Joy to the World

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come."
( Luke 4:18-19  NLT)

Many of us enjoy hearing songs like "Joy to the World" during this holiday season.  However, true joy will fall upon you, me, America, and the world when more of us take up the mantle of joining God in His plan to spread the good news and make it clearly manifest.  He is concerned about the welfare of the poor.  Anyone who is held captive by anyone or any situation can expect to find release if she looks to Him.   But the best news is that the scales covering our eyes will fall away.   

We will no longer be blind to the disturbing state of our families, our nation, and/or our world.  This is how the oppressed will be set free.  We open our hearts to working together and stay committed to improving every neighbor's quality of living.  The promise is that our eyes will see the time of the Lord's favor.  A time when Americans experience a multitude of moments filled with peace and joy because we are willing to share our blessings with the world.

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.” 
― Dalai Lama XIV  

Choose your Path Wisely

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

~Nelson Mandela


My path is to be an active part of creating a nation, then a world, where every child is lavished with a love that embraces diversity and rejoices in what makes each and every one of them wonderfully unique.  No American is free until every American is free just to be.  

The United States of America is not the leader of the free world until this nation can show others how to walk in three simple truths.  Every person has inherent value.  Any life is worth protecting.  All we need is love.   

We Americans can start "small" by influencing our families, our co-workers, and our communities until multiplying acts of love change the world.


Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

~Margaret Mead

Dominate the Earth not Each Other

Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."  (Genesis 1:28  NLT)

Chaos is the new normal in America and around the world.  Mass media has a tendency to focus on the random acts of violence, the class wars, the race wars, terrorism and the sadness arising out of humanity's general state of discontent.  The need to have some sense of control is understandable but many of us have fallen into the trap of becoming too power hungry.  There is a growing desire to control and subdue certain groups of people seen as problematic and dangerous to our well-being.   

All the bad news drowns out the Good News.  God has blessed us with the power to overcome any adverse situation and rule over everything on the earth.  Americans are empowered to have dominion over poverty, hunger, hate, injustice, war, and even catastrophic natural disasters, to name a few things.  But we were never meant to lord over fellow human beings.       

Let me clarify my point by holding up a mirror to myself.  I firmly believe in the command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  So, I am a strong advocate of always thinking about how one's action or inaction will affect the person, be it a loved one or stranger, up the street or across the nation.  This self-righteous state of mind allows me to judge others as being problematic i.e. heartless.  

My hunger for power births my vision of forcing my views upon every American by having only people with similar leanings in government positions.  Wrong!  The answer lies in creating a desire within each of us to dominate his or her own natural human tendency to be self-centered and/or selfish.  This type of self-domination/self-control will fill this nation and earth with the needed acts of kindness.  There is no place for trying to rule anyone with an iron rod.   

It is a grand dream to think that every human, let alone every American, could change her focus and redefine what is meant by world domination.  Yet, I must hope for a time when humans use their God-given dominion to attack bastions of bigotry so that no one is enticed into joining any type of terrorist group.  We could be fruitful and multiply acts of love by freely combining our resources to defeat the social and environmental forces that lead to famine, hunger, and chronic poverty instead of benefiting financially from these misfortunes.  
May we all focus on condemning the natural human drive to dominate others; just imagine our children's children being given a world with less wars.               

Love: A Treasure and Good Inheritance

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  (Matthew 6: 19-20 NLT)


No matter what one believes about what happens after death everyone acknowledges that there is not one possession any person can take with her or him.  All power or influence acquired while wheeling and dealing dies along with our bodies.  There will be no more looking for the next pleasurable thing to do.  Life is an empty thing if this is all we store up during our time on the earth.  You do not leave behind a good inheritance if only your family, friends, and others like you benefit from the wealth (money, influence, safe spaces) you have amassed.    

Love is the greatest treasure to be found in heaven and on earth.  It is an unstoppable force, flowing freely out of the heart and washing over ANYONE in its beautiful wake.  It cannot be destroyed by hate or cruelty.  Love feeds upon itself and grows stronger in the face of opposition.  It is timeless and its fruits do not die, even if the selfless giver has turned to dust a long time ago.  This is the type of power every patriotic American should want to store up and leave for the generations to come.

Every American must decide what is to be treasured.  Life, liberty, and justice for all versus survival of the fittest, the wealthiest, the most influential, the majority...  You get my point.  

Who Exactly is the "Silent Majority"?

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I did not speak out;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
As I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

                                                               Martin Niemöller


May the "silent majority" heed this cautionary tale.  

God is full of mercy and grace.  He encourages every human to spread love, peace, and kindness to every neighbor so that we all may receive beautiful and free gifts.  The resulting bounty will fill a life, a nation, and a world with prosperity and joy.  

But God also demands justice.  If the "silent majority" plans to regain their voice by standing on the backs of any fellow Americans, vengeance shall be His.  May the people who are feeling ill at ease because they do not have the resources to protect themselves from attack remember this is not an empty promise.


He replied, "What is impossible for people is possible with God."  (Luke 18:27 NLT)

We the People

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.  (Proverbs 17:6)

The preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America confidently declares:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish
Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

The founders of this nation considered liberty to be a blessing that needed to be secured for themselves and their posterity.  All Americans can take great pride in the fact that our founding "fathers" set this nation along the right path. 

But today we can become their crowning glory by making sure the vision is completely inclusive so that this “blessing” applies equally to every American and our country's guests.  We can make this land a place where justice truly is blind.  Domestic tranquility will come if the big, the small, the powerful, and the weak all have a voice in the way our government is run.  

Having a shared and common goal of promoting the general welfare of every citizen, and this union by extension, is the best defense against any enemy who desires to steal our freedoms.  It is time to start brainstorming to come up with practical ways of ensuring such a lofty dream comes true.  Fellow Americans, we want our children to be proud of us and the U.S.  

No Weapon

This is my fervent and effectual prayer:

But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed...  (Isaiah 54:17)

God, may this cover every single person residing in America so that no enemy, from within or without, may have effect.  You are a shield and a battle axe.  Our cries to heal this land will not go unanswered.  America is the land of the free because you have the final say.  Lord, our hearts are filled with hope and love as we await the demonstration of your awesome power.

Amen

An Eye-Opener

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.  (Matthew 15:14 KJV)

The worst fear of an utterly blind man is to have his kindness be mistaken for weakness.  A woman who lacks wisdom and insight wonders why she has to keep climbing out of a ditch.  Americans deserve so much better from their leaders.  It is time for us to demand more of ourselves.  Diligently look for ways to help your neighbors and this nation grow stronger.  This is actually a good time to walk toward the light.  Do not go to the left or the right.  Seek the Lord because He will order our steps along a path that leads to great success.

The Glow of Youth is our Hope

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.  (Hebrews 10:38  NLT)

Americans, we are on the brink of greatness.  How do I know?  The young people of our nation are awesome. 

Here is just one story:

A college-aged Jewish man invited anyone of any faith to join him for Shabbat every Friday.  This young man of faith and his diverse group of friends broke bread and talked.  When he heard about another young man on campus who was in the habit of spewing hate in public forums, our young man of faith decided to invite this lost one to dinner.  He stood his ground even after most of his usual dinner companions scattered to the wind.  His friends found him still willing to share when they cautiously returned one by one.  

Now, the best part of the story begins.  This group, inspired by a man of faith, allowed the lost one to talk and he let them talk.  They exchanged thoughts and articles until the lost one had to admit the error of his way.  He publicly and bravely admitted the hate he spewed was based in lies.  This brave young man was reborn but at the price of being estranged from his family.

My fellow Americans, do you understand what I am saying?  People from all walks of life found each other on this college campus because a man of faith extended a loving hand to everyone he met, even a young man trapped by a fear he had been taught since his youth.  This diverse group of people talked to each other, learned from each other, and grew stronger together.  They stepped out of their respective comfort zones to become a better version of themselves.  That is the true American dream. 

So, I repeat my assertion.  Americans, we are on the brink of greatness while standing at a crossroads.  We cannot turn away from our responsibility; it is up to us to choose the direction that clears the way for our young people to fulfill their purpose.  They are destined to become the leaders of tomorrow who will usher this nation into a time of unimaginable greatness.  Our young people, against the odds, are learning the importance of lovingly embracing each and every one of their compatriots.  

Hope for the future is a glorious sight to behold.  Being part of that change is a gift.  Let us begin now.

Making America Great Again is Scary for Some

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

I do not think America should want to be great again because "again" includes native populations being decimated by disease and then being forced off their land by invaders with superior weapons, the same populations being sterilized without permission, the Tuskegee Experiment, shaming victims of sexual assault, hunting animals into extinction, Jim Crow laws and a multitude of hate groups, considering spousal and child abuse to be private family business, being slow to address the HIV infection because marginalized populations died first, polluting the environment, the Cold War, not everyone being able to vote, not really believing all humans were created equal, unequal access to education, healthcare, jobs, and housing, bombings, anger, frustration, division, global warming, race lines, class lines, religious persecution, internment camps, talk of building a wall, xenophobia, having deep and emotional scars from seeing how poorly humans can treat each other and so many other things not popping into my mind at this time.

Nostalgia is dangerous if it prevents a forward progression.  America is on the right path but it can do better.  It is wonderful to invite the huddled masses yearning to breathe free to your nation's shores, but the open invitation must be extended to every woman, man, and child.  I think many Americans like to think back to the "glory days" when this country liked to present itself as a wealthy, business-savvy world power which was at the forefront of scientific discovery as well as the leader of the free world.  This was a facade which tried to negate the pain and suffering of so many Americans who were being failed daily.  I am not the only one who would NEVER want to go back to ANY time in America's history.  And that fact must be acknowledged.  .

Do not get me wrong.  No country founded and governed by imperfect people will ever be a perfect place.  I am not asking for that type of nirvana.  I am asking this nation to keep it real.  It takes a village to raise a nation to progressively higher levels of greatness.  Giving voice to the differing points of view about what is good to keep and what has to be thrown out immediately will keep us all on our toes, inspiring America to become a place where there is liberty and justice for all.    

Shun the Appearance of Evil

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)

A good reputation is worth its weight in gold.

In a perfect world, we would let our yes be yes and our no be no.  No room would be allowed for gray areas when it came to honesty.  All of us would seek to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Who doesn’t want to be treated with kindness, respect, and patience in every situation?  This includes situations where such generosity is inconvenient and/or difficult, especially if the recipient is dead wrong.  On the other hand, this would mean each one of us would have to listen to error in her hurtful ways and figure out how not to repeat the offense.  Finally, no one would lose faith in us because our actions would be transparent and never appear questionable. 

What I describe is a slice of heaven, obtainable only if God’s counsel is followed perfectly.  Still, there is nothing to stop us from reaching for this ideal and idyllic state.  Our friends, family, and co-workers would appreciate the resulting calm and peace of mind.  We could all be trusted to speak plainly, act honorably, and to change for the better.  What a wonderful reputation to have!  

But I also want to suggest our nation would become greater if we demanded this integrity from our elected officials as well.  Politicians telling lies to get elected cannot be the status quo.  American voters must elect the candidates who show a propensity for balancing the needs of every citizen.  (I will speak about a difficult and complex subject.  I do not support looting and burning down neighborhoods for any reason, but I do understand the frustration from which it arises.  I will support the candidate who is for law and order, fairly executed, in these situations AND is committed to addressing the concerns of populations dealing with long-term economic and social inequality.) 

Finally, politicians should be held to a higher standard.  They want to accept the big responsibility of being our voice and our representatives as decisions are made about how to best protect the health of this nation.  They must find the discipline not to participate in any behavior, public or private, that could appear to be “evil”.  Do not use a private email server for classified material so that thousands of missing emails do not seem very suspicious.  Do not ever laugh and talk about how famous men can sexually assault women because it makes one seem like a very scary predator when women speak up and say there have been many incidences of sexual aggression.

Politicians should shun the appearance of being on a reality show and strive to do a better job of being public servants who are working to protect the unity of our country.

Leave No Person Behind

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.  (Proverbs 21:1  ESV)

Americans do not live in a nation where a king can issue commands and edicts without any checks and balances.  We should be praised for wanting to create a democracy which at its best can allow every citizen to have a voice.  Yet, a system has been set up where each one of us has surrogates in the form of politicians.  Voices often can get muffled as cries for relief and consideration go up the chain of command, especially if a group is small in number or has limited political/economic clout.  But there is a way to avoid this pitfall.

The President of the United States of America is our "king" for all intents and purposes.  It is this person's responsibility not to rule us with an iron rod but to be our standard bearer. The POTUS must exhibit integrity which is defined as "the quality of being honest and fair".  This is what God talks about in the Bible from beginning to end.  It would be a wonderful thing if Americans had a leader whose heart was in His hand.  This public servant would be turned towards conduct that manifests the highest principle.  Find a way to extend a loving and dependable hand in every situation. 

It pleases God to never forget about the needs of one person on this earth.  He exhibits wisdom and grace by always choosing a course of action that balances the needs of anyone and everyone.  We can demand that from ourselves and the POTUS.

Pleasant Words are Honey

A wise person’s thoughts control his words,

    and his speech promotes instruction.

Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb—

    sweet to the soul and healing for the body

                                                            (Proverbs 16:23-24  ISV)

 

What does it mean to be American?  I am asking this question fully aware that this is a nation filled with a multitude of diverse individuals.  This question is just a means to an end.  Even a diverse people should be able to find a way to agree upon how we want to be viewed.  Will we be seen as raucous, unrepentant, and biased?  Or will we reflect the glory of the Lord? 

 

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

                                                                (1 Corinthians 13:3-7  MSG)

America must be a place where the wise reign and spread health to every citizen.

Women of Great Value

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10 KJV)




Anyone who makes light of sexual assault, brags about trying to initiate an adulterous affair, and uses shockingly obscene language to denigrate women is not fit to be the President of the United States of America.  The next leader of the free world must be a person of integrity who extends respect to everyone.  Every life has great value.  I should not have to point out how this most definitely includes the female gender. 

The POTUS is expected to take the lead in ensuring that little girls and women throughout the US, better yet the world, are given full access to education.  It is the means by which poverty, gender-based violence, and gender inequality can be vanquished.  This nation will grow in strength when no American girl or woman has to bump up against a glass ceiling. 

Can a person who advocates grabbing a woman's genitalia really understand this concept and then fight to have this type of freedom spread like a wildfire throughout the world?  I think not.

Pay It Forward is Worth Repeating

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...  
(1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)


Downfall

sam climbed the corporate ladder
power and riches suited him
the man knew what to do
he trod on a few toes
stabbed even more backs 
simply rolled over the rest 
sam's destiny was manifest 
his victims clearly in view 
sam was a success
he had no woes
lonely he was not
sam had the advantage
he was at the top
the descent began slowly
it started with a blind spot
sam stumbled
soon he was caught
fate played her hand 
misfortune struck
poor sam lost his teeth
even more so, his luck
sam smiled and acted the part 
he did not take it to heart 
bushwhacked without a clue 
there was nothing sam could do 
gravity waits on every man 
even good old sam
one can only weep
at his demise
he fell victim
to the lies 

From my book of poems Knowing Sunshine

The greatest American success story is the woman who lifts someone else up by his bootstraps only to have that man lift someone else up by her bootstraps.

Believe Like a Child

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  (Mark 10:15)

A study on three-year-old reported in Psychological Science showed that young children believe what they are told even if they see something contradictory to what has been said.  Believers are commanded to walk by faith in God's Word and not by sight just like these little ones.  God extends an invitation to anyone who will seek Him diligently.  You can gain entrance into a powerful kingdom where prayers are answered always and joy abounds because love reigns.  

Americans need, more than ever, a reliable source of relief and protection.  This nation is standing at a crossroads.  Every citizen knows something is not quite right in this country.  There is an undercurrent of pain, anger, and frustration threatening to tear us apart.  It is seen in the increasingly frequent acts of gun violence, in the communities scarred by rioting, and in the faces of our children who seem to lack purpose or direction.  I would be amiss if I failed to mention God is gracious.  There is still a lot for which we can be grateful but...  That word "but" changes the course of the discussion.  

The entire nation can be even more blessed if a few bold ones will not settle.  There is no reason to be swayed by the mountain of trouble Americans see daily when God says there is power of life and death in the tongue.  The prayerful ones who have planted the Word of God in their hearts can have what they say.  They must declare America to be the land of the free and the home the brave in expectation of having this become manifest.  

This a call to rise up and to set a good example for everyone in your sphere of influence.  Seek places where the Word of God is spoken, hold those promises in your heart, and do not be discouraged by the state of the union.  Speak words of this hope so that everyone around you, like little children, can learn to be encouraged by the thought of good and pleasant things despite the adverse circumstances they are facing.  Create a chain reaction of blessings that overwhelms then transforms America.    

God Bless the Child

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

On this day of the first Presidential debate, each American must decide what that "right" path is.  It is time to decide which candidate will help our country take the high road where a thirst for wisdom is developed, a desire to be kind is encouraged, and the hope of unity is realized.  This nation must choose between showing future generations how to love their neighbors or encouraging impressible young minds to adopt a destructive us-versus-them mentality.  

The good choice is abundantly clear but developing integrity is a daunting task.  My father once suggested that children are blank canvases upon which masterpieces can be created.  A child who is valued and encouraged to develop her talents is very likely to flourish, becoming a beautiful sight to see as she becomes a contributing member of her community and this nation.  However, I think children are already masterpieces entrusted to their parents' care; they must be placed lovingly in good light, allowing their magnificence to be in full display.

God is that glorious light which shines brightly and true.  He sets the example of loving everyone at all times and in all situations even it involves some pain or a lot of sacrifice.  We will all fall short of perfection, but it will teach our children, by example, to walk the path where a US an us can be created without finding a them to reject.  Imagine America in the hands of these future leaders who can be trusted wholeheartedly.                

Find Liberty Under the Sun

Abraham Lincoln wrote “…If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it. …”  His first priority was not my great-grandaunt, a newly freed slave forced to pull a cart until she died.  How many more women in my family would have experienced the unspeakable horror of not having dominion over their bodies if this supposedly great American leader could have unified the states without ending slavery?

People in power still seem intent upon ensuring it is business as usual even if others must be sacrificed.  People of color pay that price in blood (ongoing genocide), sweat (never knowing who dies next), and tears (burying too many boys).  Walk a painful mile in my shoes before suggesting I forget the past and just enjoy the conditional freedoms offered to me by this nation.  The struggle continues until my niece never has to walk in the shoes of Eric Garner’s daughter, mourning her father, or Trayvon Martin, slaughtered because he was walking while black, or Kaepernick, harassed because he took a knee, protesting America’s habitual failure to offer liberty and justice to all.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.  (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV)

The nothing new under the sun can be good or bad.  The time to choose is now.  It cannot be business as usual. 

America should not forget it was slow to address how the Nazis were murdering Jewish people during WWII or that it put Japanese-Americans in interment camps during the same war.  We run the risk of again being silent bystanders to religious persecution when we tolerate a presidential candidate who speaks of stopping all Muslims from entering our country.  The very same man stated "(t)he Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc.”  It dishonors what this nation stands for when we embrace paranoia about everyone from a certain place being enemies of the state.  Being "innocent until proven guilty" must not apply to only certain people.  

So, stand up against religious oppression while making America the land of the free and the home of the brave, but learn from the mistakes made on July 4, 1776.  Choose leaders who truly believe God created all women and men equal, advocate for laws that protect every American citizen, and let the invitation on the Statue of Liberty "(g)ive me your...huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." be extended to everyone within and without our borders.  

Fear No Evil

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil...   (Psalm 23:4 NIV)

Terrorists of all types may want to maim and kill me, you, or any of our fellow citizens in an effort to strike fear into our collective soul.  These hateful actions are doomed to fail if Americans allow God to be our protector and source of comfort.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  (Psalm 23:5 NIV)

God is willing to be a safe harbor during these stormy and frightening times.  He is a healer who can take what was meant for evil and make it good.  He is the one with all power in His hands, well able to make sure our foes see America prosper despite it being attacked on many fronts.  We can sit at a table filled with bounty while abundant blessings flow into every area of our lives.  Every one of us can have the last laugh because fiery darts have no power when The Lord is our shield.  

Victory is not a dream but a forgone conclusion when one commits to knowing and believing the Word of God found in the Bible.  If Americans walk in faith without fear or anger, we can expect to keep receiving beautifully good things until our entire nation experiences the joy of living in the overflow.  So, let's us pray for relief, expecting to defeat terrorism with a God-given bravery and dignity.  America's enemies will wither before our eyes. 

The Best Fruit of Hard Labor

What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?  (Ecclesiastes 1:3 NLT)

This is a question to be pondered day and night.  What fruits of hard labor are you expecting to reap? 

I understand how learning to pour great effort into completing a task teaches one the value of discipline as well as perseverance.  There is nothing wrong with being able to support your family, even better if you also can afford pleasant things and exciting adventures.  Accolades and status should come to those who consistently get the job done with stellar results.  Each one of us knows the list of benefits arising from hard, honest work is long and varied.  

Yet, I wonder if our desire to work so hard is a bit self-serving.  Many of us take care of ourselves and our own without much thought for what our neighbors require.  We do things like volunteer, give away used things to the poor, or donate money to children starving in poor countries.  But we work like our lives depend on it because in this society money is power unfortunately.  The idea of "he who dies with the most toys wins" is not a joke, but a curse dampening the spirit of cooperation.  

Do not act like I am an alarmist screaming about the sky falling.  When is the last time you gave away your car to a single mother who needed it to get to work more easily?  And I have never told a homeless man you can live in my home until you get back on your feet.  Finding the fortitude to participate in bold acts of kindness requires a leap of faith.  You must believe God will allow even greater blessings to flow into your life as you let possessions leave your hands.  

A radical change in attitude is needed to help us embrace the greater purpose of working hard to sow love even when it is very inconvenient to do so.  You and I must acknowledge that the best fruit reaped from our hard labor is the transformation our nation into heaven on earth.  Let us start with small tasks until we can become fully committed to our new job of securing a bright future for every child.

Never Again!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  (Psalm 147:3)

God can bring healing and help us to laugh again, no matter how deep the wounds.  This promise of new-found peace is extended to every single person who has experienced unspeakable loss as well as the entire nation.  We can walk through this together, finding joy on the other side. 

Knock! Knock! It Is God

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.  (Revelation 3:20)

God is a friend who genuinely desires to offer help and support.  We can expect him to meet our every need while considering what we want.  Yet, we must give Him permission to enter our hearts so that He may show us the way.  The path God reveals for our lives always leads to places filled with joy, peace, and success in everything we do.  This type of overflowing prosperity can be found only when we commit to using our talents to help others.  It is a call to share the greatness living inside each one of us.  Great blessings will flow freely through our families, into our communities, and throughout the nation.  

There is no act too small or too large.  Be an excellent mentor to a youth in need, a stellar public servant who leads this nation toward unity, or the one who sees how America can be at the forefront of negotiating world peace.    

God-Made Versus Self-Made

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)


Each one of us are made to reflect the shining light of love that is God.  Acknowledge the self-made man or woman because ingenuity has been shown. But honor the God-made women or men who desire to walk in integrity and kindness so that our nation may see the blessings of the the Lord.  These are the people who should be our trusted leaders and heroes. 

All We Need is Love

4 Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  8 Love never fails...  (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV) 

Michael Jackson said in his song "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" and "I'm asking him to change his ways."  The challenge of every American citizen is to walk in the love so that all of our children can inherit a healed land.  We will not fail to see America the Beautiful if we first commit to changing ourselves only to expand our sphere of influence until the entire nation is transformed by love.  This legacy is preferable to the culture of pain and hopelessness, mixed with lots of anger-fueled aggression, in which we live now.  

One Big Leap for...

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  (Romans 10:9)

Your must know Jesus is God incarnate and believe God miraculously raised him from the dead in order to embrace the divinely-inspired wisdom found in the Bible.  This leap of faith will allow you to find eternal liberty, emboldening you to become an active participant in making America the land of the truly free by spreading the good news of His grace.  

May America be blessed with such greatness.

The State Inspired by the Church

The separation of Church and State is a good thing.  Everyone’s religious freedom would be threatened if the line between Church and State was blurred forcibly.  What one chooses to believe can never be regulated.  More importantly, it takes study and constant meditation to interpret the Word of God.  Attempting to transform God's wise counsel into law is like trying to stay upright on a dangerous and slippery slope.  However, the State can be inspired by the Church which delights in the promise of growing in strength and beauty as it actively seeks ways to spread Love around the world. 

"God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love."  (Henry Drummond)

Honor Your Countrymen

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  (Romans 12:10)

There are Americans who are hungry, homeless, and literally on the brink of death both physically and emotionally.  Many of us walk by them every day, failing to realize they are our concern.  This nation values the hard worker who hustles to pull herself up by her bootstrap.  These success stories are wonderful to see.  Yet, this does not mean those less fortunate or ingenious must be denied a helping hand.  It is time for us to show our loving devotion to one another.  We honor another when we give up things of great value in order to meet a neighbor’s needs.  It could be money, one of our homes or cars, knowledge, time, a caring ear, or even our professional connections.  This nation will become even more powerful when its citizens are committed to having everyone live the American dream, no matter the cost.  Radical acts of kindness toward each other will without question lead to radical blessings from God.  And He is more generous than any of us could dream. 

Make it a Family Affair

"Men chained together are brothers."  (Roots)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines family as “a group of people united by certain convictions”.  A majority of us take pride in putting our hand to our hearts and proclaiming our loyalty to the UNITED States of America.  We accept the shared responsibility of fighting to maintain the integrity of this nation, fully convinced our republic is worth protecting.  That would make us family, inextricably linked as brothers in arms.  No one in her right mind would stand by watching loved ones starve, be molested, wallow in ignorance, be unjustly hated, wither in the midst of plenty, be slaughtered one by one…  The list of horrific crimes against humanity is obscenely long but you get the point. 
        
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. (1 John 2:9 NIV)  

A true patriot would not condemn America to darkness.  The first step is to seek The Lord by reading his Word.  Emulate his tender compassion for all of humankind.  See our extended family, with new eyes, to your left and your right.  May the glorious revolution arising out of this radical change of attitude be televised. 

Lack Nothing

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord could be the king that guides our leaders to help us walk a path of integrity so that our children can have a bright future.  We truly would lack nothing if we could leave them a legacy of peace, justice, prosperity, health, wisdom, and joy.  We will not be spared difficulty or bad times.  The Lord still requires us to meditate on his Word day and night.  It is the only way He can shepherd us toward victory. We can see America shining from sea to sea.   

Be United

..."The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!  (Genesis 11:6)


This nation seems be The United States of America in name only.  The rich diversity found in this country should be our strength not our downfall.  A melting pot is exactly what we need.  Everyone can throw in an opinion, a unique point of view, or an ingenious idea about how to better conduct the affairs of this country.  We can agree to disagree and still make sure our words convey a willingness to maintain an environment of mutual respect.  Then, we would be using a common language which is understood by and pleasant to all.  Nothing is impossible when a united, motivated, and imaginative group of people work together to grow a nation.     

Pray Before Voting (VIDEO INCLUDED)

Only God knows who is the best candidate for the job of POTUS.  Seek His guidance before voting.

Both candidates are flawed just like everyone else.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?  Cleanse me from these hidden faults. (Psalm 19:12)

Which candidate exhibits the greatest capacity to grow and to take this nation along for that magnificent ride?  Fellow voters choose in good conscience.  Think outside the box and consider who can balance the needs of every American.  The best leader will inspire each one of us to give up something so that, in the end, everyone wins.  It will be possible but not easy.

Click below.  WARNING: The short video contains more of my unsolicited two cents. 

Vote Responsibly: Trump Insanity!

Make America Prosperous

Study this Book of Instruction (The Bible) continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  (Joshua 1:8)


Prosperity is:

1) Every American remaining positive and unafraid through good and bad times.  No value can be put on this type of joy. 
2) America managing its finances so that every citizen has safe housing, superior healthcare, an excellent education, access to employment, adequate care when she is elderly, etc.
3) The desire and ability to protect your emotional and physical health.
4) Defining success by your willingness to use your talents to help other people.  This purpose, no matter what it is, should be chosen wisely.
5) Being surrounded by loved ones, be it family or friends.  It is about knowing you do not have to travel the path alone.
6) Seeking fellowship with God.  You spend time with Him, seeking his counsel, because he is a trusted friend.
7) A mind open to receiving wisdom.  Anyone can be the vessel through which God speaks.

Americans heed the call to study and meditate on the Word of God at all times.  Make America a truly strong and prosperous nation.

Invest in the Future

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.  If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.  (Deuteronomy 28:13)

"The most important one,” answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.”  (Mark 12:29-31)

We are flawed humans, never really giving EVERYTHING.  Still, we can start with acknowledging there is only one God.  The next step is to pour our energy into making sure every action, thought, dream, and ambition is about helping anyone and everyone we meet.  That is how one cares for neighbors.  His grace allows these imperfect acts of kindness to be counted as perfect love.  

As we reflect His goodness, we become the head.  A good leader starts with his family and expands this influence until she can show the world the path to greatness.  Americans and America will be at the top, not to lord over everyone, but to be an example of obtaining excellence through service to The Lord.

A wise woman or man will leave an inheritance for future generations.  We can leave our children's children a nation that is strong, fruitful, and full of honorable citizens who are proud to be Americans.  

No More Terror

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.  (Psalm 59:1)

America is without question in the crosshairs of terrorist groups.  The threat may come from within or outside our borders.  The perpetrator of such sickening violence does not have be a nefarious agent who comes to our country wreak havoc.  People born right here in the USA have fallen under the influence of malignant propaganda from hate groups.  

Our government and law enforcement agencies work hard, behind the scenes without enough praise, to protect us from the ever-present threat.  We still are not safe; an attack could occur anywhere including a house of worship, a peace rally, the workplace, a dance club, an airplane, or the Pentagon.  It is not unreasonable to be anxious and afraid.  Terrorists are planning even more brazen and painful assaults at this moment.  

Call out to God for help.  He produces results in a heavenly realm beyond our human understanding or capabilities.  Our enemies may land some blows but America will be delivered from any serious harm.  Foes will launch relentless attacks only to see our God absorb the fury.  While the reign of terror burns itself out, it will not rain upon those residing inside this awesome fortress.  Americans can feel safe and find rest despite the storms brewing around us.  (I pray every single person have this peace because the entire world is under siege.)  

Let fear be the first enemy to fall.  How could we be afraid when God promises to deliver us?  This leap of faith will allow us to embrace our Muslim neighbors, friends, and soldiers who fight on the front lines against terrorism.  We will vet new Muslim immigrants thoroughly, without ever being inhumane.  Better yet, each one of us could avoid any hate group which preys upon our greatest fears.    

Raise up Your Voice

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  (Matthew 5:14) 

America prides itself for being the leader of the free world.  This nation may have fallen short when reaching for the dream of providing liberty and justice for all.  But that desire to obtain greatness remains strong in our collective consciousness.  The world sees this and watches to see what we will do next. 

Yes, we value freedom of speech.  The people who loudly encourage xenophobia, picking a fight, and a lack of tolerance for diversity should not be silenced.  Anyone who thinks it is OK to hurl petty insults instead of engaging in polite debate can feel free to waste his breath.  Speeches filled with fear-mongering and outright hate will not be censored.  Yet, there is no reason why these unpleasant voices cannot be drowned out by talk about how America is going to live up to its potential.  The majority wins in a democracy.  Let more of us boldly speak up, rejecting all unproductive and divisive behavior.

It is time to get our house in order. 

True American Patriot

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a patriot as "a person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country."  

Do you love this country enough to take a leap faith?  Believe there is a God.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20 NLT)

Are you willing to fight back unbelief and know God is the answer to all that ails this nation?  Be a true patriot and pray to God about how each one of us can help every woman, man, and child living in America find healing. 

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.  (Psalm 50:15)

There would be an outpouring of love, kindness, justice, and honor.  Our country would be at peace.  We would be living proof of God’s awesome power and grace. 

Grow in Maturity

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 1:1-4)

Please God and see the blessings flow.  The challenge is to be a less self-centered and more loving.  We must pray for ALL people.  Then, we must commit to being nice to someone who is different from us, to helping someone who does not hold our same beliefs, and to offering a kind word to the person who is unpleasant to us.  This will stretch us and help everyone involved, especially disagreeable neighbors, to grow up.  Imagine a nation filled with such positive, mature citizens.  The final step is to ask God, every day, to help our leaders govern us with wisdom and generosity.  When our elected officials behave like mature public SERVANTS, America truly will be a peaceful and quiet place to live.  

Protect the Most Vulnerable

"Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"

(Deuteronomy 27:19)

The challenge of providing a people with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is a very difficult job.  Divine guidance is needed.

Our leaders must heed the warnings.  The issues they deal with are difficult, including how to treat immigrants, legal and illegal, police shooting civilians under questionable circumstances, and police being targeted for assassination.  The American government must be able to control its borders so that it can repel those who would do its citizens harm.  It must keep better track of who is living here and what everyone is doing.  But it is commanded to treat every immigrant with respect.  The widows of men shot by police officers deserve to have each case thoroughly investigated without bias.  The children of slaughtered police officers cry out to heaven because our nation refuses to see why angry young men lash out at authority figures and threaten to send our society into lawlessness.  

God speaks clearly about these issues.  Things do not go well when a nation does not behave honorably and protect all of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.  He is merciful and holds back utter destruction, but we all know our country is not thriving.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

(Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)

God rains His blessings down upon the world every single day.  But wouldn’t it be wonderful to see our nation walk in the fullness of this great blessing.  We need protection from extremely vicious enemies, within and without our borders.  Who knows what goodness might show up when a powerful and gracious God smiles upon us, giving us gifts we surely do not deserve?  Wisdom about how to create more jobs and a thriving economy with less national debt is just one of the things on my collective wish list.  Doors of opportunity open when one receives favor from God.  Imagine the peace this country could have if each one of us took the opportunity to have our hearts be filled with love. 

Be Called by His Name

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.           
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

Other nations proudly say they are Muslim.  Why can’t the US be an openly Christian nation?  This nation would not stop being a democracy.  God is all about free will.  No citizen would lose the freedom to choose her or his own path.  The separation of Church and State would remain.  It would just be a matter of this nation saying we collectively follow the good example of Jesus who conducted all of His business with integrity, kindness, and wisdom. 

Our great land needs a healing.  The ills ailing this country are great: rampant violence and lawlessness, systemic racism and sexism, youth left to their own devices, corruption at all levels in government, frequent gun violence, acts of terrorism, breakdown of the family structure,  lack of tolerance for those considered “different”…  The list is long and painful. America must humble itself and admit it has lost its way.  

Do not fall into the trap of thinking this will turn into the USA following an unforgiving god who is all about hellfire and brimstone.  There cannot be finger pointing and talk of who is the bigger sinner because we all fall short in some way.  It is about the one and only God, through Jesus’ example, being a perfect and loving leader.  Our nation would thrive under such benign guidance. 

Let’s try something different by praying to God for advice on how to conduct our national business with more wisdom.  It is okay if you do want to participate, but keep your eyes open so that you can be witness to the great blessings which surely will come.

In God We Trust: Right Action

Many devout Americans entreated the Secretary of the Treasury to put “In God We Trust” on coins during the Civil War.  They knew what needed to be done. 

"This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  (Zechariah 7:9)

The battle to end slavery was just.  A people who had endured unspeakable acts of cruelty and savagery for centuries would be set free.  These believers looked to God for protection and guidance in times of great turmoil.  These true Americans stood on His promises.  God did not fail them or abandon them as they risked life and limb to help their fellow countrymen.  As our republic continues to stand, their faith rightly remains etched on our coins to this day.