The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of The Quill. Wow! That rain shore came fast and furious last Sunday fer some folks in Henderson County. Unfortunately some real estate changed ownership with all the erosion that followed. Hail was heavy in some parts of the county but at this stage of crop growth damage was not as bad as it would have been, had it occurred sixty days from now.
Next weekend will be celebrated as Memorial Day, 3-day weekend, fer many. Actually Thursday, May 30 is the traditional Decoration Day fer observances in memory of dead soldiers and sailors.
Next Saturday, May 25, is full moon and a week from then is June 1. Hopefully all intended corn will be planted by then.
Infidel
The question comes up at various times as to the definition of an infidel. Rick Mathes, a well known leader in prison ministry, gives the follow'n true story to shed some light on the subject:
The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing
religion per capita in the United States,
especially in the minority races!!
Last month I attended my annual training
session that's required for maintaining my state
prison security clearance...
During the training session there was a
presentation by three speakers representing the
Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths,
who each explained their beliefs.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic
had to say. The Muslim gave a great
presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with
a video. After the presentations, time was
provided for questions and answers then it was
my turn. I directed my question to the Muslim
and asked:
"Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I
understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam
have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world and, that by killing an
infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they
are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the
case, can you give me the definition of an
infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements
and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this
straight. All followers of Allah have been
commanded to kill everyone who is not of your
faith so they can have a place in heaven.
Is that correct?"
The expression on his face changed from one of
authority and command to that of a little boy
who had just been caught with his hand in the
cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well sir, I have a real problem
trying to imagine The Pope commanding all
Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.
Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in
order to guarantee them a place in heaven!"
The Muslim was speechless! I continued, "I also
have a problem with being your friend when you
and your brother clerics are telling your
followers to kill me!
Let me ask you a question:
Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you
to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my
Jesus who tells me to love you because I am
going to heaven and He wants you to be there
with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as
The Imam hung his head in shame.
Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters
of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not
happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic
Imam, and exposing the truth about the
Muslims' beliefs.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim
voters in the U.S. to elect the President!
There ya has it then, as told by Rick Mathes. Me and the boys will not render an opinion on his story but it certainly gives a feller pause fer thought and reflection. Is he say'n our nation is a gonna be taken over from within and not by an invade'n army? Time will tell I reckon.
Lessons fer life
As long as I'm a check'n out quotes, here's another one I ran across, on a lighter note, written by 90 year old Regina Brett, who write 45 lessons life has taught her in live'n those 90 years:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is short-enjoy it.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick, your friends and family will.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. 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 OK to let your children see you cry.
13. 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, God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and 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 but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time some time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God 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 of dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you think you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Friends are the family we choose. Be a friend.
Well, I'll be "jiggered" if'n Regina Brett seems to be wise even beyond her 90 years. Once again, not render'n an opinion, but one of the boys said he's a gonna read those 45 lessons of life once a week until he has 'em memorized.
That's all folks fer this column, there ain't no more.
Have a good week come'n up, visit friends, and do a good deed or two whilst ya are still able. Hope'n ta see you'ns in church this weekend.
Where ever ya is, what ever ya be a do'n BE A GOOD ONE!
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke