JOSHUA TIME 355

Business Sign in the Window... "WE WOULD RATHER DO BUSINESS WITH 1000 AL QAEDA TERRORISTSTHAN WITH ONE SINGLE AMERICAN" This sign was prominently displayed in the window of abusiness in Philadelphia. You are probably outraged at thethought of such an inflammatory statement. One would thinkthat anti-hate groups from all across the country would bemarching on this business . . . and that the National Guardmight have to be called to keep the angry crowds back. But,perhaps in these stressful times one might be tempted to letthe proprietors simply make their statement . We are asociety which holds Freedom of Speech as perhaps our greatestliberty. And after all, it is just a sign. You may ask what kind of business would dare post such a sign? Answer: A Funeral Home (Who said morticians had no sense of humor?) You gotta love it! God Bless America !

JOSHUA TIME 354

Before I was a Mom Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. And before I was a Grandma, I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by "your baby"... Send this to someone who you think is a special Mom or Grandma. I just did. And remember that behind every successful mother... Is a basket of dirty laundry.

JOSHUA TIME 353

MOUNTAIN LIFE>> Live life the way it was meant to be,> accomplishments great or small,> by granting grace to everyone,> and speaking peace to all.>> From high atop the Mountain peak> the view is so sublime.> Look back upon your life with pride,> see how you have climbed.>> You've overcome the obstacles> that would have kept you low.> Kept your feet upon the path,> learning how to grow.>> The road of life is rough my friend,> challenging good deed.> But when you walk by Spirit led,> God meets your every need.>> When need looms large within your view> with circumstances tall,> there is an answer to your prayer> when on the Lord you call.>

JOSHUA TIME 352

Sick Leave>>>>I urgently needed a few days off work, but I knew the Boss> would not allow me to take a leave. I thought that maybe if I> acted "CRAZY" then he would tell me to take a few days off.> So I hung upside down from the ceiling and made funny noises.>>>>My coworker (who's blonde) asked me what I was doing? I told> her that I was> >>pretending to be a light bulb so that the Boss would think I> was "CRAZY" and give me a few days off. A few minutes later> the Boss came into the office and asked "What are you doing> ?" I told him I was a light bulb. He said "You are clearly> stressed out. Go home and recuperate for a couple of days." I> jumped down and walked out of the office. When my coworker> (the blonde) followed me, the Boss said to her, " And where do> you think you're going?">>>>>>>>(You're gonna love this..... )She said, "I'm going home too, I can't work in the dark!">

JOSHUA TIME 351

Does evil exit?>>>> Thought you all might find this interesting:>>>> Did God create everything that exists? Does evil>> exist? Did God create evil?>> A University professor at a well known institution of>> higher learning challenged his students with this>> question. "Did God create everything that exists?">>>> A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!">>>> "God created everything?" The professor asked.>>>> "Yes sir, he certainly did," the student replied.>>>> The professor answered, "If God created everything;>> then God created evil. And, since evil exists, and>> according to the principal that our works define who>> we are, then we can assume God is evil.">>>> The student became quiet and did not respond to the>> professor's hypothetical definition.. The professor,>> quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students>> that he had proven once more that the Christian faith>> was a myth.>>>> Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask>> you a question, professor?">>>> "Of course", replied the professor.>>>> The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold>> exist?">>>> "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists.>> Have you never been cold?">>>> The other students snickered at the young man's>> question.The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold>> does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what>> we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat.>> Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it>> has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body>> or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460>> F) is the total absence of heat; and all matter>> becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that>> temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this>> word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.">>>> The student continued, "Professor, does darkness>> exist?">>>> The professor responded, "Of course it does.">>>> The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir,>> darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality>> the absence of light. Light we can study, but not>> darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break>> white light into many colors and study the various>> wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure>> darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world>> of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how>> dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of>> light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term>> used by man to describe what happens when there is no>> light present.">>>> Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does>> evil exist?">>>> Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as>> I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the>> daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in>> the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the>> world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.>>>>>> To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist,>> sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil>> is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness>> and cold, a word that man has created to describe the>> absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the>> result of what happens when man does not have God's>> love present in his heart. It's like the cold that>> comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that>> comes when there is no light.">> The professor sat down.>>>> The young man's name -- Albert Einstein>>>> A true story.>>

JOSHUA TIME 350

Men Are Just Happier People
What do you expect from such simple creatures?Your last name stays put.The garage is all yours.Wedding plans take care of themselves.Chocolate is just another snack.You can be President.You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.The world is your urinal.You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character.Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.One mood all the time.Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.You know stuff about tanks.A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.You can open all your own jars.You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.Your u! nderwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.You almost never have strap problems in public.You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.Everything on your face stays its original color.The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.You only have to shave your face and neck.You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache..You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.No wonder men are happier.Send this to the women who can handle it and to the men who will enjoy reading it.

JOSHUA TIME 349

EASTERN KENTUCKY PARKING NEEDS FIXING
By; Joshua Robinson

Eastern Kentucky University [EKU] has more students than any college or university that I have attended. I was told there are six times more students that go to EKU than went to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. There was about 3000 students that went to Lee University. A lot of students drive it is hard to find a parking place a good and legal parking place especially for handicap drivers and disabled students.

When I was at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee I am unaware if I had any or other students had to pay for parking also parking students could park closer to their classes and their dorms. Lee University was a private University meaning they could charge high tuition and charge for parking however the difference is Lee University had accessible parking. Somerset Community although it was a commuter college they did not charge for parking. Somerset had about 6 handicap parking spots most of those was taken and no tickets were given out. At Lee University when students parked in handicap spots they got a boot which is something on the wheel and you had to pay to get it off.

I know that students have to pay $30 for parking an EKU permit; there are quite a few students who are handicapped of which some of them do drive. I’m one of those that drive I was given hell to go through to get my license and It is hard to walk a lot of times.

Parking is terrible for people who have a disability, when I asked Mr. Jozefowicz, how many handicap parking permits were issued this year, he responds by saying 182 handicap parking permits. When I asked Mr. Jozefowicz, How many handicapped parking spaces are there on campus? He responds, 155 marked handicapped spaces are available. It is hard to find a parking place especially a handicap parking place so I asked, how many handicapped parking spaces for each learning building and dorm (residence hall)? He states, “There are 108 near academic and administration buildings. There are 47 near residence halls. (Some of these spaces are close to both types of buildings) “ Like was mentioned there are roughly 18,000 students that go to EKU of those student that drive there was issued permits, He says, “There are Commuter permits- 5,573 total permits- 11,204”

It takes more time to park a car in the proper spot and walk to class and when a person gets to class they are so wore out its hard to learn. You can not enjoy class or learn when you’re out of breath looking for a parking spot; teachers and bosses do not like their students and or employees to be late for class/work. However when people have to park a mile or more a way from the class building, dorm, or apartment it gets bother some. It is either park far away and be late to class or park close to class and risk being towed or ticketed.

In an interview with Emerson St. John who is a Technical Adviser, and staff person about the parking the interview was done by yahoo chat. When I asked Emerson, How do you feel about the parking at EKU? He stated “I feel students have a very disadvantage when parking at EKU. We continue to build new structures, but never build a parking garage. Our enrollment numbers go up every year, and parking only gets worse. It frustrates me that students do not come first when it comes to parking.” When asked about how he felt about the handicap parking at EKU? He states, “Handicap parking is something I am not sure about. I feel there is enough handicap parking, but there is not a parking spot for the general handicap public. These spots require an EKU handicap parking decal, and I feel there should be more for outside public handicap individuals.” When asked if he had ever been ticketed he says, “I have been ticketed and think the parking fees are too high. If there were more parking spaces or a parking garage fewer tickets would be given.” When asked if he had suggestions to fix the parking problems to paraphrase build a parking garage. See EKU could get a grant to build a parking garage.

I honestly never thought of a parking garage EKU could get a grant to build a parking garage or build a parking garage with the tuition.

In an email interview with Crystal Duckwall, a student and occupational special disabilities major she states to the following questions; how do you feel about the parking? She states, “I believe that parking is always better after the second semester because people drop out or graduate...I know that sounds horrible but parking is so bad on campus; if you aren’t in the parking lots by 9 or 10pm then good luck finding any legal spot. “ When asked, do you feel EKU has an adequate number of parking spaces for handicap/disabled people? She responds, “I live in Telford and there are only about 3 or 4 handicap parking spaces and out of a building that holds more than 600 people I know there has to be more disabled people needing to find a parking space. Telford also has one of the best parking on campus so I hate to imagine what its like for the other dorms, little a lone commuter parking spots.” When I asked her have you ever been ticketed? She responds, “Ha Ha Who hasn’t been ticketed? I have had several tickets because at night when I get out of my job at and get back on campus around 1sh, I’m not about to park in a parking lot that is clear across campus. I would rather pay $15 then risk anything happening to me. I know there is the shuttle but it never comes when I call it and you can't call it after 1 or 2am.” When asked do you have any suggestions for the parking? She said, “So many things have been suggested in the past, but I think one of the best answers is a parking garage. I know it is a lot of money and has many risk of its own, but a little garage behind palmer, commonwealth, depree, or around that area is where it needs to be. If on campus people have better parking spots, then they wouldn’t take over commuter parking spots. “

My dad has used my car to take my brother to school and every year my car gets a but load of tickets for no reason; my brother has a temporarily disability. I have a handicap parking sticker issued by the state and I still got tickets. It is not fair or right for students or faculty to park a mile or more from their class, apartment, or dorm. For people like me who can not walk good and have to use a wheelchair to get to class it is absolutely terrible. My dad has seen cars get towed just for parking legally. I have seen cars parked in handicap spots with no handicap identification and those cars not get ticketed or towed. So, I got to thinking why wasn’t my state handicap parking decal good enough; why is a regular handicapped state decal/permit not sufficient? Mr. Jozefowicz, responds by saying, “To prevent abuse of handicapped parking, the University requires that handicapped individuals obtain a University Handicapped parking permit. This allows us to make sure the permit is being used by the appropriate individual. In the past there has been situations were individuals have used state handicapped permits that they were ineligible to use.“ How do handicap people obtain an EKU handicap parking decal what requirements are there to obtain an EKU handicap parking decal? Mr. Jozefowicz responds with the following, What are the requirements for students and faculty to get a handicapped permit at EKU? He responds, “To- Obtain handicapped authorization form to be filled out by doctor. - Form is reviewed by University Disabilities Services. - Once form is approved permit is issued. J. Mark Jozefowicz I’ll be driving again after Feb 07 and this is another big ticket item for me. My back should be healed up it has been 6weeks since my back surgery.

If EKU would build a parking garage like was suggested by two interviews then the rest of the parking spots could be open for handicap people’s use. Instead of giving tickets on cars first thing give the cars a warning.

For cops and campus security that have nothing better to do than ticket cars they need to look at the cars that do not have handicap parking stickers. They do not do it and it is not right for cars that do have proper identification to be ticketed; especially when the campus is not accessible for any students. My dad has seen cars get towed just for parking legally. I have seen cars parked in handicap spots with no handicap identification and those cars not get ticketed or towed.

I emailed several other people but never got a response, to let the people reading this know why only three interviews were included.

If you want to email me feel free to do so jrobinson01@adelphia.net slicric147@yahoo.com

JOSHUA M ROBINSON

PROGRESS STAFF WRITER

I DON’T PLAY ANY GAMES!

JOSHUA TIME 348

Two Choices>>>> What would you do? You make the choice! Don't look for a punch>>line;>> There isn't one! Read it anyway. My question to all of you is:>>Would>> you have made the same choice?>>>> At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled>> children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that>> would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the>> school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:>>>> "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature>> does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn>>things>> as other children do. He cannot understand things as other>>children>> do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?">>>> The audience was stilled by the query.>>>> The father continued. "I believe,that when a child like Shay,>> physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an>> opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it>> comes, in the way other people treat that child."Then he told the>> following story:>>>> Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay>>knew>> were playing baseball. Shay asked,"Do you think they'll let me>>play?">> Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone>>like>> Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son>> were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of>> belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of>> his handicaps.>>>> Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if>> Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for>> guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in>>the>> eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put>>him>> in to bat in the ninth inning.">>>> Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a>> broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth>>in>> his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being>>accepted.>> In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs>>but>> was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay>>put>> on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came>> his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on>>the>> field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from>>the>> stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored>>again.>> Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run>> was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.>>>> At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance>>to>> win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew>> that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how>>to>> hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.>>>> However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing>> the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's>>life,>> moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at>>least>> be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung>>clumsily>> and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the>> ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the>> ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.>>>> The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft>> grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first>>baseman.>> Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the>> game.>>>> Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the>>first>> baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands>>and>> both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!">>Never>> in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base.>>He>> scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.>>>> Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!">> Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming>>and>> struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded>> towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest>>guy>> on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for>>the>> first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman>>for>> the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too>> intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's>> head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead>>of>> him circled the bases toward home.>>>> All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay">>>> Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him>>and>> turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to>> third! Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from>>both>> teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay,>> run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered>>as>> the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.>>>> That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his>> face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love>>and>> humanity into this world.>>>> Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having>> never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and>> coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little>>hero>> of the day!>>>> AND, NOW A LITTLE FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY: We all send thousands of>> jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it>>comes>> to sending messages about life choices, people think twice about>> sharing. The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through>> cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often>> suppressed in our schools and workplaces.>>>> If you're thinking about forwarding this message,chances are that>> you're probably sorting out the people on your address list that>> aren't the "appropriate" ones to receive this type of message.>>Well,>> the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a>> difference. We all have thousands of opportunities every single>>day>> to help realize the "natural order of things." So many seemingly>> trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:>>Do>> we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up>> that opportunity to brighten the day of those with us the least>>able,>> and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?>>>> A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's>> least fortunate amongst them.>>>> You now have two choices:>> 1. Delete>> 2. Forward>> May your day, be a Shay Day,sunny today tomorrow

JOSHUA TIME 347

Point to Ponder. Think about this one. What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because We didn't follow Him today? What if God couldn't take the time to bless us todaybecause we couldn't take the time to thank Himyesterday? What if we never saw another flower bloom because wegrumbled when God sent the Rain? What if God didn't walk with us today because we failedto recognize it as His day? What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because wewould not read it today? What if, God took away His message because we failed tolisten to the messenger. THINK ABOUT THIS ONE......... What if, God didn't send His only begotten Son becauseHe wa nted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin? What if, the door of the church was closed because wedid not open the door of our heart? What if, God stopped loving and caring for us becausewe failed to love and care for others? What if, God would not hear us today because we wouldnot listen to Him? What if, God answered our prayers the way we answer Hiscall to service? What if, God met our needs the way we give Him ourlives??? What if, we failed to send this message on?? THIS IS A SIMPLE TEST....... If you love Jesus, send this to ten people and theperson who sent it to you MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS < /SPAN> The Lord's Prayer like you have never seen During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, andtake this opportunity. (Literally it is only One minute!)All you have to do is the following: You simply say "TheLords Prayer" for the person that sent you this message: The Lords Prayer Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is inHeaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us ourtrespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Andlead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. ForThine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen. Next, you send this message to everyone you know. In a while,more people will have prayed for you and you would haveobtained a lot of people praying for others. Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions! Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed ofyou before My Father" If you are not ashamed, send this message...only if you believe. "Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior.He < face="Arial" color="black"> Keeps me going day andnight. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can doeverything, Christ is my strength." This is a simple test. If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the great things that He has done for you, send this to everyone you know, and the person that send it to you!!! God loves you and watches over you every day. If God brings me to it, he will bring me through it ----- Here is the new postage stamp that will be issued inSeptember. Isn't it awesome? ; READ AND RETURN May today there be peace within you. May you trust God thatyou are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe thatfriends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when ourwings have trouble remembering how to fly." Just send this to people and see what happens.