THE LOOM OF LIFE

In last week’s article titled: He Wasn’t There (But His Little Brother Was), I wrote how that Nancy and I attended the 2010 Breathitt High School Graduation on 06/04/2010; we were there to watch our grandson Hunter stand in for his big brother Kaleb; who was suppose to graduate this year. As stated, Kaleb did not get a diploma; what he did receive was recognition for his short lived life.

The fact that Kaleb was not physically present and the reason why, is yet one more hardship in my life that reaffirms this truth: One thing that can be counted upon in this current life that we all are attempting to live; and that is: Personal suffering is a part of living (Job 14:1).

This article is a revision of a previous article with the same title as this one: The Loom of Life. As with its original printing, the purpose for this revision is to encourage people to put and keep their trust in God, our Creator; especially during the times of hardship that comes into ones’ lives, and when there is no answer to the question of, “Why did this have to happen?”

Because for many, they will not understand “The Whys?” of this current life, until after their own current life has passed; it is so vitally important to maintain ones’ faith in God; for by it, they may endure the hardships until then.

I know for Nancy (Nana) and I it is only by our faith in our God that we are capable of enduring the premature death of Kaleb, and the various other hardships that have come into our lives through the years.

This faith is based upon our hope that when this current life does pass there awaits an eternal life without suffering, pain, and eternal death. (As a Christian, I truly believe such a eternal life only comes to those who have received The Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.)

As previously printed, here once again is a poem written by Nancy (Nana) which reflects this type of faith:

The Loom of Life

My Life is but a weaving,

Between The Lord and me;

I may not choose the colors,

He knows what they should be.

For He can view the pattern,

Upon the upper side;

While I can see it only,

On this – the underside.

Sometimes He weaveth sorrow,

Which seems so strange to me?

But I will trust His judgment,

And work on faithfully.

It’s He, who fills the shuttle,

And He who knows what’s best;

So I shall weave in earnest,

And leave to Him the rest.

Not till the loom is silent,

And the shuttle ceases to fly;

Shall God unroll the canvas,

And explain the reasons why -

That dark threads were also needed,

In The Weaver’s skillful hands;

As the threads of gold and silver,

In the pattern He had planned.

For those of you who do not know what a Loom is: It is an apparatus that weaves thread or yarn into cloth.

THIS HAS BEEN A REPRINTING OF ONE WOMAN’S OPINION OF AND FAITH IN HER LORD.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com

HE WASN’T THERE (BUT HIS LITTLE BROTHER WAS)

This past week of 06/04/2010 was Breathitt High School’s Senior Graduation. Even though this Graduating Class is

Click image to enlarge

the classmates of mine and Nancy’s (Nana) grandson Kaleb Alan Turner, he did not receive his diploma as they did. Those who know me personally and for many others who read this weekly column, you know the reason why: Kaleb’s current natural life was cut short at the age of sixteen years old; due to a fatal automobile accident on 10/13/2008.

Since Kaleb’s accident, I have written several articles regarding Kaleb. The most recent one was titled: When The Good Die Young, written last month for Kaleb’s eighteenth birthday, which was 05/19/2010.

In that article I wrote: Even though all birthdays are precious, there are a few particular ones that seem to be more special than others, one of them being: The Eighteen Birthday, when one graduates from High School; when young men and women marry and begin their own individual families; as they begin bringing into this life the next generation; populating and repopulating this world; thus the family’s lifeline is able to continue. At least this is the way that it should be.

click image to enlarge

Another previous article titled: He Was There, was written 06/11/2009 during the time of Kaleb’s fiancé Lyndzay Michele Fugate’s High School Senior Graduation on 06/05/2009. In that article I wrote: Nancy and I attended Lyndzay’s graduation for Kaleb’s sake and also for our love for Lyndzay for herself. Even though we felt pride for Lyndzay’s accomplishment; at the same time, Nancy and I both wished Kaleb could have been there to participate in His Lyndzay’s Day of Celebration.

Then to our surprise, at the close of the graduation, the school allowed the graduation class to have a slide show of pictures past and present of themselves. When it came time to show Lyndzay’s pictures; right there on the wall for all to see, appeared Kaleb with His Lyndzay; once again together, as they had planned to be forever. Afterwards, Nancy told me on the way home, that Lyndzay told her, “I know that you couldn’t bring Kaleb with you to my graduation; so, I brought him”.

Nancy and I attended last week’s Breathitt High School’s Senior Graduation, due to receiving prior notice from Kaleb’s mom Chastity that the school was going to name Kaleb amongst the other names of his classmates during the ceremony.

click image to enlarge

When Nancy and I arrived at the graduation prior to its start, we found amongst the rows of seats that the graduation class was to be seated, in the very back row there was one seat with a blue ribbon with Kaleb’s name on it draped across it, along with a blue and white carnation. The seat did not remain empty though, for once the commencement started; amongst his classmates was Kaleb’s little brother Hunter.

Hunter sat in the seat in his brother’s stead. At the closing of the commencement: Row by row and one by one the classmates were being called by name to come forth to receive recognition for their achievement of successfully finishing High School. When Kaleb’s name was finally called, it was Hunter who walked to the platform to receive his brother’s recognition; not for graduating, just for simply being Kaleb; a young man who loved and was loved.

When Hunter reached the platform, this love for Kaleb and for his little brother Hunter was expressed in thunderous shouts and clapping from those classmates; who in the midst of their own time of joy, shared in the grieving of those of us who for all the days left in this current world will miss having our Kaleb with us.

Unlike Lyndzay’s Graduation last year, Kaleb wasn’t there for this one; but in his stead: His little brother Hunter was. At that very moment, while Hunter was letting everyone know that “Kaleb’s my brother!” I believe in Heaven, Kaleb was also saying “Look at Hunter, that’s my brother; Good job Lil Bro!” Love went full circle, brother to brother, what a closing statement.

Papaw and Nana know that Kaleb is so very proud of Hunter for his courage in showing his love for his big brother; as are we so very proud of him.

THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA’S OPINION OF THEIR KALEB AND HUNTER. “With all of our heart we love both of you boys!”

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

Alan Turner

WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG

This week’s political themed article is a continuation of my urging for the need for each and everyone not to simply take for granted as being accurately truthful all that they may hear and/or read from those who are suppose to be knowledgeable when it comes to the politics of our times; for what so often is coming out of their mouths and/or writings are tainted with biases. Sometimes this may be unintentional, while for others intentional.

There are those persons who have an obsessed loyalty to their political party affiliation, individual candidate and/or politician, to the point; that everything regarding such is given a blinded bias in favor of. These biases influence their ability to be fair in their opinions pro and con.

For some, they have become completely devoted to their politics over everyone and everything else, even their religion. Their politics has become the god they serve.

This obsessed distorted view gives them a sense of arrogance, causing them to ignorantly assume their political side as always being right, while at the same time believing the opposing side must always be wrong.

Such arrogance affects their thinking and actions. They speak as one who has all authority and complete knowledge. They will argue their view with the determination to affect the course of events in their political favor. For some, they attempt to persuade somebody’s thinking or action by the mere force of their personality; not being satisfied until everyone agrees with their opinion.

Then there are the followers of such arrogant ones; who repeat the same distorted facts by those who twist and stretch the truth. In doing so, the followers are propagating the same untruths.

Since this type of sharing biased political viewpoints and opinions is always ongoing in every avenue of communication by various persons with their various biases; it is difficult sometimes to know who is right and who is wrong.

For many the real truth is becoming more unclear and unrecognizable; and for the ones who are intentionally misleading, they depend upon this uncertainty to rightfully discern what may or may not be truth. This is why it is important for each one to already have a set of strongly held beliefs, morals and values that they will always live by; that they may better discern what is being reported or described as being accurate or inaccurate truth.

As stated in last week’s article: It is a vital necessity for people to know for themselves the real truth regarding all subjects that may have an effect on how one lives their life; this is especially true when it comes to politics and even religion.

I now close this article, with an exaggerated example from The Bible of one who only sees the wrong in others:

“And why beholdest thou the small twig that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the large timber that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the small twig out of thine eye; and, behold, a large timber is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the large timber out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the small twig out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7: 3-5).

The next time you hear and/or read a political viewpoint, ask yourself this question “Is this person biased?” Using the above scripture as a guideline; the chances are they were, if they only spoke well about their side and only negatively about the opposing side.

It is my hope and prayer that all who do not wish to be misled will research the facts for themselves. Also, first and foremost always seek and then obey God’s direction and guidance; even when it is contrary to the rhetoric of the politicians and/or their devoted followers; and even if it causes one to go against their own previous biased political loyalties (Psalm 118: 5-8).

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

Kaleb Turner (Click image to enlarge)

WHEN THE GOOD DIE YOUNG

For those who know me personally and/or who have been reading this column since its first article; you know that on October 13, 2008 mine and Nancy’s (Nana) then sixteen year old Grandson Kaleb Alan Turner left this world prematurely due to a fatal automobile accident.

During the week of Kaleb’s Seventeenth Birthday (May 19, 2009), I wrote an article titled: A Birthday Without Celebration. In that article I stated: On Kaleb’s Birthday; what should have been a day of celebration, was instead for my family and all those who love Kaleb a day of only heartbroken memories.

It seems so hard to believe, yet, another birthday is now upon us. Like last year’s birthday, so this year’s: Instead of a day of joyful gifts, there will be a day of placing tokens of our love at the sight of the accident, and new wreaths and flowers will also be placed at the gravesite that now holds his precious body.

In planning this article, the song lyric “Only the good die young” came to my mind; this song was written and sung by Billy Joel. Not that I believe the lyric to be entirely accurate; for I know that both good and bad can and does die at anytime and at any age.

What the lyric is saying to me at this time is: What a waste it seems to see a young life cut short, one that had so much promise and potential ahead of it; I am more keenly aware of this truth as Kaleb’s Eighteenth Birthday is now upon us.

As stated in a previous article: Even though all birthdays are precious, there are a few particular ones that seem to be more special than others, some of these being: The Thirteenth, when one becomes a teenager; the Sixteenth, when one may receive their driver’s license; then there is the Eighteen Birthday, when one graduates from High School, when one becomes capable to vote in elections and to join and serve in the Armed Forces.

At this age, some will go to college before entering the job market; while others will go directly into the full time employment ranks, to remain there for the next forty plus years. Young men and women marry and begin their own individual families; as they begin bringing into this life the next generation; populating and repopulating this world; thus the family’s lifeline is able to continue. At least this is the way that it should be.

For when one’s life is cut short without first leaving a child behind to continue that family’s lineage; that particular lifeline ceases. So, when the good die young; it is such a loss to not only the immediate family, but also there is the loss of future generations.

For the loved ones left behind, there is no being a part of their maturing into the adult that you dreamed of them becoming when they were a child; no watching the family’s continuance. All the hopes and treasures that you had been storing for them, has now lost all it true worth and value to you. You care less for whatever monetary value that may still yet be in the material items that you had purposed one day for them to receive as an inheritance; for without them, it is all meaningless.

What is left for the ones left behind? The only hope and plans that one can hold onto now, is the reassurance that if the child died as a Child of God; then there is coming a time appointed when all those who die in Christ, will have their souls and spirits reunited with their bodies, never to be apart again throughout eternity (2 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 and 2 Corinthians 5: 7-9).

I speak honestly and sincerely, sometimes this hope for an eternal reunion just doesn’t seem to be enough; now, in reality, I know as a Christian that it is; but as a Nana and Papaw it just doesn’t feel like it.

When I have such feelings, it is then that I am once again reminded of that young man who often, while reading from several Bibles that his Nana has at her home, would mark Bible Verses dear to him. In one such Bible in the final chapter of the book of Revelations where The Lord said , “Surely I come quickly” followed by ‘even so, Come, Lord Jesus”; this young man’s words are written, “Home at last” and “Thanks”; and then beside these added comments, it is personally signed by him.

That young man was KALEB. His Nana and Papaw know in our hearts that he has arrived at the place that he knew to be his true HOME (with his God); where we someday hope to be reunited with him and all of our other loved ones who have gone ahead to that very same place, or who will follow there after.

Even though his Nana and Papaw know where he is; it is also, during the times of these feelings, I understand how Job felt, for as he did when his suffering seemed unbearable; Kaleb’s Nana and Papaw scream within our very soul “When Lord, will our change come?” (Job 14: 13-15).

I close this article, repeating what I stated earlier in this same article: (In this current world) what a waste when the good die young!

THIS HAS BEEN ONE PAPAW AND NANA STILL MISSING THEIR KALEB.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

Allan Turner

WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG

This week’s political themed article is a continuation of my urging for the need for each and everyone not to simply take for granted as being accurately truthful all that they may hear and/or read from those who are suppose to be knowledgeable when it comes to the politics of our times; for what so often is coming out of their mouths and/or writings are tainted with biases. Sometimes this may be unintentional, while for others intentional.

There are those persons who have an obsessed loyalty to their political party affiliation, individual candidate and/or politician, to the point; that everything regarding such is given a blinded bias in favor of. These biases influence their ability to be fair in their opinions pro and con.

For some, they have become completely devoted to their politics over everyone and everything else, even their religion. Their politics has become the god they serve.

This obsessed distorted view gives them a sense of arrogance, causing them to ignorantly assume their political side as always being right, while at the same time believing the opposing side must always be wrong.

Such arrogance affects their thinking and actions. They speak as one who has all authority and complete knowledge. They will argue their view with the determination to affect the course of events in their political favor. For some, they attempt to persuade somebody’s thinking or action by the mere force of their personality; not being satisfied until everyone agrees with their opinion.

Then there are the followers of such arrogant ones; who repeat the same distorted facts by those who twist and stretch the truth. In doing so, the followers are propagating the same untruths.

Since this type of sharing biased political viewpoints and opinions is always ongoing in every avenue of communication by various persons with their various biases; it is difficult sometimes to know who is right and who is wrong.

For many the real truth is becoming more unclear and unrecognizable; and for the ones who are intentionally misleading, they depend upon this uncertainty to rightfully discern what may or may not be truth. This is why it is important for each one to already have a set of strongly held beliefs, morals and values that they will always live by; that they may better discern what is being reported or described as being accurate or inaccurate truth.

As stated in last week’s article: It is a vital necessity for people to know for themselves the real truth regarding all subjects that may have an effect on how one lives their life; this is especially true when it comes to politics and even religion.

I now close this article, with an exaggerated example from The Bible of one who only sees the wrong in others:

“And why beholdest thou the small twig that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the large timber that is in thine own eye? Or, how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the small twig out of thine eye; and, behold, a large timber is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the large timber out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the small twig out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7: 3-5).

The next time you hear and/or read a political viewpoint, ask yourself this question “Is this person biased?” Using the above scripture as a guideline; the chances are they were, if they only spoke well about their side and only negatively about the opposing side.

The High-Tech Fish Finder

1.The old sonar fish finders have been around for a while, and they’re pretty helpful when you want to find a school of rowdy largemouth bass. But what do you do when the ocean is your fishing hole and all those fish are your livelihood? An innovative New Zealand fishing company is using Trimble GPS to help them locate and land the catch of the day.

2.Scalord Products Ltd. have upgraded to NT200 GPS receivers and the Omnistar Differential GPS service to navigate to and within orange roughy fishing grounds. These fish live on underwater sea mounds and other geological features which are difficult to fish over. The speed and accuracy of the NT200 enables them to position their vessel and gear accurately, and safely fish these small areas.

3.The GPS receiver is interfaced with an acoustic trawl positioning system on two of the boats providing an exact geographical position of the nets. This is not only helpful when looking for a favorite fishing hole, but in avoiding any international boundaries that might be just a few yards off. “It was difficult to fish without GPS,” said Sealord’s Vessel Manager Richard Wells. “The Differential GPS service has improved its capabilities. We also fish Hoki where tow line accuracy is important.”

Time Can Buy Money

One large, international investment banking firm has given new meaning to “synchronize your watches”. They’ve started using a Trimble Palisade NTP Synchronization Kit to synchronize their computer networks so that transactions at their London, New York, and Tokyo offices will be recorded simultaneously. To date, the firm has one Acutime and plans to get more. The GPS receiver serves as the time reference for the transactions happening on several thousand UNIX host machines and even more PC’s.

According to their spokesman, the precision of GPS timing technology provides the firm with:

• A constant source of market-time information,
• An inarguable reference time source for all transactions, and
• The ability to accurately synchronize log files for the ordering of transactions.

It is my hope and prayer that all who do not wish to be misled will research the facts for themselves. Also, first and foremost always seek and then obey God’s direction and guidance; even when it is contrary to the rhetoric of the politicians and/or their devoted followers; and even if it causes one to go against their own previous biased political loyalties (Psalm 118: 5-8).

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

A DAY FOR ALL MOTHERS

This week’s article is a temporary departure from the Political Theme articles I have recently been writing; the reason for the departure is due to this coming Sunday May 09, 2010 is the holiday known as Mother’s Day. This is one day a year set aside for the sole purpose of expressing ones’ love for their Moms and Grandmas. So, in honor of all those ladies who have sacrificed themselves for everyone else, this article is for you.

During this holiday Mothers and Grandmothers will receive from their Children and Grandchildren a Greeting Card with expressions of love and appreciation for all their labor of love for their families. For some Mothers and Grandmothers, they will also receive gifts, and even a dinner which they themselves do not have to prepare.

As well, there will be Mothers and Grandmothers who will go to their churches on this holiday; where they will receive a flower and/or some other small token of love from their extended church families.

For the Mothers and Grandmothers who will be overwhelmed with their emotions of happiness, as they shed their tears of joy; I wish you all the joy and happiness one may receive now and always in this current world.

For the Moms and/or Grandmas who have preceded us in death; let us remember them in our thoughts and memories; cherish the time that we had with them. For Christians, remember also there is a Blessed Hope of an eternal reunion with them.

For all those other Mothers and Grandmothers who are still with us; whose hearts will be filled with sorrow during this same period; I dedicate the remainder of this article:

To the Mom and Grandma (Nana) that will have one less Greeting Card this year, for that Child/Grandchild is no longer here to give you one, know this: If he (or she) was still here, you would have received one.

To the Young Mom who’s arms ache with emptiness, due to their Baby, while still yet within their womb, went ahead of you to that Eternal Life that a waits. Be assured your Child does know who you are, and they are waiting for you to join them; where there will never be any further separation. For those Christian Mothers be consoled in knowing that all those who die in Christ will be together; if not now, then later; for there is coming a day, when you will hear those words from your child’s lips, “Mommy, I love you!”

To the Moms and Grandmas who (for whatever reason) may be estranged from those who came forth from you; allow yourselves to be embraced by The Heavenly Father’s Holy Spirit; that you may be comforted by His Unmerited Love.

If there is anything you may have personally done or not done which may have resulted in the estranged relationship between you and your loved ones; if not already, you need to repent and ask for forgiveness.

If your Child and/or Grandchild have done something to cause the estrangement; then you need to forgive.

As you pray for your family’s reconciliation; permit The Holy Spirit to do a work in you and them that will bring forth a genuine love for one another as it should be for all families.

Allow The Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus to aide in correcting the wrongs and mending the wounds; then maybe this time next year you may all celebrate Mother’s Day together. If this does not take place (again, for whatever reason); then know that if all are God’s Children; there is a future time, when all will be together in true joy and happiness.

For all the Children and/or Grandchildren who may have grievances (some may even be justified) with your Moms and/or Grandmas; know this: They may not have been the best Mom and/or Grandma; nevertheless, they were yours. Without them, you would not be here.

This Mother’s Day, and each and every other day, let us give all the Moms and Grandmas the kind of genuine love that each and everyone would desire for oneself.

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

THERE IS A RIGHT WAY

In last week’s article titled: Know The True Facts For Yourself; I discussed the necessity for people to know for themselves the truth regarding subjects that may have an effect on how one lives their life.  I stated my concern is people are not thinking for themselves. This is even truer when it comes to the subject of politics. Like the proverbial fish that not only bites the hook, but also swallows the hook, line and sinker; far too many people are accepting the rhetoric that their political party may be telling them as absolute truth without question.  It is my opinion that all those who confess to be Christians must go to The Bible for direction and instruction for all matters of life; that they may analyze their own perceived knowledge in comparison. This will also better aid them in discerning information given to them by others.  In writing last week’s article, it reminded me of a previous article I wrote a year ago titled: A Seem Right Way; in it I discussed how too often human beings are choosing to put their trust in other human beings over their trust in The Creator of all humanity. Though that particular article was on trust in general, in this article I am focusing on the “blind trust” that people are placing in their individual politicians and/or political party affiliations. As stated in that article: It is understandable that man does need to trust in other human persons. At the same time, this should never be the main focus of one’s trust; that should be always placed upon The Creator of all man (Psalm 118: 8). For mankind to believe that they may seek for direction and instruction in one’s life in solely one another, thus leaving out seeking that guidance which can only come from their God; it is fallacy. Yet, this happens. For mankind in their own pride, fails to recognize the proof that can be clearly seen, by simply looking at what a mess they have made of this world; which is a direct result of continually making decisions without God; as they are dependent solely upon themselves (Proverbs 16: 17-18, 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13, and Proverbs 29: 23). As for myself (and no doubt many others) the proof of our imperfect lives is proven in our inability to produce anything everlasting that is truly good. Once again, with the emphases on Politics: With all of our politicians’ best self-efforts, the outcome is always less than desired. With all of their successes; there seems to be much more failures. Why is this? Just like our original parents: Adam and Eve; it occurs when man decides to make his own decisions without regard to God’s Will (Genesis Chap. 1 thru 3). For anyone today to believe that they can make their own decisions without God; makes them just as erroneous as Adam and Eve; for any decision made solely by flawed man without his Creator’s flawless direction, will end in yet another flawed outcome; some more than others, but nonetheless flawed ( Genesis 11: 1-9 and Jeremiah 17: 9-10). From Adam and Eve and all the generations that have followed, which includes this current generation, the vast majority of people live their lives as though there is no God; or for some, they might acknowledge Him as God, and then simply continue to rebel against His will and/or refuse to seek His direction. If all of this is true (which it is): Why then, do people continue to try to make a perfect life without God?  Because, with their fallen prideful nature, “There is a way that seems to be right” But, the warning with this false perception, is. “It leads to death and destruction.” (Proverbs 14: 12 and Matthew 7: 13-14)

The High-Tech Fish Finder – 1.The old sonar fish finders have been around for a while, and they’re pretty helpful when you want to find a school of rowdy largemouth bass. But what do you do when the ocean is your fishing hole and all those fish are your livelihood? An innovative New Zealand fishing company is using Trimble GPS to help them locate and land the catch of the day.

2.Scalord Products Ltd. have upgraded to NT200 GPS receivers and the Omnistar Differential GPS service to navigate to and within orange roughy fishing grounds. These fish live on underwater sea mounds and other geological features which are difficult to fish over. The speed and accuracy of the NT200 enables them to position their vessel and gear accurately, and safely fish these small areas.

3.The GPS receiver is interfaced with an acoustic trawl positioning system on two of the boats providing an exact geographical position of the nets. This is not only helpful when looking for a favorite fishing hole, but in avoiding any international boundaries that might be just a few yards off. “It was difficult to fish without GPS,” said Sealord’s Vessel Manager Richard Wells. “The Differential GPS service has improved its capabilities. We also fish Hoki where tow line accuracy is important.”

Time Can Buy Money – One large, international investment banking firm has given new meaning to “synchronize your watches”. They’ve started using a Trimble Palisade NTP Synchronization Kit to synchronize their computer networks so that transactions at their London, New York, and Tokyo offices will be recorded simultaneously. To date, the firm has one Acutime and plans to get more. The GPS receiver serves as the time reference for the transactions happening on several thousand UNIX host machines and even more PC’s.

According to their spokesman, the precision of GPS timing technology provides the firm with:

• A constant source of market-time information,
• An inarguable reference time source for all transactions, and
• The ability to accurately synchronize log files for the ordering of transactions.

It is my hope: More than ever, our trust is in God Almighty. That we will first and foremost always seek, and then obey God’s direction and guidance; even when it is contrary to the rhetoric of one’s politicians, and causes one to go against their political loyalties.

For there is a right way that we must all follow; that way is and always will be God’s Will; for He alone truly knows what is best for each and everyone. You’ll never need to fear that He might lead you astray (Psalm 118: 5-8). 

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families. 

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

KNOW THE TRUE FACTS FOR YOURSELF

In last week’s article titled: My Own Opinions In My Own Words, I stated as far as the opinions written in this column, the one thing readers can be assured of is the opinions written will always be mine.

The article was a result of me being bothered by what I believe to be people who hold to the same political view are simply repeating someone else’s rhetoric, instead of their own individual views. As stated it is one thing to quote someone else’s view and/or even sometimes one’s own words may be similar to another’s; but the majority of the words should be your own.

When it comes to politics, it seems whether it is in written form or spoken word, to read or hear one is to hear and read them all; there is no difference. This leads me to conclude far too many people are simply parroting others; that they are commenting on matters without having all the true facts.

My concern is people are not thinking for themselves. It seems they are like the proverbial fish that not only bites the hook, but also swallows the hook, line and sinker; they are accepting the rhetoric that their political party may be telling them as absolute truth without question.

People have a responsibility to themselves and others to know the true facts; regardless the subject. Before a person gives an opinion, they need to make sure beforehand to know the whole truth regarding whatever the subject may be. This is a necessity for all aspects of knowledge, and should be a priority for subjects like religion and politics.

Being a preacher/teacher of The Bible, I always go to The Bible for direction and instruction for all subjects of life. As I believe there is no separation between God and every aspect of our lives; this including politics.

With this in mind, I now go to The Bible for instruction on how to receive words spoken by those who claim to have knowledge concerning the political issues of today.

First off: The Bible warns us not to receive all opinions and viewpoints that may sound “good” as being true; for there are people who will use such words to subvert the hearers. It tells us, that we need to study matters for ourselves; to dissect the true meaning behind the words spoken by others. To compare all opinions and viewpoints to The Truth of God’s Word; to reject entirely that which is in conflict.

We are told to shun the profane and vain babblings (rhetoric) of others. For their words will eat away your morals and values like cancer eats away a body. For their goal is to overthrow the faith of some.

Those that are truly Christians are reassured: Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, that The Lord knows them that are His. Then it tells us, “Let everyone that nameth The Name of Christ depart from iniquity”. A simple understanding of this word iniquity is: To sin by refusing to allow God to change you; to continue in one’s rebellion against God’s Will. When you support opinions and viewpoints which are contrary to God’s Truth, you are then against God.

The Bible uses a parable to show that there are those who confess to be His, who brings Him Honor and some dishonor. It warns us to purge ourselves from untruths spoken by others; for the one who does, that person will be unto God’s honor; they will be set apart, meet for The Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. We are to flee from those who would lead us away from God’s Will. We are to follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on The Lord out of a pure heart (Paraphrased and added comments from 2 Timothy 2: 14-22).

When it comes to politics, I close this article with this encouragement: For each and every one (especially those who call themselves Christians) to know the true facts for yourselves. Once you know the truth; then stand for that truth and that truth alone.

As far as those who will not agree with you, the above Bible Verses ends with this wisdom how to interact with those who will disagree with you: We are to avoid conversation that will cause strife. For the servant of The Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (Paraphrased and added comments from 2 Timothy 2: 23-26).

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

At the same time, I felt that I did have my own opinions that needed to be shared; especially when it came to important life issues regarding My God and all of our families. For I believe that America is going in a negative direction away from God, and His moral values and ethics.

As the first year of this column was also the same year as the Presidential Election, I spent most of the year writing article after article regarding the need for the people who confessed to be Christians to vote for the candidate that best agrees with their God’s Holy Will; over the voter’s seeming need.

These series of articles with a political theme were only stopped by the untimely fatal auto accident of my then sixteen year old grandson Kaleb Alan Turner in October of the same year. Since then, I have written several articles about Kaleb and family matters in general.

Someone might be asking, “After one and half years have passed since my last series of political themed articles, why now am I returning to such articles?” The answer is: Even though I have always had my own opinions regarding politics it was not my intension to make this column solely political; the reason I am at this time, is due to recently reading some political themed articles written by various writers; with opposing views in more than one newspaper.

This was not a rare incident for such opposing political articles written by the same group of writers; for some of these same types of articles have been ongoing way before my first article. The truth of the matter is, such opposing articles is what got me to start this column.

This particular article is not to reinforce one opinion over the other; even though I do tend to lean more in agreement with some of the writers as compared to the others. Neither is this article written to debate those opinions that do not agree with mine.

So, if this article is not to debate the pros or cons of these various ongoing articles written by other writers; what then? It’s the choice of words that are being used in so many political themed newspaper articles local and nationally, and even news media programs that have me bothered.

Let me explain: I don’t know if anyone else has noticed as I have, how people who hold to the same political view tend to all sound alike; for what I keep reading and/or hearing others share, sounds not like their own individual opinions; but instead, they sound like parrots, as they repeat word for word what they have heard and/or read from others about particular subjects like politics (and this is also true for religion). For whether it is in written form or spoken word, to read or hear one is to hear and read them all; there is no difference.

As stated in the first paragraph of this article, I know that everyone have opinions they like to share with others, and I don’t have a problem with that; the problem that I am finding is that either reading and/or hearing others share opinions; it seems that most do not have their own, they are simply repeating someone else’s rhetoric.

It is one thing to quote someone else’s opinion and/or even sometimes one’s own words may be similar to another’s; but the majority of the words should be your own. And believe me, those who are knowledgeable about a particular subject can tell the difference between individual thought and parroted words.

As far as the opinions written in this column, the one thing that readers can be assured of is the opinions written will always be mine.

Please stay tuned for next week’s article, as I share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION IN MY OWN WORDS for the need for each and everyone to know the true facts for themselves, and if you do give an opinion, make sure it is your own.

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE SAVED FROM (PART TWO) For those who read this column frequently; you know by now that as a Christian, I write articles with Christian Themes and Undertones; some more direct than others. In doing so; it is my hope and prayer that for those who have not already personally received the free Gift of Salvation, they will before it is too late. Many in this area refer to this as “Being Saved”.  I am saddened to say: There is no doubt there are those who have not done so. Why? For some, they simply have never gotten around to doing so, even though they know they should. For others, they may have no concept of even needing to being saved. This and last week’s article is one more attempt to reach these two groups. If you have never been raised in Church; or, you were, yet you turned a deaf ear to The Word taught and preached in that Church regarding the need to be saved; you may have asked or at least pondered this one question from last week’s article, “What do I need to be saved from?”  I now will attempt to answer that question by answering the following: “What is sin, and who is a sinner, and what makes that person a sinner?” Many believe that sin is doing something bad as compared to doing something good. And, that doing something bad is what makes a person a sinner. This was true with the first sin ever committed, but not now; let me explain: The first persons who sinned, our ancestors Adam and Eve started out innocent, and then later sinned, which made them sinners. Since then, as result of their initial sin; all of their descendants (which is all of mankind, both male and female) have inherited their sin nature from our conception. This may seem unfair; but nevertheless it is still true (Psalms 51: All). Due to being the offspring of Adam and Eve; we now start out sinners. Thus, for us, we are the opposite of our ancestors. They did wrong making them sinners; we do wrong as a result of being sinners. This is why we do the bad things that we do; some worse than others. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s will for them; they missed out on continually living in right fellowship with God; which is “The Mark” that God desires for all mankind. We were originally created to live this life of right fellowship forever in that most perfect place called The Garden of Eden (Paradise) which God prepared for us and Him to share together. When Adam and Eve first missed the mark (sinned) in the garden by disobeying God’s will for them; they had to leave that perfect place, which was their initial punishment. They would eventually die as a result of that sin; as God had beforehand warned them that it would happen if they sinned. Because of our ancestors’ sin and all of their descendants’ inheritance of sin, we all are appointed to die. Death is not the ultimate punishment though; that would be: Eternally being separated from God. Instead of living forever in that most perfect place; those who die as a sinner, will spend forever in a place The Bible calls Hell. Because God is Love, He has never desired the latter. But, since God is also Holy there was a dilemma: Sin must be punished. The solution: God would allow someone who was Holy (sinless) like Himself to suffer the punishment in the sinner’s place. The only One who could do that, and did do that was His Only Begotten Son: Jesus, The Christ. 

So, God has offered to each and everyone who would first acknowledge that they were sinners (ones who have missed the mark); who would then ask God’s forgiveness; who would then accept the death of His Only Begotten Son for their punishment in their stead; who would then ask and receive God’s Holy Spirit to live within them, becoming “Born Again”; then seek to live their life in well doing the remainder of their days (which is pleasing to God); they could once again live eternally in right fellowship with God.

All that said and done, here now is the answer to the above question, “We all need to be saved from an eternal separation from God; that we all can continually live with God forever”.

I now close this week’s article, leaving you to ponder within your own heart this question, “Are You Saved?”

Thank you for reading this column each and every week, as I continue to share THIS ONE MAN’S OPINION concerning subjects that matter to my God and to all of us, and to all of our families.  

For comment I may be contacted by email alandturner@hotmail.com.