Does the game ever end?

Generations pass away, but the game still goes on. The players may be slightly different, and the names have been changed, but we don't often learn from the lessons of history ...we rely on emotions.   They say that at the end of the game, the king and the pawn end up in the same box.

It is a cruel thing to look at a person as a pawn; yet many are used in much the same way they are on the chess board. The pawns are put out in front, and once committed, they can't move back. They are the only piece that takes this risk. 

Pawns are used for positioning, they are used as a shield, and they are disposable. They are told that if they get to the other side of the board, they can be anything they want to be ...but they are rarely expected to reach there, after all, they are just pawns.

Sometimes people are used like that in this world. But, unlike chess, if I am removed from the board of life, I will be with the King.  Over two thousand years ago, many religious leaders thought that they could win if they could remove Jesus.  But, though they thought they removed Jesus, it didn't at all turn out like they had planned for it to. And I want you and I to live long, but when you have moved to your last square, my hope is for as many of you as possible to be with the King also ...for the rest of your life.  

The King of Kings would have it that none would perish. We all will live on; yet those who live without Jesus, have been rooked!!  

But don't blame God ...it is our constant desire through life, to be able to choose. It is what we want! So, choose well, my friend ...and if you need help choosing, as a friend, I will help you get off your square, and tell you of the winning move!!

Recently read a post which questioned why God would feel a need to create. Love is something that most all of us relate to in some form or another, but which none of us fully understand. 

If we are hurt or have suffered, we may understand more or we may understand less ....depending on the nature of the hurt, the depth of it, and how long we've had to endure.   But it has mostly to do with our relationship with the One who knows all about our hurt.  

For those who believe in God, most would equate God to love. The confusion begins through our understanding of that. True love cannot contain itself ...as it does not exist without the sharing of it.  It must spread and grow to even continue to exist.  To say that 'any' are not in need of love, does not really address love.  It is not whether it is needed, welcomed, or accepted. I think that the beginning is just acknowledgment.   

And of course, love doesn't exist without freedom of choice.  To say we love ice cream ...it has no potential to love us back, even if it melts in our arms. So love also has a reciprocal nature.  

So, in creating the opportunity, it has to be inclusive of the opportunity of choice. I believe that God's package includes two inseparables ...love and choice.  

I prefer to believe that God did not create evil. Evil is the fruition of valuing self, while disregarding others ...of turning from God, ignoring His wisdom and guidance. It comes in many forms, but it is turning and moving away from God.  If something is hot, it is not cold; and if something is in the light, it is not in the dark ...unless, of course, you are to close your eyes.                                   (I will have to get back to this, as I don't want to push my brain too hard ...and perhaps it would be more wise to relax and allow quiet reflecting, so His wisdom is not shut out of my brain by my own random thoughts on the subject.)

There is so much I don't understand ...and when one thought enters my head, I lose it when another thought enters ...many of which are merely too deep to comprehend.  So I write them down, as not to lose the first, but which bogs down (or blogs down) the next by writing down the first, preventing the second thoughts from registering.  All the while, I'm trying not to have second thoughts about posting any of these random thoughts.  (Though a blog does offer editing, without the potential regrets associated with things more difficult to correct.)

I am home alone, and I began by getting myself a snack, then doing some snow shoveling ...but there wasn't much snow (and I never hope to snow anyone) so, as if that was insufficient exercise, I did some push-ups.   Then I got on this computer, and used this venue to attempt to encourage someone ...but more honestly, to attempt to connect with someone through my own desire to do so.

Back to what I understand, but not really ...I do know that God is three Persons, all in One ...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.   They are the same, yet different, while being equal.

I know there is no departure through/in character, but there have been mentioned distinctions which I don't really comprehend. I do know we were asked by the Son, to pray to the Father. And another moment, while speaking of the "last days", the Son, Jesus, said that the day and the hour, not even He knows, only the Father knows.  God knows everything, yet that one thing Jesus said He didn't know. So that brings me to thoughts of what the three Persons' relationship with each other was ...and is.  

The "was" aspect of it, brings me back to imagine before creation as we know it. It's in the area of what we don't know ...about the creation of the angels. There was a relationship of the three Persons of God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   Being all fully God, how can there be anything added to what is fully complete? I don't really know!

"I don't really know!" is an acceptable answer, but I'm not really satisfied with it, if I'm passionate about talking with someone about something that is important to me.   The things I often know are the things God has me experience in this life, the things He has set up ...relationship-wise.  The specifics I often don't know, but that involves growth with trusting what we do know, and building on that. 

I am a dad.  And I have a defined relationship ...defined by and arranged by God.   And I know God is having me experience things ...for a reason.

I know if my son came to me and said he wanted to bring another living thing into our home, I'd have to think about it.  And I'd probably insist that if I approved of it, he'd have to take full responsibility (now if my daughter said she wanted to bring another living thing into our home, well, I think I know my daughters and that this circumstance wouldn't happen, but just suppose it did ....I would not hesitate, of course, I would agree to this with open arms), but looking at the likelihood of my sons wanting to extend love and companionship, I'd hope that is what it would be ...and I'd prefer a spaniel to a pit bull.  

I know the purpose and magnitude is nothing to compare with, but Jesus did take full responsibility for what He brought forth, and died for us.

Let's go back to being home alone.  I'm not being as challenged as the character in the movie "Home Alone".  I'm thinking what it would be like for God ....I know, a silly thing for me to do, with my miniscule brain, but I'm doing it anyway. 

I mentioned that I merely got myself a snack ...seeing no lesson there, as I very well agree that God doesn't need a snack, yet I guess I don't either.  I then shoveled the driveway, and did some exercising to keep in shape ....any lesson there escapes me, as God is all-powerful and wouldn't spend needless moments with that.  I guess what I've learned here, is that I'm very much not like God, and what occupies my time is so trivial ...yet, God wants to occupy time in my life, and that is not trivial.

The last thing I did, I'm doing now ...yet just trying to do more thoroughly.  I got on the computer to share something.  The computer was not whom I wanted to spend time with ...I wanted to reach out to another person.

So, I'm thinking, before the creation ...the creation we read about in the first chapter of Genesis, in the Bible, that there were three Persons, all One. Somehow I'm thinking the simple phrase, "The more, the merrier" is significantly inadequate, but there were some very powerful "beings" created, that joined the celebration of creation ...by singing.   Looking at the creation of angels, in comparison to our creation, it appears that the concept of having "less" brings a significant contrast to the appreciation of many of those having much more.   Yet, in understanding that, so much more is understood in the way of love ...which is measured unlike anything else is measured.

Of course, all this would make no sense if we don't also include free choice and righteousness ...both of which are, in many areas, often being skewed, and not represented for what they are.   But that is a whole other subject.   As for the other, it sounds like a riddle:  How can you have more, by having less?

But you can!!   In the end, we have so much more!!!


Okay, last night my wife and I were talking about some of this stuff, and the "free choice" and "righteousness" aspect was at center stage.  Most people like free choice, but perhaps aren't so fond of the righteousness thing ...and there is some problem with self-righteousness, though it is highly overstated and often misstated as a favorite comeback purposed to put a closer on the subject.  The righteousness aspect is so often misunderstood.  Let's begin with the greater misunderstanding:

An evolutionist does not believe in the account of Creation.   As I look up to the skies, in awe of God's creation, an evolutionist would look at it as a nursery of stars being born ...and somehow imagining that in our vast universe evolution has already brought about life somewhere else, and will continue to bring about life throughout the universe.

I also look at the universe like a nursery ...but in a much different way.  Sure, it is ever changing, but I look to what doesn't change too.  I see it as God having prepared our room, for the birth of man and woman, that six-day Creation account in the Book of Genesis.  

I went to college and I studied evolution, and I enjoyed it ...and believed in it.  I also believed in God ...but I didn't think of both at the same time, so no initial conflict.  I wasn't looking for the Bible to disprove evolution ...I got so interested in evolution that I delved into it, until it disproved itself. There are many scientists, much more knowledgeable than myself who have done this same thing, and now believe in a Creator.

When my wife and I had children, it was not just a thing that happened.  We both thought about it and dreamed about it before she conceived.  And in those thoughts we could see an extensive picture, conceptualizing through conception to a wonderful baby, and loving that child as the child grew. Of course we knew of the independent nature and free spirit. Our hope was that after giving the child all we could, that our child would freely choose to love us in return.

As the child grows up and becomes more like us, the freedom of choice gets greater ...and our voiced expectations become less, though in our hearts we don't want them to love us less, we just want them to have the opportunity to have the love that we have, and be free to love us too.

Now, imagine if those first steps of development were skipped, like they are with some other creatures ...like, let's say, the turtles.  Turtles are created to be born rather independent, like a much smaller version of the adult. The baby has relatively all that it needs, with no real knowledge of what relative is, or who its relatives are.  They don't know how they came about, and when they are born, they are expected to find their way ...and are fully equipped to do so.

Okay, why am I suddenly seemingly obsessed with this reptilian wonder?  I'm not!  I was merely trying to make a point, by contrast, and probably failed on almost all points ...though you'd probably have to admit to my originality, which in this case may be difficult to own up to ...comparing angels to turtles.

Let's start over, by saying that most creatures know who their parents are. I've heard that turtles do not.   Point made!!

The greater distinction should be drawn between those who are created, who have extensive knowledge of their Creator, that knowledge increasing with a developing relationship that was initiated by their Creator ...our Creator.

The angels were created by God with recognition of who He is, and with the opportunity to be fully in His presence. But some of them imagined what it would be like to be like Him ...and in entertaining those thoughts, they only became more unlike Him.

It's important that we strive to be who we are supposed to be, not who someone else is ...and in the case of their Creator, some angels joined the attempt to take His role.

It must be clear that God does not have a role, as we see roles.  He is who He is. Whenever we understand a certain aspect of Him, we learn "of" Him, of His character; but as we are to have aspirations, it is in learning ...and with the most benefit to learn to understand our purpose, while not fully understanding the particulars.   The main vision should be clear.

When the angels who departed from their purpose tried to take on a role that wasn't good for the whole ...it created a toll.

I'm not comparing you to a turtle either, but try not to pull your head back into a shell; try to hear me out.  And don't have such a grizzly attitude toward what I say; just bear with me. It is said that we are not to despise correction ...and it is especially detrimental to distort that which is correct. It is incorrect to say there is only good in everyone.  I'd say there is some good in everyone ...but however we classify it, it is not mere comfort to attempt to define it, qualify it, or quantify it.  We should perhaps ask why the good is there?  Life is mostly a direction.  And it's who we follow. Certain things lead to other things, which all add to direction.

When I was young, my dad would take me hunting. At times I ended up getting lost in a thick swamp. My dad would come looking for me. I often didn't like the direction he was leading me, but I knew he knew the way out. I could have blamed him for getting lost in the swamp, since he was the one who took me out there in the first place. But at the end of the day, I'd get home, get some clean clothes, and be able to live in comfort and peace.

So the direction may help us, but the most important choice is in who we follow.  If we merely trust who we are to follow, we will see that the price of our journey has been taken care of ...because none of us could afford the high cost of the best place to go.  Who wouldn't want the best place?  And we wouldn't be exploring options if we understood that there is only one good place.  Don't invest your life in something that doesn't exist.  

Of course, that is the same argument that is given by the con artist. Sort of leaves you in a quandary, doesn't it?  It really shouldn't!  It should be quite clear, and you should feel peace about it. Let your emotions go in the right direction.

Christianity eventually brought about many changes that made life more pleasant for all.   Sunday was established as a day of rest.  Strong family ties became very important.  Women were treated better, and the poor and sick were cared for. 


What year do you think this describes?

Slaves were treated more kindly, and finally slavery was abolished.


Does this give you an extra hint?


The killing of little babies came to an end.


At what point does this sound most like what we are going through today, or is it merely the aspirations of a future, or not at all important to you?   Perhaps you were taught to look out for number one ...you come first, and others are significantly unimportant in comparison.


Last hint: 


The gladiatorial shows were done away with, and human sacrifice came to an end.


Okay, I'll tell you ...this was the Dark Ages of Europe, or as some would say, the Middle Ages, from A.D. 500 to about the time Columbus was to sail to the New World.   Some refer to it as Medieval ...but I refer to it as mid-evil to extreme evil.


I don't want to return to those days, do you?  When Columbus came to the 'New' World, there was a very slow departure from the 'old'.  But eventually we began to get it somewhat.  Now, however, it is frightening how ...with near lightning speed, we are allowing emotional rhetoric and radical mindsets to return us to the eventual failure to be whom we have strived so long to become.  Let's not be blind to history, and repeat the horror!!

Having much ...and thankful for much, not always the case. I remember having much less and being thankful for more. I guess I regressed to that again, in some respects.    

But perhaps I have more in the way of quite satisfaction, when allowed to.  

Each has to decide for themselves ...what they consider as progress, or what is considered to impress.   

Or rather shall we digress?

I have much to digest.

In the first few Books of the Bible, much is said about offerings and sacrifices.  Adam & Eve’s two sons, Cain and Abel, brought offerings.  We don’t know the details of the offerings, but it is clear that Cain did not put much into his offering.

But, before the births of their sons, Adam & Eve stood alone in the Garden of Eden.  We may ask how much they both put into it, as they stood before God.  Yet, after their sin, they themselves were put into it.  They put their bodies into the skins that God provided as a covering.

Absolutely, God knows how much we put into what we do, and we often don’t put our whole selves into it.  When God points something out, it is true (like He did while conversing with Cain) …but, when people look at things, especially through comparison, it may not be an accurate picture, nor always healthy perspective.

Yet, we do need goals and standards …and we should look to Jesus.  We will inevitably fail or fall way short, but we need to persevere …not to achieve the level of any of the apostles of Jesus, but to mostly offer testimony to what He did, not us.  And Jesus points out our flaws for the purpose of our growth.  And we can often use an attitude adjustment.  In Mark 12:41-44 or Luke 21:1-4, we can see that Jesus was making a point to many in the room when He said the widow’s mite was more than anyone else had given.  It would be my guess that no one else would have seen it that way, until He pointed it out.  How easy or acceptable are our offerings?  How much do we put into what we do?  And how much does it have to do with keeping God foremost in our perspective?

Why was so much detail expected with the offerings and sacrifices that we read about in the Book of Leviticus?   Well, let’s look at our own military services.  We’ve likely heard the stories …or perhaps are among the honored who served and experienced.  Much strictness is upheld with the neatness of their beds …and also the seriousness of how they stand in line for uniform inspection.  One story tells of how the soldiers were asked to dig a hole 10 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet …then for seemingly no logical reason they are asked to then fill the hole back up.

It may seem senseless, but the purpose is discipline.

A farmer may have some mischievous sons.  He may give his sons so much do to …that they couldn’t possibly finish it all in one day, saying to himself, “That will keep them out of trouble!”.

The Book of Leviticus (and following Books) do much to explain detail …mostly the what aspect of it, not always the why.  And as Adam & Eve were not disciplined enough to not eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil …that’s when both the what & why were explained.  Adam clearly knew why …and God explained what would happen after that, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread”.

In the army, someone could die if you are not disciplined enough.  And because each of us are not disciplined enough not to sin, Jesus offered Himself, His sacrifice …by putting Himself out there for us, being crucified for our sake.  

                                                                                                                                          
There are difficult things to understand, and take much thought.  The Bible talks about vows in the 30^th Chapter of Numbers …and we see the dreaded results of mismanagement in the eleventh Chapter of Judges, with Jephthah’s vow.

And especially the 5^th Chapter of Numbers, really threw me …concerning the dealings with jealousy.  It just didn’t seem right, until I realized that the woman was often stoned to death. 

Leviticus 20:10 “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”

Considering that she could likely be judged unjustly, I was able to look at it as not condemnation towards her, but more often it could be freeing her from being wrongly stoned.  Of course, we look to Jesus, as he addressed the situation as “he who is without sin, cast the first stone”.  Clearly, each time a woman is accused in this situation, a man is also at fault.  How anyone could be so detached and insensitive to killing …that is so disturbing.  Many people are tired of hearing the debate about abortion.  Some people say they don’t watch the news on TV because it’s too negative …so they turn the TV off.  Though it may be good to take breaks from watching so much TV, we should not also turn off our minds and our hearts.

 **********************

  

There are always difficult considerations. Do we understand why during World War II, we bombed two Japanese cities?  We can merely say we are against war, but it’s not that easy.  We were already in the war …and in it to stop the war.  I know there will be scoffers.  In our own communities, how easy is it to say we are against crime, while opposing many of the police officers who attempt to curb it?  Crime is not easy to deal with …and it’s worse when it reaches the scale of war. Wish as we may that it not be that way …people do die.  Yet, in view of eternity, which death is worse …the first, or eternal death??

Yes, this does require much thought …all of which we fall short on, yet God has it all thoroughly considered, and precisely carried out.  At times we may wonder why God doesn’t intervene in a way we wish He would.  That we may not quite understand, but what we should foremost understand is that Jesus did intervene in the biggest way, giving His own life, so we can have eternal life.

 ******************

When I worked at Fairlawn Center, the children’s division of what was initially called the Mental Institution, they mainly looked at two things: the child, and the child’s environment.

Most of us would agree that the primary influence in a child’s environment is both the parents of the child.  Though too many false conclusions can be drawn (often are), based upon assumptions …and there is also much emotional investment, sadly with unpleasant confrontation too often steeped within blame-shifting and deflecting guilt.  Instead of helping either parent or child, the risk is always present that they could withdraw from the program.  It is very difficult to both support and redirect.  So, instead of treating the assumed source of the problem, the result is addressed, mostly by prescribing medication and/or legal drugs.  And the problem is often diagnosed as a chemical imbalance.

This 2020 presidential campaign is filled with the politics of how best to solve our problems.  Whether sincere or not, at least some mention is made as to the need to improve our educational system, health care, and our neighborhoods.  [I’ve never been to New York City …no, I’m not a big city person.  But, I don’t understand how those who want guns taken away, are against ‘Stop & Frisk’ which took guns away. Maybe to avoid a bias, large cities could set up checkpoints like at the airport …which stops and frisks everyone.]  Though I doubt that would encourage business.

I digress …so, back to our countries biggest problems.  Climate Change is not even in the top ten.  It may be #1 for some people …but, let’s look at this with facts.  In 1988, testimony was given before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to the effect that global warming was a real threat.  That was over 30 years ago, but the real boost in interest seemed to come after Vice-President Al Gore’s failed attempt at the presidency.  A half dozen years after that, a movie documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ was released along with many speaking engagements by Al Gore …continuing to promote fear of global warming.  But, soon afterwards we had a quite cold winter …and the summer wasn’t that warm either. Initially, those facts were explained away by stating there would be intermittent spikes in temperature in the opposite direction, but no one seemed to mention that just a decade before that, there were those in the scientific community who were exploring the possibility that our earth was going through a period of global cooling. The current alarm over how we are at a near point of extinction comes to us by the name of Climate Change. 

If you read how Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos have been investing, you may want to jump on board the concept of traveling to Mars.  The late great Stephen Hawking made it sound inevitable that we would have to colonize Mars.  Without a doubt that would affect my and your children …but, our teenage and young adult sons don’t believe in this.  Our oldest said that if we ruined Earth’s atmosphere (which by the way, he does not believe will happen), then Earth would still be more feasible to build the domes, with the resources here and no interplanetary shipping charges.

Yes, at Fairlawn Center most every person was on medication …and we treat the planet the same way, as if its chemical imbalance is the most significant problem. And the panic narrows the confrontation to mostly large businesses.  And yes, they should be monitored to guarantee they are abiding by clean water and clean air standards, but Flint, Michigan’s water fiasco had nothing to do with Climate Change.  In that case it was a chemical imbalance of sorts in the water supply due to negligence.

How about the air?  Well, some have said for years that cow gas is destroying the environment …others even saying that vegetarian would be the way to go. Well, I’ve turned 65 at the beginning of this year. And health experts say that a change in diet helps longevity of life.  So, eating more fruits and vegetables while minimizing my intake of meat may work towards fewer cows and less cow gas.  And conveniently, I also like goat’s milk.  The problem is, eating more fruits and vegetables gives me more gas.  And that would be me affecting my immediate environment, and anyone unfortunate to be within close proximity to me.

I digress again, and again …but, the climate change that disturbs me the most is the moral climate affecting the fabric of our society.  There is never a lack of ideas …only of good ideas.  And today a disturbingly large number of us think that what we think, our ideas and values, should reside upon the throne of acceptance, whether detrimental or not.  We can have (and should have) polite and respectful dialogue …but, we should also consider that within our Constitution is the freedom of speech, yet, implied should also be the responsibility to listen.  And foremost, I believe we should listen to the Word of God.  Yes, we should also listen to the point of views of others …but, in our best spirit of loving one another. 

I saw on Facebook, a photo of a woman (yes, she's there because we 'friended' each other) ...a photo of her at a woman's rights rally, which usually heavily focuses on the right to abortion.  A couple years before that her son's wife was pregnant and they posted the ultrasound.  Comments were inclusive of: "Can't wait to see him ...feel like he's already a part of the family!"  It seems very clear that he was considered a human because they wanted him in the family.  Would he be less human if they had not wanted him??   And this thing of Climate Change with a very honorable claim that they are concerned for future generations.  Are they saving the planet for future generations without saving the future generations for the planet??

The 21^st Chapter of the Book of Revelation begins with: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men and women, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

We don’t destroy the earth …it ends when God wants it to.  And who would not celebrate with no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain??   There are people who don’t believe this.  Because I do believe the Bible, I don’t believe I need to concern myself with Climate Change.  God created this place for us, and it will sustain us for as long as it’s supposed to …and no, our next residence is not going to be Mars, it will be the new Jerusalem, with Him …or someplace without Him.

Yes, it would be best to live with Him now.   If we want to be with Him later, why wouldn’t we want to be with Him now??

Do we need a History lesson?

       
Once upon a time, there was a nation with much debt and a crippled economy.  But there was a promise of economic recovery ...and the people had hope.  Another nation looked to their government for solutions ...and the government promised job programs and other economic relief.  The liberal theology in the universities were sure to not let the youth be deceived ...and they taught them well, at least well enough to muster a healthy portion of hate predominately towards the wealthy and especially the bankers.  The youth distrusted the wealthy and feared what those mongers would bring about, but as usual the youth were resilient with their search for new leadership.  

They had the strength and resolve as most youth do, and they realized they had 'evolved' to this point in time where they would have to rise to the challenge ...following the visionaries of these universities (institutions of higher learning?).  They did not want to isolate their followers, so there was no need to mention terms like 'survival of the fittest', and also absent was the future plans for the physically handicapped, the mentally ill, or the terminally ill.   Temporary and quick commitment  was all that was necessary, so it mattered not that real commitment was downgraded with alarming rates of divorce and commonplace abortions.   

At this time, another nation jumped in, showing full support.  But other nations still held an 'isolationist' view or 'hands off' policy.  The second nation decided it not best to honor their mutual benefit relationship with the third nation, but there are always other nations who are dissatisfied and willing to try something new.  Yes, that first nation was Italy, the second nation was Germany, and the third nation was Russia.  The temporarily 'isolationist' nation was the U.S., who after being attacked, then fully dedicated themselves to joining World War II   The superior race had a hard time proving itself at the Olympic game when Jesse Owens won four gold metals.  And though they achieved much of their terror, they eventually lost the war, though not nearly soon enough.  

How about reading this with at least two perspectives in mind?   Look at what happened then, and then re-read it and look at how many of those preliminary mistakes we are not only ignoring, but repeating today! 

Roles are different, some are reversed, but too many are way too similar, could we actually agree to ignore them or give a blind eye.  Many universities and other medias are leading us to a mentality of bringing us to the brink of repeating one of the most dire periods in our history.   How could we repeat this horror?    By listening to lies ...but the clincher is, who is telling the lie?  Having worked in a prison, I am very accustomed to lies ...I've seen them at their best.  And the ones telling the lies, were often giving a very convincing case that the others were actually the ones not telling the truth ...and they were loud and vocal about it, and very persistent.   But it seems like I am also, and my convictions have not put me behind bars ....and hopefully it will never come to that.

A dog, a deer, and my dad ...which do you think is most capable of violence? I love Dad, so if you don't know him like I do ...

                                                                                                                                                                                                     If you don't know Dad like I do, you should not answer this question, unless you read this story first.   My dad grew up in farm country.  Dad fought in World War II ...and had a sailor hat that had a bullet hole in the brim.   He said he knew that shot was close.   After the war, everyone had to cope and try to rebuild their lives ...with hope for a better future, one they had fought to preserve.   Dad married Mom, and they began to raise a family.  When I was 5 years old, he moved the family closer to where his work was ...at the Veteran's Hospital.   Raising six children, he said that venison in the freezer helped him get through some difficult times.   Dad hunted on the old homestead, but I specifically remember that he would not shoot a doe.   I could tell he had a certain respect for the animal, and I agree that a deer is one of the most beautiful animals that God has created.  Yet, beautiful or not, every creature has its purpose and fits magnificently into God's design.  I will not argue whether that design is for my table or not ...that is not the purpose of this story.   Most of the people who still lived around the old homestead owned dogs.  Many thought the country was the ideal way to live, and I still tend to agree, yet with the easy living they didn't usually pay much attention to where their dogs roamed ...or how they bred.  I remember very clearly, Dad sharing a story about hearing wild dogs on a chase.   Suddenly a young doe, broke into a clearing, panting rapidly ...and at the point of exhaustion.  It could only spare that one moment, as the dogs were gaining on it. One of the dogs entered the clearing ...and Dad shot it.   The other dogs gave up the chase.  The doe was safe  ...for a time.

Tell me what you think!! And what is the difference between survival, defending yourself, or defending another ...from one that is out to devour? I've been accused of devouring a McDonalds hamburger ...but it would make for a shocking headline if I fell victim to a charging beef cow. (By the way, I don't charge, I pay cash.) Who wants to cash in on their comments here??

One last note:   If we were to consider the present philosophies (not the past, as we are all supposed to learn from our past ...and aim to correct mistakes), so considering current philosophies, of peoples and nations ...which ones hold fast to, or are at least willing to consider peaceful agendas; and in comparison, which ones are driven by anger and purposed for vengeance or annihilation?

If my beliefs differ from yours ...that does not mean I protest your rights. Hate challenges another's existence. Do not hate!

                                                                                                                                              
"Don't ask, don't tell" policy was deemed unfair, and ended last month.   

Apparently this is not a consistent attitude with other so called institutions of 'higher' learning.  A victory in one area is often celebrated by abuse in another area.  With the next major holiday coming up in December, in many areas we cannot "ask" for Jesus to be mentioned, and we certainly are frowned upon if we "tell".  And what is happening at the birthplace of Jesus?   How are things looked upon there?  It seems there is a growing hate throughout the whole world.   

Throughout history, we have endured much hate, but there were eventually those who at least stood up for what was humane, if all else seemed not right. Why is little being said about the growing hatred?   Throughout history there has been war over Jesus' homeland ...with often nothing to do with preservation, other than preserving their hatred.  Why this growing hatred towards Jewish people?   God doesn't hate them, so what right do others claim.   

Do those believe they 'evolved' beyond God, and validate only their actions, justifying themselves above God?  Think again ...are you with everything the claimed 99% say, and if not, how can you stand with them at all?  I agree with bits and pieces of what is said, but the driving force is hate. They are pawns, being pitted against each other. The movement wants to get the police on their side, but some of the most loyal are our military and our police force.  So to pit the public against the police is the only way to weaken one of the most loyal and dedicated group of people we still have within our nation.  Not perfect ...but vital to our survival as a nation.  

What would be the ultimate result of the undoing of all this?  Not what the protesters in the street are looking for!  The evil waiting in the wings, will swoop down upon the spoils.  Environmentalists claim to support, yet do not stand against the pollution caused by riots.  And that is nothing compared to the pollution of the minds by teachers and professors that profess nothing but revolt.   

I think this is revolting. I think the students should get their money back in certain so called institutions of higher learning ...the ones who have deceived and driven minds to act, not through sound reasoning, but as pawns. This is so similar to what happened with the followers of Hitler, then Lenin.  How can we be ignorant of this, and wave the banner of such an obvious blueprint of our own eventual destruction?

Once hate saturates the minds of so many ...is the only peace that can be had, be had through accepting and giving in to the the ones who perpetrate it??

And if that is to be peace ...isn't it revolutionizing through revolt?  Yet, it wouldn't be a revolt against what is unjust ...but to favor the unjust.  We seem to believe more and more in the theories of evolution.  It sort of eliminates God in the minds of people ...and also eliminates any real standard of right or wrong.  If organizations such as ISIS rule, who is anyone to tell them they are wrong??

I had a discussion today of the age of the earth.  It would seem to be no great issue to have a difference of belief on how old the earth is.  Some people would say, that's not that big of an issue.  But, if one part of the Bible is not looked at literally, then what other parts are we to look at as just a story, or parable??  

Would we say Jesus was a good man ...who had followers who developed many quite spectacular stories about?  He said He wanted to make fishers of men. Would we be so absurd to think they sat around and made up fish stories?? I shudder to think we would do that?

The person who argued the age of the earth ...claimed to be an agnostic, bordering on atheist.  It's sort of like saying you don't know, then suddenly you know.  But, what you are saying you know ...is something you claim doesn't exist, so you cannot know about that which you claim you have undeniable evidence that no one else can know either.

What would it be like if someone said that saw a lion in their neighborhood? And someone else said they didn't believe them ...furthermore, that no one else saw the lion, and that it didn't exist?  Then another person saw the lion, but that same disbeliever said they were both making it up.  They then proceed to give all the reasons why lions are not in Michigan, and how this is not their habitat.  They could cite all the reasons why lions don't live here, and how they could never had traveled even to this continent.

Then you tell them about the circus that had come to town. 

I know this is a bad analogy ...and it doesn't quite fit.  Rather stick with the Lion of Judah!!

The problem with compromise is, though it is often good, when compromising the truth ...it's like compromising with a headhunter and ending up as a half-wit, or no head at all; or compromising with a cannibal and ending up with only half of your family.

Half-truths most off end up as no truth at all.  What you've so easily given up half of, should be no problem at all to lose the other half ...which is half worth nothing, or nothing at all, which is what it will become anyway.  Something of half value is not so coveted to hold onto ...nor valued.

And this is what we've been doing with our faith.

The problem with carbon dating or potassium argon dating is similar to when one first begins dating. They get excited, and a bit careless ...they don't go at it slowly because they base their hope on just a few compatibility facts, & then later when everything doesn't seem quite right, they sum it all up by saying things were definitely getting old. 

Sincere thanks in so many areas. Yet, I am aware of the flip side ...of despondency and hardship. I am thankful for much love ...yet, God's love overwhelms! We often think it's like filling up our car with gasoline ...as we choose what grade we want, how much we want to spend, and how far we expect it to go. At times it seems like a 'tankless' endeavor. I can't see myself in a solar run car anytime soon, but still look to run on the power of the 'Son'.

How many of us still like our country ...and if not, where would we rather live? Do we still desire to be the 'United' States?

                                                                                                                                                                                               We can all have differences in faith ...but how different can we be with our principles?   Christians and Muslims have a history of conflict, but aside from faith, many principles are the same ...those relating to certain aspects of morality.  It appears the difference is how to approach it, and the rights of others.  

I feel I have a healthy tolerance, but I have real problems with a philosophy that feels I should be eliminated because of my faith.   
Some time ago, I reasoned that the real difference between good and evil quite disturbingly was shown within the life of Jesus.   

Jesus told the truth and often by taking on conflict directly with words of truth, while showing love, and accepting love in return through longing souls and repentant hearts. That is God's pure good.   

Now the pure evil was shown by the sole motivation to eliminate the good ...by crucifixion.  But it didn't work to eliminate the good.  The more effective way is what is being attempted today ...to confuse and distort the truth.

Some people don't believe in any bit of the Bible.  Others don't believe in Jesus. Many who say they believe in Jesus Christ call themselves Christians.   So to follow Jesus, let's look at the beginnings ...those who followed Him as He walked the earth ...the apostles.   

In the Book of Matthew: Jesus told them to 'go' (don't just stay, and fish) ...in the Name of the Fasther, Son, and Holy Spirit ...and to observe (not forget) everything He had taught them)

In the Book of Mark: to cast out devils (not eliminate the poor victim that the devil was torturing and deceiving) ...and to speak with a new tongue (shall we say this included sreading the gospel to languages other than their own ...and to daily talk to each other with a mild, polite, and civil tongue?)

In the Book of Luke:  repentance and remission of sins should be present.

In the Book of John:  to Peter (and could we also ask ourselves as Jesus asked) ---Do you love me?

Returning to the Book of Mark, Chapter three and verse fourteen ---a house divided against itself cannot stand.

Mark 9: 39, Jesus answered the apostles, "Forbid him not, for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my Name,that can lightly speak evil of me."

That kind of leveled the field of who had the authority to to speak.  As far as further esteeming ourselves, that's another issue entirely.  Jesus knew there would be divisions, but wanted unity ...yet, not in wrongdoing. We are to discern, not hate.  

There is much wisdom today, yet much confusion ...and knowledge does not equate with wisdom.  What do we accept ...and who do we accept?     

I find no problem with the Bible ...the Old Testament, or the New Testament. What would it be that we question?  Much of the 'old' people used to find it difficult to believe ...yet those writings that existed during Jesus' life on earth, were only mentioned by Jesus in reference to truth.   

Today, the ark filled with animals, and the Red Sea parting ...seem easier to digest than what moral issues we face today, or refuse to face.  

I've had Union involvement throughout my career ...though the last half, rather passive. Now retired ...opinions resurface.

                                                                                                                                                                                            With the Department of Corrections, I passively watched as others carried signs ...but it was always peaceful, after all, we were employed with the ideology of upholding the law, and those who didn't could become clients. I don't recall any infiltration of mixed agendas.  We all understood that we were a branch of law enforcement.  These "Occupy" movements have gotten out-of-hand.  It's those upholding the law who stand being persecuted.  Many of the protesters seem to hate the police.  There's a confusion between prosecution and persecution.   Yes, there are injustices in all walks of life.  But I don't believe many of the protesters  know who are truly representing them ...nor who are the driving force behind them. Earlier in my career, I had become more active and held a union position because there were those who held an office only for self-serving purposes ...and contrary ideologies had taken over, that many of us, who were the passive and content majority, felt we could no longer tolerate.  That election stunned many who felt they had everything under their control.   They also looked into prosecuting one of the past office-holders.  Yes, I was liked by many of my co-workers, but the job we all were employed to do was not one that would win us any popularity contests among those whose problems we were to confront.  Whether the discipline is in the home, or in the community ...though it is not an ordeal often welcomed, it is without question ---necessary.  I was fair and consistent with my treatment ...and those who accepted it, many whom I've since come across have thanked me.   Obviously, those who tend to reject any redirection in life ...would likely continue to do so.   My life was redirected by coming to grips with the reality of why Jesus came to our earth.   But I gather to say, that those who hate the police, hate government ...many also hate the Jewish people, and probably don't follow the Jew who came to save the world over two thousand years ago. But more accurately, He did not come as an environmentalist to save the earth ...Jesus came to save the people.  I am often overwhelmed by the confusion that many are blindly following, and how distorted the view of God has become.  It brings new definition to what it means to 'stand', yet in reading the acts of the apostles, we can perhaps regather the clues.

Saturday night ...thinking of church tomorrow ...Jesus died for our sins ...how do we view Jesus; and how do we view sin?

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Sin ignored?  Or does the mere word, mention of it, make us feel uncomfortable?  We may all have a fairly common short list of what we call sin.   But to the majority of us, most sin is not even considered sin.   In the New Testament (Greek), it is referred to as "missing the mark".   

I'm thinking of archery.  We have to account for the wind (tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine). But even if there was no wind, we would fall short of the mark ...mainly because our bow, our pull, is not strong enough (all have fallen short).   

Yet, we have to realize we have someone pulling for us. Far off from what many would have imagined, aimed straight at Calvary.  

You cannot convince someone of the truth ...

                                                                                                                  Without the Holy Spirit, nothing is definable, everything can be denied or re-defined, and only the only remaining thing to do ...is to watch absurdity rise to new levels.  From the book, entitled, 'Edgar Allen, it is described how, as a child, his Mom relates that God can sometimes be understood by seeing where He is, ans where He isn't ...further stating that where He isn't may be more interesting, and often tells us more about Him and His ways, than where He is traditionally thought to be.

The problem arises when we look for truth beyond the Bible, by this I mean, contrary to the Bible.  Kay Arthur wrote that there was a school function where they  decorated two rooms in a way that they imagined Heaven and Hell would be ...and of course, music was added ... and it became a party of sorts, with eventually most of the people ending up in the Hell room. Beyond the candy, which I admit I like as much as anyone, Halloween often goes to extremes in certain ways, celebrating death and horror ...all with the claim that it is healthy entertainment.  

But most of the danger, I do not believe lies here ...but in the lies that are told about God's character or what we believe He accepts.  He accepts us, with our sin ...but He does not accept the sin.   He accepted the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus ...and accepts us who accept His Son.    

Most people who discount the Bible as true, yet say they accept Jesus, seem to ignore that Jesus quoted Old Testament writings, and He did not question the accuracy of them.

Why is it when logic, with a mix of a little signature humor is used, the claim is that it is nothing but indistinguishable nonsense ...nothing more? 

Me thinks I know!! 

If I'm serious ...I need to lighten up; and if I'm humorous, then I shouldn't be making light of it. At least, that's what I'm told.

Me thinks the Light shines, not to offend the shadows, but to define the boundaries. If it defines something we don't like, then stand directly beneath the Light ...and cast no shadow of doubt.

Do you truly want Redistribution of Wealth?

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The only ones that I've come across who truly believe in redistribution of wealth are the missionaries.  They give up almost everything, in the hope that others can someday share in the wealth of beholding the glory of God.  I recommend to put your mouth where your money isn't:  Confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart!   (In the long run, you'll be a benefactor of true equality and justice.)