Thinking

 By: L Jones

“I do believe there is life after death…” -L Jones

When I think about life after death, my thoughts can get as creative as the next person. My religious upbringing teaches that there is judgment after death. Each individual will be judged on the way they lived their lives. My concern is how do we all know for sure how we are to live our lives. Throughout history, there have been wars, persecutions, hatred, evil deeds, jealousy, corruption, deception and genocide all in the name of a Higher Being who has, allegedly, through certain individuals given direction on how we are to live.

Now I’m not here to say which religion is right or wrong; I am simply establishing that the masses don’t have a clue. We are herded up like sheep for the slaughter, obeying any shepherd boy that claims to know the way to the pastures. We follow anyone who seems to have a clue as if what they were selling was gospel. Now, with that type of ignorant dedication, we are destined to be lost, simply because we don’t have a clue where we are going.

drawing from Lermanet.com

Ok, now here is where my imagination kicks in.  My religious upbringing and socialization has taught me to live a certain way and to believe a certain thing and I will experience eternal life. My soul will be released from its imprisonment in my body; free to be with the Lord for ever and ever. I am sure plenty of you share my belief, but my concern is this, what about the people who were not taught to live that certain way or believe that certain thing? Peoples that live in the United States have different views about religion than someone living in China. How can a judgment that determines the fate of one’s very soul be influenced by geography? But who am I to question the Almighty? That’s what you are thinking, right? Oh, you poor sheep; I am questioning the shepherd boy. Have you not been listening to me?

When I think about life after death, I try to think of a scenario that incorporates everyone, no matter your geography, race, nationality, religious beliefs or socialization. What would an afterlife look like for everyone; not just the chosen one? I imagine our present life is an extension of our true existence. I believe that we are here in this form to learn or maybe to train for something that we will face in our real existence. I believe that we are all willing volunteers and participants to life. We know our fates before we live and we chose to “live” in order to learn. As babies, we understand the choice, but as we grow older, we forget. In life we are unable to comprehend reality., so it is lost to us. In this state of amnesia some “thing” is taught to each and everyone of us; something that we can only experience in this state of insanity named life.

Bottom line is, when I think about the afterlife, I don’t concern myself with which religions is right or wrong. I am more concerned with what am I suppose to know? What “thing” do I need to learn from life; not what my purpose is, but what ’s my lesson?

 By: L Jones

As much as I’d like to be partial, I can’t. I am a die-hard Steelers’ fan and this is my blog, so I’m gonna have to represent the black and gold. I am not disillusioned that this will be a walk in the park, because it won’t. The Pittsburgh Steelers need to put together a balanced attack air and ground offense, with an aggressive and hungry defense. If they can maintain this balance the entire 60 minutes, there is definitely an opportunity for a sixth championship.

But, then there’s Arizona and their offensive juggernaut. With a veteran like Kurt Warner leading the team, you know he won’t be rattled. He’s tasted that sweet meal named victory and he’s hungry again. Larry Fitzgerald will give the Steelers secondary some problems. With Antoine Boldin on the opposite side of Fitzgerald and Edgerrin James in the back field, oh my. “Are you ready for some football?”

Luckily, Ben Roethlisberger is just as hungry. He may be young at age, but he’s wise in his knowledge of the game. He approaches every game with the same sense of urgency and I believe that will be the edge. Add in the vicious hitting of the Blitzburgh Steelers defense, and we have a game folks. Hines Ward is not 100%, and that is a concern, but I believe he will give everything he has for the cause. If the Steelers offensive line can find a way to open some holes for Willie Parker, it’s a done deal.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Superbowl XLIII

 By: L Jones

photo taken by: L Jones

Steve Harvey visited the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Willow Grove today to promote his new book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man“. The ladies that made it to the event early enough were armed with book in hand, waiting for the opportunity to get their books signed and to have a word with the talented radio show host, comedian and actor.

Steve Harvey was scheduled to arrive at 7pm. Around 6:50 pm “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man“, was sold out.  I watched a Barnes and Noble employee hand out the final two copies of the book to two overly grateful women. Each group of women that I witnessed who showed up after that point, were upset when they sold out sign posted on the billboard outside of the store. A man walked up to me and asked if I had a copy of the book. I laughed and told him, “I already know how to think like a man.” He laughed and I continued “My wife is inside… maybe his book can help her understand how I think.”

Though I was unable to talk with Steve Harvey, I watched his demeanor from a distance and he seemed to be really enjoying himself, having hearty conversations and making new and lasting fans.

I will eventually buy this book, to ensure for accuracy. But seriously, judging from the looks of the turn out at the Barnes and Nobel in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, I’d say Steve Harvey has a future best seller on the market.

His next stop on the book signing tour is Largo, MD on Friday January 30 at the Borders at  931 Capital Centre Blvd.,

Following that Mr. Harvey will be appearing at the Wal-Mart in Marietta, GA on Monday, 2 Feb at 6pm.