Atheist religion

 It turns out Christianity is an atheist religion. God died and was reserrected, as us, the church, the body of Christ. Theologians and church hierarchy and people in the pews would probably differ, but de facto, that's what it is. I always knew atheists could be a part of the church.

Nice person

 I always thought I was a nice person. But it turns out I was just doing nice things once in awhile. Deep down I was just doing nice things so people would think I was a nice person. And it turns out, most people would rather have a nice person than nice things. Almost 70 years to figure this out. I have no idea how to become a nice person or if people are just born that way. But maybe the first step is to recognize that you aren't a nice person, but that you want to be. One step at a time.

Prayer

 I'll admit, I mostly pray when things aren't going very good. But I don't think you should have to believe in anything to pray. In the Bible and other theological books, there's a lot of words and most of what people think about theology is other people's interpretation.

I figure that you just pray and it goes out into the ether. And whatever comes back, that's what you get. I've never gotten any booming voice, but sometimes my mind settles down and I get a better understanding of what's going on. I don't know where it's coming from and I don't think it matters. I just think the Universe exists and everything interacts to promote existence. So when you get that Aha! moment it will probably promote good existence.

Bonafides

 If a being or object exists in the universe, that should be all the bonafides they need. Any religious entity that demands belief in theology or demands membership ceremonies like baptism are out of line. All bonafides exist inside an entity. Any supreme being or religious leader who demands anything is just trying to keep control.

And any government who demands more than taxes, such as loyalty oaths, standing during national anthem, etc. is out of line. Paying taxes is the ultimate patriotism.

Two Grenadiers

 Below are the lyrics to The Two Grenadiers. My Dad used to sing this. I don't know why I thought of it tonight, but it's a good song.

THE TWO GRENADIERS

To France were traveling two grenadiers,

From prison in Russia returning,

And when they came to the German frontiers,

They hung down their heads in mourning.

There came the heart-breaking news to their ears

That France was by fortune forsaken;

Scattered and slain were her brave grenadiers,

And Napoleon, Napoleon was taken.

Then wept together those two grenadiers

O'er their country's departed glory;

"Woe's me," cried one, in the midst of his tears,

"My old wound--how it burns at the story!"

The other said: "The end has come,

What avails any longer living

Yet have I a wife and child at home,

For an absent father grieving.

"Who cares for wife? Who cares for child?

Dearer thoughts in my bosom awaken;

Go beg, wife and child, when with hunger wild,

For Napoleon, Napoleon is taken!

"Oh, grant me, brother, my only prayer,

When death my eyes is closing:

Take me to France, and bury me there;

In France be my ashes reposing.

"This cross of the Legion of Honor bright,

Let it lie near my heart, upon me;

Give me my musket in my hand,

And gird my sabre on me.

"So will I lie, and arise no more,

My watch like a sentinel keeping,

Till I hear the cannon's thundering roar,

And the squadrons above me sweeping.

"Then the Emperor comes! and his banners wave,

With their eagles o'er him bending,

And I will come forth, all in arms, from my grave,

Napoleon, Napoleon attending!"

Jesus's voice

 Someone asked how do you hear Jesus's voice? Well as near as I can tell, Jesus was a doer, not a talker. Most of the talk attributed to him in the Bible was added by other people. The thing I've learned from the Carpenter is that if you keep busy, sooner or later, you will do something right. The best baseball hitters succeed 3 times out of ten attempts. The best us mere mortals can hope for is 2 out of 10, or 1 out of 5, a worthy goal.

Valued Customers

 Newspapers and cable companies are always having deals for new customers. Newspapers say $1 for 6 months then it goes to regular rates usually at least $10/month or so for a regular digital subscription. Cable will offer $20/ month for a year of internet, then it goes to $70/month or so. 

 Seems like they ought to have the best rates for their long term customers. I'd much rather pay $15 / month for a year and then have it go down to $10 for as long as I keep the subscription.

Comcast, if you complain, will usually not raise your rates, but a long-term customer shouldn't have to do that every year.