what influence are you under

I don't want my senator quoting the bible from the political stage; it is manipulative to those who are Christians and alienating to those who are not. I want bible quoting from my preacher/teacher/minister but not my senator or other political representative. I want biblical interpretation that is historical and contextual not coercive or situational. I hold that a senator can be a Christian but he can't be a Christian senator. Would I want a Muslim senator or a senator that happens to be Muslim? I like the latter better. When the church is connected directly to the state it is the church that gets harmed. When the state is connected directly to the church it is the church that gets harmed; it's lose-lose for the church when it comes to union with the state. Political power isn't the churches goal; we don't rely on political power but God's power.

What is this great fear Christians have with the statement: "America is not a Christian nation but a nation of Christians"? Why does that stir up such a passionate tumultuous response? Is America our heavenly home? Does our American citizenship precede our heavenly one? No - then why such a need to label it "Christian"? I can call goat a chicken all day but it’s never going to lay an egg. (That is a really country kinda reference and I'm really sorry.) Look at America, I mean really look at it, from coast to coast, household to household, TV to internet - then go read the Gospels and the New Testament. Are the commandments of Jesus followed, upheld, loved and treasured? Do people believe in His actual existence and completed work? Do we see the sacrificing servant attitude of Christ in American action and rhetoric? I think the answer is you see it either not at all or with great compromise. Where the Christian message is compromised it is diminished; you can't hide a light under a bucket and expect it to illuminate the room. (Luke 8:16) Christians can't negotiate the principles of their faith; the commandments to follow aren't selective or individually interpretive. Politics however is all about negotiation, interpretation and compromise; the agenda is man centered not God centered.

What is hard to accept about God is also what I most respect about him; he lets mankind go its own way even when it's the wrong way. (Mark 10:22-23, Matthew 23:37) Is forced morality what God wants? We Christians are so preoccupied with the tepid and cold temperature of the world’s morality we aren't focused on the temperature of our own devotion to God. I am not saying we should let the lost sheep (the unbelieving world) drown because they willfully went into the gleaming river with the deadly undertow; No, we should as Christians seek to be true salt, preserving and enhancing, speaking the truth and acting in love being aware we too were once drowning in that same river. What I am saying is we can't let people think they are "Christians" because they live under the false prescribed banner "Christian nation" just as a child of Abraham is not one born of genealogy but born spiritually by God. (Luke 3:8) It is not the governments job to create or adhere people to faith in Jesus Christ nor should it be. A religious litmus test contradicts the whole freedom founding principles of America thing, ya know what I mean.

In conclusion, it is because I love America and think it is the best government established by flawed mankind that I write all the above. I wouldn't want to be a citizen of any other country but of course I have never lived anywhere else either so my opinion is rather sheltered. May our allegiance be ever to God more than it is to country; may we to the glory of God seek the spiritual salvation of our fellow man in countries everywhere and anywhere through the Spirit's means not political means. What are your thoughts?

virtual rule #5

Virtual Rule #5: Respectful Exasperation 

"Be careful not to let amiable discussion turn into contradiction and argument. The tactful person keeps his prejudices to himself and even when involved in a discussion says quietly, "No. I don t think I agree with you" or "It seems to me thus and so." One who is well bred never says, "You are wrong!" or "Nothing of the kind!" If he finds another's opinion utterly opposed to his own, he switches to another subject for a pleasanter channel of conversation." - page 50, Etiquette In Society, In Business, In Politics and At Home, Emily Post 

What political pundits, talk show hosts and "reality" show celebrities get paid to do is not something we as individuals should seek to mimic or encourage through our viewership. They are paid for their performances much at the expense of morality, ethics and even decency. It is tragic that news has been regulated to entertainment and that information shared has nothing to do with truth but mere gossip. Journalism is not what it once was; I hope it is not all together dead. If they publicly on TV say things like "WTF?" when it comes to The President of the United States and gun jargon like "Don't retreat...Reload!" when discussing how to handle those with whom they disagree, I fear greatly what they must say in private. Outrages statements and vulgar rhetoric from anyone should not be encouraged or celebrated regardless of what side you are on. We must stand against hate and ignorance wherever it is found, not with a balled-up-fist but a sober thoughtful mind.

Since the senseless massacre in Arizona the following call has been proclaimed and already forgotten: "Let us return civility to our public discourse." It has led me to wonder when exactly this great gilded time of civility was in our human history. There have ,however, always been among us everyday heroes of eloquence and intelligence, passion and inspiration, standing out and leading the way. Noble ideals shouldn't by considered too lofty, “fancy” or something only for Ivy League elite. Stereotypes and generalizations help no one. Rural life should not be held upon such a pedestal as to make urban life a cesspool of immorality; nor should urban life be held above rural to the degree that anyone not from a metropolis is a bumpkin. 

In our face-to-face conversation and in our more anonymous virtual communication it is imperative that when frustrated and exasperated that we first take a deep breath and then communicate from a place of courageous calm not feuding fearfulness. When we find ourselves facing those whose views stand in opposition to our own, we will not shout or pout or become a brutish lout.

assembly required

Today I went shopping for a new computer chair. I went to three stores before I found one I liked. The guy who got it down from storage asked me if I wanted someone to assemble it for me. I said no, that wouldn't be necessary. Then he tried to sell me a 3-year extended warranty; I said no, but thanks anyway. It was not a very eventful day I guess, but on the way into the last store there was this man. I don't know what ailed him but something surely did for he walked very slowly, more like a shuffle than a walk. He was going into the store just as I was so I waited for him and held the door. He was grateful and I said it was no problem. The carts for the store were on the inside and he seemed put out by this so I went and got one for him. It was really no trouble and took me only a minute of time. I didn't think anything of it then, I was so focused on finding a chair, making my purchase and getting on with it.

It only took me ten minutes to put the chair together after I got home. I like it and am sitting on it write now actually...

Though the activities of my day have been in no way taxing or troubling, I am weary, I am tired. I think this tiredness started last night. It was something someone said, something I wish I didn't have to think about or know. I awoke from sleep this morning feeling unrefreshed with this knowledge from last night gnawing a hole in my heart. I tried to deny that what is bothering me is bothering me; I tried to push it from my mind. What bothers me seems to bother no one else. Yet alas! all my attempts are to no avail because I am troubled.

This thing that bothers me isn't life shattering. It isn't the cause of the upheaval in Egypt and it isn't going to help the Haitians; it is not an uncommon thing or terribly unusual. Maybe that is why it gnaws at me because this little thing that bugs me is a big thing but the world is filled with so much trouble you have to pick your battles; this is like the straw that broke camels back. There is so much wrong in this world, it is SO MESSED UP. Disease, cancer, environmental destruction, violence, unrest, oppression, death, animal cruelty - are just a few messes.

I sometimes feel as Christians either we talk too much about the problems of the world or not at all. It's like we are optimistically senile or depressingly pessimistic. We offer no balance and our fast paced world doesn't really help. It is always "Go Go Go" "Faster Faster Faster"; we're not really encouraged to stop and reflect on where we have been and where we are going.

I am not always happy, I mean life is not always a rose garden of delight for me. There is good and there is bad. There are things that I hope never change and things I want desperately to be different. I am finding the courage through the encouragement of a dear friend to hope and to dream again - I am thankful.

"I can in the end only speak for myself." That is what I was going to type before I realized the bull of that sentence. I don't speak for myself anymore, when I speak, I speak for Christ. (The terror of those words for today alone I have cursed at other drivers, lost my patience, thought unkind things... Juliet said of Romeo "...what tongue shall smooth thy name, When I, thy three-hours wife, have mangled it?" - that is my feeling. If I who claim to be God's child fall so short of representing him faithfully what then? Ahhh but the Spirit whispers that my hope does not lie within my own righteousness but in He whom I love who loves me more. I'll never understand Him; I yearn and tremble to see Him.)

I have identified myself with Him and more importantly and firstly He with me; I have been baptized into His terrible death and reborn into His resurrected life, all to the glory of God. May I never take for granted the meaning of such a sacrament. May I never bring shame upon His name with willful unrighteous deeds of unbelief, the opportunities for which are legion. May I reach out in humble love to my sisters and brothers fallen along the way; may I forgive them like You forgive them, receiving them in kindness. Your assembly is required Lord.

virtual rule #4

Virtual Rule #4: Your Undivided Attention

"To listen attentively when one is spoken to, is merely one of the rules of etiquette." - Emily Post

It is the bane of the one who would like to converse with you and those that attend the movies with you - it is of course your dreaded cell phone. Yes, the time has come to address the technology addiction we all have. It is only appropriate that your undivided attention be given to the person you are with and on the primary task at hand. No cell phones during surgery surgeons; no Facebook time during the game quarterback. Put the cell phone away and do not look at it while in the middle of conversing with someone else; it is rude. Put the cell phone away and do not look at it while at the movies or the theater; it is rude. Nothing could be so important on Twitter, Facebook or whatever that it cannot wait a couple hours. Seriously.

There may be occasions where we are expecting a phone call, this is fine as long as we respectfully let our coffee companion know this is the case. The cell phones presence at the table may also be excused if you have a pregnant wife or a traveling elderly parent flying in from Saskatchewan. These situations do not however give license to other smart phone activities like checking your email, updating your status or whatever else there may be; none of these things are appropriate while in the accompaniment of another. May our virtual communication seek to only further our real time communication not hinder it. May we care less about virtual happenings and more about the life occurring in our very presence.

"Remember also that the sympathetic not apathetic listener is the delight of delights. The person who looks glad to see you, who is seemingly eager for your news or enthralled with your conversation; who looks at you with a kindling of the face, and gives you spontaneous and undivided attention, is the one to whom laurel wreath for the art of conversation would undoubtedly be awarded." (page 57, Etiquette in society, in business, in politics and at home, Emily Post)

unshackle me: freedom from facebook

Is Facebook making us sad? is an article I stumbled upon and it is like I wrote it myself. I mean I get this article. If you are living in the digital age this article should be mandatory reading. It speaks to me because it echos what I have been saying for sometime about Facebook and actually it articulates it in a way I probably never could. If you are a Facebook lover now may be the time to avert your eyes. It is no secret that I... well... rather loath Facebook actually. There, I have posted it for the world to see. (Baby steps Jenny...baby steps...) Not that I or anyone should have to apologize for their feelings; it's what one does with their feelings that needs to be explained but I digress.

It is of course common to love what agrees with our own views and disdain what does not. Self-affirming things are preferable to things that challenge us or disagree but it is of course things dissenting with our opinion and view that ultimately stretch and grow us. Well rounded individuals hear both sides of arguments, seek out the big picture, the reality of a situation. (George W if you are reading that is for you. There is nothing wrong with surrounding yourself with some dissenting opinion and if you are a President of the USA it should be mandatory. But again I digress...)

On the heels of this article, I give a shout out to fellow Facebook wounded. You are not alone if you have felt "sad" after a scroll through Facebook "news." You are not crazy. You are not a bitter and cruel harpy. I ask what will you do about it? Will you continue this self-destructive pattern, thinking that next time you log on it will be different than the other 100 times before or will you "unplug" and live life with the eyes you were born with instead of the eyes the virtual illusionary world Facebook has sold to you?

-Pause from my Norma Ray Matrix speech to agonize about deleting myself from Facebook...should I do it? Can I?? If I tell others its OK to back off, why then do I struggle to delete it? Shouldn't I delete it? Why not, if people know me they know my cell or my email...there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to communicate with me if they want to. Yes...yes...why leave the option open for temptation; 99% of the time regret it when I succumb to logging on...what is this hold Facebook has over me? Why this deep turmoil inside? It shouldn't have this much power. There in lies the answer. 

Goodbye Facebook. It's been the longest breakup of my life.

Free at last! Thank God almighty, free at last!

with everlasting love do i love you

My Gammy and me have a tradition; each Sunday we DVR CBS Sunday Morning and watch it sometime later in the week. The stories are interesting, artsy and sometimes funny. It is one of my favorite shows. We watched last Sunday’s episode last night and there is a story from it that hasn’t gone out of my mind since. The link to the story is at the bottom of this post. The story was about Barry Petersen, a reporter from CBS and his journey with his wife of 25 years, Jan, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It was truly a heart wrenching story; the real pain so overt that a bystander could be affected by it.

Through this article I am not attempting to argue with his own interpretation of his experience; I can’t begin to understand the great depths of pain, loss and anger he goes through daily. There is however a few things he said in the story that trouble me. He says, “Jan loved me without measure. She was all I wanted in this life. It was a love affair that had a beginning but was never supposed to end. That is what this horror of a disease stole and destroyed.” He says that because of Alzheimer’s their love affair has been “stolen and destroyed”; I humbly beg to disagree. It is obvious that though Jan doesn’t remember who Barry is even as he sits next to her, Barry remembers Jan. That is what commitment is, that is what covenant is, that is the binding of marriage; like in C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia it's the oldest magic existing before time and outside it, created not by man but by the Creator of man. I hold that as long as Barry remembers Jan their love is not over, it is not stolen and it is not destroyed. And even if Barry himself in time succumbs to forgetting, there is One who’s memory is outside of time. Faithfulness of one party transcends the faithlessness of the other; unlike the story of Hosea from the Bible where the unfaithfulness of one party is by headstrong choice, in the case of Jan her own body is being unfaithful to her with an illness she can’t help.

There is no mention of faith or God in the reporting of this story as is primarily the case with most stories on TV, in the paper, or online. The absence of God or faith mentioned cannot lead us to assume they don’t exist for Barry Petersen but the absence of their mention can lead us to fear they aren’t present and to pray that if that be the case for God to remedy it quickly and mightily. This may be perhaps wishful thinking on my part for faith not mentioned can’t really be faith can it? If one doesn’t testify/speak to their faith can it be existing, alive and real?

I can’t imagine going through life without faith in God. It would exponentially increase pain to know that grievances suffered and losses experienced were without any greater purpose. As Job who lost everything in one day - his children, his livelihood, his health - in my moments of deepest despair I can only do in my soul what he is described as doing in Job 1:20-21, “Job tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." He praised God through his tears, through his loss, through his pain. Job teaches and shows us like so many fellow saints of faith that in our deepest griefs and most painful losses we should turn to God not away. This is also true in our greatest joys, pleasures and triumphs; we should not look to these as being due to us or replacing God for us but as things given to us from God who is good, gracious beyond understanding and patient beyond measure. All good gifts come from God who is good and if we for a time see them not, we blame him not. When faced with loss or lack, we rejoice over having been blessed to have had such goodness in our lives at all and we have faith we will see that said goodness again.

Barry Petersen I humbly say love is never wasted, love can never be destroyed. Disease and death may stop its visible breath but love remains long after we do. 

“For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 117:2

Link to CBS News, Jan’s story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/20/sunday/main6600364.shtml

virtual rule #3

Virtual Rule #3: Be Specific

Emily Post social rule number three for the digital era is be specific. This is actually implied already in rule number two. Let's use the example of the text message: "Are you free this week?" The text instigator is leaving the whole week open to the text recipient. If however the instigator really only has for example Thursday free then they should text, "Are you free to get together Thursday?" This will save time and frustration on the text recipients behalf which is only respectful. It is very frustrating when someone texts a random, "Lets get together" and then is completely booked schedule wise.

If you don't have the time don't make the offer; if you do have the time be specific about when.