Cell Phones and the Panic of Loss

In the cellular industry it is easy to spot many simple follies that people fail to avoid.  It is the same with most any industry that you work in.  Each respectively reflects a "service" to the population in whatever need they perceive.  In cellular phones and connected devices the problems are centralized physically but affects most every aspect of a person's life in these modern tumultuous times.

I'll make this post short yet to the point.  Just one little point but probably the most important.  Your phone is your lifeline to your circle of civilization.  It is your connection to contacts, photos, notes and even all those dirty little secrets you may have.  Impact on business affairs may be the most devastating if vital information is lost.  Protecting and backing up that information can be a God-send.... or an albatross of epic proportion if neglected.

Whether in Apple, Samsung, Motorola or other there is an option to save your information via backup to the iCloud.  When activated it usually defaults to backup your information nightly.  It also gives you the vital apps to choose which you want backed up.  Many have an iCloud account if they possess a cellular phone.  However, with the popular Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, Live, Me and other public and private emails most do not use their iCloud account.

When I see an individual come into one of my U.S. Cellular stores with a broken phone the first thing I think is "I hope they are backed up to the Cloud."  Yet, when a customer is asked most will say they do not know.

All of their (your) information, their life, now at the whim of "I don't know."

Do yourself a favor and back up your information.  It's quite simple.  It is located in most systems under Settings (that little gear icon).  Usually at the top is your personal information and tether to the Cloud.  In the next screen is your iCloud option in which to switch on or off your backup option.  It is also where you choose what apps to back up.  If I've really made you apprehensive you can either opt to "Back Up Now."  That is usually located at the bottom of that screen.

Backing up your information makes it very simple to migrate to a new device when you upgrade and replace your phone due to loss, stolen or damaged.  Once your new phone is set up on the network just log in to your Cloud and the information should download automatically.  If you do switch to a new device always ALWAYS remember your iCloud email (username) and password.  That's they keystone to everything! 😎

Do yourself a favor.  In order to save your friends from thinking you hate them because you've lost your contact information - back up that info.  In order to sway having your business go into default because you can't monitor transactions on-the-go - back up that info.

Happy back ups and may your thumbs do the walking. :)))))

  

Easter to Humble Modern Civilization

There are two highly emotional holidays among Christians and non-Christians alike.  Those are Christmas and Easter.  It is good that they are emotional.  Emotions are the means by which man expresses and marks his life moment by moment.  How can it not?  Jesus Christ according to doctrine is the author of our salvation.  Of course its highly emotional.  However, is it possible we miss vast amounts of knowledge and insight by strictly observing the emotional application of the holidays?

I just want to focus on Easter since that is the holiday for today.  The main picture people recall in their head of Easter (aside from bunnies and eggs) is the cross and Jesus affixed upon it in agony and death.  Yes, this is factually and historically correct.  He gave up his own spirit in order to save mankind from their sins.  This, in order to erect that bridge, once again from our feet back to the Father.  Yet, is there anything else we can glean from this scene?

There is a Christian hymn called "How Sweet the Joy That Easter Morn."  In it is the phrase,

"All nature groaned in deep distress, The sun and moon grew dim."

If Jesus Christ was and is a God then is it possible that the very elements of all nature became distressed at such a profound climax as the physical death of that God?  I dare say yes!  Now, look at the picture again of Him upon the cross.  Imagine the epic shock of his very body cells at the absence of His spirit.  Here we have flesh, from the beginning conceived only by the Spirit, in distress.  Flesh out of their element for thirty years housing the Spirit of God.  Now, like a lamb without her mother or a parent at the loss of their child the elements are surely in a state of "groan." 

This thought kind of magnifies the depth and humility of the significance the Atonement of Jesus Christ truly has on each of our individual spirit salvation.  If his elements hang helpless without its God upon the cross then surely it is real for all of us.  If the skies and the moon darkened in repose of the state of man then surely it is real for all of us.  If tombs cracked at that moment and many dead truly rose then surely it is real for all of us. 

Imagine kneeling at his lifeless feet upon the cross.  You know He is dead and you reach down and gently raise a handful of sand.  Slowly if flows from the hand back to the ground.  Would there have been a different emotional response than before his death?  Would the elements in shock fail to produce joy in the simple pleasures of dropping sand from the hand?

The soldiers and guards who hold dear their spears and swords.  Did their weapons suddenly grow cold at the absence of the One literally holding all creation in their form?  Other records prove out that great world tumults occurred even upon the Americas at the moment of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.  Even though they must have had sheer fear of the physical events taking place do you think those people had that cold loss in their hearts?  Perhaps they did and were utterly bewildered at the loss of all hope in that moment that we were all born with.  Hope is the product of God within each of us.

Of course, as Christians we know that hope and salvation soon rang through the earth as the Atonement had been completed.  Man, no longer subject to the Fall, can now worthily enjoy rest and renewed work with loved ones and family in the presence of God.

The purpose of this post was not to bring a "lull" to anyone's spirits or a sense of dismay or shame.  It was meant to inspire and bring a sense of awe to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Look at the picture of the Savior upon the cross again.  After these thoughts to ponder does it magnify your part in all of this.  This great design is exquisite in nature, brilliant in order and epic in binding all elements and all of us as one.....in Him.

Yes, Mary mourned.  Yes, the disciples mourned, Yes, the thousands touched by Jesus mourned.  YET, all elements on earth and all in the vastness of space groaned at the transformation to a more exalted state of a God.

We are so small yet so big.  We bicker over petty things.  We even kill each other over petty and ill-guided things.  We puff ourselves up and claim our knowledge over our brother.  We lament when we cannot pay the rent.  We rightfully grieve at the loss of a child or a parent.  Especially in modern times we find offense over the smallest insignificant things and demand recompense for it.

All this mud has been paid for 2,000 years ago.  Even your physical makeup, the dust that forms you, existed at the time and groaned.  All matter is connected through all generations of time.  His appearance to thousands three days after and many days beyond bear testament of his divinity.  The Alpha and Omega has bridged the gap between us and the Eternal Father. 

Yes, there is much more to ponder than the mere emotional observance of Easter.  Let us ponder with curiosity.  Let us be humbled by it and let us finally treat one another with common civility.

Nebraska and Iowa Flood 2019 and the Electoral College

Those living in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa tend to be at the mercy of the Missouri River basin and points north.  The potential of flooding often degrees according to the outflow of the albatross Gavin's Point Dam in Yankton, South Dakota.  This year of 2019 has seen epic flooding for us living in this area.  This post of thought extends beyond the scope of a flood.  This post extends clear to Washington D.C.  Every geographic location of the United States has risks for its inhabitants.  Given that, equally considered for assistance are those living near the Missouri River. 

First, the current political rhetoric attempted to take hold.  With more and more states passing laws which clearly violate or go against laws enacted by Congress there is a frenzied "fad" going on.  This fad has taken on the image of striking the Electoral College as a sacred edict of the Constitution of the United States.  In spite (and TO spite) the 2016 Election many want to observe the Popular Vote as the only litmus of who the next President of the United States should be.  To not understand why this function was included in the Constitution is a shame for every American.  For an elected official to lobby against it is downright an act against the United States.

The Electoral College is put in place to ensure that every vote carries an "equal weight."  That being an objective viable vote regardless of political affiliation and agenda.  This "equal weight" shrined in the Electoral College carries infinitely more validity to every vote than the Popular Vote ever could.  To plunder the College would be to silence the voices of millions living in states where the populations are less than that of others.  Especially others with exceptionally high populations.  The College gathers the concerns of all Americans via the vote and feeds the People the will of said people. 

This makes every state important.  This makes personal interaction between the people and a candidate important.  Relinquishing that blanket protection and assurance would render the governance of the people at the blessing of the few states benefiting most from a Popular Vote.

Case in point the 2016 Presidential Election.  In the final days of the campaign season Hillary Clinton exerted all her efforts appeasing to the mega cities.  True this gained her overwhelming votes.  However, by ignoring all other states she had lost all those electoral votes.  If she had won the Presidency by way of the Popular Vote it would have been won according to the sole concerns and desires of the mega city populations.  This disfranchises the farmer in Nebraska.  This silences the proud citizens of dying small communities in North Dakota.  The best common good of the people is what the Electoral College strives for.

Now, what does this have to do with the 2019 Nebraska and Iowa flood?  In politics it is infinitely less about serving the will of the people as it is about strategy and holding on to power at all costs.  In a Popular Vote the power would converge with those states who have such population.  This often also carries common political affiliation.  Every election campaign year would be centered on those states.  That is where the voting power is.  In extension, those states would see the personal attendance of candidates.  Be damned the other states with little voting power.

Take Nebraska for instance.  If Nebraska was deemed of little political influence in the wake of a Popular Vote how do you think assistance would unveil in a natural disaster....say a flood??  New York, Virginia and California would gain a fuller and swifter assistance than an unimportant state.  This is where the flood ties in to Washington.  This is living proof of why the Electoral College was instituted into the Constitution of the United States.  This is why to vanquish the College would be to erase America as it was and should be.

No longer would the United States be of, by and for the people.

Illegal Immigration to United States vs Mom Coming Home

First off, I am vehemently opposed to illegal immigration.  The current political climate has totally disenfranchised the American taxpaying citizen the privilege of pride, security and sovereignty.  We have been abandoned by lawmakers focused only on voters and not their Constitutional duty to serve the American people.  To see endless videos of illegal aliens jumping the southern wall and dredging the rivers is a sickening display of milking the broken American system.  This has recently hit home to me, but first let me rant some more.

Many use the cliche that America is built on immigration.  From a certain perspective, yes, but in reality no.  Historically and in the proper spirit, America has been built by men and women wanting to embrace the American citizenship.  It is built by those who wanted to build pride for themselves and not live off the charity of others.  They left their native lands in the longing desire to touch the hem of the flag.  Their thirst for prosperity was emboldened by true arduous journeys to this land of promise.  THAT is what America is made of - to not replace the culture of America but to assimilate into the culture of America.

Due to illness my mother went to live in Virginia.  She hasn't driven for several years.  My siblings and I have been trying for the past couple months to get her a plane ticket to visit my family here in Iowa.  To this date there is still no plane ticket because of no valid identification.  Because her Driver License is expired that photo ID cannot be used.  The DMV will not issue without a Birth Certificate.  Gee, we get a copy of the Birth Certificate weeks later and take that and SS card and all other things to the DMV.  NOPE!  The Birth Certificate  has her maiden name and the other paperwork and SS has her married name.  Now they need a Marriage Certificate AND a forwarded sticker from her former address verifying a bonafide residence.  So, to speed things up we contacted the airline and inquired if a Birth Certificate and an SS card would be adequate to secure a ticket.
"Well......maybe, but I don't know if TSA will accept it."

So, not having an old Marriage License available we must send off for a copy which will take a turn around of five weeks.

What grinds me to the core is that illegal aliens can jump the fence.  Once their feet lands on our once sanctified soil they are automatically endowed with all essential services and privileges of an American citizen (even voting as it turns out).  So, without a shred of identification, a non-citizen can freely travel and obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars without even working.  In retrospect my mother, who has paid into the system for well over seventy years, can't even easily obtain a plane ticket.  An American citizen is put through an oppressive process that wouldn't even be thought of for an illegal alien.

Have you seen the footage of immigrants taking the oath and pledge of the United States at their legal naturalization??  They - have the true spirit of America.  They - have properly answered the call to claim this soil.  It is almost divine and gives all of us pride. 

Why have we been abandoned by our leaders?  "Straight and narrow is the way" to heaven.  Even for heaven there is a qualifying and vetting process.  Is not the human experience a test to see if we can live by higher laws??

We MUST secure our borders and treat immigrants as they should be treated - those humbly wanting to become Americans.  If they have not that desire and reject the legal process and proudly trek holding their native flags, that is nothing more than invasion against our land and against the work put into the system by citizens to pay for services FOR citizens. 

Treating our own as second rate to those who have NO business being here is reprehensible and unforgivable.  This must stop or we shame the very flag that shades us.

A Voice for Mollie Tibbetts and Illegal Immigration

It is with deep condolences to the family of Mollie Tibbetts that she had been taken so young and under evil circumstances.  I do not know Mollie but I do live in Iowa and have a strong disdain for what has taken place.  I further believe it is grievous indeed the coverage, or lack of, afforded her and the environment of this crime.  With no real power or authority I censure media outlets like CNN, MSNBC and even The Hill for their bias and and frenzied eagerness to sweep the story under the rug for political reasons and ratings.

The murder of Ms. Tibbetts is heavy for many of us.  I hardly presume to put the few conscious Americans in the same category as the family.  Out of deep respect I will not comment further on the family because their grief runs infinitely deeper than we can imagine.  It weighs heavy because it hit home.  It proved to us that not even a lonely cornfield in a remote part of Iowa is safe anymore to enjoy the clean air, take in the circling birds or endure the humidity of the dense woods and crops.

Mollie Tibbetts was murdered by an illegal alien.  His name is unworthy of mention but the confessed suspect is an original Mexican national and has resided in the United States in rural Iowa for many years.  Like vast numbers from south of the border they are unchecked, undocumented and willingly enter the United States of America with full knowledge that they will spend the rest of their days with guilt and looking over their shoulders.  Thus the true nature of an immigrant is null and void.  A true immigrant embraces the laws, values, principles and precepts of that new home nation.  For this reason "cultural diversity" is not advantageous to any nation.  Any immigrant who wants to leave their home does so in search of change for whatever reason.  A full change of circumstance requires adjusting your actions, thinking and outlook in order to embrace the environment who the Fathers intended to be "one" under the flag and God.  In other words, embracing that which allows one to "pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and to know how to be a full contributing member of that collective.

I've known many of all races, creeds and colors and I am blind to all that superficial jargon.  All are one under God and all are entitled to pursue the enlargement of their potential.  It is with resolute respect that I say to have that clear conscience in order to prosper you must enter a country legally and without the cover of darkness or river.  The wicked tend to silence the many who truly endeavor to this end.

Mollie didn't deserve this!  In my humbled opinion it may not have happened at all had the southern border been secure and the proper laws allowed to be followed.  Did you know that children are enslaved and trafficked over the border?  Did you know that when what appears to be families become separated at the border many of those supposed "parents" do not claim the children they associated with them as they may be turned back to their own homeland?  Did you know millions of dollars worth of drugs come through tightly strapped to old women and children?

And did you know that many good individuals and families seek refuge in the United States that they and their posterity may know opportunity, life, education and love in a new homeland.

For all these reasons a secure and strong border is vital and absolute.  The protection of all Americans, even new ones from Mexico, must be paramount!  Now, the death of Mollie may not have been changed.  The perpetrator and suspected murderer may still have been here, but if he'd of been regularly checked and documented then...perhaps not.

Again, especially in Iowa we grieve with heavy heart for the loss of Mollie Tibbetts and wish all the best and happy memories for all closest to her.

Donald Trump and Why Everyone Likes Him

Yes, I said everyone likes Donald Trump.  Regardless of the rhetoric, hate and certifiable mental illness of the left it is still true that everyone likes Donald Trump.

I remember decades ago as a youngster hearing and getting "vibes" from adults on their take on government.  Though at times people like or dislike the President of the United States at the time the distrust of Congress and government in general remains the same.  There has always been that longing of someone who would truly listen and act in the best interest of the people.  In addition, people sought and still seek a leader who will do what he promises the people.

This cannot be denied.  Not by people back then and not by people now.  In fact, this desire existed since before George Washington walked on to the scene.  So......what gives?

The problem is that people expected their desires to be embodied in some sort of saint.  A shining moral and ethical leader which all men will bend the knee to.  Secretly that is the expectation.  Secretly that is what people desire but would never openly admit to.

Obviously the Democrats on the left, but many Trump supporters also would admit that they may not get along in person with the President.  He is straight forward.  He does take command.  He tells it as he sees it.  These are qualities that most of us are not accustomed to in our circles of family and friends.

Many of the qualities Donald Trump has and exhibits are ones that most of us desire in ourselves.  We want to be able to persuade.  We want to be able to lead.  We want to be rich (admit it).  We want to be fearless in the face of incredible odds.  We want to work with others.  As Americans it is the embodiment of what we want in order to pursue happiness.

Now, I know this sounds like i'm deifying President Donald Trump.  I assure you I am not.  Though I have never seen or spoke with him I imagine I would have a difficult time dealing with him in any stretch of time.  Yet, I can admit many of his talents and qualities are what I strive to acquire.

This is why we love Donald Trump.  There is an essential degree of faith that Americans are expected to exercise as bestowed on us from our Founding Fathers.  This faith manifests in unity and civility where views differ.  Let the man lead as we have every President before of all parties.  If he should fail than so be it.  Yet, our elected officials are duty bound to help and assist the President to move the United States forward.

May we all dampen our emotions and disdain for the elected President Donald Trump.  Let the people of the United States shine once again for all the world to see.  For he is the President of the United States.

Florida vs Gun Control in America

Recently I heard an interview with two candidates running for the office of Governor of Kansas.  These two, one Democrat and one Republican, are teenagers and should be applauded for their courage and perseverance.  However, a comment from one of them did strike me as a common narrative in light of the Florida school shooting leaving seventeen dead.  The danger here is in the national dialogue of the issue which has become very passionate in those favoring strong gun control.  The problem is not Gun Control vs Second Amendment as is illustrated in the media.  What is not being said or explored is a deeper issue that we are too lazy and complacent to work on - Second Amendment vs Mental Illness.

One of the candidates for Governor stated that he understands the mental illness issue but that the problem comes down to guns in the hands of demented people and how to get the guns off the street.  This was striking and I believe goes completely off the harder but necessary road of mental health and rebuilding the family unit in America. 

Let us look at the facts.  There were signs all over social media of this imminent threat - yet its still Gun Control vs the Second Amendment.  Even the law enforcement was involved several times - yet its still Gun Control vs the Second Amendment.  Family and school associates mentioned disturbing behavior and depression - yet its still Gun Control vs the Second Amendment.  Is it not a viable comment to say that we are so lazy and complacent as to get ourselves in a frenzy and mentally ill when this happens that we want to attack the gun itself instead of the nexus of the problem?  If we start updating and clarifying the Second Amendment we start the dangerous road to total arms confiscation.  It is the simplest life lesson.  Once you compromise one human principle or precept you are bound to make each associated transgression easier.  You will also be increasingly more apt to accept your own excuses for said transgressions.   You exclude one weapon you will assuredly take the road to arms confiscation.

The national outrage has become so ludicrous that we've totally stripped the perpetrator of any personal responsibility.  Sure, we are all glad to see him in cuffs and in court, but in the public domain the media and American people have the weapon itself on trial.  Not only have we stripped him of responsibility but we've stripped all those who saw the signs and did nothing - and its still the gun's fault. 

Know this - with any increasing population and technology you will always have an increase in violent crime and the magnitude of each.

Had those with suspicions been more engaged would this crime have happened?  Perhaps.
Had the perpetrator been given more personal one-on-one help would this have happened?  Perhaps.
Had this person had positive people around him trying to befriend him would this have happened?  Perhaps.
Had the mentally ill mainstream media been more engaged in positive reporting than divisive hate leading to deaths without a second thought would this have happened?  Perhaps.

All these questions and more should be much more addressed and worked on before attacking the gun.  There are millions of guns out there and this candidate and Hollywood stars want to advocate keeping arms out of the hands of children?  That is a futile attempt even with the strictest of gun laws.  Some of the toughest are in Chicago and look where that city is on crime.  Have we not learned from history time and time again that when you regulate and add law upon law the underground market gets stronger and more appealing to especially the young?  You cannot prevent guns in the hands of youth through legislation.  However, you can by addressing the questions listed above and embracing the greatest American tragedy - the breakdown of the family unit. 

It is easier to attack the gun because it is physical and we can see it.  Humans are still too like Neanderthals and need to see in order to believe or do anything about.  The gun is inanimate and cannot and never has chosen to kill someone.  That intent rests solely on the person whose finger is on the trigger.  Can we not finally address the real problem which is the human factor?  Will horrible crime still happen if the above is addressed successfully?  Yes, but it is the most logical and sensibly road to take.  As I said, with population and technology comes crime.  Controlling crime is entirely up to us by addressing the human side of mental health. 

Our Founding Fathers were literally inspired word-for-word in the greatest Documents on earth.  They knew the British history as well as other societies.  They knew how they all grow toward their own destruction.  If they were not inspired they would have taken care of the Amendments long ago to include all the "well", "if", and "should the situation arise." 

Embrace the freedoms and liberties we have and work on that which is most apparent and critical - the moral breakdown of the American spirit.

That's all.