The wussification of America is almost complete. I know the word does not exist, but I have created a new phrase to fit what is happening in our country. There was the day in America that people were strong enough to stand up and say, "I made that decision and right or wrong I still am the one who is responsible". Not so any more in this great land of freedom, no one wants to be responsible for what they do or say. The legal industry has something to do with this state of mentality, the public un-education system has something to do with this, as well as many well meaning parents and some parents that should have never been parents, and finally the church had a hand in this too. Where ever the pointer lands we need to understand what it means.
The USA is no longer the home of the brave and land of the free, if this path continues. This country was founded by men and women who were willing to stand up and fight the world super power of the time for freedom. Patrick Henry is often quoted "Give me liberty or give death", he knew if the American Revolution failed he and many others would be hung as traitors and was willing to stand up and be counted as that for freedom. He took responsibility, he and the others of the outlaw colonial revolt were convinced that God had a mission and that was the freedom of America, where people could take responsibility for themselves.
The funny thing is that God gives us the freedom to take responsibility for our spiritual lives as well as our physical lives. I find the two are connected at the deepest level, people who don't want to take responsibility for their physical life and the mess that they have created, never take responsibility for their spiritual life either. Have you ever given that any thought? If you do, you will find that it is a true statement.
Freedom is a two edged sword and one must learn to handle it without getting cut, you have the freedom to chose which path you will take, failure or success. You are the one who decides which path, you can blame it on someone else and deny your responsibility, but it was you who made the decisions.
God gives you an escape hatch, if you will use it. The first step is taking responsibility for your mistakes and admitting guilt, I made the mess and I don't know how to fix it. This applies to your spiritual life and physical life as well. Step two is ask Jesus to forgive you and take over as Savior and Lord. This is the step that most people fail at and don't know it. Jesus will be your savior, but to have victory you must let Him be Lord and have control. That means you must learn to listen and do what He directs and take responsibility for doing what He wants you to do. If He is not your Lord, you may not be His child, remember the verse,"Depart from me" Matthew 7:23. At this point it will be too late to blame someone else.
What to do? Take responsibility for your actions, ask Jesus to be your savior and Lord, listen and respond. Don't pass the buck on this one, no one can get you out of this except your self with Jesus.There is no "free pass".
God Bless
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Why is Public Education Failing?
Everyone seems to agree that the public education system in America is failing on all fronts. A recent survey revealed that of 25 developed countries the USA was 23rd in student scores. Many well educated and well meaning people have spend countless hours trying to figure out how to solve this problem. All the focus is always on what the school system needs to do to fix the problem. The teachers usually take a punch to the nose, in most of these reports and surveys. I am not convinced that it is all the teachers' fault, yes there are teachers who are just making time until retirement and that is a situation that needs to be addressed.
No child should be left behind was the brain child of a recent President, and has pushed the educators in our schools to teach students to pass a test. Every teacher is graded on how well the students in their class take and pass the end of grade test, (EOGs), and every student will tell you that the EOG is something they stress about. The schools are ranked and graded based on the overall results of the EOGs, and teachers' and teacher assistants' salaries are connected the results of these test. Conceptually this is a good idea and rewards high performance schools and faulty. The draw back is, that no exceptions are allowed and those students that can not, for physical or mental reasons, pass the EOGs, are still required to take the test and expected to perform. Even that can be over come and is not the root cause of the problem. To fix a problem one must get to the root of the problem, if your car tire is low on air you can air it up for a little while, but you better find the leak and fix it.
We now have the first group of children in the school system that was and is being raised by the village. The biggest problem in our school system is the home of many of the students. We have students in our school system that have no idea of how they are suppose to behave in public, because they have no direction at home. The school system is not allowed to correct the problem with any authority, other than corrective positive reinforcement. The teachers and assistances are so busy trying to teach children how to act in public and function in a group environment, that they can't teach reading, writing and math.
My wife is a teacher assistant in a public school and is in a K grade class and has had children tell her this year that they would hit her if she corrected their behavior. Her teacher calls it a power struggle and refuses to address the behavior, of course that is coming from the Principal of the school who uses the same methodology.
The school used to be a great magnet school of math and science, and had a great group of children and parents, from across the city. The leadership has changed and is focusing more on being a neighborhood/community based school, sounds like a good idea, the only problem is that the community is 98% low income black. Most of these students are from single parent households and may even be living with a elderly grandparent, and may not be receive the discipline they need. There fore these students don't know how to behave in public and think that they are in charge, thereby the "power struggle" in class rooms.
The answer may be as simple as restoring strong corrective discipline in the school system, but we know that is a simplistic answer. Parents need to be re-empowered to take control of the children and provide discipline and direction to children, the idea that children should be disciplined by positive corrective reinforcement sounds nice in books and seminars, but rarely works.
Now I am not encouraging child abuse. What I am encouraging is setting limits and having accountability for actions. Sometimes a swat to the bottom will go a long way to provide needed corrections. To answer the question of what is the root of the problem, I have a fairly simple answer, families are needed to raise children, and discipline needs to taught at home, not at school.
No child should be left behind was the brain child of a recent President, and has pushed the educators in our schools to teach students to pass a test. Every teacher is graded on how well the students in their class take and pass the end of grade test, (EOGs), and every student will tell you that the EOG is something they stress about. The schools are ranked and graded based on the overall results of the EOGs, and teachers' and teacher assistants' salaries are connected the results of these test. Conceptually this is a good idea and rewards high performance schools and faulty. The draw back is, that no exceptions are allowed and those students that can not, for physical or mental reasons, pass the EOGs, are still required to take the test and expected to perform. Even that can be over come and is not the root cause of the problem. To fix a problem one must get to the root of the problem, if your car tire is low on air you can air it up for a little while, but you better find the leak and fix it.
We now have the first group of children in the school system that was and is being raised by the village. The biggest problem in our school system is the home of many of the students. We have students in our school system that have no idea of how they are suppose to behave in public, because they have no direction at home. The school system is not allowed to correct the problem with any authority, other than corrective positive reinforcement. The teachers and assistances are so busy trying to teach children how to act in public and function in a group environment, that they can't teach reading, writing and math.
My wife is a teacher assistant in a public school and is in a K grade class and has had children tell her this year that they would hit her if she corrected their behavior. Her teacher calls it a power struggle and refuses to address the behavior, of course that is coming from the Principal of the school who uses the same methodology.
The school used to be a great magnet school of math and science, and had a great group of children and parents, from across the city. The leadership has changed and is focusing more on being a neighborhood/community based school, sounds like a good idea, the only problem is that the community is 98% low income black. Most of these students are from single parent households and may even be living with a elderly grandparent, and may not be receive the discipline they need. There fore these students don't know how to behave in public and think that they are in charge, thereby the "power struggle" in class rooms.
The answer may be as simple as restoring strong corrective discipline in the school system, but we know that is a simplistic answer. Parents need to be re-empowered to take control of the children and provide discipline and direction to children, the idea that children should be disciplined by positive corrective reinforcement sounds nice in books and seminars, but rarely works.
Now I am not encouraging child abuse. What I am encouraging is setting limits and having accountability for actions. Sometimes a swat to the bottom will go a long way to provide needed corrections. To answer the question of what is the root of the problem, I have a fairly simple answer, families are needed to raise children, and discipline needs to taught at home, not at school.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Truth of Christmas
I watched "Charlie Brown's Christmas" last night and had a good laugh, and was reminded that there was a day that the truth of Christmas could be publicly stated on television, as Linus recited the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus.
My wife made the comment that someone would probably complain to the television station about the story of Jesus' birth. That gave me a thought, what do atheist celebrate at Christmas, why do these folks even have a holiday during the winter at all? The word holiday actually mean Holy Day and holy only comes from the acknowledgement of God or Supreme Being if you wish. The winter holiday, aka Christmas is an a celebration of the birth of Jesus the Jewish Messiah, and foundation of the Christian faith. If one does not believe in God, then why would one believe in the Son of God and celebrate His birthday. If a person doesn't believe in something why would they spend time talking about it or complaining about it.
Let me share an example with you, I don't believe in vampires and there fore I have never seen any of the vampires movies that have been out in the last couple of years. I don't talk about vampires or protest the movies, I simply ignore what I care not to believe in, this works well for things that don't exist. Not so easy to ignore something that does exist and that which most of the world accepts as fact because there is more proof than not.
For the atheist that wish to ignore the truth of Jesus, let me suggest that you forget the winter holiday completely. That will save you money and there is no need for you to exchange gifts anyway. Please allow us simple minded individuals who understand the truth that God is real and Jesus is the Messiah to enjoy a holiday and all the tradition and fun the goes with it.
It is my prayer that the truth of the message of Jesus and the Christmas story will reach your heart this year.
My wife made the comment that someone would probably complain to the television station about the story of Jesus' birth. That gave me a thought, what do atheist celebrate at Christmas, why do these folks even have a holiday during the winter at all? The word holiday actually mean Holy Day and holy only comes from the acknowledgement of God or Supreme Being if you wish. The winter holiday, aka Christmas is an a celebration of the birth of Jesus the Jewish Messiah, and foundation of the Christian faith. If one does not believe in God, then why would one believe in the Son of God and celebrate His birthday. If a person doesn't believe in something why would they spend time talking about it or complaining about it.
Let me share an example with you, I don't believe in vampires and there fore I have never seen any of the vampires movies that have been out in the last couple of years. I don't talk about vampires or protest the movies, I simply ignore what I care not to believe in, this works well for things that don't exist. Not so easy to ignore something that does exist and that which most of the world accepts as fact because there is more proof than not.
For the atheist that wish to ignore the truth of Jesus, let me suggest that you forget the winter holiday completely. That will save you money and there is no need for you to exchange gifts anyway. Please allow us simple minded individuals who understand the truth that God is real and Jesus is the Messiah to enjoy a holiday and all the tradition and fun the goes with it.
It is my prayer that the truth of the message of Jesus and the Christmas story will reach your heart this year.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Focus on What is Important
By now everyone has heard about the teenager in Wisconsin who held a group of classmates hostage at gun point for about six hours. The boy then shot himself, it goes without saying that this child was deeply troubled. I would like to encourage folks to pray for this young man and his family. The news reported that he had two handguns, of course the anti-gun rights folks are going to raise an alarm, and call for tougher gun control laws or outright bans on handguns. The problem that these folks close their eyes to is that the young man at 15 years of age, had to steal these guns and any type of gun control or ban would have made no difference at all.
The real cry should be, what signs were missed and how could the school or parents prevented this? Intervention should be more than a television show. The holiday season comes with tons of stress for adults and for school students there are added items of stress. Whether adults want to admit it or not, teens share many of the adult stress factors, then you must add in the exams, senior projects, and peer group pressure.
Most teens find ways to deal with these stress items through friends, activities, attitude, hard work, some use drugs and or alcohol abuse, there are constructive relievers and destructive relievers. The job as adults is to help teens find a constructive reliever.
What are some of the signs we need to be aware of? Good question, glad you ask.
Teens and children that are normally outgoing and chatty, may become quiet and withdrawn....time to ask questions.
The child who was always compliant and obeyed, becomes defensive and defiant and maybe augmentative.
The circle of friends changes.
The open child becomes very reserved and secretive.
Do you notice a change in your child's demeanor or attitude, start by asking questions and then seek help.
We can start by teaching our children how too deal with stress problems, we can make our children aware that the stress will come and go. What is the greatest stress reliever?
Try prayer and faith, I have found that these two items are the greatest stress relief ever. Jesus said His yoke was easy and well fitted, and His brother James encourages us to cast our cares on Jesus, because He cares for us.I can tell you from a life of experience that these two items work and do so well.
We need to focus on what is important, why teens find the need to act with violent behavior and or self destructive. How to really understand what is going on the lives of young people and how to do an intervention that works.
Gun control and bans will do nothing to fix the problem, that is a non-important side bar.
We need to focus on what is important.
The real cry should be, what signs were missed and how could the school or parents prevented this? Intervention should be more than a television show. The holiday season comes with tons of stress for adults and for school students there are added items of stress. Whether adults want to admit it or not, teens share many of the adult stress factors, then you must add in the exams, senior projects, and peer group pressure.
Most teens find ways to deal with these stress items through friends, activities, attitude, hard work, some use drugs and or alcohol abuse, there are constructive relievers and destructive relievers. The job as adults is to help teens find a constructive reliever.
What are some of the signs we need to be aware of? Good question, glad you ask.
Teens and children that are normally outgoing and chatty, may become quiet and withdrawn....time to ask questions.
The child who was always compliant and obeyed, becomes defensive and defiant and maybe augmentative.
The circle of friends changes.
The open child becomes very reserved and secretive.
Do you notice a change in your child's demeanor or attitude, start by asking questions and then seek help.
We can start by teaching our children how too deal with stress problems, we can make our children aware that the stress will come and go. What is the greatest stress reliever?
Try prayer and faith, I have found that these two items are the greatest stress relief ever. Jesus said His yoke was easy and well fitted, and His brother James encourages us to cast our cares on Jesus, because He cares for us.I can tell you from a life of experience that these two items work and do so well.
We need to focus on what is important, why teens find the need to act with violent behavior and or self destructive. How to really understand what is going on the lives of young people and how to do an intervention that works.
Gun control and bans will do nothing to fix the problem, that is a non-important side bar.
We need to focus on what is important.
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Important Thing
I sometimes check in on what is referred to a "progressive web sites", this is what many of our politically and socially liberal friends refer to themselves as. I don't really recommend that people read these sites unless you happen to agree with the dribble that is posted there or have a very strong stomach. Recently I was on one of these sites and read an article by an atheistic writer.
The writer was presenting the idea that he/she would engage religious people in conversation in which the religious people were seeking the approval of the atheist for their religion and no matter what the religious people say he/she would never agree to the religious point of view. This may surprise you, but I agree with the atheist. I do not want an atheist to agree or approve of my faith.
My faith is not based on religion, it is based on a relationship with Jesus. Religion over the past history is faith that is corrupted by man's ambitions and desires. I will not take up the remainder of your life digging in to all the bad things done in the name of religion in the past. I will remind you that in the name of Islam (religion) a war is being waged against American infidels and Christian infidels, in Iraq churches are invaded and believers are killed because they have a relationship with Jesus.
Notice I have use the term relationship with Jesus several times, and that is the truth of the Christian religion, many people have made it about the religion, but I always go back to the fact that it is about relationship with Jesus. Now I know that many people don't believe that Jesus really existed, but that is closing your eyes to a historical fact, that would be tantamount to saying that Buddha or Confucius did not exist. The problem is in the fact that Jesus' tomb is empty and there fore He could not have lived, right? Well, if that is what they want to believe, they are certainly free to do so, except if Islam is the state religion and then they have to swear to Islam even if they don't believe.
However Jesus is a historical fact and the fact that His grave is empty only proves that what was written 100's to a 1000 years before His birth is simply true. Jesus was anti-religion, He was about relationships and that is what He wants from us, a relationship between you and Him. Jesus wants you to believe in Him and be saved John 3:18 and 6:40. By living a relationship with Jesus you will find light in your life, John 8:12, notice that Jesus was talking to the religious leaders when He made both statements.
So the short answer is I don't need any ones approval for my faith, because it is based on a relationship, not a religion. I would encourage the folks that consider themselves to smart for a personnel relationship Jesus, to reconsider.
If I live my life serving Jesus and doing what He wants me to, like helping others, serving the poor and sick and being kind and gentle, raising my family to be honest and trustworthy citizens, and when I die I find that there is no heaven or hell and it is all over, what have I wasted? If you live denying Jesus and it makes no difference what you do and the strong shall survive, and you do what ever seems right to you, and you die and find out that you were wrong and there is a heaven and hell and a judgement, what then?
Jesus does not call you to a religion, but a relationship with the King of Kings. What will you do with this man called Jesus? Your move.
The writer was presenting the idea that he/she would engage religious people in conversation in which the religious people were seeking the approval of the atheist for their religion and no matter what the religious people say he/she would never agree to the religious point of view. This may surprise you, but I agree with the atheist. I do not want an atheist to agree or approve of my faith.
My faith is not based on religion, it is based on a relationship with Jesus. Religion over the past history is faith that is corrupted by man's ambitions and desires. I will not take up the remainder of your life digging in to all the bad things done in the name of religion in the past. I will remind you that in the name of Islam (religion) a war is being waged against American infidels and Christian infidels, in Iraq churches are invaded and believers are killed because they have a relationship with Jesus.
Notice I have use the term relationship with Jesus several times, and that is the truth of the Christian religion, many people have made it about the religion, but I always go back to the fact that it is about relationship with Jesus. Now I know that many people don't believe that Jesus really existed, but that is closing your eyes to a historical fact, that would be tantamount to saying that Buddha or Confucius did not exist. The problem is in the fact that Jesus' tomb is empty and there fore He could not have lived, right? Well, if that is what they want to believe, they are certainly free to do so, except if Islam is the state religion and then they have to swear to Islam even if they don't believe.
However Jesus is a historical fact and the fact that His grave is empty only proves that what was written 100's to a 1000 years before His birth is simply true. Jesus was anti-religion, He was about relationships and that is what He wants from us, a relationship between you and Him. Jesus wants you to believe in Him and be saved John 3:18 and 6:40. By living a relationship with Jesus you will find light in your life, John 8:12, notice that Jesus was talking to the religious leaders when He made both statements.
So the short answer is I don't need any ones approval for my faith, because it is based on a relationship, not a religion. I would encourage the folks that consider themselves to smart for a personnel relationship Jesus, to reconsider.
If I live my life serving Jesus and doing what He wants me to, like helping others, serving the poor and sick and being kind and gentle, raising my family to be honest and trustworthy citizens, and when I die I find that there is no heaven or hell and it is all over, what have I wasted? If you live denying Jesus and it makes no difference what you do and the strong shall survive, and you do what ever seems right to you, and you die and find out that you were wrong and there is a heaven and hell and a judgement, what then?
Jesus does not call you to a religion, but a relationship with the King of Kings. What will you do with this man called Jesus? Your move.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
New Day
The majority of Americans are sending a message to the Washington elite, restore government to what it is suppose to be. The government was never meant to be everything to everyone, the main purpose of government is to provide for the common defense and good of the people. Look at what the Preamble to the US Constitution says: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." I am not sure that the governing elite understand this concept anymore, but worse than that many citizens of America don't understand that concept either.
For some reason domestic tranquility and general welfare have been convoluted to mean that the government is suppose to give people everything they need or want from cradle to grave. Provide for "common defence" does not mean that you are not responsible for taking care of yourself. That term did not mean that the government would have the resources to promise that you would never be the victim of a crime or that everyone would have a personal guard at all times.
Domestic Tranquility was used to refer to maintaining order and control crime and warfare from within the country, remember that during this time there were groups of people who would desire to see the government overturned, that is not so much different from today. The common defence( please note the old English spelling) was to secure our country, from countries and people that would attack us from outside the borders, again not some much different from today.
I think it is important to note that the writers of the Constitution also understood that people would work to become successful. The Blessing of Liberty and Posterity, simply put the citizen could pursue wealth through hard work and effort. The government would do nothing to hamper the the individual who was legally pursue the dream of life, liberty, and posterity.
Now that the lame duck session of Congress is in, maybe the American people can prevent any major legislation from moving through the Congress, that is pushed by liberal politics. Hopefully, government of the people, by the people, for the people, will be true again. Less government and more freedom will result in a stronger America and American economy.
For some reason domestic tranquility and general welfare have been convoluted to mean that the government is suppose to give people everything they need or want from cradle to grave. Provide for "common defence" does not mean that you are not responsible for taking care of yourself. That term did not mean that the government would have the resources to promise that you would never be the victim of a crime or that everyone would have a personal guard at all times.
Domestic Tranquility was used to refer to maintaining order and control crime and warfare from within the country, remember that during this time there were groups of people who would desire to see the government overturned, that is not so much different from today. The common defence( please note the old English spelling) was to secure our country, from countries and people that would attack us from outside the borders, again not some much different from today.
I think it is important to note that the writers of the Constitution also understood that people would work to become successful. The Blessing of Liberty and Posterity, simply put the citizen could pursue wealth through hard work and effort. The government would do nothing to hamper the the individual who was legally pursue the dream of life, liberty, and posterity.
Now that the lame duck session of Congress is in, maybe the American people can prevent any major legislation from moving through the Congress, that is pushed by liberal politics. Hopefully, government of the people, by the people, for the people, will be true again. Less government and more freedom will result in a stronger America and American economy.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Way to Heaven Is Your Choice
Recently I have seen and heard a few Pastors of mega churches make the statement that who goes to heaven is up to God, and that they are not going to judge people. Taken out of context theses statements seem to say that there is more than one to Heaven and that Jesus was not the only way. This has drawn a fire storm of retorts from some other mega church Pastors, isn't amazing how fast a bunch of people who claim to love Jesus, can start fighting over misunderstood wording. I sure I have made some dumb statements through out my life, anyone who would deny making dumb statements is fooling themselves only. If someone dissected every word I have said over the years of teaching, preaching and public speaking, I am sure that I could be drawn and quartered for something, if you speak in public enough you will sooner or later say something that can be taken the wrong way.
I think it is time for the church to put petty differences behind us and start loving people like Jesus wants us to do, I don't think Jesus really cares if you are Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic or just no general denomination at all. He called us to love each other.
A friend of mine once summed the New Testament up in a few words and it stuck with me and today I am still use this. Love God and Love Others, the rest is commentary. Now before anyone breaks out the stake and sticks to burn me at the stake, let me say this: I believe Jesus is God in the flesh, Emmanuel. I believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, "No man come to the Father, except through me", Jesus., I believe in answered prayers and healing and speaking in tongues. I believe in salvation by faith and in grace. I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and without error. I also believe that all this without Love is just noise and more noise. The greatest commandment Jesus gave me was to Love God and Love others, and I love God through Jesus and I love others through Jesus.
No, it is not my job to judge who goes to heaven, that is God's job and I do not want it. He made a way for those of us who were lucky enough to hear the Gospel, but Romans tells us that to the un-evangelized, creation testifies about God and His glory. I am glad to have heard the Gospel and to be sure of the hope that is within me, for those who have heard the Gospel, but walked away, my heart breaks, for those who have not heard the Gospel, I pray that missionaries and ministers will arrive for them. For those who may never hear the Gospel because of location or situation, I pray that God reveals His glory and plan to them.
It is time for the church to stop "splitting hairs" as my mother would say and get on with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Blessing to all.
I think it is time for the church to put petty differences behind us and start loving people like Jesus wants us to do, I don't think Jesus really cares if you are Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic or just no general denomination at all. He called us to love each other.
A friend of mine once summed the New Testament up in a few words and it stuck with me and today I am still use this. Love God and Love Others, the rest is commentary. Now before anyone breaks out the stake and sticks to burn me at the stake, let me say this: I believe Jesus is God in the flesh, Emmanuel. I believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, "No man come to the Father, except through me", Jesus., I believe in answered prayers and healing and speaking in tongues. I believe in salvation by faith and in grace. I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and without error. I also believe that all this without Love is just noise and more noise. The greatest commandment Jesus gave me was to Love God and Love others, and I love God through Jesus and I love others through Jesus.
No, it is not my job to judge who goes to heaven, that is God's job and I do not want it. He made a way for those of us who were lucky enough to hear the Gospel, but Romans tells us that to the un-evangelized, creation testifies about God and His glory. I am glad to have heard the Gospel and to be sure of the hope that is within me, for those who have heard the Gospel, but walked away, my heart breaks, for those who have not heard the Gospel, I pray that missionaries and ministers will arrive for them. For those who may never hear the Gospel because of location or situation, I pray that God reveals His glory and plan to them.
It is time for the church to stop "splitting hairs" as my mother would say and get on with the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Blessing to all.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
One More Week of Television Torture
Have you grown as weary of the television campaign ads as I have? We have been literally bombed with these ads and everyone says basically the same thing about the opposition. Everyone of the these people running for office have our best interest at heart and they are going to work for you and me or have been working for you and me.I can smell garbage and theirs ads stink. A more true ad from the incumbent would be to show his or her voting record and perhaps some of their speeches, you could understand where they stand. The challenger could present in an intelligent manner that is understandable to the voters what he or she would do and how they would vote or would have voted on the same issues.
The other side of the coin, is that the American public which could start voting what is best for the entire country instead of their own little state or district. For example many states elect Congress based on if that Congressman can bring Federal contract jobs to their state. "I will get that road or bridge built for you." It is time for this kind of politics to be put behind us. We should vote considering what is best for our entire nation, there are hard decisions to be made and we need men and women of strong character, who will put the good of America ahead of what is good for their district. These people used to be called statesmen/women. The American citizen needs to put the good of our country ahead of ourselves. What do you mean? So glad you ask.
Freedom always works, the Constitution was written with a Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence refers to rights endowed by man's Creator. What the government gives the government can take away, but God gives us life, liberty and the right to pursue happiness. The men who wrote these papers well knew that freedom was the answer and they put the good of the nation ahead of personal gain. Thomas Jefferson could have returned to his plantation and lived a life of easy, yet he committed his life to keeping America free. John Adams could have returned to private law practice and lived out his years, yet he chose to lead the fledging nation of America as the second President. Jefferson became the third President to lead the country he help begin, a study of history reveals that these men were statesmen, not local political minded men.
Where are the statesmen today? I don't know of anyone who would subject themselves to the news media examination to run for office. Good people make mistakes and the news media will drag any little mistake into the public and make it larger than life. Statesmen, if you are out there please step up.
Vote freedom this year.
The other side of the coin, is that the American public which could start voting what is best for the entire country instead of their own little state or district. For example many states elect Congress based on if that Congressman can bring Federal contract jobs to their state. "I will get that road or bridge built for you." It is time for this kind of politics to be put behind us. We should vote considering what is best for our entire nation, there are hard decisions to be made and we need men and women of strong character, who will put the good of America ahead of what is good for their district. These people used to be called statesmen/women. The American citizen needs to put the good of our country ahead of ourselves. What do you mean? So glad you ask.
Freedom always works, the Constitution was written with a Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence refers to rights endowed by man's Creator. What the government gives the government can take away, but God gives us life, liberty and the right to pursue happiness. The men who wrote these papers well knew that freedom was the answer and they put the good of the nation ahead of personal gain. Thomas Jefferson could have returned to his plantation and lived a life of easy, yet he committed his life to keeping America free. John Adams could have returned to private law practice and lived out his years, yet he chose to lead the fledging nation of America as the second President. Jefferson became the third President to lead the country he help begin, a study of history reveals that these men were statesmen, not local political minded men.
Where are the statesmen today? I don't know of anyone who would subject themselves to the news media examination to run for office. Good people make mistakes and the news media will drag any little mistake into the public and make it larger than life. Statesmen, if you are out there please step up.
Vote freedom this year.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The culture of giving
Recently I had the joy to work on a mission trip for the weekend in Anderson SC at the LOT Project. LOT stands for Least Of These, and is dedicated to helping those that are the least of these. While we were there we were able to help out by making some minor physical changes to the building. The mission was not open, but we had people stopping by and asking if the ministry was open, watching the young man who runs this center relate to these people and stop what he was doing to offer help was a blessing to me. We were blessed with too many pizza pies for lunch, for seven people we had 14 pizza pies, way more than we could eat. With that we were able to meet the need of some people who stopped and needed a meal. I saw Andy give clothes, shoes, and food away even with the center closed.
What do we do with our blessings? Many people ask for more and horde what they have. The young man that runs the LOT project, told me that he will make the salary of $17,000 this year,but he is doing what God has called him to do. Of that 17K he uses some of it to help the LOT project and the people who come there, yet his needs are met, how is that for living by faith?
I know pastors who regularly live on what many would call substandard wages, if that was what they were paid, yet they do not mind keeping their pastor "humble". The church is America is the wealthiest in the world yet we fail to return our blessing from God to God, and then wonder why we struggle.American churches would not have any money issues and the ministries like the LOT project would flourish if the Christians in America would do one simple thing......give their tithe to God through their church. The culture of giving has been replaced with the culture of credit....give credit, God does not need credit, He owns it all any way, so why would He want credit. He wants you and I to give to the work of the kingdom.
God has the perfect giving plan, the tithe...10% of what you have. If you did not receive anything then you owe nothing. If you receive $100 for your work you should pay $10 to Him as a tithe, after all He is the one who made you able to work and provided the job to you.
Give it some thought and try it out for a year and prove God on this point.
What do we do with our blessings? Many people ask for more and horde what they have. The young man that runs the LOT project, told me that he will make the salary of $17,000 this year,but he is doing what God has called him to do. Of that 17K he uses some of it to help the LOT project and the people who come there, yet his needs are met, how is that for living by faith?
I know pastors who regularly live on what many would call substandard wages, if that was what they were paid, yet they do not mind keeping their pastor "humble". The church is America is the wealthiest in the world yet we fail to return our blessing from God to God, and then wonder why we struggle.American churches would not have any money issues and the ministries like the LOT project would flourish if the Christians in America would do one simple thing......give their tithe to God through their church. The culture of giving has been replaced with the culture of credit....give credit, God does not need credit, He owns it all any way, so why would He want credit. He wants you and I to give to the work of the kingdom.
God has the perfect giving plan, the tithe...10% of what you have. If you did not receive anything then you owe nothing. If you receive $100 for your work you should pay $10 to Him as a tithe, after all He is the one who made you able to work and provided the job to you.
Give it some thought and try it out for a year and prove God on this point.
Friday, October 22, 2010
What Have We Done?
The President of the United States of America, Mr. Obama, has for three times now refused to quote the Declaration of Independence correctly. He insist on leaving out the term Creator, the writers of this important piece of our foundation acknowledged that "men were endowed with certain inalienable rights by their Creator". Now I respect people rights to read and editorialize things, but this is one of those documents that should be quoted correctly every time, he was not paraphrasing, he was OMITTING. It would equate to quoting John 1 and leaving out " The Word" or "God", the verse reads "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God."
The Founding Fathers acknowledged that this new country would survive only if God desired it to. They understood the importance of acknowledging God in the life of the country. They had no intention of leaving God out of America, on the converse, they wished this place to be a country where people could worship and honor God any way the people wished. The Declaration of Independence acknowledges God, and was written by men of the "Enlightened Era", so if the these men were so enlightened, and still smart enough to honor God, would not the current President be smart to do the same?
For years the Socialist and Communist have know that to remove God from the basis of the American government would result in the fall of the American government and the enslavement of the American people. The people of the USA gained our freedom from God, not the government, because what the government gives they can also take away. That is why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution of the USA, so that the average American could if needed defend his or her rights, up to and including armed revolt if needed. The current President is quietly leading our America down a Socialist/Communist path, he wants to destroy everything this country stands for and he will do it from the inside out and use the form of "making it better for everyone".
Thousands of Americans from Minute Men, citizen soldiers, pioneers, settlers, to regular military have fought and died for the America they believed in; All men are created equal, and The Creator endowed men with the right to pursue Life, Liberty and the Happiness. As we approach Veterans Day here in a few weeks, it is time we started to remember these brave men and women who paid for our freedom with their life, and the men and women who also paid with a life long injury and handicap so that I could write what I want to.
Veterans; THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM.
Mr. Obama, do the right thing and honor the American heritage and quote the documents correctly.
Americans, I encourage you to vote this election day and vote for freedom and independence. Prepare your self to defend freedom if needed. I will gladly stand with you and defend our America from enemies, domestic or foreign.
Last but not least thank a veteran in the next few weeks, buy him or her and their family dinner if you can, or maybe a card that simply says thank you.
The Founding Fathers acknowledged that this new country would survive only if God desired it to. They understood the importance of acknowledging God in the life of the country. They had no intention of leaving God out of America, on the converse, they wished this place to be a country where people could worship and honor God any way the people wished. The Declaration of Independence acknowledges God, and was written by men of the "Enlightened Era", so if the these men were so enlightened, and still smart enough to honor God, would not the current President be smart to do the same?
For years the Socialist and Communist have know that to remove God from the basis of the American government would result in the fall of the American government and the enslavement of the American people. The people of the USA gained our freedom from God, not the government, because what the government gives they can also take away. That is why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution of the USA, so that the average American could if needed defend his or her rights, up to and including armed revolt if needed. The current President is quietly leading our America down a Socialist/Communist path, he wants to destroy everything this country stands for and he will do it from the inside out and use the form of "making it better for everyone".
Thousands of Americans from Minute Men, citizen soldiers, pioneers, settlers, to regular military have fought and died for the America they believed in; All men are created equal, and The Creator endowed men with the right to pursue Life, Liberty and the Happiness. As we approach Veterans Day here in a few weeks, it is time we started to remember these brave men and women who paid for our freedom with their life, and the men and women who also paid with a life long injury and handicap so that I could write what I want to.
Veterans; THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOM.
Mr. Obama, do the right thing and honor the American heritage and quote the documents correctly.
Americans, I encourage you to vote this election day and vote for freedom and independence. Prepare your self to defend freedom if needed. I will gladly stand with you and defend our America from enemies, domestic or foreign.
Last but not least thank a veteran in the next few weeks, buy him or her and their family dinner if you can, or maybe a card that simply says thank you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The World is Over Sensitive
All over the world young teens and older teens enter-act at games, arcades, amusement parks, school and many other places. Why are the news people making a big deal out of something that happens all the time? Yes, one of the teens is famous and the others are general public, but this news coverage of a incident between a 16 year old and a 12 year old is getting out of hand. Teens everywhere say things to each other the many sensitive and noble minded people would find offensive.Teens regularly use racial slurs and call each other things like "fag" "gay","dork", black teens regularly call each other "nigger" and white teens do the same. The problem seems to be the adults that are SO sensitive that anything that is not perfectly polite and proper, must be hate speech. Sometimes words that are taken out of context can sound like something they are not meant to mean. Hate speech may not be hate, it may be the way to close friends communicate. I hear high school students talk to each other with words that some people would classify as hate speech and the banter is back and forth.
It would seem to me that adults need to allow young people to work out some things for themselves, without crying hate speech and making a mountain out of a mole hill. The second observation would be that the rich and famous should realize that they are really ordinary people too, and therefore really deserve NO special treatment.
The right to freedom of speech is another issue that comes under the hate speech issue. I have the right to disagree with the homosexual community's life style, and say so in a public forum, however under some people ideas of "hate speech", I could be in trouble.We have to guard the right to speak freely, given the way the rest of the world is moving and America is following we may be head down the road of restrictive speech laws. In some countries it is now against the law to speak out against things that you disagree with, even preachers fall under these laws and are forced to follow restrictive speech laws.
Thomas Jefferson, is quoted as saying that he would rather have the right to freedom of the press and freedom of speech than the right to vote. If freedom of the press and freedom of speech and the freedom to worship is really very important to Americans, perhaps it is time to return to common sense and understand that not everything we disagree with is hate speech.
It would seem to me that adults need to allow young people to work out some things for themselves, without crying hate speech and making a mountain out of a mole hill. The second observation would be that the rich and famous should realize that they are really ordinary people too, and therefore really deserve NO special treatment.
The right to freedom of speech is another issue that comes under the hate speech issue. I have the right to disagree with the homosexual community's life style, and say so in a public forum, however under some people ideas of "hate speech", I could be in trouble.We have to guard the right to speak freely, given the way the rest of the world is moving and America is following we may be head down the road of restrictive speech laws. In some countries it is now against the law to speak out against things that you disagree with, even preachers fall under these laws and are forced to follow restrictive speech laws.
Thomas Jefferson, is quoted as saying that he would rather have the right to freedom of the press and freedom of speech than the right to vote. If freedom of the press and freedom of speech and the freedom to worship is really very important to Americans, perhaps it is time to return to common sense and understand that not everything we disagree with is hate speech.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Critical Situation in the South
The danger on the US/Mexico border is growing everyday, just turn on the news and you will find that it could cost you your life to jet ski on Falcon lake. It is possible to die at the hands of Mexican drug criminals while on your own land. Our government would try to tell you that the border is more secure now than ever before. The truth is that Mexican criminals are invading our country at alarming rates and the US Border Patrol is powerless to stop it. The government will not give the Border Patrol the tools they need to even be slightly successful. One example is the fact the Border patrol is not allowed to take vehicles into some US wilderness areas along the Rio Grande, because it will leave tire tracks. There are lots of footprints heading north in that part of the area. The Mexican criminals move freely across the border at will, they don't care about the law, that is why they are criminals. Law enforcement on both sides of the border are at risk, these Mexican criminals have no reservations about killing law enforcement people. This fact was shown with graphic detail when Mexican criminals beheaded the Mexican police office investigating the murder of an American jet skiing on Falcon Lake. American style law enforcement practices will not work with these people, these criminals will kill with impunity and do not care who their target is. The real answer would be to cure the drug addition problems in America, the Mexican drug trade exist to supply the American drug demand.
The short term answer is to actually declare war on these Mexican drug criminals and treat them like the enemies of the USA that they are. We spend millions of dollars fighting all kinds of battles around the world, while we lose the war at home. It is time to realign our priorities and start securing our borders and cities, and to share a little fact that gets buried by the mainstream media, private gun ownership helps do exactly that. Statistically any time legal gun sales increase in an area, crime rates go DOWN, I know the media doesn't want you to know that, but it is true. The Mexican President would like for Americans believe that the drug cartels get their guns for America at gun stores. He fails to mention most of the guns used by these criminals mainly come from the Mexican Army when the soldiers desert and take their automatic weapons with them. Yes the USA sells weapons to the Mexican Army, and there fore in an indirect way supply the drug cartels with weapons.
Time for the American Congress to get serious and secure the border, even if that requires combat troops on the border locked and loaded. Failure to bring this to speedy and successful conclusion will be as dangerous as allow terrorist to roam freely, that what these people really are.
Vote in November and vote for freedom.
The short term answer is to actually declare war on these Mexican drug criminals and treat them like the enemies of the USA that they are. We spend millions of dollars fighting all kinds of battles around the world, while we lose the war at home. It is time to realign our priorities and start securing our borders and cities, and to share a little fact that gets buried by the mainstream media, private gun ownership helps do exactly that. Statistically any time legal gun sales increase in an area, crime rates go DOWN, I know the media doesn't want you to know that, but it is true. The Mexican President would like for Americans believe that the drug cartels get their guns for America at gun stores. He fails to mention most of the guns used by these criminals mainly come from the Mexican Army when the soldiers desert and take their automatic weapons with them. Yes the USA sells weapons to the Mexican Army, and there fore in an indirect way supply the drug cartels with weapons.
Time for the American Congress to get serious and secure the border, even if that requires combat troops on the border locked and loaded. Failure to bring this to speedy and successful conclusion will be as dangerous as allow terrorist to roam freely, that what these people really are.
Vote in November and vote for freedom.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
When we realize that the enemy is with in.
The enemy of the American way of life is within us. We have become so used to having all the nice stuff and we have become soft, I wonder if America has the heart to do the tough and difficult anymore. It is probably best that World War II was fought by a different generation. The American people have become soft, we spend hours and many dollars trying to prevent bullying and abuse, why not go back to teaching children how to stand up for themselves. Many of our young men and women grow up without ever being involved in any type of altercation or conflict, and don't know how to handle conflict beyond words.
Please understand I believe in talking about problems and working toward a solution that is fair to all. However there are times when talking does not accomplish anything, if you are attacked, you must be prepared and able to defend yourself. It is time that American youth start being taught how to be tougher and capable of defending his or her self, or their country. We have grown a generation of soft people and we need to start working toward hardening them a little. Steel can be hardened by applying work pressure, it is time that our youth start to feel a little work pressure and hardening them.
The Time Square bomber, said in court that the defeat of America is coming soon, unless our young men and women are taught that it is good to stand and fight sometimes, he maybe correct. The Muslim world wants to install Muslim fundamentalist law around the world, they do not care to talk or reach any type of peace, and will only stop when they reach their objective.
They are working from the inside of America, we need to wake the sleeping giant before the bands are so tight that the giant can't move. We need to develop a harder and tougher attitude from American young people. They need to learn to stand up for themselves and each other. There was the day that friends would not let bullies get to far, because they would band together around a friend and stand up to the bully.
My father taught me that when all else fails a large, sturdy stick was a good bully control tool, and I proved that it worked. It is time that we applied the large sturdy stick to bullies inside and outside of our country. Maybe we need to really reconsider who we are allowing to become citizens of our country, they maybe bullies in wimp's clothing.
Sometimes it is wise to reconsider who your friends are, it is time for America to reconsider who our allies are worldwide. The truth be told we are to trusting and tend to believe what people tell us, wake up America.
It is time to put America back on the course that was started in Founding Fathers, God first, family and country second.
Please understand I believe in talking about problems and working toward a solution that is fair to all. However there are times when talking does not accomplish anything, if you are attacked, you must be prepared and able to defend yourself. It is time that American youth start being taught how to be tougher and capable of defending his or her self, or their country. We have grown a generation of soft people and we need to start working toward hardening them a little. Steel can be hardened by applying work pressure, it is time that our youth start to feel a little work pressure and hardening them.
The Time Square bomber, said in court that the defeat of America is coming soon, unless our young men and women are taught that it is good to stand and fight sometimes, he maybe correct. The Muslim world wants to install Muslim fundamentalist law around the world, they do not care to talk or reach any type of peace, and will only stop when they reach their objective.
They are working from the inside of America, we need to wake the sleeping giant before the bands are so tight that the giant can't move. We need to develop a harder and tougher attitude from American young people. They need to learn to stand up for themselves and each other. There was the day that friends would not let bullies get to far, because they would band together around a friend and stand up to the bully.
My father taught me that when all else fails a large, sturdy stick was a good bully control tool, and I proved that it worked. It is time that we applied the large sturdy stick to bullies inside and outside of our country. Maybe we need to really reconsider who we are allowing to become citizens of our country, they maybe bullies in wimp's clothing.
Sometimes it is wise to reconsider who your friends are, it is time for America to reconsider who our allies are worldwide. The truth be told we are to trusting and tend to believe what people tell us, wake up America.
It is time to put America back on the course that was started in Founding Fathers, God first, family and country second.
Monday, August 16, 2010
What is Character?
It said that he or she is a real character, usually in the negative context. The question bids: What is real character? Many thing make up that shadowy element of each person. Many people have tried to define what character really is. During every political race there are any number of talking heads and radio voices that try to define character and apply their own spin of character to a candidate. The candidates themselves try to define their own character and express it in words, I heard a candidate say on the radio that he was a born again southern in every sense, and because of that I should vote for him. I am not sure what he really meant, is he born again and loves Jesus and lives in the Bible belt because of it, or does he hate snow and cold and was smart enough to figure out that the south is a good place to live. I am not sure. Everyone tries to define character. but is it really?
My own answers are made from listen and watching people for a number years and I would like to share them with you.
1) Character in what a person does, not what they say they are going to do. You know the old saying that actions speak louder than words. Well it is true.
2) Character is what you are when no one is watching, you know behind closed doors, when it is just you and maybe someone very close.
3) Character is what you do when things get very hard, when the lead is flying, be it real or words of lead, when the enemy is at the door, retreat, give up, surrender or stand and fight to the end, that is character.
This country needs people in leadership who are of strong character, those who will stand and fight for truth and the right. Not the perceived right, you know the one where everyone who is loudest gets the attention, even if they are wrong. We need men and women who understand the importance of God in our country and the importance of freedom in America. We need these people in business and government, it is time for the America to turn to the truth and elect people of true character to public office. We must stop listening to what they are saying and start looking at what the have been doing.
You must as an American vote this mid term election and I encourage you to vote for freedom.
My own answers are made from listen and watching people for a number years and I would like to share them with you.
1) Character in what a person does, not what they say they are going to do. You know the old saying that actions speak louder than words. Well it is true.
2) Character is what you are when no one is watching, you know behind closed doors, when it is just you and maybe someone very close.
3) Character is what you do when things get very hard, when the lead is flying, be it real or words of lead, when the enemy is at the door, retreat, give up, surrender or stand and fight to the end, that is character.
This country needs people in leadership who are of strong character, those who will stand and fight for truth and the right. Not the perceived right, you know the one where everyone who is loudest gets the attention, even if they are wrong. We need men and women who understand the importance of God in our country and the importance of freedom in America. We need these people in business and government, it is time for the America to turn to the truth and elect people of true character to public office. We must stop listening to what they are saying and start looking at what the have been doing.
You must as an American vote this mid term election and I encourage you to vote for freedom.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Our American Rights are under attack
Over the last 30 years the civil rights of Americans have come under heavy attack, not from only the outside world, but from with in our own country and government. The right to speak freely and say what you wished, was regarded as an unquestionable American right. You could disagree with any one you wished and say so, without fear, as long as you did not threaten or incite a riot you were well with in your rights. Not so today, political correctness is the right of today. It is time to return this country to the truth and truth speaking. If it offends someone then they probably needed to be offended.
The American people have voted our rights away, by being convinced that the right way is never to offend anyone and everyone should feel good about themselves. It is time the American people stepped up and put an end to the farce.It is ok to disagree with a person and say so, if you think they are wrong and miss-guided you should be able to say so with out free of reprisal.
With the elections coming soon the American people should vote for freedom. How does one tell which candidate will support freedom? You can look at the candidates stand on gun control and gun ownership as and indicator of freedom and rights. The candidate who is in support of gun control and gun ownership control is not a freedom loving, rights supporting person and should not be voted for. Do NOT listen to what they say, look at what they have done in the past. The NRA has some great in formation to help you.
The American people have voted our rights away, by being convinced that the right way is never to offend anyone and everyone should feel good about themselves. It is time the American people stepped up and put an end to the farce.It is ok to disagree with a person and say so, if you think they are wrong and miss-guided you should be able to say so with out free of reprisal.
With the elections coming soon the American people should vote for freedom. How does one tell which candidate will support freedom? You can look at the candidates stand on gun control and gun ownership as and indicator of freedom and rights. The candidate who is in support of gun control and gun ownership control is not a freedom loving, rights supporting person and should not be voted for. Do NOT listen to what they say, look at what they have done in the past. The NRA has some great in formation to help you.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)