To be or not to be... Aliens?

So here's something that is most off topic from anything we have spoken of. The other night over a couple drinks, a buddy and I got to talking about extraterrestrial life. What if there is life out there? Would it affect our belief in God... in Jesus? How would humanity truly react to such an event like "First Contact?" Would the aliens be peaceful or barbaric?

So many movies and tv shows portray aliens as lethal and always out to destroy humanity. As a result, the human race unites to defeat the "dangerous aliens" and always seems to succeed. I suppose one of the reasons for having such entertainment is to have the belief that one day the world will put its difference aside and ban together to do what is right. Unfortunately, it's a sinful world and we will never see this. With that said, what if aliens truly exist and have the technology that so many "abductees" claim to have witnessed? This means they would see our movies and news stories, etc. and most likely fear for their lives. Why? Because humanity tends to blow itself up and show that we kill aliens. If we had space travel capabilities and began to visit other worlds, I certainly would avoid any planet that tends to kill alien races just for showing up, let alone the fact that the planet is always at war with itself. On the other hand, if they truly exist, why would the E.T's not try to help us to become more peaceful?

This is where religion steps in. According to scripture, the bible says "that God so loved the world." I spoke with a pastor friend about this and his response was that in Hebrew (Old Testament) "world" meant the entire universe, not just Earth. That certainly put a new perspective on things. But what about Christ? He came to save us from our sins, for those on this world. So... Jesus came only to Earth because we are the only intelligent life in all of this universe, or He came to all planets that have intelligent life, or He came only to Earth for all intelligent beings of the universe... but how would they know about that event? God can be anywhere at once, so the second theory is plausible.

I would love to travel in space and see the galaxy. I would love to meet an alien race and become great friends and learn new things. The thing is, until there is actual hard evidence of other intelligent beings, I will not believe they exist. I would like it to be true, but I believe God created us humans for a special reason, placed in a special location among all things in this universe. If God created other life out there, fantastic! If not... oh well.

So, anyone in the mood for "green" beer?

Part 8: Strive for what you believe

Hey, long time no see! Glad to see you made it back. Yeah things are changing around here. My wife and I added a coffee shop to this place for the morning hours in hopes to bring in more cash. This economy has really brought us down so we're hoping this will help. So far so good!

Speaking of which, you know how this country has just been falling down a steep slope? Well, get this... some hard working people have been doing a fantastic job of keeping the government a democracy... though it needs to be a republic. People are finally getting fed up with the current administration and both democrats and republicans are joining forces against the communist idiots in the White House and congress! And get this, there's a peaceful march on DC on 9/12/09, to show that the American people mean business.

I am so happy to see people standing up for themselves and doing what needs to be done! So as we continue to build this place in this poor economy, I will remember that our hard work paid off in the end. No matter how hard it will be, it will be worth it!

Have another!

Part 7: "There is always hope..."

I must say I am glad to see your face here time after time. What'll it be? Amberbock? Budwieser... ah... there ya go.

Ya I saw the fireworks this past fourth. What an amazing site! The beautiful lights and the outstanding explosions really made it a fun evening. But I tell ya, it's the first time I really took America's birthday to heart. Considering everything that is going on in this nation, it is hard for me to see this nation being able to celebrate its independence in the near future. Call me an alarmist if you will, but use common sense and take a look around at what is going on. Our freedoms are being ripped away bit by bit. When the government tells me I have to use special light-bulbs and drive environmentally friendly cars, something tells me I lost my freedom. So as I sit there in a lawn chair enjoying the fireworks, I could not help but let a tear of pride and sorrow trickle down my face. I love this country and believe it still is the best in the world. But what this country has is a disease and one day it will claim America's life. I am saddened by the very thought of the USSA... the United Socialist States of America. I pray it will never reach this point and if it comes, I will be one of many to stand up and fight for our freedom, for our way of life. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..." In other words we are free to chose our own way of life; by our own means. I don't recall the constitution ever saying, "Controlled life, slavery, and the pursuit to give the government full power." It has been 144 years since our last revolution, so I am quite sure we are up for another one. A peaceful one mind you since bringing a violent revolution makes us no better than those who are already in power. Take for example Sarah Palin. She lost the election with John McCain, and it has been months since President Obama has taken office, yet Palin continues to be made fun of and insulted by left wing liberals. That reminds me of some kids I knew back in the fourth grade, when their parents gave them a new game console and I didn't. Instead of asking me over, they laughed at me because I was poor and couldn't afford one. Is our government truly run by 8 and 9 year old children? You know what happened to me when I didn't listen to my mother, she spanked me or worse, she grounded me to my room. Our government today is not listening to its people and I think its time to ground them! "Change... Yes we can..." change the people who run our country. It is time for our incompetent leaders to step down and make room for those who will lead this country by example and listen to what the people have to say. "We the people..."

Though a tear falls down the cheek, I continue to hope and pray that something good will come from this pit we have fallen into. And frankly, I know we will. The light may be small at the end of this tunnel, but soon it will be bright enough to see.

Here's to America! Happy birthday! Long live the United States of America! Cheers!

Part 6: Going Green Kills... Through Government Policies

 Green beer today in support for finding new and more fuel efficient energy. Proceeds go to a program of your choice.  There ya go, I promise it taste just like the beer you love. 

 I am all for protecting the environment, in fact, God is the one who tells us to take care of what He created.  Sure He gives us the liberty to use the resources, but He also wants us to be good stewards of the planet.  Now, I don't fall for the global warming crap, that's not why I agree with going green.  We have been too dependent on foreign resources, especially oil.  We need to rely on ourselves, this beloved country, the US of A.  Have you seen our cities? From miles away you can see that brown fog covering our major cities.  I don't know about you but I would rather not breathe that let alone live in it.  Do you realize how unhealthy that is? This truly does damage the environment and since we ARE part of the environment, I am all for new and reusable resources.

  With that being said, I do not, however, believe the government should be telling us how to live our lives.  For example, we can no longer use the standard lightbulb since it uses more energy, we now have to use the more efficient LED bulbs.  Which by the way can be more hazardous to your health if the light bulb were to shatter since there is mercury contained inside.  Talk about being dangerous to the environment...WE ARE PART OF THE ENVIRONMENT! So how can this be more safe?  Light bulbs break all the time and frankly, I don't feel like leaving my house for a long time and waiting for someone to come clean it up.

  I just recently bought a house. What? Oh, I know, in this economy? I am quite lucky. I recently discovered that if I were to sell my house sometime down the road, that I would have difficulty doing so. You see, my house would have to be equipped with green appliances.  Anything from LED light bulbs to solar paneling on my roof and a windmill in my yard.  How am I to afford that? Well under government sanctions I will have no choice.  Why does the government have a say on how I live my life or what kind of house I live in? They don't...BUTT OUT! This is America and I have my rights and freedoms and there is no way I am going to have a gutless and incompetent government tell me what to do!

  The government now says that carbon dioxide is bad for the environment.  I think we can all agree that it is hazardous... under the most extreme conditions. Let us get this straight.  Humans breathe in oxygen which plants give.  Humans exhale carbon dioxide which plants take in. So, is the government saying we should all die for the sake of the environment? Well, umm... we are a part of the environment.  You take humans out of the equation and you will have an environmental disaster. We are a part of the natural chain of this world, this world needs us! And what about the cows? They're worse than humans, should we kill all the cows? What about the pigs, skunks, and gol' darn it those mosquitos carry diseases... we should definitely kill them off.  For the sake of losing millions of jobs, homes, freedoms and earth's natural food chain all for the sake of the environment?  Currently, the government is doing the exact opposite, what they believe to be "saving the world" is actually destroying it... faster than the lie of global warming ever could.

  So, here's to protecting the environment with common sense while keeping our freedoms! Drinks are on the house!

Part 5: Be Content

There ya go.

   You have how much? And you want more?  I'll tell you what, you're lucky you have what you own now.  There are thousands of people in this country alone who don't even posses half of what you hold.  At least you have a place to sleep, meals to eat, and loved ones to care for you. God has blessed you with everything you need.  Be content with what you have.

Part 4: From Hopelessness to Hope

Same as usual? Got it.

I know what you mean. I've seen a lot crappy things go on in my life.  And more times than not, it seems like the bad out weighs the good.  You get to that point where things seem hopeless.  Yeah I have been there, in fact I continue to find myself in those situations... it's a natural part of life.  But more times than not things work out for the better.  I had this group come in one evening, upset in multiple ways.  I couldn't help but eavesdrop after placing their drinks on the table.  Something about a school not being able to open and that there were too many hurdles to jump.  It seemed... hopeless.  I am not sure what happened for a few months, but one night they came back and their attitudes were entirely different.  They were happy, proud, and joyous.  I asked what the occasion was and they responded with, "We have been working for about four years to get our school open and it is finally complete!" They went on, telling me about all the hurdles they jumped through, the disappointments, misunderstandings and miscommunications.  They had been wondering if it was really worth the effort.  After a very long wait, a Christian (Lutheran) school will open this fall on an indian reservation.  Giving another fantastic chance to spread the word of God!

   Though things in life cause you to experience hopelessness, to the point of giving up, don't.  Hold on as tight as you can cause it's going to be a bumpy ride.  Remember, God can do anything according to His will.  There are some things in life we want or think we need, but only God truly knows what is best.  He will grant our prayers if He knows that it will benefit us.

   Don't give up, stand up for what you believe and fight for it!  Even if it takes you several years to reach that goal.

   I think you've been listening too much 'cause your beer is more than half full! Drink up, and I'll get you another one. 

Part 3: Do the Work Yourself

   What'll it be?  Com'n right up!  Need a light?  

   I know, doesn't it just drive you nuts when people expect others to do the work for them?  What is wrong with today's society?  I had a teacher come in here a while back who had a student with that same mentality.  What made it worse is that his mother encouraged him to act in such manner.  He refused to think for himself and expected, on a regular basis, to be given the answers so that he could move on and go play. It got to the point that this particular student decided not to do his homework and get this... the mother blamed the teacher for him not completing his work!  On top of that, the teacher held him in at recess to get his work finished, instead of failing him, and the mother got pissed, claiming it to be unfair. 

   Why is poor behavior and lack of effort rewarded these days.  This nation wants to thrive on mediocrity.  Heck, we award children for receiving last place in a contest.  What is that about? This only encourages them to NOT try instead of bettering themselves!  How can we expect to improve ourselves and move forward if we continue this behavior.  Are we, as a nation, truly this lazy? There are somethings in life that we may not want to do, but we need to.  For example, this floor needs striped of old wax and replaced with a new coat.  It is a lot of work and I would rather have someone else do it.  But it's my job and when it is all completed I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.  In fact, I take better care of this floor than before now that I have put forth all that effort.  When things are done for us or given to us, many tend to take it for granted. They don't cherish what they have and eventually lose the desire to keep what they have.

   Education is essential to all life skills and if we continue with the mentality of allowing others to do the work for us, we won't learn a thing and become, well, useless.  It is our God given duty to do our best in everything, not to try our best, but do.    "Do, or do not, there is not try"

   Want another one? There ya go, on the house!