Old Soldier Tom's Journal.
http://heli-gunnertom.blogspot.com/
<<< Here is a young, 19 year old kid in Cu Chi, Vietnam, with M-16 rifle, in early 1968, Tom Schuckman, who had a lot to learn and did learn to survive.
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"The Games People Play - Joe South - 1969
When some people get "older" like me, who have had an extremely active life style or hard work and hard play, all those fractured bones and injuries finally begin to catch up to you. My father broke his collar bone in high school football, I injured my knee, my brother Albert broke his ankle, etc. When we are young, according to 'doctors' and med books, we seem to heal faster because we are still growing and are in better physical condition. A VA dentist told me 6 months ago that he has NEVER seen some one's blood clot so quickly-- and my body repairs itself-- I am blessed. Also being an herbalist, I know how to treat myself and I only go the doctors when I really have to, or to keep an appointment, and it's all "free" at the VA. That's the good side of things. But I will NOT LET THEM CARVE ME UP FOR A 'BOWEL RESECTION' to make me lose weight!! I won't get a 'bionic knee' either.
I have also noticed from life's observations that some older people seem to be a bit crabby, gruff, and ornery. What WE don't know is how that person's past life style went, if they abused drugs or booze, didn't eat right, was not raised to understand their limitations, 'cause and effect' and priorities in life... or they may have got injured in combat/ war, on the job, etc. There are some very nice, kind old people who would like to have more friends and visits, but they 'come across' as anti-social and belligerent. I feel that I should at least reach out anyway to check them out and try to be friends.
I am that type of person who will TAKE THE INITIATIVE and walk up to a stranger at church [or where ever] to strike up a conversation and also 'witness' to him/ her about my joy and happiness in having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If they 'bite off my head'', or just want to play their silly, belittling games, or just don't care for my company-- I just excuse my self, back up and leave them alone. Simple! I don't ever want to push ANYONE or 'force' my opinions or observation on them if they are not interested. And as I don't have the energy, strength,time or inclination to 'play games'; why should I over stress myself with 'foolishness' ! And then my insight, God giving wisdom and perception tells me: 'if it looks like duck and walks like duck, and sounds like a duck -- it IS a DUCK!!... LOL' I have my own little circle of educated, peer group/ friends who like, love and respect me, and we are bonded to help each other.. and I know that most of them would die-- or shed blood for ME. That, in my opinion, is a powerful testimony . We are the fundamental, bible believing Christian Warriors, and proud of it, ready to die for our Lord and beliefs. We are promised that we shall inherit heaven if we die for Jesus Christ. Other folks in the world do the same thing-- but they worship 'other false gods.' We feel and totally believe that OUR GOD IS THE ONE TRUE GOD, and we shall see who wins in the end. We feel that we are 'well armed' with the "sword of God-- the Bible." America may NOT even exist in a few years.... We could "implode' economically, be reduced/ decimated from bio agents or nuclear war. We are not even mentioned in the Bible, but Israel, Russia and China [I think] are, along with parts of Europe. But that is another subject and post. That is Carolyn's cup of tea.
Aside from that, the more we study and inter act with other people, our "sword play" is honed and sharpened so that we can usually spot a fake, a plastic fraud, who just wants to antagonize, start silly games/ fight to tear down our Faith -- when they have none. Check out Mathew 10: 14 says, "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET." One way I put it, is to let them simmer in their own ignorance! If Jesus could not soften the heart of evil men-- how can we expect to? We DO NOT JUDGE PEOPLE-- but by their own ACTIONS they bring JUDGMENT ON THEMSELVES. God judges them. My fundamental bros and sisters all over the world honestly think that 'God's judgment' is just about finished. All of OUR sorrow, pain, injustices and injuries will shortly been at an end! Yes, these harsh, hard, economic times are all mentioned in the bible {2 Timothy chapter 3, etc.} and when WE pray the prayer that Jesus taught His followers in Matt. 6:9, we are actually praying for 'God's Kingdom to Come' .. NOW. Others who pray that prayer out of habit or ignorance are actually praying for their OWN DESTRUCTION! Ha! And they will be standing outside the proverbial ARK when it starts to rain. And then they will remember our words and efforts to share with them something that is precious and close to our hearts-- but it will be too late.
Hey, don't you think I like to have fun, spend money, go out to eat and visit my friends and relatives?? I am NOT any different than others except that I have disciplined myself to learn the TRUTH of the Bible and I have embraced the Son, Jesus Christ, as my personal Savior!! My sins are forgiven-- unless I am playing some game.. and God doesn't like that at all, and only He knows my inner heart of hearts. So then, what possible good could come of playing some stupid, artful game. But unfortunately many church goes do just that, and they will be discovered in due time. So those last sentences blow the 'stupid theory' and excuse that church is not for them... somebody offended them at one time, or was guilty of wrong doing. Just measure and test that church [congregation] with the 'tape measure' of the BIBLE and that will tell you if they are real or counterfeit. If the Bible says they re doing something wrong, and they won't listen to you, leave that place and search out a different church where they DO teach the pure Gospel truth! Don't you love simplicity??
One more thing, please. I am NOT ashamed of my service to America and to the U.S. Army, but I am MORE than a Soldier, combat warrior! I am a husband, father, skilled worker/ welder, auto worker, farmer, carpenter, wood carver, writer, blogger, Journalist, a good cook outdoors on the grill, a history buff, and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. I was a soldier for 3 years of my life -1967-1970, but it was a jet powered 'RUSH' of non-stop excitement, action and danger that never quite got out of my blood. It is normal, reasonable, logical that I 'connect' well with other war/ combat Veterans per our 'common experience !' Some special Veterans shared their experience and knowledge with me years ago that probably SAVED my life, and so I feel the need to reach out and reciprocate to others now via my on-line Journal and letters/ phone, etc.
Thank you for visiting my humble Journal... and for your civil, kind, courteous commenting.
Please visit this fine Blog too: http://good-mourning-doreen.blogspot.com/
"The Games People Play - Joe South - 1969
Tom Schuckman
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