Just a few random thoughts about God

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calling, character, comfort, family, lost causes, love, Love of God, relentless pursuit, unconditional love

1. How freeing it is to apprehend that God uses every circumstance (even though He does not cause them all) in our life to develop both our character and our calling (purpose!)

2. God is all about family. He is the good, good Father, and we (every human being) are fully and unconditionally loved by Him. (thank you Chris Tomlin) That’s it! Our purpose as human beings is so simple … yet we mess it up all the time. Our individual calling (purpose) is simply to receive the boundless love of God, then share it with each & every person we encounter. Simple!

3. Since God is all about family, He sees no rejects, no losers, no lost causes. Since the beginning of time, He has desired a family. His desire is for ALL to join His family to share His goodness and His love, and since the beginning or your life and mine, He has been working to bring us into His family for the purpose of loving us. That’s it! No rules. No obligations. Only love! But … such unconditional love is so foreign it frightens most of us. Why?

4. Perhaps the most difficult concept to understand @ God is that He is much more concerned with our character than our comfort. He works continuously to craft each of us into unique billboards that radiate His love, so all may come into His family. It is God’s love that comforts us,  corrects us, compels us & challenges us to share the love we so richly & abundantly receive. God is forever motivated by love, and so, too, we, as God’s sons and daughters are compelled to  act out God’s love in our own lives.

5.”What if you rejected everything about God that wasn’t God and accepted Him for who He is — God for you?”  This is from a powerful little book entitled, IF, by Mark Batterson
How much of what we attribute to God ought to actually be attributed to the words, attitudes, or deeds of certain believers? The single most radical concept of God is that He chooses in every case to love each person, AND He  continuously moves heaven and earth to draw each one into His forever family. Unfortunately, none of us get it right … even most of the time,but He never stops drawing us. e never stops teaching us. He never stops lov

Why not ask Him about it?

🎶 Good Good Father 🎶

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PREPARE!

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America, faith, God, INTERCESSION, People of Faith, politically incorrect, prayer, truth, WAR ROOM, work

If you are paying attention to life and events around our nation and world, it is clear, something is coming. Something uncomfortable … unpleasant … uninvited. Are you prepared?
I am not necessarily talking about stockpiling food & water, although there is no harm in that type of preparation. I’m  more concerned with a general attitude.

9 Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men!
Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up!
10 Beat your plowshares into swords
And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, “I am a mighty man.”

Some might have heard of the new film in theaters at the writing of this, War Room. This is the preparation I speak of. This is the greatest weapon believers have against the riding tide of selfishness and lawlessness.

Prayer. I am not talking about “bless me” prayers, but prayer that is violent against all that stands against our God and Creator. (Eph 6:10-20, Matt 11:12) We have been silent and ineffectual long enough! There is a time to turn the other cheek, but now is the time to take a stand, as unpopular or politically incorrect as it may be. It is God we should be concerned with pleasing, not man.
As we approach a turning point election, I challenge all people of faith to pray against the surge of evil that challenges traditional Biblical values in our nation and work diligently together to stem the attack on our families, our faith, and our freedoms, for the sake of our children and the children of the nations!

LOVE is a VERB!

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active-love, basic life truth, I love America, I love GOD, life, love, Nature of LOVE, reality

As many of you know, I have three adult children who continue to teach me about life. Funny how we, as parents, think we will teach our children, and we do, but only in proportion to who well we learn from them!

Family is about LOVE. Home should always be a “safe haven” from the harsh realities of life for each member of a family, a place of acceptance and truth. This is not so simple these days! We all have many influences in our daily lives and not all of them are healthy. Choices are a requirement!!! We have to learn to choose what builds us up rather than what destroys or corrupts us.

This reality prompted me on many occasions to ponder the “Nature of LOVE!”

Parents, teach your children LOVE by loving them … by giving to them not material things, but REAL things that will help them through life. Things like manners, integrity, and kindness are foreign in our modern culture, particularly in our celebrities and leaders, yet if well-learned, they can lead to a satisfied life.

We SPEAK our love every time we part from one another, whether for a routine trip to work or to go to our separate space. But words sometimes fall short. Have you noticed? I cannot be content simply saying, “I love you!” Since my kids were small, I have prayed for creative ways to DEMONSTRATE my love to each of them in unique ways, personal to them. LOVE is a VERB, and it is not only a CHOICE we make, but actions take confirm our choice.

One thing about a basic life truth is that it fits every situation from the most public to the most intimate. The same active-love that motivates my daily life with my family simultaneously impassions me as regards my country. I cannot simply SAY, “I love America,” I must DO whatever I can do to strengthen her, to build her, to inspire her to further greatness, and to unify her.

Do you love your family? your GOD? your nation? Are you as tired of all the divisive, hate-filled rhetoric filing the airways? We must overcome hatred with LOVE!!! What actions demonstrate your love?

Blind Leading the Blind

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choices, communism, fun, hollywood, lifestyle, morality, motivation, people, progressive, SEN. MCCARTHY, sex, virtue, WALTON'S, WE THE PEOPLE

Lassie (CBS)
1954 – 1974
Shown: Jon Provost

Hollywood has long been a cauldron of Progressivism. Remember Sen. McCarthy in the 1950’s? Had he not discredited his theories with his own alcoholism, maybe things could have been yanked up back then. Remember the “Black List” of Hollywood stars, directors, writers, etc suspected (or known) to be Communist sympathizers? They weren’t planning a violent coup. Instead, they created program after program that subtly and progressively dismantled or mocked what most Americans know as “traditional American values.” So who or what governs your morality?

If you compare the programs of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s to the programs today, what are the most obvious differences? Look closely, the progression from the respectful, kind, and caring family programs like Bonanza (1959-1973), Combat (1962-1967), Flipper (1963-1967), Waltons (1971-1981), Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983), Lassie (1954-1974), and dozens more to the what seem to be hideously biased Progressive TV “comedies” that represent the lower possibilities of human interaction … and they’re presented as the Best New TV Comedies of 2013, which are a smorgasbord of base behaviors. Really? This is the BEST we can do?

There was a time not so long ago when at least some in Hollywood had a glimpse of the potential for their industry to impact the population for GOOD! Under the guise of entertainment, at least some writers and producers sought to motivate people to “improve” themselves: either improve their circumstances via hard work and education, or “improve” their character by inspiring people to a more virtuous life.

American culture, too, rewarded those who worked toward self-improvement. Lifelong loyalty at work was rewarded with retirement. A “clean life” was desirable, and was often rewarded with success. Now, in contrast, a “clean life” is a joke, often the brunt of jokes like the football player, Tim Tebow. Even worse, it seems many cajole such virtuous individuals in the hope they will “fall!” We don’t hear about the alcoholic that succeeds in living “dry” and rebuilding his life, but the press circles especially celebrities with alcohol or drug issues just waiting for them to self-destruct … and we, the people keep buying the trash they give us.

Although still recovering from his injuries overseas, Sgt. Sanchez insisted on leaving his electric wheelchair to walk the flag down Main Street, U.S.A., saying “If it’s for the colors, I’ll walk”

What do you suppose would happen if We, the People demanded, by virtue of our dollars, more wholesome, virtuous movies and TV programs? Is morality really old-fashioned or just too hard for today’s weak-willed citizen? Must every TV sitcom be about SEX? Is there such a thing as a loving relationship that does NOT focus on SEX? If we say we, as a society, are dismayed by the 50% divorce rate, might we not seek solutions rather than further exploitations? If we’re concerned about the violence in our society, might we not question the “gangsta” lifestyle endorsed by many high profile musicians? Is there anything FUN besides SEX?

What do you care about? What motivates your choices? As much as I disagree with the blind hatred of Islamic fighters, on some level, I respect their commitment to a cause, although it is driven more by fear and hate than real devotion, it seems. Most Americans are not devoted to anything bigger than themselves … even many who claim a religion. Is there anything worth living for? worth fighting for? worth dying for?

Who are We Now? Who will We be in a Decade?

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America, American Identity, American moral decay, Benghazi, build, care, caring, Christianity, Common Core, Egypt, good or evil, IRS, islam, It's TIME!, Judaism, leadership, morality, morals, NSA, right or wrong, seniors

Reclaim it or lose it! It’s up to us!

Who are We Now?

To stand by silently while we look at the face of evil in full display before our very eyes is the very essence of condoning the evil being perpetuated.

If ever there was a time for decent people to stand up and be heard, this is it. We are assaulted on every front with compromise, corruption, and cowardice. Those we elected to represent us are not doing so, but rather working their own agendas at our expense.

We each in our own private agony seek a way to turn our nation back to her Foundation. But what can one man or one woman do against the blind hordes?

CARE!!!

Why do American families feel the need to put their Seniors away in “care” facilities?

Why do African-Americans try to emulate the gangster culture, then wonder why the neighborhood crime rate goes up?

Why do young girls, pre-teen girls (and boys), feel the desperate need for a boyfriend, to be “sexually attractive” and sexually active and we say, ok?

Why do we look the other way for marital infidelity, pedophilia, drug or alcohol abuse, even shoplifting?

WHO ARE WE? We used to understand that kindness, integrity, honor were good things. Now, we look the other way. We lock ourselves behind the walls of our little (mortgaged?) castle and think we’re immune. We even know the famous quote about evil being the result of what happens when “GOOD” people do nothing. Have we connected the dots yet? We’ve done NOTHING for decades and evil, perversion, corruption, degradation … moral decay has swept across this land.

So … who are we? Who do we want our CHILDREN to be?

Re-Defining Personal Freedom
and our National Identity

I have listed a number of articles below, each spotlighting an error, a bungle, a wrong turn. I know it sometimes seems hopeless, but I honestly believe we are making headway one American at a time. I also believe we can only lead the way if we know where we’re going. It’s one thing to tear apart the policies of the President. It’s another thing to know where we need to go. One answer: the CONSTITUTION!

• Story of teacher convicted of rape makes the case for school choice
• Scalia: SCOTUS shouldn’t ‘invent’ new minorities
• Confused and Adrift
• Missouri Banned the Wrong Clown
• Benghazi: No One Is Accountable
• Egypt’s Brotherhood as beleaguered as its leader
• More Single Moms Have Never Married
• Common Core: Reinforcing Failure

It’s time we reach out and CARE for one another again. Fear has gotten us no where! It’s time to care about our Seniors and the riches of wisdom and experience they can share with us. It’s time to care about the children who spend their days in daycare or poor schools and what they’re learning. It’s time to care about the growing corruption in Washington DC, and take a stand for who we want to be 10 years from now. It’s time to get beyond Democrat or Republican and embrace one another as AMERICANS! It’s TIME to stop pointing fingers and start using our hands to help build the America we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren … One American at a time! IT’S TIME!!!

We’ve Been Deceived

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correction, Daniel 1-2, deception, gratitutde, humility, integrity, One nation under God, unity

Lately, I have tried diligently to pull back from the political aspect of what is happening in America. There is no political solution to the mess we have made of this nation. None! Yes, we might change one or two people, but can we change the nation?

As I look around, and I do look around all the time, I see a nation of people (myself included) who are so comfortable in our circumstances, even though they aren’t perfect, that we exclude God. It isn’t until something goes wrong, until we get sick, or are fired, or wreck our car … until we are faced with a difficult, seemingly impossible challenge that many of us turn to God and blame him for our situation. “Why me, God? If you love me so much, why have you allowed this cancer, or this unemployment, or this sheriff’s sale, or?” “If you are so great, why are there poor people? Why do children die from dreadful illnesses? Why … Why … Why?”

A man and a few of his friends once lived in a nation conquered by another. The “enemy” king, as he sought to establish his counselors and advisers, looked for truth, wisdom, and understanding to do what was best for his people, rather than only his friends or those who blindly agreed with him. He interviewed thousands of young people, regardless of their nationality or heritage, including the young man and his friends. He narrowed the field, and then made an impossible request to the finalists. He had a dream that troubled him, so he asked these would-be advisers to tell him not just the interpretation of the dream, but the dream itself. The candidates begged and pleaded with the king to simply allow them to interpret his dream, but the king stood his ground knowing they would simply try to appease him. No, he wanted them to give him the dream, then interpret it, or they would be slain. The young man and his friends understood only God could see into the thoughts of men, so they sought God in the matter of the king’s dream. God answered and showed the young “enemy” the king’s dream which he then told the king and received great honor. But the young man and his friends thanked God for caring for them, in spite of their precarious situation. Daniel 1-2, my paraphrase

For false christs and false prophets will rise and
show great signs and wonders to deceive,
if possible, even the elect. Mt 24: 24

From the Garden of Eden to Washington DC to your home and mine, the love of this world distracts all of us from the Love of God and and deceives us from perceiving the Love of God all around us. Brother and sister argue over inheritance across the nation. Parents and children despair over belongings or lifestyle choices. As believers, our focus SHOULD be set on things above, on allowing God’s character to grow and mature in us, rather than on seeking that next pay raise or mortgage approval.

Whether rich or poor, in America, we ought to be content (Phil 4:12) and GRATEFUL, rather than blame others for our perceived lack. Just because my TV is only 24 inches and not a 55″ flat screen doesn’t mean I lack! Just because my car is 10 yrs old doesn’t mean I lack. Just because I rent and do not own a home, doesn’t mean I lack. Just because I haven’t eaten meat in a month doesn’t mean I lack.

Americans, we have allowed our hearts to become too worldly and tangled up in carnal matters, myself included. Are we too haughty, too intelligent(?) to need God and let Him lead us. Or too sophisticated? or … what?

A God-less people will never thrive or know the Liberties declared by our Founding documents because Liberty issues ONLY from the throne of God. (definition of God is an individual thing). It’s quite amazing to me that we have been brow-beaten into accepting the mandated prayer times for Islam but Christians are not permitted to pray. Students may carry a Koran to school, but not a Bible. It’s no big deal that thousands of CHRISTIANS are being slaughtered in Egypt and Syria by Muslims, but we dare not raise our voice against a culture that has brought NOTHING but hatred, destruction, and bigotry to global civilization since its inception.

We judge rather than seek God. We see what we’re told to see and refuse to see the TRUTH. Our hearts have turned to stone as those in power corrupt our sensibilities calling evil good and good evil. Unless the American people return to God and ask His help in setting America right, we are doomed to reap what we have sown. Destruction.

When has our nation been more greatly divided … ? Hatred and bigotry have issued from THIS administration … regardless of the source. Its not about blame, but about correction! Let’s get back on course and allow one another to WORSHIP as GOD instructs: from our knees!

AMERICAN “RUBBLE” – More OVERPASSES!

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Article 5, liberty, Mark Levin, Overpasses for Obama's Impeachment, Take a stand, The Liberty Amendments, Time to ACT, US Constitution, WE THE PEOPLE

Most Americans don’t even realize the chains and fences now in place.

Much is being said these days about the collapse of our Constitutional Republic. Everyday, we are pulverized with more grievous breeches of the Constitution, neither political party has the gumption to rebut, to push back and DEMAND constitutionality! Many of us, as Patriots, are nothing short of OVERWHELMED at the decadence, the bravado, the complete and total disregard for the LAW demonstrated DAILY by this administration and prominent members of the “ruling class!”

Finally, Mark Levin has uncovered & explained a CONSTITUTIONAL, non-violent way for the American people to take back our government & restore credibility and integrity to our land.

Mark Levin discusses ‘The Liberty Amendments’ VIDEO

The FIFTH ARTICLE of the US CONSTITUTION, says this:
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. *my emphsis

Our FOUNDERS, brilliant men that they were, understood the draw of TYRANNY from history. Because of this, they, specifically George Mason, made sure there was a “back door” way for the PEOPLE to correct a wayward government. It’s time for you and I to make some NOISE. We must return to the CONSTITUTION. The President, Congress & the Supreme Court are currently functioning OUTSIDE the perimeters outlined in our FOUNDING DOCUMENTS. If the rules need to be changed, FINE! Do it the prescribed way! The President has openly declared his wish to “fundamentally change” the United States. The Constitution does NOT give him or the CONGRESS that authority!

But … WE, as citizens of the greatest nation on earth, must refocus … At our greatest, America was also the most generous, most compassionate and helpful people. If your neighbor was ill, you knew it and took them some chicken soup. If your neighbors child needed new shoes for school, local churches and civic organizations provided help at little or no cost. If your mother with Alzheimer’s became to much to manage, friends and family banded together to help. We didn’t NEED government assistance. We didn’t WANT government assistance! If it meant picking up a second part time job, then we did it. If it meant buying a smaller car, we did it. Our priorities were better structured 50 years ago. Seems that is one BIG thing WE, the people need to understand.

RUBBLE

By Charlie Lyon · June 27, 2013

“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” — Psalm 11:3

My first thought, as I swerved wildly to avoid a collision with the car that had pulled suddenly into my lane, was, “No, I just want to go home!” The sickening sound of collapsing metal, the helplessness of inertia, the feeling of loss of control, the fear of secondary collisions with oncoming traffic, and the uncertainty of what was over the ditch I was careening towards happened in seconds. Fortunately, after a relatively brief delay in recapping the events of the accident with police, getting checked out by paramedics and talking to the other driver, I was able to go home.

Unfortunately, the people whose lives have been ripped apart by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, don’t have homes to where they can go back.

We cannot retain the integrity of our Constitutional Republic if We, the People keep our heads in the sand. We must take a stand!

My recent car crash taught me how quickly events can escalate into catastrophe when we lose focus for even a brief moment. Tornadoes teach us what happens when we as a society unleash forces that result in our ruin: there’s nothing left to where we can go back. The America we loved and believed in is quickly being reduced to rubble as we watch in horror the actions and decisions of the people in charge or our time honored institutions — courts, law enforcement, elected officials, tax collection agents, regulators, educators, the military and the Office of the President — display contempt for the principles that made us a good and great people.

Some tried drawing the line in the sand. “Don’t you dare step over the line of Disbelief!” And when they did we redrew the line a little farther back and said, “I really mean it this time, don’t cross the line of Decadence.” But they did. So, sigh, we redrew the line again and said, “Seriously, do not cross the line of Depravity or you’ll really be sorry.” With emboldened impudence and malice in their eyes they knocked us down as they crossed the line.

With backs at the cliff, feebly we draw the line and say, “Please don’t cross the line of Decay…” with little hope in our heart that anyone is listening, and there’s no room to draw the line on Destruction.

What can the righteous do?

• Lot moved when the angels, with whom Abraham pleaded for ten righteous to be found, forcibly dragged his family away from certain destruction — we can pray.
• The Pilgrims moved across the ocean — we can seek higher ground.
• The Mormons moved across the desert — we can stick together.
• The Amish never moved from the simplicity of life — we can reorder our priorities.

Maybe its time we stop moving backwards and hold the line. Or soon we won’t have a home to where we can go back.

There are many MORE of US then there are in DC!!! Let’s stand firm on the Constitution of the United States of America, which brings me to …!

Overpasses for Obama’s Impeachment

This is an easy, inexpensive way to take a stand. Locate your state on the main facebook page, and find your district and join with other Patriots see how many we are!!! Once the notion of impeachment becomes believable, I’m sure we will see action taken in DC, but first, WE, the people, must VOICE our DISSENT with the current Administration and his lawlessness.

Which Pledge Works?

Tags

adaptation, America, Arabic, citizens, English, history, Socialism, The Pledge of Allegiance, WE THE PEOPLE

The Pledge of Allegiance

I read an article today about the children in a high school in Colorado reciting the Pledge in Arabic, and replacing “under God” with under Allah. It reminded me of the history of the Pledge, so I thought I’d remind us all.

“The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.

In its original form it read:

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America” were added. At this time it read:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God,” creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy’s daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Section 4 of the Flag Code states:

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.”

The original Bellamy salute, first described in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, who authored the original Pledge, began with a military salute, and after reciting the words “to the flag,” the arm was extended toward the flag.

At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military salute — right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” At the words, “to my Flag,” the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side. The Youth’s Companion, 1892




Shortly thereafter, the pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart, and after reciting “to the Flag,” the arm was extended toward the Flag, palm-down.

In World War II, the salute too much resembled the Nazi salute, so it was changed to keep the right hand over the heart throughout.”

The original pledge was designed as a Socialist tool, but it was also made to be adaptable to any nation. It may well be that we, as Americans, will have to lay claim to the version, the adaptation of the Pledge we want. As for me and my house, we will cling to our God and our guns and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America under God. As a Vet, my oath never expired, so that, too, continues to be my oath! It is up to us, the People of this nation to DEFINE the nation we want.

Related reading:

• What’s Conservative about the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Resolution Revolution: Making a Better America by Being a Better Me
• Is America a Democracy or a Republic?

WHAT’S HE BUILDING IN THERE?

Tags

Building, character, choices, Creator, goal, Inspiration Monday, life, source, treasure, values

WHAT’S HE BUILDING IN THERE?

Out of the abundance of the heart, my mouth speaks,
From all that Life has poured into me thus far:
The good, the difficult, the fun, and the not-so-much fun;
The true riches of this world are incorruptible.

Out of the abundance of the heart, my mouth speaks,
Nuggets of golden wisdom wrapped in pain,
Compassion born of struggle, and patience from grief,
Still joy and rejoicing come freely in the morning.

Out of the abundance of the heart, my mouth speaks,
Paper lies unfold and fall away along with phantom pain,
But gratitude flows unchecked, persistent, and random,
Like the flight of a butterfly through a bountiful garden.

What is the treasure that germinates in your heart?
What dream or trial or endless rage?
What is the Source or Goal of your heart?
What is our Creator building deep inside you?

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good;
and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.
For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
Luke 6:45 NKJV

Check out Inspiration Monday @ BeKindRewrite’s place!

Road Rage & Cousins

Tags

America, choices, control, COURTESY, Grow up, IMPERFECTION, kindness, out of control, plan ahead, road rage, Self-control, self-government, unacceptable behavior

Ever been on either side of a “Road Rage” incident? Someone cuts you off and nearly drives you into another car or obstacle? Or maybe someone forgets to signal for a turn and you wait and wait … then they turn! It’s enough to make your blood boil, right? Of course it is! You’re justified in your feelings, so what’s your response? Do you pound the steering wheel and let loose a string of colorful words? Do you flip the “idiot” the bird? Do you ram his car from behind?

What if it’s YOU? What if YOU’RE the one who forgot to signal because you were engrossed in a conversation on our phone? What if YOU are the one who lost concentration for a second and pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle? Never done it? I have! I confess! Not often, but it has happened.

Most of us ave been on BOTH sides of bad driver courtesy. Hmmm COURTESY … is that a WORD? Is it something any of us think about any more? Yea, sure there are LAWS, but then there is … COURTESY. What happens if two cars arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time? Who goes first? Is it just a matter of reflexes and which punches the gas first?

Road rage is just one evidence of a universal problem we humans experience – IMPERFECTION! Now, I realize some of us are … almost perfect, but we all know the other guy is anything but perfect! In fact, the other guy is an absolute idiot, if you tell the truth, right? Until … you miss that STOP sign hidden behind a low-hanging tree branch and fly through the intersection past a parked patrol car! Ooops!

GIVENS:

1. ALL HUMANS ARE FLAWED
2. EACH live HUMAN WILL OFFEND (disappoint, discourage, frighten, embarrass, confuse, irritate, annoy, bother …) SOMEONE TODAY
3. EACH live HUMAN WILL BE OFFENDED TODAY, and, sad but true,
4. YOU WILL OFFEND SOMEONE TODAY

In light of the fact that I KNOW I will offend someone today, or at least will have the opportunity to offend someone today (in or out of a car), I can CHOOSE (gotta love FREEDOM) ahead of time, what my response will be. I can, therefore, BE PREPARED when the incident occurs.

It is humanly possible to decide ahead of time what my response will be to “OFFENSE.” ( as in disappointment, discouragement, fear, embarrassment, confusion, irritation, annoyance, bother …) I can CHOOSE:

• to throw my justified “rage” (or other justified reaction) at the well-deserving “idiot” for daring to ruin my day, OR
• to acknowledge the “mistake” graciously, as I would like to be treated in the event of MY error.

If I respond in RAGE, I can expect RAGE when I mess up. If, on the other hand, I can hold it together and wave off the mistake kindly, maybe the next time I drive with my head in my phone instead of on my driving, I will be shown kindness as well.

THIS is called: SELF-CONTROL! YES! (or Self-government) You and I have a DOMAIN! It is our own thoughts, words, and deeds! I have the ability to be … IN CONTROL of my words – to choose to speak kindness or not. Btw, truth need not ALWAYS be spoken, if it cannot be done in kindness! Honesty is wonderful, but it is trumped by Kindness!

RIGHT???

I make plenty of mistakes, just ask my kids! It is my hope, that when I do, kindness will be the response. Anger serves no positive purpose. NONE! It raises our BP, and who knows what all inside our body, and it takes our mindset to a bad place … an unsettled place.

It is the SOFT answer that turns away wrath! Did you know this? Try it next time someone yells at you. Quietly apologize. (Right or wrong!) So the next time you are distracted while waiting for the traffic light to change until a horn blasts you back to reality, smile and wave in apology as you drive away. Or the next time you’re BEHIND someone asleep at the light … don’t honk heavy … just tap it enough to alert the distracted driver in front of you and wear a smile when he looks back. Both of you will feel so much better than an ugly “Road Rage” incident.

SELF-CONTROL
is just controlling your SELF

Just in case you aren’t sure, this approach works for OTHER things as well. FREEDOM is a great thing – it allows us CHOICES!!! Wise men and women have debated the various structures of government for millennia, but most have been unwilling to recognize that even the seemingly perfect structure cannot provide security and freedom without self-government. The individual must “govern” his own choices, his own thoughts, his own responses, and his own behavior for Liberty to endure.

Each individual must undertake this journey. It does no good if only a few manage themselves well. For security and freedom to flourish in any civilization, the people must learn SELF-GOVERNMENT … self-control! We must teach our children to control their urge to lie, to steal, to throw a tantrum when they don’t get their own way. We teach them both by example and by correcting unacceptable behavior. Throwing a tantrum because mommy won’t buy that candy bar at the check out is NOT acceptable behavior.

It is time to Grow up, America! We have behaved badly for too long. Stop pointing to other people’s bad behavior as an excuse for our own bad behavior. Stop looking for JUSTIFICATION! When we throw our tantrums, we shame the GOOD and HONORABLE among us. We disrespect our GOD and our HERITAGE when we do not extend COURTESY to one another. We cannot control the thoughts and behaviors of others, but we CAN and MUST control our own! We KNOW better! We were taught better, at least if we’re over 35!

Just like our CONSTITUTION is not there to define our boundaries, but to define the boundaries of government, so GOD’s law is not here to confine us, but to release us to a more flavorful, more fulfilling life … if we just follow His WORD.

RESPONSIBILITY is FREEDOM‘s
last name!

Not the greatest video, but the SONG is GREAT!