Expand and Contract

     Various forces in nature cause objects to expand and contract, and various forces in human behavior can cause individuals to expand and contract their worlds.  A newborn baby begins to expand it's physical world beyond the mother.  Children then expand away from home when they go to school and interact with people beyond their families.   Moving away to take part in higher education,  employment, or marriage expands individuals out into the world and into the company of a variety of people.
     Parents and family members may be sad to see their children leave home, but hopefully, they can realize the benefits of growing beyond their own backyard.  Parents may  have a harder time seeing the benefits of being exposed to other ideas, beliefs, and opinions.  They may not object when children change their addresses but may be distressed when they change their minds beyond what they have been taught at home.
     We all need to make adjustments when we leave home and in some cases, change locations a number of times.  We also need to realize that as we mature, we begin to expand our thinking and value our own unique ideas, beliefs, and opinions.  Those who stay home can still expand their minds as much as those who leave, and those who leave don't always expand their minds.
     Remember you can always return to your original home even if only in your memories.  You can keep your original set of beliefs, expand and investigate other ways of thinking, and change your mind or not.  We will always be part of nature which continues to expand and contract.    

My Turn

     We all have a turn at life, a time to grow, have opportunities, and take on responsibilities.  Sometimes we have a say in the matter; sometimes we have no control at all.
     It was my turn to be born in the 40's and grow up in the 50's.  No control there.  Then it was my turn to pursue an education and get married in the 60's.  I certainly had some control over studying and choosing a mate.  Next, it was my turn to be a housewife and mother.  And later to have a career outside the home.  My turn came to be a mother-in-law and grandmother which I still enjoy.  Since 2001, I have my turn at retirement.  This can be a time to live life at a different pace, to relax, to pursue hobbies or learn something new.
     We may have to take our turn in caring for a parent or a spouse, a chance to love and give our all.  We may have to take a turn at being cared for, a chance to receive as well as give.  After we experience many stages of life, we will arrive at taking our last turn over which we will have very little control.
     Look back on your life and realize how you have grown, benefited from many opportunities, and assumed a variety of responsibilities.  See what you still want to accomplish.  Take a turn at something new.    
    

Commercials

     We are part of the bargain as we agree to endure commercials that interrupt our TV viewing.
Businesses agree to pay for air time then encourage us to buy their products and services.  Our purchases pay for the commercials.  This is commerce at its best.
     Besides promoting commerce, commercials have other effects.  We are manipulated to believe the messages that get our attention, time, money and even our vote.  Children are made to believe that they will get lots of fun from advertised toys, video games, and the latest technology.  Women are encouraged to think that they need advertised products to eradicate or prevent their many "flaws."  Men are persuaded to think that the right vehicle or medication will improve their lives.  Voters are bombarded with messages for and against political candidates.
     The art and science of advertising works when we are  unaware of emotional appeals, exaggerations, brainwashing, propaganda, and outright lies.  We need to realize that our appearance is just fine without all those "beauty" aides and that the newest material possessions will not make us better or happier people.  Voters need to beware when political commercials fuel already-formed prejudices and emphasize voting against someone instead of voting for someone.
     We need products, services, and good politicians, but don't be led astray by commercials.
      
        
                
    
    

Uncertainty

     We can be pretty certain that the sun will rise in the east every morning (actually that the world will keep spinning.)  We know the laws of nature are not going to change.  We can be fairly certain that those we love will love us back.  Some say that death and taxes are very certain.   
     Uncertainty can mean that your mind is still open to consider a variety of thoughts or that a provable answer doesn't exist at this time and you have accepted the unknown.  Uncertainty may also propel you to do research to acquire new knowledge or correct previous knowledge. If something is still uncertain, you can make an educated guess.
     Uncertainty can also come after you begin questioning a long-held belief.  Perhaps in the past, you only considered beliefs taught to you by parents or religion and only listened to and read opinions that reinforced this first belief.  You may then begin to have second thoughts.
     Certainty can be comfortable especially when perks or rewards are involved.  You can have the feeling that you and your family have been right all along even for generations.  When your mind is made up, you no longer have to consider any alternative ideas.  In fact, people who don't agree  with you are considered wrong.
     Uncertainty is part of life.  We just may not have the necessary information to be certain of the past, the present, or the future.  We don't have all the answers; we can't have all the answers.  We can consider the probabilities and judge the odds.  We can be certain that our earth will continue it's path in the universe and that nature will take it's course.  Everything else has a certain amount of uncertainty.
     

Certainty

     Think of the beliefs that you are absolutely certain are true without a doubt.  Without any doubts, you also believe those people who disagree with you are wrong.
     Sometimes, we trust experts to give us true facts.  We obviously value their education, expertise, intelligence, insight and foresight in order to believe they are right.  These admirable experts may be family members, pastors, scientists, or authors of scriptures, history, or other specialized subjects.  We often put more confidence into another person's brainpower than we put into our own abilities.  Beware of manipulation and reinforcement of ideas that aren't true.  We may feel disloyal when doubting or fearful when giving up previous beliefs.
     Some beliefs can be proven with evidence.  Other beliefs may actually be opinion and not fact.  By using scientific methods, some unknown phenomena may be classified as true, false, or  needs more investigation.   Many beliefs cannot be proven or dis-proven but are accepted by faith, hope, emotion, or wishful thinking.  We may want to consider why others don't agree with us.
     In "O" magazine, Oprah writes a column entitled "What I Know For Sure."  Readers can agree or disagree.  Everyone should trust their own abilities to discover truth, uncover untruth, and develop theories and opinions.  Sharing your beliefs can benefit people near and far.    

    

April News

Republicans are beginning to like President Obama and wish him well in his endeavors.
The Tea Party agrees to cooperate and to help government move forward.
FOX News has decided from now on it will be fair and balanced.

Conservative Christians agree to equal rights for women and gays.
Creationists realize that scientific facts are true.
Pro-Lifers believe that women should have control over their own bodies.
Mississippi and Texas are enabling women's heath clinics to provide care and legal procedures.

Contraception is now seen as the major way to end poverty and world hunger.
Animal lovers have agreed to boycott breeders and puppy mills and will rescue instead.

Women now see the disadvantages of long hair and high heels.
Fashion decisions are based on comfort.
Men prefer the natural look of the average woman.
Hooters has decided to cover them up.
Next year, Sports Illustrated will feature a male model on the cover of it's swimsuit issue.

Tattoos are now being classified as self-abuse and a symptom of wanting to be a billboard.
Piercings improve body image because who wants a regular job anyway.

Agnostics and atheists are respected as much as religious believers.
All religions agree to focus on what they have in common and what they can learn from each other.

APRIL FOOLS!