"We never argue. But every now and then, we have intense moments of fellowship."
Jeff and Shari Easter/Gaither DVDs
Going from memory rather than offering an exact quote, the thought surely applies to Ray and I . . . particularly in the area of politics. In years of Presidential elections, we can barely talk.
Ironically, we are on the same page. We are in agreement about the candidates. We agree on the issues, for the most part. He has even, with help of others, changed my views on gun control.
The conflict centers on HOPE or lack thereof.
As evidenced by this blog, I've been reading political books. Nook, fortunately, allows readers to download "samples." Different than being tied to a store, one can peruse those samples at their leisure. Sitting at McDonalds, I downloaded several samples. I began to read one that warned Americans of our downward spiral, of the possibility of becoming a second or third world nation. I felt fear rising.
I reminded myself that I was reading a "sample." A different outlook could unfold with the passing pages. But . . .
Here's where my thoughts went: "If seemingly good men add no hope to the warning of the United States going bankrupt or becoming a third world country, what's the point!!!? If the author offers no solutions or no possibilities of turning the tide, why bother? The fear that would result would only further bring our country down.
Ray sort of leans to the side of blame and no hope; or so it seems to me. When he tells me Congress always does this, or people discover someone is bad and yet continue to vote them back in, I say (to him, for me), "BUT GOD . . . "
God is bigger! God has a plan! It may be for our discipline. It may be hard---very hard. But I can't lose sight of hope. I just can't live there.
Yet, while Ray and I participated in some "intense fellowship," another conviction surfaced in my heart: Has Satan distracted me? Has a spirit of holy determination planted itself within my heart, yet become distorted? While fighting not to lose my freedom to worship God, have I forgotten God? Has what started as fighting for my faith become fighting for my country? Neither of those is bad or wrong--unless my eyes wander from God. Unless I begin to take on this battle like it is something "I" can win.
The difference is so sublte--that of fighting for God or fighting with God. That of doing what I believe God would have me to do; BUT trusting Him with the outcomes.
Maybe somethings are too far gone to be reversed. Maybe these are what we consider "end times" and our hope must be eternity-centered. The Jews believed Jesus was going to free them from the domination of Rome. To some degree, that is our hope. We can certainly pray and work toward that end. BUT . . . GOD!
God, whatever Your plan, give me the heart, strength, and courage to cooperate. Help me continually recognize that Your ways are not my ways. When it feels like the world is falling in around me, help me to HOPE--and help me to pass it on.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Monday, July 14, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
KNOWLEDGE, HARD WORK, FREEDOM
"The founders also believed that education is crucial to offering checks and balances to governing leaders' power. Otherwise, the insidious loss of freedom, quite relevant to us today, will follow."
Ben Carson, M.D.
p. 65
Two oft repeated thoughts in Carson's book center around knowledge and hard work. Education doesn’t necessarily need to be formal. Throughout the last few years, I’ve heard over and over: Read, read, read. Read what interests you. Read what concerns you. I don’t typically read political books, but I am concerned—for America
I missed, in growing up, the value of hard work. Of course, it was expected of me but I don’t believe it was presented to me with a tone of future or hope. In hindsight, I would have loved to have heard, “You can do anything! Dream big! Work hard! It’s worth it! You’ll be glad you did.”
Ben Carson, not without some parental motivation, found hope and possibilities in books. (which I am finding in his) As he read about inventors (one of my personal favorites), explorers, industrial leaders, and entrepreneurs, he discovered a commonality—the desire to work hard in order to accomplish something.
I found, in inventors and colonial Americans, determination and endurance; a perseverance that would not let them give up. Surely, some did give up. Were they to be recognized in history, it might well be for being plagued by regrets and lack of fulfillment. Were we to interview them, we might detect blame or a victim mentality (attitudes I’m too familiar with). Dr. Carson would say to that:
“From all I observed around me growing up and all I read, I quickly realized that, in spite of the circumstances affecting you, the person who had the most to do with what happened to you in life was you.” (America
I wish I’d read those thoughts a few decades ago, but I’m trusting that God has brought them across my path, now, for a reason; maybe to share with you. I’d have never imagined myself to understand anything political or historical. But again, God. “For such a time as this” He has given me understanding and passion. I’m excited to see what He is going to do with it. If it’s for no other reason than for me to know that I’ve not gone down without a fight, so be it.
“By remaining ignorant,” writes Carson
Maybe you feel like it’s too late for you; too late to accomplish anything, too late to become involved, too late to have any impact in our/your world. It’s never too late. And for sure, not too late to pass it on—to grandchildren, neighbors, to generations that follow you.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Thursday, June 26, 2014
EDUCATION!
"Reorganizing American education is a priority on a level with containing the war on terrorism, for it is just as essencial to national and economic security."
Tom Brokaw
The Time of Our Lives
Random House 2011
I know it should be a no-brainer; but somehow I missed it. Education is important!
My brother got straight A's all through highschool, even though he took one more class per semester than was required. You can't waste intelligence like that. He went to college.
I wanted to be a writer--or an x-ray tech, or lab tech. I ended up in beauty school. In several ways, it has served me well. It put me in the right place and the right time to meet my husband. That's a huge plus!
However, he was injured early in our marriage. So, when we talked about college to our children, it was with this attitude: "if you want to go to school, you'll have to earn your own way." My attitude should have been, "You can do anything you want if you are willing to work for it."
Tom Brokaw writes about Anthony Smith, a principal at Taft High School, and Jack Cassidy, a CEO of Cincinnati Bell. They made clear their heightened expectations for both teachers and students. The school's transformation drew students from outside the neighborhood. "Taft's graduation rate in ten years went from 21 percent to more than 95 percent. Proficiency in math and reading jumped to 95 percent in the same period." (The Time of Our Lives p. 47) I've run across other such stories. I'm always encouraged. We have some fantastic teachers who truly care for those in their charge.
The Other Wes Moore, a book Brokaw writes about captured my interest. Two men, named Wes Moore, who lived within blocks of each other, ended up on completely different paths: One a Rhodes scholar and one in prison. Were I to summarize the reason, after reading the book, I'd say education and a great mom. A mom who handled the temptations teens face with wisdom. I would pass that same compliment onto Mrs. Carson.
Ben Carson, M.D., renown neurosurgeon, came out of a single parent home and one of poverty. Those circumstances usually play out quire differently: welfare, crime, or minimum wage jobs. Education and a "can do" attitude changed the score. His mom didn't just give up when Ben and his brother brought home poor report cards. She shut off the TV and required they read two books a week. Of course, neither liked that at first. She wanted a better life for them and she knew education was critical for that to happen.
Carson shares a bold truth in, America The Beautiful: "The very fact that powerful men in the South went to great lengths to prevent slaves from gaining an education makes it clear that they fully understood how empowering education can be. That fact alone should encourage anyone who is poor, weak, and/or powerless to direct all their energy toward obtaining an education." (emphasis mine)
(p. 57/p. 60--Nook)
I wish I could get my heart out on this page. I didn't realize how important education was; I thought it was meant for a select few. . . those born with an extra measure of intelligence; those with money. I'm learning that this isn't true. Anyone willing to work, or ask for help may attend college or a trade school that expresses their interests. I am also learning that, in this age where much physical labor is being replaced by technology, additional schooling is critical.
Ben Carson came to love learning. Me too, once I started reading. Education, be it formal or informal, adds richness and security to our lives; and I believe strengthens our nation, as well.
I suspect I'll touch on education, again. Till then . . .
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Tom Brokaw
The Time of Our Lives
Random House 2011
I know it should be a no-brainer; but somehow I missed it. Education is important!
My brother got straight A's all through highschool, even though he took one more class per semester than was required. You can't waste intelligence like that. He went to college.
I wanted to be a writer--or an x-ray tech, or lab tech. I ended up in beauty school. In several ways, it has served me well. It put me in the right place and the right time to meet my husband. That's a huge plus!
However, he was injured early in our marriage. So, when we talked about college to our children, it was with this attitude: "if you want to go to school, you'll have to earn your own way." My attitude should have been, "You can do anything you want if you are willing to work for it."
Tom Brokaw writes about Anthony Smith, a principal at Taft High School, and Jack Cassidy, a CEO of Cincinnati Bell. They made clear their heightened expectations for both teachers and students. The school's transformation drew students from outside the neighborhood. "Taft's graduation rate in ten years went from 21 percent to more than 95 percent. Proficiency in math and reading jumped to 95 percent in the same period." (The Time of Our Lives p. 47) I've run across other such stories. I'm always encouraged. We have some fantastic teachers who truly care for those in their charge.
The Other Wes Moore, a book Brokaw writes about captured my interest. Two men, named Wes Moore, who lived within blocks of each other, ended up on completely different paths: One a Rhodes scholar and one in prison. Were I to summarize the reason, after reading the book, I'd say education and a great mom. A mom who handled the temptations teens face with wisdom. I would pass that same compliment onto Mrs. Carson.
Ben Carson, M.D., renown neurosurgeon, came out of a single parent home and one of poverty. Those circumstances usually play out quire differently: welfare, crime, or minimum wage jobs. Education and a "can do" attitude changed the score. His mom didn't just give up when Ben and his brother brought home poor report cards. She shut off the TV and required they read two books a week. Of course, neither liked that at first. She wanted a better life for them and she knew education was critical for that to happen.
Carson shares a bold truth in, America The Beautiful: "The very fact that powerful men in the South went to great lengths to prevent slaves from gaining an education makes it clear that they fully understood how empowering education can be. That fact alone should encourage anyone who is poor, weak, and/or powerless to direct all their energy toward obtaining an education." (emphasis mine)
(p. 57/p. 60--Nook)
I wish I could get my heart out on this page. I didn't realize how important education was; I thought it was meant for a select few. . . those born with an extra measure of intelligence; those with money. I'm learning that this isn't true. Anyone willing to work, or ask for help may attend college or a trade school that expresses their interests. I am also learning that, in this age where much physical labor is being replaced by technology, additional schooling is critical.
Ben Carson came to love learning. Me too, once I started reading. Education, be it formal or informal, adds richness and security to our lives; and I believe strengthens our nation, as well.
I suspect I'll touch on education, again. Till then . . .
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Monday, June 23, 2014
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
"With all their backbreaking hard work, they felt it unfair to have a significant portion of the fruits of their labors confiscated by a government that neither represented their interests nor respected their freedom."
Ben Carson, M.D.
America The Beautiful
Zondervan Publishing 2012
p. 19
Escalating taxes without interests being represented and without respect for freedom. I find the similarities quite striking between Great Britain of old and the current U.S.
If we-the-people vote something down, it no longer means anything--unless it's pay-offs, manipulation, or adding the "no" to a bill that would be inhumane to vote anything but yes for.
Many young people (and others) have given up on voting. They determine either that their vote doesn't matter, or that all choices are equally bad. I understand. I, too, am tempted. But I fear that not voting invites a dictatorship; and that not necessarily overnight.
Ben Carson reminds us that some of Britain's subjects felt a fight for freedom was too risky. They preferred to hold on to their current benefits. I, too, am fearful and a low risk taker. But, I'm old enough now to have seen progressive losses.
So . . . we don't fight (protest, speak out, write editorials or our elected officials) for fear of losing benefits, freedoms, or friends. My dear citizen, unless we exhibit courage and strength, we could well lose them anyway.
Matthew 24:43 tells us that "if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into."
We are watching. Do we misunderstand? Are we going to "watch" them walk off with our money to support things against our better judgment and our morals? Will we watch them walk off with our freedom of religion? Our freedom of speech?
Do we think they're borrowing our freedom and will return it in the condition with which we gave it to them?
I don't think so.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Ben Carson, M.D.
America The Beautiful
Zondervan Publishing 2012
p. 19
Escalating taxes without interests being represented and without respect for freedom. I find the similarities quite striking between Great Britain of old and the current U.S.
If we-the-people vote something down, it no longer means anything--unless it's pay-offs, manipulation, or adding the "no" to a bill that would be inhumane to vote anything but yes for.
Many young people (and others) have given up on voting. They determine either that their vote doesn't matter, or that all choices are equally bad. I understand. I, too, am tempted. But I fear that not voting invites a dictatorship; and that not necessarily overnight.
Ben Carson reminds us that some of Britain's subjects felt a fight for freedom was too risky. They preferred to hold on to their current benefits. I, too, am fearful and a low risk taker. But, I'm old enough now to have seen progressive losses.
So . . . we don't fight (protest, speak out, write editorials or our elected officials) for fear of losing benefits, freedoms, or friends. My dear citizen, unless we exhibit courage and strength, we could well lose them anyway.
Matthew 24:43 tells us that "if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into."
We are watching. Do we misunderstand? Are we going to "watch" them walk off with our money to support things against our better judgment and our morals? Will we watch them walk off with our freedom of religion? Our freedom of speech?
Do we think they're borrowing our freedom and will return it in the condition with which we gave it to them?
I don't think so.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Thursday, June 19, 2014
GATHERING HOPE
Most conversations concerning our government leave me with an overwhelming sense of fear or a sick feeling of hopelessness. I can't hide in a closet or stuff my ears with silly putty (or worship music); but neither can I survive in a constant state of anger and fear.
I, who flunked every quiz on current events; who barely passed history and geography seem an unlikely candidate for books on politics. And I don't possess an ounce of activism. But that's where I am these days.
If these are the End Times, I don't feel right just sucumbing to the evil forces directing it. If, the Church and the nation can be restored to what they were meant to be, I want to, at least, be knowledgable enough to pray. Better yet, I hope to be a purveyer of truth and hope.
Let me begin with a recommended reading list:
America The Beautiful by Ben Carson, M.D.
One Nation by Ben Carson, M.D.
Christ Among Other gods by Erwin W. Lutzer
Where Was God? (Lutzer)
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible (Lutzer)
Falling In Love With America Again by Jim DeMint
Times of Our Lives by Tom Brokaw
The Bible
I'm excited about what I'm learning. Hope you will come along.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
I, who flunked every quiz on current events; who barely passed history and geography seem an unlikely candidate for books on politics. And I don't possess an ounce of activism. But that's where I am these days.
If these are the End Times, I don't feel right just sucumbing to the evil forces directing it. If, the Church and the nation can be restored to what they were meant to be, I want to, at least, be knowledgable enough to pray. Better yet, I hope to be a purveyer of truth and hope.
Let me begin with a recommended reading list:
America The Beautiful by Ben Carson, M.D.
One Nation by Ben Carson, M.D.
Christ Among Other gods by Erwin W. Lutzer
Where Was God? (Lutzer)
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible (Lutzer)
Falling In Love With America Again by Jim DeMint
Times of Our Lives by Tom Brokaw
The Bible
I'm excited about what I'm learning. Hope you will come along.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Thursday, May 22, 2014
SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL TOLERANCE
"Social tolerance means that we treat other people with respect regardless of their religious views. We believe all people are created in the image of God and therefore have dignity and worth."
"The third kind of tolerance is intellectual; that is, the question of whether one is willing to compromise his fundamental beliefs . . . Those who dialogue with other religions with the intention of integrating such beliefs . . . "
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishing 1994
p. 197
A man or woman is of immeasureable worth, no matter what they believe! But what each person believes bears eternal consequences.
Lutzer warns, rather emphatically, that Christian tolerance has limits--particularly at the point where tolerance begins changing the landscape of God's Word.
We can't mix a little Christianity with a little karma, and a little astrology. What God's Word forbids, we cannot add without sinning--and without deceiving others.
Two Scriptures come to mind: "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth. Purified seven times." Psalm 12: 6 NKJV
God's Word is not a haphazard word. It is tried and proven. Lutzer wrote another book on the trustworthiness of God's Word. It holds up under scrutiny.
"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." Ecclesiastes 10: 1 NKJV
Little flies--little follies become the ruin of something precious.
This has been a pretty heavy couple weeks in my blog; not where I intended to go and frankly, not where I wanted to go. But I feel it's a time and place that God has asked me to take a stand.
EverGrowing--not always willingly,
Lonnie
"The third kind of tolerance is intellectual; that is, the question of whether one is willing to compromise his fundamental beliefs . . . Those who dialogue with other religions with the intention of integrating such beliefs . . . "
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishing 1994
p. 197
A man or woman is of immeasureable worth, no matter what they believe! But what each person believes bears eternal consequences.
Lutzer warns, rather emphatically, that Christian tolerance has limits--particularly at the point where tolerance begins changing the landscape of God's Word.
We can't mix a little Christianity with a little karma, and a little astrology. What God's Word forbids, we cannot add without sinning--and without deceiving others.
Two Scriptures come to mind: "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth. Purified seven times." Psalm 12: 6 NKJV
God's Word is not a haphazard word. It is tried and proven. Lutzer wrote another book on the trustworthiness of God's Word. It holds up under scrutiny.
"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." Ecclesiastes 10: 1 NKJV
Little flies--little follies become the ruin of something precious.
This has been a pretty heavy couple weeks in my blog; not where I intended to go and frankly, not where I wanted to go. But I feel it's a time and place that God has asked me to take a stand.
EverGrowing--not always willingly,
Lonnie
Monday, May 19, 2014
LEGAL TOLERANCE
"As Christians we must fight for legal tolerance; that is, the freedom for individuals to believe as they wish. No one can be coerced to believe in Christ; no one should be rejected because he belongs to another religion."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 197
Lutzer refers to three kinds of tolerance, as explained by Harold Netland in Dissonant Voices: Legal, Social, and Intellectual.
America was founded on the freedom of religion; freedom to worship according to our own consciences. That doesn't mean freedom just for Christians. I admit, that's hard for me to swallow. And I think one reason might be because that freedom isn't necessarily reciprocal.
"The religions of the Far East," writes Lutzer, "often give an aura of tolerance that is particularly directed toward Western audiences. However, those who have lived in(those) countries . . . tell stories of repression, persecution, and ostracism . . . " p. 196 I see those attitudes coming to the United States. But--reciprocal or not, everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choice. And like Lutzer writes, they can't be "coerced" to believe Christ. Nor is that what we desire. The rich life we experience with Christ is because of our own "heart" decision.
I think another reason I struggle with freedom-for-all is two-fold: My own conviction that accepting Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the only way to heaven; my conviction, also, that there are only two possible destinations, and the other option is equally "eternal." I want everyone to know the truth/Truth and to go to heaven.
The other fold is concern; my own uncertainty of where God-honoring solitude, silence, and meditation become too influenced by Eastern practices of meditation. And the possibility of the Body of Christ being deceived.
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the decendents of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." Isaiah 2:6 NIV
Psalms and Joshua tell us to meditate on God's Word/Law, on His unfailing love, on His mighty deeds, on His promises. I'm, frankly, unsure about meditating on a waterfall, eagle, or one particular word. But that's me. I've yet to work all this out. And, within the subject of this blog, I must let others work it out for themselves, as well.
How do you practice freedom-for-all? Do you incorporate meditation into your relationship with Jesus? What does it look like?
EverGrowing--Sometimes Rambling,
Lonnie
PS: Next time Social and Intellectual Tolerance to conclude my walk with Lutzer through "Christ Among Other gods."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 197
Lutzer refers to three kinds of tolerance, as explained by Harold Netland in Dissonant Voices: Legal, Social, and Intellectual.
America was founded on the freedom of religion; freedom to worship according to our own consciences. That doesn't mean freedom just for Christians. I admit, that's hard for me to swallow. And I think one reason might be because that freedom isn't necessarily reciprocal.
"The religions of the Far East," writes Lutzer, "often give an aura of tolerance that is particularly directed toward Western audiences. However, those who have lived in(those) countries . . . tell stories of repression, persecution, and ostracism . . . " p. 196 I see those attitudes coming to the United States. But--reciprocal or not, everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choice. And like Lutzer writes, they can't be "coerced" to believe Christ. Nor is that what we desire. The rich life we experience with Christ is because of our own "heart" decision.
I think another reason I struggle with freedom-for-all is two-fold: My own conviction that accepting Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the only way to heaven; my conviction, also, that there are only two possible destinations, and the other option is equally "eternal." I want everyone to know the truth/Truth and to go to heaven.
The other fold is concern; my own uncertainty of where God-honoring solitude, silence, and meditation become too influenced by Eastern practices of meditation. And the possibility of the Body of Christ being deceived.
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the decendents of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." Isaiah 2:6 NIV
Psalms and Joshua tell us to meditate on God's Word/Law, on His unfailing love, on His mighty deeds, on His promises. I'm, frankly, unsure about meditating on a waterfall, eagle, or one particular word. But that's me. I've yet to work all this out. And, within the subject of this blog, I must let others work it out for themselves, as well.
How do you practice freedom-for-all? Do you incorporate meditation into your relationship with Jesus? What does it look like?
EverGrowing--Sometimes Rambling,
Lonnie
PS: Next time Social and Intellectual Tolerance to conclude my walk with Lutzer through "Christ Among Other gods."
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