SelahV Today by hariette petersen

THE LOST YOUTH (PART 3)...WHY THEY STAY

Because rather than being set apart in a church family, they were made a part of the family.  They find relevancy.  They learned that Bible they were taught as children was more than a book of stories repeated over and over again.  They realize that the song "Jesus Loves Me" is true.  Their hearts were filled with Amazing Grace when the Gospel was shared.  They learned that church was more than a building filled with pews, pianos, drums, preachers and rules.  Their faith was forged in Christ and people of faith did not waver in example to them. 

At some point in a young person's journey of faith, they recognize the need to pick up the baton of faith and keep running the race.  They realize they are the generation that needs to bear witness to the world, to their own children.  Church is not just a place to them.  Church is a fellowship.  A family.  A purpose that reaches beyond mere socialization.  They find meaning in the relationship with their fathers, mothers, and adults.  They know that Jesus gives them strength, direction and hope.  They find in church what the world cannot offer.  They are not blinded by the world's attractions.  They are rooted in Christ.  That is why they stay.  God keeps them and grows them and guides them.  Many continue in church because of the prayers of their families, their grandmothers and grandfathers.

We cannot take for granted the power of prayer.  We should not forget that the Lord will continue working in every single person.  (Philippians 1:6) We adults play a huge role in young people staying in church.  Why would a young adult person desire to be part of a church they were not allowed to be a a part of as a teenager?  Why would a young person who is shunned or ignored as a teenager, have any desire to remain with people who do not value their presence?

The young adults I know who are active in church today are ones who were valued.  They were shown how to be active in the mission for Christ as teenagers.  They are ones who made a difference and believed they could make a difference in the future.  They were loved, praised, encouraged and edified.  Their mistakes were forgiven.  Their gifts were recognized.  Their hopes were not dashed.  They had leaders who nurtured their faith and supported their efforts.  And that is why they stayed. 

[Part 4--What one young adult says.]  selahV

I AM NOTHING...

"Unto You do I lift up my eyes. O You Who are enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1

Can I live without His breath? Can I walk without His strength? Can I speak without His words? Can I sleep without His rest? Can I sing without His song?  I am nothing, without Him.

YES, THEY CAN!!!

SHEER GENIUS...

THE LOST YOUTH (PART 2) WHERE ARE THEY?

They sit all over the church.  Some in clusters.  Others with their parents.  Some all alone.  Almost every one of them know another one--somewhere.  Many of them have siblings that are youth, too--or soon will be.  They attend Sunday School--some know one another, some are sporadic visitors.  Some only come out when a social gathering is "happening".  But you'll find youth if you look for them.  And you'll find far more than the ones who attend regular youth events...if you want to find them.

When I first started working with youth in 1977, I only knew a couple of things.  One, Jesus loved me.  Two, I loved Jesus.  I wanted everyone to know Jesus.  I was growing in Christ and wanted everyone to grow in Christ.  I was excited about what Jesus was doing in my life and wanted them to be excited about what Jesus was doing in their lives.  For some reason I couldn't stop talking about it.  When the pastor from our church asked me to begin teaching the youth, I was honored.  Only, I didn't think I was qualified.  He assured me that God was already using me because so many of the youth were naturally gravitating towards me because of my enthusiasm and openness.  So I began, with my husband (also a rather new convert).

We started with a lock-in.  We had about 8 or so kids show up.  From that fun-filled, pizza fest, and spiritually focused night, we launched a Friday night Spiritual Growth group in my home.  I basically used the same studies that my pastor led in my weekly Tuesday morning Spiritual Growth group.  I just spoke the teens' language.  The group grew to the point that our floor was ladened with kids sitting shoulder to shoulder.  From the group, some became deaf-interpreters in our church's deaf ministry, another went on to William and Mary to pursue music ministry, and others mature Christian adults.  That was several years ago, and I've lost track of the majority of them.  However I did hear from a few of them and they are active in their churches today.  I loved them then and I love them now.  Some parents were very active in their Christian training, and some were not. 

In my husband's first church, I began working with the youth in basically the same way.  They had no ministry other than Sunday School and "Training Union" (which is Discipleship Training) today.  So we had another lock-in, including a long hay-ride in the country woods and games and a time of spiritual study where we focused on knowing Jesus intimately.  From that point we began meeting every Sunday night in the church parsonage with a mini-retreat atmosphere and weekly Bible studies focusing on growing spiritually.  I still hear from some of these youth today (near daily, from Karen--an incredibly active church leader--who asked me to write on working with youth), and many of them are very active in their churches and are now going as leaders to Camp Cedarmore in Kentucky every year with their teens.

I have other situations in which I will share later in other posts and what we did and why they seemed to be a success in reaching youth and in keeping them in churches after they were adults.  Today, I just wanted to touch upon a central thought.  The youth I knew of yesterday are in our churches today.  Not all, but many.  (In Part 3, I'll talk about why youth stay.)  until later...selahV  

  

THE LOST YOUTH ( Part 1 )

I recently read where Dr. Albert Mohler, President of SBTS, lamented losing the youth of today from our SBC churches. (link)  (Who can argue with numbers--or Dr. Mohler, for that matter?)  He said if the SBC doesn't change something that we will die.  I remember hearing that same lament in the early 80's just after my husband took his first church in Kentucky.  I even wrote a letter to the editor of the Western Recorder about the youth they felt the churches were losing then.  I had a great burden for youth and followed God's leading to teach them and love them for two decades afterwards.  By God's grace many (but not all) have gone on to be ministers, worship leaders, deacons, S.S. teachers, youth leaders, nurses, teachers, moms, dads, and community leaders.  Many (but not all) stayed in their churches or joined others in the SBC later on.

Could I have done more?  Definitely.  Can we do more today?  Certainly.  Is the problem unique to our generation today?  I don't think so.

Yesterday I stumbled upon a little ditty from one of my hubby's bookshelves.  The book's preface seemed to echo what Dr. Mohler said:

" 'Hostile to the church, friendly to Jesus Christ.'  These words describe large numbers of people, especially young people, today.  They are opposed to anything which savours of institutionalism.  They detest the establishment and its entrenched privileges.  And they reject the church--not without some justification--because they regard it as impossibly corrupted by such evils.

 

Yet what they rejected is the contemporary church, not Jesus Christ himself.  It is precisely because they see a contradiction between the founder of Christianity and the current state of the church he founded that they are so critical and aloof."  John R. W. Stott, BASIC CHRISTIANITY, 1958, (emphasis mine).

Dr. Mohler is right to exhort us to change how we reach out to the youth and the young college students.  He is right that we should look inward to curb what appears to be an exodus of young people and focus on outwardly reaching the world around them.  The question is how do we do that?  How do we ascertain faith-filled, faith-oriented, faith-driven, faith-centered young people who mature into faithful adult leaders?

Recently I wrote a blogpost and linked to an article which I felt to be quite positive about a group of youth here in Lawton.  Unfortunately, my exuberance and zeal was met with negative views about youth and the youth ministry from a few blog voices in the ministry.  I found that quite sad.  Instead of seeing an outpouring (possibly a third of the comments on SBC politics?) of postitive anecdotes and stories about other youth in the SBC, I read complaints and finger-pointing to what was wrong with youth ministry and youth.

Fortunately, the editor of our county newspaper thought my article worthy of publishing.  Today I received our Associational newsletter with an edited reprint of my news article.  Beside it was an article about another youth group that is reaching out in our area.  There are people who think it is important to emphasize the positive about youth.  I am so very encouraged by it.

A couple of years ago a young woman (from a former youth group I led) contacted me and asked me to write about youth and how to reach them.  I never followed up on that.  Partly because I didn't think myself any expert voice for youth ministry and partly because I was simply lazy.  Since the article I wrote, I've tried to just keep this topic a matter of prayer and leave it all to God.  But I can't.  It won't let go of me.  Therefore, I'm offering the next few posts on youth and hope they make some difference for someone.  Part 2 will address finding them.  until later...selahV

IT'S STILL HARD

I didn't have to call.  There was no need for a card.  I didn't have to shop for a gift or wrap a present.  I didn't have to change my schedule or routine.  I didn't have to worry about eating calorie-laden cake to celebrate.  He would have been 38 years old today.

It's been nearly 5 years since that fateful Mother's Day that claimed his 33-plus years of life.  And it's still hard.  It's hard to imagine he's not around.  It's still hard to think I'll never hear his voice on the other end of the phone.  He had an unusual way of interrupting my day at the busiest of times--sometimes he had a problem; most times a joy to share.  It's hard to listen to others complain about all the things they must to do ready themselves for a birthday, the expense, the inconvenience.  I guess what I'm trying to say is be grateful for the moment you have today with a loved one.  A child.  Don't take for granted you will always have tomorrow to celebrate.  You just never know.  Cherish the conversations.  Savor the time with one another.  Let those little aggravations slide for awhile.  And just be happy.  selahV

QUENCHING THE SPIRIT

"Quench not the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:19

How does one quench the Spirit?  I suppose there are as many ways to suppress the Spirit within us as there are things we can do, say, or think.  Today I was thinking that one way we quench the Spirit is when He leads us to pick up God's Word and read it.  To love it like Christ loved the scrolls of old.  To hunger after God's instructions and guidance as we do our favorite meal.  To look forward to time with God as much as we look forward to that Monday night football game, or emailing friends.  To savor the time so much that I forego all other activities. 

Sometimes I wonder how many times the Spirit speaks to me, and I ignore Him.  Do I follow the gentle urgings to speak to someone?  To send that card that makes no sense just because their name came to my mind?  To pray for someone He places in my thoughts?  To share the story of Jesus in my conversations?  To forgive when someone needs forgiving?  To repent when convicted of some sin?

Do I extinguish His fire in me by holding back the Truth He's given me to share?  Do I stifle Him when I complain and focus on the trials of the world rather than His grace in the world?  I think it is possible.  So much to surrender...so much to learn.  Grow me, Lord.  selahV

"IF HEALTH CARE TODAY, WHAT TOMORROW?"

"If health care today, what tomorrow? Food growing and distribution? (lots of people go to bed hungry each night). Employment? (lots of people don't have jobs). Transportation? (lots of people don't have cars)."  [blogger, Louis.  Question marks mine.]

I got to thinking about that statement since I read it in a blog stream.  And I have to say, that tomorrow could hold just about anything.  They're pushing stuff through congress faster than the Congressmen/women can read them.  Pat Cadell, a democrat strategist calls it "flooding the zone", where you put so many men in a zone that no one can cover them all.  Today, I happened to be listening to Fox News and Glenn Beck.  Beck can be a bit off-the-wall, to say the least.  In a lot of ways, he makes sense.  But he questions everything.  I kinda like that about him.  Questions make me think outside the box of what may be hidden beneath a pile of paper and ink. 

Does anyone know who wrote the thousand-plus pages of the health-care bill HR-3200?  I mean, who are the authors?  Who put their fingers to the keyboard?  Who got bleary-eyed thinking up all those sections of "gobbley-gook" regarding grand-father clauses and end-of-life counseling, anyway?  Just wondering.  I wish I had asked my congressman that at the town hall meeting the other day.

Hey, let's pretend we've all been granted this new government run health-care.  We all get our new red, white, and blue OBAMA-stamped cards.  We, who've been waiting for tests and surgeries decide we're gonna utilize those cards.  So those 47-million people, who have not had insurance for years, all decide to go to the doctor and get some health-care.  How long do you think we'll have to wait in line?  Should we bring a sack lunch? (filled with fresh carrots, grapes and almonds, of course).  Hey, don't forget, this is in addition to all the other folks getting care with their private insurance.  Imagine if you will, that each of the 47,000,000 (that's 47 million) gets an average of $200.00 worth of blood tests, urinalysis, etc.   $200 x $47,000,000 = (a lot of money).  And that's just the first day.

Think we may overwhelm our medical system with that?  I don't know.  But given my experience in trying to find a doctor, I'd say it may cause a bit of a crisis.  But that's just me.  And since Raum Emanuel says, "You don't let a crisis go to waste," I wonder what they'll do with it.  selahV

GOTTA LOVE THAT GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY ~ LOL

If it wasn't so ridiculous, it would be funny!  However...

...as President Obama seeks to sell America on government-run ("public option") insurance, my husband called the special number the Veterans Administration gives to automatedly refill his thyroid medicine.  The good news is, he ordered it a few days ago and the medicine arrived in the mail today, (Thursday).  The bad news is, VA filled the wrong prescription and sent hubby something he didn't need at all.  Isn't that efficient?

We wanted to give VA the benefit of the doubt, so we looked to see if the prescription numbers were similar.  Nope.  They couldn't have been more different if they'd been in a different language.  One was all numbers and the other had a combination of numbers and a letter.  My husband joked, "Hey!  Maybe this is the "red" pill they said we could take instead of the medicine we needed."

Good thing hubby has enough pills to last till the VA possibly refills it correctly when he orders it again tonite.  Otherwise, he may have to go to the Emergency Room to get a prescription.  Who knows about the VA?  They may get it right this time, or they may simply tell us he's already been sent the medicine.  Think I'm kidding?  (One time my husband went for his appointment to have his blood drawn.  A few days later he received a notice in the mail that he had missed his appointment, and so they told him if he missed another, he'd be dropped from the program.  You wouldn't believe the riga-ma-row he had to go through to make them realize that he had to have kept the appointment since they had his bloodwork report.)  Geez!

And Obama wants us to believe the "government-run" "public option" insurance Congress wants to force folks like us to have (and folks like my daughter to pay for with higher taxes), is gonna make life hunky dory?  I wasn't born yesterday, folks.

By the way, in case you think my hubby entered in the wrong prescription number (with all the medicines he's taking for congestive heart disease), that is not the case.  My husband may be sick, but he ain't blind and he ain't stupid!  He carried that little bottle of thyroid medicine into the bedroom--AWAY from the kitchen--to make the automated call.  No mistakes on this end.  And just in case you have the "notion" I am saying that the government is incompetent, "let me be clear".  I am.  selahV

[8-25-09, UPDATE...NO LAUGHING MATTER...Veterans Department sent out over 1200 notices to veterans telling them they had ALS or the fatal Lou Gehrig's Disease .  The letters were sent by mistake.  These shocked and frightened veterans learned the diagnosis was wrong after some went through painful tests to see what stage they were in.  Another example of our government's inefficiency.] 

IS "EVERYTHING" THE OPERATIVE WORD?

"In everything give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We read that passage and wonder:  How?  How do I give thanks for everything going on in my life?  We think of the man who just left his wife and three children after the youngest was diagnosed with leukemia.  We think of the spouse who must go on after her husband has been maimed in Afghanistan...who'll face multiple surgeries to repair his burned face, and receive prostetic limbs.  We think of the soldier and how he'll suffer during recovery.  We think of abused children.  And we ask, "everything?" 

First of all, that just falls so hollow upon our ears when we are going through the most devastating event in our lives.  When well-meaning folks offer this verse, we may want to explode and spread our pain and heartache all over them.  Does God really expect us to thank Him when we suffer?  When we're met with castastrophic circumstances?

I think in the midst of it all, God wants us to look to Him.  We are to be thankful that "in" the midst of it all, God is able to keep us, to sustain us, to surround us with His love and peace.  The moment we begin to thank God "in" everything we go through, much of the fear that engulfs us, is lifted.  God blesses and hears a thankful heart.  It's not asking us to thank God "for" everything we face.  However, when we thank God in everything, we are often able to see how God is going to use that circumstance concerning the ultimate plan and purpose for our lives.

Another thing I think, as I have experienced this verse's meaning in my life, is the closer I am to God, the more I want Him in my life.  The more I surrender my comfort, my desires, my goals to Him, the easier it is to be thankful in the midst of my difficulties and trials.  I recognize how a sweet spirit, absent of complaining affects others around me.  When I suffer in complete trust that my Lord is taking care of me and He will take care of my circumstances, not only are others encouraged, but my heart is covered in peace.  The situation might not change, but I am changed.

Recently I've been going through some pretty heavy-duty difficulties.  Few in my life reallize what is going on.  And to be honest, it's really unnecessary to share the details.  Suffice it to say that the Lord has used these verses to reassure me of His continual watchcare.  He is in the midst of my "rejoicing".  He is in the midst of my "prayers".  He is in the midst of my "thankfulness".  And the peace He bestows on me in the surrounding attacks from evil realms of darkness, from physical worlds of pain, cannot be comprehended by my heart and mind.  He is so far beyond and above my highest praise, He is so empowering in my weakest moment.  I cannot begin to explain "everything" Christ is to me.  I am inadequate.  But Jesus is more than adequate.  selahV    

CONSTANTLY...CAN YOU DO IT?

"Pray constantly. [without ceasing]. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This Mulberry tree does not know how to stop growing.  It is in constant need of trimming.  It covers my entire front yard.  Love it for the shade and its contribution to help the environment.  But at times it gets totally wild.  As my grandsons and husband chainsawed the limbs, I prayed they'd be careful and not get hurt.  (I'm a woose), but it's the way I am.

To pray constantly, one would have to have a heart filled with continual desire for Christ to be manifested in and through him.  I don't have a thing that comes to my mind that I don't wind up turning over to God within a short time after it jumps into my mind.  The things I let wallow around, I'm still praying about while it's rolling about in the doubts, fears, and hope.

I find when I get aggravated at some situation on television, or some interruption, my first thought is God what can we do?  Some times I get to just praise Him because I see His hand in someone's life.  Other times I see He's building a relationship for me for His plan and purpose.  When I talk with my grandchildren, I'm praying for the right attitude, the wisdom, the understanding and gentleness they need from me.  I find myself praying for their days, the people who they come in contact with.  I pray for them to surround themselves by maturing Christians.  I pray for them to stand strong in face of temptations.

It's nice to know God will provide my daily bread.  I'm 61 years old and I have never been without a meal.  I've always had a place to lay my head at night.  So many of my prayers are out of pure gratitude for all God's grace and provision.

But I find that in the trials of life, my prayers tend to turn inward.  I mention me far too much.  I want to be to the point when I'm praying constantly that I am thanking God in the trial for all that He is teaching me.  For patience to wait upon His guidance.  For clarity of thought to see others and the situation as He sees.

I love talking to God and just telling Him how glad I am He is with me.  I have no shyness when I ask Him to embrace me in His love and let the Spirit of His love wash over me.  I want more of Jesus.  I want more of His goodness, love, directness, boldness, gentleness, and insight.  I want His peace upon me.  I want Him to permeate my entire being.

I love asking Him questions about things I don't quite understand in His Word.  I love complimenting Him for the creation of the blue sky and giant white clouds before me as I drive down the road.  I love telling Him how grateful I am for giving me time to be with my grandchildren, for giving me energy to play with them.  Sometimes when I pray I go on and on and on.  And He listens.  And He cares.  When no one else does.  And many times He shows me something incredibly special on those days.

Today I was making the bed and thinking of my husband and his day.  He started his second part-time job.  I do worry about him.  The custodial job is more strenuous than the job with the realtors.  His heart is not like it use to be.  So I pray about him alot during the day.  It seems sometimes I pray all day long--constantly.  Then other times I question when I last said something to God.

I don't think praying constantly means you are to be requesting things all day.  I think praying is like conversation with folks who come into you life during the day.  Only difference is, God is with you constantly, so you can constantly be talking to Him.  It's a very comforting thing.  And takes no effort at all.  He even brings people to mind.  Sometimes I ask what He'd like be to pray for them.  Sometimes the mention of their name makes it clear.  I think I'm going to sleep well tonite.  God is gonna stay away and watch over me and care for my every need.  How blessed I am.  How about you?  selahV

HOW TO REJOICE IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL

"Rejoice always."  Always?  Yes.  That's what Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:16.  In last week's post I wrote of why I should rejoice in the midst of trials.  Today I want to focus on how.

I'll be honest; I cannot imagine how people in Malawi who are faced with starvation and disease rejoice in the midst of those conditions.  It is beyond me how a person rejoices when subjected to torture and death like Christians in North Korea.  It's hard enough for me to comprehend how one can rejoice when nothing seems to go right--when life doles out problem after problem, day after day.  But this is what I've done.

I've memorized scripture that helps me remember God is always with me.  Now, I don't just conjure up those scriptures.  I leave that to the Holy Spirit who reminds me to "Fear not.  To consider the flowers "in the field that do not toil or spin".

Next, I pray for that joy I cannot produce.  Only God produces that joy by His Spirit.  I act upon the joy I know God has given me, not the feelings I have that oppose it.  I focus on anything and everything that is made by God.  Nature--trees, flowers, bees, birds.  I focus on the blessings I have--my faithful husband, my vigilant daughter, my adoring grandchildren, my generous church, my compassionate friends.  I pick up my Bible and read until I grasp the truth of God's love afresh.  I cry.  I sleep.  I rest.  I wait.  And somewhere in the recesses of my heart and soul, I realize that the joy I have in Christ is not happiness or warm fuzzy feelings.  It is a sustaining knowledge that God is God and above all those things that tear me down and try to destroy my peace.

I do not rejoice in the things of the world always.  I rejoice in the Lord, always.  selahV

WHAT I LEARNED AT A TOWN HALL HEALTH-CARE REFORM MEETING

First of all, Robert Gibbs is right...sorta.  In referring to all the press-coverage on the angry yelling and talking over other people being shown on the news:

"...They're not indicative of all" the meetings being held." Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary.

Many people disagree with less fan-fare than some I'm seeing on television, but they're just as upset.  The meeting I attended had nervous voices, raised at times.  People were definitely opposed to legislation the House is considering.  Over 97% of those attending were against many of the things being proposed in the bill.  Many complained about services the government is already in charge of such as Medicare and Veterans Administration.  A few were more charitable.

 

Yet our meeting was so calm that the three police officers sent to watch over us "mobsters", had time to play a game of Monopoly.  Now...of course they weren't playing monopoly.  But they didn't have to intervene or even think about intervening one time at the meeting conducted by Oklahoma Congressman, Tom Cole.  Cole held the meeting for over 3 hours, with no restrictions on questions even though it was billed as a meeting on Health Care Reform and scheduled for 2 hours.  He also didn't give us any instructions on how to ask our questions, or draw questions from a hat.  He allowed people to talk as long as they wanted and even offered to stay after the College kicked us out of the room, to answer any question anyone had.  Several hung around to do that.

 

There was one doctor there who worked in geriatrics (old folks' health-care).  She defended the end-of-life discussions and said they ought to be between the patient and their doctor.  Congressman Cole disagreed and said, "any decisions about end-of-life should be between family", and received loud applause  The doctor didn't care much for family intervention in matters of her patients' health, stating, "family members insist on their nursing-home love-one have a hernia operation when it's [hernia] not even bothering the patient".  The doctor also agreed with abortion coverage inclusion.  She rationalized "abortion as something the government doesn't need to be involved in...it's a choice", and then went on to explain all the reasons why abortion is necessary for women.  Several folks "booed" that statement (but not for long).  Mostly the doctor was concerned that primary physicians need Tort reform in the bill because of frivolous lawsuits.  She cited the recent loss of physicians in Lawton as due to "so much paperwork" and fear of mal-practice suits.

 

I had a lot to say about that.  But another citizen rebutted (in her time to comment), "What about the right of the unborn?  I don't want abortions being paid for with my tax dollars."  She also challenged the Congressman to reject any pay raises that may be voted in.  A friend with her wanted Cole to go so far as to take a pay reduction because she and her husband had lost 45,000 dollars in the oil drilling business they were in due to this economic recession.

 

Many folks didn't like the path our government was on to increase its control on our lives.  Some called it socialism.  Others said they were "sick and tired of all the spending".  Many were against the costs (and cited the statistics of the CBO and other figures that economists argue will destroy the economy).  Some folks spoke against the Cap and Trade because of the increase of utilities that will be passed on to consumers.  Some of those "Astroturf", fake "mobsters", who are supposedly "uninformed", shared all kinds of quotes from the health-care plan, HR-3200 when they asked their questions.  They'd spent hours reading and trying to decipher the "gobbley gook", as one citizen called it.  So when they asked their questions, they referred directly to the bill--NOT news reports or rumors.  One lady admitted she was tired of yelling at her television.  She wanted her opinion to be heard.   

 

All in all it was a very interesting meeting.  Cole tried to still the fear of this bill (as written) getting passed by saying, "It will take a long time to get it finished.  We have a lot of work to do on it.  It hasn't even gone to the Senate and the Senate will come up with their own version."  He shared how the various committees had to work on various aspects of the bill and how agreements had not been made and negotiations and compromises were still ongoing.  Cole seemed to think that the bill won't have the public mandates and will most likely be some combination of co-oping for the public, possibly vouchers.  As he talked about what kind of bill might make it through to legislation, he talked about a conversation he'd had with Raum Emanuel.  Cole asked Emanuel to define "victory".  Emanuel replied, "Anything we can sign in the Rose Garden."

 

Wonder if that's all President Obama cares about...Just signing a bill in the Rose Garden?

 

I want to say a good word for the hundreds of folks who came out to hear this information and to voice discontent and opinions.  It was great to find so many like-minded people united to make a difference in the political process.  I sat next to some folks who I didn't know, but found we had a connection through their son.  I saw a few teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults and retired folks.  I saw teachers, a doctor, veterans, housewives and simple every-day businessmen/women.  There were no "organized" groups "orchestrated" to ask specific questions.  Just people.  Like me.  Casually attired.  Polite.  Hundreds disagreeable to Health Reform.  A few supporters of it.  But no one pushed shoved, carried any signs or shouted at each other.

 

Overall, I got the feeling that the country's outpouring of vocal opposition is democracy in action.  I felt proud to be an American and hopeful as a citizen that we truly can make a difference.  Only time will tell if I'm living in la la land.  selahV   

NEW AD FOR SENIORS (AND ANYONE WHO LOVES GRAMA & GRAMPA)

HEALTH CARE...THAT'S A PERSONAL ISSUE. IT'S A PRIVATE ISSUE. THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO LIMIT CARE, NOT INCREASE CARE. ONE HEALTH ADVISOR, Ezekiel Emanuel (Raum Emanuel's brother), to President Obama has written this view on healthcare:

"Allocation of very scarce medical interventions such as organs and vaccines is a persistent ethical challenge. We evaluate eight simple allocation principles that can be classified into four categories: treating people equally, favouring the worst-off, maximising total benefits, and promoting and rewarding social usefulness. No single principle is sufficient to incorporate all morally relevant considerations and therefore individual principles must be combined into multiprinciple allocation systems. We evaluate three systems: the United Network for Organ Sharing points systems, quality-adjusted life-years, and disability-adjusted life-years. We recommend an alternative system—the complete lives system—which prioritises younger people who have not yet lived a complete life, and also incorporates prognosis, save the most lives, lottery, and instrumental value principles."

For the entire text visit HERE. 

Personally?  I don't care what Ezekiel thinks.  But since President Obama has not presented his own bill for health care reform, it's worth noting that this kind of philosophy effects the outcome of particulars in a health care reform bill.  Obama gives Congress a set of principles and then lets them work it out.  Like they did the Stimulus Bill, and the Cap and Trade Bill.  Seems our President, bless his heart, is still a community organizer.  He organizes a group of Czars to advise him on the principles, then delivers the principles to the congress to organize it all into *a bill that he can simply sign in the Rose Garden.  Wonder if he reads it before he signs it?  selahV

*[ANECDOTE:  Raum Emanuel, President Obama's main man, was asked regarding legislation to define "victory".  Emanuel replied, "Anything we can sign in the Rose Garden."]

FROM SPIRITUAL TO MUNDANE "FISHY" STUFF AND "MOB MENTALITY"

Just taking a quick break from my series on Thessalonians to mention a mundane matter.  Fishy stuff, and Mob mentality.

I've been watching the speculations of pundits, spectacles of health-care town hall meetings, and explanations from politicians and meeting attendees for some time now.  Last night I was listening to one news show, and a panel was trying to figure out why the White House and politicians were so adamant about calling vocal citizens "mobs".  Some of the discussion hit upon the distant drumming of these people not being representative of Americans.  The pro-health-care reformers and single-payer proponents are calling their opposition crazies, and dangerously reminiscent of Tim McVeigh anger, and militant enthusiasts.  So, it occurred to me that possibly I have an answer for those pundits who are wondering why The White House wants everyone in America to report their neighbors' casual conversations, forwarded emails, websites, ETC. (my newspaper column, COMMON MATTERS), to [email protected]. *

Now, to be quite clear, I don't have the answer, just an answer.  Who could possibly know the mind of the present administration?  They're never clear.  But in light of the following statement by President-elect Obama, I submit it may be part of the reason:

"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set.  We have to have a Civilian National Security Force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded..."?

Could calling the thousands of citizens protesting health-care and government invasion of their lives have rendered these opposing voices as "mobs", "crazies" and "fear mongers" have another goal in mind?  Could it be just the fuel our now, duly elected, President Obama needs to form this National Security Force, he thinks we need?  Could this National Security Force be the force to reckon with these "right-wing fringe groups", "astroturfers", "organized", "orchestrated", "manufactured" people, who are "distorting the facts" and creating fear in the hearts of the real America?  Could we need a "Force" to assist city police departments, to control these "angry, yelling" crowds who may swell all the more, the more the government ignores their voices?  Is this the force we need to enforce the rules of that HATE Bill that's been passed?  I don't know.

It's hard to discern which people will be considered "mobs", "haters", and "fear mongers".

Did you hear about that one man who got bullied by some thugs who didn't like him handing out flags and buttons that said, "don't tread on me"?  Yep.  Happened last week.  He was an African American Republican and some guys (one, another African American), knocked him down to the ground and called him the "N" word.  Is that the kind of "mob" they are talking about?  Or is it just "mobs" of citizens who are tired of being ignored by their government and saying so?  You know..."mobs" of housewives, nurses, doctors, retired salesmen, and white-haired old ladies and veterans (who know what the VA health-care delivers).

This makes me wonder, if all these citizens with "mob mentality" that politicians, today, are citing will someday be silenced with greater force than ever imagined in America?  Surely not.  This administration doesn't seem too worried about people intimidating people.  Our Attorney General's office just quashed the prosecution of the Black Panther dudes who showed up with a billy-club at the voting booths last November, so why would they be disturbed by a four folks who jostled a man who was giving away flags and buttons saying "don't tread on me" at one of those town-hall meetings?

I don't know about you folks, but I've never considered myself part of a "mob".  I've had times when I did not like what I saw my government doing, and even went to a couple of town hall meetings to voice an opinion.  That was years ago, however.  I never did anything that would or could be classified as a "mob".  I listened to each side.  I tape-recorded their words.  I wrote letters, even hand-delivered a couple to some politicians.  When that didn't do much, I started a newspaper.

That was then.  Today, well...I'm gonna just go to a few town hall meetings and see for myself what all the fuss is about.  And I'm gonna write on-line what I think about it while I still can.  selahV

* [UPDATE, Aug. 17, 09...The White House disabled the email address for reporting "fishy" emails and conversations among Americans.  Guess they realized that was rude and an invasion of privacy.  Why else would they remove it, after requesting information?] 

SOMETIMES IT BAFFLES ME

Since July 31st I haven't written a post here (excluding the near-nothing previously posted).  Wow!  That's 11 days!!  Thanks to all who continued to read me and search my archives.  Bless your hearts!  Thanks for your emails of concern.  I'm humbled that you read me regularly.  I just couldn't get my muse to work together in my brain, my spirit, my heart and soul.  Yet, the entire time my blog remained void of my near-daily opines, commiserations, and laments, I have rejoiced.  And sometimes that baffles me.

Though a dark spirit chained my power to think with clarity, I saw light in the shadows of my heart.  Though assaulted by verbiage that challenged my every positive view, my mind praised God for all He is and Who He is in the evil of this world.  Though my trust in others is strangled by skepticism, my hope in the integrity of Christians grows and lives.

A study I'm doing in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 clarifies, to me, how it is possible to go through the darkness, pessimism, negativity and pain of daily living.  I'm going to do a series of posts on what God is showing me.  Maybe it will give encouragement to someone else.  First up:  "REJOICE"

"REJOICE ALWAYS!" vs. 16

Why should I rejoice when the prince of this world controls and seeks to destroy every iota of peace and joy I have on this earth?  Why should I rejoice when the clutches of death attempts to choke the very seed of hope lodged in my heart?  Why should I rejoice when I'm troubled on every side? 

The Spirit and God's Word tells me why.  The world belongs to Jesus--His death and resurrection has overcome the world.  God has made His enemies His footstool.  The Cross crushed the serpent's head.  It's so amazing to me that, ultimately, battles are swallowed up in Victory.  Victory in Christ.

Yet you might ask, "rejoice?"  How, when I have no idea how I'm going to pay my mortgage.  How, when I've just buried my son?  How, when I lost my job?  How, when the church I attend seems so cold and lifeless?  How, when my country is so divided?  How, when I'm dry and dead spiritually?  Ah...that's the whole point in the above verse and ones to follow.

Sometimes I'm baffled because my heart cannot let go of the joy I have in Jesus.  I suppose it is because I am so in awe of all Christ is and how much greater He is than all my problems.  He is my strength in my weakest moments.  He is my hope in my deepest fears.  He is my provision in my greatest lack.  He is my peace in my most unsettling confusion.  He is my refuge in my hardest storms.  He is my protector in hateful assaults.  Jesus.  How can I not rejoice always, when I own so much in my Savior and Lord?

In the midst of my darkest hours, He is my Light.  So I rejoice; I am not alone in despair.  I am not without someone who lifts me up when I slip and fall.  So I rejoice; my Lord is able.  When my faith wavers in the continual flow of waves that seek to push me back and pull me under, I have a faithful God.  So I rejoice in His promises.  Jesus is my all in all.  He keeps me, defends me, protects me, guides me, sustains me, and someday will come back and bring me into His holy presence forever and ever.  And I am baffled sometimes because He is far more worthy than I can ever credit Him.  selahV

IN CASE YOU'RE WONDERING...

My muse went on vacation.  It should be back soon.  Until then, remember to tell someone you're praying for them; then pray.  Look for the best in someone; then tell them you saw it.  Take a moment of your time and share it with someone--be kind, be loving and patient.  selahV