In 1999 – we took a chance – and we both transferred from SWNY state to NVA with the company we had worked for – taking all of our time and benefits with us. It was to us a Leap Of Faith – leaving behind security and friends and family.
The storm was brewing – we steadied our life
But – excitement also was in the air – we left our little church behind – put our faith in God’s hands – and ventured South – from rural farm – country – to city life – right smack in the middle of Alexandria Va. A town of less than a thousand to a city of more than a million. ( D.C. ) area.
Our new home – after 8 years of searching – Community Lutheran Church
We searched for eight years – almost every Lutheran church in the area – finally finding Community Lutheran Church in Sterling Va. This was the church our daughter – Tammy – married Marcus in and was his home church and that of his family. We had found a home.
It has now been twelve plus years – and even though the storm has ceased – we find comfort in walking through those doors – open arms and friends. Truly a Community !
Today our faith in humanity rests with in these walls.
In today’s World – our faith provides us with comfort – and also the outreach in the community. We saw this 12 years ago – and it is us. When we left – we did not know where we would worship – but it is here – all are welcome – service to the community and other religions – all faiths – we found a home among the brewing clouds – just as today the clouds are around – we maintain our faith and our church.
Passing it on to the next generation
And we are able to share that with the next generation – after all – that is but one facet of life – the here and now – #livinglifetotheplus – kids are free – free to see the community of church.
Family
Family – friends – storms may brew – but life together forms a bond – one that comes together in our new life so far away from back home – we found a new home – Community Lutheran Church – Sterling Va.
I hope this gives insight into dramatic moves – ones that up root your lives – ones that cause you to search and find your new roots – God Bless !
Living life to the plus – not being political – but observing fundamental lapses of common sense all around me!
We have both believed in grace – love and forgiveness.
We have different leanings on a political scale yet we listen and see other points of view.
Recently – she posted to what I saw as common sense – a “CUTTING” of what some people call “ENTITLEMENTS”!
A few people choose to discredit this post as not being the “TRUTH”!
My answer is that for 48 1/2 years – I worked and paid for those benefits.
Those were and are a lifeline to exist after retirement.
During that time of my work life – the “COMPANY” also paid into the “ENTITLEMENT” and was considered part of my “BENEFITS” package.
I “EARNED” that “BENEFIT” after many years of toiling in the work field.
The POLITICIANS who want to end this “ENTITLEMENT” as far as I can describe –
are wealthy and more than likely never to claim this “ENTITLEMENT” –
yet to the vast majority of seniors living out their lives to the plus – it is a survivor reality.
Without it – we could not live to any old age – and most likely depend on children.
Now – to get back to the “TRUTH”!
I researched what was said – via the written word and what was said on the tape.
The key word of that sentence was the word”AND” –
The sentence is taken word for word.
“THERE IS A LOT YOU CAN DO IN TERMS OF CUTTING “AND” ALSO THE THEFT AND THE BAD MANAGEMENT OF ENTITLEMENT – THERE ARE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF THINGS AND NUMBERS OF THINGS YOU CAN DO!”
The question asked?
ASKED – “WHETHER HE HAD CHANGED HIS OUTLOOK ON HOW TO HANDLE ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY – MEDICARE – MEDICAID IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE NATIONAL DEBT”?
Now – a few people commented on her posting – saying you need to quit watching CNN and all how they twist the words!
These words are not twisted – exactly what was said.
I have no POLITICAL AGENDA – I HAVE NO PARTY – I BELIEVE IN LAW AND ORDER –
I BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND THE DEMOCRATIC ARTICLES AND LAWS OF THE LAND!
Also, one person began to berate her about the evil crime family – money – etc.
Challenging her to debate offline – or espousing the far-right Maga rhetoric of looney tunes!
When I presented the WORD FOR WORD – and you can read it above – there was a sense that
we – as SENIORS – are being targeted for our “ENTITLEMENTS” – even all our working lives we
“PAID” our own money and that of the people we worked for – into these programs.
Being a “SENIOR” looking down the road not knowing how we shall survive after one of us is gone?
So in concluding this blog – “WHAT SHALL I DO”?
I WILL EXERCISE MY VOTE – as an INDEPENDENT – NOT FOR “PARTY” BUT WHAT IS COMMON SENSE-
And for those who criticized her for posting the truth –
well – as far as I can determine –
you are what you are – my belief is in the poster from above-
Living life to the plus – “ONE LOVE – CHANGE THE WORLD” one VOTE at a time!
Thanks for reading and HGD!
PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
Back in the mid to late 80s – we were youth group leaders for our Lutheran church in little Portville, N.Y.
One of our trips was to a retreat just outside Clarksville where this man once stayed for reflection – Thomas Merton.
He had a deep connection with the Franciscans at Saint Bonaventure University just outside Olean, N.Y.
At that time we went there – the University was maintaining the retreat – they may still be doing this.
Our pastor Dan – who married Sherry and me – was deeply involved in the youth group – so much so that he and I and a doctor of the congregation – took FOURTEEN YOUTHS – 7 to 12th. grade – canoeing on the Alleghany River as a trail run and later a whole week in the Algonquian Park in the far north of Canada for a week.
We went to the retreat to perform a blessing in each room marking the sign of the cross on the beams and headers of the doorways in charcoal ash.
Our purpose for those kids in the youth group was to teach love for all humans.
Looking back on each and every one of them in their now adult life – I think what we wanted to get across to them was a success.
Thomas Merton spent some of his time in this area reflecting on life and left a lasting impression on all of us that went to perform that blessing.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
TEACHING LOVE AND RESPECT TO OUR CHILDREN IN THEIR YOUTH!
Our very first Christmas in our new home! Sharing some pictures! Keeping some memories.
Our front entrance with wreathes both front and back – candles in the front windows.
A child was born – swaddled in clothes – the baby who changed the world – bringing joy to each and every one. Bringing light into a dark world. As Christians – we believe.
Our wall is dedicated to our Dream – beach living!
In the joy of this season – the first for us here – we had a dream – a dream to live near a beach – we have two – Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach – keep positive thoughts – rejoice in your dreams!
Our Charlie Brown Tree.
In this season of joy to us and the world – giving is more important for us. We found a family of five.
Two little girls and one little boy and parents.
On Facebook – the mother asked if anyone had decorations they did not want – for they had none.
We had so many in storage – and had gone away from the green trees of lights and bulbs.
So – Sherry contacted her and we made arrangements to drop them off some 17 miles away.
When the mother thanked us through PM later – she said now they could decorate for the kids.
Asking is hard to do – giving is easy – tis the holiday season – tis the joy of giving.
Our first lighted front of the house.
We decorated early this year – to be able to enjoy it being our first time here.
In this first holiday year – Christmas caroling by Sherry and neighbors.
A golf cart ride around the neighborhood to see the houses all lighted up!
A neighborhood cocktail party and two we missed for other commitments.
Our first holidays here and already the joys of friends we have made and friends we have still to make.
Today as you read this – our thoughts are with you.
All those years ago – a babe was born – we celebrate that birth in a Christian way.
We celebrate family – friends and those in need.
We celebrate a way for peace in the world and at home.
Thanks for reading – thanks for following – thanks for being a part of my life and this blog.
PAPA and SHERRY – wishing you love – happiness – joy and a MERRY CHRISTMAS on this day!
While we differ on many issues – the one thing that brings us together is being friends – the other is love and finally understanding and respect – admiration and equality!
1981 – was our first date – 16 months later – we married.
June 25th. 1982
FRIENDS – then and still today – my best friend.
LOVE – forty years later – still love each other.
UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT – she smiles – often – she laughs often –
She understands me – guides me – I get lost! lol
I respect her – guide when I am able –
She in turn respects my thoughts – cares and understandings.
Debby Papa Sherry
ADMIRATION AND EQUALITY – two aspects that I have based my life on.
Both of these two are leaders – mother and daughter – SSC and QMND – The Juice Plus Company.
Home based business done over the internet – no inventory – just take a order – submit – everything
else is done by the company – they even collect the payment – 26 years in business- 21 countries. SOLID!
Today we have started building a new home – in Ocean Isle Beach – N.C.
We – one year ago – had no thoughts of doing this – both are in our early ’70’s.
Things happen and change – roll with the flow – relocate – but still only a day away from family.
Our first purchases for our new home.
We have been busy – planning – buying furniture to be delivered – as we had sold all of ours!
We will miss this view – but – we have enjoyed it for nine months! MEMORIES!
Today we continue our journey – in a couple months we will celebrate 39 years of marriage.
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
I will continue the story in the next blog.
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The first thing they wanted to do was walk the beach!
Now – wouldn’t you know it that it got cold and windy the day they arrived!
It was so warm the day before people were sitting on the beach and wading in the water!
So we pressed on and walked down and onto the beach.
The wind was the culprit – making it very cold.
Even Bode has enough even though he had no shoes on!
Cassidy Taylor Bode after he put his shoes back on!
We walked to the next beach entrance and exited!
MorMor Bode Cassidy Taylor Tammy
It was a very short walk – but they got to see just how close we are!
Tammy said the kids were great – she had told them she would not stop and she didn’t making the seven hour drive in a little over six hours and they never complained!
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
WHERE FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS
FRIENDS MEET FAMILY!
And that night after the kids went to bed – we relaxed and watched a playoff game
We are all from Western New York
and were huge fans when Buffalo Bills made their four straight Super Bowls!
One of my favorite beers from back in Western New York!
I 