Humor When you think of family, what comes to mind? Does it cause you to break out in a big smile? A sad face? A grimace? Comedian Richard Lewis said: We had a depression fair in the backyard. A major game there was Pin the Blame on the Donkey.1 Is that your family? 🙂 Or…
Category: Personal
Happy Thanksgiving (2016)
Whether it is the dogs laying on my legs, Augie getting super excited at seeing Pikachu during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or you, my Facebook friend…I am reminded I have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and may the Lord, who most deserves our thanks, bless you this…
Don’t Stop Looking at the Clouds
There was a period in my adulthood where I stopped looking at the clouds. I do not know for sure, but I think it was the stress of a previous job that led to it. Of course, allowing it to do so was my choice, whether or not I realized it. Life still has its…
Jeg Er Alan (or, “What’s in a Name?”)
Over a month ago I had a very depressing call with a Christian minister who asked me to remove all references and links to his church from this Traditores web site and my personal Twitter account? Why? Because both the name Traditores and my Twitter handle (AlanCult) could be misunderstood. He suggested I consider changing…
Like a Trapped Moth
This is a post that I meant to write three weeks and a few days ago. Although the company I work for is great, conditions as of late have made me feel I have little control of my fate—that I am trapped by circumstances. I am sure I could have done certain things more effectively, but…
51 (“I’m Okay”)
As my day winds down and Augie, snuggling beside me, sings, “I’m okay”…I am reminded just how blessed I have been during my 51 years. And just how blessed I still am. On this birthday, I am not as thoughtful as some. 2015 has provided some fairly high levels of stress, and that continues in…
Less than One Week (Praise God)
This posts appears on two of my blogs, Strasburg.Rocks and Traditores. It will seem a bit odd on the former…but it speaks to the intersection of both in the form of the purchase of property in the friendly, small town of Strasburg, Colorado. Although I am continually thankful to the Lord, I hesitate to make certain…
Cast Out
This is a post I really don’t want to write, but also think must be written. Generally averse to controversy, I recently stepped foot into what might be considered unfriendly territory. Inhospitable…not because I disagree with those who hold that land (in many ways I’m entirely in sync)…but because many who inhabit its hills and…
50
I meant to write these thoughts on my birthday, but as I’ve gotten older time seems to move much more quickly. (Oh, to be 10 again when it seemed like 20 would never come.) A half century has made me appreciate every second of time more; it seems unfair that simultaneously it should pass with increasing rapidity. But,…
I Do Not Remember…
Mark, I do not remember how it was to live with you the first five years of my life… But I do remember you spanking me—not as cruel torture by a decade older brother—but as a kind sibling helping his frequently-disciplined younger brother no longer feel pain when he got spanked by his parents. Mark,…
“…Being Born in the Likeness of Men…”
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the…
“One Light” by 3 Doors Down
A great "almost Christian" song by 3 Doors Down: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alKUu4g-HM0&w=512&rel=0] I know what (who) the “one light to shine” should be…must be… (And, who knows, maybe this isn’t an "almost" Christian song…) P.S. As of right now you can get a free copy of this single here.
My Awesome Son
Now…I know that this technically doesn’t fit in the purposes of Traditores but: (a) I’m a proud dad (b) My son is a gift from God (c) His talent is also a gift from God Here is his euphonium solo from his last high school concert (June 2, 2012)… [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKJO-XC4cFM&w=480&rel=0] And a bonus video…Mikey playing…