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Rats Jump Ship Ahead of Pest Control

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, April 30, 2009 8:51:35 AM
Arlen Schpecter mutht think we is too dum to thee throo hith dethpicable ploy to hang onto hith theat!  Specter chose to betray the party that sustained him for thirty years rather than face a tough challenge in the primaries next time around.  Indeed, republicans would like to unseat him and you can bet they'll be spending plenty of money to do it.
 
But, what of Specter's character?  By declaring his alegience to the enemy, he has only confirmed what many have known for some time.  The man is a liberal and therefore belongs in the enemy camp.  His departure is a welcome sight to many.  Some say: "good riddance".  For the record, I think they're right.  The republican party is only diluted by Specter's RINO credentials.
 
Specter's move is based on nothing more than a desire to keep his job.  The interests of his country come second.  This is so transparently self serving, its hard to imagine anyone could support him again, republican or democrat!  There is nothing principled about this move.  The man didn't even have the courage to face a challenge from the party's grassroots.  He could learn a thing or two from his colleague, Joe Lieberman.
 
Connecticut democrats refused to nominate Lieberman in his last bid for office, punishing him for his friendship with John McCain. But that didn't stop him.  Lieberman went on to campaign and win as an independent.  Although I disagree with his liberal platform, Lieberman deserves a certain amount of respect for being man enough to face his primary opponent and take his lumps.  That took more gumption than Specter's cowardly, stiff tailed scamper down the gangplank to the relative safety of the communal infestation that dominates the US Senate. 
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Oath Keepers Rally in Lexington - April 19, 2009

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, April 23, 2009 9:56:18 PM
On April 19th, 2009, a friend named Winston and I attended a rally for Oath Keepers in Lexington, MA.  I was made aware of the organization through fellow TH blogger, Glenn Flowers and became interested in learning more.  Since Lexington is only an hour from my house, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to observe and participate in an event exercising our rights under the First Amendment.
 
For those who may not know, Oath Keepers is a non-partisan group made up of active duty and retired military, police, fire and emergency personnel who have, at one time or another, been sworn into their respective service by taking the oath to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States.  Their website lists specific orders they will refuse to follow because they are deemed unconstitutional.  You can check them out at: www.masspla.org or www.oath-keepers.blogspot.com/
 
Without prior experience in counting crowds, I would estimate the number in attendance to be somewhere around five hundred or so.  The gathering was made up of families, groups, couples and individuals from various political backgrounds united in a common interest - to preserve our liberties protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  Since nearly all were dressed in street clothes, it would be impossible to determine what percentage were AD military, police or fire, etc., or how many may have been packing.  Let's just say I felt safe.
 
Some of the highlights of the event came from "Patriot Pastor" Garrett Lear, who opened with prayer in the name of Jesus.  On several occasions he referred to the one true God reminding us that He is the author of our liberty.  It was truly uplifting to hear the name of our Lord through loudspeakers in the town square.  Liberals living within earshot were surely scurrying to crank the volume on their favorite PBS show in a frantic effort to avoid hearing the truth.
 
Lear gave a good history lesson as well, rendering an image of the events that took place there on the Lexington Battle Green on April 19, 1775.  He told of how a small group of sixty Minutemen had gathered on the Green to meet the British Army six to eight hundred strong.  The British commander ordered the patriots to lay down their arms.  They refused.  Capt. John Parker of the Lexington Militia said:  "If they want to have war, let it begin here!"  With that, a British officer gave the order to fire.  In the end, eight patriots were shot to death for refusing to lay down their arms.  Modern day patriots take heed.  That's what this rally was all about.  As much as anything, it was a message to a president not happy with your Second Amendment rights.  Memo to Obama..."Don't Tread on Me".
 
Pastor Lear then went on to say that one of the saddest days of his life was when congressman Keith Ellison of MN, a Muslim, was sworn into office on a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson.  In Jefferson's day, the country was in a war with Muslim pirates that terrorized merchant ships sailing the waters off the Barbary Coast.  Jefferson obtained the Koran and read it in an effort to learn more about the enemy and how to defeat him.  (DId I mention they were Muslims?  Stop me if you've heard this before.) Lear told the crowd he'd also read the Koran - three times and said:  "I can tell you without a shred of doubt, there is nothing about Sharia law that is compatible with the Constitution of the United States."  Jefferson must be rolling in his grave.
 
At this point, I began looking around for men in black suits with ear pieces and sunglasses fearing the good reverend might be hauled off to The Hague to defend himself for hate crimes.  As I warily scanned the sky listening for the chopping sound of black helicopters, a young man who appeared to be in his late thirties, saw me and said:  "See that jet?"  "Yes." we replied.  (A jet plane was leaving a contrail at what must have been thirty thousand feet or so.)  He told us: "Its good the contrail is dissipating.  If you see one that doesn't dissipate and gets wider and wider, that's a chemtrail.  Chemtrails are caused by toxic chemicals in the jet fuel and they've been spraying them on us for decades, slowly killing us."  He offered no explanation as to who "they" are, but there was no need.   Turning to me, Winston whispered: "It's grassy knoll kooks like him that give us a bad name."  "Huh? Oh, right." I said.
 
By now, our backs were suffering the affects of standing in one place for two and a half hours and we decided to head home.  I regret missing the end of the program when a former Navy Seal invited all those who had taken the oath to defend the Constitution to take it again, thus reaffirming their allegience.  But, as Stewart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers, stated in his speech earlier, "the oath doesn't expire".  Thank God someone is stepping up to remind us.  I can't seem to locate the Seal's name, so if anyone can find it, please let us know so that he can receive proper credit.  I'll bet TH blogger, Crawfish can shed some light on this and perhaps fill in the blanks in the next paragraph.
 
I also regret that we missed LCDR Guy Cunningham, who was scheduled to adress the gathering.  Cunningham was the author of the 29 Palms survey given to a group of Marines in 1995.  For those not familiar with the survey, the questionairre was designed to assess the attitudes of our military toward certain non-traditional missions.  One statement they were asked to consider went as follows.  "I would fire upon U.S. citizens who refuse or resist confiscation of firearms banned by the United States government."  Some of you TH bloggers know the results of this questionnaire and I invite you to comment here freely.  Freely that is, until Obama decides to shut down the internet for "national security reasons".  And don't put it past him.  Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Nepolitano recently said the administration is looking into right wing extremist organizations that target former military personnel for recruitment.  Nepolitano must believe that American citizens pose a greater risk to national security than terrorists on a Jihad.  (I guess she would know. She's one of them.)  As a friend pointed out, Oath Keepers must surely be one group Nepolitano was referring to, and who knows, maybe TH too.  Too bad they won't expend as much energy on the real threats to our homeland.  Oh well, at least we know they won't waterboard us for information now right?.....................Right? 
 
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Boston TEA Party, April 15, 2009

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, April 23, 2009 8:29:44 AM
As Pastor Bruce and I boarded the train for Beantown on April 15th, we walked past a young family of four creating posters for the TEA Party.  The sight of a mother, father and two children exercising their most basic and precious of freedoms was inspiring and rekindled in me a sense of hope.  There, in that moment, a family enjoyed the liberties our Forefathers paid so dearly for - the right to free speech and to peaceably assemble.  And who knows what will come of it?  Perhaps sometime in the future, those young Americans will look back on the day that changed the course of our country.  Or perhaps they will find themselves on a federal watch list along with hundreds of thousands of other "right wing extremists".
 
Those right wing extremists are concerned about the direction this country has taken - and with good cause.  From redistributing wealth, to seeking control over the "free" market, this president drives the dagger of oppression deeper into the heart of capitalism. 
 
In less than one hundred days of the Obama administration, average citizens of every stripe have been targeted as potential enemies of the state, including soldiers returning from Iraq and Afganistan.  This probably plays well in San Francisco, but not middle America.  One would think that a rational solution to the so called problem of unrest might be to listen to the voices of those who feel disenfranchised and work to find common ground.  No, instead, this president labors to force feed us his socialist agenda even if he has to silence the opposition to do so.  Obama is determined to outlaw dissent and he has the MSM on his side.
 
The confronation one TEA attendee had with a CNN reporter, in another city, was very telling.  After cutting off the man's response, the "reporter" snidely asked if he was aware that he was eligible for a $400 tax credit.  Don't you just wish that interview ended just a little different?  Wouldn't it be nice if the guy said he wouldn't sell out his country for $400?  Or how about this one?  "The government gives me $400 and gives my grandchildren a bill for $400B!" 
 
There is something insidious about a government that fears its citizens.  Our government realizes it's power by the "consent of the governed".  Politicians from both major parties seem to have forgotten that and need to be reminded that they work for us, we don't work for them.  When public servants become the ruling class in fear of losing it's grip on power, the republic is in trouble.  And we are in trouble - with big brother threatening to reinstate the fairness doctrine and incorporate other schemes to shut people up.
 
Our right to speak up is is being threatened, but the events of April 15th are encouraging.  As the body ages, exercise is vital to good health.  So it is with our freedom.  By exercising our rights to protest, we bring the fight out of the dark alley and into the light of day.  We expose the shady, thug methodology of those who truly are enemies of the state and freedom.
 
The Boston crowd was reported to be around four hundred or so, but I'm sure it was much more than that if you consider that some had to leave early or couldn't arrive until later.  And let's not forget the majority of capitalists couldn't miss work because they need, well, capital.  Local radio talk show host, Michael Graham hosted an event later in the day on the Boston waterfront that drew hundreds of participants and the MSM was AWOL for most of it. 
 
Though hampered by a poor PA system at the Common, one didn't need to hear a word to understand the collective sentiment.  The gathering at the Boston Public Gardens shared a common view of our current situation with hundreds of thousands of others around our great country.  Government has gotten too big for our wallets.  Whether it be local, state or federal, governments at all levels have proven to have a rapacious, insatiable appetite for power and our hard earned cash. 
 
Look, no one wants to see anyone get hurt.  We know people with jobs in the public sector have families that need to be taken care of.  But, we also know there are many political hacks that our politicians are taking care of at our expense and the worst thing is, they seem to think their positions are recession-proof.  Gov. Patrick recently hired one of his cronies to fill an obscure position that hadn't been filled in twelve years.  How would you like a job with no staff and nothing to do for $175K per year?  Once the word got out, the hack had the good sense to quit.  All this while Patrick talks of raising the gas tax by nineteen cents per gallon!
 
Many of us in the private sector have seen our own incomes drop considerably in the last couple of years, if we're lucky enough to still have a job, and the last thing we need is to get hammered again with another gas tax or toll increase or whatever other excuse the powers that be can dream up to save the jobs of their political pals.  These assemblies of concerned citizens labored to send a message that maybe it's time for government to have a little compassion for those of us who actually pay the bill.  
 
All in all, it was a very uplifting day being with a large number of like-minded people for a change.  I even had the great pleasure of meeting fellow TH Blogger, MJSJR of MA.  Nice to meet you Mike.  You are a true patriot, unlike those who are doing everything in their power as fast as possible to destroy the greatest country in the history of the world.  Mr. Obama has overseen the largest debt increase this nation has ever known.  Some say he's accrued more national debt than all of his predecessors combined!  Maybe its time for liberals to reconsider their position on abortion.  We're going to need all the people we can get to pay it off.
 
 
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S.C. (R) VA

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, February 26, 2009 9:59:22 AM
S.C. was born and raised in South Hill, VA.
He served in the U.S. Navy.
He moved to Danville, VA in the late 1950s.
He was a Christian, devoted husband and a good family man.
He headed up the electrical department at the Corning plant in Danville, retiring as an electrical engineer after thirty years of service.
He was a member of the Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge #122 in Danville and had achieved the rank of 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite.
He was a lifelong republican, who worked tirelessly for the party.
He supported George Allen and has a photo of him with S.C. and his wife, Ida.
This man, known locally as "Mr. Republican", once hosted a fundraiser/cookout at his modest home for then Vice President George H. W. Bush in 1988 during a campaign stop in Danville.  One of his most prized posessions is a photo of the Vice President sitting with him and his wife and daughter on the family sofa. 
He was a man of integrity and wisdom, a humble and gracious role model and mentor.
He was a good man.
He was my father.
 
Samuel Clifford Crutchfield   (S.C.)
October 7, 1927 - February 19, 2009
 
Well done, dad.
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Cards v Stealers / Rant of a Patriot (fan)

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, February 12, 2009 8:05:03 AM
Favored by six and a half going in
the Stealers' appeal had grown a bit thin.
Another world title would increase their lead 
over the Pats and the rest of league.
But what of the Cards, who were favored to lose
and who had the right of which team to chose?
To favor the Stealers, in my estimation,
made Cardinals victims of discrimination.
Surely Obama had made clear his preference
and Rooney thanked him in a post game reference.
To Obama, provider of Super Bowl rings
and hope and change and other great things,
all honor and glory for win number six.
Hail to the President; in was the fix!
Conspicuous yet was the absence of praise
from either QB, some eyebrows they raised.
Devout Christian soldiers were mute in the light
of Jesus, His Kingdom and blessings that night.
Perhaps the league had rewritten the creed;
Offend not the Muslims, in thought, word or deed.
Instead, Obama was given the credit
for victory simply because he had said it.
And what can you say of the organization?
Greed now a hallmark of Pittsburgh nation.
Why did they need another world title
while those who went hungry were near suicidal?
The halftime show had featured the Boss,
who surely endorsed a Cardinal loss.
It seemed the whole thing was rigged from the start
as setbacks officials were deigned to impart.
Yellow flags flew from the Pittsburgh types
posing as refs in black and white stripes.
Victims of prejudice should be excused
from aleged infractions of gridiron rules.
Those personal fowls were simply expedient
acts of civil disobedience.
The underdogs, who'd found favor with us,
were only the latest thrown under the bus.
Poor victim status, no matter how great,
means nothing compared with the needs of the state.
Alas, Arizona could never achieve
true victim status as many believe
the priorities there are all out of whack
and, like Kurt Warner, need to be sacked.
For what do the Cardinals represent,
Catholic heirarchy many resent
or legions of seniors out having fun
in pools and on golf courses drenched in sun?
The working man's heritage, heart of the Stealers
was served up to stimulate under achievers.
Blue collar workers were called to unite
against the well to do now in their sights. 
Arizona showcased the capitalist trend
that like McCain's run must come to an end
according to new international views.
The Super Bowl served to bring us the news.
This game was a lesson on wealth's upward trickle;
for the steel man a hammer, the farmer a sickle.
 
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For Tyler, Tell Them Jesus Sent You

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, February 05, 2009 8:13:01 AM
Our traditional gift giving took on a deeper meaning since the year we gave the Nativiy to Tyler and his family.  It was quite an experience and, although there can be no comparison, I've sometimes wondered since what it must have been like for the Three Kings as they brought gifts to the King of Kings.  What were they feeling as they knelt before the manger that cradled the Son of God?  What was in their hearts the day they entered into the presence of our Emmanuel?  It is beyond my comprehensive ability.
 
The memory of that special Christmas stayed with us through the years that followed.  Donna told us that the family continued to set up the Nativity every year and it served as a reminder of God's love for them.  Just knowing this family was a blessing for us as God's love was on display throughout our relationship.  We all served Him as we interacted to lift each other before His Throne of Grace and seek His mercy, but it didn't stop there.  We were all moved to honor Him, knowingly and unknowingly,  through acts of Christian love. 
 
Because of Tyler, I decided to become a marrow donor and joined the National Marrow Program.  It was exciting to consider what a miracle it would be if it turned out I was a match for him.  It wasn't meant to be.  On December 23, 2005, Tyler received the greatest gift he could hope for.  He got to spend his first Christmas with the One who died for him.  What a blessed homecoming that must have been!
 
In his relatively short time here, Ty had endured the impersonal poking and prodding, months of chemo, homeopathic remedies, a bone marrow transplant and just about every other possible protocol imaginable.  Throughout the process, he only had a few years of good physical health, but his spiritual health was solid as a rock.  Now, in the presence of the Lord, he finally found peace.
 
When we learned of Tyler's passing, Donna lamented that he didn't get to become a minister.  She was wrong.  Tyler had ministered to me.  He and his mother had helped restore my faith through their witness and example.  They lived the Word and shared it with everyone they came in contact with.  They, along with my loving, devoted wife had helped make some difficult times more bearable.
 
Some with an attention span like mine might say this has been a long, drawn out story.  That's OK.  It came from the heart and if you're still here, you may be wondering if this message was meant for you.  The short answer is:  It was.
 
That's what Christians do.  We spread the Word that all may know the divine love of God and His Grace.  He is the real author of this story.  He gave it to me to give to you.  With a cut off age of sixty one, I only have a couple more years of eligibility to donate marrow.  As of this time, there have been no calls, but maybe its not God's will to be called.  Maybe His plan was fulfilled by using this story to call you.
 
There are lots of people out there in need of the gift of eternal life that only Christ can give.  In a similar way, there are lots of Tylers out there waiting for the gift of life that only you can give.  If you haven't signed on to become a marrow donor, please consider it.  Your decision to help another child of God through their struggle is one you won't regret.  You can get started by contacting the National Marrow Program or your local Red Cross blood donor center for more information.  Oh, and one more thing - tell them Jesus sent you.
 
Here is the contact information:
 
National Marrow Donor Program
1-800-336-3363
 
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For Tyler, Now This Is Christmas!

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, January 29, 2009 9:20:01 AM
There are no words to adequately describe the humbling experience of learning a seriously ill little child is praying for you.  It reminded me of how Jesus, on the cross, petitioned His Heavenly Father to forgive those who "know not what they do".  In a similar fashion, Tyler, in the midst of his own suffering, was filing an appeal with God for blessings on my behalf.  Well, slap me silly!  Tyler was praying for me. How do you like that?
 
A couple more years passed and we were coming into the fall season.  It was a cool day with clear skies and clean air - Saturday, a perfect day to relax.  The phone rang and a woman on the other end asked for me.  She knew about my sign business and went on to ask if I was an artist too, which I am.  She had a dilemma on her hands and was hoping I could help her.  She described how the secularists were once again rumbling about the Nativity scene being part of the "Holiday Display" on the town common.  She feared they would get their way and Jesus would be banished from His own birthday celebration.  The very idea upset her son terribly and she was wondering if I could make a Creche for their front yard.  She was willing to pay for it.
 
After listening to her story, I became a little suspicious and asked: "Is this Donna?"  We had never spoken before.  She answered in the affirmative and I asked why she didn't identify herself in the beginning.  She told me she "didn't want any special consideration".  Well, if anyone was worthy of special consideration, it was her.  I agreed to look into what we could do and get back to her if the town didn't come through. But I didn't get back to her.  Another scheme had hatched and I decided to make one anyway.
 
The Creche was simply made of plywood cutouts, maybe 2' high, of the Holy Family along with the Magi and a few critters.  The images were created from sketches I had made of the Nativity display in my town.  They were painted up and designed to assemble easily onto a plywood base panel.  It all came together pretty well.
 
To our great pleasure, the town where Donna's family lived allowed the Manger Scene to be part of its display that year, but I had already done one up for Tyler.  Perhaps a week or so before Christmas, my dear wife made some fudge and we headed off to Donna's house for a surprise visit to deliver our gifts.  When we arrived, the family was just piling into their van for a journey across town to visit with friends.  They looked warry as we walked up the driveway, surely wondering who we were and what we were up to.  After introducing ourselves, you would have thought we were family they hadn't seen in years.  Donna's eyes opened wide with surprise and she smiled with joy.  She hugged us and couldn't stop apologizing for not being able to stay and visit with us, but that didn't matter. We had an agenda.
 
We stopped to say hello to Tyler, who was already in the van.  He was bundled up in a snow suit and he looked a little like the Michellin Man.  I soon realized the suit was deceiving.  Tyler's face was puffy from what we presumed to be some medication he may have been taking and I sensed he was a little embarrassed by his appearance.  Admittedly, it was disturbing to see him that way, but we assured him of our love and concern and that we would continue to keep him in our prayers.  Patricia gave them her special fudge. We learned later that fudge was one of their favorite things in the whole world.  Donna thanked us repeatedly and the whole family waved good-by as we returned to our car and quetly drove away.
 
Of course, we still had the other gift in the back of the wagon.  The wagon was an '81 Buick Electra a dear friend had given me, but that's a story in itself.  We turned the corner at the end of the street and proceeded slowly down the road and watched as the family van disappeared in our mirror.  After being sure they had left, we turned around, went back to the house and set up the Nativity on their front porch, practically giddy the whole time.  It was pure fun.
 
We came home that night, after shopping, to find a message on our answering machine from Donna.  It was a tearful "thank you", filled with love and appreciation.  The Nativity was a hit and it brought great joy to Tyler.  Pat and I were warmed by Donna's message and felt a sense of deep spiritual satisfaction about what had just happened.  God had given us the ability to lift up a little boy who had made such a difference in our lives.  In honoring him, we honored God.  The metaphor was all too clear and we couldn't help but think.....
 
Now, this is Christmas!
 
 
To be concluded..........
 
 
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For Tyler, I Pray For You.

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:20:42 AM
In the days following Christmas, 1993, things got a little better.  Donna's Christmas greeting had lifted my spirits and shed a new light on just how far from God I had strayed.  We shouldn't be surprised how messed up our lives can become when we stop trusting Him.  It was time to repent, but as I came to realize, its always time to repent.
 
It was time to tell my Heavenly Father how sorry I was, even though He already knew.  The guilt was mine to own and I thanked Him for reminding me of His love for me.  I thanked Him for my beautiful wife and children and promised to never take them, or Him for granted again.
 
Soon after, I sent a letter of thanks to Tyler's mother and told her how much her greeting had meant to me.  To my surprise, she responded with another letter revealing more information about Tyler and how God gave them the strength to deal with it all.  She continued to witness to us in every letter or greeting that followed, and there were many to come in the years ahead.
 
After our initial contact, I shared with Donna the difficulties we faced with our sign business in a shambles.  She kept us informed of Tyler's progress.  We promised to pray for each other; she for blessings on our business and I for Ty's health and God's mercy on her family. 
 
Months later, we learned that Tyler's cancer had returned and he faced another grueling round of chemo.   Still, he endured the discomfort and we began to see the love of God at work in this little boy. 
 
Tyler rallied once more.  Again Donna told us of his miraculous recovery and how good God is.  In one letter, she told us that Tyler had decided he wanted to be a minister when he grew up.  It wasn't a great surprise that the son of such a faithful and God fearing mother would come to know God as the giver of life and all things good and wonderful.  What a great testimony this little one would have to share one day, I thought.  Of course, his testimony was being lived out every day for those who would listen.
 
A few years had passed since we first saw Tyler's story.  Each Christmas we would receive a card from Donna with an update on Tyler's progress.  I looked forward to those messages because depression still haunted me, especially at Christmas time.  One would think I hadn't learned my lesson and the greetings were like small reminders that God was still there.
 
Tyler's leukemia came and went and came and went.  Each time, Donna praised God for His mercy and shared with us the latest developments.  She let us know all the little strides her son made in life.  She let us know when Ty was finally strong enough to start school.  She sent photos and letters and always, always gave all honor and glory to our Almighty God.  I was amazed at her ability to continue walking with the Lord as she undoubtedly lived with the fear that this terrible disease would come for her son yet again.  And it did, but Tyler was a fighter. 
 
One day, we got a letter in the mail.  Donna sent along a picture Ty had drawn in brightly colored crayon.  He was probably about eight or nine and the chemo had wreaked havoc on his little body.  The picture and penmanship revealed that his motor skills lagged a little behind his age group, but that didn't matter.  As they say: "It's the thought that counts".  And so it was.  I'm sad to say that I don't remember what the picture was, but his words said it all.  This little boy, who had endured unimaginable pain and sickness, gave me a glimpse of Christ on the cross.  He had very carefully and deliberately scratched out a message that I will never forget.... 
 
I pray for you.
Love,
Tyler
 
 
To be continued..........
 
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For Tyler, The Life Ring That Came In The Mail

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, January 15, 2009 9:47:40 AM
The Christmas season was upon us in the year of 1993.  We were three years into a terrible economic downturn.  The real estate markets were suffering the effects of a bursting bubble and banks and lending institutions around the country were folding their tents.  People everywhere found themselves upside down with home and business mortgages.  Businesses where closing at an alarming rate, leaving those depending on them in a very bad way.  I was one of them.
 
My business had lost two of our biggest clients that had been around for decades.  One had been in business for nearly fifty years, the other, one hundred.  It couldn't have come at a worse time.  My wife and I had just leveraged our home against a commercial venture that was supposed to build a better life and add to our future retirement portfolio.  We bought land and put up a nice new building where I could apply my skills and become established, so to speak.  With the loss of those two customers, it was all in peril.
 
If this has never happened to you, consider yourself blessed.  My days were filled with stress and my nights were filled with dread for the next day.  Every day I went to work hoping that would be the day it would all turn around.  By the end of the day, I knew that wouldn't happen and all I had to hope for was tomorrow. But tomorrow wouldn't be the day either.  A feeling of hopelessnes began to take over and I was in a deep depression.
 
A great friend of mine recently pointed out that men tend to evaluate themselves based on what they are able to provide.  His words were right on and reminded me of what I felt when I was drowning in debt and unable to keep up.  Certainly, I was unable to provide much and my self esteem was suffering from it.  Indeed, my world was crumbling before my eyes and there was no part of my life that wasn't reeling from the effects of that economic meltdown.  Business and personal relationships were strained and sadly, even my relationship with God was effected by this three year war that had all but sucked the life out of me.  It was a very dark time when even a trip to the mailbox only brought more pain.  Until one day...
 
A couple of days before Christmas we received a card in the mail from someone who would change my life.  The card was from the mother of a little boy who's story we had read months before in the local paper.  It was a great human interest story of how this beautiful little four year old had been diagnosed with leukemia, which was then in remission after months of chemo-therapy.  In the article, the mother was giving all honor and glory to God for the miracle of her son's recovery.  She wasn't the least bit intimidated by the secular movement that seemed to be gaining traction in the public square.  There she was, out front witnessing for God right there on the front page of the newspaper!
 
I had found the story a refreshing change from all the bad news that typically dominates the headlines and was moved to write a letter to the editor thanking the paper for printing the story and praising the boy's mother for her testimony.  Tyler's mother, Donna, had seen my letter and sent this Christmas greeting to thank me for it.  With the card, she included a picture of Tyler and his sister, Jenna and added a little more information about what the family had gone through. 
 
I was floored that she would go to such lengths to thank a total stranger for doing something that only seemed natural to me.  But this wasn't your typical "thank you" note.  This woman, who obviously knew God well, spoke in the language of the saints and her love for Him radiated from the page.  It may seem silly, but it felt as though I had received a Christmas card from Jesus, Himself.  A light had come on and yours truly was suddenly wondering how I could have been so blind.
 
In the midst of my misery and self pitty, I had overlooked God's greatest gifts.   Certainly, my problems were nothing compared to Donna's. I had been blessed with a wonderful wife and healthy children and my ungrateful attitude was brought into crystal clear focus through her gracious message.  She had, perhaps unknowingly, become an instrument of the Lord.  Though I was lost, He found me.  He pulled me from the depths of depression with a life ring that came in the mail.
 
To be continued..........
 
 
 
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Random Thoughts

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, January 08, 2009 9:29:27 AM
Joe Biden warned us the new president would be tested soon after being sworn in.  Joe must be a visionary.  With less than two weeks to go, Obama must be wondering why he wanted this job in the first place.  The way these problems are building up, he's going to have piles.
 
Lebanon has shown it's sympathy for Hamas and is now firing rockets into Israel.  With Israel engaged in battles on two fronts, one question comes to mind.  Will Israel be allowed to finish the job and how much will it cost US?  OK, that's two questions.
 
Its unclear where the "peace in the Middle East funds" will come from since we're already facing a $1.2 trillion deficit.  Maybe China could float us another loan.
 
Barack Obama ran on a platform of change, but since winning the election, he's surrounded himself with leftovers from the Clinton era with one notable exception - the big dog himself, Bill.  What will he do - Ambassador to China?
 
Actually, there are other disenfranchised Clintonistas waiting for jobs.  Surely they can find a spot for Sandy Burglar.  Library trustee perhaps?
 
And you can't tell me there aren't any radical religious groups left to wipe out.  Just where is Janet Reno when we need her?
 
Madeleine Albright once claimed she could leg press four hundred pounds.  "Laying the groundwork for lasting peace in the Middle East" will do that.
 
Does this mean Ron Brown and Vince Foster will be reunited with some of their old friends?
 
Too bad Algore is busy.
 
Obama promised to bring the troops home from Iraq.  Big whoop!  He's got four years to make good on that one.
 
At least the war on illegal immigration has been resolved.  In case you didn't notice, we surrendered.
 
From Fox News, "Obama Warns Recession May Linger For Years".  Increasing the national debt by a gazillion bucks should pretty much guarantee it, don't you think?
 
Where's my bailout check?
 
Iran wants nukes.  America is at the mercy of OPEC.  Individual wealth resources are evaporating before our eyes along with our national treasure.  Muslim radicals have stepped up efforts to murder as many Christians as possible in third world countries.  Terror cells have been established on our soil.  China is moving toward capitalism and America is moving toward socialism.  Seventy two virgins are still waiting for bin Laden.  Kim Jong Ill wants to kill everyone.
 
Aaahh, the Cold War Era.  Those were the good old days.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Something To Lose Sleep Over

Posted by John Crutchfield on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 8:57:46 PM
Phyllis Schlafley outlines some dormant treaties and makes a pretty good case as to how the next occupant of the White House could speed up the demise of capitalism.  The socialist remedy for every ill - bloodletting.

http://townhall.com/columnists/PhyllisSchlafly/2008/12/23/obamas_plan_to_rejoin_the_world_community
 
 
Happy New Year!
 
 
 
 
 
 
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New Years Eve of Destruction

Posted by John Crutchfield on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 8:56:58 PM
Here we go again.  Israel and radical Islam are at it again, trying to settle the issue of who should have the right to occupy the Holy Land.  How many times in our lifetimes have we had to endure the recurring theme of this story?  Worse yet, how many more times will we have to endure it?
 
I was a teenager when I first became aware of the turmoil and resentment that was brewing around the world.  The year was 1965 and one of my favorite songs was "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire.  Yes, it was considered a protest song by many, but it brought to my consciousness some of the culture clashes around the world.  I was particularly struck by the line: "And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin'".  There was no way I could have anticipated we'd still be talking about this fourty three years later.
 
Through the decades we've seen conflict after conflict erupt in the Middle East only to be followed by cries for a ceasfire.  Palestinians, unhappy with the Israeli "occupation", begin to lob rockets into Israeli neighborhoods and send suicide bombers into crowded marketplaces.  Israel responds by striking back hard with rockets, tanks and whatever is available to send a message that terrorist agression against Jews will not be tolerated.  The Palestinians are beaten back, immediately assume the role of victim of Israeli agression and the global news agencies are only too happy to present them as such.
 
We've seen I don't know how many photo-op sessions with nearly every president I can recall, standing between Middle Eastern leaders of the day signing some kind of peace accord or whatever you laughingly want to call it.  The US steps in and buys some peace and quiet by throwing a few hundred million of our money at the combatants.  The leaders go home and two weeks later, another rocket slams into a Jewish neighborhood and the whole thing starts all over again. 
 
I'm growing a little weary of it all and I can only imagine how God must feel about the way mankind is desecrating His Holy Land.  Wouldn't it be nice if He would just settle it once and for all?
 
 
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Christmas Blues?

Posted by John Crutchfield on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:46:44 AM
Are you having trouble getting into the spirit of the season?  For many of us, its been a little tougher this year because we're all stressed out about our finances.  In good times we're freewheeling through Christmas, buying tons of gifts for those we love and, lets be honest, it feels good when we give to others.  But what about those bad times when we are forced to tighten our belts and do with less?
 
Our mood may be low because we can't afford that perfect gift for someone we love and we don't want them to be disappointed.  Somehow, we equate our value with that of our gift.  In our minds, if the gift is meager, so are we.  This is what happens when we place so much emphasis on the gift and forget all about the reason we give in the first place.
 
Three wise men once brought gifts to the baby, Jesus.  They were precious gifts fitting for the newborn King.  But there were others that day who had nothing to give.  Poor shepherds in fields fell to their knees when angels brought the news that a Savior was born.  All they had to offer the King of Kings were hearts full of thanks and love.  To God, hearts like theirs were more precious than gold and they still are today. 
 
We've lost sight of what's important and hard times can be used by God to rearrange our priorities.  We've focused our attention on the things that are of this world and forgotten about the most precious gift ever.  Rich or poor, God sent His love to us through His Son, Jesus.  He was God's gift to us.  It was a gift of love divine.  That love is enough.  Its always been enough and all He wants from us is our love in return.
 
I wish you God's love this Christmas.
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Blago The Bouffant Guber

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:37:03 AM
In the spirit of the season, I offer the following - a revised edition of Rudolph sung by my dear old grandpappy, Burl Crutchfield...... OK, here we go!
 
 
You know Daschle, Emmanuel, Volcker and Clinton.
That's not exactly the change we envisioned.
But do you recall one who won't be making the ball?
 
Blago the bouffant guber, had a senate seat for sale
and when the feds learned of it, he was facing time in jail.
 
All of the other suspects hoped they wouldn't hear their names
on the taped conversations Pat Fitzgerald had obtained.
 
Then one sorry autumn eve, lawmen came to say:
"Sing us a sweet song tonight, or you'll go away."
 
Then how Barack disowned him, worried he might cop a plea.
Blago the bouffant guber, treacherous is his story.
Trea cher ous is his sto ry.
 
 
Thank you.  Thank you very much.  =)
 
 
 
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The Night Before Christmas

Posted by John Crutchfield on Thursday, December 11, 2008 8:30:30 AM
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a louse.
 The wallets were hung by the chimney with care
in hopes that taxpayers soon would be there.
 Fannie and Freddie, were snug in their beds
while visions of bailouts danced in their heads.
 Frank and Dodd, a fine pair of crooks,
rewarded their cronies for cooking the books.
 When on the TV, news broke with a flash;
I sprang from my couch to count up my cash. 
 Away to the desk I ran with my cup 
tore open our statement and promptly threw up.
 Our nest egg had crashed along with the market;
a lifetime of work and no safe place to park it.
 When what to my horrified eyes did appear,
but a legion of Marxist engineers.
 With an articulate leader, born for this drama,
I knew in a instant it must be Obama.
 More patient than vultures his armies they came
to feast on our carcas, he called them by name.
 "On Harry, on Nancy, Kucinich and Schumer,
confiscate wealth from those greedy consumers!"
 From the streets of Wasilla, to the National Mall;
"Now tax away, tax away, tax away all!"
 Like vile opportunists on the wild market ride,
their agenda with sneaky intentions they hide.
 All through our freedoms they trampled about
and coerced from the people our right to speak out.
 And then in a moment I heard on the stoop
the scuffling crunch of each heavy boot.
 As I drew a tense breath and was turning around,
Barack and his storm troopers smashed the door down.
 He was dressed in Brioni from his head to his feet,
looking ever so sharp like the liberal elite.
 A bundle of dough he had flung on his back
for the poor CEOs and political hacks.
 His eyes were determined, his stare was so cold,
audacity, yes, his manner too bold.
 His chastising mouth was bent in a frown
as he went on to tear our dear country down.
 The butt of a Camel held tight in his fist
as he checked once again the names on his list.
 With cunning he'd carefully planned this assault;
"Don't blame me", he said, "its all Bush's fault".
 He was lanky and cut, a right fit human being,
but his luster diminished with what I was seeing.
 A vengeful eye and a shake of his head
soon gave me to know I had plenty to dread.
 He spoke lots of words as he went straight to work
and filled all the wallets with money and perks.
 The plan was conceived that we hard working stiffs
would pick up the tab for these onerous gifts.
My pockets they emptied, my cupboards left bare,
they then searched my sofa for change hidden there.
 To the convoy he went, with his thugs all in tow,
brushing their tracks from the new fallen snow.
 And then he took off for some deliberations
to surrender our land to the United Nations.
 But I heard him exclaim as they drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, from the good Reverend Wright!"
 
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