An Email from yesterday I thought I would pass along...
June 24, 2010
Dear Friend of Liberty,
Earlier today, the House of Representatives shredded the First Amendment by voting 219-206 to pass H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act.
View the roll call here.
As hard as it is to believe, they made the bill (which should really be called the Establishment Protection Act) even worse in the hours leading up to the vote by including more provisions to benefit their Big Labor pals and to obtain further details on those opposed to their powergrabs.
Thanks to the actions of Campaign for Liberty members and other freedom-minded activists across the country, the vote on H.R. 5175 came down to the wire and was much closer than expected. Your pressure reminded them that we are serious about holding our elected officials accountable for their actions.
Matter of fact, your calls made such an impact that Campaign for Liberty was even mentioned on the House floor during the debate!
This vote is by no means the end of the fight, and the battle to protect Americans’ right to free speech and to keep the federal government from gathering even more information about us now moves on to the Senate, where the bill faces many challenges.
There are several steps you can take to ensure the Establishment Protection Act is decisively defeated in the Senate.
First, contact your senators right away and make sure they know we have not given up on this critical issue. Click here to find their contact information and urge them to oppose H.R. 5175 and all other attempts to curb free speech.
Next, call the NRA headquarters at 1-800-672-3888 and their Legislative Action group at 1-800-392-8683 and tell them to drop their compromise and actively oppose H.R. 5175.
Without their special deal with House leaders, DISCLOSE may have been stopped in its tracks before ever reaching the House floor in the first place.
Finally, please forward this email to your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers so we can spread the message about the threat posed by the Establishment Protection Act.
Campaign for Liberty has enjoyed more success than the statists ever imagined possible, and they would love nothing more than to shut us down by going after our donors.
Let’s show them that the Freedom movement will never back down.
In Liberty,
John Tate
President
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
El Torito and Chili Peppers
For my Yuman friends, you know that last October, I did a first. Almost 40 years old, I finally step foot inside a store that has been quite within walking distance of the high school, back in the days that students were allowed to leave for lunch, or stay for lunch. I walked into Chili Peppers. I had my standard bean and cheese burrito. It was half the size of the burrito that I am used to eating at El Charo over on 8th Street. It was 1/3 the price, so that made it really good.
Then I sat down at my seat. Carol was watching me to see what my reaction would be. Any and every time that we go out and try a Mexican food place, I was in direct comparison to El Charo. This was true even for the summer I spent in the heart of Mexico. (No, I didn’t think the food of El Charo was better than the food I was eating at the roadside taco stand. It was different. I easily downed a dozen tacos in a single sitting. They were tiny, but delicious.) So I took a taste. The burrito tasted identical to that of El Charo. I was jazzed. I was perplexed. I wondered why I hadn’t tried it sooner. Tricia, Sandra, Tracey, and Robert all chided me, and welcomed me to the new addiction. Sorry you 4, we are taking a turn up ahead. Keep reading. I would leave from that Yuma trip with 2 dozen burritos. I was hooked.
When I was talking about going there prior to my epiphany, dad was telling me that yeah, Chili Peppers, Mr. G’s and El Charo were all the same family. He keeps their books. Why wasn’t I told this sooner? I never missed an opportunity to collect Chili Peppers when I can. But more than the burritos I am an even larger fan of my staple by which I judge a Mexican eatery. I love the TAMALE! This is a perfect handy food, unless you like it swimming in the red tamale sauce, which I can go either way.
I have been in some “authentic” Mexican eateries across Southern New Mexico, and I have ordered the tamales. 99% of the time they were either Hormel’s or some other company who would think wrapping the tamale in paper is as good as wrapping them in corn husks. (Here’s a hint, I bought many cans of tamales to get me through Sunday’s lack of food service at the college. I can spot canned tamales.)
Now since Mexican food is probably my favorite, I am always looking for the best I can find. And here is where my upbringing comes into conflict. If you look at a map of Mexico, you will see that the state below Arizona is Sonora. The state below El Paso and New Mexico is Chihuahua. Does this make a difference? You better believe it does. It’s like comparing the deep fried food of Kentucky with that of the Creole food of Louisiana. It’s a world of difference, yet both are American foods.
Unfortunately, Winslow has had Chihuahuan food. I wanted Sonoran food. Then one did open up near a truck stop. The food was decent, except the beans and rice. Beans tasted canned. Rice was soupy. Then someone in passing told me that the old El Torito was open under new management. (Now last time I went, the windows were grimy brown, almost opaque. And it had been 4 years.) So being under new management, I told Carol and she agreed, we needed to try it.
OK, you 4, here is where you are not going to like what I have to say: I BROKE MY CHILI PEPPER/EL CHARO ADDICTION!!! I love El Torito. And as always, I am going to ask about a change in venue, a change in menu to the Ministerial Association as well. Just once, really.
Now the important part: Where is El Torito? El Torito is on Central in Coopertown. Yes this is one of the burbs just south of the tracks in Winslow. As you are entering into Coopertown, you will see a small lot to the right side of the road, just before the church on the leftside, not more than a dozen cars can park here. Beyond that, across the little road is the building of El Torito. It looks like it used to be a house. But the important part is that it’s clean, and the food is great. Veronica is a local gal who used to manage Days Inn. Now she is using her gift of cooking to bless others.
Check this place out. If you are a true fan of Sonoran style food, El Torito is the best. If you want to know what Sonoran food is, then El Torito is the best place to learn. If you like home-made tamales, El Torito is the place for you to eat. You like bean and cheese burritos, or red or green enchiladas with chicken, shredded beef or even ground beef, the El Torito is the place. And of all the Mexican eateries in Navajo county, El Torito has the best food, including the beans and rice.
Eat El Torito. Became a fan of El Torito’s page.
And thanks for sharing with me from the trail. -- smh
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Marine Funny
One sunny day in late January 2013 an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the U.S. Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."
The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."
The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.
The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."
The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."
The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.
The third day, the same man once again approached the White House and spoke to the same U.S. Marine, saying, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."
The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have come here asking to speak to Mr. Obama. I've told you already that Mr. Obama is no longer the president and no longer resides here. Don't you understand?"
The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it."
The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow, sir."
The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."
The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.
The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."
The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."
The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.
The third day, the same man once again approached the White House and spoke to the same U.S. Marine, saying, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."
The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have come here asking to speak to Mr. Obama. I've told you already that Mr. Obama is no longer the president and no longer resides here. Don't you understand?"
The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it."
The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow, sir."
Friday, May 14, 2010
Trusting God
There comes a time when a person who espouses certain points of view will have the opportunity to live his words, or be shown a blow wind. In the past, I have stated my objection to the health care program. No, you didn’t miss the blog. My objections were raised in person.
Since many of you, my readers, were not present to hear them, let me repeat the objection: the government is doing the job of the Church. People are turning to the government instead of turning to God. And the Church is OK with this! (How sick is that?!)
Now the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or Public Access is in trouble, and is being abused by people who should not be on it. I know, for I was on it, myself and my family.
It was shameful really. I was paid little enough that the State could take care of my family and I. It was shameful that another area preacher was told that our comparable pay will allow him, too, to qualify for Public Assistance. So when I was allowed to find extra employment, I was grateful to be off the public dole. (Working as I did for the State, I was still on the public dole. You don’t need to point this out to me.)
Then I was dismissed from my extra employment. And I was forced back onto the public dole. It helped in that my medication was cheaper. My tests were cheaper. My exams were cheaper. But I was a good leech. I didn’t see the doctor for just any ole thing. It had to be real, like cellulitis, or broken leg, or lots and lots of blood and pain before anyone in the family went to see the ER.
We were due for renewal back in February of this year. I was already bothered by the finer oversight into my financial solvency. So when it looked like we were going to be moving to another state entirely, we let ourselves fall off the public dole. Let me tell you, I was no longer preaching hypocrisy. Even though the move did not happen, we were still free from the micro-management of the government into our daily lives.
Then it happened. My oldest found a can of oven cleaner. It was mostly crushed, but not punctured. It was not ours, for we have a self-cleaning oven. So it either fell off the trash truck or was discarded by a neighbor.
Well my boy was curious. He took a garden tine (tool used to breaking up tough soils), and punctured the can. You bet!
His face was sprayed with the caustic cleanser. Carol called me while I was visiting with a member of the church. I knew I had to race home. I found the boy in the shower. He wasn’t sure why he was there, but the pain was starting to set in. Momma got him dressed quickly and I drove even quicker to the hospital to help minimize damage, and receive quick treatment.
By the time the hospital got him into triage, his face didn’t look burned but bruised. They wanted to do a CT scan to make sure his facial bones weren’t crushed. Being the dutiful papa that I am, I gave consent.
Now comes the lady from admittance. What insurance does he have? “Sorry, Miss. We don’t have insurance. We pay cash.”
My heart sank at this. I knew that we didn’t have the funds for this. But days before, I finished my web-prank and object lesson. You might remember it, “Cold, Hard Cash”. My conclusion was to ask you, my readers, who do you trust? Are we not supposed to trust the Father in Heaven? Absolutely!
But I was at a cross-road. For 15 minutes, I sat holding a form that would give me emergency coverage in the AHCCCS. Do I? Should I? What have I been fighting for? Then the radiology tech came into the bay to take my son for the CT scan. I went with him.
What I saw as he scanned my boy is amazing. But that is for another blog. The bottom line is that it is worth every penny that the hospital is charging me.
Oh yes. I decided when we returned to the bed in the ER Bay, I crossed off the pertinent information and then put the form in the bio-hazard trash. I understand that gets burned. At least there is no dumpster diving thru that stuff. And my boy? He just had facial burns. Praise God that nothing got into his respiratory, his ears or eyes. He is now fine.
But I remembered that lesson. Who do I trust? I am taking a step of faith once again. I am going to trust God with this medical bill. I know that He will provide through His children.
Now let me be clear. I am not asking for money from you. Nor am I saying that if you do not give to me, you are not one of God’s Children. I am stating that God will provide the funds for this. And all that He gives to me above my need, I shall pass to another family’s medical bill of recent.
Here is what I AM ASKING OF YOU: I am asking that you join me in prayer about this. I need your prayers more than anything else. I can see my parents and others close to me telling me how foolish I was to disregard the insurance, even if it is public. God will be glorified through this.
And another result will happen. God will be glorified. The critics will behold His power and wonder. And finally, a goal that I have pushed in the past and still do, will become known. That is that the Church will once again take the mantle for providing for people in need.
Did you know before the Depression, people needing help with food, rent, doctor bills, what have you, would turn to God’s Church for help? Then along came the Federal Government wanting to assist the Church in providing help to those in need.
During WWII, people turned more and more to the Fed. Within a few short years, by and large, people had stopped turning first to the Church for help.
By 1974, Arizona became the last State to develop a “Department of Economic Security”, the system was fully incorporated so that the Church was no longer needed. Fully incorporated in that all the States could now meet the needs. Today, sadly, the Church does not seem able to meet these needs.
It is high time that the Church stop allowing the Government to be the help in the times of need. It is high time that the Church resumes being ambassadors of God’s Love. For this, for my needs I ask for your prayers. And together, let’s lift up His Name, giving glory to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail… smh.
Since many of you, my readers, were not present to hear them, let me repeat the objection: the government is doing the job of the Church. People are turning to the government instead of turning to God. And the Church is OK with this! (How sick is that?!)
Now the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or Public Access is in trouble, and is being abused by people who should not be on it. I know, for I was on it, myself and my family.
It was shameful really. I was paid little enough that the State could take care of my family and I. It was shameful that another area preacher was told that our comparable pay will allow him, too, to qualify for Public Assistance. So when I was allowed to find extra employment, I was grateful to be off the public dole. (Working as I did for the State, I was still on the public dole. You don’t need to point this out to me.)
Then I was dismissed from my extra employment. And I was forced back onto the public dole. It helped in that my medication was cheaper. My tests were cheaper. My exams were cheaper. But I was a good leech. I didn’t see the doctor for just any ole thing. It had to be real, like cellulitis, or broken leg, or lots and lots of blood and pain before anyone in the family went to see the ER.
We were due for renewal back in February of this year. I was already bothered by the finer oversight into my financial solvency. So when it looked like we were going to be moving to another state entirely, we let ourselves fall off the public dole. Let me tell you, I was no longer preaching hypocrisy. Even though the move did not happen, we were still free from the micro-management of the government into our daily lives.
Then it happened. My oldest found a can of oven cleaner. It was mostly crushed, but not punctured. It was not ours, for we have a self-cleaning oven. So it either fell off the trash truck or was discarded by a neighbor.
Well my boy was curious. He took a garden tine (tool used to breaking up tough soils), and punctured the can. You bet!
His face was sprayed with the caustic cleanser. Carol called me while I was visiting with a member of the church. I knew I had to race home. I found the boy in the shower. He wasn’t sure why he was there, but the pain was starting to set in. Momma got him dressed quickly and I drove even quicker to the hospital to help minimize damage, and receive quick treatment.
By the time the hospital got him into triage, his face didn’t look burned but bruised. They wanted to do a CT scan to make sure his facial bones weren’t crushed. Being the dutiful papa that I am, I gave consent.
Now comes the lady from admittance. What insurance does he have? “Sorry, Miss. We don’t have insurance. We pay cash.”
My heart sank at this. I knew that we didn’t have the funds for this. But days before, I finished my web-prank and object lesson. You might remember it, “Cold, Hard Cash”. My conclusion was to ask you, my readers, who do you trust? Are we not supposed to trust the Father in Heaven? Absolutely!
But I was at a cross-road. For 15 minutes, I sat holding a form that would give me emergency coverage in the AHCCCS. Do I? Should I? What have I been fighting for? Then the radiology tech came into the bay to take my son for the CT scan. I went with him.
What I saw as he scanned my boy is amazing. But that is for another blog. The bottom line is that it is worth every penny that the hospital is charging me.
Oh yes. I decided when we returned to the bed in the ER Bay, I crossed off the pertinent information and then put the form in the bio-hazard trash. I understand that gets burned. At least there is no dumpster diving thru that stuff. And my boy? He just had facial burns. Praise God that nothing got into his respiratory, his ears or eyes. He is now fine.
But I remembered that lesson. Who do I trust? I am taking a step of faith once again. I am going to trust God with this medical bill. I know that He will provide through His children.
Now let me be clear. I am not asking for money from you. Nor am I saying that if you do not give to me, you are not one of God’s Children. I am stating that God will provide the funds for this. And all that He gives to me above my need, I shall pass to another family’s medical bill of recent.
Here is what I AM ASKING OF YOU: I am asking that you join me in prayer about this. I need your prayers more than anything else. I can see my parents and others close to me telling me how foolish I was to disregard the insurance, even if it is public. God will be glorified through this.
And another result will happen. God will be glorified. The critics will behold His power and wonder. And finally, a goal that I have pushed in the past and still do, will become known. That is that the Church will once again take the mantle for providing for people in need.
Did you know before the Depression, people needing help with food, rent, doctor bills, what have you, would turn to God’s Church for help? Then along came the Federal Government wanting to assist the Church in providing help to those in need.
During WWII, people turned more and more to the Fed. Within a few short years, by and large, people had stopped turning first to the Church for help.
By 1974, Arizona became the last State to develop a “Department of Economic Security”, the system was fully incorporated so that the Church was no longer needed. Fully incorporated in that all the States could now meet the needs. Today, sadly, the Church does not seem able to meet these needs.
It is high time that the Church stop allowing the Government to be the help in the times of need. It is high time that the Church resumes being ambassadors of God’s Love. For this, for my needs I ask for your prayers. And together, let’s lift up His Name, giving glory to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail… smh.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
National Day of Prayer Is Unconstitutional
Yup, that is correct. The Courts have deemed the National Day of Prayer is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. OK, maybe that is not really news. It has been 2 weeks since this was all over the web. And only now am I getting around to commenting on this event. Why am I so tardy?
There are a couple of reasons for my tardiness. The first is that this was so explosive 2 weeks ago; I didn't want my comments to be buried. The second reason is that the National Day of Prayer is next Thursday.
So the National Day of Prayer is ruled unconstitutional. It is interesting. The ruling did not surprise, nor upset me. When we live in a governmental system that is increasingly separating us from our Christian founding, then one should expect to see such actions. (This judge also lives in the same state that says, “Spare the rod, love the child.”)
So what should our response be to this? For one, there is an element of shock when Obama administration promises to appeal this. But then that is another blog thought, not for this one.
Let's consider the article itself. The link is from the USA Today. Here is the first: “Congress established the day in 1952 and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray.”
So the President is to ask for Americans to pray. Now one must ask the question, are we not praying the rest of the year? As Christians, are we not to be praying all the time? (Consider 1 Thessalonians 5.17: “Pray without ceasing.”)
There is also the part that the article suggests that the president asks the American People to pray. Yet do we need the blessings of the President, Congress or even a Judge to pray to our Heavenly Father? Of course not.
And yet, there is a lesson here. Though there are those in the society who will love to deny public recognition of our religious origins, the judge who writes against this day, calling it unconstitutional says something that is very true of Christian Prayer to our Heavenly Father. She wrote, “In fact, it is because the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision whether and when to pray.”
I am not sure whether or not she is a Christian. But she certainly understands the power we as Christians have in prayer. How often do we say, “I wish I could do more than pray for you”? Jesus showed us the power of prayer with the fig tree in Matthew 21.
Through prayer I have seen a mountain move for a church. Through prayer I have seen a stroke victim come out unscathed. Through prayer, I have seen a holey heart turned new. I have seen hardened hearts melt. I have seen God’s hand move mightily.
Yet it took a non-Christian point of view to remind us about this lesson. And for the other question about laws against prayer? It would not be the first time a child of God was told to not pray to God, if this indeed leads to that. Consider Daniel 6. If our government does make a law that goes against the Word of the Lord Almighty, then let us follow Daniel’s example.
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail… smh
There are a couple of reasons for my tardiness. The first is that this was so explosive 2 weeks ago; I didn't want my comments to be buried. The second reason is that the National Day of Prayer is next Thursday.
So the National Day of Prayer is ruled unconstitutional. It is interesting. The ruling did not surprise, nor upset me. When we live in a governmental system that is increasingly separating us from our Christian founding, then one should expect to see such actions. (This judge also lives in the same state that says, “Spare the rod, love the child.”)
So what should our response be to this? For one, there is an element of shock when Obama administration promises to appeal this. But then that is another blog thought, not for this one.
Let's consider the article itself. The link is from the USA Today. Here is the first: “Congress established the day in 1952 and in 1988 set the first Thursday in May as the day for presidents to issue proclamations asking Americans to pray.”
So the President is to ask for Americans to pray. Now one must ask the question, are we not praying the rest of the year? As Christians, are we not to be praying all the time? (Consider 1 Thessalonians 5.17: “Pray without ceasing.”)
There is also the part that the article suggests that the president asks the American People to pray. Yet do we need the blessings of the President, Congress or even a Judge to pray to our Heavenly Father? Of course not.
And yet, there is a lesson here. Though there are those in the society who will love to deny public recognition of our religious origins, the judge who writes against this day, calling it unconstitutional says something that is very true of Christian Prayer to our Heavenly Father. She wrote, “In fact, it is because the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision whether and when to pray.”
I am not sure whether or not she is a Christian. But she certainly understands the power we as Christians have in prayer. How often do we say, “I wish I could do more than pray for you”? Jesus showed us the power of prayer with the fig tree in Matthew 21.
Through prayer I have seen a mountain move for a church. Through prayer I have seen a stroke victim come out unscathed. Through prayer, I have seen a holey heart turned new. I have seen hardened hearts melt. I have seen God’s hand move mightily.
Yet it took a non-Christian point of view to remind us about this lesson. And for the other question about laws against prayer? It would not be the first time a child of God was told to not pray to God, if this indeed leads to that. Consider Daniel 6. If our government does make a law that goes against the Word of the Lord Almighty, then let us follow Daniel’s example.
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail… smh
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Bible and the Cell Phone
Steven's Note: This came from an email. I have no idea who wrote this. But I liked it. I can relate to it. For those on Face book, there is a picture of the Bible vs a picture of a cell phone. I am not sure that the images will translate over to facebook. Thanks for sharing with me from the trail... smh
VS
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
Is this something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing: Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think, "where are my priorities?"
And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
VS
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
Is this something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing: Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think, "where are my priorities?"
And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cold, Hard Cash
COLD, HARD CASH! Here is the latest financial secret. It is so simple that my boys, both under the age of 10 understand it. In fact, they turned me onto this. You literally can make cold, hard cash with an investment as little as .10. That is TEN CENTS!!!! This plan is so secure, yielding 100% return, with ZERO RISK.
COLD, HARD CASH!! I believe in this plan so much that I am willing to set my reputation as a preacher of the Word of God behind it. I believe this plan is so solid that I am GIVING you this plan for FREE!!!! That is right. I am not charging a single penny, nickel, dime or any other form of currency. Nothing. This is free.
COLD, HARD CASH!!! I believe that this plan will work for you the MOMENT you try it. That is right! This plan is so solid that within the same hour you will realize your return. You have never seen a plan like this before. I doubt you will see a plan like this again.
COLD, HARD CASH!!!! Are you ready for COLD, HARD CASH? I know! You are saying, "Steve, you have us on the hook. Tell us already!" I just want to be sure that you are indeed ready for this financial secret.
COLD, HARD CASH!!! OK I know enough. Before you read further, it is said that sometimes in the mouths of babes come the wisdom of the deep. God said, whoever has faith like a child shall enter the kingdom. Anyway that is a side point. Point is, my child, the Rooser, showed me this secret. IT is solid. It is sound. I said that, didn't I?
OK. The secret. Read the opening paragraph literally. Read it QUITE LITERALLY. The fastest way to make cold hard cash with as little as ten cents is to place the dime into the refrigerator. Within 10 minutes or quicker if you use the freezer, you will have indeed, COLD, HARD CASH!
For those who will argue, yes the penny has less value than a dime, but literally "...as little as 10 cents...", a dime is the smallest coin one could use, in USA Currency, to make cold cash. Some might argue cash is paper. True, to a point. Cash is any reference to actual money, whether woven paper or pressed metallic disks, instead of credit or checks. I said HARD. Paper is not hard. And the 100% return? Yes, if you put in a dime and then pull out a dime, you got 100% return. If you put in 10 cents and expected a return of 20 cents, then that would be a 200% return.
I suspect that you are groaning. Anyone who remembers me from college will be able to testify of my love of committing pranks. My dorm dad, Bill Lange, used to say, "Brother Steve, you are the only one I know who can enter a room with 10 people, and 12 start itching to prank you."
Thank you everyone who has allowed me to play this prank on you. Now you know the rest of the story behind COLD, HARD CASH. And yet there is more. As I developed this web-prank, I realized that there is also a lesson in here.
Now I hope you took this tongue in cheek. I hope it brought a good laugh to those who appreciate real life puns. Yet in this time of economic hardships, it is easy to fall prey to the trappings of fast money, easy money. Who hasn't been tempted or even pursued the idea of making a lot of something for very little.
Yet God's Word gives us an encouragement as well as warnings for money. In Proverbs 13.11, God says, "Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow." (New Century Version)
The point here is that it comes down to: "Who do you trust?" Do you trust in money to see you through these hard times, or do you trust God? From an economic observer's point, the way this country is generating money with the copier and then shoveling out the doors, trusting in the money is like building a house on the sand. Not very bright.
Don't mishear me. Money is fine. God does bless some with money. It is how we use it that makes the difference. Are you trying to make more to have more. Or is it a tool to use?
Jesus met with a rich young ruler who was wanting to be justified righteous before God. Jesus told him to give his wealth to the poor and trust God. But the man went away sad because he realized that he loved his money more than God. His money was his god. (Matthew 19.16ff)
Then in the Book of Acts, we have another rich man. His name is Joseph of Cyprus. He had some land, he sold it. He then used the money to help his brothers and sisters in the faith to survive the economic hard times the early Church was facing in Jerusalem. Through his love of God, he was motivated to use his money as a tool that directly helped in the spreading of God's Word. (Acts 4.36, 37)
Again, my apologies for the prank, and my heart-felt gratitude for allowing me the prank. But if you did get mad, even a little bit... perhaps you need to ask the question, "Who do you trust?" God would like for us to trust in Him. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. (Heb 12.2)
Thanks again for sharing with me from the trail... smh
COLD, HARD CASH!! I believe in this plan so much that I am willing to set my reputation as a preacher of the Word of God behind it. I believe this plan is so solid that I am GIVING you this plan for FREE!!!! That is right. I am not charging a single penny, nickel, dime or any other form of currency. Nothing. This is free.
COLD, HARD CASH!!! I believe that this plan will work for you the MOMENT you try it. That is right! This plan is so solid that within the same hour you will realize your return. You have never seen a plan like this before. I doubt you will see a plan like this again.
COLD, HARD CASH!!!! Are you ready for COLD, HARD CASH? I know! You are saying, "Steve, you have us on the hook. Tell us already!" I just want to be sure that you are indeed ready for this financial secret.
COLD, HARD CASH!!! OK I know enough. Before you read further, it is said that sometimes in the mouths of babes come the wisdom of the deep. God said, whoever has faith like a child shall enter the kingdom. Anyway that is a side point. Point is, my child, the Rooser, showed me this secret. IT is solid. It is sound. I said that, didn't I?
OK. The secret. Read the opening paragraph literally. Read it QUITE LITERALLY. The fastest way to make cold hard cash with as little as ten cents is to place the dime into the refrigerator. Within 10 minutes or quicker if you use the freezer, you will have indeed, COLD, HARD CASH!
For those who will argue, yes the penny has less value than a dime, but literally "...as little as 10 cents...", a dime is the smallest coin one could use, in USA Currency, to make cold cash. Some might argue cash is paper. True, to a point. Cash is any reference to actual money, whether woven paper or pressed metallic disks, instead of credit or checks. I said HARD. Paper is not hard. And the 100% return? Yes, if you put in a dime and then pull out a dime, you got 100% return. If you put in 10 cents and expected a return of 20 cents, then that would be a 200% return.
I suspect that you are groaning. Anyone who remembers me from college will be able to testify of my love of committing pranks. My dorm dad, Bill Lange, used to say, "Brother Steve, you are the only one I know who can enter a room with 10 people, and 12 start itching to prank you."
Thank you everyone who has allowed me to play this prank on you. Now you know the rest of the story behind COLD, HARD CASH. And yet there is more. As I developed this web-prank, I realized that there is also a lesson in here.
Now I hope you took this tongue in cheek. I hope it brought a good laugh to those who appreciate real life puns. Yet in this time of economic hardships, it is easy to fall prey to the trappings of fast money, easy money. Who hasn't been tempted or even pursued the idea of making a lot of something for very little.
Yet God's Word gives us an encouragement as well as warnings for money. In Proverbs 13.11, God says, "Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow." (New Century Version)
The point here is that it comes down to: "Who do you trust?" Do you trust in money to see you through these hard times, or do you trust God? From an economic observer's point, the way this country is generating money with the copier and then shoveling out the doors, trusting in the money is like building a house on the sand. Not very bright.
Don't mishear me. Money is fine. God does bless some with money. It is how we use it that makes the difference. Are you trying to make more to have more. Or is it a tool to use?
Jesus met with a rich young ruler who was wanting to be justified righteous before God. Jesus told him to give his wealth to the poor and trust God. But the man went away sad because he realized that he loved his money more than God. His money was his god. (Matthew 19.16ff)
Then in the Book of Acts, we have another rich man. His name is Joseph of Cyprus. He had some land, he sold it. He then used the money to help his brothers and sisters in the faith to survive the economic hard times the early Church was facing in Jerusalem. Through his love of God, he was motivated to use his money as a tool that directly helped in the spreading of God's Word. (Acts 4.36, 37)
Again, my apologies for the prank, and my heart-felt gratitude for allowing me the prank. But if you did get mad, even a little bit... perhaps you need to ask the question, "Who do you trust?" God would like for us to trust in Him. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. (Heb 12.2)
Thanks again for sharing with me from the trail... smh
Friday, April 09, 2010
What about the Word?
"We can all quote scripture, but..."
Think about that phrase. Words mean something. Dr. Gershwin, my psychology professor, followed by my English professor, Brother Rex Wolf, taught us that when you say something and then follow it by "but" everything preceding that word is negated.
For example, "I believe that Jesus is the only way, but each person needs to find their own way." What you just ended up saying is that you do not really believe that Jesus is the only way.
So what has started this hobby horse of mine? I tend to prefer "News and Views with Dr. Larry and Chuck Bates". I would even listen to this show over Rush Limbaugh. Today, however I am now listening to Rush. Why?
The hosts, the Bates, had a problem accepting the Word. We need to unite around Christ. Yet how do we unite around Christ? They said that God never changes. They quoted the Scripture for that statement, but shut down others who tried to quote the Scripture for their point of view.
I learned in rules of discussion you cannot argue experience. I therefore won't. But the question is, where do we derive our authority as believers? From experience or from the Word? Does God prefer to give us experience over the Word?
When we start looking away from the Word, we can become quickly in danger of accepting dangerous doctrines, and embrace false teachers. What happened to the Word? Experience trumps His Holy Word, really?!
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail...
Think about that phrase. Words mean something. Dr. Gershwin, my psychology professor, followed by my English professor, Brother Rex Wolf, taught us that when you say something and then follow it by "but" everything preceding that word is negated.
For example, "I believe that Jesus is the only way, but each person needs to find their own way." What you just ended up saying is that you do not really believe that Jesus is the only way.
So what has started this hobby horse of mine? I tend to prefer "News and Views with Dr. Larry and Chuck Bates". I would even listen to this show over Rush Limbaugh. Today, however I am now listening to Rush. Why?
The hosts, the Bates, had a problem accepting the Word. We need to unite around Christ. Yet how do we unite around Christ? They said that God never changes. They quoted the Scripture for that statement, but shut down others who tried to quote the Scripture for their point of view.
I learned in rules of discussion you cannot argue experience. I therefore won't. But the question is, where do we derive our authority as believers? From experience or from the Word? Does God prefer to give us experience over the Word?
When we start looking away from the Word, we can become quickly in danger of accepting dangerous doctrines, and embrace false teachers. What happened to the Word? Experience trumps His Holy Word, really?!
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail...
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Today's Humorous Thought
Dave, Fred, what do you two think about this?
There was a feud between the Pastor and the Choir Director of the Hicksville Southern Baptist Church. It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "dedicating yourselves to service" and the Choir Director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved".
Trying to believe it was a coincidence; the Pastor put the incident behind him. The next Sunday he preached on "giving". Afterwards, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid It All".
By this time, the Pastor was losing his temper. Sunday morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built. A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "the sin of gossiping". Would you believe the Choir Director selected: "I Love To Tell the Story"?! There was no turning back.
The following Sunday the Pastor told the congregation that unless something changed he was considering resignation. The entire church gasped when the Choir Director led them in: "Why Not Tonight".
Truthfully, no one was surprised when the Pastor resigned a week later; explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away. The Choir Director could not resist: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".
There was a feud between the Pastor and the Choir Director of the Hicksville Southern Baptist Church. It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "dedicating yourselves to service" and the Choir Director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved".
Trying to believe it was a coincidence; the Pastor put the incident behind him. The next Sunday he preached on "giving". Afterwards, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid It All".
By this time, the Pastor was losing his temper. Sunday morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built. A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "the sin of gossiping". Would you believe the Choir Director selected: "I Love To Tell the Story"?! There was no turning back.
The following Sunday the Pastor told the congregation that unless something changed he was considering resignation. The entire church gasped when the Choir Director led them in: "Why Not Tonight".
Truthfully, no one was surprised when the Pastor resigned a week later; explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away. The Choir Director could not resist: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".
Thursday, February 04, 2010
From the Fog
I was excited about this trip. And now I am sitting here in my motel room in Elk City, OK. There was a bit of a let down on this trip. One of the high lights of this trip would be a couple of stops that I wanted to make. Of course there is Vanita, OK the home of the largest McDonald's. But more than that, I was building up this cross that you can see MILES upon MILES away. Sure I told my family it was in Grover, TX. Oops. I meant Groom.
But that is ok. As we crossed the New Mexico line into Texas, a fog started settling in. Still no ice or snow, so I can deal with fog. After fueling in Amarillo, Carol is still looking for Grover, Tx outside of Amarillo. Then I saw the mileage sign. Groom, TX! That's the town's name. And the sign said we were 25 miles away. I told everyone that we should start seeing the cross soon. The fog may slow us a bit, but let's look for it.
The fog was getting heavier. Groom, next 3 exits. Great! I can't even see the field fencing along the side of the freeway, much less beyond it. I couldn't see perhaps even 30 feet in front of me. All the hype about the cross.
Yet we have a spiritual application here. Sometimes when we are looking for God, in the midst of storms and fogs of our lives, we don't see God. That does not mean God is not there. It is that we are just surrounded by the attacks of the devil, the problems of life. Yet God is still there for us who are in Christ.
So if your life is in a fog, life seems to be getting the better of you, remember what Jesus told his disciples at the the Great Commission: "Remember, I am with you always to the end of the age." (Matthew 28.20 HCS Bible)
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail!
But that is ok. As we crossed the New Mexico line into Texas, a fog started settling in. Still no ice or snow, so I can deal with fog. After fueling in Amarillo, Carol is still looking for Grover, Tx outside of Amarillo. Then I saw the mileage sign. Groom, TX! That's the town's name. And the sign said we were 25 miles away. I told everyone that we should start seeing the cross soon. The fog may slow us a bit, but let's look for it.
The fog was getting heavier. Groom, next 3 exits. Great! I can't even see the field fencing along the side of the freeway, much less beyond it. I couldn't see perhaps even 30 feet in front of me. All the hype about the cross.
Yet we have a spiritual application here. Sometimes when we are looking for God, in the midst of storms and fogs of our lives, we don't see God. That does not mean God is not there. It is that we are just surrounded by the attacks of the devil, the problems of life. Yet God is still there for us who are in Christ.
So if your life is in a fog, life seems to be getting the better of you, remember what Jesus told his disciples at the the Great Commission: "Remember, I am with you always to the end of the age." (Matthew 28.20 HCS Bible)
Thanks for sharing with me from the trail!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Journey of a Decision Made
One of my favorite stories from the Old Testament has been that of Gideon. He is the Judge who, like us, was awed that God would choose him to deliver His people. He wanted to make sure that what he was called to do was indeed God’s will.
What did he do? He had a series of tests. One of which, how would his father react? Well God instructed Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and the neighboring Asherah pole and use them to build a new altar to the Lord. He did. He made the burnt offering with the 2nd bull from his father’s herd.
The next morning, the people want his head for his actions. What does Gideon’s dad say? Well if indeed Baal is a god, then let Baal deal out justice. Wow! Dad’s prize herd killed, his temple destroyed, and he still supports his son, probably because he knew his son was right in his actions. But that was a test, nevertheless.
Then of course there is the more known test of Gideon: the one of the fleece. Night one, only the wool was to be wet. The next night, all but the fleece was to be wet. Once he saw this, he knew that he was on the right path. (Personally, I would think the way God accepted the first offering would have been enough.)
So how does this deal with us today? As you know, I have been fully invested into the community of Winslow. To that, I have been struggling with what the church is forced to look at and what is needed to be done to provide for my family.
One night, I sat down with the Elders to discuss the various options and the ramifications. After much discussion and prayer, they gave me their blessing to start looking. But is this God’s will? I had to be sure.
Some have thought that perhaps to be willing to make this choice so easily after 7 years in Winslow, I might be giving up. So that element had to be part of the test. God, if you want me here, please give me three young families before my first located interview. This was my prayer since I started sending out the resumes. I shared this test with Carol and another person in the church last Friday, the 22nd. Then on that Sunday, I received 2 families. Perhaps I will not need to leave my beloved Arizona.
Then Monday came. I started the day with an hour and half phone interview with the church of Mortons Gap, Kentucky. The call ended with promise to forward my information to the pulpit committee and then have a conference call Tuesday evening once everyone had a chance to look over the church website, listen to the sermons and pray. No call on Tuesday. Hmmm.
Wednesday late morning, I got a call from Kentucky. There was no committee, and I couldn’t take the call at the moment. I asked to call back in 5 minutes as I finished with my visit. So he called back. He expressed why there was not a committee call. Instead, they wanted to know when I could come for a visit. I told him, since its short notice, I really could not see sooner than mid-February. I would call him back Thursday evening at the earliest since one of the elders is a school teacher and is hard to get on the phone.
Wouldn’t I know it, but I leave a message for the teacher at 12.00 pm. He called back at 1.30. He said next week was fine as did the other elder. I should let MGCC decide when. Wow!
So I called KY back. I told him what the elders here said. He said, then why not the first half of February? Sure. Elders then were fine with that as well. So Wednesday the 3rd, we leave for MGCC.
Now there is another facet that I must share that has been part of my prayer as well. A few years ago, someone approached me about “church without walls” which also was echoed at that point by my preaching brother in Cali. I wasn’t so sure at the time. It’s not traditional. (Odd since my trade mark is being “non-traditional”.)
Yet then as the church started discussing the problems and potential solutions for the hard time, one member came to me and brought up, “We could dump the building for whatever and give you a raise and become a church without walls.” This time the idea took hold of me. Perhaps now the congregation would be ready.
So I started praying about it. I developed a business plan, which to some, does seem contrary to faith community. But I believe having such would make it easier to see the logistics. Then I started sharing this. It didn’t go over well at all. The original family and the family that more recently approached me were the only supporters I could find. I talked to everyone in the congregation. It seems that having such a church is not for me to accomplish in Winslow, but for another. I pray God brings him to the church after I leave.
The bottom line, brothers and sisters in the Lord, my family and friends, is that the Harvey clan is leaving Winslow. God answered the prayer in short order. Last time I looked for a place to serve, it was a year before my first phone interview with any church. This time, it was 7 days from sending out the resume to a scheduled trip. Is Kentucky our next stomping grounds? I remind you that this visit is still just an interview.
Why all of this? I wrote so that everyone will know that this decision was not something of haste, but one based in prayer, seeking to follow the Lord. As for the time table? That, too, is in the Lord’s hands.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Observations about Yuma
I am looking forward to celebrating the Anniversary of my high school, Kofa. (This comes from the largest copper mine in Arizona, of which the owner called, The King Of Arizona, or KofA, Kofa.) Go Kings!!
So as I hit the county line, I saw as I was heading west bound on I-8, the "Border Check" on the east bound lane. Seems that this temporary camp is still temporary with the tents and all, but it seems now 4 times bigger than just 18 months ago. Or am I imagining this? It shall be fun traveling through it on Monday.
Now I have crested Telegraph Pass. Then I see it just before the 32nd street exit. My FOURTH PHOTO RADAR! This time, the cameras flashed! Who will get this ticket? I was driving one of 4 black SUVs, I kid you not. Our top speed at the time of the flash? 63 in a 65 zone. Hmmm were we tailgating?
I am not liking these 2 observations. What is next? Oh, for the record, I will fight any ticket I may receive.
God bless! --smh
(This is a rant. There is no spiritual lesson. Sorry.)
So as I hit the county line, I saw as I was heading west bound on I-8, the "Border Check" on the east bound lane. Seems that this temporary camp is still temporary with the tents and all, but it seems now 4 times bigger than just 18 months ago. Or am I imagining this? It shall be fun traveling through it on Monday.
Now I have crested Telegraph Pass. Then I see it just before the 32nd street exit. My FOURTH PHOTO RADAR! This time, the cameras flashed! Who will get this ticket? I was driving one of 4 black SUVs, I kid you not. Our top speed at the time of the flash? 63 in a 65 zone. Hmmm were we tailgating?
I am not liking these 2 observations. What is next? Oh, for the record, I will fight any ticket I may receive.
God bless! --smh
(This is a rant. There is no spiritual lesson. Sorry.)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
When God Smiles♦
Did you know we are "Veggie Ambassadors"? This means that the people who produce famed Veggie Tales send to us a copy of the newest DVD supposedly a couple of months before its release in stores. The purpose is so that we can play the movie for the community and give out posters, stickers and coupons so that people will buy the movie when it is released. We like this arrangement. We get to see the movie and then we get the left over stickers to use for Vacation Bible School and neat posters for the boys' room. (yeah, we stack 'em like cord wood around here.)
Anyway, one of the more recent releases was "Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella." This episode bothered me. It talked about making God smile. Not being afraid to be ourselves makes God smile. This seemed to be the main message of the story.
Now Veggie Tales has been known for bringing Biblical truths in a fun presentation format. I have been good with this. This time, they used a message, as if it were from the Bible, that is not in the Bible, not even alluded to in the Bible. God smiling? Where did this come from?
Then last night, I was seeing some videos and accusations against "America's Pastor" Rick Warren. I watched 4 videos. None of them agreed, though all 4 of them were Pastor Rick talking. But it is this last one that shed the light for the Veggie Tale that has bothered me so. Take a gander at it.
As a preacher, it is our duty, our responsibility to make sure what we preach is found within the Word of God. This is not just Sunday mornings or at church settings, but all the time, 24/7. When people see me walking down the aisle at Wal-Mart, they greet me as preacher, pastor, or depending on the person, even reverend. (I really don't like this last title for me and he knows it.) People know me around this community. So what I do on Sundays is not, and cannot be separated from how people see me even on the soccer field as I coach the Bandits.
So it really bothers me when, at a glance, someone whose theology is close to mine then leaves that theology and "creates" new "truths". I sit back and watch how main stream people watch, swallow and follow these new teachings. I pray for those who follow "America's Pastor".
Now please don't misunderstand me. I do not hold the average person responsible for bad theology. I will open the Bible and show him what God really says, if the person wants, but I will not draw into an argument with them. I save the arguing for my colleagues, the other preachers.
They as "God's shepherds" should know better. James 3.1 tells us that we should not presume to become teachers {of God's Word}, because we know that as teachers we shall be held to a higher standard.
I guess that this is all part of "Re-Imaging our Christian Faith" to fit with our new world times. That just really bothers me.
2 Tim 3.16 says the Bible is all we need to become the person God wants us to be, for doing the good works that God wants us to do, aka spread His Good News.
And Rick, do you really want to please God? I implore you to look at Hebrews 11.6.
Thanks for listening to this rant of mine. May God's blessings flow through you to those who need His love. --smh
Now Veggie Tales has been known for bringing Biblical truths in a fun presentation format. I have been good with this. This time, they used a message, as if it were from the Bible, that is not in the Bible, not even alluded to in the Bible. God smiling? Where did this come from?
Then last night, I was seeing some videos and accusations against "America's Pastor" Rick Warren. I watched 4 videos. None of them agreed, though all 4 of them were Pastor Rick talking. But it is this last one that shed the light for the Veggie Tale that has bothered me so. Take a gander at it.
As a preacher, it is our duty, our responsibility to make sure what we preach is found within the Word of God. This is not just Sunday mornings or at church settings, but all the time, 24/7. When people see me walking down the aisle at Wal-Mart, they greet me as preacher, pastor, or depending on the person, even reverend. (I really don't like this last title for me and he knows it.) People know me around this community. So what I do on Sundays is not, and cannot be separated from how people see me even on the soccer field as I coach the Bandits.
So it really bothers me when, at a glance, someone whose theology is close to mine then leaves that theology and "creates" new "truths". I sit back and watch how main stream people watch, swallow and follow these new teachings. I pray for those who follow "America's Pastor".
Now please don't misunderstand me. I do not hold the average person responsible for bad theology. I will open the Bible and show him what God really says, if the person wants, but I will not draw into an argument with them. I save the arguing for my colleagues, the other preachers.
They as "God's shepherds" should know better. James 3.1 tells us that we should not presume to become teachers {of God's Word}, because we know that as teachers we shall be held to a higher standard.
I guess that this is all part of "Re-Imaging our Christian Faith" to fit with our new world times. That just really bothers me.
2 Tim 3.16 says the Bible is all we need to become the person God wants us to be, for doing the good works that God wants us to do, aka spread His Good News.
And Rick, do you really want to please God? I implore you to look at Hebrews 11.6.
Thanks for listening to this rant of mine. May God's blessings flow through you to those who need His love. --smh
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Lesson From a Point
Perhaps I have done a bad thing. I have created, and then fed an addiction. No, this is not my addiction. But it is an addiction within the household. But it is so funny to watch him come and beg for more as if he were coming down hard from a high. Relax, it is not with my sons, nor my dogs.
We have this cat, an orange tabby named Toby. And he has an addiction that I created and feed whenever I have the whim to do so. And what is this addiction? "Laser Light!"
I bought this neat pen that came equipped with LED light and a laser pointer at the top end. Our other cat liked it, but she never became "addicted" to it. Then we got Toby and one day I pulled the pen out and shined the laser. He went ballistic!
Mention "laser light" he comes running with a loud purr. Or if I sit at my chair or I am in the kitchen, he comes to me, chirps and then starts looking around for the little red dot. If he does not immediately see the red dot, then he becomes insistent. He has even jumped in my lap and nipped my hand because I was not giving in to him. He needs me to show him the light. (What a monster I have created!)
This brings me to another application as I was one day showing him the pointer. I started thinking about the Bible, and how this might apply to our spiritual lives. (Surely you saw this coming.)
Jesus told his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5, verses 14 & 16, "You are the light of the world... (so) let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Christian Standard Bible)
Another way to look at this: we are declared the light of the world, shining the way to the Father. The world needs us to be that light. To live so that we show others the way we have found. And why do they need us?
When I was in Boy Scouts, we once circled a campfire and then we started walking away from the fire. We were to stop when we each reached as close to the edge of darkness as we dared, without actually entering the darkness. When we had all stopped, we turned around to face the fire. We could not clearly see one another, not across the fire, nor to our sides. While we thought we were still in the light, we were really well into the dark.
The point of this story is that our neighbors around us may not know the extent of darkness that they are in. This is where we come in. We are to shine their paths out of the darkness, not with arrogance or superiority, but with gentleness and love, the Gentleness and Love of God, our Father. And who knows? Someone may love that light you shine for them.
The Father's blessings to you! --smh
We have this cat, an orange tabby named Toby. And he has an addiction that I created and feed whenever I have the whim to do so. And what is this addiction? "Laser Light!"
I bought this neat pen that came equipped with LED light and a laser pointer at the top end. Our other cat liked it, but she never became "addicted" to it. Then we got Toby and one day I pulled the pen out and shined the laser. He went ballistic!
Mention "laser light" he comes running with a loud purr. Or if I sit at my chair or I am in the kitchen, he comes to me, chirps and then starts looking around for the little red dot. If he does not immediately see the red dot, then he becomes insistent. He has even jumped in my lap and nipped my hand because I was not giving in to him. He needs me to show him the light. (What a monster I have created!)
This brings me to another application as I was one day showing him the pointer. I started thinking about the Bible, and how this might apply to our spiritual lives. (Surely you saw this coming.)
Jesus told his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5, verses 14 & 16, "You are the light of the world... (so) let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Christian Standard Bible)
Another way to look at this: we are declared the light of the world, shining the way to the Father. The world needs us to be that light. To live so that we show others the way we have found. And why do they need us?
When I was in Boy Scouts, we once circled a campfire and then we started walking away from the fire. We were to stop when we each reached as close to the edge of darkness as we dared, without actually entering the darkness. When we had all stopped, we turned around to face the fire. We could not clearly see one another, not across the fire, nor to our sides. While we thought we were still in the light, we were really well into the dark.
The point of this story is that our neighbors around us may not know the extent of darkness that they are in. This is where we come in. We are to shine their paths out of the darkness, not with arrogance or superiority, but with gentleness and love, the Gentleness and Love of God, our Father. And who knows? Someone may love that light you shine for them.
The Father's blessings to you! --smh
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Question of Salvation and Works♦
A friend of mine stated on Facebook, "If our faith cannot take us to church, what makes us think that it will take us to heaven?" I liked that comment of his. Then another friend of his questioned that. It appears to me that he is of a "faith only" belief. Just believe that God is your savior. That's it. I almost replied with, "Consider Philippians 2.12. Of course that passage Paul is telling the church in Philippi to work out their salvation.
I didn't post it so that I could talk about it here, in my blog. Sorry Gary. :-)
Comes to me that this question is not about the gift, but the nature of the gift. One might use the Christmas gift to explain salvation. You might have heard it: A person was given this nice, probably expensive gift from a very wealthy friend. He set it on the mantle of his fireplace. He looked at the nice wrapping, and admired it. Yet he never unwrapped it. He has no idea what was in the box. The question is, did he truly receive the gift?
Yet, for this thought, that illustration fails. It perhaps is on the right track. Perhaps it's not. The biggest problem is our understanding the nature of the gift. From reading 1 Corinthians one can see that God's wisdom is not the wisdom of the world. The world really cannot understand God's wisdom and therefore looks at it as being folly.
So let us consider the gift of salvation from God through Jesus Christ. What is the nature of it? Is this something that we receive once, that we admire and stare at, such as one would do a crystal elephant? I sure hope not.
I got my wife a crystal elephant for Christmas, either our first or second Christmas. We both like to look at it. I bought a light box that changes colors to bring out different beauties within the crystal. And yet, it sits there. We stare at it. That's it.
That is typical of the gifts of the world. Sure, you may use a video game system or some other more usuable object. But does it change us? Does it motivate us to live differently? Maybe, depending on the item we may change our diet, we may drive more if we are so blessed, but will it change our attitude? Will it make us really transformed as with what we read in 2 Corinthians 3.18 or Romans 12.2? *Paul talks about how we need to be transformed through the renewing of our mind, becoming more like Jesus.
No, for that, the transformation comes from within. The gifts of the world brings perhaps transformations on the outside while the heart remains unmoved.
Yet there is another nature or aspect of the gift of God, being the motivation or the doing. James 1.22 says, "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
So often we feel that if we pay our tithes, and attend church, then we have done our duty to God. Yet that is no more, nor better than what the Pharisees were doing when Jesus blasted their traditions.
James' letter is all about our motivation. It is about living our faith. Do we have faith in Christ? Let me back up, do you like to attend sporting events, such as a Dallas Cowboys game? What makes it better in person than on television? Perhaps because you are able to share your joy with other, like-minded fans? See where I am going?
Do we have faith in Christ? Do we show the same enthusiasm for Christ that we would our favorite team? Do we want to be around others who are like minded? Why wouldn't we?
Let us now return to what James wrote in 1.22. Let us do what the Word says. What does the Word say for us to do? Matthew 22.37-40, Jesus replied, "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second one is like it: Love your neighbor like yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments."
In short, we are to live fully for God, and show His love for our neighbors, even if we don't want to.
Then we have the passage from Matthew 28.18-20. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every commandment I have taught you. And I will always be with you, even to the end of the ages."
And there is one more. (Actually there are quite many more, but for brevity, I have only looked at just a scant few.) James, once again tells us what pure religion looks like. James 1.27, he writes: "Religion that is pure and acceptable to God the Father is this: to look after the widows and orphans in their times of distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by this world."
Jesus lived His faith, because He loved God. He set the example for us to imitate. Now mind you, we do not live the faith to earn salvation, but because we have been given salvation. We live our faith not because we want God to love us, but because we already love God for what He has done for us. That is a different nature of the greatest gift you and I will ever receive.
God bless, and thanks for reading my thoughts.
I didn't post it so that I could talk about it here, in my blog. Sorry Gary. :-)
Comes to me that this question is not about the gift, but the nature of the gift. One might use the Christmas gift to explain salvation. You might have heard it: A person was given this nice, probably expensive gift from a very wealthy friend. He set it on the mantle of his fireplace. He looked at the nice wrapping, and admired it. Yet he never unwrapped it. He has no idea what was in the box. The question is, did he truly receive the gift?
Yet, for this thought, that illustration fails. It perhaps is on the right track. Perhaps it's not. The biggest problem is our understanding the nature of the gift. From reading 1 Corinthians one can see that God's wisdom is not the wisdom of the world. The world really cannot understand God's wisdom and therefore looks at it as being folly.
So let us consider the gift of salvation from God through Jesus Christ. What is the nature of it? Is this something that we receive once, that we admire and stare at, such as one would do a crystal elephant? I sure hope not.
I got my wife a crystal elephant for Christmas, either our first or second Christmas. We both like to look at it. I bought a light box that changes colors to bring out different beauties within the crystal. And yet, it sits there. We stare at it. That's it.
That is typical of the gifts of the world. Sure, you may use a video game system or some other more usuable object. But does it change us? Does it motivate us to live differently? Maybe, depending on the item we may change our diet, we may drive more if we are so blessed, but will it change our attitude? Will it make us really transformed as with what we read in 2 Corinthians 3.18 or Romans 12.2? *Paul talks about how we need to be transformed through the renewing of our mind, becoming more like Jesus.
No, for that, the transformation comes from within. The gifts of the world brings perhaps transformations on the outside while the heart remains unmoved.
Yet there is another nature or aspect of the gift of God, being the motivation or the doing. James 1.22 says, "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
So often we feel that if we pay our tithes, and attend church, then we have done our duty to God. Yet that is no more, nor better than what the Pharisees were doing when Jesus blasted their traditions.
James' letter is all about our motivation. It is about living our faith. Do we have faith in Christ? Let me back up, do you like to attend sporting events, such as a Dallas Cowboys game? What makes it better in person than on television? Perhaps because you are able to share your joy with other, like-minded fans? See where I am going?
Do we have faith in Christ? Do we show the same enthusiasm for Christ that we would our favorite team? Do we want to be around others who are like minded? Why wouldn't we?
Let us now return to what James wrote in 1.22. Let us do what the Word says. What does the Word say for us to do? Matthew 22.37-40, Jesus replied, "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second one is like it: Love your neighbor like yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments."
In short, we are to live fully for God, and show His love for our neighbors, even if we don't want to.
Then we have the passage from Matthew 28.18-20. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey every commandment I have taught you. And I will always be with you, even to the end of the ages."
And there is one more. (Actually there are quite many more, but for brevity, I have only looked at just a scant few.) James, once again tells us what pure religion looks like. James 1.27, he writes: "Religion that is pure and acceptable to God the Father is this: to look after the widows and orphans in their times of distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by this world."
Jesus lived His faith, because He loved God. He set the example for us to imitate. Now mind you, we do not live the faith to earn salvation, but because we have been given salvation. We live our faith not because we want God to love us, but because we already love God for what He has done for us. That is a different nature of the greatest gift you and I will ever receive.
God bless, and thanks for reading my thoughts.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Fear in Fatherhood
I almost did it again. Most of my posts seem to start of with, "So here..." I suspect that my suspicions are true. Yet that is not what I am afraid of.
I remember Saturday afternoon. The Game was over. Our team lost. Again. That is ok. Sometimes failing is the best teacher. Sometimes. This time. Yet moving along. We were on our way back, having had the boys eat already because they were not going to enjoy the BBQ. So anyway, we are heading to the Leppin Ranch for the Harvest Festival. Carol was selling her soap. We made a few.
So where is the fear? I am a preacher. I have sons. I know many boys who are sons of preachers. They for the most part, do not like listening to sermons. Not their dads, not those on the radio. I do not look forward to that day. I pray it never comes. I have faith that as long as I look up, they shall never utter the words that I heard many preachers' sons utter, "I hate the ministry" or "I hate sermons". Yet most of them seem to be fulfilling a sence of family tradition. (That is another post.)
So as I was heading back to the festival, I was running a bit dry on Dr Pepper in my Mug. Seems that the Shell station happened to be on the way. So I pulled in. To expedite the errand, I turned the radio on, rolled the windows down and had the boys stay in the car and wait. (Relax. This is NOT Yuma. We are nice a cool. And I parked in the shade. Come warm or cold, I do not leave the kids in the car.) And to my shock, there was no music. Just preaching.
I tried to make it as brief as possible. I run in, fill up. Go to pay. Oops. The clerk wants to visit. So I take a few moments extra. Forgot that I left the radio on to sermons. Ok, just one sermon. I was only inside for 10 minutes. I could see the car from the register as well as from the soda fountain. Kids were fine. After I pay up, I head back out.
Arriving at the door, I hear the preacher's MC making a plea for support of the ministry. The boys had 15 minutes of sermon. I began to apologize. Then Precious Ricky, my real PK (His name is Patrick Karl, after his grandpas, and I loved that his initials are PK. Yet Another post,) interrupts the beginning of my apology.
"Papa, the sermon was about King Nebednuzzar. I like listening to sermons." WOW! Talk about a natural high!! That was to keep me soaring. But I decided to save this for the blog. Sorry Carol. Ricky made my day. He likes listening to sermons. My sermons. (Sure the radio is not playing my sermons, yet. But mine are what he hears the most.)
I pray that I continue to look to the Father so that I can be the papa to my boys. Instill a faith in them that moves greater mountains that God has used for me, whether they be preachers, or farmers, or perhaps both.
Yet it is also humbling. My boys are watching me, listening to me. I am not always the best. I don't always keep my cool. I want to break the cycle that has been handed down to me. By God's grace, that cycle is still broken. But by His Grace, His Strength, His Love.
Thank you, Father, for the boys you have blessed me with. May I continue to teach them to trust in You.
Thanks for reading. (Notice, this is a SHORT post. Not bad for a Giant. LOL) --smh
I remember Saturday afternoon. The Game was over. Our team lost. Again. That is ok. Sometimes failing is the best teacher. Sometimes. This time. Yet moving along. We were on our way back, having had the boys eat already because they were not going to enjoy the BBQ. So anyway, we are heading to the Leppin Ranch for the Harvest Festival. Carol was selling her soap. We made a few.
So where is the fear? I am a preacher. I have sons. I know many boys who are sons of preachers. They for the most part, do not like listening to sermons. Not their dads, not those on the radio. I do not look forward to that day. I pray it never comes. I have faith that as long as I look up, they shall never utter the words that I heard many preachers' sons utter, "I hate the ministry" or "I hate sermons". Yet most of them seem to be fulfilling a sence of family tradition. (That is another post.)
So as I was heading back to the festival, I was running a bit dry on Dr Pepper in my Mug. Seems that the Shell station happened to be on the way. So I pulled in. To expedite the errand, I turned the radio on, rolled the windows down and had the boys stay in the car and wait. (Relax. This is NOT Yuma. We are nice a cool. And I parked in the shade. Come warm or cold, I do not leave the kids in the car.) And to my shock, there was no music. Just preaching.
I tried to make it as brief as possible. I run in, fill up. Go to pay. Oops. The clerk wants to visit. So I take a few moments extra. Forgot that I left the radio on to sermons. Ok, just one sermon. I was only inside for 10 minutes. I could see the car from the register as well as from the soda fountain. Kids were fine. After I pay up, I head back out.
Arriving at the door, I hear the preacher's MC making a plea for support of the ministry. The boys had 15 minutes of sermon. I began to apologize. Then Precious Ricky, my real PK (His name is Patrick Karl, after his grandpas, and I loved that his initials are PK. Yet Another post,) interrupts the beginning of my apology.
"Papa, the sermon was about King Nebednuzzar. I like listening to sermons." WOW! Talk about a natural high!! That was to keep me soaring. But I decided to save this for the blog. Sorry Carol. Ricky made my day. He likes listening to sermons. My sermons. (Sure the radio is not playing my sermons, yet. But mine are what he hears the most.)
I pray that I continue to look to the Father so that I can be the papa to my boys. Instill a faith in them that moves greater mountains that God has used for me, whether they be preachers, or farmers, or perhaps both.
Yet it is also humbling. My boys are watching me, listening to me. I am not always the best. I don't always keep my cool. I want to break the cycle that has been handed down to me. By God's grace, that cycle is still broken. But by His Grace, His Strength, His Love.
Thank you, Father, for the boys you have blessed me with. May I continue to teach them to trust in You.
Thanks for reading. (Notice, this is a SHORT post. Not bad for a Giant. LOL) --smh
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Another Sinker
The sky was a beautiful, slight overcast. One would say it was shaping up to be a rather nice, warm, mostly sunny day. Driving through the city streets, if one can call Winslow a city being that she is only 3 miles wide and but a mile deep. Yet this Sunday morning, the streets were normally vacant. (This is but a topic for another post. Remind me.) At thie church building, I pull up into the shade of the elm that over hangs the sidewalk. Why not? If it were to be a warm day, then I would want my truck to be rather cool to sit in at the end of the Worship Service.
Sunday School teacher was a bore today. I nearly fell asleep during the discussion-less lecture. I hate when the Sunday School teacher lectures us. Reminded me of sitting through a few of those dry lectures in Bible College. Class ended on time, thankfully. I wasn't sure I could endure a moment more. (Yet this is another topic for another blog. But you all gotta remind me.)
As typical of my duties preparing for the start of the worship service, I jump up to the stage, fire up my old Pentium 1 computer. (Yeah, it still works, and works well with the projector.) It was time to start the power point. Once I had the first of the slides for the morning displaying, it was time to head to the fellowship room.
The people who prepare the fellowship time do a good job at providing rather questionably healthy snacks. (OK so they aren't healthy at all.) I do enjoy them. Today was a Turkish pastry type with raspberry jelly rolled up inside, and nice sugar crystals coating the outside. I quickly downed 4 of them while looking for the new couple.
I missed them last week. They took the holiday and explored Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon. They had a successful fishing trip. Of course all of this was still not known to me. For I did not see them. They usually stop by the Fellowship Room as they enter the building. It was almost time to start. Where could they be?
I decided that since I was needed up front, I would just poke my head out. Excellent. Their 4Runner was parked across the street from me. Still a mostly clear day, but they snuck in. I called them on it. We enjoyed talking about their trip, their fish fry and their relaxation.
Then all of a sudden I hear our guitarist beckon me from the stage. We were now running late in our starting time. Carol already had the boys situated in the pews. So I bound up, accidentally turning my wireless mic on in front of the speaker. Now all who were put to sleep by the Sunday School teacher are full awake. (Note to self...wait until you are at the pulpit to turn the mic on, or ask the local audiologist for a referral fee.)
Being late, and usually being the one waiting for the worship team, I was flustered. I apologized for the late start. "I was busy fellowshipping down below." Did I just say that? Should I clarify? 10 seconds that lasted 10 minutes... Panic started to set in.
"I mean down off the stage." Maybe I should have kept my size 13 mouth shut. The congregation erupted in laughter at the connotation of my original statement.
BOOM! RUMBLE. RUMBLE, BOOM!
Wait! Where did that thunder come from? While I talked, it thundered. People were reminding me of the sanctity of the pulpit. Were they enjoying the timing of God's thunder? Were they talking tongue in cheek? Were they serious? Was God serious?
We began our song service. After the initial set of songs, it was time to greet one another. During this time, I take our chair bound lad next door for Children's Church. It was raining quite hard at this time. (20 minutes ago, it was mostly sunny, remember.) I lay my glasses aside so they would not get soaked as I took the kids next door. That went without much incident. My suit is charcoal grey so it was hard to see how wet it got. That is a blessing.
As I was walking back the the Sanctuary Building, I looked. Across the street, it was sunny. Across the other street, it was sunny too. Across the alley was also sunny. Oh the Baptist church next door was sunny too. But it was sure raining hard, and thundering over our church. Hmm.
The rest of the song service was going well. Then it was time for the sermon. Today we are looking at judgment from 1 Corinthians 4. 1-5. The sermon was not the usual 3 point. At least not how I planned it. There was only 2 points. The only judgment that we need to be concerned with is God's. And His judgment is sure. (2nd coming from 1 Corinthians 1.8 from a couple of weeks ago.)
I had good passion. I do like the letters to the Corinthians. They are a church not much different from the typical American church today. Then as I built the transition from point 2 to the application, I advanced on the slide. There was point 3, the one I deleted on Friday. Originally the 3rd point was all other judgment is distraction. I had decided that the point was distracting so I tucked it away in point 1. And there it is on the screen.
Talk about a fumble. Another peel of thunder followed by the pelting of hail stones. Father forgive me for such a delivery today.
Afterward I was surrounded and encouraged. It was a good day. I pray that it did bring glory to the Father. I pray that this note brought a smile to your face.
For me, next time I see have to hear a Sunday School lecture... Well I am not sure what I will do. Maybe grit my teeth and bear it. God bless, and thank you for reading. --smh
Sunday School teacher was a bore today. I nearly fell asleep during the discussion-less lecture. I hate when the Sunday School teacher lectures us. Reminded me of sitting through a few of those dry lectures in Bible College. Class ended on time, thankfully. I wasn't sure I could endure a moment more. (Yet this is another topic for another blog. But you all gotta remind me.)
As typical of my duties preparing for the start of the worship service, I jump up to the stage, fire up my old Pentium 1 computer. (Yeah, it still works, and works well with the projector.) It was time to start the power point. Once I had the first of the slides for the morning displaying, it was time to head to the fellowship room.
The people who prepare the fellowship time do a good job at providing rather questionably healthy snacks. (OK so they aren't healthy at all.) I do enjoy them. Today was a Turkish pastry type with raspberry jelly rolled up inside, and nice sugar crystals coating the outside. I quickly downed 4 of them while looking for the new couple.
I missed them last week. They took the holiday and explored Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon. They had a successful fishing trip. Of course all of this was still not known to me. For I did not see them. They usually stop by the Fellowship Room as they enter the building. It was almost time to start. Where could they be?
I decided that since I was needed up front, I would just poke my head out. Excellent. Their 4Runner was parked across the street from me. Still a mostly clear day, but they snuck in. I called them on it. We enjoyed talking about their trip, their fish fry and their relaxation.
Then all of a sudden I hear our guitarist beckon me from the stage. We were now running late in our starting time. Carol already had the boys situated in the pews. So I bound up, accidentally turning my wireless mic on in front of the speaker. Now all who were put to sleep by the Sunday School teacher are full awake. (Note to self...wait until you are at the pulpit to turn the mic on, or ask the local audiologist for a referral fee.)
Being late, and usually being the one waiting for the worship team, I was flustered. I apologized for the late start. "I was busy fellowshipping down below." Did I just say that? Should I clarify? 10 seconds that lasted 10 minutes... Panic started to set in.
"I mean down off the stage." Maybe I should have kept my size 13 mouth shut. The congregation erupted in laughter at the connotation of my original statement.
BOOM! RUMBLE. RUMBLE, BOOM!
Wait! Where did that thunder come from? While I talked, it thundered. People were reminding me of the sanctity of the pulpit. Were they enjoying the timing of God's thunder? Were they talking tongue in cheek? Were they serious? Was God serious?
We began our song service. After the initial set of songs, it was time to greet one another. During this time, I take our chair bound lad next door for Children's Church. It was raining quite hard at this time. (20 minutes ago, it was mostly sunny, remember.) I lay my glasses aside so they would not get soaked as I took the kids next door. That went without much incident. My suit is charcoal grey so it was hard to see how wet it got. That is a blessing.
As I was walking back the the Sanctuary Building, I looked. Across the street, it was sunny. Across the other street, it was sunny too. Across the alley was also sunny. Oh the Baptist church next door was sunny too. But it was sure raining hard, and thundering over our church. Hmm.
The rest of the song service was going well. Then it was time for the sermon. Today we are looking at judgment from 1 Corinthians 4. 1-5. The sermon was not the usual 3 point. At least not how I planned it. There was only 2 points. The only judgment that we need to be concerned with is God's. And His judgment is sure. (2nd coming from 1 Corinthians 1.8 from a couple of weeks ago.)
I had good passion. I do like the letters to the Corinthians. They are a church not much different from the typical American church today. Then as I built the transition from point 2 to the application, I advanced on the slide. There was point 3, the one I deleted on Friday. Originally the 3rd point was all other judgment is distraction. I had decided that the point was distracting so I tucked it away in point 1. And there it is on the screen.
Talk about a fumble. Another peel of thunder followed by the pelting of hail stones. Father forgive me for such a delivery today.
Afterward I was surrounded and encouraged. It was a good day. I pray that it did bring glory to the Father. I pray that this note brought a smile to your face.
For me, next time I see have to hear a Sunday School lecture... Well I am not sure what I will do. Maybe grit my teeth and bear it. God bless, and thank you for reading. --smh
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
A Glimmer of Hope?
Once again I am sitting here at the computer, reading stories after stories, status updates upon more. I am trying to see more and more of what I can. Dr. Ogilvie posted a tidbit about HR 45. Sure we can keep our arms. But we will be taxed to exercise one of our God-given rights? Hmm.
Saw another article. It is the link that is associated with this. GW passed a law giving the government even MORE power. Obama has staffed the office that this bill created. Seems my church for holding a VBS Yardsale could be fined, and I arrested, for selling stuff that I didn't know was even recalled. Hmm.
So where is the hope? Read that article. At the bottom of the page, click "NEXT" so that you may finish the article. Then read the comments. At this time, there are about 6 pages of comments. ALL of them are against this. No one likes this. One man (Shadfurman) summed it up this way: "There goes a little more of my right to "pursue happiness", especially if I'm a toy collector... which I'm not... but it's my right to be if I want it."
Am I seeing people starting to wake up? Are we starting to cling to our rights, and letting our voices be heard? Is there hope?
YOU BET! There is hope if we first bend our knees in praise to God for allowing us to be born in the United States of America, and secondly, if we stand up and speak for our rights. Let us reclaim our great Nation. For me, it starts in Navajo County, the Great State of Arizona. (I just love how "Great State of Arizona" looks. What can I say? I am a proud son of this State.) Where does it start for YOU, my readers?
Mr McCain, Mr Kyl, Ms Kirkpatrick, Mr Obama, do you hear us, yet? We are getting louder, just for you.
Thanks for reading... Keep the Fight, and keep the FAITH!!! Godspeed, and God bless! -- smh
Saw another article. It is the link that is associated with this. GW passed a law giving the government even MORE power. Obama has staffed the office that this bill created. Seems my church for holding a VBS Yardsale could be fined, and I arrested, for selling stuff that I didn't know was even recalled. Hmm.
So where is the hope? Read that article. At the bottom of the page, click "NEXT" so that you may finish the article. Then read the comments. At this time, there are about 6 pages of comments. ALL of them are against this. No one likes this. One man (Shadfurman) summed it up this way: "There goes a little more of my right to "pursue happiness", especially if I'm a toy collector... which I'm not... but it's my right to be if I want it."
Am I seeing people starting to wake up? Are we starting to cling to our rights, and letting our voices be heard? Is there hope?
YOU BET! There is hope if we first bend our knees in praise to God for allowing us to be born in the United States of America, and secondly, if we stand up and speak for our rights. Let us reclaim our great Nation. For me, it starts in Navajo County, the Great State of Arizona. (I just love how "Great State of Arizona" looks. What can I say? I am a proud son of this State.) Where does it start for YOU, my readers?
Mr McCain, Mr Kyl, Ms Kirkpatrick, Mr Obama, do you hear us, yet? We are getting louder, just for you.
Thanks for reading... Keep the Fight, and keep the FAITH!!! Godspeed, and God bless! -- smh
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Hey, We're OLD?!
So I sit here, reflecting upon a facebook war, if one might call it such. Robert started it. He said everyone but him was looking old. Robert, you don't look as old because you shave your head, ya cheat! Anyway, this isn't about attacking anyone, at least not in the serious form. This is about us getting older. Having a laugh.
We become painfully aware of it with tragedies. We jokingly are reminded when we see a sports star our own age have his midlife crisis in front of the cameras as he signs his "Hail Mary" contract. Dude, take a page from the book of Elway and buy an auto dealership and enjoy life. (But one must wonder what Minnesota was thinking. Isn't this where Steve Young retreated to, as well?)
Roberts comments were not the only reason this has been on my mind of late. Truth be told, we are not old. I can't be. I don't shave my head like some, and don't invest in "Just For Men" like others, but I have less gray today then at the 10 year reunion. (though, seriously I have no idea who is using. Care to confess? Oh, using JFM!)
Last month, we had our nieces from Albq visiting us for a few weeks. It's always a blast having them here with us. Well maybe not this time. My Candice said, "Uncle Steve, you're old!" Thanks lil princess. Why do I call you my "Favorite Niece" again?
That's not it alone. There is more. There is a Shell Food Mart where I enjoy the best tap Dr. Pepper around. Everyone there knows me. Everyone there really doesn't know me, I learned. One of the girls working there said, "I have been meaning to ask you: those boys that occasionally come in with you, are they your grandchildren?" OUCH!!! THAT HURT! OUCH! Still smarting over that. I went back to talk with one of the few there that I have known going on years. "Actually, we all thought that they were your grandsons." Did I say OUCH!!
So then we go off to a store in Flagstaff. Winslow is limited on where one goes to buy clothes for my SONS. Wal-mart. Fantastic selection of girls clothes. (Yeah we lack the selection for boys.) So back to the store in Flagstaff. We had someone at the register ringing up our purchase. He looked like he was 50-ish. "Sir, I must compliment you on your well behaved grandsons." Say it with me: "OUCH!!"
Being a preacher, I usually can't keep my mouth shut. I thought I would share these events with my congregation. Since the mean age of the congregation is 60, AFTER we include my family's ages, I thought I would be told, "Preacher, you don't look old." Hey, I wanted some ego boosting.
Instead, "Gramps! That is too funny!" Hey! Again, my favorite chorus of this note: (Say it with me:) OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! Seeing this 80 year old lady calling ME, "Gramps".
Thought I would get sympathy from my dad since he called to let me know he misses his grandchildren who do not live in Yuma. Nope. Not gonna happen. He had a hoot. We got to talking about the whole event. Until Kevin moved to 26th Place, my dad was the oldest dad around. Seriously, he was. I didn't want to be a senior citizen at my boys' graduations. I got married earlier. But we could not have children until ... Well I am going to be a senior citizen at my kids' graduation. Oh well.
The point of these funnies, you must ask? Aging. I don't really feel young. I don't see much differences from the pictures of the 20 year reunion from what I saw at the 10 year. I even still remember Uncle Gene's Black 40 party. He still looks the same.
Oh yeah, back on aging. I remember when I was younger. I was in college. I wonder why people make a big deal of aging. I thought, "just embrace it, move on." Now I am there, seeing myself, forcing myself to embrace the fact that I may not be as young as I used to be. (Though I can still walk a 15 minute mile, and run it in 7. And I am now 7" taller than at graduation.)
One might say, "Steven, as a preacher, you are failing to make your point." Yeah, I know. I am having fun rambling. I used to ramble too much on Sunday morning, so I have to have an outlet for it, so here we are. What was I saying?
Oh yeah, aging. I am ... Well I did have a point that I was in the process of driving the long way too. I got lost. Sorry. Enjoy this time & thanks for reading!
Gramps Steve
We become painfully aware of it with tragedies. We jokingly are reminded when we see a sports star our own age have his midlife crisis in front of the cameras as he signs his "Hail Mary" contract. Dude, take a page from the book of Elway and buy an auto dealership and enjoy life. (But one must wonder what Minnesota was thinking. Isn't this where Steve Young retreated to, as well?)
Roberts comments were not the only reason this has been on my mind of late. Truth be told, we are not old. I can't be. I don't shave my head like some, and don't invest in "Just For Men" like others, but I have less gray today then at the 10 year reunion. (though, seriously I have no idea who is using. Care to confess? Oh, using JFM!)
Last month, we had our nieces from Albq visiting us for a few weeks. It's always a blast having them here with us. Well maybe not this time. My Candice said, "Uncle Steve, you're old!" Thanks lil princess. Why do I call you my "Favorite Niece" again?
That's not it alone. There is more. There is a Shell Food Mart where I enjoy the best tap Dr. Pepper around. Everyone there knows me. Everyone there really doesn't know me, I learned. One of the girls working there said, "I have been meaning to ask you: those boys that occasionally come in with you, are they your grandchildren?" OUCH!!! THAT HURT! OUCH! Still smarting over that. I went back to talk with one of the few there that I have known going on years. "Actually, we all thought that they were your grandsons." Did I say OUCH!!
So then we go off to a store in Flagstaff. Winslow is limited on where one goes to buy clothes for my SONS. Wal-mart. Fantastic selection of girls clothes. (Yeah we lack the selection for boys.) So back to the store in Flagstaff. We had someone at the register ringing up our purchase. He looked like he was 50-ish. "Sir, I must compliment you on your well behaved grandsons." Say it with me: "OUCH!!"
Being a preacher, I usually can't keep my mouth shut. I thought I would share these events with my congregation. Since the mean age of the congregation is 60, AFTER we include my family's ages, I thought I would be told, "Preacher, you don't look old." Hey, I wanted some ego boosting.
Instead, "Gramps! That is too funny!" Hey! Again, my favorite chorus of this note: (Say it with me:) OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! Seeing this 80 year old lady calling ME, "Gramps".
Thought I would get sympathy from my dad since he called to let me know he misses his grandchildren who do not live in Yuma. Nope. Not gonna happen. He had a hoot. We got to talking about the whole event. Until Kevin moved to 26th Place, my dad was the oldest dad around. Seriously, he was. I didn't want to be a senior citizen at my boys' graduations. I got married earlier. But we could not have children until ... Well I am going to be a senior citizen at my kids' graduation. Oh well.
The point of these funnies, you must ask? Aging. I don't really feel young. I don't see much differences from the pictures of the 20 year reunion from what I saw at the 10 year. I even still remember Uncle Gene's Black 40 party. He still looks the same.
Oh yeah, back on aging. I remember when I was younger. I was in college. I wonder why people make a big deal of aging. I thought, "just embrace it, move on." Now I am there, seeing myself, forcing myself to embrace the fact that I may not be as young as I used to be. (Though I can still walk a 15 minute mile, and run it in 7. And I am now 7" taller than at graduation.)
One might say, "Steven, as a preacher, you are failing to make your point." Yeah, I know. I am having fun rambling. I used to ramble too much on Sunday morning, so I have to have an outlet for it, so here we are. What was I saying?
Oh yeah, aging. I am ... Well I did have a point that I was in the process of driving the long way too. I got lost. Sorry. Enjoy this time & thanks for reading!
Gramps Steve
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Politicians & Guns in Arizona
I write this note as I am finishing my day. I had a great day. Today was the monthly meeting of Republican PCs for Navajo County. I had a great conversation with a kindred mind to and fro the meeting. We talked about many things both church and state. But that is for another post.
During the meeting, as it is recess for the State Legislation, Senator Sylvia Allen was able to attend. She is a politician that one wants to trust. She is endearing. She listens to critics. She welcomes praise. But she is gutsy as well. She is typical ARIZONA!!
Arizona has been getting some bad rap. Sure a man from Glendale, or was it Scottsdale, moved to New Hampshire. He took his gun, (remember Amendment 2) to the presidential rally. People were alarmed. He has ties to the likes of Timothy McVeigh! (His ties is that he lived in Arizona. Timothy lived in Arizona. Let's therefore turn Arizona into a prison state, for we are all guilty of being associated with T McV!!)
So back to the meeting. Fund raisers are coming up. People were wondering about the events that would help raise funds so that we can get the word out, inform the masses. It looked like the BBQ would be $50 neighborhood per person, maybe couple. This preacher would not be attending. Senator Allen is nominated to the chair of the fund-raising committee for an evening. BBQ now has price tag of 25 per couple. Now we are talking. This is for October 17, at Tenney Ranch. I am not sure where this is. But I shall learn before then. We are going, provided that I am not obligated to be somewhere else for work.
The day, 10/17, is even better than that. Prior to the BBQ, which will bring in funds from the dessert auction, will be preceded by Senator Allen's fund raiser. Same place. She calls it the Shoot Out with Senator Allen. Now how brave is that?!
Yeah, Folks! She is going to allow herself to be in the same location as her Constituents packing heat. She is doing such a bang up job down in Phoenix that she is secure in her approval to allow such an event. She did this last year too. (And yes I can shoot off the puns all day long!) When I asked her about it, she said "I am a pretty dangerous shot with my .357!" (Since I can't hit the broad side of a barn with my .38 S & W, she is allowing me to bring my Marlin .22 Long Rifle! She is sweet!)
Only such bravada and confidence, and love for her state and her people... Only in Arizona do we have the likes that are willing to take such risks. First there was Barry Goldwater. Then there was Sheriff Mack of Graham County and Sheriff Joe of Maricopa County. Now there is Senator Sylvia Allen of Northern Arizona. (Too bad I can't put McCain or Governor Jan on this list.)
Point is, not ALL politicians are afraid of guns. After all, GUNS DON'T KILL people... Doctors DO! (Oh wait! That's a reference to another Email. Cyd can get you the information. Maybe even Joan or Tom.)
This is why I am proud to be a son of the Great State of Arizona! Thanks for reading. Have a blessed and awesome day in the Lord!
During the meeting, as it is recess for the State Legislation, Senator Sylvia Allen was able to attend. She is a politician that one wants to trust. She is endearing. She listens to critics. She welcomes praise. But she is gutsy as well. She is typical ARIZONA!!
Arizona has been getting some bad rap. Sure a man from Glendale, or was it Scottsdale, moved to New Hampshire. He took his gun, (remember Amendment 2) to the presidential rally. People were alarmed. He has ties to the likes of Timothy McVeigh! (His ties is that he lived in Arizona. Timothy lived in Arizona. Let's therefore turn Arizona into a prison state, for we are all guilty of being associated with T McV!!)
So back to the meeting. Fund raisers are coming up. People were wondering about the events that would help raise funds so that we can get the word out, inform the masses. It looked like the BBQ would be $50 neighborhood per person, maybe couple. This preacher would not be attending. Senator Allen is nominated to the chair of the fund-raising committee for an evening. BBQ now has price tag of 25 per couple. Now we are talking. This is for October 17, at Tenney Ranch. I am not sure where this is. But I shall learn before then. We are going, provided that I am not obligated to be somewhere else for work.
The day, 10/17, is even better than that. Prior to the BBQ, which will bring in funds from the dessert auction, will be preceded by Senator Allen's fund raiser. Same place. She calls it the Shoot Out with Senator Allen. Now how brave is that?!
Yeah, Folks! She is going to allow herself to be in the same location as her Constituents packing heat. She is doing such a bang up job down in Phoenix that she is secure in her approval to allow such an event. She did this last year too. (And yes I can shoot off the puns all day long!) When I asked her about it, she said "I am a pretty dangerous shot with my .357!" (Since I can't hit the broad side of a barn with my .38 S & W, she is allowing me to bring my Marlin .22 Long Rifle! She is sweet!)
Only such bravada and confidence, and love for her state and her people... Only in Arizona do we have the likes that are willing to take such risks. First there was Barry Goldwater. Then there was Sheriff Mack of Graham County and Sheriff Joe of Maricopa County. Now there is Senator Sylvia Allen of Northern Arizona. (Too bad I can't put McCain or Governor Jan on this list.)
Point is, not ALL politicians are afraid of guns. After all, GUNS DON'T KILL people... Doctors DO! (Oh wait! That's a reference to another Email. Cyd can get you the information. Maybe even Joan or Tom.)
This is why I am proud to be a son of the Great State of Arizona! Thanks for reading. Have a blessed and awesome day in the Lord!
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