The Changing World of Saint Nick

WARNING: Very political topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

Everybody knows that the jolly, obese, white bearded man in the red suit is the American version of Old Saint Nicholas — a lanky philanthropist from Turkey … wait! Isn’t Turkey a Muslim country? Muslims don’t have saints! What’s wrong with this picture?!?

Bullies

At one time there were a lot of Christians in Turkey. In fact, the apostle Paul had planted some of the earliest churches like Ephesus and Antioch in that country which is today 99% Muslim. So where did the Christians go? Simply stated, I guess they were bullied out. In fact, the Christians and followers of other religions in Turkey are in hiding for fear of their lives. How ironic that Saint Nick would be beheaded in his own country today.

Division From Within

The war in Israel and Palestine has fed the world with genuine and fake news which has festered warring factions of sympathizers for either the Jews or Hamas. There’s no confusion where the conservatives stand — their position has remained the same since the Jewish state was established in 1948. The confusion is among the liberals. It’s interesting that the true ideologies within the liberal party are now unraveling. A recent Congressional hearing with the Presidents of Harvard, Penn State and MIT has revealed the uniform antisemitism of these ivy league schools. These universities are in panic mode because Jewish donors and other alumni are pulling out. The cancer within has finally been exposed.

We know full well that (1) leaders can be bought; (2) news can be slanted to media biases; (3) rotten apples exist in law enforcement organizations like the FBI, the CIA, etc.— so if it’s true that millions of people are easily fooled, perhaps it’s time to reconsider one’s allegiance — should one be loyal to a party regardless of how far its moral compass has drifted? Does one fear the bullies or fear being ostracized by society?

I really hope we all open our innocent eyes to current events and discern the evil, monied, powerful elites that are out to destroy our nation. Regardless of party affiliation, let the facts fall where they may. Stop defending a wrong. Legal or illegal — does the end justify any means? What if one’s belief is wrong? Afraid to discuss the issues? That’s sad.

Speaking From Experience

I grew up during the Marcos dictatorship. Believe me, It’s no fun to live where poorly educated, heartless, short-sighted buffoons rob and kill with the blessings of the powerful. I survived a judicial system where one’s connection determined who was innocent. I have friends who went missing … friends who were shot because they dared to stand up against those bullies. The longer the regime dragged, the more abusive the bullies became.

Yesterday was Pearl Harbor Day — a day that awakened a sleeping America to the bullies in Japan. Will history repeat itself? If you’re still wondering who to side with, perhaps this video below might help. Let me know what you think of it.

THE MIDDLE EAST PROBLEM

Of course there are exceptions. I have good friends who are Muslims … just had a fun chat with one of them this morning. Of course I’ve made some general statements — but stop using this gaslight excuse to remain undecided. And of course, this is just my opinion. TGIF people!

Raoul

p.s.
In case you’re wondering, no matter which country or how many nations gang up on little Israel, Israel will never be wiped out. It says so in the Bible. Deservedly or undeservedly. these Jews are the Chosen People. They will never be eliminated.

“Those who believe in nothing are very, very jealous of those who believe in something.” – Dennis Praeger

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Riley of Wisconsin

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

I found these

Hey, click on the picture of “Abe” to read my article of the
Ford Theatre (in Washington, DC) where Lincoln was shot.

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

SUBSCRIBE

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Open Book

I had a very interesting talk with Bob, a classmate back in High School. Remember my friend Teddy who passed away a few months ago from Covid? Bob was part of that Naughty Boys Club. We would hang out in the mall and dare each other to start a conversation with a real live woman. Bob was the first to run away. I was right behind him.

What made the conversation so different was he was now a born-again Christian. When I found out we shared the same faith, immediately, our tone of conversation went several notches deeper. Have you ever experienced that? Instead of a meeting full of wise-cracking jokes, it’s an encounter of souls. If you’re a believer, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. It’s an indescribable precious moment.

It’s a little like 2 war veterans bumping into each other in some far away land and comparing war wounds. Sometimes being a Christian is like going through a war zone. We know very well that Christians are ridiculed in many circles. Just like in the days of old, many of my brothers are dying for their faith. And I can understand why. People remember televangelizing salesmen on the TV who promise prosperity and a ticket to heaven if you contribute to their private jet. In my old life, I used to laugh at people who believe in that nonsense. But now I understand that many who profess to be Christians are fools. There are many hypocrites whose walk don’t match their talk. It’s sad when the rest of Christiandom are thrown into the same negative classification of brainwashed, spiritual weirdos.

Many have asked me to stop all my Christian talk and just stick to the jokes. Jokes are great but for me, that would make all my efforts hollow. The internet is already full of joke sharing. I want to show people from the “outside looking in” what it’s like to be a professing Christian. I’m far from perfect but I do strive to be better each day. If you’ve been reading my emails, you know that my life is an open book. I do pray a lot. I do read my Bible and have moments of excitement discovering new truths. I used to hate going to church but now I look forward to Sundays and gathering with fellow believers. I do ask God to help me with my decisions. And I do want to share my faith. Is that wrong? Does that make me a weirdo? My faith has changed the way I look at life. It has given me joy and a purpose. It has made me accept this imperfect world. I learned patience and to give grace. It has made me love my fellow man. How could I not? Jesus first loved me even when I was so unlovable?

Who would have thunk that people like Bob and I from the Naughty Boys Club would rekindle a childhood friendship by following the path of a carpenter who walked on water over 2,000 years ago? If you know what I’m talking about, you know this is real. If you don’t know, well, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole new wonderful world just waiting for you.

TGIF people! Have a blessed weekend.

Raoul

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for this joke.

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Rodney of Manitioba, B.C. for this oldie but goldie.

Thanks to Jay of California for this AGT tear jerker

PARTING SHOTS

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for these 2 jokes.

Thanks to Pia of La Crescenta, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA for these 3 last jokes

NOTE: The comments below got mixed up with the comments from last week.

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An Inconvenient Truth About Hamilton

Raoul

” What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name .”
— Acts 4:16-17

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Video: Filipino Call Center

Thanks to Imelda of San Francisco, USA.
This is Bethany Gail, a real Call Center worker whose accent has turned him into a viral sensation.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this original pun.
I should have shared this 3 weeks ago but I lost the joke. I hope it is still relevant.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maan of Pasig, Greater Manila

Thanks to Ed of Studio City, CA who sent this original joke.

Thanks to Nani of The City of San Juan, Philippines

Thanks to Jun of Encino, CA for this curious joke.

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