From the Front Porch......

The Death of a Valuable Social Asset — Common Sense

Robert Wawee — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:56:21 +0000

The London Times (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The following article has a powerful message, which is why I am eager to share it with my readers. However, the only thing I know about the article’s origination is that it is an obituary (of sorts) that was originally printed in the London Times. Let these words sink in:

“Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn’t always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
-I Know My Rights
-I Want It Now
-Someone Else Is To Blame
-I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
If you still remember him, pass this on.
If not, join the majority and do nothing. “

Repost: The death of common sense (emmabauer.wordpress.com)

There is always forgiveness and an abundance of mercy with God. Only human beings struggle to forgive and let go of the past. Read the story of a sinner who became a saint – Charles Colson in this morning’s New York Times. NYTimes: Charles W. Colson, Watergate Felon Who Became Evangelical Leader, Dies at 80.

Robert Wawee — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:16:23 +0000

NYTimes: Charles W. Colson, Watergate Felon Who Became Evangelical Leader, Dies at 80
http://nyti.ms/I139d2

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From the Front Porch: “Choices”

Robert Wawee — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:34:28 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

From the Front Porch: I’m passing this along from a friend on Facebook hoping that it will speak to you.

It’s a poem by Ashley Black.

It’s called “Choice”.

Much of the time, our choices are reactions to our

fleeting momentary perspective.

But we can change what we choose.

Listen to these words:

I Choose….

to live by choice, not by chance;
to make changes, not excuses;
to be motivated, not manipulated;
to be useful, not used;
to excel, not compete.
I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.
I choose to listen to my inner voice,
not the random opinion of others.

(Ashley Black)

From the Front Porch: Is Anything Really Impossible? (rwawee.com)
From the Front Porch: Who are You? (rwawee.com)

From the Front Porch: So You’re a Perfectionist?

Robert Wawee — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:27:14 +0000

People who can’t tolerate their own imperfections are often quick to point out the imperfections of others. The next time you demand that others accede to a limited, narrow perspective of perfection, think about it: perhaps the dis-ease lies in you rather than them.

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Believers bemoan, cheer Prop 8 ruling – USATODAY.com

Robert Wawee — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:23:03 +0000

Believers bemoan, cheer Prop 8 ruling : http://usat.ly/wK2l5B

Some responses to the Federal Judge’s ruling overturning California’s Proposition 8 which bans same-sex marriage. Radical feminists and postmodernists are likely to respond to critics who oppose the Judge’s ruling in the days ahead. Moreover, this case is likely to land in the Supreme Court for judicial review.

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Till death (or illness or dementia) us do part? – USATODAY.com

Robert Wawee — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:24 +0000

Till death (or illness or dementia) us do part? : http://usat.ly/y3f92V
The issue of how to care for a loved one who is
diagnosed with dementia, Altzheimers or terminal disease is much in the news these days. What is your philosophy on how to handle the stresses of caring for someone who cannot care for themselves?

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From the Front Porch: “I Am a Teacher”

Robert Wawee — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:09:32 +0000

Phila. Teachers on Capitol Steps, Wash., D.C., 5/13/11 (LOC) (Photo credit: The Library of Congress)

I love this poem written by a teacher because it says so much about this wonderful profession that people often take for granted. Yes, I’m a teacher, and proud of it, not only because it’s what I do to make a living but also because it’s what God has called me to do with my life. I hope you are energized by the poem’s passion for teaching excellence. In order to give proper attribute, I got the poem from http://members.tripod.com/~Patricia_F/poems.html It’s called “A Teacher’s Creed”:

A Teacher’s Creed

I believe I have been called by God to teach.
I believe in children…young and old…black and white…rich and poor….each in need of learning.
I believe in blackboards, chalk dust, textbooks, and computers for each has a part in imparting knowledge.
I believe the love I give to my students will someday be reflected in their lives.
I believe the gift of teaching is not measured simply by marks, enrollment, or the end of the school year.
It is in the witness I give and the fullness of the life lived by those I teach.
I believe I have the power to lead those in need of learning to the threshold of their own minds.
I believe in my giftedness to use each of the tools available no matter how new or old..for the light of knowledge in the eyes of another is my goal.
I believe teaching is more than tests, diplomas, paperwork, and fundraising.
It is the values I breathe daily into another…slowly.
It is in the faith I share in Jesus…ever changing and growing…never ending.
I believe my success today goes unnoticed…until those i teach and touch can stand alone and say “in my life I have learned…”
I believe if I have taught and touched one person…in God’s name…I have used my gift to me justly..and can humbly say…
I believe in teaching….
I AM A TEACHER!!

Thanks to Julie McClellan

How can I use my knowledge to teach others? (career-advice.monster.co.uk)
Teaching the Teacher Inside (yaelflusberg.wordpress.com)
What makes a good teacher? (malbell.com)

Christians fear losing freedoms in Arab Spring movement – USATODAY.com

Robert Wawee — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:00:34 +0000

Christians fear losing freedoms in Arab Spring movement : http://usat.ly/wNO18P
In this article, we see the dangers of religious extremism and what narrow minds can do when incited to self-interested passion. Something like this is also beginning in Tibet.

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2 U.S. missionaries found strangled at ransacked Mexico home – USATODAY.com

Robert Wawee — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:54:21 +0000

2 U.S. missionaries found strangled at ransacked Mexico home : http://usat.ly/xoUa8O
This is very sad and a commentary on how lawlessness is fast becoming the norm in Mexico. “May the souls of the faithful departed by the mercy of God rest in peace.”

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From the Front Porch: Is Anything Really Impossible?

Robert Wawee — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:24:17 +0000

Last semester, one of my communication students delivered a stirring motivational speech on what is success or failure in business.He encouraged the class to stretch themselves beyond conventional limits to find success. He then cited a poem, which was so inspiring, I wanted to share it with you. I have no idea who wrote this poem or short speech but I hope you will agree with me that it is impressive and memorable:

Image via Wikipedia

IMPOSSIBLE is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given, than to explore the power they have to change it.

IMPOSSIBLE is not a fact. It’s an opinion.

IMPOSSIBLE is not a declaration. It’s a dare.

IMPOSSIBLE is potential.

IMPOSSIBLE is temporary.

IMPOSSIBLE is nothing.

And then, after hearing and reading this poem, I realized the wisdom it contained when I remembered this verse from Scripture:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37, NRSV)

Beginning again….with love (ponderingtheordinary.wordpress.com)
From the Front Porch: Who are You? (rwawee.com)
Impossible is Nothing (linusfernandes.com)

From the Front Porch......

The Death of a Valuable Social Asset — Common Sense

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From the Front Porch: “Choices”

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From the Front Porch: So You’re a Perfectionist?

Believers bemoan, cheer Prop 8 ruling – USATODAY.com

Till death (or illness or dementia) us do part? – USATODAY.com

From the Front Porch: “I Am a Teacher”

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Christians fear losing freedoms in Arab Spring movement – USATODAY.com

2 U.S. missionaries found strangled at ransacked Mexico home – USATODAY.com

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