Amy's random questions for MI-5:

Here goes;

1. Bath or Shower?
*I 'almost' always take showers because of the time factor. I guess that's because I see bathing as a basic part of hygiene. However, my wife has taught me some benefits of a hot bath ... more on that some other time. (:

2. If you are a beer drinker- what is your favorite? Is it a seasonal thing? If you aren't a beer drinker what is your favorite beverage and does it change with the season?
*I acquired a taste for beer several years ago ... especially with Mexican food. But due to my pastoral responsibilities these days, I don't drink it. But I DO enjoy a good fresh coffee. And I look forward to other hot beverages in the winter. My wife makes a wonderful spiced cider each Christmas - Its awesome!

3. Now that the election is over what is one thing you are looking forward to as "life resumes"?
*I will once again enjoy the evening news on TV. I got so disgusted with the political rhetoric of elections, that I had quit this form of evening relaxation.

4. If you were a board game what game would you be?
*I don't like that word ... wait, that's the word "bored" I don't like. I guess I would be Monopoly - because it has endured the test of time.

5. Do you like barbecue sauce? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite barbecue dish?
*Oh Yeah! I grew up in the south where BBQ is king. Smokey Bones BBQ is some of the best. But I recently discovered a delicious sauce in California called, The Pepper Plant ... a rather 'spicy' recipe. I hope to find it in Maine - or maybe online. Its bottled by Blossom Valley Foods in Gilroy, California. It would be GREAT for chicken wings. Whew ... my mouth is salivating !!!

Never have I been SO HAPPY

Never have I been SO HAPPY for presidential 'campaigning' to end. Since I recently returned from vacation where I did not watch, read, or listen to the press, I felt I had some 'catching up' to do before voting ... especially on the local issues and referendums. So I spent considerable time 'online' the last few days - trying to increase my understanding of current issues. In the process I was both overwhelmed and embarrassed.

First, I was overwhelmed by an obvious 'war' in the press. I often hear Christian spokesman complain about a "liberal press". And quite honestly, that label never meant much to me. But at this time something has changed. Fox News (which I have always seen as being balanced in their reporting) seems to be over the top with attacks on liberals. And CNN has nothing good to say about conservatives ... if anything at all. Is this some kind of civil war of words? ... can we even call it "civil"?

Its unfortunate that the proposed policies of both Obama and McCain get lost in the public feuding. The average American is hard-pressed to get straight answers during the race - to understand where the candidates stand on important issues. All reporting of public information seems to be tainted by attacks of the opposition. And who do you believe is telling the truth?

The political rhetoric has become embarrassing. Everybody it seems, is slinging the proverbial "mud". Character attacks are constant, and somehow 'slander' has become accepted in the political arena. Nothing appears to be 'off limits'. I'll show my age here, but what of John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan. These great men spent little energy and resources 'bad-mouthing' the opposing candidate. They won an election based on the strength of their ideas and plans for the Country. SO WHAT HAPPENED?

I believe we (as a nation) have moved farther away from our Christian moorings. The Bible - at the very least, teaches people how to value and respect one another. But an American shift in philosophy and stance against religion in the 'public square' seems to be coming around to bite us. I see this as socially destructive ... while some no doubt see it as a good thing.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON AMERICA ... AGAIN!