Evidence of healing

Compound fractures are nothing to scoff at. To break a bone is bad enough, but to have it rip through your skin for all to see takes the pain to another level. But it makes an excellent testimony.

Norm and Rick, a couple of friends, had the urge to go to a well-known amusement park. It had an arcade, go-karts, miniature golf, and various other activities to alleviate boredom. And, like most of my friends at the time, they were adrenalin junkies. So each activity became a competition. And sessions on the trampolines appeared to rival the Olympics in their competitive minds. But the pursuit of victory – even a fantasized one – is often tarnished by the agony of defeat. 

Norm missed his mark, and when his leg descended between the springs and concrete border he felt the snap. He was helped to the side. And he and Rick – both were pursuing their education to become firemen – quickly discovered the extent of the damage: the compound fracture of the lower leg, near the ankle.

Park employees called 911, while Rick began to administer first aid. But Norm, who was fairly composed in-spite of the pain, suggested spiritual aid. And the employees and looky-loos soon witnessed Christian brothers laying on hands while fervently praying to God for a healing touch.

The touch was apparently given as dozens of witnesses saw the miracle. The protruding bone receded and the blood ceased as the open wound closed. When EMTs and paramedics arrived at the park the blood-soaked pant leg, sock, and shoe was the only external evidence that remained of the wound. Later, however, x-rays showed a healed fracture.

The incident occurred over a dozen years ago, but it left its mark on those who were present: especially on Norm and Rick. Norm pursued his dream and has been a fireman over a decade. Rick, however, never became a fireman. He’s a senior pastor of a church in Northern California.  

[* Testimony told by one of the participants.]

Everyone has a story

Everyday trials are God’s way of strengthening character and faith. You exercise your body to get stronger. Well, you need to exercise your faith too. But most people seem to forget it’s a two-part system. You exercise your body so you can keep going; doing the things you need to do. Similarly, when your faith is strengthened it’s to be used to accomplish spiritual tasks. And one of those tasks is to use the personal experience as an inspirational life-lesson to others. It is not hard to do. You simply need to witness or give testimony about an experience, and how God brought you through, or what lesson you learned.

Unfortunately, as seen with the continuing decline of our society’s spiritual welfare, most Christians waste the valuable experiences they have been blessed with, endured, and overcome. They fail to pass the lessons on. So the inspiration and positive lessons are never allowed to go forth and be fruitful by helping others gain faith so they too may overcome. And that’s not God’s fault. It is the failure of each of us who carelessly discard the inspirational value of every life event we’ve experienced, endured, overcome, and then failed to pass on for the benefit of others; and for the glory of God. And do we really believe the numerous excuses used throughout the ages are credible? Are we so gullible? If you don’t think you have to answer to God for each missed opportunity you’re sadly mistaken.

It does not mean we all have to knock on doors or jump on the next mission trip to a third world country. But God does expect us to use our god-given abilities to witness and testify in His name. God’s great 

commission applies to each of us.

I don’t knock on doors. I don’t preach in a pulpit. But I do use the talents God blessed me with to share my testimony and His Word. I’ve shared with writings: fiction and nonfiction. I’ve shared with art, music, and various live performances. I’ve shared at various churches and other venues. And I’m now sharing on the internet so it can go forth for God 24/7.

Join me. Every life-lesson you have experienced is worthy of testimony and should be shared. And it does not need to be hard or complicated. Focus on one event, theme, or lesson during an upcoming conversation with someone you know who can use some inspiration. Just do what the Spirit leads. And do it for the right reason, as a testimony to inspire others and glorify God. Think of it as a personal ministry. After all, we have all asked God to constantly do things for us. Shouldn’t we, likewise, do what we can for Him?

Just remember, we all have stories to tell.

Cheerful Givers

Have you ever been the recipient of someone’s selfless and sacrificial act? It is such a humbling experience to realize another person had enough compassion, and cared enough about you, to give beyond their comfort zone. And, unlike celebrities who often give only out of their abundance, and make sure they get good press coverage, it is inspiring to witness the positive aspects of humanity without an agenda.

Don and Ellen Courtney, are a prime example of a Christian couple that follows God’s Word to be cheerful givers: even with sacrificial giving. Generally speaking, sacrificial giving is giving until it hurts. But they are not gullible. Don is an ex-police chief, a graduate of the FBI academy, and a top administrator on the Warm Springs Reservation and Ellen works in the school system. Therefore, while they are willing to make sacrifices, and do so faithfully, they will only respond in accordance to God’s Word and will.

I, too, am a firm believer in God’s Word. And, while God clearly does not like puffed-up personal pride, arrogance, and self-boasting, He does want praiseworthy actions to be held-up as positive examples for living.

                        Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger,

                        and not thine own lips.

                                                                                                Proverbs 27: 2

Don and Ellen are the first to admit their faults. Like all of us, they are not perfect. But I have known them over a dozen years, and I can easily say that they belong to a rare group of individuals who honestly strive to live daily according to their faith and beliefs.

I am in the midst of a second chance at life: a chance that was nearly cut short on more than one occasion. If not for a sacrificial act by Don and Ellen, one that I know hindered their family situation at times, I would, at the very least, be homeless: and perhaps worse. And I do not make that claim lightly – and it’s not an exaggeration.

I am a partially disabled vet in my fifties. And when the economy went belly-up I lost my job (and eventually my savings) on the same day my soul-mate lost her courageous seven-year battle with cancer. And, as most of us learned from the news, the handful of jobs remaining – especially in rural communities where I live – were continually given to the younger adults. My unemployment benefits ran out and the only feasible option was to return to school. Then, near the time I acquired my associate degree and transferred to OSU, my vehicle gave up the proverbial ghost. And a vehicle is a necessity when you live an hour from campus.

To make a long story short, Don and Ellen gave up one of their vehicles at a time when they knew I could not afford one. They knew it would be a long-term situation, and that it would create additional burdens for themselves. But they never hesitated. Within a few hours after I told them about my vehicle situation and asked them for prayer, they knocked on my door and handed me the keys.

It took nearly two years before I was able to write them a check. And even then they refused the full amount I wanted to pay. And not once during that period did they ever bring up the topic to me. They believe that when God urges them to do something they simply do it and let God take care of the details in His time. It is a belief that I have repeatedly seen them adhere to, and one that I aspire to.

I will always feel blessed for God bringing them into my life. Thank you, God. And thank you, Don and Ellen. You are a living example to all who know you, and a witness to those who don’t. 

Creative Outlets

            Utilizing your creative talents can be just as beneficial physically as they are spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically.

Pat Snyder, author of “The Dog Ate My Planner,” has taken her ability to inject humor and creativity into the stressful areas of her life, and organized it into a complete series of wacky workshops to teach others how to do the same.

There are numerous humorous books, CDs, and DVDs on the market to satisfy every personality and taste; such as Laughter from the Pearly Gates, Healing Through Humor, or any family-oriented comedy special. In fact, Healing Through Humor, by Charles and Frances Hunter, has been used by medical professionals during laughter therapy sessions. The forward was written by Dr. Francisco Contreras, who is quoted as saying, “Positive emotions invoked by humor have healing effects.” And Dr. Don Colbert claims, “Laughter is absolutely the best medicine as it charges the immune system and triggers the relaxation response.”

            Here are some other positive effects from laughter:

·         Your heart and lungs are stimulated.

·         Your heart beats faster and your blood pressure rises.

·         You breathe deeper and oxygenate more blood.

·         Your body releases natural pain killers called endorphins, and you produce more immune cells.

·         You burn seventy-eight times more calories than when the body is in a resting state.

·         Your diaphragm, facial muscles, and internal organs all get jostled in what some professionals call “internal jogging.”

And after laughing your muscles and arteries relax, which is great for easing pain. Likewise, your blood pressure subsides and your pulse drops below normal: all of which researchers attribute to aiding digestion.

However, creativity doesn’t have to be combined with humor to be beneficial at releasing stress, or for any number of other creative healing therapies, such as Veteran and Educational institutions, like Montclair University, having programs for veterans and military students to relieve stress and exorcise pent-up emotions through creative art and writing.

Dr. Marie Cascarano, Coordinator of Health Promotion for the University, claims, “Everyone experiences stress throughout their daily lives, but the key to managing daily stressors is finding a way to take breaks throughout the day to take care of you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Creating art and discussing the process can help you increase your self-awareness and relieve stress while using your creativity.”

Another creative outlet used extensively by novice and professional alike is the various forms of music therapy: an outlet I utilize for stress relief and healing.

Sung-Chi Chen, BSN, RN, says, “Music therapy has shown positive outcomes on physiological and psychological well-being among older people.” However, music therapy is clearly beneficial to everyone, not just the elderly. For instance, on Art Drum.com there is a list of twelve ways drumming benefits students: everything from physical benefits to helping them focus and become better students.

All forms of music can be therapeutic, but I am strongly attracted to percussion and drum therapy, including drum circles.

When you have individuals like Babatunde Olatunji quote, “Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm,” it is not simply a statement off the cuff. These are words backed by thousands of years of human culture utilizing percussion instruments to communicate, celebrate, instill a strong sense of social community, worship, heal, and even bid their last farewells. After all, who of us does not know of the strong role drums have played in many communities like the African tribes, Australian aborigines, and Native American tribes?

Modern-day professionals, medical and otherwise, have discovered some fascinating facts regarding percussion and/or drum therapy. For instance, Ben Schwarcz, a professional music therapist with Alternative Depression Therapy, claims “Drumming Therapy taps into layers of the mind and body that other modalities cannot. Studies have shown that repetitive drumming changes brain wave activity, inducing a state of calm and focused awareness.”

One of the best studies done backing the benefits of drumming was published in Alternative Therapies in January, 2001, entitled, “Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects.” Some of the key discoveries for this research are as follows:

“Both neuroendocrine and immunologic alterations were found in drumming subjects following this composite intervention compared with controls. These changes appear to be immunoenhancing (increased DHEA-to-cortisol ratios, increased NK cell activity, and increased LAK cell activity).” In other words, not only can it immediately reduce stress, but it “has the potential to produce cumulative or sustaining neuroendocrine or immunological effects that could contribute to the well-being of an individual facing a long-term condition in which elevated NK cell activity is known to be beneficial.”

It would literally require volumes of text to do this subject justice. However, there is enough evidence shown here to come to the conclusion that all forms of creative therapies or outlets have some form of positive effects that can be acquired through personal or group participation. So be sure to make some time during your week to let your God-given creative juices flow.

Works Cited

Bittman, Dr.Barry B., et al. “Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on

Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects.” Alternative Therapies. Jan. 2001 Vol.7 No.1 P.38-47 Print.

Hunter, Charles and Frances. Healing Through Humor. Creation House Press. Lake Mary

Florida 2003. Print.

Phillips, Bob and Jonny Hawkins. Laughter From the Pearly Gates. Harvest House

Publishers. Eugene, OR. 2004. Print.

Rodak, Denise Y. “Stress Relief Through the Creative Arts.” Montclair State Univ. Web.

8 May 2011.

Schwarcz, Ben, MFT. “Drumming Therapy: Healing Through Rhythm and Sound.”

Alternative Depression Therapy. Web. 8 May 2011.

               

                (Article revised from 2011 non-published article.) 

Dad let go and let God

My patriarchal grandmother was pregnant about the time of the Wall Street crash in ’29 that ushered in the Great Depression. It was not a good time to bring children into the world, which is why my dad had a nine, thirteen and sixteen-year head-start on his siblings. It was a generation cemented with family tradition and personal responsibility. And it was a time when children often worked long hours in factories or fields (when work could be found) to help feed the family. And, if the Great Depression wasn’t enough of an example to emphasize the need for hard work and commitment to provide for your family, my grandfather drilled into my dad lessons he learned the hard way. My grandfather became the sole provider for his three siblings at the age of eleven. They were in Wales during WWI, and when his father was lost in the war his mother abandoned the children. She tramped from guy-to-guy and never saw her offspring again.

Needless to say, by the time Dad married and my older brother and I made our appearance into this world, providing for your family was synonymous with manhood in the mind of my father. But life is unpredictable. And even the hardest workers get laid-off when the economy sours, too many accounts are lost, or the business goes bankrupt. And Dad found himself unemployed for the first time in his adult life. Jobs became scarce, and the longer it lasted the more it chipped away at Dad’s emotional state. In his eyes he was failing to be a man. He was failing to provide for his family. And when the cupboards were bare, and my brother and I (toddlers at the time) cried with empty stomachs, Dad decided to take matters into his own hands and get money for food by any means necessary.

I was too young at the time to have clear memories of what happened next. But it became a family story that was repeated so often no one could forget. My parents argued over the dire situation and, eventually, Dad went off by himself to brood. When he returned there was a purpose in his step. He marched straight to his room, disappeared for about a minute, and came back out carrying a rifle. He had pawned several guns already. This was his last. But my mother took one look at my dad and knew he wasn’t heading to any pawn shop.

She tried to stop him, but the effort was futile. She considered calling the police, but decided against it. Dad was a veteran of the Korean War. Mom figured that if he was confronted by armed officers it would only inflame the situation. So she called family; none of which were close enough to immediately assist, but they all agreed to pray.

Dad recalled driving, but not where he went or how long it took until he parked outside a grocery store. From the moment he left home until realizing he was in the parking lot he had vented at God. At some point during the angry tirade Dad came to the conclusion that if God felt no obligation to fulfill His promises as a heavenly father, than he no longer felt obligated to walk a godly path. He told God, “You’re strong enough to watch your son die on a cross; but I’m not you, and I cannot watch my children suffer another day with no food for their bellies.” And he reached for his rifle – only to realize he could no longer move. His limbs refused every mental command. He was paralyzed. He tried to fight it, but it was useless. Yet in the midst of the mental turmoil he remembers one clear thought, losing their father will bring more suffering than empty stomachs. And all internal fighting ceased. He surrendered. And he cried – and cried some more.

Dad let go of everything that night. For the first time in his life he admitted he could not do everything, and he gave it all to God. And immediately following his surrender to God the paralysis disappeared. He drove home, and upon his arrival he discovered strangers had delivered several bags of groceries during his absence. And two days later he was offered a job: a job that would last thirty-years.    

A House Divided

A new church member continually dwells on a perpetual stream of negatives bombarding his household. He lives with his wife and son, along with her adult son from a previous marriage, and his aging and ailing mother.

He constantly requests prayer for the extensive list of negatives plaguing his household, yet appears defeated while asking. He also wonders why he cannot find “victory in Jesus” and the “joy that passes understanding” he hears others talk about.

However, when others (myself included) tell him to spend time in introspection along with asking God to reveal any lessons needing to be learned or any obstacles that are hindering the household from experiencing the joy of Christ and His blessings, he immediately becomes defensive. And the defensive attitude always surrounds the issue of Islam.

His wife and step-son, though not members of any mosque, choose to read the Quran: at the urging of the son. Their youngest son attends church with his father. And the elderly mother apparently keeps clear of both sides.

It is true that God allows each of us to go through trials. Trials strengthen the faith of those who endure and trust God to see them through. However, not all trials we face in life are God-ordained. Many trials are self-inflicted: the consequence of personal choices.

Therefore, there comes a time during periods of spiritual drought (a time of prolonged trials and lack of blessings) when individuals need to reconsider personal choices. Pray for guidance and discernment. Compare decisions and actions with God’s Word. Keep an open mind and spirit in order to accept His divine answers. And be strong enough to accept responsibility for choices and actions.

When the church member immediately gets defensive about a specific topic – especially prior to that topic being brought up by anyone – it is a clear sign that he is already aware and concerned about the issue. The unction of the Holy Spirit is doing a work in him, and he’s probably already giving the topic a lot of thought.

Unfortunately, we humans often prolong our trials by our reluctance to confront problematic issues beyond thought: especially when action may be needed. For instance, people with addictive personalities have a hard time confronting their addictions because they believe the addiction (alcohol, drugs, etc) fills a void within them.

The church member is well-aware of the problems that can arise when diverse belief systems reside within a family confined to a single-dwelling. And what makes it worse is that the beliefs are not compatible or equally tolerant. Unlike beliefs such as Christianity and Judaism, which worship the same God and have similar core values, Islam specifically calls for the subjugation and/or death of infidels (anyone who does not accept 

Islam).

The Quran states the following in Sura (or chapter) 9, verse 29, regarding war against non-Muslims:

“Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e., Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

Sura 47, verse 4 begins with the following:

“So when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e., take them as captives).”

Naturally, God is well-aware of the complications that can arise in households with diverse beliefs. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 the Bible states the following:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

As you can see Jehovah is not a vindictive God. He is a loving God. He knows human nature will bring about conflict when those with diametrically opposed views reside in close proximity, but He does not tell the Believer to kill or enslave the Unbeliever, as we see in the Quran. The Bible simply gives a stern warning as a caution to believers and non-believers that such incompatibility is a recipe for problems, and should be given due consideration.

In Luke 11:17 we see another confirmation from a different perspective:

“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falls.”

Do the above passages suggest Christians separate or divorce spouses with different beliefs? No, they do not. They are warnings to consider primarily before entering long-term relationships and marriage. However, if the different beliefs are accepted after a couple joins, God would prefer the union remains intact; unless, of course, appropriate reasons for divorce (adultery, abuse, etc) are involved. For God knows that the believing mate can have a positive influence on the other mate, and every soul is worth saving, if possible.

In 1 Corinthians 7:14 we see the following:

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean: but now are they holy.”

And God shows His desire to save as many unbelievers as He can throughout the Bible; such as 2 Peter 3:9:

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

In God’s eyes, the new church member is the spiritual head of the house. It is his responsibility to engage in spiritual warfare (fasting and prayer, etc), and to take further action if necessary, in order to allow God to confront the obstacles within the household. Unfortunately, his present defensive attitude creates additional obstacles and barriers that hinder God’s plan and blessings for their lives.

Have you built barriers that hinder God’s efforts on your behalf? Are there areas in your life where you get overly defensive with little or no provocation? If so, perhaps it’s time to acknowledge God’s efforts to get your attention regarding those issues. Remember, even God’s worst is better than our best. But He desires the best for each of us.        

Beat Cancer

Here is a big shout out to Trisha Melvin. Congratulations for beating cancer for the second time! Hooray!

Unfortunately, she is now hampered with a broken ankle, while trying to take care of two step-daughters.

My prayers go with you, and if you and that guitar man of yours need anything let me know.

"End of the Road" by Allen Eslton

Recently, I had a chance to go up into the mountains, about 25 miles past the last house, right to the end of the road. I then walked to a ridge where I could see dark clouds hovering over the peaks, blotting out the sunrise. There was a hint of rime frost on the shady side of fallen trees. The woods were quiet, not a sound of life could be heard, no pine squirrel ventured chatter, no raven squawked overhead on random patrol, not a raucous jay had a thing to say… nothing, completely quiet and still. Just what I was looking for, a chance to get away from people, problems, routines, in order to have alone-time in God’s great expanse.

In the reverie of the moment and the pleasure of the solitude, I lost myself in the satisfying reminiscence of similar escapes, not always in the mountains, sometimes in the distance of the desert, or in the confines of a canyon, or even in the sounds of a stream… solace. Then I heard a sound that jerked me back to the present. It was a single note, clear and concise, not distinctly beautiful, but a pure note of identity from high in the trees that said, “This is who I am. I’m a bird that lives here.” In an obvious blunder of alpine etiquette I looked up at the bird and spoke out loud,” My goodness, little bird, you sure are a long way from home!”

Then I realized how strange I was acting… talking to a bird. But it served to get me thinking who I was and where I fit in my world. I didn’t belong here, I was only visiting. As much as I enjoy the temporary isolation, I was created for fellowship, for talking, for sharing my life, for being a part of people like me. God had that purpose in mind from the beginning when He walked in fellowship with Adam. Sin broke that relationship, but in time He sent His Son to pay the sin penalty so we can now share in close fellowship with our creator. In His love God helped man to see “it is not good to be alone” and created a life partner. The family was structured to give security and an earthly relationship of interdependent love to satisfy the longing heart to belong: to fit.

How good it is that this need to relate to others did not stop just with our families. The Lord knew how much we needed each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. When the Holy Spirit comes to indwell us at salvation we find we belong to His family in a unique way. When we begin to relate to each other we respond like a body. When we hurt others feel it, and can respond with comfort. When we are happy others can rejoice with us and give a handshake or a hug. True feelings are expressed and we become a part of the “one another” referred to in Scripture; love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, and on down the list of relating to one another, because we belong to a spiritual family.

Why do some of us become loners and think we don’t need to be with our spiritual family? Sometimes rejection and hurt causes us to guard our heart’s door and let few people enter. Misunderstanding and unforgiveness isolate us from each other. Prejudice and pride make us a loser in a lonely world of our own making. The word says we are not to neglect our gathering together, so we could admonish, warm, and encourage one another (Heb 10:25). We all know down within that we are not created to live alone, to be isolated, and to think we don’t need each other.

If you have built barriers around your life, if you are tempted to distrust others, if you have tried to escape the real world of relationship and live in isolation, consider God’s provision to meet your real need. You don’t have to live at the end of the road, a long way from home.

End of the Road: by Allen Elston

[Retired pastor, Allen Elston, has graciously given me permission to reprint a collection of inspiring newsletter articles he authored from 1994-1996 (like the one above), which will be included in upcoming posts. I thank him for his generosity.]

A Church Invite

Many people feel awkward about inviting others to their church. And a lot of times when they get the nerve, they fail to make the invitation mean anything: as if their church is no better or worse than any other. We should all remember that the church is not the building.

My Church

by Jerry Thomas

 

I met a friend the other day

          and he posed a simple question.

"Have you ever been to my church,

          the one up on the hill?"

I cannot say I have,

          would it be your suggestion?

But before I make the choice,

          what about it can you tell?

"What's to tell?" said my friend.

          "It's a church like any other.

No better or no worse,

          just a new place to try."

If there isn't something special,

          why should I even bother?

Why should I cross the threshold

          just to turn and say, "Good-bye?"

"Well," said he. "What would you say

          about the church you now attend?"

And his frown became a smirk,

          not like Scrooge, more like the Grinch.

I found his actions awkward,

          since friends should not contend.

But my church is also family,

          so I answered in a pinch.

 

There is Herman and Paul,

     Deacons on the ball,

          and they each perform their task like godly men.

And we have greeters like Brother Bob,

     who jokes about his sit-down job,

          while he welcomes each arrival like a friend.

And there is Judy and Deloris,

     with a long history here before us,

          so they will always be a treasured pair.

We have Glenn, Veldora, and Robbie,

     and Doris with her hobby:

          she has hugs enough for all and some to spare.

And there is Margaret and Regina, her daughter,

     who crave the Living Water:

          the Word of God that makes our life complete.

Margaret use to play for worship,

     now Nancy makes the piano her ship,

          and sails each joyful note into a treat.

We have the Coach and Julie,

     with her greeting card ministry:

          she reminds absent members that we care.

And there's Mark and his mother Tura, our Grande' Dame':

     our Royal Missions Queen,

          who teaches with compassion how to share.

And there is Jeanne, so organized

     that the devil runs and hides,

          cuz' he cannot find a loophole anywhere.

And our church body would have a large hole

     if Alan and Juanita were ever to go:

          for they are a godly couple beyond compare.

The wisdom of this man,

     so respected by other men,

          is a leader like Peter, a solid rock for us all.

And his loving wife Juanita,

     you'll never meet anyone sweeta',

          and she's the rock behind the man with a heavenly call.

And then there's Don and Ellen,

     the pride of Courtney Corner,

          who tackle more tasks than anyone.

Like our Lord, they live their lives

     like a living sacrifice,

          and they never quit until the job is done.

To know them is a blessing,

     and if you're wounded they're the dressing

          that God might send to help your healing.

He's the friend closer than a brother,

     and she is Proverbs thirty-one:

          and they've earned our respect and loving feelings.

There are many others -- like James, Tricia, Rodney, and more --

     that I can add to the list, my friend;

          but I think I've made my point quite clear.

Though I would be remiss

     to keep one couple off the list,

          a couple the church holds very dear.

Pastor Steve and his first lady, Pat,

     quick to pray or a friendly chat:

          he likes to joke and she likes to sing.

We hear about sports and cycling,

     ATV trips and what grand babies do;

          but their love for God is still the most important thing.

 

 

And so I told my friend

     that no church is like another,

          cuz' it's not the walls or the steeple.

It's the spiritual sisters and brothers --

          it truly is the people.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

And I thank God for all of you, the Body of Christ, the Church.

 

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Don't forget to check out the new publication: the Gospel Scene here.

Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

The following poem was inspired by a recent event that took place in my life. I was with the worship team from my church, and we were performing for the Pi Um Sha celebration on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The event was going well, but my body wasn't. I thought I had pneumonia, but it turned out much differently. And I thank God for urging one of the team members to pay attention to what was happening to me. And they convinced me not to wait for a scheduled appointment with the VA.

Pulmonary

 

Late night call

Unexpected

Requested

Good deed on the 'morrow

Pi-um-sha

Celebration

Scheduled act

Off-track

Saving grace

Take their place

Walk a mile in their shoes

Performance rules

Friendly decision

With physical division

Mind is willing

Body is weak

Up before dawn

Shadow blanket on tepees

Nine songs played

Message relayed

To early risers

From sheltered wombs

Two-dozen rebirths

On early morning meadow

Nine of which opt

For souls reborn

Lead them on my brother

Lead them on my sister

Equipment take-down

Break-down

Something is amiss here

Time to celebrate

Where's the elation

Smile lost
Physical cost

Good deed tallies up a toll

Lethargic

Peer concern

I am not me

Joy is gone

Strength follows

Liquid in lungs

Drowning in the high desert

Out of water

Out of time

Another service to go to

No can do

The body battles

Civil War

Knotted

Contractions

Cramps

Best wishes

But no offers

No assistance

Via con Dios

One step at a time

Agony

Heartache

Heartbreak

About to burst

Thirst... for life

Curse... the pain

A nickel's worth of days

Man-Up!

Function

Modern Americans

Plenty of best wishes

Vocal loyalty

No action without royalty

VA delay

No wish to pay

Yet when they call

Perhaps to give all

We cannot forgo

Our part in the show

When there's a need

To bleed

For the myth called Liberty

Yet in this circumstance

It's a whole new show

With a VA song and dance

And "Old Glory" loses its glow

But pain chose the road

Policy be damned

ER... here I am

Thread the needle

Suck the blood

Sadistic duties

Monitor the scope

More angel than devil

Is all I can hope

I am the voodoo doll

Repeatedly stabbed

NAs... RNs... Blood techs

Phlebotomists

MRI

See the mass

Fluid's a decoy

No virus

A consequence

Pulmonary Embolism

Silent death

Avoided

Legs clear

Heart clear

Origin unknown

A nomadic clot

"Bend forward"

"Hold breath"

"You'll feel a little pinch"

Liar!

Steady

Fluid extraction

Feel the steel

Internal probe

"Try not to tense up"

Yea, right!

"You're doing fine"

Compared to what?

Caught it in time

Prognosis good

Treatment begins

Stomach infusions

Twice daily

I will survive

If the cure doesn't kill me first

 

Thoreau's Biblical Content in "Walden"

 

picture from mass.gov

 



            The Bible is a unique text. It tells the reader they either accept it as the living word of God, or they reject it: there is no middle ground. And yet, a slew of critical thinkers throughout the ages continue to pick and choose what they will accept or reject from its pages. And this essay will not attempt to prove, in a few paragraphs, whether the Bible is or isn’t divinely inspired; it will simply show how Henry David Thoreau is one of the critical thinkers who chose to utilize biblical passages as evidence to support certain pros and cons of his alternative ideology.

            Some critical thinkers attempt to retain the concept of God within the biblical text, while down playing the role of the Trinity: specifically the role of Jesus as the only begotten son of God. Ralph Waldo Emerson appears to fall into the believers of God sans Christ: the divinity of Christ. Thoreau, on the other hand, belongs to a different group of thinkers, who profess the classification of “God,” but without association to any solitary entity: seeing god in nature, in man, but not a personified character or being, simply a force with which to attribute the creative energy. And yet, while professing such a belief, Thoreau, like many alternative thinkers before and since, opted to use the Bible for both pros and cons with regard to explanations of his own contentions.

            The average individual in America cannot read Walden without noticing the text is inundated with biblical references, and an even greater number of biblical symbols. There are seven full or partial biblical passages within the first fifty pages of the book: from the use of Matthew 6:19 on page 7 to the use of John 5:8 on page 49. But then the passages cease for nearly a hundred pages, though the biblical symbols continue throughout the text. And the final eighty-plus pages see nearly double the biblical passages, twelve: from the use of Ecclesiastes 12:1 on page 141 to the final reference of Ecclesiastes 9:4 on page 219. And some of the main symbols eluded to throughout the text include the following: water as baptism, cleansing, renewal or rebirth; omnipresence in the symbol of eyes, overseeing, reflections, illumination, etc, along with the sky, birds, air, and other terms in connection to heaven or the heavenlies. There are also direct symbols, such as swaddling and Creator.

            The polarity issue brought out in class attaches itself to the biblical passages and symbols. For instance, on page 190, Thoreau proclaims “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads;” yet, on the following page he states, “They give up their watery ghosts, like a mortal translated before his time to the thin air of heaven;” all of which contradicts another claim where he says thoughts of heaven are foolish. Likewise, on page 7, Thoreau refers to Matthew 6:19 which states the following:

                                    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

                                    where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where

                                    thieves break through and steal.

 

The author uses it to emphasize his belief that man labors under a mistake or misconception. He claims, “The better part of man is soon ploughed into the soil for compost.” And yet, he specifically calls the Bible “an old book,” in a demeaning fashion; and within a couple more pages Thoreau lambasts all things old, from previous generations, claiming, in fact, to have never learned anything from an elder. And yet, he continues to use that “old” book in an effort to strengthen his contentions throughout the text.

            Polarity, complexity, opposites: a person might conclude the apparent contradictions weaken Thoreau’s contentions. Another person may see it as evidence for his contentions: nature, ecology, culture, the body and soul all intertwined. And the biblical symbols and stories were solidified in the culture of his day – and still are to varying degrees – and the culture is part of the ecology in Thoreau’s contentions; thus, a part of nature, and the body and soul, and, inevitably, that makes it all acceptable to use when talking to the masses (or anyone). As long as Thoreau believes the Bible has no divine attachment it is acceptable to use as part of the culture/ecology/nature to prove any point he deems relevant. However, if he attributes any form of divinity or divine nature to the Bible, even with respect to his nature-god assumption, his contentions immediately fail: for the obvious reasons. The primary reason it would fail is that any belief that accepts a divine attribute in an intelligent Creator must assume that any Creator who can create not only living creatures but intelligent beings would have the ability to communicate with those creations in some form. Thus, with that fact established, than no other god could be the god of the Bible, except God, who is claimed in the Bible, because no other god would create or inspire the Bible, Koran, Torah, or any other form of communication with its creations that would promote a false god. Therefore, any critical thinkers like Thoreau, as well as those like Emerson who claim some belief in a divine god, show by their actions that they do not truly believe in a divine or supernatural nature attached to the biblical God, or they would need to accept it as a divine word inspired by the same God. After all, there are only two other alternatives: a belief in no intelligent god, or a belief in a bumbling god that cannot communicate with its “intelligent” creations. I just find it interesting that many notable thinkers try to remove divinity from an intelligent god, or attribute divinity to a non-intelligent force. And yet, they continue to use the Bible, which professes the God they removed the divine nature from, as a means to prove the pros and cons of their beliefs.

Merry Christmas

No matter what the secular world keeps proclaiming, Jesus is still the reason for the season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Homosexual agenda versus God's Word

A New Zealand church billboard with the image of Christ in the manger with a rainbow style halo and the caption "It's Christmas. It's time for Jesus to come out," has added to the homosexual controversy versus God's word. Reverend Glynn Cardy claimed the billboard is merely trying to uplift the "humanity of Jesus" (HuffingtonPost). And he is quoted as saying, "The fact is we don't know what his sexual orientation was" (Huffington Post). And Cardy then questions whether it would matter if Jesus was gay... and would that matter to us.

Additional emphasis to the gay agenda is brought forth in the content of Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly homosexual bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church. During an interview with Jon Stewart, Robinson -- who was promoting his book "God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage" -- side-stepped actually calling Jesus gay, but then put as much innuendo regarding the relationship Christ had with his male disciples as he could. And he is quoted as saying, "Now I'm not saying Jesus was gay, but let's be careful (not) to rope this guy in for a husband, wife and 2.2 children model for family" (Huffington Post).

It makes you wonder what is being taught in the seminaries these days; it cannot be the Word of God. The Word of God is very clear on homosexuality being considered a detestable act, such as the following:

"Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." -- Leviticus 18:22 (NLT)

"If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense." -- Leviticus 20:13 (NLT)

And you can find similar examples of homosexuality being condemned or shown as sinful in the following verses: Genesis 19:1-11, Judges 19:16-24, 1 Kings 14:24 and 15:12, 2 Kings 23:7, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, and Jude 7.

It would appear that Cardy and Robinson have not gotten to those areas of their bibles yet. And when both so-called religious leaders defend homosexuality in a biblical context, and even have the audacity to hint at Christ being "sinful" it clearly shows that they have not read the parts of the bible that specifically warn of not adding to or taking away from God's Word, such as the following:

"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you." -- Deuteronomy 4:2

"See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it." -- Deuteronomy 12:32

"Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." -- Proverbs 30:6

And you can find similar verses in Revelations 22: 7, 9-10, and 18.

There really is no controversy over homosexuality in God's Word, it is very clear. The controversy is only in the minds of those who do not want to obey God because it condemns their sinful desires. And, like spoiled children, they will continue to throw their tantrums for all to hear and see in the hopes that they can get enough people frustrated so they will give them what they want just to shut them up. And, unfortunately, that tactic appears to be working since so many other groups want their sinful desires to be tolerated as well.

It appears that the majority of people no longer strive to be the best they can be; instead, they strive to see how much they can get away with. That is a poor example of human nature, and an even worse recipe for a happy life.

I pray they realize that true freedom comes through the grace and love of God and not through the chains of human addictions.

(Note: this is the same church that put up the scandalous Joseph sleeping with Mary billboard in 2009)

What lesson does it teach?

Did you see the story of the family evicted from section 8 housing because the 13-year-old son stole a pair of shoes from K-mart to keep his feet warm? A single-mother and her three children have been told to vacate their Grand Junction apartment in two weeks, right around Christmas, because of the incident that had nothing to do with the apartment complex.

By no means am I condoning the act of stealing, but what type of lesson has the system just taught this family (especially the young kids)? This boy, after being forced to wear tattered shoes because of the family's poverty, which kept his feet cold and hurting, was tempted (as any child would be) to find a way to relieve the pain. And he made a wrong choice. But the system that blindly and callously casts the entire family, including the boy's two younger siblings, out in the dead of winter is a far greater criminal act than what the child did.

The manager of the Garden Village Apartments in Grand Junction said in a statement to the media that "shoplifting violated the family's lease agreement" -- (Huffington Post). Any criminal activity, even off the premises, is grounds for immediate eviction. But what they fail to take into account is the extenuating circumstance. This was not a case of a hard-nosed delinquent trying to get over on the system; it was a poor child with hurting feet trying to ease the suffering. And now that child is riddled with guilt over his mother and siblings being cast out into the cold for something he did.

The act of shoplifting should not be condoned, but the manager missed a great opportunity to make a huge difference in the life of both this boy and his family. Instead of evicting them it would have been much better to let the boy see the error of his ways, and then give him the opportunity to make up for his mistake by working around the apartment complex (about two weeks), and then paying him enough to buy a pair of shoes. The boy would learn he had to take responsibility for his actions and that it is better to work for things you need instead of stealing. And his younger siblings would have seen the lesson as well, and their mother would have felt that someone in society actually cared about her circumstance and attempted to help instead of simply adding to her burden because it's easier for the manager and property owners to callously cast an adult and three children into the cold: hoping they can find a shelter that will take them.  

The action taken by the manager and property owners has only reinforced the belief to this family, especially the children, that nobody cares for them so they need to look out for themselves. And that kind of belief will create the temptation for more bad choices.

The majority of Americans use to have compassion and think about others more than themselves, but those days appear to be long gone. That's what happens when you take a loving God out of a society's belief system.

Obama art: The liberal "truth" in all its unholy glory

If you are one of the few Christians who have not heard or seen the artistic rendition of Barack Obama as the liberals pretend crucified savior, be thankful. It is not worth your time. As a Christian I find it absurd and humorous, though obviously not in the way the artist, Michael D'Antuono, intended. It is only humorous in the audacity and foolishness of such a ludicrous comparison; especially given the knowledge that this president is probably the most anti-Christian president of all time (which his record confirms).

The artist claims that the crucifixion of the president was intended metaphorically, and no comparison to Jesus was meant. And yet, isn't it odd that he chose to depict Obama in the same style and posture of crucifixion, crown of thorns and all, that is specifically linked with Jesus? History has many other methods of crucifixion that the artist could have chosen if he truly did not want his artwork to be contrary to Christ and Christians. The crown of thorns is a major identifier with the crucifixion of Jesus because it was done as a mocking action by the Roman soldiers in response to the people calling Jesus the King of the Jews. Therefore, you do not see it at crucifixions prior to Christ. And, as an artist, who naturally would research his piece, D'Antuono most likely knew this.

Isn't it funny that all the blasphemous artwork against Jesus is done by liberal artists that claim to be a part of a political view that wants tolerance for all? And yet, the artist claims that his First Amendment rights should override someone else's feelings. That's tolerance for you, a real fine upstanding example of caring about others. And isn't it equally funny that the same artists that have the so-called "guts" to make light of Christ's crucifixion with a pretend savior like Obama, or by utilizing a vat of urine as we saw earlier, never have the guts to mock Allah or Mohamed in the same fashion and put it in a public event in a Muslim country? I suppose some artists will always have to resort to the artistic version of the "shock jock" when their talent is mediocre. It's the only way they can get recognized and keep their career going.

A Sad Day, Indeed

I guess the majority of Americans feel 16 trillion dollars in debt isn't quite enough from this president, so they gave him four more years to really sock it to us. Well, at least my conscience is clear. But I wonder how many of those who voted for him will end up on their knees before the end of this term. It will be interesting to see, though sad all the same.

It is indeed a sad day... and such a shame, cause this use to be such a great country. Unfortunately, as we are all seeing, when a country loses its morals it equally loses its way. However, do not let it stop you from praying for the country and our leaders. We need to get back on track... a forward moving track, that is.

Keep the faith.

Enemy of Christians?

I was sent the following list in an email from a concerned Christian brother, and I feel it is important enough to place in my blog just as it came to me, especially at this time before the election. And I say, don't just vote your conscience... pray, and vote the way God has you vote.

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David Barton of Wall builders.com <http://wallbuilders.com/> has come out with a list explaining why Barack Obama is the most biblically hostile President of all time. While most of these stories have been seen before, seeing them all laid out in one list is pretty astonishing.

Note: there are 4 main categories of hostility, with numerous items listed under each

1. Acts of Hostility Toward People Of Biblical Faith:

a. April 2008: – Obama speaks disrespectfully of Christians, saying they “cling to guns or religion” and have an “antipathy to people who are not like them.”

b. February 2009: – Obama announces plans to revoke conscience protection for health workers who refuse to participate in medical activities that go against their beliefs, and fully implements the plan in February 2011.

c. April 2009: – When speaking at Georgetown University, Obama orders that a monogram symbolizing Jesus’ name be covered when he is making his speech.

d. May 2009: – Obama declines to host services for the National Prayer Day (a day established by federal law) at the White House.

e. April 2009: – In a deliberate act of disrespect, Obama nominated three pro-abortion ambassadors to the Vatican; of course, the pro-life Vatican rejected all three.

f. October 19, 2010: – Obama begins deliberately omitting the phrase about “the Creator” when quoting the Declaration of Independence;– an omission he has made on no less than seven occasions.

g. November 2010: – Obama misquotes the National Motto, saying it is “"E pluribus Unum"” rather than "“In God We Trust,"” as established by federal law.

h. January 2011: – After a federal law was passed to transfer a WWI Memorial in the Mojave Desert to private ownership, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the cross in the memorial could continue to stand, but the Obama administration refused to allow the land to be transferred as required by law, and refused to allow the cross to be re-erected as ordered by the Court.

i. February 2011: – Although he filled posts in the State Department, for more than two years Obama did not fill the post of religious freedom ambassador, an official that works against religious persecution across the world; he filled it only after heavy pressure from the public and from Congress.

j. April 2011: – For the first time in American history, Obama urges passage of a non-discrimination law that does not contain hiring protections for religious groups, forcing religious organizations to hire according to federal mandates without regard to the dictates of their own faith, thus eliminating conscience protection in hiring.

k. August 2011: – The Obama administration releases its new health care rules that override religious conscience protections for medical workers in the areas of abortion and contraception.

l. November 2011: – Obama opposes inclusion of President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous D-Day Prayer in the WWII Memorial.

m. November 2011: – Unlike previous presidents, Obama studiously avoids any religious references in his Thanksgiving speech.

n. December 2011: – The Obama administration denigrates other countries’ religious beliefs as an obstacle to radical homosexual rights.

o. January 2012: – The Obama administration argues that the First Amendment provides no protection for churches and synagogues in hiring their pastors and rabbis.

p. February 2012: – The Obama administration forgives student loans in exchange for public service, but announces it will no longer forgive student loans if the public service is related to religion.

2. Acts of Hostility From The Obama-Led Military Toward People Of Biblical Faith:

a. June 2011: – The Department of Veterans Affairs forbids references to God and Jesus during burial ceremonies at Houston National Cemetery.

b. August 2011: – The Air Force stops teaching the Just War theory to officers in California because the course is taught by chaplains and is based on a philosophy introduced by St. Augustine in the third century AD;– a theory long taught by civilized nations across the world (except America).

c. September 2011: – Air Force Chief of Staff prohibits commanders from notifying airmen of programs and services available to them from chaplains.

d. September 2011: – The Army issues guidelines for Walter Reed Medical Center stipulating that “No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading materials and/or facts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.”

e. November 2011: – The Air Force Academy rescinds support for Operation Christmas Child, a program to send holiday gifts to impoverished children across the world, because the program is run by a Christian charity.

f. November 2011: – The Air Force Academy pays $80,000 to add a Stonehenge-like worship center for pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans.

g. February 2012: – The U. S. Military Academy at West Point dis-invites three star Army general and decorated war hero Lieutenant General William G. (“Jerry”) Boykin (retired) from speaking at an event because he is an outspoken Christian.

h. February 2012: – The Air Force removes “God” from the patch of Rapid Capabilities Office (the word on the patch was in Latin: Dei).

i. February 2012: – The Army orders Catholic chaplains not to read a letter to parishioners that their archbishop asked them to read.

3. Acts of Hostility Toward Biblical Values:

a. January 2009: – Obama lifts restrictions on U.S. government funding for groups that provide abortion services or counseling abroad, forcing taxpayers to fund pro-abortion groups that either promote or perform abortions in other nations.

b. January 2009: – President Obama’s nominee for deputy secretary of state asserts that American taxpayers are required to pay for abortions and that limits on abortion funding are unconstitutional.

c. March 2009: – The Obama administration shut out pro-life groups from attending a White House-sponsored health care summit.

d. March 2009: – Obama orders taxpayer funding of embryonic stem cell research.

e. March 2009: – Obama gave $50 million for the UNFPA, the UN population agency that promotes abortion and works closely with Chinese population control officials who use forced abortions and involuntary sterilizations.

f. May 2009: – The White House budget eliminates all funding for abstinence-only education and replaces it with “comprehensive” sexual education, repeatedly proven to increase teen pregnancies and abortions. He continues the deletion in subsequent budgets.

g. May 2009: – Obama officials assemble a terrorism dictionary calling pro-life advocates violent and charging that they use racism in their “criminal” activities.

h. July 2009: – The Obama administration illegally extends federal benefits to same-sex partners of Foreign Service and Executive Branch employees, in direct violation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

i. September 16, 2009: – The Obama administration appoints as EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum, who asserts that society should “not tolerate” any “private beliefs,” including religious beliefs, if they may negatively affect homosexual “equality.”

j. July 2010: – The Obama administration uses federal funds in violation of federal law to get Kenya to change its constitution to include abortion.

k. August 2010: – The Obama administration Cuts funding for 176 abstinence education programs.

l. September 2010: – The Obama administration tells researchers to ignore a judge’s decision striking down federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

m. February 2011: – Obama directs the Justice Department to stop defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

n. March 2011: – The Obama administration refuses to investigate videos showing Planned Parenthood helping alleged sex traffickers get abortions for victimized underage girls.

o. July 2011: – Obama allows homosexuals to serve openly in the military, reversing a policy originally instituted by George Washington in March 1778.

p. September 2011: – The Pentagon directs that military chaplains may perform same-sex marriages at military facilities in violation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

q. October 2011: – The Obama administration eliminates federal grants to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for their extensive programs that aid victims of human trafficking because the Catholic Church is anti-abortion.

4. Acts Of Preferentialism For Islam:

a. May 2009: – While Obama does not host any National Day of Prayer event at the White House, he does host White House Iftar dinners in honor of Ramadan.

b. April 2010: – Christian leader Franklin Graham is dis-invited from the Pentagon’s National Day of Prayer Event because of complaints from the Muslim community.

c. April 2010: – The Obama administration requires rewriting of government documents and a change in administration vocabulary to remove terms that are deemed offensive to Muslims, including "jihad," "jihadists," "terrorists," "radical Islamic," etc.

d. August 2010: – Obama speaks with great praise of Islam and condescendingly of Christianity.

e. August 2010: – Obama went to great lengths to speak out on multiple occasions on behalf of building an Islamic mosque at Ground Zero, while at the same time he was silent about a Christian church being denied permission to rebuild at that location.

f. 2010: – While every White House traditionally issues hundreds of official proclamations and statements on numerous occasions, this White House avoids traditional Biblical holidays and events but regularly recognizes major Muslim holidays, as evidenced by its 2010 statements on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.

g. October 2011: – Obama’s Muslim advisers block Middle Eastern Christians’ access to the White House.

h. February 2012: – The Obama administration makes effulgent apologies for Korans being burned by the U. S. military, but when Bibles were burned by the military, numerous reasons were offered why it was the right thing to do.

Many of these actions are literally unprecedented -- – this is the first time they have happened in four centuries of American history. The hostility of President Obama toward Biblical faith and values is without equal from any previous American president.