Anxious thoughts and a worried mind create troubles of their own. We live in some fast paced times that can cause turbulence in our daily living. Physicians and psychologists tell us that stress is one of the leading causes of illness. Anxiety is rampant in our society. With all the political double talk and the wars and tropical storms and tornado out breaks coming one after the other, is there any wonder we are anxious? There is stress in school, at home and in the work place. I even find that there is sometimes stress in church of all places.
In the Gospel of Luke chapter twelve, Jesus teaches us not to worry about our lives. Now Jesus is not encouraging sloth or living in a shiftless, reckless way. More to the point he is saying do your best and trust in God to take care of the rest. For some of us this is hard to do, if we didn't have anything to worry about, we would worry about not having anything to worry about. Life is way too short to worry about mistakes of the past so that we get bogged down and never move forward. We can learn from our mistakes and then move on to a better life.
Jesus says to fill your soul with great care, seek first the Kingdom of God and all the things that once filled you with worry and oppressed your soul will seem small and petty and of no great concern. Seeking first the Kingdom of God in your life puts everything else in perspective. Read Luke twelve and open your mind to trust in God and feel the love of God in your life. Seek first the will of God for your life and set aside the anxiety over past mistakes and focus on the powerful possibilities for the future. What ever we are right now is just that no more and no less. What ever we are right now is God’s starting place for what we will become.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Rebel Flag?
Growing up in Lamesa, Texas I do not remember ever seeing a confederate battle flag flying anywhere.
The first time I remember seeing someone display the rebel flag was in the navy. A radioman from Georgia had them sewn in the lining of his uniform. They were hidden from view until he rolled up his cuff. He was at once a very patriotic American who would willingly die in the service of the United States of America if we went into battle. He was also a true son of Georgia who railed at Sherman's march to the sea as though it happened yesterday. This walking contradiction could not see the irony.
Today I understand the feelings of some people who distrust the federal government and feel the need to rebel in some visible way. The banner of the defeated army of northern Virginia becomes the way to do that. It is a statement of free speech to display that flag and express anger. Individual citizens have that constitutionally guaranteed civil right to display any flag they desire. In our homes we also have the right to display religious symbols as well.
As a mayor I know that there is a big difference between what an individual can do and what a government can rightly do. A government must represent all its citizens equally and not favor one over the other. Doing what is right and fair is not always easy.
The first time I remember seeing someone display the rebel flag was in the navy. A radioman from Georgia had them sewn in the lining of his uniform. They were hidden from view until he rolled up his cuff. He was at once a very patriotic American who would willingly die in the service of the United States of America if we went into battle. He was also a true son of Georgia who railed at Sherman's march to the sea as though it happened yesterday. This walking contradiction could not see the irony.
Today I understand the feelings of some people who distrust the federal government and feel the need to rebel in some visible way. The banner of the defeated army of northern Virginia becomes the way to do that. It is a statement of free speech to display that flag and express anger. Individual citizens have that constitutionally guaranteed civil right to display any flag they desire. In our homes we also have the right to display religious symbols as well.
As a mayor I know that there is a big difference between what an individual can do and what a government can rightly do. A government must represent all its citizens equally and not favor one over the other. Doing what is right and fair is not always easy.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Supreme Court Rulings
Over the years our US Supreme Court has ruled on laws constitutionally in ways that upset me. The first was Roe v Wade and I still don't like it. I understand it better but it has taken me a long time though to deal with it internally.
Contrary to many opinions the court does not make laws, though it may seem that way, it rules on a law that is contested by citizens. Is the law as it is being used constitutionally correct? While that is all they do their opinions can make a lot of changes in what we do.
Only congress can propose a law. Both houses have to approve it and the president must sign it for the proposal to become law. If the president vetoes that law then both houses must over rule it with a two-thirds majority or it does not become a law. Their laws are not always good laws and some are ruled unconstitutional. It is a messy way to do government but it is a good one with lots of checks and balances.
The nine justices seldom all agree so many rulings are 5 to 4 decisions with descents published. Sorting out the constitutionally of a law is a tricky thing which is why we have an odd number of justices on the court. Either way they go people get angry and want to do away with the court but then we would really have a mess.
I pray for our Supreme Court every day it is in session as they need a lot of wisdom to decide on any case.
Contrary to many opinions the court does not make laws, though it may seem that way, it rules on a law that is contested by citizens. Is the law as it is being used constitutionally correct? While that is all they do their opinions can make a lot of changes in what we do.
Only congress can propose a law. Both houses have to approve it and the president must sign it for the proposal to become law. If the president vetoes that law then both houses must over rule it with a two-thirds majority or it does not become a law. Their laws are not always good laws and some are ruled unconstitutional. It is a messy way to do government but it is a good one with lots of checks and balances.
The nine justices seldom all agree so many rulings are 5 to 4 decisions with descents published. Sorting out the constitutionally of a law is a tricky thing which is why we have an odd number of justices on the court. Either way they go people get angry and want to do away with the court but then we would really have a mess.
I pray for our Supreme Court every day it is in session as they need a lot of wisdom to decide on any case.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
At Odds With Myself
I have some core political beliefs that guide me but at times I am at odds with myself over their application. Some times two of my beliefs are at odds with each other and I need to work out my thoughts on the greater good between them. It is an ongoing struggle with life and living in this republic where there are a lot of differing opinions challenging our choices.
I believe that all levels of government should provide the best possible governance for the least possible tax. All government budgets must balance spending and revenue. Debt should only be incurred in war or great national emergency and then only with a prescribed pay off time. Elected officials should serve their office as an act of service and not as a career. Term limits should be imposed by voters but we often re-elect the same people over and over. As a small city mayor I struggle with all of this as I enjoy being mayor and think about serving another term and argue with my self about my term limit.
No matter which government level is in action we are all here to serve our people in a responsible way. We would like to do everything all but we can not do everything for everyone. We will please some and displease others when we weigh taxes and service to our continuances in office. To provide more service we must raise more revenue and to reduce revenue we must reduce services. Our government is by the people, for the people and sometimes in spite of the people.
National, state and local governments affect people’s lives in a variety of ways and it is not easy to balance our ways and means but we must. I pray every day for all of our elected officials even the ones with whom disagree. Join me in prayer.
I believe that all levels of government should provide the best possible governance for the least possible tax. All government budgets must balance spending and revenue. Debt should only be incurred in war or great national emergency and then only with a prescribed pay off time. Elected officials should serve their office as an act of service and not as a career. Term limits should be imposed by voters but we often re-elect the same people over and over. As a small city mayor I struggle with all of this as I enjoy being mayor and think about serving another term and argue with my self about my term limit.
No matter which government level is in action we are all here to serve our people in a responsible way. We would like to do everything all but we can not do everything for everyone. We will please some and displease others when we weigh taxes and service to our continuances in office. To provide more service we must raise more revenue and to reduce revenue we must reduce services. Our government is by the people, for the people and sometimes in spite of the people.
National, state and local governments affect people’s lives in a variety of ways and it is not easy to balance our ways and means but we must. I pray every day for all of our elected officials even the ones with whom disagree. Join me in prayer.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Celebrating In these trying times
In over 40 years of ministry I have noticed that when people’s lives are under stress from work or other uncontrollable events that they look for places where they can have some control and vent their frustrations. Today we are under a lot of economic stress across the strata of our society. Even people who have jobs are worried about loosing them. The rich are getting a lot richer and the poor are growing in number. The gap between rich and poor is widening.
There are two places where people under stress vent their frustrations. The first is often in the family where more abuse of spouse, children and elderly are on the increase. Passing your hurt on to the defenseless is a coward’s way out and really gets you no where. It is really sad when children become the target of a parent’s wrath at society.
The second is in volunteer organizations like clubs and church. I have often watched as someone disrupts a church board or committee meeting seemingly without cause. It is all about exerting some control some where. Many church pastors have been attacked simply because some one was venting frustrations in the only place they can and get away with it.
Here we are celebrating Independence Day in a time of radical changes in our society. Many people are angry at on thing or another with no place to vent except perhaps social media. Many will still vent their anger at those who can not defend themselves and cause pain. Some how we need to instill self-control and a path to personal inner peace in all our children before they become adults in this crazy world.
There are two places where people under stress vent their frustrations. The first is often in the family where more abuse of spouse, children and elderly are on the increase. Passing your hurt on to the defenseless is a coward’s way out and really gets you no where. It is really sad when children become the target of a parent’s wrath at society.
The second is in volunteer organizations like clubs and church. I have often watched as someone disrupts a church board or committee meeting seemingly without cause. It is all about exerting some control some where. Many church pastors have been attacked simply because some one was venting frustrations in the only place they can and get away with it.
Here we are celebrating Independence Day in a time of radical changes in our society. Many people are angry at on thing or another with no place to vent except perhaps social media. Many will still vent their anger at those who can not defend themselves and cause pain. Some how we need to instill self-control and a path to personal inner peace in all our children before they become adults in this crazy world.
Friday, July 3, 2015
On Faith and Religion
Many people speak about their faith and religion as though they are the same thing and they are not.
Faith is a very personal spiritual relationship with God and the experience varies with each person. Each person might define his or her understanding of the term god in a unique way and so may differ from one person to another. We often assume that everyone else has the same experience we do. There are also people who do not have any faith of any kind.
Religion is the organization of people with like minded expressions of their faith. We have a great many "religions" in this world. I like to believe that my church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is the correct religion. That is my opinion based on my faith in God. There are other opinions. Because of our differing points of view there are over 350 "Christion" religions and many non-christian religions.
The United States is blessed with freedom of religion. That means the government can not tell the individual what to believe, what faith group to belong to or how to pray. While we have been a predominantly Christian population there have always been other religious groups in the country and that include those with no religion at all.
Celebrate your faith and your freedom to express it as you choose.
Faith is a very personal spiritual relationship with God and the experience varies with each person. Each person might define his or her understanding of the term god in a unique way and so may differ from one person to another. We often assume that everyone else has the same experience we do. There are also people who do not have any faith of any kind.
Religion is the organization of people with like minded expressions of their faith. We have a great many "religions" in this world. I like to believe that my church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is the correct religion. That is my opinion based on my faith in God. There are other opinions. Because of our differing points of view there are over 350 "Christion" religions and many non-christian religions.
The United States is blessed with freedom of religion. That means the government can not tell the individual what to believe, what faith group to belong to or how to pray. While we have been a predominantly Christian population there have always been other religious groups in the country and that include those with no religion at all.
Celebrate your faith and your freedom to express it as you choose.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
MY Katherine Ann
This past month has been one of the most difficult times in my life. Just over a month ago both of my darling daughters called me on my birthday and sang happy birthday to me. I did not know at the time that it would be the last time I would hear my Katherine Ann speak to me and now that conversation haunts my mind and my heart.
Katherine was borne on July 24, 1969 at one minute after midnight. She came into this world wailing at the top of her little lungs. A very healthy baby but they could not get her quiet. The nurse cleaned her up and placed her in my arms saying daddy you try to comfort your daughter. I held her and looked into her eyes and said, "Katherine your daddy loves you." Her eyes locked on mine and she became quiet and imprinted on me. She was daddy's girl from then on.
Almost two years ago Katherine developed a lesion on her spinal cord along her neck. It caused horrible pain in many ways. We were told that it was a possible life threatening condition. I sat beside her hospital bed and prayed for her. Her pain was only just controlled by powerful medicine that put her on the edge of overdose all the time.
When she called to wish me happy birthday she was having a "good day" and I was happy for her. As I always did I ended our talk with "Katherine your daddy loves you." Sometime after that conversation she went to sleep and never woke up. Her pain is over and she is at peace. That is my only consolation for my heart is heavy and tears fill my eyes when ever I think of her. I have heard that the loss of a child is the hardest thing a parent can feel and now I know how true it is.
Katherine your daddy loves you.
Katherine was borne on July 24, 1969 at one minute after midnight. She came into this world wailing at the top of her little lungs. A very healthy baby but they could not get her quiet. The nurse cleaned her up and placed her in my arms saying daddy you try to comfort your daughter. I held her and looked into her eyes and said, "Katherine your daddy loves you." Her eyes locked on mine and she became quiet and imprinted on me. She was daddy's girl from then on.
Almost two years ago Katherine developed a lesion on her spinal cord along her neck. It caused horrible pain in many ways. We were told that it was a possible life threatening condition. I sat beside her hospital bed and prayed for her. Her pain was only just controlled by powerful medicine that put her on the edge of overdose all the time.
When she called to wish me happy birthday she was having a "good day" and I was happy for her. As I always did I ended our talk with "Katherine your daddy loves you." Sometime after that conversation she went to sleep and never woke up. Her pain is over and she is at peace. That is my only consolation for my heart is heavy and tears fill my eyes when ever I think of her. I have heard that the loss of a child is the hardest thing a parent can feel and now I know how true it is.
Katherine your daddy loves you.
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