Wow! I just heard about the craze. A Pastor going through a border check station was "assaulted" by the Border Patrol. Now that sounds outrageous. I was initially enraged because what I had been saying was going to happen was happening.
After those thoughts, I started to ask the questions, "Why did the Law Officers do this? What did he do to have this happen?" These are important questions to ask. Before making a judgment, one must ask these questions and others to get the context of the situation.
Then I saw the video. Well let's be honest, I stopped listening after two minutes. Then I saw another video that he made as he went to New Mexico. Well, OK, I stopped listening once again about the two minute point. Why?
These are his words, "I refused to answer the questions..." From there he escalated the situation. Now a couple of new questions came to mind.
Now let's consider 2 factors we must take into consideration. The first would be from our rights as American Citizens. I must remind us that first and foremost, we drive on the roads by the grace of the law. It is a Privilege, not a right, to drive down I-8 (the road in which this horrid event took place.) Since it is a privilege, we must assume that there are conditions that can be imposed upon us, within reason.
Also let us remember that almost 8 years ago, 911 happened. 911 changed EVERYTHING in regards to personal rights and privacy, especially on the roadways and airports. And we willingly let these rights go. But let's be fair here. Law Enforcement Agents, such as Border Patrol, did not take a mile when we gave them the inches. They probably asked the questions that were not invasive.
The questions were most likely, "Where are coming from?" & "Where are you heading?" Below you will find two links to two videos. Unfortunately we are not able to hear the questions, nor does he tell us what was asked. Being from Yuma and my wife from the Las Cruces/El Paso Tx area, we go through these check points quite often. We have never have had any problems, which is amazing since I look more menacing than our Baptist Brother, and couple that with my Hispanic-looking wife (she is Korean).
Of course, we tell them what they want to know. "We were visiting family and now heading home to Winslow, AZ." "THank you, have a nice day and drive safely," is what we always hear.
Now some may ask, "Steven, that is too personal." Maybe. But this brings up a question of rights, especially since the Baptist Preacher appealed to 4th Admenment. Are our rights something we should hold onto? Is there a time we should willing let ourselves lay them aside?
This is a critical question because as many of you know, I am now heavily involved in the political scene in North Arizona. You may even have seen me on YouTube protesting at the Boston Tea Party 2 of Winslow AZ. So what guidelines do I use?
Of course Romans 13.1 says submit to our governing authorities. So an officer asks me a question, I answer. Constitution says I can demonstrate in such a way that I do not interfere with another's rights, I demonstrate. Obama says I need to pay more taxes, I pay more taxes. If an officer says, "Open your trunk." I do. Remember, 911.
But more, Acts 16, Paul was flogged. He had rights. He was a Roman Citizen, and they can NOT be flogged. He was. He laid his rights aside so that Jesus could be glorified. (He didn't do this every time. In Acts 22, he claimed his rights and was spared the flogging.)
Then there is what Peter admonished us to do as a Chosen People of God in his first letter. (2.12-17) We are to live such a good life (good is Old English meaning "godly") that we silence our critics. We are to submit to every authority from Obama to Officer Diaz, so that God can be glorified in our lives.
Unfortunately, our Baptist Brother did not do this. He, as you will hear in the second video, went with a hostile attitude, or at best, a self-righteous attitude. Did he deserve the beating? Officers entrusted with our protection would hopefully show more restraint. Perhaps they did act within reason. But that is not the point. The real question: Was God glorified in his actions? Is God glorified in OUR actions?
Tis be my prayer, brethren! God bless and God speed to you! Thanks for reading this lengthy post. --smh
Video of Pastor Steve Anderson telling what happened:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUzd7G875Hc
Video of Pastor Steve Anderson going through the New Mexico Border check:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFS7oZtE8Ks
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Letter to the Winslow AZ Community 2
Here it is. I wrote a letter because there is an uproar. NIMBY is the cry of the hour. No one wants this in their backyard. They claim it’s the safety of the children, and that property values would drop.
This attitude annoyed Carol and I to the point that Carol wrote a letter that we were going to publish in the local notice and advertisement publication. We then reworked the letter that was for a short while available on the blog and notes for Facebook. We also made copies of this letter, which was in full support of the “sober” houses. The copies were for the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Then as the meeting started, I was all prepared to answer with the letter charge for charge from what the nay-sayers were stating. Then the Committee asked for the director to answer some of the charges brought up, to give account for the questions that the people raised.
It quickly became clear that those who want to do this noble project were not fully clear on how to do this. All of a sudden I started praying. I did not want to read my letter in full support of this.
I could not, cannot support this. One problem is that the referrals for who should become a resident were clearly stated that it would come from Winslow Guidance Associates, Winslow Indian Health Center and from the Detox Center. What is missing from the list is Community Counseling Center and Community Christian Center - Agape Christian Counseling. Now since my office is the latter, I am trying not to take this personally. Perhaps it was a mishap.
The other problem that arose is that the procedure and safe guards and checks do not exist. They have a procedure manual that is not finished. They have an admittance process that is not clearly defined. Their staff is not full, for they put forth that there would be one supervisor for both buildings. During the day when the residents are to be out of the building at either “intense counseling”, school or work, then there doesn’t need to be anyone at the buildings. All counseling once the person becomes a resident, would be at the Winslow Guidance Associates.
Then God answered my prayers. One of the P & Z members moved to table the topic until such time the Agape House builds a board of directors, for there is only one person who runs Agape House, and Agape House is able to have a model of “rigid structure” for the residents, as well as a policy manual. Though Agape House did conclude with the resolve to talk the P & Z out of 2 or 3 of their conditions.
Winslow does need this. This is not open for debate. But since Winslow has never had a program such as this, it becomes critical that whoever does this have all their ducks in a row, so to speak. If this fails, then there will never be an opportunity for a better model in the future. I hope that in the next month, WGA and Agape House are able to get the information together. I hope that I will change my mind as willingly as I did tonight.
But if Agape House and WGA are not the ones to bring this program to reality, then I pray that God will bring along someone who will, in a way that truly helps those who need it, and more importantly, in a way that brings people to God. Thank you for reading my thoughts. ---smh
This attitude annoyed Carol and I to the point that Carol wrote a letter that we were going to publish in the local notice and advertisement publication. We then reworked the letter that was for a short while available on the blog and notes for Facebook. We also made copies of this letter, which was in full support of the “sober” houses. The copies were for the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Then as the meeting started, I was all prepared to answer with the letter charge for charge from what the nay-sayers were stating. Then the Committee asked for the director to answer some of the charges brought up, to give account for the questions that the people raised.
It quickly became clear that those who want to do this noble project were not fully clear on how to do this. All of a sudden I started praying. I did not want to read my letter in full support of this.
I could not, cannot support this. One problem is that the referrals for who should become a resident were clearly stated that it would come from Winslow Guidance Associates, Winslow Indian Health Center and from the Detox Center. What is missing from the list is Community Counseling Center and Community Christian Center - Agape Christian Counseling. Now since my office is the latter, I am trying not to take this personally. Perhaps it was a mishap.
The other problem that arose is that the procedure and safe guards and checks do not exist. They have a procedure manual that is not finished. They have an admittance process that is not clearly defined. Their staff is not full, for they put forth that there would be one supervisor for both buildings. During the day when the residents are to be out of the building at either “intense counseling”, school or work, then there doesn’t need to be anyone at the buildings. All counseling once the person becomes a resident, would be at the Winslow Guidance Associates.
Then God answered my prayers. One of the P & Z members moved to table the topic until such time the Agape House builds a board of directors, for there is only one person who runs Agape House, and Agape House is able to have a model of “rigid structure” for the residents, as well as a policy manual. Though Agape House did conclude with the resolve to talk the P & Z out of 2 or 3 of their conditions.
Winslow does need this. This is not open for debate. But since Winslow has never had a program such as this, it becomes critical that whoever does this have all their ducks in a row, so to speak. If this fails, then there will never be an opportunity for a better model in the future. I hope that in the next month, WGA and Agape House are able to get the information together. I hope that I will change my mind as willingly as I did tonight.
But if Agape House and WGA are not the ones to bring this program to reality, then I pray that God will bring along someone who will, in a way that truly helps those who need it, and more importantly, in a way that brings people to God. Thank you for reading my thoughts. ---smh
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Letter to the Community of Winslow, Arizona
Dear Citizens of Winslow,
We want to make it known that we think this city needs these “Sobering” Houses. We need a rehabilitation center. We have heard of where it is proposed to be and are not concerned. We would like to think that a person who enters a place such as these has thought long and hard on changing their current situation and we would like the ability to help them. We believe in second chances and that a person can improve their life by taking steps toward that end.
There is no denying the fact that there are unsavory persons in this town. They are everywhere, they go anywhere. We have seen them around Washington School, Safeway, Bashas, Wal-Mart and other public places near children. These persons have come up to us when we had our children nearby. They are here.
We hope that instead of ignoring the problem, we, as a community, will have something available for them to improve their lives if they so wish. The problem is here, it is now. We need something to address it. We need some Sobering Houses. Here, in Winslow. Not far away where the problem is moot; but here where there is a problem.
Frankly, when they approach us, we are quite disgusted. They smell, they look shabby in appearance and are hard to understand, if at time, at all. Still, we want to help if we can. We don’t know their circumstances and probably never will. But they need something now that they are not getting; A Second Chance. We know that some will choose to change, to become more productive citizens, but if there is no place for them, how can they change? We need to be proactive. Give these “houses” a chance to help one person become a better man/woman.
Winslow has a choice. The choice is to have drunks, addicts and various unsavory people in town without trying to help, or the choice to have a place for them to change for the better. We vote for having the Sobering Houses. We hope you will, too.
Sincerely,
Steven and Carol Harvey
Minister, First Christian Church
We want to make it known that we think this city needs these “Sobering” Houses. We need a rehabilitation center. We have heard of where it is proposed to be and are not concerned. We would like to think that a person who enters a place such as these has thought long and hard on changing their current situation and we would like the ability to help them. We believe in second chances and that a person can improve their life by taking steps toward that end.
There is no denying the fact that there are unsavory persons in this town. They are everywhere, they go anywhere. We have seen them around Washington School, Safeway, Bashas, Wal-Mart and other public places near children. These persons have come up to us when we had our children nearby. They are here.
We hope that instead of ignoring the problem, we, as a community, will have something available for them to improve their lives if they so wish. The problem is here, it is now. We need something to address it. We need some Sobering Houses. Here, in Winslow. Not far away where the problem is moot; but here where there is a problem.
Frankly, when they approach us, we are quite disgusted. They smell, they look shabby in appearance and are hard to understand, if at time, at all. Still, we want to help if we can. We don’t know their circumstances and probably never will. But they need something now that they are not getting; A Second Chance. We know that some will choose to change, to become more productive citizens, but if there is no place for them, how can they change? We need to be proactive. Give these “houses” a chance to help one person become a better man/woman.
Winslow has a choice. The choice is to have drunks, addicts and various unsavory people in town without trying to help, or the choice to have a place for them to change for the better. We vote for having the Sobering Houses. We hope you will, too.
Sincerely,
Steven and Carol Harvey
Minister, First Christian Church
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hospice
The day is done and I have returned. I enjoyed today. It was a pushed, but beautiful drive.
So when I arrived, I found the room. I entered. There were 9 others. I expected that. What made my heart skip was that the folders all stated: "Hospice Chaplaincy Training". There is only one opening, and here are all these people. How am I to compete? Can I compete?
Then Joel Boyd did the introductions. All of a sudden I was one of six. Then the group shrank. Apparently there were 3 volunteers. So I am feeling a bit better. My competition consisted of the Chaplain for the NAU Sports department, who also serves as Associate Minister of Christ's Church of Flagstaff, and the director of Parks and Recreation for Winslow.
Joel hinted that a couple of us would fill in for the whole, since the job is only part time for at least a year, until enough families in the Winslow Area enroll for services. Afterwards, Joel asked if I was still interested, which I am. So he gave me an application to fill out. (The other 2 men apparently had filled one out themselves.)
One item does cause me to pause. It was a release to look at my credit report. I declined, and wrote on the signature line what my credit score was, and how it faired, which is why I was looking for a job.
Now here is what else I know: the Corporation is called "Hospice Compassus". They have given the verbal OK to hire this position in Winslow. But they have not yet put it in writing. So we are waiting as much as two weeks. And Joel encouraged me, so I am looking forward to this.
So what I am now asking you is to continue to prayer for me as it comes to your mind. (Put this on a sticky note and attach it to the monitor or your Bible.) I shall keep you posted as I know more.
Again, thank you! God bless! --smh
So when I arrived, I found the room. I entered. There were 9 others. I expected that. What made my heart skip was that the folders all stated: "Hospice Chaplaincy Training". There is only one opening, and here are all these people. How am I to compete? Can I compete?
Then Joel Boyd did the introductions. All of a sudden I was one of six. Then the group shrank. Apparently there were 3 volunteers. So I am feeling a bit better. My competition consisted of the Chaplain for the NAU Sports department, who also serves as Associate Minister of Christ's Church of Flagstaff, and the director of Parks and Recreation for Winslow.
Joel hinted that a couple of us would fill in for the whole, since the job is only part time for at least a year, until enough families in the Winslow Area enroll for services. Afterwards, Joel asked if I was still interested, which I am. So he gave me an application to fill out. (The other 2 men apparently had filled one out themselves.)
One item does cause me to pause. It was a release to look at my credit report. I declined, and wrote on the signature line what my credit score was, and how it faired, which is why I was looking for a job.
Now here is what else I know: the Corporation is called "Hospice Compassus". They have given the verbal OK to hire this position in Winslow. But they have not yet put it in writing. So we are waiting as much as two weeks. And Joel encouraged me, so I am looking forward to this.
So what I am now asking you is to continue to prayer for me as it comes to your mind. (Put this on a sticky note and attach it to the monitor or your Bible.) I shall keep you posted as I know more.
Again, thank you! God bless! --smh
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Hospice Interview
Here I am, sitting on a Friday night eagerly watching the clock, should be getting ready for bed. The morrow holds anticipation, as well as a bit of apprehension and anxiety. But thankfully we serve a loving Father who holds the morrow. In a wee over 9 hours I shall be waking, washing and then traveling down to Sedona, AZ for a Hospice training.
Now of course I asked if attending the training meant that I was being offered the position. The chief chaplain said, "no". He went on to explain that this is part of the interview process. They during the course of the training session may decide that I would not be a good fit. Then again, perhaps I may find that THEY are not a good fit for me.
So when do I find out if I become the Winslow chaplain? I am not sure. He was a bit vague when I tried to get an idea. I do feel good about it overall. I am trusting that God will direct us together. But of course, if He does not intend for me to be here, then I am sure there is another, greater opportunity laying ahead.
I ask you, my friends and brethren to pray about this situation. Join us in our petition. I greatly appreciate it. When I know more, I shall post it. Thank you all.
In God's Love --smh
Now of course I asked if attending the training meant that I was being offered the position. The chief chaplain said, "no". He went on to explain that this is part of the interview process. They during the course of the training session may decide that I would not be a good fit. Then again, perhaps I may find that THEY are not a good fit for me.
So when do I find out if I become the Winslow chaplain? I am not sure. He was a bit vague when I tried to get an idea. I do feel good about it overall. I am trusting that God will direct us together. But of course, if He does not intend for me to be here, then I am sure there is another, greater opportunity laying ahead.
I ask you, my friends and brethren to pray about this situation. Join us in our petition. I greatly appreciate it. When I know more, I shall post it. Thank you all.
In God's Love --smh
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What Works for You?
This is a bit of a different blog, or thought. It came to me as I was sitting and reading my Bible. I am reading it through from Genesis to Revelation. As a preacher, I must confess, this is only my 3rd journey though in my 21 years as a Christian.
Why haven’t I read the Bible through more? I would like to say that I have been so busy, I just couldn’t do it. Actually I have no reason why I haven’t. So let me go to the other question: Why have I read through twice? When did I take the first 2 journeys? (This last question hurts. You will see why.)
The first journey I attempted, I was a new Christian. One of the first youth group meetings, the minister was teaching us the value of the Word. He hid $20 around the room. I found the King’s Portion in the Bible, about $8. I was excited. I began reading. Then I got to the poetry. I then skipped to the Gospels, and I got to the letters. I stopped. I was bored.
Then I went to Bible College. So I forced myself to read, even the boring stuff. I didn’t get anything out of the Bible. The professors said something about how most don’t read their Bibles, much less from cover to cover. Was it worth it?
Then there was the last trip through, which was more recently. But I had a problem, I didn’t like seeing how much more I needed to read. So I had help. I had the dramatized reading of the NIV on tape. It made the journey possible, but I didn’t get much out of it. I can say that I did it again.
Why was I hesitant? Could it be that though the Word of God is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword, the presentation, or format was turning me off? For example, when I turn the page, I can see that there are 4 more columns of the chapter to read, or perhaps that I am not as far through the Bible. I once shared this with an elder. His comment was, “Steven the column print of the Bible is to ease readability.”
Now the question is, if I am not finding the Word of God readable, and listening is more entertainment than reading God’s letter to me, then how do I obtain God’s Word for my life? Can I?
A few months ago, my phone plan was eligible for a phone upgrade. My phone was falling apart, and then I saw the new Palm Centro. I researched it. I saw that it had the Palm OS system, and I had a Bible program that may work with it. So when I saw that Wal-Mart was selling the Centros for $50, I called Carol and made sure I had permission. She said that this was good, since I was carrying my PDA and my cell phone. Now I have them in one.
I loaded the Bible program on my phone. I started reading the Bible. I found myself just reading and reading. I found joy in learning. I was no longer concerned with how much is left. Having the Bible on my phone meant that as I read, I could only read about 4 verses at a time. I could not see the indicators of where I was in the book or even in the chapter. I read Psalm 119 in a single sitting. Even now, I am almost done with Isaiah, which I started less than a week ago. I must say this: “PRAISE GOD FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AGE!!!!”
OK so my point: I am not trying to sell you the Palm Centro, though I found it to be the best Smart Phone on the market. I am not even saying that you should get the eBible.
This is what I am saying. We need to be in the Word. It is the main way by which we can grow in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. But what does it take? For some, it takes finding a column Bible. For others, it may be as simple as listening to the Word. For me, a new format is working the best.
Let me encourage you. There is no wrong format for reading the Word of God, as long as it is the Full Word of God. Explore the various formats. Find the one that works for you. Allow your journey to excite you, to motivate you, to teach you. You will not regret it, and your walk with the Father will grow deeper as you spend time learning about our Savior.
Thank you for sharing my thoughts. God bless! –smh
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Restricted Items
Wow! I went to Walmart today, which of itself is not shocking being in a town where one either shops at Wally World, or doesn't. But prior to going, I received in the mail coupons for Huggies products. They had a picture of Night Time Pull - Ups, diapers and cruisers. Shea needed regular training pants, which was not pictured. So I was informed by Wal-Mart that I am not able to use the coupon.
OK so it wasn't pictured so I guess I can deal with the makers of Huggies directly. So my total remained unchanged and I started to pay. No card of any sort. Just my handful of cash. I put in the first 5 dollar bill and get an error message "Authorization Needed: Restricted Items".
I read that again? I asked aloud where I was? Communist China? When did US Currency become invalid tender? All these thoughts ran through my head. Took Wal Mart management 10 minutes for my $5 credit to be applied. Wouldn't you know it, I would not let them take my money.
What an adventure. I guess this is a fore runner to what lies ahead. Cash NOT accepted here. God bless! Keep the faith. --smh
OK so it wasn't pictured so I guess I can deal with the makers of Huggies directly. So my total remained unchanged and I started to pay. No card of any sort. Just my handful of cash. I put in the first 5 dollar bill and get an error message "Authorization Needed: Restricted Items".
I read that again? I asked aloud where I was? Communist China? When did US Currency become invalid tender? All these thoughts ran through my head. Took Wal Mart management 10 minutes for my $5 credit to be applied. Wouldn't you know it, I would not let them take my money.
What an adventure. I guess this is a fore runner to what lies ahead. Cash NOT accepted here. God bless! Keep the faith. --smh
Ancient Communication
In Honor of my Irish Kin, here is today's chuckle. Thanks, Pastor Tim of Cybersalt.com.
After having dug to a depth of 10 meters last year, Scottish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Scots, in the weeks that followed, English scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters, and shortly after, headlines in the English newspapers read: "English archaeologists have found traces of 200-year-old copper wire and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the Scots."
One week later, "The Kerrymen," a southwest Irish newsletter, reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 meters in peat bog near Tralee, Paddy O'Droll, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Paddy has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Ireland had already gone wireless."
After having dug to a depth of 10 meters last year, Scottish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Scots, in the weeks that followed, English scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters, and shortly after, headlines in the English newspapers read: "English archaeologists have found traces of 200-year-old copper wire and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the Scots."
One week later, "The Kerrymen," a southwest Irish newsletter, reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 meters in peat bog near Tralee, Paddy O'Droll, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Paddy has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Ireland had already gone wireless."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Religious Objects
A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion.
The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David."
The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary."
The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am a Baptist and this is a casserole.
Steven's Note...Thanks Pastor Tim for today's humor!! Check out cybersalt.com for more clean humor. :-)
The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David."
The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary."
The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am a Baptist and this is a casserole.
Steven's Note...Thanks Pastor Tim for today's humor!! Check out cybersalt.com for more clean humor. :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
