US Election 2016: Enough... Ok? Enough.

Hello,

This is my first post in a long time and If you have a problem with my post, you can go ahead and defriend me on facebook, like that really SOLVES anything... You understand that degrades democracy and free thinking? Do you guys understand FREE SPEECH? It's a first amendment right.

Let me begin.

I will gladly admit that I was on the fence for Trump in the beginning but when I saw the videos of inspiration, hope, and him bringing in huge rallies of 40 to 60k, I saw a man who was reaching out to the forgotten voters, union workers (steel and coal specifically), and seeing that he just could not be bought. I saw a man who was speaking about America and how it's great to be AN AMERICAN. I said: "Wait, he's not running as a democrat or a republican... He's running as a full-fledged red-blooded patriotic AMERICAN!" He was also being politically incorrect and I loved it. I watched his NRA speech and that's when I said: Hey, you got my vote, you earned it!

In the start of October, the media was giving a 90-95% chance of Hillary taking home the election and we would've had our first woman president and personally, had she won, I would've taken her election in good graces and say: Hey, I am being a fair sport. But again I wasn't buying what the media was saying at all. I don't believe the polls because they oversample certain groups (mainly democrats).

My wife and I voted and we were going to stay up to watch the results but we decided against it and just went to bed. It probably was going to be far too late.

On Tuesday Night around 9:39pm, I took my bed with my wife after checking the election box score, which was 129-97 at the time for Trump. I told my wife what was going on and she was shocked because she believed that Hillary would've been really far ahead at this point in time. I said to myself: "Trump's going to win this thing. I don't think we're seeing madam president tonight... no way. Something's up." Even my wife agreed and we went to bed.

I went to bed quietly until 3:25 came about "Five minutes later" and I said to myself: "Do I check the election or no?" If Hillary won, ok, then, we move on with life... If Trump won, ok, awesome, I picked another winner, and we move on with life. I was going to be tending to my yard and getting up the waste anyway.

I look at the results and say: "Wow... Trump not only beat her...! He gave her an asswhupping!" Minnesota, Michigan, and New Hampshire were still not decided (eventually they were)

So folks, I woke up because God gave me another day and said: Make your day spectacular, Josh! Go to work and I'll protect you along the way when you are behind the wheel.

I nodded my head in agreement, grabbed my lunch, and headed out. Went upstairs, talked about the election and most of my fellow cohorts were Trump supporters.

There was very little, if any election talk at work. We all moved on with our lives... Going on living and working.

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So that end, let me just tell the little whinos, cry babies, and people who need their blankie because Clinton lost: ENOUGH... GET THE HELL OVER IT... ITS OVER WITH!

You all need to move on and take the result. We survived 8 years of Obama and I am sure we will survive 4 years of Trump. It is not a big deal. Trump doesn't really run the country... He's the figurehead of the country and is supposed to make America's brand look good to other nations. So knock it off!

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Why did Trump win?

What I saw and deciphered was that this is was a staunch, stern, and absolute rebuke of the political establishment set in the United States of America... And by that I mean politicians that are only out for their own good and can be bought by corporations, the media, and vice versa. Trump on the other hand, COULDN'T BE BOUGHT, he was basically throwing the gauntlet down to the establishment and saying: I'm going for the voice of America that is absolutely silent.

Trump had huge rallies. HUGE. Clinton couldn't draw a crowd... KAINE COULDN'T EVEN DRAW A CROWD. Right there, I saw a massive oddity.

I saw videos of "the forgotten" who said they were voting for Trump.

Trump won because of the forgotten voter and they came out. The forgotten voter leveled a heavy hand on Liberal CEOs, Hollywood Elite, and the establishment and said: You don't speak for me! We tell the government what to do.

Trump won probably a good 2800 counties out of the 3143 counties in the USA

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Why did Clinton lose?

Very simple. She forgot the forgotten voter and was being a sellout. She didn't win women AT ALL... She forgot the women who were stay at home mothers. Also working but non-college educated women. She also lost to independents as well!

She primarily won in urban-centric areas, not small rural areas... That's where she lost. This is why we have the electoral college. There's support and criticism... but the electoral college does prevent urban-centric victories.

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To you anti-Trump protesters?

Can you guys just get on with your damn lives...? When 9/11 happened, there was no free pizza, cocoa, or teddy bears the next day... there was teaching and learning. Yes we were scared but no one was giving us anything. Get off the streets, stop burning the flag, stop acting like you are owed something, stop destroying stuff, stop acting like animals, and MOVE ON!

YOU GO ON LIVING!

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And to the Trump supporters?

Don't be sore winners. Just go on with life.

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Thank you. My rant is over.

Opening Statement: Miracles on Easter

Hello,

Jesus rising from the dead is in itself one of the greatest miracles in history. We also know there are a lot of other miracles as well. None will reach the utmost pinnacle of what Jesus did on that Easter morning so bright. Some atheists have also seen Easter miracles and have turned to God as he spoke to them in their human status, and done more to help their community.

1997: In Canada, a 11-year old girl was involved in a very harsh car accident where she went through the window and hit the pavement. She was taken to the hospital and doctors gave her very little chance to live. Her parents were prepped to remove her from life support and they left the room to go get the documents to do so. As they left, her mom heard a voice that said: No, don't do it, she's going to live. She's going to live. She still has much to do on this Earth.

She tugged at her husband and said: "We can't do it, we just can't." Her husband, knowing his daughter was going to die, "We have to. We can't let our child suffer so."

A nurse came rushing down to where the parents were and said: "COME COME COME! YOU GOT TO SEE THIS!"

As they rushed down the hall, the mom started to tear up, and they came into the room, only to find their daughter up in bed, smiling, and wanting something to eat because she was hungry. The doctors had absolutely no explanation for what happened. All of her wounds were healed, the bleeding stopped, everything was healed.

Her mom knelt and said: "Did someone visit you?"

She said: "Yes, God visited me and said I have much to do in this world. It's time for me to do that."

The girl, now 30, speaks about her harrowing ordeal and also arranges mission trips for a non-profit organization for which she is the treasurer.

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2004: Reno. A staunch 16-year old atheist boy was stricken with pneumonia after contracting a sexually transmitted disease. They were not sure of his survival. A priest came in and the boy wanted him out. He looked at the boy and said: "Why?" The boy said: "You're a priest! I don't believe in God!" The priest said: "That's a shame, God has done great miracles for believers in him." The boy looked at him: "Yeah? Well why did he have to take my father!?"

The priest looked at him and said: "He died fighting for his country which is one of the most noble things a man can do. But you are going to blame God for his death? He sacrificed his life for yours, just like Jesus did to free you from sin."

The boy looked at him and said: "How did you know my father was in the army?"

The priest said: "We know everything. We live in a place where there is no pain, suffering..." He took out a bible and said: "Keep this..."

The boy, initially resistant, took the bible, started to weep, and say: "Who are you?"

The priest said: "Someone who cares about life. Which you should too. I've seen what you've done with your gang. I remember everything you've done and it is time for you to get away from that group."

The priest walked out and the boy yelled: "I never got your name!"

The priest said: "You'll know soon enough but now's not the time. Your new found faith will heal you. That's a promise that will be kept."

The priest walked out and the boy began to read the bible. As he got to the Gospel of Matthew's narrative of the Crucifixion of Jesus. He began to cry knowing that Jesus undertook the sins of the world. He quietly put the bible down on the desk, folded his hands, and told God to take away the pain. He was sorry for the things he did, the people he bullied, the girl he raped, and that he didn't deserve to live.

The hospital saw that his STD was gone, his pneumoia was gone, and he was a new person. The boy asked about the priest who came to his room. The orderly said: "We've never had a person like that here."

Two weeks later, the boy was back in school, turning a new leaf, starting a bible club and taught God's word to everyone who came to his club.

Now, he's a junior pastor in Clark County, Nevada.

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Just a few examples of how God has made miracles. On this Easter, remember that if you are reading this message, you have a life, and you should be very blessed to have it.

Have a great Easter everyone... He is RISEN! He is RISEN indeed! Alleluia!

What I learned from 1/17: My mom and the 90%

Prelude: My mom was an Enrichment Director for 12 years from 1988-2000 and bearing witness to it as a student at St. Paul Lutheran and having to stay with her? Well, I knew that I had a mom that could turn kids into the best that they could be.

Hello,

After some thinking, I made a journey back to my old roots on 1/17 as part of "Goodwill" peace process. I was back there in 2013 for an advent talk. I was warmly welcomed back but kind of overstayed my welcome...

When I mean my old roots, I mean St. Paul Lutheran Day School and Church. It was a way to put my hand out and say, "hey, no hard feelings." It was a joy to be welcomed back by so many people despite my thoughts I was going to be ill-received. It was excellent to see that I was welcomed with open arms. Dressed in my golf shirt and pants, I looked around.

Mr. Giguere along with his wife, they were surprised at my return. He was the principal who had governed a lot of students during his time. He was the prime authority figure at St. Paul. I told him about my family and how everything's going. Mr. Giguere told me what a great person I turned out to be and how I definitely became my mother's son. I stated that my mom and dad raised me to know right from wrong.

He also went on to ask me what I was doing with myself nowadays. I told him that I was working in Washington D.C. in the statistics department. He said: "You must be making good money." I said: "It's not $100k a year, but it's good enough." He asked me about the family and I told them that everything was going just fine with everyone. Kira had 2 kids, Matt was working very hard towards his college degree, and Dad and Mom were working and having a blast traveling. One of my dad's old usher friends said: "You know, get your parents to come back, I miss your father! He was the best! I miss talking about golf, computers..." I said: "I'll try." I think they wanted them back...

Pastor Schafer was astounded that I returned. I also believe that he thought there was going to be vitriol and shame for me returning but he said: "Josh, welcome back sir. Everyone is always welcomed in God's house." I said: "God must have a lot of houses, Mr. Schafer. I want to find out what he drives." Earning me a chuckle from him. He said: "It's been 16 years since you've been here, but you know you guys are always welcomed back."

Mr. Dungey, who was a-ok with us, said: "Josh! Of all people!" I said: "Mr. Kevin, how are you doing." He was impressed with how I seemed to be doing working for DC and getting married to my wife... who was working on this Sunday. Mr. Dungey was very pleased to see me but wondered where everyone else was. I said: Working, working, anddddddddddddddd working."

Before the service, I looked around and took 20 seconds to eye my surroundings. First of all, I saw Elizabeth Middleton, an old Sunday School student we knew... Pastor Schafer's wife along with Alicia and others... Familiar faces... No real sign of anyone else here.

I quietly took my seat and said: "Hey God, what am I doing here? Is this a goodwill tour for me? Is this a way to say, hey, make peace? What is it?" I heard the organ and the first thing out of my mouth was: "Yep, out of tune, still sounds the same."

As I attempted to sing the songs from the new hymnals... I thought: I remember the old books, the blue and red books... The TNR-Hardcode font... I said: It's so different now. The bulletin? Different. Everything was on the back. Not the front.

I listened to the sermon in regards to the Wedding at Cana. I said: November 7, 2015... I got married and this is what I wanted as a bible verse. The sermon went on for 12 minutes. At the end, he said: "With God, Anything is possible... Amen..." During the moment of silence, it felt like eternity, and during that time, I heard Jesus say:  "Josh, you came back here, now what are you doing here? Are you here for giggles? Did you not want to sing the song at your church? What...? Why are you here?" I said in my head: "I feel like it was my duty to come back and bring the peace. Isn't that what I am supposed to do?"

The prayers were completed and Pastor Schafer said "Are there any guests?"

I raised my hand because technically, despite my non-active membership, I was a guest. I said: "This is my first service here in 16 years..." and I almost wanted to stop myself but I thought: "Nah, talk." After I finished, I sat down, scared.

And there was a nice warm reception from the congregation. Biz? Gave me a: "I know that guy" look...

I looked at our family's spot at the doors of the church. After the song was over, I said: "My family sat in that spot for many many years... Thanks for keeping it warm for us." The woman said: "Oh you're welcome. How come you haven't been back here?" I said: "I don't know. Just a long story that has many chapters. But I decided to make my way back. I'm old enough to make my own decisions."

So afterwards, I went up to the pastor's wife who gave me a big hug and I congratulated her for beating cancer. I said: "You really whupped cancer's rear end now didn't you." I told her what was up and she took a picture of myself and her daughter Alicia. She was impressed with everything and she said: "Please come back." I said: "I can't really be a member of 2 churches, but I'll be back here in the summer maybe if you guys get a Sunday School opening." I really did want to start reaching out to high schoolers more. So a Sunday School job would be nice while Chorus is out and I can talk to middle and high schoolers.

As I left the sanctuary, I took a look at the old place... the old buildings... the loft... everything... lots of changes made... Then I went downstairs to where the bible study was being held. It wasn't started yet.

To get to the meat and potatoes of this entry...

I saw Mr. G, walked over,  and I said: "So Mr. G, everything going ok here?" Despite his hard and difficult speech, he said: "I wish it was." He took me aside and said: "Josh, your family is always welcomed back. But can I give you a nice little statistic about your mom?"

I said: "Sure. I like numbers."

Mr. Giguere sat me down and said: "Josh, your mom was here for many years. You guys were devoted members. In her time here at St. Paul, she took care of about a total 250 different kids in the mornings and afternoons. Well, 90% of those children went on to become college grads. One child who got his master's degree cited your mom as a wonderful influence saying that kicking his butt was the best thing she could've done."

I said: "I take it he was one of the troublemakers?"

He continued with: "Oh yeah, I'm sure your mom remembers him."

I said: "90%? Are you sure?"

He said: "90%. I've stayed in touch with a lot of kids. Your mom was extremely important and an integral part to the community. She had a tough job. Having to work those long hours made her a very big part of our school."

I smiled and said: "That makes me proud that she's my mom and she could do all that. Anything else that I didn't know?"

He said: "Your dad... He was the reason why we had a computer lab. Remember that check for $1,400 I wrote to get computers and you went with him? Well, your dad sure as heck went out and got what we needed. He did a lot of technical work for this school that no one has come close to what he did."

I said: "I remember how much that check was for. It was for $1,316.48. My parents meant a lot, huh?"

He said: "Your parents meant so much to us."

I was pretty content with what he had to say and I closed with: "It was nice seeing everyone, take it easy, and we'll catch you on the flip side."

I looked over at the neighboring houses across the way as I left. I said: "90%... My mom did that... She's an influence."

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You see folks, think about that for a minute... 90%... Only 10% of the kids DID NOT go on to have a college degree. Perhaps they are working towards it? We don't know.

My dad? He was a technical person and made that computer lab what it once was. Now its just books and stuff up where the computers were.

My mom worked so well with anyone, never did I ever hear a complaint out of ANYONE from anybody except maybe... the very very select few.

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Thank you St. Paul for welcoming me back and personally, I am sure we will see each other in the future. A special thanks to Mr. G for giving me that statistic on my mother. That was something special... Thank you.