Kay talks about her senior year in high school. The church that she and her family went to had a host of activities for all ages. The church encouraged participation, striving to keep the youth involved. The youth did have fresh, new ideas, and that made the church proud of what they had to offer.  After all, free thinkers are the backbone of our country. It is what enabled our country to grow, and it grows churches too. Other churches were not as successful, but the larger churches believed that with activities, the youth were not likely to get into as much trouble ...as long as they stayed involved in some sort of church activity.

Kay took the liberty to organize a dance.  It was a real challenge for her ...to try something different, to draw more people in.  She decided to call it a "Heaven and Hades Dance".

And Kay went on to say what a big success it was.  One section of the church was decorated with soft, blue lighting ...and angels suspended amongst clouds, with church hymns in the background. The other section of the church had a red character with a pitchfork amongst a low cloud of smoke, and flashing lights penetrating an otherwise dark room. The flashing lights matched the beat of the music, and Kay said that at the end of the night everyone was in this room. Being in the other room seemed a bit boring, and everyone felt there was no reason not to have a little fun. We all know the cliche, "A little fun never hurt nobody."

Of course, that last statement contains a double negative.  If you want the full story, the book is entitled, "Lord, is it Warfare?" by Kay Arthur, the third Chapter, page 57.  It's not like we suddenly find ourselves somewhere ...where we shouldn't be; and we're told by the one who is the 'head' of that particular abode, that we now belong and are a part of that organization.  I'm thankful it doesn't happen that way.  Yet, though we may never concede being a part of it, it does become a part of us.  It lingers on with us.

The next reference to Kay's teachings comes from a book entitled, "Lord, I Want to Know You".  I just finished reading pages 204 and 205. Our Lord stood over the threshold, and the court was filled with the brightness of His glory. Then our Lord moved to the entrance of the east gate, then slowly moved to the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, pausing there. Kay paints a picture of our Lord, lingering, lovingly waiting for our cry of repentance.  Jehovah-shammah ...the Lord is there. God has not left us ...we have departed from many of the things of God, but He has not left us.  We are often standing where God is not.

We know God is "love", and we know He loves us.  If we say we have invited Him into our hearts, and our homes, how comfortable have we made that?  How much preparation each day goes towards consideration of our honored guest?  Do we crowd Him with so much of the stuff we think is important to us that He would have to move to the side to make room?  And how far would He have to go?   He came all the way from Heaven to make room for us!!  How far will we go for Him?

"Change" ...we are not talking about what the politicians talk about, or promise.  And do we struggle with who it is that needs to change ...us or them?   Instead of thinking we have the answers or solutions, shouldn't we each change our way of thinking, admitting that God knows more than all of us?   Shouldn't we humbly follow what He says; what He truly says, not what we'd like for Him to say ...what we'd like His words to mean?   It takes an honest look at ourself, yet not focusing on self.  It helps if we confess what is wrong. Repentance is true 'change' ...and it includes the willingness to admit we are wrong, and stand ready to correct it.

Not dealing with a wrong, is like neglecting to pull a weed out of our garden.  The weed grows and grows ...often beyond the height of what we'd intended to grow.   King David considered his wrongdoing.  In one instance, he thought he'd do some good to correct it ...but his idea of fixing it was not confessing.  It was aimed at a clever cover-up that would satisfy everyone and make them happy.

I believe a good cover-up, is what Noah's son should have done ...what the two other sons did do.  They walked backwards.  The times we should strive for backwardness, is when we shouldn't be forward about something.  We don't need to expose every little thing ...especially about others.  But when our clever plan to hide our own wrong doesn't work, we may find ourselves in a further predicament.  That's where King David found himself.  It was time to take the proper approach.  But the longer we delay ...we diminish our chances for recovery, and we may even approach total denial.  And as we suffer this blindness, we become increasingly critical of others.

God restored King David.  Wouldn't it be great if we could simply be restored too?  The difference is, many don't believe in God anymore. We think we know more than God. Or we either won't believe in God, or have replaced so much of the truth, that God is recognized much different than once believed  ...but we can once again believe if we read what is written in the Bible.  But perhaps we don't want to believe. We think it is convenient not to believe ...at least, for the moment.  After all, it helps grow the denial ...which goes hand-in-hand with not having to be accountable.

With this sort of 'freedom' we can change our ideals, our laws, and perhaps even our Constitution ...alas, celebrating a revolution of 'change', that changed our country. But, when we destroy what we once had, don't worry, someone will come to pick up the pieces.  Just be honest about this one thing ...you asked for it!!   The pieces will no longer have any hope of peace.  Once again, you can cry foul ...not repentance, but cry foul!!  Though, whether you like it or not, you will be accountable for what has happened ...and you'll find the 'new world order' is worse than the one you protested against.  Then what fight will be left within you? ...and if you still choose to fight, my guess is that it will do no good. You'll be out of options. It's like a chess game for some.  My question is, "What will you say when someone says check-mate!"