Today was Jan’s birthday (don’t ask!) and I went with her to church and had the pleasure of listening to Lee Parsons one more time. Let me assure you he is still against sin. He also mentioned something that is all too rare in modern sermons: the terrors of hell. He rightly warned that as surely as their will be the delights of heaven, there remains the possibility of hell which defies description for those who don’t quite get the program. He made no assumptions on the personnel make up of either destination but did offer plenty of guidelines.
Posted by “Anonymous”
There is currently a considerable kerfuffle going on concerning anonymous blogs and comments. Arguments are being made on both sides in defense of and stridently against the policy of hiding behind any pen name while voicing a personal opinion.
Some see the danger of positively identifying oneself as the author as it could well lead to professional problems or family issues. Others point to the founders often using pseudonyms in presenting positions on the formation of the country. All in all, those who favor the alias or simple “anonymous” are really saying “listen to me because I know I’m brighter than you but I don’t chose to expose myself.
Since I personally misplaced the record of my “blogspot” log-in long ago, I can appreciate those who post comments to Zion Beckons and use “anonymous” as their ID. These same folks also sign their posts and leave me no doubt who they are. In most cases, I know them personally and have their emails. Otherwise, I rarely post anything which has no ID.
My personal feeling on the matter is abundantly clear. Of the 430 plus entries on Zion Beckons, each clearly attributes the authorship to a specific person. I personally know each of these persons and not just by email. If we can not verify who the poster is; we don’t post it. I am not interested in reading personally anything which has no source. Further, I have little interest in comments which don’t have the courage of their conviction. Although we have our childish moments, we are all adults and should have no shame in offering our opinions.
This is not to say that we find every utterance agreeable. We are human and subject to criticism; some of which is justifiable. The founders of the nation used anonymity for protection from unjust rulers and persons who would persecute them for their words. This is not the case in America—yet! With our freedoms in free fall, it is difficult to predict when we may have to change our policies for the protection of all concerned. We shall deal with that contingency when the day arrives.
Until then, to be properly respected in your opinion, provide a recognizable signature and lend the appropriate value to your voice.
D-Day; come and gone
Saturday was two things to most Americans. It was a day of remembrance for the men and women of many nations who gave their all. Our allies provided mutual support to gain those bloody beaches. Our own troops did the job they were assigned and the ground upon which they managed it is hallowed. Persons born that day are now eligible for Social Security and the continuing benefits of the sacrifice of those men. Has it been that long?
Sixty-five years ago it was a day of terror for some Americans as they watched their friends and buddies sink into the water with fatal wounds before they even reached the beach. It is small wonder that they often were reluctant to relive those hours and speak about it. To face death is a very private matter. To survive, when friends do not, presents questions in the mind which are never answered satisfactorily. Those who have not faced it will never fully understand. It’s not because they don’t care, of course they do: it’s just that one really has to face the reality of it to know.
Once the beach-head was secure, they realized that the job was just barely underway. They were fully aware that the horror of that day would be repeated on the next as they faced a constant enemy. For now, they were content to curl up in the sand, rest and pray they would be whole to continue on the 7th. The matter was accomplished by youngsters 18, 19, 20, for the most part. The cadre was seasoned but the “men” were for the most part kids. We trusted them to do the job and they did it.
These men are rapidly disappearing in our neighborhoods, churches, and families. We have only one left in our congregation. Today it is hard to imagine Nappy Roberson manning his station on a navy ship patrolling over “iron bottom” sound between Tulagi and Guadalcanal. He made it! My old neighbor of six years (’55 to ’61), John Plummer, now gone, survived D-Day and made his way to Bastogne for the Battle of the Bulge and left a leg in Europe and became a POW. He came home to marry, father three kids, and work every day until retirement. Neither ever complained.
As a life long member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, I have met many men with similar experience. It has been a distinct privilege to be in the company of these quiet heroes. While you still can, I urge you to seek them out and speak with them. They have much to share and to teach. Introduce your kids and grandkids and let them learn the meaning of honor, duty and devotion to country. While you are at it; a thank you would be appropriate. They have, after all, given you their all.
And finally
Life on the ridge continues apace. The biggest excitement around this end of the branch is the arrival of a great crested flycatcher earlier this week. He is a large bird about 8” to 9” with a modest crest, two white chevrons on his wings and a light yellow lower belly. He didn’t hang around too long and ignored the feeder.
As a birthday gift, we went to the nursery and Jan picked as many items as she pleased to be planted here and there. Almost all are in and seem to be thriving. The three new juniper bushes are the pick of the litter and continue the plantings outward from the new deck along the side of the garage.. I’ll have to admit, this place is looking almost civilized. Her day lilies are blooming and really enhance the periphery of the property. As is normal, God is good. Our hope is that you are finding enjoyment in your surroundings at least the equivalent of ours.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
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