A Slower Pace

220 years ago our precious Bill of Rights were ratified for our young country. Unfortunately, other than slaughtering the first amendment on religious, speech, assembly or press freedoms, most people probably don’t know how or where these fit into our modern day of life. Below is the full text and link — something to get better acquainted with. Another good resource and link is the Cato Institute.

Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the “Bill of Rights.”

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

I had an up and back roadtrip to Indiana today to pick up my oldest daughter from college for Christmas break. This was a billboard I spotted along I-69.

“Recession 101: self worth is higher than net worth”

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

A friend posted this on Facebook and I just had to share. How cool and how creative!

Merry Christmas!

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

This evening after work and dinner, I had to run to Walmart to pick up a prescription for my wife as well as to get her a few things to eat. With her being sick, she is specific on what she wants to eat so the mini 7ups and mint n chip ice cream was on my list. And because I was there I added a few items for my eats — even though I wasn’t sick.

As I was checking out in the 20 items or less line, I greeted Kathleen, my cashier. She was an older lady in her late 50’s or early 60’s. And like I always do, I asked how her day had been.

—– Tangent ON —–
I don’t remember if I blogged about this previously or not. Right now I can’t find it.

As a way to be the light of Jesus to the world, a while ago I had decided to stop asking people “How are you?”. I have done this because #1) our society has programmed people to just respond in a canned way that doesn’t match up with how we really are doing. How many times have you responded to that same question with a “Fine”, “OK”, or “Good” when you really felt like crap or were having a bad day. #2) Even if we were to reveal how we were feeling, the chances of someone listening are close to nil. We all recognize that this isn’t really an inquiry to how we are doing but just a method of greeting. The whole concern for others has been watered down especially in informal relations or where you don’t know the person.

So I decided to replace the “How are you?” with a more probing and concerned “How is your day going?”. In my experience it jump starts the rote conversation from benign “converse because you have to” into a true conversation of caring. I have had so many good interactions with cashiers, service people, team members, colleagues, and other folks it has been amazing. And not all the responses were “I am fine” or “I am having a good day”. Some have been “My relative is sick” or “It’s been a long day here at work”. Those are opportunities where I can show concern and empathy and also offer to pray for their specific situation. To this date, I have yet to have someone deny my prayer for them. Even if they aren’t a believer they aren’t going to stop my offer to pray for them because it doesn’t cost them anything and it covers their bases, right?
—– Tangent OFF —–

So Kathleen’s response to my “How has your day been?” was interesting. She said she was tired and had been there since 5:30. I asked “5:30 AM or PM?”

Her response was “5:30 AM“.

Now it was 7:30pm which means she had put in a full day and then some. I don’t know if she was covering for someone or worked a double shift but she was definitely putting in her time.

And then she mentioned that she works two jobs. I applauded her efforts and said “Good for you”. She then replied something that I wasn’t expecting. She said “Those people who say they can’t find jobs are full of it”.

Again, I applauded her efforts and encouraged her hardworking attitude. I then said that I hoped she got a full day of rest tomorrow since she would be off from both her jobs.

All this coming from a Walmart cashier. What a great hardworking spirit and someone most of us would overlook. Way to go Kathleen! I am proud of you and will look for your checkout line each time I purchase something at Walmart. Thanks for all of your hard work.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

I am partial to this brand.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

The quote below was in the sermon this morning and resonated with me. It is reason for hope.

“God’s not finished writing your story”

And….. He just isn’t finished writing MY story, but He is also not finished writing YOUR story. How cool is that?

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

5:08pm – wheels down at SDF – Louisville International
5:11pm – at gate A10 deplaning
5:22pm – awaiting luggage at carousel E
5:25pm – arriving at car in long term parking
5:27pm – exiting parking lot
5:55pm – pulling into garage safe at home

I love Louisville International Airport and our easily navigable city traffic.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

Saw this and thought it was funny so I am sharing.

‘Tis the season.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The day after that attack on December 8, President Roosevelt delivered this moving speech.

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

More about that speech here at Wikipedia.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

70 years ago today, the sleeping giant of America was awakened by an attack on its Pacific naval forces. Many good servicemen died that day serving our country. Today is a day we can remember their sacrifice.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net