A friend of mine sent this in:
"The Window"
A young couple moved into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they were having breakfast,
the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the
wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean," she said, "She
doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she
needs better laundry soap." Her husband looked
on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang the wash
to dry, the young woman would make the same
comment.
About a month later the woman was surprised to
see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her
husband, “Look, she has learned how to wash
correctly, I wonder who taught her.”
The husband said, “I got up this morning and
washed the windows.”
And so it is with life. What we see when watching
others depends on the purity of the window
through which we look.
Before we give any criticism, it might be a good
idea to check our state of mind and ask ourselves
if we are ready to see the good rather than to be
looking for something in the person we are about
to judge.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
As we enter the new year, the big thing on our minds is the state of our economy. Have we seen the worst of it? Or is the worst yet to come? I like to think of it as a glass that's half full. Is that a light at the end of the tunnel? Or is it a train headed at us? We should all band together and pray that the worst is indeed past us. We need to look at 2009 being fine! The rest of the world may be in a recession but we, here in Brunswick and The Golden Isles, refuse to participate. My friend Terry Dickson had a nice way of putting it all in perspective in yesterday's Georgia Times Union newspaper.
"Everyone is scared to death. The recession will deepen, more people will lose jobs and businesses will close, we're told.
When things get bad, my mother always says, "I don't know what people are going to do."
None of us does. But we've always done something and we will again.
The safest guy in town is in jail in solitary confinement. But he would trade places in a heartbeat with the man scraping to make a car payment.
It's going to be hard not to get discouraged as the bad news piles up. We can shrug it all off in the daytime when we're busy, but it's like spending the night at Grandma's house as a kid. When you're lying in bed, the old house pops and creaks and the rose bush outside the window becomes a guy with an ax.
When that bad news creeps into your sleep, think of all the good stuff in your life, the kids sleeping across the hall, a dog that loves you or a friend who laughs at your jokes."
Thanks Terry for brightening our day!
"Everyone is scared to death. The recession will deepen, more people will lose jobs and businesses will close, we're told.
When things get bad, my mother always says, "I don't know what people are going to do."
None of us does. But we've always done something and we will again.
The safest guy in town is in jail in solitary confinement. But he would trade places in a heartbeat with the man scraping to make a car payment.
It's going to be hard not to get discouraged as the bad news piles up. We can shrug it all off in the daytime when we're busy, but it's like spending the night at Grandma's house as a kid. When you're lying in bed, the old house pops and creaks and the rose bush outside the window becomes a guy with an ax.
When that bad news creeps into your sleep, think of all the good stuff in your life, the kids sleeping across the hall, a dog that loves you or a friend who laughs at your jokes."
Thanks Terry for brightening our day!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: My Wish List for 2009
MY WISH LIST FOR 2009
…that the economy in Coastal Georgia turns around even faster than the rest of the world. Good paying jobs will be plentiful as more industries realize that this is a great place to do business!
…that this downtown jail mess be resolved, one way or another. Wouldn’t be great if the crime rate came down so much that we no longer needed the extra room.
…that the City of Brunswick finally repair the pier at Overlook Park on Hiway 17 that was destroyed by that Tropical Storm. It’s a shame to let tourists see this as they pass thru Brunswick, the gateway to the Golden Isles.
…that Policemen, Firemen and teachers finally get the kind of pay that they really deserve. These folks are the real heroes of our society and they should be rewarded for the commitment and sacrifice that they give.
…that the School Board put less emphasis on tests, and more emphasis on teaching kids what they really need for the life experience. Teach them the basics and they’ll do fine on the tests.
…that our local governments finally realize that we don’t need to put anymore lights on the Sidney Lanier bridge. Instead, let’s just change the burned out lightbulbs on there now. There’s been 7 lights out for more than a year! Give me the bulbs and a lift truck and I’ll take care of it.
…that our local shrimp fleet get some relief. We’ve subsidized the farming industry for so long, can’t we help the shrimpers out, too.
…that our local teams all have championship seasons!
…that Davis Love the Third finally wins the Masters.
…that Kwame Brown finally wake up and have the kind of NBA stats the we know he is truly capable of.
…that Adam Wainright be traded back to the Braves and he ends up helping the Bravos win the World Series.
…that we have a hurricane-free year here on the coast. Would the folks that keep saying.
“We’re bound to have one hit us” just shut the heck up!
…that the economy in Coastal Georgia turns around even faster than the rest of the world. Good paying jobs will be plentiful as more industries realize that this is a great place to do business!
…that this downtown jail mess be resolved, one way or another. Wouldn’t be great if the crime rate came down so much that we no longer needed the extra room.
…that the City of Brunswick finally repair the pier at Overlook Park on Hiway 17 that was destroyed by that Tropical Storm. It’s a shame to let tourists see this as they pass thru Brunswick, the gateway to the Golden Isles.
…that Policemen, Firemen and teachers finally get the kind of pay that they really deserve. These folks are the real heroes of our society and they should be rewarded for the commitment and sacrifice that they give.
…that the School Board put less emphasis on tests, and more emphasis on teaching kids what they really need for the life experience. Teach them the basics and they’ll do fine on the tests.
…that our local governments finally realize that we don’t need to put anymore lights on the Sidney Lanier bridge. Instead, let’s just change the burned out lightbulbs on there now. There’s been 7 lights out for more than a year! Give me the bulbs and a lift truck and I’ll take care of it.
…that our local shrimp fleet get some relief. We’ve subsidized the farming industry for so long, can’t we help the shrimpers out, too.
…that our local teams all have championship seasons!
…that Davis Love the Third finally wins the Masters.
…that Kwame Brown finally wake up and have the kind of NBA stats the we know he is truly capable of.
…that Adam Wainright be traded back to the Braves and he ends up helping the Bravos win the World Series.
…that we have a hurricane-free year here on the coast. Would the folks that keep saying.
“We’re bound to have one hit us” just shut the heck up!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: Top 9 Returned Christmas Gifts
Top 9 returned Christmas gifts
9. Li'l Naturalist Hornet Farm.
8. The Duncan Yo -- Goes down, never comes back. Teaches children about warranties.
7. The "Learn About Puberty Chia Pet"
6. Supersoaker 9000: For use on those hard to reach targets; NFL referees, low flying planes, and many more. At close range it can strip paint, clean rusty grills, and dig utility trenches.
5. Doggie Dentist -- Kids learn about dentistry on the family pooch.
4. Cuisin-Art -- Turns mommy's food processor into a spinning paint tool.
3. Water Retention Wanda -- Teaches kids the principles of the calendar.
2. The Jekyll Island re-development game…kinda like Monopoly…get past Jeff Chapman to collect your money.
And this year's top returned Christmas Gift...
The Arco working Girl Barbie play set…crack sold separately.
9. Li'l Naturalist Hornet Farm.
8. The Duncan Yo -- Goes down, never comes back. Teaches children about warranties.
7. The "Learn About Puberty Chia Pet"
6. Supersoaker 9000: For use on those hard to reach targets; NFL referees, low flying planes, and many more. At close range it can strip paint, clean rusty grills, and dig utility trenches.
5. Doggie Dentist -- Kids learn about dentistry on the family pooch.
4. Cuisin-Art -- Turns mommy's food processor into a spinning paint tool.
3. Water Retention Wanda -- Teaches kids the principles of the calendar.
2. The Jekyll Island re-development game…kinda like Monopoly…get past Jeff Chapman to collect your money.
And this year's top returned Christmas Gift...
The Arco working Girl Barbie play set…crack sold separately.
Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: 45 Life Lessons
45 Life Lessons"This was written By Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio .
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 70 in August, so here goes:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's okay to get angry with G~d. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11 . Make peace with your past, so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's okay to let your children see you cry. 1
'
3. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; G~d never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you, really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and up to no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29 What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. G~d loves you because of who G~d is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 3
9. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 70 in August, so here goes:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's okay to get angry with G~d. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11 . Make peace with your past, so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's okay to let your children see you cry. 1
'
3. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; G~d never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you, really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and up to no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29 What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. G~d loves you because of who G~d is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 3
9. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: A New Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'
' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'
PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'
'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'
' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'
PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: A True Redneck - this isn't your typical redneck joke.
A True Redneck - this isn't your typical redneck joke.
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. Ya'll know who ya’ are.
You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase,
'One nation, under God.'
You might be a redneck if:
You've never protested about seeing
the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if:
You still say
' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if:
You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if:
You stand and place your hand over your heart
when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if:
You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect,
and always have.
You might be a redneck if:
You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if:
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so,
no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if:
You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if:
You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you,
like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs
as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the USA !
LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS...
...IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN !
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