A Faux Pas Is A Mistake In A Tuxedo
A Faux Pas Is A Mistake In A Tuxedo by Rev. James L. SnyderEveryone who is anybody has a hobby or at least entertains the idea. Hobbies range from sports to crafts to reading and even traveling. Some hobbies don't make sense to me like collecting dead insects.My long established hobby has earned me a membership in the POP (People Observing People) Culture. The rules specify that each member must swear not to divulge anything observed.Being a minister, I'm not allowed to swear, so I am...
ALL I WANT FROM SANTY IS MY SANITY
ALL I WANT FROM SANTY IS MY SANITY by Rev. James L. SnyderALL I WANT FROM SANTY' IS MY SANITYRev. James L. Snyder Christmas is the one time of the year when it is okay to be traditional. That may be the reason why so many people look forward to the Christmas holidays.The rest of the year most people are under the pressure to be "non-traditional," whatever that may mean. Today it is not politically correct to be traditional and if you are, you run the risk of being out of favor with the rest...
AS THE OLD YEAR FADES, SO DOES MY MEMORY
AS THE OLD YEAR FADES, SO DOES MY MEMORY by Rev. James L. SnyderMemory is a very tricky thing, at least for me it is. Looking back, over a year's span of activity my memory seems to pick and choose what it remembers. It amazes me not so much what a person remembers but what a person forgets.Often some old-timer will moan about how much he misses the good old days. I'm not sure if he is thinking of World War II or the great Depression. I'm positive that during the great Depression some...
CROW IS ALSO A DISH SERVED BY CHILDREN
CROW IS ALSO A DISH SERVED BY CHILDREN by Rev. James L. SnyderThe traditional fowl of choice of ministers is usually thought to be chicken. This foul thought, however, is a terrible fallacy.Nobody would argue, at least for long, that we have sacrificed millions of chickens through the years at the altar of Christian ministry. Who would think of inviting the parson to supper without serving chicken?Personally, I have had chicken served to me every way imaginable. A few times, I must admit,...
EVERYONE HAS A DOUBLE SOMEWHERE
EVERYONE HAS A DOUBLE SOMEWHERE by By Rev. James L. SnyderThe Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly have an agreement as ironclad as any legal document in the world court. Simply put, the contract is as follows: I will eat broccoli when she eats liver. I'm on pretty good ground here because I know she abhors liver and will not allow me bringing it into our domicile in any form.In fact, if I consume any liver I'm sometimes not allowed home until it has completely gone through my...
GRANDPA ALWAYS SAID, 'THE DEVIL IS IN DE TALES'
GRANDPA ALWAYS SAID, 'THE DEVIL IS IN DE TALES' by Rev. James L. Snyder"When in polite society," my grandfather opined, "never talk about religion or politics." Then he would dismiss himself from said "polite society" and talk about nothing but religion and politics.Mostly, he talked about politics and believe me, he had a lot to say on the subject. Much cannot be repeated in polite society or any other society.All I know about politics I learned from my grandfather and yet, to this day I...
HOW MY WIFE CURED ME OF "FLIP-FLOPPING"
HOW MY WIFE CURED ME OF "FLIP-FLOPPING" by Rev. James L. SnyderThose who knew me when I wore a young parson's suit and tie would willingly attest to the fact that I reigned as the "flip-flop" king, and to be honest, I was rather happy in this position with no desire to resign. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds."If that is true, I have a more than ample mind.For some reason, certain persons (and you know who you are) are fanatics when it comes to...
How To Have An Argument With Yourself And Win
How To Have An Argument With Yourself And Win by Rev. James L. SnyderThroughout the years, I'm happy to report, I have learned a thing or two about myself. My only regret is I have not learned more than a few things.I could make a long list of things I have not yet learned in life. My hope is, of course, to shorten this list drastically. Presently, I want to zero in on one thing I have learned, which has stood me in good stead for many years; how to have an argument with yourself and win.I...
Hurricanes have gone but political winds are blowing
Hurricanes have gone but political winds are blowing by Rev. James L. SnyderWithin the last six weeks, that gusty quartet comprised of Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne has lustily serenaded Florida. A repeat performance is not in the foreseeable forecast - I hope.It is not that I do not appreciate good music; it is because I do appreciate good music that I do not wish for a comeback of this quartet. The problem this quartet had, which many musical groups have, is they usually try to drown...
I hate my computer and other inspirational thoughts
I hate my computer and other inspirational thoughts by By Rev. James L. SnyderThe New Year has not started out very well for Yours Truly. After the first day of the new year, my life went south for the rest of the winter. All I can say is, I hope it has a wonderful winter, and don't forget to write.Speaking of writing, I can sum up my feelings at this moment by saying, "I hate my computer."Perhaps, you may think the word "hate" a little too strong. Under normal circumstances, I would agree...
IN 2005 CONTROL IS A REMOTE POSSIBILITY
IN 2005 CONTROL IS A REMOTE POSSIBILITY by Rev. James L. SnyderOne item topping my list of New Year's resolutions could potentially alter my life, as I now know it. And it has to do with my relationship to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage.I'm not inferring any trouble in paradise these days; I wouldn't know if there was trouble, anyway. Nevertheless, I think my relationship to her could improve 100 percent which needs a foolproof plan. Being a certified fool, all I need is a...
IN A BUSY WORLD WE STILL NEED TO TAKE TIME TO LAUGH
IN A BUSY WORLD WE STILL NEED TO TAKE TIME TO LAUGH by By Rev. James L. Snyder In many ways, the American home faces the danger of becoming a vanishing institution. Along with its extinction, the family unit as we know it is in danger. Children are not growing up in homes anymore. They are growing up in terminals.In reality, the American family does not need a home. We are born in a hospital, educated in a college, courted in an automobile and married in a church.We get our food at the...
In My House, If It's Broken I Bought It
In My House, If It's Broken I Bought It by Rev. James L. SnyderOften a store has a sign with the warning, "You break it, you bought it." This is to keep people from carelessly handling the merchandise.I'm thinking of another sign, which should be posted all through my house. "If it's broken, I bought it." This is not to say everything in my house is broken, but to point out that everything has a breaking point. And, it's not to say I can't fix anything. I just can't fix anything that is...
IS GOD A DEMOCRAT OR A REPUBLICAN? AND OTHER CULTURAL ANOMALIES
IS GOD A DEMOCRAT OR A REPUBLICAN? AND OTHER CULTURAL ANOMALIES by Rev. James L. SnyderThe amazing thing about contemporary American culture is its predisposition to organize itself into neat little categories. This "pigeonhole syndrome," referred to by some as PHS, (not to be confused with PMS), is responsible for much of the stress in our society today.We even categorize this stress, enabling us to compare our stress with people we meet. Some fear they will one day meet someone with the...
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF ALL BLESSINGS
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF ALL BLESSINGS by Rev. James L. SnyderIn 1978, I was ordained to the gospel ministry. To mark this special event, my parents surprised me with a new 1977 Dodge Aspen, the most spectacular present I ever received. It was white, with a red interior and beautiful cloth seats.My old car had so many glitches and problems I took it to a psychiatrist. Finally, I donated it to the local junkyard and put it out of my misery.At the time, a woman who attended our church...
Pastors and politicians; It's my party, I'll cry if I want to
Pastors and politicians; It's my party, I'll cry if I want to by Rev. James L. SnyderGary Hemsely was running for some county political position I've forgotten which one now. What I do remember is that he was a member of my church at the time.Sometimes a pastor can get between the Rock of Ages and a politician without trying too hard. That seemed to be my predicament with Gary. In all things political, I have maintained one basic philosophy: Ask not what your country can do for you, just...
THANKSGIVING POSES A QUESTION OF CHOICE
THANKSGIVING POSES A QUESTION OF CHOICE by Rev. James L. SnyderThe door to my office exploded as hundreds, at least it seemed like that many to me, of children surrounded my desk. My defenses were down and the merry mob held me captive. Wisely, I decided to surrender and throw myself on the mercy of the gang.Simultaneously, and in hi-fi stereophonic sound, the children assaulted me with questions."Pastor, what's ya doin'?""Pastor, is that your computer?""Who's that in the picture?""Pastor,...
What Whine Goes With Cooked Goose?
What Whine Goes With Cooked Goose? by Rev. James L. SnyderSome who know me suggest I might be a wee bit absentminded at times. I prefer to think of it as simply being actively engaged in processing thoughts; giving the tiny gray cells a good workout. My motto: Don't hate me because I'm thoughtful.I must admit to a certain aura of preoccupation at times. However, it is not as severe as the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage seems to think. I just have many things on my mind and at times, I am...
WHERE DO POLITICIANS COME FROM AND CAN THEY BE RETURNED?
WHERE DO POLITICIANS COME FROM AND CAN THEY BE RETURNED? by Rev. James L. SnyderI had a dream the other night. Dream nothing, it was a nightmare, if you must know the truth. Normally I don't put too much stock in dreams or nightmares, as the case may be, but this was different.My grandmother believed in dreams. The most important part of her night were the dreams that visited her. She usually indulged in several dreams during any given night.Upon rising in the morning, and before her...
WWJV" whom would Jesus vote for?
WWJV" whom would Jesus vote for? by Rev. James L. SnyderMy favorite novel, as a young person, was In His Steps, written by Charles Sheldon. The premise of this novel is simple. A group of people in the church made a spiritual pact that before doing or saying anything they would preface it by asking the probing question, "What would Jesus do?" (WWJD).If you have read that novel, you know this simple query put everyone's life in jeopardy. Everyone, that is, who was serious about it.Some want...
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