Yesterday and today, keeping up.

My, how times have changed things. Cell phones, computers, electronic games, electric cars and wind turbines are so common they don't elicit a second thought from most people. Record players, crystal radios, slide rules, mimeographs, carburetors and tinker toys are almost ancient history. New countries pop up overnight causing maps become irrelevant even as they are printed. Language too evolves at nearly light speed and words and their meanings change sometimes overnight. It's kind of difficult to keep up with all the changes. Particularly, for me anyway are the social and cultural differences so far removed from what I learned in school. Here are a couple examples from my high school classroom days.

In social studies the teacher described how the communists had the citizens bring their kids to a "government" provided day care. "That just goes to show you how much the communist government controls their people and take their freedoms away." She said.

All through junior and high school the hot topics of conversation most often surrounded sports, college prep, getting a part time job, practical jokes and cars. Girls were mixed in like seasoning.

In high school, getting into trouble usually involved being late, chewing gum in class, smoking in the bathroom, passing notes in class, running in the halls or squealing tires in the parking lot.

Most guys showed respect to the girls and did things like open doors for them, pay the check at restaurants, not swear around them and would almost die before passing gas in front of them. Girls flirted and giggled and mostly left it at that when they were with boys.

When fights broke out between the guys, as it sometimes did, it usually ended with a bloody lip, a bruised ego and if a teacher found out, detention. A couple of regular trouble makers were sent to "Juvy." (juvenile home)

About three or four times a year the entire high school had an "assembly" and a recent graduate would talk about his or her success due to their education. At least one was enlisted in the armed forces giving us local heroes to think about.

Being "nice" was considered a good thing, something to strive for in spite of raging hormones and unlimited innocent, youthful ignorance and stupidity. Even if we failed at it we admired it.

History will determine if today is better for us or yesterday was more beneficial. I just know that it's a interesting ride either way. There are advantages on both sides and it's good for some of us to step back and take a look at the differences from time to time. How far have we come?

Westboro Baptist Fred Phelps

Hey Fred! I humbly suggest you re-read that bible of yours. Rumor has it that you or some of your followers are about to bring a protest to the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards. According to the bible I read you are dead wrong in doing that. For decades you have made some pretty strong comments about certain lifestyles and the war in Iraq. Fine! You have the right to say that. Just not where you have in some instances, more specifically, at funerals. In doing that you are dead wrong. "You are speaking the word of God." you say? I ask, "Who said so?" God spoke to you? Did you get it on tape? He may possibly have spoken to you. It is totally possible. But I'd like to see the stone tablets he carved out with His commandments for you to protest in this way. That's all I ask. Show me the proof. I don't read anywhere in my bible or any other one that Fred Phelps is the spokesperson for God.

Our religious beliefs often carry us into the face of adversity. Faith brings with it a difficult road that we must travel. We have to be strong and steadfast maintain what we are asked to do. In your case I think you should step back and ask yourself just what your agenda is. It has been my experience that when someone brings so much pain to others during their most difficult times the point is not so much what God wants but what you want. Personal power over others is a driving force that has condemned many so called spiritual leaders and their followers. Going so far as to asking them all to commit suicide and other atrocities. Think about that Fred. Our soldiers families didn't deserve for you to be there, you just made things worse. Did you feel good about that?

It seems that somewhere in the bible it states that we should beware of false Prophets. Are you a false prophet Fred? Are you in this just for the glory of bringing pain to people you do not agree with? Do you really think this is what Jesus would do? Even John the Baptist, as radical as he was with his repent command, did not go to others. He only spoke to those who came to him. Preach what you want. But, keep it where you are. If someone has a funeral at your church you can berate and belittle them til your heart is content and their hearts are broken. If you have a truly good message they will come. Personally I doubt they will. Leave this funeral and all that follow alone. I think God will be plenty OK with that.

Clue #1 Silver Treasure Riddle

Clue #1 for the 30th annual Silver Treasure Hunt Riddle December 7th, 2010

"I think you'll agree it's not just better but also, more specifically in a great smaller area to inspect for what you seek. Great and OK for you, OK for me."

More can be seen in the Advance and Grand Rapids Press and also on Greg's web site www.wyomingriddler.com

Remember the reason for this game, besides having fun and the chance to win a beautiful and valuable prize; "Carbon Monoxide, Get Outside!"

Enjoy and Good Luck!.........................Joe