice or care what we drive from point A to point B. Most modern cars come with a lot of luxuries like air-conditioning, sophisticated electronic gadgets including a kicking stereo, and on and on.  And does it take a huge salary to get these gadgets anymore?  Nope.  Just a ball point pen.

Indeed, it's said that over 70 percent of those driving expensive vehicles are merely posing. In Texas, there's a saying for this: "Big Hat, No Cattle." Recently, I encountered a young man in a parking lot climbing into an enormous, glossy black hyper-diesel truck. It seemed lifted too high to be of any good hauling use. Curious, I inquired, "How can you afford such a vehicle?" He replied with a grin, "The bank says I can," before speeding off with the roar of a drag racer.  

What are our real needs? This blogger has discovered that there are some real needs in this world, just not the ones indoctrinated into the American mindset.  And they are very affordable.

At this moment, I understand that every individual requires hope, love, oxygen, water, food, clothing, and protection from the elements. According to the Bible, to achieve contentment, we need only strive to secure the latter four necessities. The first three are provided by God, even to those who are atheistic. In America, access to clean drinking water and affordable food does not require much work. 

In fact, people consume strange gross food in this country, despite having the financial means to choose healthier options. That's why we have hot dogs and McDonalds. Yuck! 

Here is what I interpret when someone says that "The American Dream is Over!" or it's Unaffordable to live in America now!"

I'll use myself as an example.  Ready? 

As a retired schoolteacher residing in Northwest Montana, I'm finding the cost of living increasingly prohibitive. Cabins on the lake, a mere five minutes from my home, are priced in the millions. At the local Toyota dealer, a new 4Runner is listed at around $50,000. Nearby, a ranch is on the market for 6 million dollars. Consequently, we've had to significantly reduce dining out. On average, a meal at Montana Club, Famous Dave's Barbecue, or Hu Hot Mongolian Grill costs us about 70 dollars each time.  

What happened to the American Dream? 

Oh, the untold suffering, eh?

That's what I hear from ads and people with a 'warped perspective of status'. They will almost always continue to struggle financially.  We'll talk about slow and steady gains in this blog.

I hope I communicated effectively the last few days.  It's been hard to concentrate.  My adorable grandson has a virus or something. Bless his sweet little heart.  The last time I got blasted by a baby was 1994.

I'm tired......................................need to take a shower.

The Education Deception

 

First things first, I taught in a historic Union town that was deep blue in every regard. That means my experiences on this blog may be vastly different than those who taught in more conservative red areas. I was warned that I would not have a good experience working for this school district.  I was sure that the stories I heard from other educators must be exaggerations. 

Over my 25-year tenure, five instrumental specialists had come and gone. I remained the sole vocal specialist, and currently, there are no solely vocal instructors in this district. My role was the final one in the choir, and it has been eliminated.  We are talking about a town with 35,000 people. The other music educators around the state were 100 percent correct about this school district's systemic problems.

And each instrumental instructor had a negative teaching experience. Allow me to ruminate. The first band teacher I recall moved to Nevada and promptly won a prestigious award.  He was a very good educator. Bands under his tutelage were some of the best our schools ever had. His departure was due to the abuse of power by a senior music instructor. This senior educator, known for selling real estate during school hours, became the subject of mockery.

The stress led the second band teacher to start drinking, and I believe he only remained in the position for a few years.

The third instrumental teacher was dismissed for organizing a concert. The superintendent of schools disapproved of the concert for unspecified reasons. I attended the event and do not recall any inappropriate aspects of it.

The third instrumental instructor left within a semester, and I am unsure of the reason.

The fourth band teacher was someone I knew personally, as we were related by marriage. Fresh out of college, he was an exceptional instrumentalist and composer like the first instrumental educator I knew. Unfortunately, he had a falling out with some of the more prominent band students and their families.  The students chose to make his life extremely difficult.  Items were being taken from the band room, specifically marching gear. The parents disapproved of his methods for grading. As the situation worsened, he departed after five years.

The fifth band teacher was outstanding in his role, skillfully incorporating computers into music education and sharing a wealth of knowledge with me. We combined choir and instrumental music, achieving a remarkable effect. After four years, he visited my choir room, voicing his frustration: "I am getting no support from the administration; it seems like they are intentionally undermining me." The term 'undermining' was substituted for a profane word. 

Back to the matter of deception........................

I never truly required administrative support; all I needed was the freedom to develop the music program without interference. Yet, due to union rules, there had to be perfect equity, often to an illogical extent. Logic and insanity are not good bedfellows. We were unable to sideline underperforming educators or recognize exceptional teachers with meaningful rewards. Despite the meaningless accolades, I'm referring to substantial recognition, either financially or through superior positions—those are the things that truly count. I've received numerous pats on the back.

The public education sector is currently facing significant challenges with deceit, which are unlikely to be resolved unless there is a shift from "union thinking" to "logical thinking"—a change that seems improbable.

Let me ask a few simple questions to test our infection rate.  Should an elementary music teacher be paid as much as a senior-level college prep math teacher?  Come on. No.  Should a principal have the power to place his sister in a math position when she has a degree in English literature. Really? Absolutely not.  Should a person on the spectrum be hired as a school administrator?  No way. Should we give a person a 7000-dollar annual pay raise because they received a college degree in soccer from "Gackle Community College". 

If infected by "union thinking", these questions become difficult for some.

Let's apply "union think" to the world outside of education.  Should a nurse be paid as much as a brain surgeon?  Absolutely, they both work really hard. Snarky light is on.  Should president of a fortune 500 company hire her brother-in-law as the main IT man with zero credentials?  Yes. No problem. Should we hire a person as mayor of our town who has had a traumatic brain injury?  Yes, wonderful person! Should a nurse get a 7000 dollar a year pay raise for getting a CPR and wound care endorsement?  I wish! Snarky light dimmed.

If we agree "yes" with any of the above questions we have probably been infected with "union thinking".  This type of thinking is why our education system puts out subpar, illiterate students for the most part. The exceptional students do well in spite of the public education sector.

If we think the education system is about academics, we have been deceived.  When I started directing public school choirs, students might miss one day a week for extra-curricular activities.  By 2019, the average student was missing 2 days a week.  Just imagine, the girls are in volleyball while the boys are in football.  A short break and then there's boys' and girls' basketball.  A short break and there's boys' and girls' track and field.  The other sports, not mentioned, are not the main culprits that have the students missing so much class time. 

Note that I am excluding illnesses, theatre, speech and debate, church activities, family vacations, cheerleading, drill team, dance, recitals and much, much more. 

I approached the principal with a complaint, and his response left me speechless on the matter until my retirement, "Ted, sports are more important than this stuff". He gestured towards the large sign above the science wing of the high school.

Due to the lack of a designated day for students to miss for extracurricular activities, it was rare to have all choir students present for practice. This is no overstatement. I often pondered how teachers of math, science, and English managed the frequent absences due to school activities. This was a significant challenge before the advent of COVID-19. Even with concerts and trips scheduled a year ahead, students would still encounter scheduling conflicts.

No one complained............................................................................ except me.

All of these things listed above are challenges if you really love to teach and not just financial compensation.  However, more challenging yet, there are a new group of educators coming out of our colleges that are not hired to teach reading, writing, and mathematics. 

They are there to teach "The Message" and all that goes along with it.  They are social justice warriors and infiltrate the unions seeking power and control.

I learned to avoid the teacher's lounge over the last five years.  They like to find someone's ear to bend on "The Message".  I heard their political views many times and really didn't care much. 

However, they frightened me during the unpleasant years.  It was like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" in my school district.  Teachers I knew and respected for years were making fringe statements.

Here's a few:

"My niece refuses to get the vaccine until there is further research.  I told her, you are a murderer.  Anyone that dies of Covid-19 is your fault."

"Anyone that refuses vaccinations should be executed, like they are doing in China, big open ditches and drop them in there to save the rest of us."

"Do you want to get sick? Do you want to get sick?  Does anyone here want to die?"(Full staff meeting at the High School)

"Ted, have you gotten the vaccine yet? We are going as a group to get the vaccine. Come on."(My union rep.)

These are just a handful of statements from the past few years. If nothing about these statements strikes you as incorrect, I'm at a loss for words. They are quite extreme. The perception of reality is distorted. Logic has taken flight.  Most people know today there was a lot of deception around the subject of Covid-19.

In context, I tried to joke around, and lighten some of these statements.  These teachers doubled down on what they said. I am so relieved that my daughters are graduated from public school.  As for our grandchildren, all I can say is that each teacher needs to be vetted. Educators should not engage in fringe thinking.

We will talk more about these saintly, helpful, underappreciated, underpaid educators.  Things have changed in the public education sector and most people have not noticed.  

Let's shine a light on these underpaid educators. I was amazed by a retiring administrator's benefits.  He showed me mathematical calculations of how much money he would receive from his pension in retirement.  He was making 119,000 dollars a year at that time.  His wife, a long-time teacher was making 79,000 with additional sheep skins.  That's 7000 dollars a month for him. That's around 4500 dollars a month for her.  11,500 bucks a month until they both pass! And I left out the Teamster's perks. Wow!

 Collectively, they would be earning over $138,000 dollars a year in pensions, which is significant. Keep in mind, they work only 180 days a year, with an allowance of 10 sick days and five personal days. Plus, they have all the holidays off! 

 Ready. For those non-math people like me- that's the equivalent of having 3.5 to 4 million dollars saved in a 401K! These two educators are in the top one percent of wealth in the country! Yet, folks will not believe it.  And he was an angry hair on fire yelling kind of administrator.  I never heard a single word spoken about her teaching. That's not true.  She gave folks rude gestures with her fingers while driving. 

When we see those "The More You Know" ads on NBC.  They are being deceptive.  Why don't they put up posters of multi-millionaires like those two? That's what they are, you know. And the annual salary of the current administrators is right there on the school district's web site for all to see.  They will retire multi-millionaires as well.  And only one of them is worth a hoot. 

So much for poor and underpaid, eh? Teachers make up the 3rd largest group of millionaires in this country. And just yesterday our pastor was saying that he would vote for the upcoming school mill levy. Funny to me. I'm not going to tell him. He can read my blog.  I'm never going to vote for another school mill levy and it goes against my own self-interest.

Folks around here won't be laughing when their property taxes continue to escalate.

This fact about teaching being lucrative now seems to be unknown.  Strange.  And our kids may not be able to read or write or balance a checkbook, but they can sure run and jump and know what gender they are.

I'm tired of public education..........................need a nap.

 

What is Social Security?

 

Whew! Glad that was there.

I've encountered numerous books and blogs presenting varied stances on the government-run program known as Social Security. Wealthy individuals often label it "Social Insecurity," advocating for its investment in the stock market. The younger demographic dismisses it as a "Scam," preferring to allocate funds towards new gadgets like gaming systems or smartphones. Those of my generation are hopeful it will be available by the time they reach 62. 

New retirees upon realizing their savings, exclaim, "Let's buy a Porsche!" forgetting the need to stretch these funds over 25 to 30 years, amounting to about 800 dollars monthly. They are currently living on about $3,000 a month through savings. This means that, assuming no inflation, they would need between $700,000 to $800,000 to maintain their current standard of living.

Meanwhile, those initiated 62 or older vehemently protest, "Don't touch my Social Security; it's my money!"

Then there are wealthy individuals who label it "Communism" and a scheme for wealth redistribution. They reject it, declaring they have no need for it, saying, "I'm rich." They criticize the program as foolish and designed for those they perceive as underachievers. "This money could be personally invested for a 6 to 7 percent return, rather than the 3 percent offered by bond rates," they argue.  I believe they are overlooking the main issue. I aim to shed some light on the matter.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are individuals who save minimally, relying on Social Security to support them throughout retirement. Later, on them.

I will not address the Eeyores in this country.  Their plight is obvious.

Moving on, the well to do overlook the era that gave rise to the Social Security program. Consider watching films like Cinderella Man featuring Russell Crowe, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, or The Wizard of Oz. There may be times when situations, whether personal or national, could deteriorate.

That's why, in my opinion, Social Security acts as a supplement or a "safety net" for those broccoli eaters.  They don't smoke or chew or run with girls who do.  It was not intended to maintain the same level of comfort provided by employment. It was there to catch folks that are not force landed but fall into retirement.  

Even the affluent can find themselves in situations where Social Security is their only remaining asset. Consider these plausible scenarios: they could fall victim to a scam, which isn't unheard of, right? They might get involved in illegal activities, such as multi-level marketing schemes. They could invest all of their assets into one company. Nah!

And let's not forget, y'all, they could be over-leveraged with debt in an attempt to amplify their wealth, only to go bankrupt during a drastic market downturn. It's important to remember that even affluent individuals can suffer from dementia and may willingly part with their money. Additionally, there's the possibility of a close family member deceiving them to take their wealth. "These things do not happen!" Let's not get into life changing disabilities. 

They will have their modest Social Security benefits, and undoubtedly, they will be grateful for them. Without such support, they might face exposure to harsh elements or suffer from starvation, which is unacceptable in a prosperous nation. Historically, such extreme poverty can incite revolution, and it is often the wealthy who have the means to access good educations. Where do you think movies like "The Purge" come from? 

Without programs like SS our nation might implode. Individuals who benefit from their high financial status are often the least interested in seeing the entire infrastructure fail, as they have the most to lose.

I was unaware that my peak earning years wouldn't last until my 60s. Retirement caught me off guard, leaving me feeling like a deer caught in headlights, and I'm still trying to make sense of it all in retrospect. It's come to me very slowly over the last two years.  Why couldn't I see this eventuality coming?  It's impossible to fire a good teacher, right? We'll explore that lie in another blog.

However, akin to Edmond Dantès in 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' a realization dawned on me this year. I discovered one of the "Good Ol' Boys" misappropriating funds from the choir's fundraising account. The group's leader threatened me to let the matter go. I complied, believing that would be the end of the issue. 

I only now come to realize I was working for "The Mob". These men are all friends who grew up together on the same streets and often visit local pubs.  Their dads are the town's hall of fame athletes. The sport's facilities are named after their fathers. I lived in Florida until '82 and then in Northwest Montana until '89, which made me an outsider. Doy! My musical abilities made me feel overconfident in my Un expendability.

 The Teamsters have each other's backs. This made me a target for termination of employment as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Covid-19 was the perfect opportunity. I was assigned to substitute teach, escort students around the school during other teachers' prep times and supervise the ISS room. I had grown to despise what my job had turned into. There had been virtually no beautiful harmonies for two years-My favorite part of teaching. Bye Bye choir students. Bye Bye choir position.  Bye Bye Teddy, Out of Towner. For years, I cried out "sabotage!" yet it appeared that no one took notice.  Or cared.

These union scums are professionals at making a toxic work environment.

But I digress.......................

My wife and I find comfort in knowing that Social Security will be there to enhance our retirement years. We are confident that we will have access to medical coverage, housing, and food, barring a global collapse, which is not a concern for us.  But SS may be cut! No, it won't, and I will address this sick political game in another blog.

Next, the final category consists of individuals who don't save any money. They spend freely, as if money burns a hole in their pocket. Currently, they're embracing the suburban lifestyle, complete with glossy leased SUVs, 800,000 dollar mini-mansion, and an array of toys. 

Their income may exceed $150,000 annually. They own costly thoroughbred pets, complete with a home-attached pet shower. Their homes boast an expensive patio with a grill and an 83-inch brand new premium OLED TV or its equivalent. They indulge in lavish family vacations yearly, flaunting their luxurious life with photos all over Facebook.  

We come to a stop beside them at the traffic light and see they're behind the wheel of a brand-new Honda Pilot, enjoying a gourmet coffee and chatting on their latest Apple device. Don't forget the hair extensions and brand-named clothing.  These folks are what I call "Fake Rich".  They have more liabilities than assets through most of their working lives.  

Many of these "fake rich" types will have minimal or no savings at retirement. Research confirms this reality; such individuals often lack even $1,000 for unforeseen emergencies. They may maintain their lifestyle through a single bankruptcy until retirement, only to discover their retirement funds are significantly less than expected, having not considered Social Security much.

Believe it or not, these individuals are often the most vocal in advocating for the sustainability of Social Security. The truly wealthy may not have a significant stake in the matter, but those with perceived wealth certainly do. A 'fake rich" suburbanite now faces the reality of living on a fixed income, and the stress is overwhelming. 

 How am I supposed to keep my 5-bedroom 6 bath "forever home"?  "My husband and I might have to move!" The thought that two people do not require such a large house never occurs to them. "Our American Dream is out of reach!" Yep. The snarky light is on. They want us to believe their living situation is everyone else's problem. "How am I supposed to pay for my leased Toyota 4Runner?" "Everyone must have a safe SUV that is reliable!" I say, "just walk away".  This type of retiree doesn't have a clue.  Ok, it's off.

The individuals described above are typically Baby Boomers or from Generation X. Social Security will constitute a major portion of their retirement. They have generally lived a life of abundance, often indulging in the ephemeral. Some will plunge into retirement and need the SS safety net.  The issue is not up for debate, really.

This is the reason this blogger is convinced that Social Security will remain steadfast.  This large population will cast the deciding votes.  You'll hear again and again on the deception box; SS is in crisis. Especially around election time.  Just know, they are a bunch of liars. Yep, SS is not really broken, and the fixes are pretty simple upon closer examination. There are individuals out there who are significantly smarter than I am, such as my brother.

Politicians like to use Social Security to get out the vote.  Multi-Millionaires hate SS because they want access to that money. And it is substantial.  Without Social Security, many individuals in the country could face real hunger in retirement.  However, you can work, Ted. It's not realistic as your body begins to decline.000 As of this writing, this nation will not allow this scenario. We just won't.......................

I'm tired...............Later

The End of the World Deception

 

Is the world going to end soon?

I am not a doomsdayer.  But Ted, you are one of "those people" of faith.  Unlike more than half of Christ followers of this Laodicean church era I have actually read the Bible.  In fact, I have studied this "Library of Books" and many other historic books not considered canon.

Also, I take the Bible as literal as I can excluding figures of speech and Hebraisms. I believe the Book says what is means and means what it says. Most Christians today don't.  They believe some truths can be gleaned from this Book, but it's not literally God-breathed.

My theology professor at college was one of these types. Because he interpreted scripture allegorically, his theology was vastly different than mine. He one time asked the class, "how many of you believe this book is the truth?"  I immediately raised my hand.  Most of the class did not to my confusion.  He then asked, "how many believe there are truths in this book?" Or something like that.  All of the older initiated students raised their hands.  I was a little embarrassed, but figured out taking his class that we had divergent views of the world, just because of the way we interpreted scripture. 

That makes me a dispensationalist.  Basically, that means I separate God's dealings with Israel and the church.  He is in a more popular sect of Christianity that believes The Church has replaced Israel. That means our eschatology is from alternate realities.  To me, that means God lied to Abraham and David.  He made some promises that are yet to be fulfilled.

Next, I am shocked when seasoned followers of Christianity don't really know what Genesis chapter 6 and 9 is about. They still believe something that was taught from truly racist persons writing Bible commentaries proposing that the cursed race of Ham was black. By the way, they were Caucasian.  Research it. I mean these people have read through the Bible many times but still haven't figured out what this story is relating to us. 

Even relatives state, "Noah was righteous!" That statement is not true.  Noah was drunk and some kind of homosexual thing was happening with white, Ham.  Act shocked! Remember "None are righteous, no not one".  Also, Jesus, "Why do you call me good?" "Only God is good". 

"Abraham was righteous." No, he was a big fat liar.  "Job was righteous."  Only in his own mind. No, his theology was skewed.  The end of the book reveals his need for an arbitrator, a savior.

In the correct context, these chapters have nothing to do with racism, but a deliberate attempt to make the birth of the Messiah impossible. You see, God threw down the gauntlet in Genesis 3:15.  A seed war was declared!  That's why atheists today claim God murders children.  First, they haven't studied the text.  Second, ignorant Bible commentators aren't helping.  

But I digress.............   

From the information above, you can imagine that the way this age ends has huge variations.  Who's correct?  Help from the paraclete, The Holy Spirit is essential. The persons that understand the Pentateuch in Hebrew, in the correct context, and takes the text literally.  The persons That study the book of the prophet, Daniel, in Hebrew, in the correct context, and takes the text literally.  Of course, Hebraisms, and things stated to be symbolic withstanding.

This world is not going to end soon. Mind blown! That statement is true from a human perspective.  To God 1000 years is a day and a day is like 1000 years. In other words, a long time to a created material being is very short to a perfect, always existed, Spirit Being.  From God's perspective He is dealing with humanity for one complete week.  The 8th day will be a new beginning.

Most of the church world believes we are in the last 1000 years of the 7000 Jewish cosmic years.  However, the Bible is clear we are around the 6000-year mark.  What gives? Well, because most Christians think that Dad is finished with his first-born son, Abraham's offspring.  Besides, He is Jewish. We, the surprise adopted son, (Gentiles) are Dad's favorite now, and into the future. I mean the Messiah will be American, right? USA USA!  It's the Cosmic Family Feud! 

No, Dad still loves His firstborn and has plans and an inheritance for him, too.  There's plenty of love and room.

The adopted kid doesn't really want the world to go Jewish, like that rebellious older son.  USA! USA! Therefore, they claim the Jewish Messiah is ruling from heaven right now and the church is That Kingdom of God on earth right this moment.  

However, a literal interpretation of the text means that this world will be literally ruled by a Jewish Messiah in Jerusalem in Israel for 1000 more years. Yep, the bloody animal sacrifices will return, Saturday will be the day of focusing on God again, we will measure a day from sundown to sundown again and so forth.  The world will be Jewish with Jewish customs for 1000 years. 

Now let me tell you, gentiles around the world don't like that plan, so they say it won't literally happen.  God was being symbolic.  Besides, the older son is strange and has cooties.

My point is that you have been deceived.  This world will not be destroyed immediately when Jesus returns.  He will be a Jewish King.  We are adopted into His family.

Jesus will rule in Jerusalem for 1000 more earth years until deceived human beings will rebel against Him, again! 

Surprise!  Even some Christians do not understand or want to understand this reality. These are the same type that believes Benny Hinn and Joel Osteen are men of God. Yes, this is the level of Lies and Liars we are dealing with. They'll scream, "You are ruining my view of Jesus!"

We will not be in a misty cloudy ethereal kingdom like in the movies. Floating around in the clouds with a harp would be one boring eternity. King Jesus will restore and heal this current planet.  Those that love God will rule with Him right here.

Here's some more truths from a Biblical perspective:

The animals will not be afraid of people anymore.  They will be vegetarians again.  

Deadly snakes will not bite children.

Children will lead around animals we consider extremely dangerous today.

God will put His information in the animals and plant life again.

The earth will bring forth produce easily again.

Human beings will live 900-1000 years old again.

Yes, people will die, but we will say they died a baby.

People that love God will be Governors and Judges.

There will be commerce.  Nations will get wealthy following God's ways.

There will be no more mutations or plagues.

Jesus will be the perfect Ruler and King for 1000 years.

The Deceptive Angel and his followers will be imprisoned during this time.

This is what the Bible literally says......................

I'm tired.  Continue later.

The Safety Deception

 

This rarely happens, right?

When I watched cablevision more than a decade ago there used to be a pretty gruesome show on TBS.  The show was labeled "1000" Ways to Die".  A more appropriate title would have been "Stupid Folks Doing Stupid Stuff".  

Individuals were engaging in dangerous activities such as drilling into hand grenades, leaping from heights with only a rope tied around their waist, swallowing billiard balls, attempting to surf on a mattress atop a car traveling at 50 MPH, and consuming inedible objects. It was emphatically stated that participating in any of these acts could result in severe injury or death.  Really?  They have to give that warning?

There are 1000 ways to die without doing anything ridiculous. 

Can you imagine....................

The grandkids came to visit grandma and they had the flu.......................

He was leaning off the ladder to retrieve his hammer...............................

She was texting on her cell phone driving through town..........................

He was changing out an outlet, but didn't shut off the breaker.................

He was driving 100 miles an hour on a curvy mountainous route............

She was hiking alone at 9:00pm...............................................................

He fell asleep with the cigarette in his hand............................................

She went surfing alone in a great white feeding zone..............................

Yellow light, so he slammed down the gas petal.....................................

She felt a good vibe about him, so she climbed in his car........................

He left his vehicle to get a better picture of the grizzly mother and cubs.

Now a channel showing these scenarios that play out with regularity would be truly terrifying, eh?

Yet, a more daunting reality exists none of us are promised another moment on this earth. Just a slight malfunction of my heart muscle and I may be a cadaver. This awareness doesn't mean I live in fear, as some might, but rather that I remain acutely conscious of my environment. No one thinks death is nifty and enjoys pain.   

Moving on, I observe people; I'm not a stalker. My interest lies in watching how individuals behave and their level of self-awareness. While driving, instead of relying on turn signals, I focus on the drivers' eyes and their attention to their surroundings.  My findings are stark.

A young woman was texting on her cell phone in the car next to me at a stop light. I stared at her looking sideways to see if she perceived me there. I don't think she was aware of much of anything. In fact, she started to accelerate early and had to stop abruptly.

Let's change boxes for a moment. Let's discuss the dangers of a warped world view. About a decade ago I was studying diligently on how to cut costs.  I ran across an interesting blog by Colorado money man.  I gleaned some of what he taught to get out of debt.  Some logical good information was on his blog. 

 That being said, Colorado money man teaches that everyone should own only tiny cars and use these expensive transportation devices very sparingly. How do you get around in the meantime? Well, he's teaching that the bicycle is the safest and most cost-effective form of transportation.  

Don't drive your car with all these safety features, ride a bike for everyday chores!  Wusses drive automobiles. I kid you not. I would agree with him if SUVs and semi-trucks didn't occupy the same roads as me. Just kidding, no sedans either.

 Also, there are a lot of distracted drivers out there.  This man lives in La La land.  This scenario plays out every day with folks lying in their own pool of blood. 

But I digress..............................

I came to realize he wasn't speaking to me. I live in a state with brutal cold temperatures a lot of the year.  This year it has hit 30 below zero a couple of times.  Also, I was in my 40s, and worked between schools daily during that time I read his blog.

Just a few days ago, friends in Springfield, Missouri, suffered the loss of their only daughter to an SUV collision while she was cycling. Mr. Colorado Money might argue that such incidents are statistically rare. But does he consider that many people consciously avoid cycling near heavy traffic? If it's as rare as a shark attack how come there are YouTube videos?  That's what folks love to do. Record people riding around on their bikes. Yipeeee!

Going back to "Cell Phone Girl" as a prime example, it's evident that many drivers today are highly distracted. Knowing this makes me very alert with vehicles around. I must admit, I feel significantly safer shielded by a metal frame and airbags than being exposed among these speeding metal projectiles.  Riding bicycles should be a rare activity only done mostly away from areas of heavy traffic, in this writer's opinion. Otherwise, we may be putting ourselves at serious risk.

Here's my perspective on safety, there are some unwritten laws that cannot be broken. First, If we fall from a certain height somewhere over 30 feet onto tarmac, you will most certainly perish. Next, if we approach a bull and grab him by the horns aggressively, we will most likely be tossed, gored to death, or stomped into the dirt. A bull is a powerful and aggressive animal.  Pretty elementary in my mind.

How about, riding bicycles alongside 3000-pound cars equipped with 300-horsepower engines that can achieve high speeds rapidly on the same route, the outcome seems quite predictable, doesn't it? Add to this the distractions of drivers' phones ringing, eating fast food, computerized screens talking, and children screaming in the car.  Remember, they might be reaching for their "Big Chug" or a cigarette from 7eleven, diverting their gaze from the road. No, thank you.  

I could go on and on.  These actualities are common knowledge, pretty sure.

Finally, The Alaska Bear Man, popular during my lifetime, went to live with bears and was the subject of a film. It's unclear what his ultimate goal was—perhaps to demonstrate that the massive Kodiak bears are gentle, misunderstood creatures. Remarkably, he managed to coexist with these enormous animals for a time. However, in a tragic turn of events, he and his girlfriend were consumed by a bear, a grim reminder that sometimes, the laws of nature exact a bloody toll.

He proved what I thought was the case.  Wild bears are unpredictable and dangerous. A Native American man explained how he survived as long as he did. "The bears probably thought that he was mentally retarded".

Individuals like the ones above have a warped unbiblical view of the world. A dangerous one. Their view is a pagan perspective.  Some view the world as our mother and we receive sustenance from her. We are but the earth's children.  You should understand this teaching competently if you went to any public school.  We are a cosmic accident.  From the goo to the zoo, to you.  The ponderosa pine is our cousin. I say, "Go give it a big hug".  

The Biblical perspective teaches that the world was created for humans to govern and delight in, yet due to our propensity for sin, the earth descended into a state of disrepair alongside us.  The animals changed too and are apprehensive around human beings now.  There's good reason, eh?

In essence, the world is affected by sin, and despite its beauty, it is not functioning or yielding as it ought to. Thus, people starve to death. Also, great ocean liners sink into the watery depts. In this fallen world, dressers fall over and crush precious babies, someone speeding in a car that hits a solid object at 100mph perish instantly of blunt trauma. Someone driving drunk strikes a family head on in a minivan resulting in the instant death of the entire family. The drunk driver is unharmed.

If we look around, we will discover that the animals and the earth are perishing.  Well, we should be gods ourselves and save this place.  We can't.  It's not within our abilities.  Sorry.

And that raises the question, why doesn't God fix this mess?  He is patient, waiting for everyone to seek Him.  Some people want to be independent from God.  However, He still is giving everyone every opportunity.  

We'll talk later about the Adamic and Noahic covenants.  God established these natural laws in the book of Genesis.  They are solid and can't be changed by any man. 

I'm tired....

The Death Deception

 

The Truth about Death and The Next World

In the Western world, particularly in the United States of America, we are often insulated from the stark realities of death. Here, death is handled neatly and discreetly by our efficient funeral homes. However, I can assure you that this is not the standard practice for the rest of the world. 

This is why many young people in this country enjoy horror movies; for a large part of the world, life resembles a horror movie.

The purpose of this blog post is not to dwell on morbid thoughts. Bear with me, this writing gets hopeful. It's been a year this month since my mother passed away at the age of 82, and she frequently crosses my mind. I love my mother very much, even though she was a very flawed human being. This morning, my wife brought me the sad news that a former music student of mine had passed away in a bicycle accident yesterday. She was a tremendous musician. She exceled at many activities and loves God.  

We are well-acquainted with this young woman and her family, as they were fellow congregants at our local church. Our sorrow is not for her, but for her family, friends and students who mourn her absence. They are undoubtedly in a state of shock, yet they do not despair, sharing our faith and the support of a close-knit circle of friends during this difficult period. 

My emotional connection has diminished over the more than ten years of distance, which is a natural consequence of prolonged separation. Otherwise, processing what has happened would require considerable effort, and writing about this matter would be overly emotional. To the best of my knowledge, they reside in Missouri, while I am located in Northwest Montana.

I can empathize, as I too harbored fears that one of my daughters might succumb to SIDS. This fear was compounded by the tragedy of my nephew, Chance, who passed away from SIDS while in my mother's care. The anxiety would jolt me awake, compelling me to check if they were breathing. Over time, I grew weary of being ruled by this fear of death and entrusted the matter to our Savior.  This fear became a reality yesterday for these parents.

Moreover, we invest a lot of love time and energy into our children and grandchildren. When they are suddenly gone that fact just about emotionally destroys the best of us. I have experienced this kind of tragedy multiple times. I had to confront the death of two choir students right before their high school graduation. The students tried to sing through their tears. By maintaining my composure, I inadvertently gave them the impression that I was unfeeling.  

My student, the choir's accompanist who had won numerous prestigious national awards, succumbed to leukemia in her sophomore year of college. Her funeral was almost too much to bear. I possess digital recordings of her performing complex classical pieces on the forte-piano by composers such as Debussy, Liszt, Beethoven, and Chopin. When I received the news of her passing, it was difficult for my mind to process the information.

So, I want to share some information about this enemy that causes sudden physical and spiritual separation between loved ones. .........Death. My favorite book is the Bible because it brings comfort in these sad times. 

Death is a defeated enemy for people of faith.  This young woman did not cease to exist.  She has three parts, body soul, and spirit.  Her body was so damaged that Jesus decided to go ahead and take her to His Father's house.  Yes, we can't see this event in the spiritual world, but this beautiful young woman received a personal rapture with Jesus.  Everybody in church debates a future group Rapture (Harpazo) of all church members around the world which could happen any moment. When will this take place? No one knows; they only speculate and debate. Jesus just said, "Always be ready to leave".

I can tell you exactly where Jesus was yesterday.  He visited Missouri. If someone witnessed the accident they can tell you the very moment of God's visitation. 

Furthermore, Jesus made this personal rapture clear just before He resurrected Lazarus.  Jesus was speaking to us today as He spoke to Mary and Martha. "I am the resurrection and the life."  "Those that believe in me will never, ever die". He validated His claim be calling Lazarus out of the grave.  

The word we use for a motel or hotel comes from the ancient word we use for cemetery. Just like Lazarus, this young woman's body will temporarily go into a motel but will leave when Jesus returns.  

Jesus doubles down on this view with His disciples.  "In my Father's House are many rooms, I'm going ahead to prepare a place for you, and I will come receive you to myself." When each disciple was executed for their faith in the first century, just as their body was destroyed, Jesus snatched them to the Father's House to a spot or nest He prepared. 

Most theologians believe angels escort us before God.  Holding a literal interpretation of the Bible, I am of the belief that Jesus personally welcomes each individual who belongs to Him.

That's not the end, Jesus will return and restore physical bodies, too.  He revealed the abilities of His resurrected body to the disciples. We will need a body like this to see God. Why were the disciples so bold to still share the message about Jesus not fearing the pain and mutilation of their physical bodies?   They understood what I am musing about.  Paul got kind of morbid penning death is better for me. What?  How can that be?  A personal rapture with Jesus, that's how. 

Don't get any weird ideas.  God hates suicide.  It is costly to Him and building the Kingdom of God.  He wouldn't want our last act to be a selfish one.

So why are we so sad!  Where's the great faith, Ted? This is how my simple mind processes this issue. We love people and hate being separated from them for extended periods of time.  That's why I moved to Northwest Montana.  To be near my children and grandchildren. Envision a loved one unexpectedly moving to a far-off country to live for some time. It's natural to miss them, unless one has an unusual disposition. Even though we can see them on our devices daily, you want them physically around.

The painful reality is the parents could be separated from their daughter for 20-30 years.  The left behind husband even longer if the Lord tarries.  

What brings me comfort is I see Biblical prophecy unfolding right in front of my eyes on television right this moment. In other words, this old world is due for a reset. This young woman went ahead for a short time.  That's why we do not lose hope like pagans do.  That's why I call the sudden return of Jesus for me my "Blessed Hope".

We miss our Grandparents but know exactly where they are.  We miss Aunts and Uncles that have passed on.  According to scriptures there is going to be a huge family reunion one of these days.  

Today marks her coronation day, and she certainly deserves a shout out from me. 

This Christian young woman accomplished more in her short lifetime than most accomplish in a century.  She utilized her time effectively, winning a Supreme Court case against the school district where I taught for 25 years. She was awarded $70,000, pretty sure. 

The district had denied her the opportunity to deliver her Valedictorian speech. These political activists in educator's clothing objected to the words God and Christ. Indeed, this school district is known for its 'brilliant' administrators and teachers.  The snarky light is on. Ok, it's off.  Because of her victory my daughter and other students had the freedom to credit God for help.

She went on to be an adjunct professor of theology at the collegiate level.  She has traveled to Moldova and Russia as a teacher and missionary. She was deeply engaged in working with children with disabilities.

She was training as a triathlete when struck by the SUV.

Just thought of this. Here you go.................

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/springfield-woman-dies-after-crash-involving-a-bicycle-and-suv/ar-BB1lGF6q

I'm sad and tired. More later.