Paul's Planet

Change in the Wind in Iraq?

2006-11-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

At long last, perhaps there is a change in the wind in Iraq.

President Bush keeps saying that we will "stay the course" in Iraq. And I agree that it would be a more dangerous world out there if we pulled out of Iraq altogether. But we also need to ensure that our guys and gals on the battlefield have all the tools they need to get the job done.

With the Democrats taking control of the House and perhaps the Senate, hopefully this will initiate some constructive dialogue between the Congress and our commander-in-chief. Perhaps there is some flexibility in staying the course.

The resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield may help us be more flexible and effective in fighting this war. Rumsfelf has been criticized for his handling of the war, and perhaps change will do some good. After all, Lincoln had to fire quite a few generals before he could find one who could effectively fight the Civil War.

In another strange twist, Saddam Hussein - after being sentenced to hang - has called on all Iraqis to reconcile their differences. And Hussein's former VP has ordered former Ba'ath party bosses to end the insurgency.

Obviously a de-escalation of violence in Iraq would be a good thing. It would be nice to bring the troops home.

Election 2006 Commentary

2006-11-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm glad that's over! No more annoying calls on my home and cell phone numbers! Maybe it's time to amend the Do Not Call Registry to include political pitches.

Overall, I'm quite pleased to see the results of yesterday's election. I was tickled to see that Joe Lieberman won the Senate race in Connecticut as an independent. Yes, he's technically a Democrat - but he's one of the good ones.

Here in Arizona - to nobody's surprise - our Democrat Governor Janet Napolitano easily won re-election (the AP and ABC news projected her as the winner as soon as the polls closed!). I like Janet. If she has a personal agenda, she hasn't really projected it. She's one of the few who ran a positive campaign, focusing on her accomplishments as governor. She has a clear understanding of the issues facing our state and has really taken good care of it.

John Kyl won re-election over Jim Pederson. This was a rather negative campaign on both sides, but I think Kyl shows his true colors better, and comes off as a much more confident leader.

The big upset was Harry Mitchell's unseating of J.D. Hayworth in one of the congressional races. This one probably came down to personality. Mitchell is a nice guy. Hayworth sometimes comes off as a big jerk. That probably lost it for him. Personally, I don't think either one can address the true issues. As I said in my previous post, I consider Mitchell an incompetent ass. We'll see. At least he's not my congressman.

Then there were the ballot initiatives - 19 in all.

Four of them dealt with the illegal immigrant problem - all passed with at least 70% approval. And when you consider that the [legal] population of the state is roughly 50% Hispanic, it certainly makes it a mandate that Arizona as a whole is tired of the whole illegal immigrant mess. Granted, I felt a couple of the propositions were mean-spirited and I voted against them. But the people have spoken. We move on.

On the other end of the spectrum, two propositions went down in flames in rather spectacular fashion. Arizona will not do voting exclusively by mail, nor will one lucky voter be drawn in the lottery to win a million bucks just for showing up to vote. I thought these two measures were excessively stupid and I'm glad to see that the vast majority of Arizona voters agreed with me.

The gay marriage ban was defeated not because Arizonans support gay marriage, but because this measure went too far in making people believe that certain benefits would be denied if it passed. It was a badly written measure that even faced a court challenge before it went on the ballot. But I'm not worried - Arizona law already prohibits gay marriage, and unlike liberal hot spots like Vermont and New Jersey, I don't think a judge here would be stupid enough to overturn that law.

We also passed the initiative that thumbs our nose at eminent domain. Want my property? Pay me a fair price.

I was undecided about raising the minimum wage until I heard concerns that our privacy was at stake and we would be more prone to identity theft should it pass. So I voted no. It passed anyway.

I was surprised and delighted about the two non-smoking propositions. One of them would still ben smoking except in restaurants and bars that allowed it. This measure was defeated. The other was a stricter ban - no smoking in public places - period. It passed.

Two initiatives dealing with state trust land were defeated. Property taxes can only be raised at a 2% level each year. Pigs and calves raised for meat have to be able to move around in their cages. Children's health will benefit from a hike in cigarette taxes. Cities and towns can better finance civic services such as police and fire protection. First-time meth users will no longer get mandatory probation - they might have to go to jail (what a concept!). And no surprise here - our legislators aren't getting a raise.

On the national scene, perhaps Democratic control of one or both houses of Congress is what's needed to move our country forward. There is definitely a lame-duck mentality amongst Republicans since they seem too absorbed with their own interests. Now they'll all have to talk. President Bush will have have to work harder and be more flexible to push his policies. This might even be the best thing for his presidency.

As for the Democrats, they have stirred us up with a lot of hopes. You thought the campaigns were tough? Now comes the tough part. It's time for the Democrats to put their money where their mouth is. Lest we vote 'em out in two years!

I'm Paul, and I approve this message.

Arizona Ballot Initiatives '06

2006-10-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

So here are Arizona's ballot initiatives for this year's election. In my last post I said we had ten propositions; I stand corrected - there's nineteen.

I've copied the wording of each proposition directly from the publicity pamphlet, followed by my own comments.

Prop 100: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of denying bail to persons charged with serious felonies as defined by law if the person has entered or remained in the United States illegally. Absolutely. There was once an illegal alien arrested on drug and weapons charges who made bail, was deported by the Feds while on bail, and he later returned to Arizona. Then he was an accomplice to the cold-blooded murder of a Phoenix Police officer. It was a very impressive funeral procession down the Loop 101 freeway - I was there watching it for a good half hour. My wife teaches in the school district that has a school named after him. Should have never happened.

Prop 101: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of requiring counties, cities, towns, and community college districts to calculate property tax levy limits based on the actual property taxes levied in 2005, and beginning in 2007 the new levy limit would increase by two percent per year plus any new construction. Yes, especially when you consider the out-of-control real estate market we had. My house is now double the value it was when we first purchased it in 1993. I don't see why I have to pay for a windfall I didn't create.

Prop 102: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of denying an award of punitive damages in any civil court action to a person who is present in this state in violation of federal immigration law related to improper entry. I have to say no on this one. If an illegal immigrant is run over by a drunk driver, why should the drunk driver get away with it? Besides, we're not experiencing a flood of lawsuits from illegal aliens as most don't have the means to go out and hire a lawyer to do so.

Prop 103: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of declaring English to be the official language of the State of Arizona, requiring all official actions to be conducted in English, requiring government to preserve, protect and enhance English as the official language, prohibiting discrimination against persons using English, and permitting private lawsuits to enforce the official English amendment to the Arizona Constitution. This was previously approved in 1998 but struck down as unconstitutional. Still, I have to vote yes on this. Hey, my ancestors had to learn the language. And they didn't lose their culture because of it.

Prop 104: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of permitting incorporated cities and towns to include debt for the acquisition and development of public safety, law enforcement, fire and emergency services facilities and streets and transportation facilities in the twenty percent debt limit, upon voter approval. A yes vote for obvious reasons. The publicity pamphlet did not have any opposed to this measure. Should be a slam-dunk.

Prop 105: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of allowing the conveyance for compensation of designated urban land and additional urban land as approved by the Legislature for conservation purposes, permitting the Legislature to designate up to 400,000 acres of non-urban trust land for conservation purposes for conveyance without compensation, allowing urban trust land to be conveyed for conservation without auction, reducing the advertising time for state trust land auctions, allowing rights-of-way of trust land to governmental entities without auction, requiring trust lands set aside for conservation be accessible to the public and restricted from development, and allowing local coordination of commercial trust land use. Say what? What exactly is the problem we're trying to correct? Too complicated. A pro-developer initiative which is not needed as developers have already screwed up the state enough. Things seem fine as they are now. I vote no.

Prop 106: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of setting aside 694,000 acres of state trust land for conservation, permitting the conveyance of Educational and Permanent Reserve lands without auction or compensation, permitting the conveyance of Provisional Reserve lands without auction, requiring local coordination of trust land planning in conjunction with the state, establishing a board of trustees to manage and dispose of state trust land, allowing public rights-of-way over trust land without auction at appraised value, allowing transfer of trust land before revenue-sharing payment and use of some revenues for trust administration. Same as Prop 105 - not needed.

Prop 107: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of amending the Constitution to require that only a union between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage by the state and its political subdivisions and prohibiting the creation or recognition of legal status similar to marriage for unmarried persons by the state or its political subdivisions. Absolutely - I have to go by own convictions. Opponents charge that health and death benefits would be denied for domestic partners. Companies are not currently required to provide these benefits anyway, and this amendment would not take away from those already fortunate to enjoy these benefits.

Prop 200 (Arizona Voter Reward Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of establishing a $1,000,000 lottery for voters who vote in the primary or general elections that would be funded by a percentage of unclaimed state lottery prize money and creating the Arizona Voter Reward Commission and Fund. Excuse me? Absolutely not - my vote is not for sale! This is a civic duty. I do not want people out there voting just because they might get lucky. This will only increase voter fraud. Mark Osterloh, chairman of Arizonans for Voter Rewards, has the gall to say, "What does God say? Do what you are supposed to do and I will REWARD you with eternal life in heaven. What are we saying? Do what you are supposed to do, vote, and we will REWARD you with a chance to win a million dollars. If incentives are good enough for God, they are good enough for the voters of Arizona! Oh come on! How can you even compare the two? A chance in a million to win a million? Don't insult my intelligence or mock my religion. A million dollars is nothing in comparison to riches we receive in heaven. Besides, anyone who believes in Christ will enjoy those riches without being entered into a lottery for the mere chance to do so. But, then again, if this measure were to pass and I were to win, it would be a nice way to fund a new organ for the church, or a new retreat cabin up at camp.

Prop 201 (Smoke-Free Arizona Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of prohibiting smoking in all public places and places of employment while exempting private residences, tobacco stores, designated hotel/motel rooms, veterans and fraternal clubs, Native American religious ceremonies, and outdoor patios and requiring no smoking signs be posted where smoking is prohibited, imposing a tax of two cents per cigarette pack, continuing to allow additional regulation by cities, towns and counties, and providing for enforcement by the Department of Health Services. This is one of the redundant propositions (see Proposition 207 for the kinder and gentler version of this). There are many municipalities that already have their own public smoking bans; it is inevitable that it becomes statewide. Actually, I'm quite disappointed that our legislature didn't have the balls to make this law without putting it to a public vote. This is an obvious yes for me. Opponents say that the state would be wasting tax dollars to enforce this law, but as you can see, the taxes would be raised by an additional two-cent cigarette tax. So I won't be paying to enforce it.

Prop 202 (Raise the Minimum Wage for Working Arizonans Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of raising the minimum wage to $6.75 per hour with certain exceptions beginning January 1, 2007, providing for yearly minimum wage cost of living increases, requiring employers to post notice about employee minimum wage rights, establishing penalties for violations of the law and permitting private lawsuits to enforce the law. I'm undecided on this one. There are good, strong arguments on both sides of this issue, with some definite economic impacts either way.

Prop 203 (Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Initiative): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of [1] establishing an early childhood development health care board and fund, [2] increasing the state tax on cigarettes (.80 cents/pack), cigars and other tobacco products, [3] establishing regional partnership councils throughout the state to identify childhood development and health services needs at the local level and [4] distributing monies and grants to eligible programs that serve children up to five years of age and their families. Another good program to help our children (Arizona doesn't do well in helping kids as it is). And again, with a cigarette tax funding these programs, I won't be paying for it. If I were a smoker, I'd consider quitting.

Prop 204 (Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of establishing misdemeanor fines and penalties for tethering or confining a pregnant pig or a calf raised for veal for all or a majority of the day in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down and fully extending its limbs or turning around freely but excepts transportation of the animal, rodeo and fair exhibitions, lawful slaughters, research, veterinary purposes and the seven day period before a pig's expected date of giving birth. Opponents are calling this measure (appropriately) hogwash. This is an initiative heavily funded by out-of-state vegans and other radicals. I know some farmers and know that they treat their animals humanely. My vote is no.

Prop 205 (Your Right to Vote by Mail Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of requiring a ballot be mailed to every registered voter and all elections be conducted by mail-in ballot, eliminating polling places in each precinct, restricting the use of polling places to a minimum number of countywide locations other than school buildings, and repealing the sample ballot requirement while retaining current early ballot laws. Hey, what about my right to vote at a polling place on election day? I absolutely do not support this initiative - this is certainly the most idiotic of all the propositions (although the lottery drawing for my vote is a real close second). I don't think that even our legislature would be bone-headed enough to propose this. 'Nuff said.

Prop 206 (Arizona Non-Smoker Protection Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of prohibiting smoking in all public places and places of employment while exempting bars that prohibit minors and have separate ventilation systems, private residences, tobacco stores, designated hotel/motel rooms, veterans and fraternal clubs, Native American religious ceremonies, and outdoor patios, and will prohibit minors in bars that allow smoking and will require no smoking signs be posted where smoking is prohibited. Even if Prop 201 doesn't pass, but this one does, I'll be happy.

Prop 207 (Private Property Rights Protection Act): A "yes" vote shall have the effect of [1] establishing additional rights for individuals whose property is taken by the government for public use (eminent domain), [2] defining "public use," [3] prohibiting the taking of property for economic development, [4] requiring primary residences taken by eminent domain be replaced by a comparable dwelling, [5] requiring compensation for property values reduced by land use laws, [6] requiring attorneys fees' in eminent domain lawsuits, and [7] allowing attorneys' fees in property value reduction lawsuits. I'm still undecided on this, but I'm leaning toward a yes vote.

Prop 300: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of making only citizens or legal residents of the United States eligible to [1] participate in state subsidized immigrant and adult education classes, [2] receive in-state student or county residency status for community college and university purposes, [3] receive state subsidized tuition/fee waivers and financial assistance, [4] receive state subsidized child care assistance, [5] participate in state sponsored family literacy programs; and requiring the Board of Education, community colleges and universities, and the Department of Economic Security to report the number of ineligible persons applying for these programs and assistance. I'm pretty sure I'll vote no on this. This again is aimed at our illegal aliens, but alas, I don't think that very many have the ability to take advantage of these programs.

Prop 301: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of making a person ineligible for mandatory probation if the person is convicted of an offense involving the personal use or possession of methamphetamine. Yes, absolutely. I'm frankly surprised that meth users do only get mandatory probation. Meth users are very dangerous to society. If your neighborhood has a house used as a meth lab, you might as well invite terrorists to come in and crash a plane.

Prop 302: A "yes" vote shall have the effect of raising State Legislators' salaries to $36,000 per year. Same proposition, different year - and different number (I think). You've got to admire them for their persistence. I might consider paying real money to our legislature when they decide to pass some real legislation (rather than tap-dance around the important issues). I'll vote no - again.

Election Time Again

2006-10-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time - election season. And this promises to be an interesting one indeed.

Here in Arizona there are ten ballot propositions - no state has more. I haven't had the chance to look at them in any detail, but at least a couple of them are redundant and somewhat condradictory, like the two non/anti-smoking propositions. It's too bad our state legislature is too chicken to tackle these issues on their own, but at least the people get to decide. Sounds like true democracy...hmmm...

Unless she does something really stupid in the next thirty days, Governor Janet Napolitano should win re-election with a slam-dunk. I know somewhat of her challenger, Len Munsill - he used to put his opinion out there on a local Christian radio station. While I agree with some of his viewpoints, he's just a bit too conservative for my tastes. He's also taken quite a harsh stand on a few non-issues. Unfortunately he reminds me of a previous governor from way out in right field: Evan Mecham - and he was impeached.

The immigration issue is a hot topic in Arizona, and I think this election will be a mandate as such. Governor Napolitano has already taken the toughest stand amongst all U.S. governors against the illegal immigration problem which is quite prevalent in our state, and crossed party lines in support of President Bush when he signed the latest Federal legislation to deal with the problem.

We have a hotly contested U.S. Senate race between incumbant Republican John Kyl and his Democratic challenger, John Pederson. Hot-button issues in this race include immigration, homeland security, social security, and even abortion. Again, I think that the mandate on immigration will decide this race, and I think Kyl will prevail.

We also have a hotly contested U.S. House race (thank God not in my district!) between the incumbant Republican J.D. Hayworth and Democratic challenger Harry Mitchell. The ads for this race are clearly contradictory and it's hard to see who's really telling the truth. This one may go along party lines, which would favor Hayworth. I remember when Harry Mitchell was mayor of Tempe - I thought he was an incompetant ass then.

So there it is. I need to study the propositions, and I'll get back with you.

Arizona Walk to Emmaus #167

2006-10-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a lot of fun. Arizona Walk to Emmaus #167 this past Thursday through Sunday was a success - perhaps the best walk ever (as we always say after each walk).

The weekend went off with only a small amount of hitches - which is always to be expected (just like a big wedding). It pretty much ran on schedule. The meals were always ready on time and we only had to wait on the rest of the group only once - and that was only about 15-20 minutes. That's really good, actually!

Albiet a little more shorthanded than I would have liked, the cook team which I was leading did a fantastic job. The menu planning turned out well, and the meats I had ordered from a local wholesaler were top notch.

One of the most touching moments for all of us was when the pilgrims received a Bible. That part of the weekend is always a moving experience. My most cherished moment of that experience occurred right after that when one of our cooks - a big Pacific Islander dressed in an apron which barely fit him and a chef's hat which barely fit him - stood there wiping his eyes.

I, too, received a new Bible during the weekend from my good friend and lay director, M. He gave me a New King James Version Study Bible with a leather carrying case. A Bible is always a wonderful gift - this certainly was no exception.

It was also very tiring. I slept 14 hours Sunday/Monday and layed around all day Monday. Tuesday was better, and today I'm going to be out about when I go to church tonight. Looking back, it was an incredibly busy time preparing for the weekend as well as participating in the weekend. It's been more than a month since I posted, but I should get back into my routine slowly but surely.

All in all, a great weekend.

9/11 - Five Years and Counting...

2006-09-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have to give credit to my pastor for this one. But I'll paraphrase:

Five years ago, nineteen hijackers carried out a plan which was intended to scare the hell out of America. Many innocent lives were lost. But it didn't work. Instead, we became more united than we had been in at least a generation.

Shortly after, and since then, America has attempted to bomb the hell out of those responsible. We've overthrown the governments of two countries in the process. Many innocent lives have been lost. Yet it hasn't worked. Instead, those who seek to destroy us are more united than ever.

The real truth is that both sides have been fanning the flames of hell that burn in our hearts. This certainly is not the fate that God intended for us.

Mercy triumphs over judgement - every time. Isn't it about time to let mercy reign?

Busyness, Reflections, and Opportunities

2006-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

I seem to be apologizing for my hiatus from posting more than I'm actually posting. So here are some reflections on what's been going on in my busy life lately.

Our new pastor has been with us just over two months. Almost immediately I started to notice a change in our church. It seems more alive and full of the Spirit. The response to him from our congregation has been quite warm - and I truly believe the healing has begun. Now perhaps we can start to focus on growth again.

I had been away from the praise band on Wednesday nights, but I returned shortly after Pastor B started. It's been a blessing to be back, and to watch the attendance at that service grow.

I claimed a new ministry for myself. Our youth director resigned back in mid-July. He was the one who also led the pastoral prayer during our contemporary service. The Lord put it on my heart to volunteer to lead the prayer during that service - hey, I was available - why not? Besides, extemporaneous prayer is not one of my strengths - what better way to develop that skill? It was a step of faith, to be sure, but one that has opened my eyes to new opportunity.

Serving as head cook for the upcoming Walk to Emmaus (just 25 days from now!) has been a tremendous blessing for me. To think I avoided this job for so many years! But I wasn't really ready to be a head cook until now. Whatever concerns I had melted away when we had our first team meeting. I felt I was in my element when I met with the entire cook team, giving out instructions and fielding their questions. I have been blessed to work with an awesome team of men who just do what needs to be done at the moment. I'm not so much a supervisor as I am a teacher and encourager. It really hit me when I was praying with our lay director, M, before he gave his talk to the team. "I'm not here to be head cook - I'm here to be [M's] prayer partner." That was an awesome feeling when I realized that. Currently we have just three more preparation meetings and then the actual Walk itself. It will be here and done before we know it.

Meanwhile, I hit a minor snag with the prayer time during the contemporary service last week. We have had this one gentleman show up at this service who is, well - odd. He's not a member of our church (not that it matters) who shows up with a veil over his head (thereby his odd appearance) and when he shares a prayer, it's long and full of words that the congregation is perhaps not used to (thereby completing his oddness), and then he leaves. At the weekly staff meeting it was decided that he was perhaps too disruptive and that it would be perhaps better if I didn't take the microphone to him. I didn't agree with that decision, but I abided by it. As it turns out, it was more dispruptive not to let him share. I was quite embarrassed with the whole situation, snubbing this man in front of everybody. It reminded me of the passage from James 2:1-4 (which we happened to read today!). I let Pastor B know of my discomfort. He and I agreed to play it by ear, but that it would probably be best to let him share next time.

In the days following, my wife had mentioned the incident and how she thought it was odd that I would do that. Her friends had also mentioned it. But they all agreed it wasn't my own doing. So by all accounts, nobody blamed me. That's nice. But it only made me feel more like I was under a microscope, as well as the church I was representing. I was even more embarrassed. I resolved that in the same situation, I was not going to exclude anyone from this ministry.

I made the decision mid-week that I would not attend the contemporary service today. I felt it more necessary to step away at least just this once while I contemplated not coming back at all. But even before this morning I had decided I'll be back next week.

That decision was in large part due to a conversation I had with one of the men I'm serving with on the Walk to Emmaus. He serves as prayer coordinator at his own church. I described what happened last week (he jokingly and dramatically said, "You let Jesus have the microphone?"). He assured me - whether I agreed with it or not - that I was obeying authority. So, I pretty much shook the dust off of my feet of the whole matter, and I'm ready to move on.

I did get to sleep in an extra hour this morning. And as I got ready for church, the Lord touched my heart and a new ministry opportunity presented itself to me. We have a prayer ministry at church which is okay. But it could be better. And I could facilitate that.

It would eventually involve the following:

prayer cards that people fill out during fellowship times
having people available to pray with during fellowship
having prayer cards read during the contemporary service
posting of prayers to a website linked to the church's website

Oh, and the fellowship time? Just today, he administrative board approved a new Sunday worship schedule that would facilitate fellowship time. Is that great timing or what?

So there it is.

That's So French

2006-08-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

As the cease-fire continues to hold between Israel and Hezbollah, a United Nations peacekeeping force is forming in southern Lebanon which will comprise of some 15,000 troops. France, a leading proponent of the UN-brokered cease-fire, announced on Friday that they would be sending another 200 troops, doubling its current contingent to a whopping 400 troops. That's so French.

Meanwhile, click here to see how you can make your own French flag.

A Lose/Lose Situation

2006-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

The recent conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah (the state-within-a-state) is over for now. Both sides claim victory. But both sides lost.

Israel lost because they bowed to international pressure. 157 Israelis - mostly civilians -were killed. Imagine if Hezbollah had made more precise attacks! It became clear that Israel was out to seperate Hezbollah from the world and neutralize them. They nearly did that. Yet stopped short. In the end, Hezbollah still remains a threat to the north of Israel. And remember how this crisis started? With the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers? They have not been returned, and are seldom mentioned anymore.

Hezbollah lost simply because - despite their claims - they did not win. They did not invade Israel. Nor did they inflict the same kind of damage or casualties as was inflicted upon Lebanon. Depending on which side you believe, either 530 or just 80 Hezbollah fighters were killed (I tend to believe the higher Israeli figure as the Muslim press cannot be trusted). Hezbollah also exposed its sponsors, Iran and Syria, with unwanted scrutiny from the global community. And even today, many Lebanese are questioning why Hezbollah has been allowed to operate in Lebanon, just as they have questioned Syrian influence on Lebanese politics. How can Hezbollah possibly say they won? Did they win Palestinian freedom anywhere? Did they even return a single refugee to Palestine? Granted they inflicted some damage, but they certainly did not break the capability of the Israeli military nor break the will and the spirit of the Israeli people. In fact, the Israelis are probably stronger for it. And Israel remains a major and formidable threat to Hezbollah, with the ability to attack with impunity at any time they choose. So Hezbollah won? I don't think so.

Only the United Nations itself can claim a marginal victory in that they somehow were able to broker a cease-fire at all. But Hezbollah has already vowed they will not disarm themselves, and the Lebanese Army certainly won't disarm them, either.

The European Union lost because they never acknowledged Hezbollah as a terrorist organization before this crisis. And they still don't recognize them as such, even though Hezbollah provoked this attack.

The United States lost because they never convinced the rest of the world that Hezbollah was even a viable threat to the security of the Middle East.

Syria has always been a loser, and this conflict didn't help their image any.

The events surrounding this crisis have also lifted high the veil that has covered the Islamo-facist regime of Iran; even a lot of Arab nations are growing nervous over a Persian-dominated Middle East.

But the biggest loser in all this is Lebanon, a country caught in the cross-fire. Estimates place civilian casualties there at 1130 dead, 3600 wounded, and one million displaced. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses are destroyed. When a state-within-a-state is targeted, there is much collateral damage upon the state. It's not unlike treating an agressive cancer - you risk losing the patient.

The environmental cost has been high, too. Israeli ordinance includes depleted uranium warheads, the very nature of which constitute a health risk. There is an oil spill in the Mediterranean resulting from an Israeli airstrike on a power station. It covers an extensive area along the shores of Lebanon and Syria, and is drifting toward Cyprus and Turket. If not contained soon, it will rival the Exxon-Valdez spill of 1989. And in Israel, firefighters are busy with forest fires in the Naftali mountain range which were sparked by Hezbollah rockets.

Thankfully the truce is holding. But I don't hold much faith in it.

Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Escalation/De-escalation?

2006-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me for my brief hiatus from blogging; it's been busy around here.

Well, the crisis continues between Israel and Hezbollah. As I type this, air raid sirens are once again sounding in northern Israel. And about 1000 IDF troops are actually pulling out of Lebanon. Meanwhile, rumors are flying that there may be a ceasefire in the works starting as early as tomorrow.

Looking at the past week's news, though, you wouldn't think that the war was cooling down. Israel continues to strike against strategic targets, including transportion routes in and out of Beirut. Hezbollah has intensified its rocket attacks against Israel, and are managing to reach deeper into Israel. Attacks on both sides are getting deadlier as the body count mounts.

One of the more distressing events occured when Isreal shot down an explosive-laden drone flying offshore. Its most likely target was Tel Aviv.

Israeli television was reporting yesterday that amongst some Hezbollah guerillas killed in action, there were also members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Hmmm.

Meanwhile the Israeli Air Force is getting pretty good at finding rocket launch sites. Whenever a rocket is launched, it leaves a tell-tale sign of the launch site - which can immediately be attacked with an air-to-surface missile. Good for Israel. Bad for Hezbollah.

A cease-fire would be a wonderful thing. But I just don't see how it's realistic at this time. Hezbollah is not a sovereign entity that can be negotiated with, and any UN-brokered agreement would not be binding upon them. Hezbollah is the party that started this conflict, and they've not made any indication that they care to stop. Even with a cease-fire in place, I wouldn't be surprised to see them lobbing rockets into Israel anyway.

Sending Lebanese troops to the south of the country sounds like a solution, but it's not. Where have they been all of these years? Shouldn't they have been there already? It's their country, isn't it? Fact is, Hezbollah is part of the political structure of Lebanon, where they even hold seats in Parliament. The Lebanese Army trying to disarm Hezbollah would amount to nothing less than civil war. And from what we've seen from Hezbollah, I doubt the Lebanese Army is a match for them.

My solution? I would have Israel and Lebanon agree to link up along a line running well to the north of the Lebanon-Israel border, essentially allowing Israel to occupy southern Lebanon and neutralize Hezbollah. As the IDF mops up in southern Lebanon, a substantial international force of peacekeepers who are truly sincere about keeping the peace (not the French!) would be brought in. Then the IDF could withdraw back to Israel. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army would be bolstered and eventually be allowed to re-occupy their own territory. And of course, there would be absolutely zero-tolerance for Hezbollah to operate anywhere in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Israel is prepared to escalate this crisis as more troops have massed along the border. Their planned offensive is on hold - for now.

Keep watch, brethren. Be vigilant.

Escalation VI

2006-07-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

We have always said that in our war with the Arabs we had a secret weapon - no alternative. - Golda Meir, Prime Minister of Israel (1969-74)

The past several days have seen events that don't bode well for the cessation of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border any time soon.

Efforts to commence a cease-fire are going nowhere; various nations have offered various proposals, but no one seems to agree on a definitive plan. I think everyone - even Israel - pretty much agrees that the poor Lebanese are the ones most hurt in this terrible crisis. (although I believe the regime in Iran could care less as long as Israel gets hurt). Israel contends that they need to neutralize the threat from Hezbollah. That seems to be the official stance of the Bush administration as well.

This week's innocent victims include four United Nations observers who were evidently in the wrong place at the wrong time during an Israeli bombing. Quite surprising when you consider UN peacekeepers tend to leave an area when hostilities erupt. Quite surprising when you consider how quickly the UN abandoned Iraq when their base of operations in Baghdad was bombed by terrorists. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (a corrupt lameduck if you ask me) was quite angered by the incident and claimed it was a deliberate attack by Israel. Hey, if you're at a baseball game, you might get hit by a foul ball or even a broken bat. It's not the stadium's fault or the team's fault. You need to be aware a of what's flying around you. Same goes for a war zone. You might get hurt if you stay in one! These guys were there to observe a war. Well, duh! They found one!

Now the pigs of al-Qaeda have decided they should get involved, and called upon all Muslims to come fight against Israel. And Hezbollah doesn't even want them there.

Israel is halting further advances into southern Lebanon - for now. Meanwhile they're busy calling up 30,000 more reserve troops.

The missiles keep flying. One struck an Israeli chemical plant. Cute. And now Hezbollah is firing missiles with longer range, reaching targets 10 miles farther than Haifa. These missiles are known to be manufactured by Iran. Both sides are claiming these missiles have been deployed.

The veil of evil in the Middle East is being lifted, and the guilty parties are being revealed. Iran has shown they are very much committed to this conflict. Although they seem to lack the courage to engage Israel directly, Iran has no problem putting their weapons in the hands of privateers (namely Hezbollah) and hiring them to do their dirty work, and exploiting the Lebanese in the process.

Syria has exploited the Lebanese for generations now. Their designs against Israel are no secret. The massive flow of Iranian arms into the hands of Hezbollah can only flow one way - through Syria. If al-Queda makes good on its promise, they can only do so mostly by going through Syria. At some point, Syria is going to have to pay the price. President Bush today urged Syria to get out of this conflict. I doubt they will heed. If this conflict degenerates to the point where WMDs are used against Israel, I can almost guarantee that Damascus will be wiped off of the map.

Hezbollah, too, has exploited the Lebanese, to the point where they have usurped Lebanese sovereignty in the south. In parts of Lebanon, Hezbollah is Lebanon. And the Lebanese military is no match for them.

While much of the world displays its victim mentality, let us remember a few things: Israel unilaterally pulled out of Gaza and the West Bank. This was a gesture of good faith. The Israelis even looked the other way when some minor terrorist attacks were executed against them. How does Hamas and Hezbollah reciprocate? By crossing the border, kidnapping soldiers, and firing missiles into Israel. There is only one word for that kind of response: Evil.

Keep watch, my brethren. Stay vigilant.

Escalation V

2006-07-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

So here's the latest on the on brewing crisis in the Middle East (which only a few are calling a war):

There doesn't seem to be any let up on either side. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced that they will fight on until attacks end and the kidnapped soldiers are returned. And to underscore that point, IDF troops have entered southern Lebanon.

Strangely enough, though, the Arabs in general seem to be getting fed up with Hezbollah, and Syria is being urged to influence Hezbollah to stop attacking Israel. However, Syria is now vowing to join the fight if Israeli forces approach the Syrian border

Meanwhile Iran is now boasting that no part of Israel is safe from Hezbollah attack. Cute. Jerusalem Newswire is reporting that Hezbollah is poised to fire dirty bomb warheads, using spent nuclear reactor fuel rods as their payload (hmmm, where did they get those?) Elite Israeli commandos are supposedly deep in Lebanon searching for these weapons with orders to document what they find before destroying them. And remember all of those WMDs that Saddam Hussein supposedly had? Perhaps some of those have ended up in the hands of Hezbollah.

Jerusalem Post is reporting that Hezbollah sleeper cells are standing by for activation for attacks against Israeli (and perhaps American) interests around the world

Diplomats are still scurrying about the Middle East; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in Lebanon today to help negotiate a US-backed cease-fire. The Lebanese government rejected our proposal, though.

The most compelling news now is that Isreali troops in Lebanon are now focused on a Hezbollah stronghold, believed to be a missile launch site and to hold a large cache of weapons. That could turn out to be quite interesting.

Keep watch, my brethren. Stay vigilant.

Another Day at Mayo

2006-07-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we spent a good part of the day at Mayo. Nothing unexpected, though. This was an ERCP that had already been scheduled for my wife.

The procedure was supposed to begin at 8:00. But there was a hitch - they couldn't get an IV started. Finally a PICC nurse got one in at about 10:45 (that was the first time I ever saw ultrasound used to find a vein!). Finally, after waiting for a patient that took S's place, she went in at 11:30 and was done by 1:00.

The doctor said everything looked fine and the procedure went without a hitch. We go back in October. At that time the doctor will remove the stents and we'll hope and pray that the biliary duct doesn't constrict ever again.

It was a longer day than expected, but I did get to listen to some music, watch TV, snooze, eat lunch, listen to some more music, get a snack, and read some magazines and newspapers. I probably would have done even less if I had stayed home today.

Escalation IV

2006-07-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

The headlines seem to be a bit less bolder, but the missiles are still flying over the border between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel says they won't accept a cease-fire unless the two IDF soldiers are returned and Hezbollah is made less than a threat. It appears now that Israel is systematically going after Hezbollah targets. They're even attacking some elements of the Lebanese military as well (no surprise as they hold Lebanon responsible for not handling the terrorist situation).

The most troubling news perhaps came yesterday. A truck loaded with long-range missiles was attacked during an Israeli airstrike. The truck was believed to be operated by Hezbollah. And the missiles are believed to come from Iran. Isn't that special?

An interesting plot twist - now even the Arab League has condemned Hezbollah for their rocket attacks on Israel. Sounds like they don't want war. But the Iranians are not Arab.

Evacuations from Beirut began today. Israel can't guarantee anyone's safety within Lebanon. Then again, Israel's not exactly safe, either.

Pray.

Escalation III

2006-07-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the events transpiring the last few days in and around Israel:

Israel continues to hit strategic targets inside Lebanon, including Hezbollah offices, weapons-storage facilities, airports, bridges, and roads. There are considerably more attacks within the Beirut area itself. Israeli strikes are also occuring deeper into Lebanon.
The Lebanese ports of Tripoli, Sidon, and Tyre are blocked by Israeli warships.
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah announced that they were prepared for "open war" against Israel. "You wanted an open war, you will have an open war," Nasrallah said. By the way, Nasrallah's home in southern Beirut was destroyed the same day.
A missile struck an Israeli warship offshore, killing four Israeli soldiers.
Hundreds of rockets have struck inside northern Israel, as well as deeper into Israel; there are concerns that they may soon hit Tel Aviv. Although denying that they launched the rocket that hit Haifa on Thursday, Hezbollah claimed resposibility for the rocket that struck a train depot in Haifa today and killed eight Israelis. Israel pounded the southern suburbs of Beirut in response.
IDF troops have re-entered northern Gaza.
Israeli warplanes have again bombed the Palestinian Foreign Ministry in Gaza.

As the ordinance and accusations continue to fly over both sides of the border, it is apparent that things will likely get worse before they get better. As one side ratchets up the conflict, the other side also ratchets up in response/retalation. Sadly enough, civilian casualties are beginning mount, especially in Lebanon where the Israeli response is especially harsh.

One reason this is not considered an actual war yet is because Israel is the only sovereign nation supposedly involved. It's just a matter of semantics. Iran and Syria claim they're not involved, but I'm not buying it by virtue that they're sure sticking their necks out for the Palestinians. Somebody is helping them - it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. A couple hundred rockets lobbed into Israel should be plenty of evidence.

For a mere terrorist group/political party (by virtue of holding seats in the Lebanese Parliament), Hezbollah is throwing a hell of a lot of firepower at Israel. Somebody has to be helping them. Israel claims that these rockets are Iranian-made (of course Iran denies that claim). If the IDF could manage to capture a Hezbollah weapons cache, they may just be able to prove that claim. The claim could also be proven if one of these rockets turns out to be a dud and lands more-or-less intact (I don't know if that's even possible). In fact the Jerusalem Posts claims that an Iranian military source told an Arab newspaper that Iran provided 11,500 rockets to Hezbollah. Hello!

Consider also the missile that hit the Israeli warship. Hezbollah's rockets were characterized in the media as a "point-and-shoot" weapon where the launching party is happy if it happens to land on a nice target. The hit on that ship is evidence enough that the weapon was considerably more sophisticated - along with the training required to launch and successfully hit its target. That's not rocket science, either (and Israel has confirmed it was a missile hit). One reason the ship was hit was because they weren't expecting a missile launch and didn't have their missile defenses up.

As I stated in my previous post, Israel's mission in Lebanon appears to be to isolate Hezbollah from the rest of the world. I think the IDF in so many words has since made that clear and has been demonstrated through their tactics. Nothing in, nothing out. Except, of course, the imminent airlifts of foreign civilians out of Lebanon.

I also find it interesting that Syria has lifted its requirements to present a visa to cross its border (at least the border with Lebanon). That's to help facilitate those leaving Lebanon. What a clever way to get militants and soldiers across the border into Lebanon!

It will be interesting to see the reaction if/when Iran and/or Syria are proven to be directly involved in this conflict (like rocket parts labeled in Farsi or some actual troops found in Lebanon). It's hard to blubber with egg on your face.

Meanwhile, keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Escalation II - Israel Was Deliberately Drawn Out

2006-07-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness...
- Zephaniah 1:15

Okay, it's been about three weeks now since this whole mess started. I'm willing to bet that Hamas didn't think that the IDF would react as severely and as swiftly as they did when they nabbed Corporal Shalit. But they did.

But let's face it. When Hezbollah fired a rocket into Israel from Lebanon the other day, they were kind of hoping Israel would react as they did in Gaza. In fact, they were counting on it. Israel was deliberately drawn out into this conflict.

Retribution by Israeli forces against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon has been swift and harsh. Attacks are being made by land, sea, and air. Beirut's port has been blockaded by Israeli naval forces. Beirut International Airport has been shut down after all three runways have been damaged.

Another major escalation occurred today after a Hezbollah rocket successfully reached Haifa, Israel's third largest city. Hezbollah has threatened to attack Haifa, but oddly enough, they deny this latest attack. What? They don't have the capability? Then who the hell did? Maybe the Syrian military carried out this attack? Or Iran?

Today the Iranian president made a rather provocative statement by warning Israel not to attack Syria. So, Iran has now committed itself to a Middle East war.

Meanwhile, Israeli jets have now bombed the main highway between Beirut and Damascus. They have dropped leaflets warning Lebanese civilians to stay away from Hezbollah centers. It looks like Israel intends to cut Lebanon - Hezbollah's base of operations - off from the rest of the world. Pretty good strategy. Israel can accomplish its mission against Hezbollah without having to attack Syria directly. The ball will be in Syria's - and Iran's - court.

There's also rumors that the kidnapped soldiers are being transferred to Iran. Of course, Iran is denying it - that would only further prove Iran's complicity in this affair.

But we may soon see that Israel is indeed being deliberately drawn out directly by Syria and Iran. Already battle lines are being drawn. It looks like the alliance prophesied in Ezekiel 38 is lining up already.

Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars as we approach the Last Days. One would think that the current conflict is only a rumor of war since the media is not yet calling this a war (although CNN did go out on a limb by calling it an undeclared war). I wonder what it will take to classify this as a war. Perhaps when another sovereign state (like Syria) decides to fight back? Or if Israel attacks Syria?

I often wonder now if this is it - the beginning of the end. Are we about to witness more fulfillment of prophecy? What a terrible and awesome sight! That can only mean one thing - we're one step closer to seeing the return of the Christ! [see also this article from RaptureReady.com]

Keep watch, my brethren. Stay vigilant.

Escalation

2006-07-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

An oracle concerning Damascus: "See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. - Isaiah 17:1

Well, it would seem that the news concerning Israel is getting hotter. Sure, the IDF incursion makes it to the top of the news headlines for a little while before all the other news takes center stage again (granted there have been some doosies with the bombings in Mumbai and with North Korea behaving badly).

The military operations continue in Gaza with a spectacular airstrike that severely damaged the Palestinian Foreign Ministry building. Other airstrikes and bombings have been targeting key members of the ruling Hamas party.

But what really took the cake is when Hezbollah militants crossed into Israel from Lebanon and killed eight Israeli soldiers and captured two others. Calling it an "act of war," Israel has kept its promise of harsh retaliation and crossed into southern Lebanon, where the IDF is now targeting Hezbollah assets. There have even been airstrikes hitting the Beirut airport.

Naturally Iran and Syria, who support Hezbollah, are crying out in anger. The U.S. is pointing fingers at Iran and Syria. Diplomats are scurrying all over the Middle East trying to broker a peaceful resolution to this latest conflict.

Israel right now is only going after Hamas and Hezbollah targets. They're not interested in engaging Syria - yet. But my gut feeling tells me this isn't going to get better any time soon, and this will continue to escalate (I think this time the skittish folks who set prices on oil futures may be right).

One interesting thing to consider is that Damascus holds an interesting piece of the puzzle of Biblical prophecy - as in they won't be there anymore (see also Jeremiah 49:26-27). Everyone suspects that Israel has the bomb. If Syria is as tangled up in this whole mess as we think they are, or more importantly - as Israel thinks they are - Israel may find themselves in a position where they feel it necessary to deploy that bomb. There are many targets to consider - Tehran being one of them. But Damascus is the most logical. And that could be the hook that turns Russia and the Arab world against Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel 38. Then again, only God really knows how it will all go down.

Keep watch, my brethen. Stay vigilant.

Why We Shouldn't Build Homes and Businesses Near Military Installations

2006-07-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

I heard about this story from an email I received from two friends. Turns out to be a true story.

The complaint:

A letter to the Editor;

Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?
Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!

Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.

Tom MacRae, Peoria

[source: The Arizona Republic. "A Wake-Up Call from Luke's Jets." Letters to the Editor. 23 June 2005]

The response:

Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets":

On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.

Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"

The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus
Luke Air Force Base

[source: The Arizona Republic. "Flyby Honored Fallen Comrade." Letters to the Editor. 28 June 2005.]

The apology (this was not published until just today. In Mr. MacRae's defense, I feel compelled to share this):

Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" (Letters, June 28):

I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).

I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.

I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.

This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.

I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.

I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.

Please accept my heartfelt apologies.

Tom MacRae, Peoria

[source: The Arizona Republic. "An Apology from the Heart to the Airmen of Luke." Letters to the Editor. 9 July 2005.]

Any one of us can appear insensative at any time. Let's give Mr. MacRae some slack.

I forgive you, Tom.

More Israel in the News - Sort Of

2006-07-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you. - Ezekiel 38:4-6

This is a continuation of my previous post on this topic.

Israeli forces have continued their incursion into the Gaza Strip. In fact they have now invaded the northern portion of the Gaza Strip in an effort to halt rocket attacks originating there.

Meanwhile, Corporal Gilad Shalit is still in Palestinian hands, even after the passing of a deadline where Israel was to meet the militants' demands "or else" (another demonstration of Arab/Palestinian bravado).

And now comes an opinion poll showing that 77% of Palestinians surveyed support the kidnapping of Corporal Shalit. Good grief! No wonder these people don't deserve their own country!

But the most provocative - and perhaps prophetic - statement this week came from Iranian (Persian) President Mahmoud Ahmadinejed. He called on all Islamic countries to mobilize against Israel and "remove" the "Zionist regime." Wait, isn't Islam a peaceful religion? That's the spin I keep hearing! He then goes on to say, "The biggest threat today for the region is the existence of the fake Zionist regime."

And remember, this is the same Iran with which the EU has been trying to talk out of developing nuclear weapons. The same Iran who denies they're doing this, but won't let anyone in to verify they're not doing this, and whom everyone knows they really are doing this (otherwise why would the EU so desperately try to talk them out of it?).

I have just two questions for Mr. Ahmadinejed: First, if the Zionist regime in Israel is "fake" (your words, not mine), then what are you worried about? You should be more concerned about a real Zionist regime. Second, if you were to attack Israel, what if the Zionist regime turns out to be real? Hmmm.

What gets me is the UN's condemnation of Israel for trying to protect themselves. Excuse me? I think I recall that the United Nations Charter even says that a nation has the right to protect its own integrity.

If Mexico decided to launch rockets and send suicide bombers into the U.S., wouldn't we be justified to respond with military force? Do you think illegal immigrants would be safe in the U.S.? Fortunately, Mexico is counted amongst civilized nations. (NOTE: In 1916, Mexican rebels under Pancho Villa did actually raid U.S. border towns and caused some real damage. The U.S. did respond militarily with its own incursion into Mexico).

So there's the current score - Israel vs. the World. Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Walk #167, Leaders' Meeting #4

2006-07-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's meeting was the last leaders' meeting before we start meeting as a full team next month. We still don't have a full team, but we're getting closer. We have some more phone calls to make. But it will come together in God's time.

We went over the agendas for the first two team meetings and ironed out the few bugs we had. We also toured the host church.

I must say that as lay director, M has been truly blessed. His organization is impeccable. He is clearly aware of his role as a leader and teacher. And he's definitely been touched by the Spirit.

Healing Moments

2006-07-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, Pastor B preached his first Sunday with us last week. We had quite a spectacular church service - perhaps a little more high church than some are used to. But nonetheless, a good Sunday. His message was one of healing and reconciliation, something our church needs to hear. I especially was impressed with his message that if we keep Christ in the center and move toward Him, we not only will be closer to Christ, but be closer to each other.

Another healing moment came on Thursday. My wife's cousin was the dean of the junior high camp up at Camp Mingus last week. Since I work half a day on Thursdays, I thought it might be fun to go up for the afternoon and visit. Well, S expressed her desire to go up with me. I thought that was a great idea (I had already thought of her coming up with me before she even mentioned it). S had not been up to camp in ten years. So she hadn't seen the new retreat cabins or any of the other improvements made to the camp. So off we went.

It was a nice afternoon. We drove out of the oppressive heat of Phoenix and entered into cool mountain air, and even enjoyed some rain. At camp we got to see some old friends who happened to be working there also and take part in an afternoon worship service. Dinner was also wonderful - it was roast turkey night.

Whenever I go to Mingus Mountain, I always manage to get at least a little spiritual healing each time (if nothing else). But what S got out of our little excursion was nothing short of miraculous healing. I don't think I've seen her this energized since she was first downed by her series of pancreatitis attacks. What I've seen is some definite emotional and spiritual healing - and perhaps even a little physical healing. It's amazing how the body can be affected by the spirit.

The healing continued throughout the week. At our Emmaus leaders' team meeting, I shared how my own self-doubt had been taking its toll on me. It turns out that I was not alone, that most of my brothers (and sister) in Christ were experience the same feelings of inadequacy. But there is healing when share these burdens together. It's nice to know that God uses broken vessels to carry His Word.

Today's church service was a continuation of the healing from last week. I got to see one of my new little friends from camp; her enthusiastic greeting was healing in itself.

I may be broken, but it is well with my soul.

Reading Material That's Still Relevant

2006-07-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred. to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Happy Cat

2006-07-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how easy it is to make your cat happy. S was preparing tuna sandwiches for our church luncheon tomorrow. We had five cans just like this. Snoopy is enjoying one here. Princess got to enjoy her own can.

Israel in the News - Sort Of

2006-07-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. - Zechariah 12:3

Perhaps the most significant news story right now that's not grabbing huge headlines is the military incursion of Israeli forces into the Gaza Strip portion of Palestine.

The spark igniting the latest wildfire in the Middle East was set off last Sunday when some Palestinians tunneled under the border and abducted an Israeli soldier. Just who is responsible is not clear as there are three groups claiming responsibility (which means there are two or three wannabe's and one actual responsible party).

Regardless of who's really responsible, Israel has placed responsibility on the Hamas Party-led government of the Palestinian Authority. Israel has called upon the PA for unconditional release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. Since that didn't happen, Israel sent troops into southern Gaza on Wednesday and began airstrikes and shelling against key targets in the Gaza Strip, including several bridges, suspected Hamas training camps, and a power plant. A planned invasion of northern Gaza has been postponed, but IDF troops remain massed at the border there.

In addition, eight Palestinian cabinet members have been detained by the IDF, and four senior Hamas officials have had their Jerusalem residency rights revoked.

In another interesting twist, Israeli fighter jets buzzed the summer residence of Syria's president in an effort to influence that country to use it's influence on the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel's actions. Fortunately, Israel tends to ignore the UN when its own security is threatened.

And now the Palestinian militants are demanding the release of 1,000 prisoners and a halt to military action in Gaza. While they still have one prisoner in custody. After Israel has demanded the unconditional release of that same prisoner. While the IDF is currently occupying so-called Palestinian territory. Yeah, like that will happen.

Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza last year after a 38-year occupation. This was a condition of the peace accord drawn up between Israel and the PA. It was doubtful that this peace could last, given the Palestinian blood-lust. The Palestinian wingnuts have proven me correct.

When the Palestinians violated the terms of these peace agreements, did they really expect Israel to ignore these transgressions? Hello!!!

It's no secret that the Palestinians and many Arabs would like to see Israel wiped off the map. In fact, it has been government policy. But since its rebirth in 1948, Israel has proven to be too formidable, even now within Gaza where the IDF is able to seek and destroy known military/para-military/terrorist assests with impunity. Regardless whether Corporal Shalit is returned safely, the PA will be that much weaker when this is over, and the PA may have no choice to further abandon their ways and come to the peace table.

But I don't see much promise in that. We're not dealing with the superficial here. These are strong beliefs and a philosophy that is not too quickly abandoned. Arab governments have largely conceded to Israel and the peace process because they have been bloodied by Israel. The Arab governments got bloodied because they tried to fight Israel individually. It will take a concerted effort - dare I say? - a coalition of many Arab governments - to realize their dream of eliminating Israel. In fact, the Bible even predicts it [Ezekiel 38].

Perhaps this latest crisis in Gaza will escalate to that. Perhaps not. Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Kind of Like Advent

2006-06-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

This morning our choir director preached; his sermon sounded kind of like advent, giving us a new hope that should arrive along with our new pastor next week. He even quoted the same hymn I quoted when I first posted an article about our new pastor.

We as a congregation are being encouraged to bring as many family and neighbors as we can. And perhaps some of our old members who have disappeared in the years past. There is definitely a new excitement in our church. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

And I get to be liturgist next week!

Walk #167, Leaders' Meeting #3

2006-06-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Today was our third leaders' team meeting for Arizona Walk to Emmaus #167. Actually it was only my second (since I missed the last meeting due to S' illness).

We met at our lay director's house. All were in attendance except two of our three clergy members (we are still discerning a fourth). As of today we have two more slots to fill on the talk team, seven on the cook team, and one on the 3-Day team (I can also pick someone off of the cook team for that slot). I will also need an assistant head cook to assist me since R had to drop off of the team for personal reasons. Bad break, but we already have someone in mind who has already accepted a position on the cook team (and his wife is one of our clergy team!)

There was also a lot of planning on who would do what at the first two meetings. At the first meeting, I will be giving the devotion, giving the Servanthood talk, assigning prayer partners, and meeting seperately with just the cook team as a whole. Oh, and making sure lunch is prepared (a job I will have through most of the team formation process).

I felt we had a very productive meeting. I got to witness our music leader in action for the first time and I must say, I was impressed. I need to make sure I let him know that.

I must confess that with everything going on in my life lately (S being in the hospital, me going to camp, work pressures), I have not had my head in the game like I should. My vacation scheduling for the Emmaus weekend will not allow me Friday off unless I work my 40-hour week from Monday through Thursday. That is difficult for a head cook to handle - I will likely have to trust others to purchase the food for the weekend. Perhaps relying on others is the lesson that God is trying to teach me here. I will probably be quite tired when I arrive on the weekend, but fortunately I have the entire week off as vacation after the weekend to recover. Again, I will need to rely pretty hard on God for this weekend to go well from my position. That's a good thing - I need to do that.

Nonetheless, my prayer request today is to get myself focused and get my head back in the game. The weekend will be here before we know it.

News and Commentary

2006-06-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take time to do some commentary on various news stories of the past week.

Radical Islam - what is up with that? There were two significant stories regarding radical Islam in the past week. First involved the abduction of two U.S. soldiers (after a third was killed outright), both of whom were later found tortured, killed, and mutilated to the point where DNA was needed to identify them (although it was pretty much a sure thing it was these two guys). The responsible party? Most likely Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who succeeded Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq after his demise at the hands of American ordinance. No doubt al-Masri has to prove his lack of manhood by violating the Geneva Convention by torturing and executing prisoners of war.

Second involved the arrest of seven men in Miami on charges they allegedly planned to blow up the FBI office in Miami and the Sears Tower in Chicago. The common denominator? They are radical Muslims.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. With so many of the Muslim faith claiming it to be a peaceful religion (and thank God most Muslims truly are peaceful), where is the outrage? Why aren't these radicals being censured? Why aren't they being rooted out and removed from society? Why are they hiding in caves and behind the skirts of women?

It's ironic that in a world in which many reject the teachings of Christ, the Quran does indeed acknowledge the existance of Christ. Yet Islam has rejected the salvation of Christ. Please pray for all of Islam to see the light - the Way, the Truth, the Life.

So-called Christians are also rejecting the teachings of Christ. During the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the House of Deputies overwhelming refused to even consider a resolution affirming Jesus Christ as the "only name by which any person can be saved." [source article]

Excuse me? Remember John 14:6? "Jesus said him, 'I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the father except through me.'" Brothers and sisters, this is not even subject to debate. Reject this message - and you reject the messenger. Period.

Might as well go up to Sedona and grab yourself some crystals.

Speaking of Sedona, the Brins Fire has been the headline grabber here in Arizona this past week. Started by a campfire left by a careless transient, the Brins Fire has now blackened 3,256 acres north of Sedona at the edges of the scenic Oak Creek Canyon. Fire crews have made a stand along US Highway 89A in hopes that the fire won't spread throughout the canyon where some 400 homes and 40 businesses stand.

We are also experiencing the onset of the summer monsoon this weekend (I finally had to switch from our evaporative cooler to our air conditioner in the face of higher temperatures and rising humidity). This could be a blessing or a curse on this wildfire. Dry thunderstorms could produce lighting and erratic winds which would breach the still-fragile containment of the fire. A good soaking rain could bring a quicker end to the fire. Let's hope so.

Is a beer run worth someone's life? This story is the kind that just irks me. Early this morning some jackass thought he'd get some beer from a convenience store without paying for it, and took off with his friend. A police officer who saw the incident began to pursue the suspect vehicle. It wasn't a high-speed chase, and it didn't last long; the suspect vehicle ran a red light, killing the law-abiding occupant of the other vehicle. Needless to say, both suspects in the vehicle were arrested, with possible charges of first-degree murder and felony endangerment pending for the driver. No more beer for him.

On a personal note, it has been a long week recovering from camp. I still get the urge to take a nap at 1:00, the designated quiet hour at camp (although I'm not really sure why since I probably got a total of 20 minutes sleep during a whole week's worth of quiet hour. What can I say? Some of my campers totally suck at being quiet. I may have to make the rules stricter next year). There's plenty of work to do at work to be sure. But I'm getting back into my routine and looking forward to our new pastor's debut July 2.

Another Perspective on Camp

2006-06-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

While up at camp, I was partnered with two wonderful men as we led our seventeen junior high boys within an entity we call a family group. Family Group 4 was composed of 13 boys from Cabin 5 and another 4 boys from Cabin 6. R and I were stationed in Cabin 5.

R has also been blogging about his experience, but since he actually had a laptop with him, he wrote his blog entries each night (and posted them when he got home). For a more detailed perspective, I've linked his first blog entry here (as you finish reading each entry, click next). His blog captures the essence of what it was like up there, as well as expresses his personal experience with his encounter with God there.

Camp Pictures

2006-06-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Another Great Week at Camp

2006-06-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a pretty good week. Since I last posted, I've been up to music camp up at Camp Mingus.

Getting there was somewhat touch and go. When I last posted, I was getting over an apparent intestinal virus that had really kept me down. I was supposed to be up at camp on Sunday afternoon, but I just didn't feel well enough. I finally managed to get packed on Sunday night and drove up early Monday to arrive in time for breakfast and the staff meeting. And as it turned out - healthwise - I really and truly was just fine.

The boys in my cabin were a pretty good bunch. There were no major discipline problems at all this year - pretty much just the usual squirrelliness you'd expect from seventeen junior high boys.

At this year's camp, the kids wrote their musical based on C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. As usual, they did a pretty good job, despite this being a rather complex storyline.

As usual, it was fun seeing old friends and making new ones. One little girl in particular happens to go to my church - I know her grandma, but I didn't know her very well - until this last week at camp. It was very touching to see how much she was enjoying herself. And this morning at church, she thanked the church for sending her to camp - and let them know that our new pastor (who starts in two weeks) is really teriffic!

Cats Rule!

2006-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

This was an awesome and cute story. Turns out that Jack, a seemingly innocent little orange-and-white tabby cat, chased a black bear up a tree. Poor bear couldn't even get down until Jack's owners called him back inside. Cats rule!

A Large Piece of Scum Scraped Off the Earth

2006-06-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today came the announcement of a rather large piece of scum being scraped off of our planet - namely Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. As leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, this miserable excuse for a pig was personally responsible for many murders. Although claiming to be some sort of freedom fighter, this manifestation of evil was no more than a serial killer.

So what's next on al-Zarqawi's agenda? Perhaps dinner with Hitler.

Addie, 1993-2006

2006-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

It is a sad day in our household today; after struggling for a couple of years with the ravages of old age, we said our goodbyes and had Addie, our 13-year-old standard poodle, put to sleep.

Addie was born Memorial Day weekend in 1993 and was given to us as a gift just prior to our wedding the following August. Actually, it was on the insistance of one of our daughters that we get this puppy. And you know how kids are, always promising to take care of the [insert species here]. Of course, we ended up taking care of Addie - along with Snoopy, Midnight, Crystal - and later, Aries (Princess doesn't count - she was adopted by two consenting adults). Since then, the kids have grown and moved out (and returned, and left again), but Aries actually moved out. And of course, we gladly have taken care of all these pets over the years.

As a mere puppy, Addie was joining into a newly blended family of three cats (two of S's, and one mine). Naturally, the two alpha cats made it very clear who was boss. That still didn't dissuade Addie from trying to play the cats. We used to be entertained nightly watching Addie and Snoopy playing "patty-cake" (we haven't seen that for a few years).

Aries came along briefly for a few years and moved out with one of the children's roommates. We lost Midnight and Crystal. And suddenly, it was just Snoopy and Addie. At last, Addie was top dog again.

Addie developed low thyroid which slowed her down somewhat until it was diagnosed and treated. But by the time Princess came along last year, it was becoming evident that Addie was declining - and didn't mind too much that we had a new alpha dog in the house (even as tiny as she is).

Over the past year, Addie had weakened considerably and had difficulty walking. She just layed around all the time. She used to sleep in our bedroom at night, but that stopped about a year ago - just too much effort. During the past few weeks, her breathing has become quite labored. Her muscles had wasted away considerably. And so S and I made the difficult decision to have her put to sleep.

We took one last ride in the car together with her in the front seat next to me. Regretfully, she was too weak to take advantage of the rolled down window. We took one last walk to together as I led her to her destiny. Then I think she may have sensed what was about to happen. She couldn't walk anymore; I carried her the rest of the way - amazed at how light she had become.

It is said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." Despite her poor health, Addie had a lot of fight in her to the end. She is already missed.

I truly believe that God puts pets in our lives to demonstrate his unconditional love. The leash and empty collar in the front seat of my car represent the pain and anguish I feel from losing this member of our family. But the time we had with Addie was a wonderful time, providing cherished memories for a lifetime.

Lord, I thank you for bringing Addie into our lives and providing us another vessel for your love to flow from. Thank you for providing Addie with a good, long life, and for bringing peace and an end to her pain. While some would debate whether animals have souls or not, let alone a place in heaven, it is my hope that you are now leading Addie to a nice grassy field in the sun where she can run and jump with all the other dogs there. Assauge our grief and remind us of the many good times we had. Amen,

Times to Look Forward To

2006-05-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Despite the dark place we've been, we are now looking forward to things in our near future.

My wife, who has been working since getting out of the hospital, is looking forward to Thursday of this week - the last day of the school year.

This Saturday, our church organist will be getting married. And the wedding will be a musical extravaganza to say the least - we will be singing ten pieces. And although they are quite lovely pieces, some are vocally challenging (especially for this first tenor). But I think it will go well.

Then in another week after that, I get to serve at music camp. Even as I write this, I'm making preperations for that week.

Last year I took a CD player. This year I've got speakers to which I can hook up my mp3 player - and I'm bringing lots of music for these kids!

Anyhow, things are certainly looking up.

Somewhat of a Dark Place

2006-05-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have noted I haven't written here for quite a while. My last post came as the Phoenix Suns finished off the L.A. Lakers in seven games. Since then, it took the Suns another seven games to finish off the Clippers; now they're facing a challenge in the Western Conference Finals with the Dallas Mavericks.

Since my last post, the baby owls of Mayo Clinic have since left the nest. Unfortunately, it took my wife a bit longer to leave Mayo Clinic. She finally got released on Mothers' Day.

With S's health concerns and no paycheck (she's out of sick time for the year) and trying to make ends meet, it's been a little rougher than normal. With the lack of concentration and interest in many things, you could say I've been in a bluesy, dark place. In fact, I wonder if I've been truly depressed.

Yet, as I drove to church yesterday, I was feeling pretty good about myself and things in general. It's not typical of depression to "just snap out of it." But I've done just that. So who knows?

I guess one thing I can attribute to my good feeling is that I was able to get together with my Emmaus group on Saturday for the first time in four weeks. I think that just being in the presence of these friends brought healing to my emotions and my spirit. Just as a dying ember grows cold, it is rekindled when brought back into the fire. That's how I feel now.

Why Nash is MVP - And Kobe is Not

2006-05-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Lakers were so looking forward to the "hallway series" against the Clippers. But alas, that was not to be. The Suns, springing back from a 3-game-to-1 defecit, put the Lakers away last night in the seventh game of their first-round playoff series by a score of 121-90 [recap], thus earning the right to advance to the semi-final round.

Credit Steve Nash, who has just picked up his second consecutive MVP award. Nash is a class act. He not only plays the game well, but encourages his teammates to do the same. He knows that his team's success depends on team effort.

Then there's the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, constantly throwing elbows at his opponents and complaining every time he gets caught - which is not as often as it should be. It's unfortunate that Raja Bell had to serve a one-game suspension for clotheslining Bryant in game 5; the NBA was certainly within their rights to impose that. However many NBA fans (especially here in Phoenix) believe Kobe got what he deserved. To put it bluntly, Kobe is a dirty player. That's why he doesn't win the MVP, regardless of his awesome play on the court.

After a hard-fought series, it's not uncommon for members of the losing team to go and congratulate the winning team. Many of the Lakers players simply went into the locker room. That's just poor sportsmanship. Maybe they should take lessons from Steve Nash, a true team player - and two-time MVP!

The Owls of Mayo Clinic

2006-05-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

I had actually heard about these owls on a Paul Harvey broadcast several weeks ago, and I hear they make the news in other cities on a slow news day.

During construction of the new addition to the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale, a couple of owls showed up and built their nest, and then had two babies. Construction on the new cafeteria expansion was halted until these babies can get out on their own. They're about as big as mom now, but still have their baby down feathers. Within a few weeks they should be mature enough to actually fly. But for now, they sit in the nest all day while mom watches over them, as well as people on the cafeteria patio. Then in the evening, dad will come back with a nice dinner, and mom can go out and hunt for her own dinner.

My wife ended up having to go to Mayo on Thursday. A real bummer. But these fascinating animals have been a wonderful diversion.

Dogs Like to Hunt Easter Eggs, Too

2006-04-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

To my surprise - and delight - I learned today that some dogs like to hunt for Easter eggs, too. Some dogs includes our own little Princess. Silly dog.

Another Caged Animal

2006-04-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Now that we have 9/11 conspirator Zacharias Moussaoui (ZM) undergoing the sentencing phase of his trial, I think it has become quite evident that we have another caged animal on our hands.

Just when things weren't going so well for the prosecution, ZM takes the stand in his own "defense." In doing so, he effectively sealed his fate by his admission of his failed role crashing the fourth plane into the White House.

Despite the horrific tragedies of 9/11, there were some miracles. God worked in many mysterious ways. Perhaps one of those miracles was that instead of being aboard Flight 93, ZM was languishing in a jail cell (no doubt acting out in as an outstanding citizen as prescribed by his strict religious teaching).

What would have happened if ZM had been aboard Flight 93 as he claims was planned? We can only speculate (assuming that ZM was even telling the truth in the first place). But God knows - and he chose not to allow that evil deed to be carried out.

We know that the reward for Islamic martyrdom is an eternal life with 40 or 70 or however many virgins (sounds like hell to me - especially for the virgins). But what does ZM have to look forward to for his failure? Where are his friends? Where is all the support? It would appear that he is all alone. Sounds like he's already in hell.

Despite being incarcerated in a country that he loathes, it is a country that respects law and order. Despite that he so much wants to die, and that many want him to die - and horribly - he is in a country that won't let that happen. Instead of being shot, hanged, burned, or drawn and quartered, ZM will likely feel nothing but the prick of a needle. And that likely won't happen after several years have passed while he languishes in prison. Perhaps the waiting will unbearable to him. Perhaps he won't know peace until he feels the poison working through his veins. Even then, it will only be brief.

Not Fun But You Gotta Do It

2006-04-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

This week has been full of activites that weren't necessarily fun - but you gotta do it. I'm writing this (and typing into the blog later) I am sitting in the Jury Assembly Room at Superior Court. Who knows what today will bring?

It pretty much started Monday on the way to work when I called the number of a dentist my friend J gave me. I was kind of hoping they wouldn't answer (but glad they did). That bad tooth of mine? By midday it was gone, along with a new filling in another otherwise good tooth. I'm feeling pretty good now that the bad tooth is out! And I've got a new dentist that I really like.

I also had to deal with our cooling system which hasn't been working right. Fortunately we have a guy who comes and checks it out our evaporative cooler and our heat pump every spring. Strangely enough we hadn't heard from him yet until this week - and the timing couldn't have been better - our temperatures have hit the 90's for the first time this year (with 96 expected today). But it's all fixed and we're ready for the heat now.

Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, I got the taxes done and my camp staff application sent in. I can't wait till Monday when I can finally relax.

Jupiter's New Spot: A Sign From Heaven?

2006-04-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." [Luke 21:25-26]

Could this be another sign from the heavens? We're all familiar with the images of the planet Jupiter with it's tell-tale Great Red Spot. Well, as it turns out, there is another red spot developing in the planet's turbulent atmosphere. Officially designated as Oval BA - and nicknamed by NASA as "Red Jr." - this new spot was discovered in 2000 when three smaller spots merged into one. As of last November it was still white, but has been changing color; it turned red a few weeks ago.

In the photo above, the Great Red Spot is at the left edge of Jupiter (you can see about half of it). Red Jr. is just right of the center.

Nobody knows what caused the Great Red Spot, or even what makes it red. We know it's been there for centuries, first discovered in 1664 when Robert Hooke trained his telescope on Jupiter. It is believed to be a storm of some sort, perhaps churning up the red material from the lower atmosphere. The same goes for this new spot which was perhaps born as a result of the collision by the Shoemaker-Levy comet in 1994 (another spectacular cosmic event).

I love astronomy - God's wonder displayed in the Universe is beautiful beyond compare. And to think this new event could be one of those signs from heaven that Jesus spoke about! Pretty awesome. Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

Holy Week 2006: It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

2006-04-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, some of this could be prevented with better planning and time management. I've just filled out my camp application (no biggie). This weekend I want to finish up our taxes, watch my grandson play T-ball, and give some badly need attention to our backyard. Sunday is Palm Sunday. There might be a rehearsal for some of the folks singing in the contemporary service next Sunday (Easter). Monday is praise band rehearsal for the sunrise service the following Sunday (Easter) - and I'm not even in the praise band (but I've been invited to sing anyway). Looks like I'm free Tuesday. Wednesday night is choir rehearsal from 7 to 10 (?) instead of the usual 7:30 to 9:30. Thursday I have jury duty. Thursday night is the Seder meal (with some choir members singing). Friday night is the Good Friday service - with choir. Saturday looks good - maybe I can spend the day in a tomb like Jesus did. Sunday is Easter - three services. And I've got a bad tooth that needs to be dealt with at some point. Is it Christmas season?

A Curious Thing

2006-03-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

It's official now - my letter to the church appeared in the newsletter we received in the mail this week. It will be interesting to gauge the reaction now.

It's a somewhat curious thing, though. Pastor D came to speak with me two Sundays ago and said my letter would be delayed to the following issue so that he could have time to write a response. But there was no such response in this newest issue.

Last week I had gotten an email from the church secretary thanking me for the article and it would be published. Judging from the tone of the email, she seemed rather pleased with my letter.

So what happened? Why no delay? Was Pastor D overridden? Not that I'm complaining, mind you. But considering the chain of events lately, maybe my letter has had a bigger impact than I expected - or hoped for.

A New Beginning for Our Church

2006-03-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone.

- The United Methodist Hymnal (1989), pp. 383;
words by Brian Wren, music by Carlton R. Young

Today we got a big announcement at church. In fact, it was pretty huge (I just don't think folks know yet what an impact this will have).

After all kinds of communication with the Annual Conference and things looking grim for our church, it would appear now that the good guys got their point across and our District Superintendant made well-informed and good decision, and appointed a new pastor for us. And when I heard the announcement of who it was this morning, I was extremely pleased.

You see, Pastor B just happens to be someone I know quite well - he is the dean of the music camp I serve at every summer. I know this man to be a humble servant of the Lord and whose words will have a healing effect on our congregation. Pastor B tends to be pretty laid back and lets the staff do their thing at camp. I think when you translate that to running a church, we will be in good hands The laity at our church will once again be given the latitude to succeed - or fail. But in either case, we should be a stronger church under the direction of this man who truly is a shepherd.

It doesn't hurt that Pastor B has a strong musical background and a love for the music that we provide for worship. And he already has a good rapport with our choir director. It would also appear that those who believe our music program is outdated will not find an ally with the new pastor.

Today, I was given a brand new hope. I know what Pastor B can do for our church, and I'm excited again (I even asked to be liturgist on his first Sunday with us). Just when many of us thought that the next chapter would be the last, it now appears it will be a new beginning.

Pastor B often will open a meditation at camp (and I know he says this in his church as well) by saying, "Has anyone told you today that you're special?" Indeed, these are words that my church is aching to hear. I can hardly wait - July can't come soon enough.

Sure Glad That's Done

2006-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

I sat staring at my computer trying to work on my annual performance appraisal on Thursday night. Definitely not the funnest thing to do (see my previous post to see how I really feel about it). I didn't get any farther on it Thursday night.

But on Friday night I got really ambitious and started writing down a lot of stuff. And hey, I had a pretty good year! I finished my review at the office on Saturday morning.

I'm glad that's over with.

Explaining Death

2006-03-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

I got this in an email and thought it was pretty cool:

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough."

Ugh! Annual Performance Appraisal Time

2006-03-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to fill out my performance appraisal for the year. One of those things I hate to do (in fact, everyone hates to do it). It's due Monday. I would rather go clean the cat box. Come to think of it...

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off To Fun They Go

2006-03-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

My wife is on spring break now, so she and the girls and our grandson are on the way to Disneyland for a few days. S was amazed how she wasn't all tired and sleepy when she got up this morning. She can use the break.

Meanwhile, I'll hold the fort here with all the critters. I'm going to grill a steak, now.

Taking A Stand

2006-03-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Taking a stand isn't always easy. My letter to the church (link) hasn't even been published yet and it's already stirring up a few people - most importantly, our pastor.

Mind you, this is a letter not written of my own mind, but inspired by the Holy Spirit, and written under the authority of Jesus Christ. These are words that need to be shared in our church. Granted they are strong words, but they don't single out any individual. They don't place blame on anyone. Yet, they seem to be convicting. And my pastor is upset. So I hear. He doesn't talk to me.

My letter. My pastor's rebuttal. My church's response. Our next church newsletter should be very interesting indeed. As one friend says about my situation, I already have one foot out the door. What have I got to lose?

Speaking out boldly in my faith has been invigorating to my spirit. I have received positive responses from two people already. They are encouraging me to fight the good fight. Pastor D has promised to put up a fight of his own by writing a rebuttal. I say bring it on - in fact, I welcome it. It only serves to strengthen my resolve.

A Letter to My Church

2006-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading this blog, you know that we've experienced considerable turmoil at my church. In response to a recent article in our church newsletter, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to respond with a letter of my own. The opening of my letter pretty much states the testimony I wrote on my home page. The following is an excerpt from the remainder of the letter:

There has been some talk that we need to have more available in [our church] to keep people in our church. I couldn’t agree more. But there is also talk that perhaps there is too much emphasis on worship, and what we offer every Sunday is perhaps too much. Well, I don’t buy that (how do you think I got here? didn’t you just read my testimony?)

Recall the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). To make a long story short, three men were entrusted with various amounts of money (called talents) while their master was away. The one who received the most talents did very well, doubling his investment. The one who received the next higher number of talents also doubled his investment. But the one who received the least made no return as he didn't even bother to invest his talents.

Many of the artists who share their talents with [our church] have been blessed with an abundance of those talents. Perhaps without realizing the Scriptural significance of their actions, they are also investing those talents in a place where those talents will get the most return.

Let’s face it. In order to get the most out of his/her talents, one needs to be in a place where they will get the most return for utilizing those talents – it simply does not work elsewhere. If the man with the most talents just buried them, who would have benefited? Nobody!

While [our church] is unique in its music program, that does not mean it is unnecessary or without value. There are few places outside of [our church] where the talents we currently possess can be utilized to their full potential. Some of those other places in the Phoenix area are

not even in a church. And sadly, none of them are in a United Methodist Church.

We have some highly talented people who have made a conscious choice to share their talents in a worship setting at [our church]. And if it appears that those involved with the Worship and Arts seem to jealously guard what they have here at [our church], just know that they are essentially fighting for their home. It’s not like they can just go to another Methodist church in the valley and pick up where they left off – because one simply does not exist. Period.

I happen to be one of those whom God has abundantly blessed with a musical talent. That talent is what God used to lure me into [our church] – and ultimately a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Sure, God would have found another way – but this was the best way – and in my mind, the only way. So I hope you understand that for me, this is deeply personal. If you discount the mission of our Worship and Arts, then you discount my testimony.

I don't worship at [our church] because it is convenient. I don't drive from Glendale (almost Peoria!) every Thursday night to rehearse because it is convenient. There are at least a dozen pages worth of churches listed in the phone book that are closer to home where I can practice my other spiritual gifts. Our music program is the only thing unique to [our church] that keeps me coming. And what a privilege and honor it is to be able to minister to my church - [our church!] - in a way which I have been so blessed and so much enjoy.

It’s time to drop all the bickering and politicking – NOW! It’s time to work together – as the Body of Christ (read 1 Corinthians, chapter 12). It’s time to give of our time, our resources, and our talents so we can make all this happen. And be the church God intended us to be.

Well, there it is.

Weather We Can Get Excited About

2006-03-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

It rained here yesterday. Pretty exciting. Only in Arizona.

It wasn't just the fact that it rained yesterday. It rained for the first time in 143 days, the longest dry streak in Phoenix history. It not only rained - it rained a lot. We got about an inch and a third here at our house. It also snowed in the slightly higher elevations. We can see snow-covered mountains around Phoenix, especially to the north. Pretty cool.

New Look for This Old Blog

2006-03-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this blog really isn't that old. But I think the new and simplified style looks better and will be easier on the eyes. It will also be easier to edit. Most of the links have been moved to my home page and are easier to see at a glance. And granted that construction is essentially over, there will be more tweaking in the days and weeks to come - but you probably won't notice. So enjoy!

Construction Alert on This Old Blog

2006-03-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that urge just to change things around a bit? That's what I'm going to be doing here on this blog. I've taken advantage of some new software and the free webspace provided by my IP and created a whole new home page (how about that!). Many of the little doodads you see on this old blog will move to my home page and I'll make this blog look a little more bloggish (is that a word? is "blog" a word?) and will probably sport a whole new look. So hang in there with me, and we'll have some fun!

Under the Weather

2006-03-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

I've been fighting some upper respiratory ailment for about two or three weeks now. It was finally enough to knock me down and make me call in sick for work yesterday and today. Yesterday I could feel it in my chest. Today, I was showing signs of infection. So I went to the doctor's office and saw the nurse practicioner. I got drugs now. Life is good.

She's Home, She's Home!

2006-02-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

My wife got to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and she is off working today. All her parts seem to be working as they should. Praise God!

Deep Healing

2006-02-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today." [Luke 5:17-26]

I was thinking a lot about this Bible verse this past week. It's a verse that makes quite a few important points about faith, healing, and forgiveness. Upon hearing it this time, though, I was focused on the healing aspect.

Here's a man who was essentially paralyzed, at least from the waist down. How long had he been that way? We don't know. It could have been weeks, months, or his entire life. But Jesus merely uttered the words, and the man could walk.

Those of us who can walk do it without any thought. But you have to realize that we all have to learn to walk. Even if we've temporarily lost the ability to walk - because of accident or illness - we have to undergo weeks or months of physical therapy to learn how to walk all over again.

Now look closely at the story again - Jesus said the word, and the man got up and walked. He not only had the physical ability to walk; he knew how to walk. He didn't have any physical therapy, but he obviously had all his faculties together; just coping with his sense of balance alone was quite an accomplishment (and remember, he bent down to pick up his mat!)

Now that's healing - deep healing. Amen.

Update on Crappy Week

2006-02-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

S just now called from the hospital. She's exhausted today after them having done an echo-cardiogram. They're concerned that her heart rate has been too fast. So she's on medication for that and being monitored. If that doesn't work, they'll shock her heart. Fun, fun.

Meanwhile, the docs have now ruled out that the infection was caused by her stents - the infection has cleared up too quickly. It was probably viral.

Pretty Crappy Week

2006-02-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

My wife is having a pretty crappy week now. On Tuesday she broke a crown while eating dinner. At about 4 AM on Wednesday she woke up (pretty amazing that she could) with her blood sugar at 43. She stayed home on Wednesday feeling not so well (pretty normal when she's had a low-blood sugar episode. Then on Wednesday evening she started experience nausea and vomiting (but no pain otherwise).

On Thursday morning she announced that we were going to the hospital. She figured she had the flu or something and she knew she'd get terribly dehydrated if she didn't get treated soon. So off we went. We arrived at the emergency room at about 7:20 AM. Amazingly we got right into an exam room and with S running a temperature of 102, they began to give her IV fluids to rehydrate her along with some anti-nausea drugs. They drew blood and urine samples and gave her some Tylenol (you don't want to know where) to bring her fever down. It was definite that S had some sort of infection, and given her history with the pancreatitis, the doctors wanted her admitted to the hospital (that was the long part - S didn't actually get into a regular hospital room for another 12 hours on account that the hospital was full).

She's feeling much better now and the infection is under control. The gastroenterology docs have ruled out - sort of - that this is not a pancreatitis/bile duct episode in itself, but could be S's body thinking the stents placed in her bile duct last month is a foreign object (which it is) and triggering the infection. And now they're keeping her in the hospital longer because the infection my be affecting her heart.

So that's where we're at with that.

The other bummer is that one of my coworkers worked his last day with the company on Thursday (well, maybe "worked" is too strong a word for what he did on Thursday) and I wasn't able to be there for his sendoff. He has been a good friend; we enjoyed many lunchtime conversations over various topics, including religion. I will miss those talks, but I hope to at least keep it up through email.

It's gotta get better.

Biggest Non-News Story of the Week

2006-02-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

It must have been a slow news week, even with the Winter Olympics.

Vice President Dick Cheney accidently shot his friend while they were hunting last weekend. As a result, Mr. Whittington endured more media scrutiny than was called for. I'm not going to bother to link this story because it was that much of a non-news story. Instead, this post is intended to point out the questionable journalistic skills of our liberal media.

My wife's very life was threatened by illness when she was in the ICU two years ago. Did anyone call CNN? John Ashcroft's pancreatitis - a result of a gall bladder gone bad - was nothing compared to what S has had to endure. Yes, we alerted family and friends, and kept them updated. But we did not alert the media.

I'm not trivializing what happened to Mr. Whittington. I'm just trying to respect his privacy and his feelings. This was a hunting accident between two good friends which fortunately (for both of them) did not end up in tragedy. Period. Yet the media has treated this as the crime of the century.

There are those who criticize Cheney for not reporting this to the media sooner. Oh how conveniently the liberal media forgets the tragedy at Chappaquiddick! Senator Ted Kennedy not only failed to contact the media immediately - he failed to contact the police - and left Mary Jo Kopechne to die while he fabricated his alibi.

Olympic Hype

2006-02-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Is anyone even watching the Winter Olympics in Torino? TV ratings have been abyssmal this year (they were beat out by by American Idol!) I'm not sure if that's because the Americans are doing as well as they normally do in the winter games (which is typically dominated by Norway, Germany, and Russia) or if the NBC's coverage has left us somewhat wanting. I was disappointed to see that the opening ceremonies, scheduled to be aired at 7:00 pm local time didn't actually get underway until at least an hour later - I think NBC lost a lot of its audience during the hour they were piddling around with other stories. That's too bad because I think the Italians did a pretty decent job with the opening ceremony (although I'm not so sure about the music selection when the athletes marched in).

Anyway, I found the medal tracker on Fox News to be the most visibly pleasing. Enjoy.

Do We Have An Awesome God Or What?

2006-02-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

When they came, he saw Eliab and thought, "Certainly, here in the LORD'S presence is his anointed king." But the LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the LORD looks into the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab and brought him to Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Then Jesse had Shammah come to Samuel. "The LORD has not chosen this one either," Samuel said. So Jesse brought seven more of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen any of these. Are these all the sons you have?" "There's still the youngest one," Jesse answered. "He's tending the sheep." Samuel told Jesse, "Send someone to get him. We won't continue until he gets here." So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The LORD said, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one." [1 Samuel 16:6-12]

It amazes me how God works. And once again, a passage from 1 Samuel figures in today's post.

I felt called to be at my church at various times during this weekend's men's Walk to Emmaus mostly in hopes that God would reveal to me the assistant head cook I've been praying for. And I think I know now how the prophet Samuel felt when he was called to annoint amongst Jesse's sons a new king [David] for Israel; there were quite a few names rattling around in my brain through the course of the weekend - no fewer than those that were brought before Samuel. These were good men to consider, yet something didn't seem quite right.

This afternoon I headed down to the church to see if the team needed any help with the tear-down and cleanup. It was pretty much done by the time I got there. But then T showed up and I helped him break down the sound equipment and set it up in the Sanctuary for the closing service. He had an extra microphone and invited me to sing with him during the service (and as God would have it, we ended up being the only two singing tonight). As I was singing and looking over the crowd, someone whose name hadn't even crossed my mind (although his brother's did!) appeared way towards the back. I had met and served with this man for the first time a few years ago when he was head cook on a Chrysalis weekend - the two of us had clicked instantly. And now I felt that the Lord was putting it in my heart that he would be the perfect choice for my assistant - this is someone I worked with closely and knew that we worked well together, and I knew he loved working in the kitchen. "He's the one, isn't he?" I asked the Lord. I prayed about it more and knew I needed only to ask him.

At the conclusion of the service I approached R and his wife (I can't remember her name!) and after the hugs of greeting I mentioned that I was head cook for the October walk. She said of course I would need an assistant. And then she blew me away when she mentioned that she had been praying during the service that R would get to be a head cook again! I posed it formally to R and he pretty much just needed the dates (I gave him a rough timeline) and he said of course he would do it. We exchanged business cards and the annointing was completed.

So just like that I have an assistant head cook. Like David, he wasn't the first choice - but he was the obvious choice. I just needed to wait and trust that God would provide. He did. And two prayers were answered. Do we have an Awesome God or what?

A House Divided

2006-02-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is rather odd - it almost looks as if a civil war is brewing amongst the Palestinians - and they don't even have a country!

Being Defensive in Excess

2006-02-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

"A picture" - it is said - "is worth a thousand words." Such is the case in the uproar over a not-so-recent (September!) publishing of a series of cartoons published in a Danish newspaper [news link]; the cartoons have been republished this past week in various publications across Europe [news link]. One of the cartoons depicted the prophet Mohammed wearing a turban shaped like a bomb with a burning fuse.

And that bomb has gone off. Muslims around the world are furious. Okay, that's understandable. But to recall ambassadors, burn embassies, and essentially issue death threats against various European interests? Once again, Islam is showing its zero tolerance for anything that is not Islam. Get a freaking life! Oh, and by the way - welcome to the free press! I found an article from a rather enlightened Arab in which he states that Muslims have a repeated history of playing the part of the victim.

Jesus reminds us to turn the other cheek. And as Christians in society, we tend to do that. Our religion is blasphemed on a daily basis, by many groups including Muslims (when they want to take a break from persecuting Jews). In response, do you see us beheading Muslims for their faith? Do you see us using our churches as munition dumps? Do you see us crashing jetliners into mosques? No, of course not. I just wonder if Muslims are angry simply because Mohammed was depicted, or was it because of the way in which he was depicted. I tend to think that if idolatry wasn't the issue, perhaps they'd be proud of how Mohammed was depicted.

Islamic law does indeed prohibit any depiction of the prophet Mohammed. But I'm not bound by Islamic law, nor are the newspapers that published these cartoons. Yet out of respect I personally would not have published the cartoons myself, nor did I choose to publish these images on this blog (however I've included a link to one of the cartoons here in case you're curious what the uproar is about). Just because we can say something, doesn't mean we should.

But Islam has done absolutely nothing to demonstrate their faith has been depicted falsely. In fact, their responses only add more credibility to their detractors. Frankly, the folks in Europe are quite pissed off with their Muslim immigrants; these cartoons - controversial as they may be - are merely a reflection of the frustrations that are being experienced there. After all, we're dealing with a mentality that finds people dancing in the streets when America was attacked on September 11, 2001. In Iraq we found images glorifying the destruction of the World Trade Center. Not to mention celebrations over Bali, Madrid, and London - broadcast in living color on al-Jazeera. And you wonder why Islam is shown in such a negative light by the rest of the world! Get a frickin' clue!

I do not post this article out of hatred - I write this in an attitude of righteous anger. For I am thankful that God has given me a free will. I am thankful that I live in a nation that allows me to exercise that free will. And most of all, I am thankful that I walk a faith journey that is based on love and grace, not a religion whose history has shown to be spread through fear and intimidation, conquest or death. And if you find that offensive, that's just too frickin' bad.

A Step Closer in Prophecy - And a Stern Warning From Jesus

2006-01-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? [Luke 12:49-52, 56, 57]

The world just became a bit more dangerous overnight as Hamas won a landslide victory in Palestinian elections. The headline from CNN is more than just words - it is likely a chilling foretaste of what is to come. For all that Hamas stands for, the Palestinian people might as well have voted in the Nazi party.

Obviously this is quite a controversial topic between those who believe Hamas to be a bunch of freedom fighters and those who believe Hamas to be a bunch of terrorists. I think you can figure out where I stand, and I base my opinion from these generally undisputed facts:

Hamas is an Islamic fundamentalist group that wants a Palestinian state.
Its military wing, Izzadine al Qassam, has claimed responsibility for many terrorist operations, including suicide bombing in Israel, as well as attacks on Israeli troops and Jewish settlers in Gaza and the West Bank.
Hamas has called for the destruction of Israel, but that demand was not central to its platform in the Palestinian elections. However, it continues to refuse to recognize the right of the state of Israel to exist.
In its election campaign Hamas portrayed itself as an alternative to the corruption-plagued Fatah -- the group founded by Yasser Arafat and now led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that has dominated Palestinian politics for decades.
Hamas runs humanitarian activities in the West Bank and Gaza -- building schools and hospitals as well as social projects.
Its fighters have mostly observed a cease-fire for the past year.
The United States, the European Union and Israel consider the group a terrorist organization.
Previous leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz Rantisi were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes in 2004.
In Arabic, the word "hamas" means zeal, but it's also an Arabic acronym for "Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya" or Islamic Resistance Movement.

[Sources: CNN, U.S. State Department. Emphasis placed by myself]

Certainly we can draw our own conclusions to the above statements, but before I'm accused of being a Zionist pig or some other Islamic (or bleeding-heart liberal) term of endearment, I ask you this: Am I missing something?

Yes, Hamas fighters have been pretty quiet lately. Perhaps there really was some authority behind the Palestinian Authority - I must admit I'm pretty impressed with the efforts of President Abbas. But now that Hamas is the authority, it should be interesting to see if the nuts run the nuthouse or if Hamas can really act civilized. I wouldn't bet on the latter.

Meanwhile, prophecy appears to be unfolding - as prophesied. The Bible says Israel will become a flashpoint at a time near the end. Has the match been struck?

Keep watch, my brethren. Be vigilant.

And Another Thing to Consider

2006-01-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

While prayerfully considering being a head cook on an Emmaus weekend, I've also been asked to serve as chairman of our Membership Care committee. I'm still waiting to receive a job description for that position before I considering it much further.

Here I Am, Lord

2006-01-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." [1 Samuel 3:10]

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been praying over whether or not I should serve as head cook for the men's Walk to Emmaus in October. It never ceases to amaze me how God speaks to me in times like these.

Often he speaks to me through other Christian friends. Everyone with whom I've shared my prayer request has been quite supportive - including some folks who have been downright exhuberant. Perhaps the most meaningful human affirmation came from my wife who asked, "Have you been head cook before?" When I said, "No," she replied, "Yeah, but you know what to do."

God speaks to me through Scripture as well. When M first called me to serve, I later read that evening from Matthew 16:24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses, and follow me. (from the God's Word translation).

Sunday was the real kicker. Granted, by this time I was leaning toward saying yes, but sought further convincing. One of my small group members - who is now a pastor - mentioned on Saturday that he was going to preach on 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Not surprising when you consider that it was the lectionary Scripture this week. I heard it from my own pastor on Sunday - twice (I was liturgist). And I heard it again on Sunday night when I attended a Chrysalis candlelight service in Buckeye. I got in my car for the long drive home and basically said, "Okay, Lord, talk to me. I'm listening."

I felt compelled to take a different route home, and so I did. It was a quite a bit further out west than my usual route - but then again, I don't go to Buckeye very often. And as I drove home, a thought popped in my mind seemingly out of nowhere: This is a different path, but you know the way home. Following the path that a head cook would take is certainly different than any I've taken before - but I know the way.

I also received an email from a friend who reads this blog. She is one of those people whose prayer life is a model for everyone. She mentioned how she was drawn by the Lord to read my last posting and that she, too, has been praying for me.

The fact of the matter is that this feels right. I've been leaning toward saying yes anyway. It's time for that leap of faith again. Oftentimes we know the right answer. It's just a matter of obeying that call. So I called M and made his evening - perhaps his week or even his month.

Here I am, Lord. It is I, Lord.

Well, There It Is

2006-01-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the toughest job on a Walk to Emmaus weekend is that of the head cook. For years I've said that I would never be head cook. I've even turned the job down once. I've served in every position a lay person can serve on a Walk to Emmaus weekend - except head cook.

But over the years, I think I've softened. S and I have been in charge of dinners and luncheons at various church (and Emmaus) functions so often that I feel I've already done the job of head cook. I've also twice been in charge of logistics whenever the Walk has been held at our church. So I guess that's God's way of telling me I'm qualified to be head cook.

As I've softened my position (though I've kept that to myself until now), I've conceded that if asked to be head cook, I would take it into serious consideration provided someone special asked me - like a group brother. As it turns out, one of my group brothers has been called to serve as lay director in October. And yes, I consider him someone special. And as it turns out, he has asked me today to serve on the October walk as his head cook.

Well, there it is. I certainly will be deep in prayer.

Keep An Eye on Israel

2006-01-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

After a very serious stroke, it is doubtful that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will ever lead his nation again, even if he survives. So that leaves a perception of a political vacuum in Israel, one that perhaps will embolden more serious activity in the Middle East. Many questions are raised. Will the so-called Roadmap to Peace continue? Or will Satan's minions seek out their final solution to the Jewish question?

It is no secret that the appeasement of Israel is not a very popular notion there. With a national election just several weeks away, there doesn't seem to be any candidate supporting Sharon's policies who is strong enough to oppose those who are against Sharon's policies.

Meanwhile, Pat Robertson - a modern-day Peter, to be sure - is saying that Sharon's stroke is God's punishment for dividing God's land. Perhaps. But I think it's because Ariel Sharon is 77 years old, fat, and under a lot of stress.

In another not-so-surprising move, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that he hoped Sharon would die. That's a pretty typical demonstration of Ahmadinejad's diplomatic skill. His wish may come true; too bad he's too dim-witted to realize that perhaps Sharon has so far prevented Tehran from becoming a pile of radioactive slag.

These are just more players and circumstances in God's Master Plan, I'm sure. Be vigilant, my brethren. Keep watch.

Sweet Victory

2006-01-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's pretty exciting to see a football game that's - well, exciting! Last night's Rose Bowl game between #1-ranked USC and #2-ranked Texas was both fun and exciting to watch. With 6:46 left in the 4th quarter, the Longhorns were trailing the Trojans 38-26, only to pull out a 41-38 victory with just 19 seconds left - and snapping the Trojans' 34-game winning streak. A sweet victory for the many who hate USC (myself included) - and of course for the Texas Longhorns!

The Chronicles of Narnia (Part 1): Some Observations

2006-01-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

S and I finally finally got some down time in our busy schedule and saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, And the Wardrobe. To sum it up in one word: Wow! Clearly one of the best films I've ever seen, and certainly up there with getting the Christian message out.

I must confess that I've never read The Chronicles of Narnia, nor do I know much about its author, C.S. Lewis (I have read part of his Screwtape Letters, though). But it is certainly worth the effort to get to know them better.

What struck me most was the powerful symbolism in the film. Quite a few biblical messages get out.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God" [Mark 10:14] The character of Lucy exemplifies this notion; it is a shame that her siblings lacked the innocence she had and were unable to believe that she had discovered this magical land called Narnia. And Georgie Henley, the actress that portrayed her, was phenomenal.

Peter, the oldest, was not unlike Peter of the Bible. Somewhat unsure of himself and prone to verbal outbursts, Peter eventually grows into the steady rock that everyone depends on.

Then there's Edmund. Quite a complicated role he had to play in the whole thing. Although he seems incapable or unwilling to follow instructions (like a lot of children I know), he is otherwise innocent. He has no clue who the White Witch is when he first meets her. And that crafty old bitch manages to winnow her way into his mind and heart with all kinds of empty promises that are quite tempting. But even when he figures out who she is, he is still caught in her web of deceit. Once free of her, though, he is willing to do the right thing - even if it is the more difficult and dangerous thing.

Susan, the oldest sister, seems to be the glue that holds everyone together when everyone else is becoming unglued.

The animal characters were wonderful, too. They added a lot to the story, including quite a touch of humor. I especially enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. They sounded just like a couple that's been married for a while.

The witch is certainly an interesting character - very much like old Satan himself. She is attractive in many ways - just like Satan. She is a master of deception - just like Satan. She is quite crafty - just like Satan. She is evil beyond imagination - just like Satan. She is very strong - just like Satan. She is not, however, invincible - just like Satan.

There are many references in the Bible of Jesus being a lamb - and a lion. Aslan - the lion, is clearly the Christ figure in this story. He is one in whom many have hope, and anxiously await his return to Narnia. He is also very strong, and his integrity is unquestionable. Well, actually at one point, the Witch questions whether he will keep his word; Aslan angrily replies with a very loud roar which sends the Witch and her entourage off in a hurry.

There is a strong message of forgiveness: Edmund has been rescued from the Witch's camp but now he stands accused of betraying his brother and sisters. Aslan speaks with Edmund alone, then brings him back to his siblings, telling them that what is done is already done and they are to speak no more of it.

Then Aslan does a strange and wonderful thing. The Witch had doubted that Aslan would keep his word - for the two of them had struck a deal concerning Edmund. You see, Edmund actually faced the death penalty for his actions. But Aslan took his place! Just like Jesus took your place and died for your sins.

I call it the Passion sequence of the film. Aslan willingly goes to the stone table to sacrifice himself. He doesn't say a word (like Jesus), he is chained and beaten (just like Jesus), his stately mane is shaved (Jesus was stripped), and he was shamed (just like Jesus) before the Witch kills him. Lucy and Susan watched the whole thing from a safe place (not unlike Mary and Mary Magdelene at the cross), tended to the body (just like the women at the tomb) and the resurrected Aslan appeared first to Lucy and Susan at sunrise (just as Jesus first appeared to the women at Easter sunrise).

All in all, I have to give this film two thumbs up - because God only gave me two thumbs!

Christmas 2005: It's A Wrap

2005-12-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. I went to work today to rest and relax.

It feels like I did nothing but keep going from Friday on. We started cleaning house on Friday afternoon. I wrapped presents until after midnight Friday (while watching It's A Wonderful Life). Saturday was more house cleaning and I also cleaned up the yard while S wrapped presents. I took a break from that to sing in two Christmas Eve services, making it another late night. Christmas morning started about 7 AM when I drove to our daughter's apartment for breakfast and opening presents with our grandson. Then it was back home for more house cleaning while S cooked part of Christmas dinner. Meanwhile, it was so nice in the afternoon that we had our front door open and our cat snoozed in the sunbeam in our entry way (must be nice).

Then our guests began to arrive. My parents and my brother came first. Snoopy stuck around since they're nice folks (and mom said Snoopy was a pretty kitty), but he scrammed as soon as my grandson and his mom arrived. Another daughter arrived, then a brother-in-law, then my nephew (and his girlfriend and her very young sister), and finally a niece and her daughter. We had a nice visit and a nice buffet-style dinner with ham, chicken, and meatballs, etc. Of course, Princess, our little chihuahua-mix was quite the social butterfly throughout the entire affair.

I got what I asked for - War of the Worlds on DVD, and Nicole Nordemann's CD, Brave. That's all I asked for, but I got a few bonuses, including cash and gift cards (always welcome).

My wife also got me a really cool book, The D-Day Experience: From the Invasion to the Liberation of Paris by Richard Holmes (I am a World War II buff). This is not just a book, but it includes reproductions of actual maps, and pages from diaries, log books, letters, leaflets, a Stars and Stripes newspaper, etc. Very interesting.

Anyway, I went to bed at about 7 PM last night (on our new bed sheets) and read a little bit of my new book with a very tired little dog curled up next to me. I didn't last long - I was done by 8 PM after reading the same paragraph over and over. You know that great feeling when you wake up in the middle of the night after a very deep sleep thinking you've already slept the whole night and the alarm clock says you've still got a ways to go? That happened to me twice - at 10:58 and 2:02 - way cool!

Anyhow, that was my Christmas. Only 363 days to the next one.

How to Wrap a Cat

2005-12-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is the link explaining how to wrap a cat (step 2 entails a liberal amount of glue) should you be inclined to do so.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Thank You Very Much

2005-12-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

According to a recent poll, 69% of all Americans prefer the phrase, "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays."

And for those people who think they can sidestep the whole religion thing by saying "Happy Holidays" - well guess what? "Holiday" is derived from the phrase "Holy Day." So stick that in your politically-correct hat and smoke it.

And Merry Christmas, thank you very much.

More Developments In Last Weekend's Shooting

2005-12-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

More information has been released to the media regarding last weekend's shooting. Turns out the police officer is paralyzed as a result of being shot by Damon (my niece's boyfriend). We actually learned of the police officer's paralysis on Saturday (some of the information that had not been released to the press).

Damon's accomplice did turn himself in, and has been charged in the murder of the home invasion victim.

Meanwhile, my niece will be missing Christmas with us as she will be accompanying Damon's body to California. What a waste.

Donald, You're Fired!

2005-12-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

In a surprise move today, Donald Trump completely pulled the plug on a high-rise project he was planning for the Camelback Corridor in Phoenix.

The proposed project would have exceeded height limits already set for the area; the Phoenix City Council waived those restrictions so the project could go through as planned. Well the residents in the area didn't like the idea of Trump's new high-rises blocking their view of the nearby mountains, so they collected 19,000 signatures to force the issue on the ballot. The city council then, today, reversed their decision to allow waive the height limit and let the voters decide. And that's when Donald threw in the towel. [source article]

Honestly, I don't understand commercial developers. They say our area is a hotbed for commercial development. Then why are there so many vacant storefronts? But that's another issue.

A Different Christmas Poem

2005-12-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For
being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled,
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq
DSN: 302-362-6828

Too Close To Home

2005-12-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

I knew something was wrong early Saturday morning when I could see a police helicopter nearby. My brother-in-law, who also lives nearby, recalls hearing the sirens. We just didn't realize at the time how close to home it really was.

There was a home invasion within half a mile from our house. When the police arrived to investigate a report of shots being fired, the suspect vehicle was just leaving the scene, and a pursuit began. It didn't last very long. The vehicle blew out a tire and stopped. The suspect got out and began firing at the police officers. They fired back, killing the suspect.

When it was all over, two people were dead and another seriously wounded. Another suspect who ran from the scene is still at large. The man who was wounded was Peoria Police Officer Bill Weigt - he remains in critical but stable condition. One of the dead was a victim of the home invasion, shot dead by the suspect. And the suspect? That's where it hits close to home. He was the boyfriend of our niece (and daughter of the aforementioned brother-in-law).

It was the major news story here in the Phoenix area. Names of the deceased have not yet been released. But we found out about the suspect when my brother-in-law called, along with some other details which have not been made public (and I do not find it prudent to do so, either).

We had met this young man before - he seemed pretty nice. And besides being our niece's boyfriend, he was also father of their 6-month-old baby. He typically stayed home and took care of the baby while our niece went to work. None of us - our niece included - had any idea he was capable of such a thing. Everything seemed normal Friday night when he kissed our niece and the baby good-night and went out.

What was particularly eerie was that he tried to call our niece when it all went down. There is a message on our niece's answering machine. There are the gunshots and a voice saying, "He's not moving."

This is the sort of thing that you think happens to other people. And even though I'm not directly involved, I'm pretty close to it. This one's just too close to home.

Pray for the perpetrators, for the victims, and the innocent lives left behind to pick up the pieces of an unnecessary tragedy.

Today's Stewardship Pitch

2005-12-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today I spoke at our 11:00 worship service to promote our current stewardship campaign. Here is the text of what I said:

Remember this saying, "A few seeds make a small harvest, but a lot of seeds make a big harvest. Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.”

I’d love to take credit for these words, but actually they were written by another man named Paul in his 2nd Letter to the Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 6-8.

It’s taken quite a leap of faith on my part, but I have learned first-hand that the last verse or so is absolutely true. God does love those who love to give. No matter what, [S] and I have always been blessed with whatever we needed at the moment, especially when we’ve been generous to the church.

Since I first came to [this church] 13-1/2 years ago, I’ve received countless blessings, the greatest of these having received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.

Brothers and Sisters, I stand before you today because you cared enough to plant a seed that brought my soul to harvest.

Do you have a similar story? Matthew 10:8 says, “Freely you have received. Freely give.”

I understand that a tithe, an offering of 10%, is a stretch for some. With that in mind, remember that God does not want 10% of your paycheck – He wants 100% of your heart. So follow your heart. Take baby steps if you have to. If you’re not giving at all, consider an offering of 1%. If you’re giving 1%, consider raising that to 2% or more. You get the idea. Just follow your heart and work your way up as you feel led.

A few weeks ago, Pastor [D] suggested that each of us read the Bible all the way through. A good discipline to be sure. I’ve been doing that myself, starting with the New Testament first and going on with the Old Testament. It’s ironic that as I was finishing up my second time through the entire Bible this past week, and as I prayed over what I would say to you today, that God gave me these words in the last chapter of the last book.

In Malachi 3:10, God says: “I am the LORD All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing.” Coincidence? As my faith grows, I believe otherwise.

Are you up to the challenge God has placed before you? Are you ready to receive His abundant blessings?

Boy, I do enjoy preaching!

A Wonderful Tribute to Our Troops

2005-12-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Press the PLAY button to see this wonderful tribute to our troops:

Fresh Video from BlogTelevision.net (Source)

If Nothing Else...

2005-12-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

If nothing else, the execution overnight of Stanley Tookie Williams will help underscore the point he was trying to make: stay out of gangs. Maybe this will influence some gang wanna-be's and maybe a gangbanger or two.

Mercy or Not?

2005-12-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger could again be labeled The Terminator or he show mercy by granting clemency to convicted murderer Stanley Tookie Williams. [source]

Williams, co-founder of the L.A. street gang known as the Crips, was convicted in the brutal 1979 murder of four people. But since taking residence in the San Quentin prison, Williams has become an avid anti-gang crusader. He has written several children's books with an anti-gang message and donated the proceeds to anti-gang programs. He has worked very hard to dissuade young people from following the path he has taken.

I generally favor the death penalty. But in this case, I would definitely plead for mercy. Although our corrections system seldom rehabilitates criminals, I think Williams has truly repented. Does he deserve punishment? Absolutely! Incarceration for the remainder of his life should be sufficient, and perhaps he can make more of a difference in the fight against gang violence.

Then again, maybe he can set an even stronger example by being put to death.

Meanwhile, Charles Manson will continue to languish in his prison cell.

Rip-Roarin' Christmas Concert

2005-12-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last night S and I along with her cousin D and wife D went to a rather rip-roarin' Christmas concert. Glendale Arena was the most recent venue for the Christmas concert tour put on by Steven Curtis Chapman and MercyMe. Wow!

MercyMe had more of the familiar Christmas tunes (played of course in their more raucous style), while Chapman had a few more more familiar Christian tunes overall.

Both artists started the concert jointly by performaning choruses from selected non-Christmas songs they would not be playing (an interesting and enjoyable concept) after which MercyMe opened their own set with their megahit, I Can Only Imagine. The "regulation-time" portion of the concert ended with both artists performing a raucous arrangement of Go Tell It On The Mountain immediately followed by the chorus from Steven Curtis Chapman's megahit Live Out Loud (a clever segue). The encore was White Christmas with fake snowflakes falling over the main floor. Looks like the musicians had a blast.

My ears are still ringing!

Like a Caged Animal

2005-12-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well it looks as though the trial of Saddam Hussein has finally begun in earnest. As Mr. T would say, "I pity the fool." This trial should have everything we love about courtroom drama, especially with his courtroom antics. I'm especially amused over how he wields the Quran in his hand - as if he really lives his life according to the Quran.

The power that an individual has over people is given by God; if that power is abused, history has shown time and again that God gives that individual enough latitude to self-destruct. Saddam Hussein appears now as a caged animal. His true self is now showing for his nation - and the world - to see. A petty thief and murderer. Surely the Quran does not permit this? I know the Bible does not.

Each person's ways are clearly seen by the LORD, and he surveys all his actions. A wicked person will be trapped by his own wrongs, and he will be caught in the ropes of his own sin. [Proverbs 5:21-22, the Message]

Rather than taking his own life, if Hitler had been captured, would he have behaved as badly in court as these men are?

Remembering the Good Old Days

2005-12-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

You know you've arrived in society when the marketing analysts are targeting your age group. Fading into the sunset are those Cadillac commercials belting out Led Zeppelin. Now they're hitting us - US! - with ads featuring songs from Kansas, Electric Light Orchestra, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. Makes me want to switch on TVLand and watch Happy Days or One Day at a Time (yeah - I had a crush on Valerie Bertinelli - and she's still pretty cute even if she is my age). Hey, who knows? Those denture cream commercials featuring the music of Barry Manilow may be just a few years away!

Today I came across this article about the latest - and perhaps last - compilation album released by the phenomenally popular Swedish quartet, ABBA. Former band member Bjorn Ulvaeus told Reuters on Monday that "ABBA had no intention of following in the footsteps of other famous bands that have regrouped in recent years." Bummer.

ABBA was there during my formative years as a gawky, geeky teenager. I guess that would explain a lot. You either loved or you hated them. And I loved them! I still do! I still have 45's with some of their songs and a bunch of cassette tapes (for you kids out there, that's how we used to listen to music - there was no such thing as an iPod or mp3). Heck, I even have a CD of their greatest hits.

It's no surprise that ABBA didn't get back together. I'm sure it was awkward enough when the female members of the band divorced the male members of the band. But their music continues to live on. I've even heard glimmers of the "ABBA sound" in some contemporary Christian music - and those naturally are some of my favorites.

Currently the two male members of ABBA, Bjorn Ulveaus and Benny Andersson, are attempting to get their show Kristina onto Broadway. "It is very difficult to go from something so Swedish to America, but on the other hand it's a subject that everyone knows and especially in America -- about emigrants and immigrants," Ulvaeus said.

But given their continued popularity, I don't think it would be all that difficult to get something Swedish into America. IKEA, anyone?

And We're Off...

2005-12-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

We kicked off another stewardship campaign in church today. Even before the kickoff we had already received additional pledges of $11,000.

After I'd given the devotional after choir rehearsal on Thursday night, someone suggested we do lay witnessing in church on Sundays like we used to years ago. My name was immediately offered up as one of the speakers. It was just a matter of getting it into the bulletins for the worship services.

Well, we started the lay witnessing today with the co-chair of the stewardship campaign. The other co-chair will speak next week. I'm scheduled to speak in two weeks.

Church seemed different today. We are committed. We are on fire. Blaze, Spirit! Blaze!

Crunch Time: A New Hope

2005-12-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

This has certainly been an interesting week for our church - one that I think will prove to be pivotal in the life of the church. We may be a little broken, but one thing is certain - there's a lot of life left. As for myself, I went into the week feeling somewhat discouraged, but now I am very encouraged.

Word got out on Sunday evening that the finance committee had left our organist's salary out of the budget. However I hadn't gotten word until I checked my e-mail. I had cleared it down to six over the weekend, but when I went to check on Tuesday night there were 35 e-mails in my inbox! So the fight had begun in earnest, and the first battle would be fought the following night at our all-church conference where next year's budget would be put to a vote.

I replied with my own e-mail stating that, in my own heart, I could not vote in favor of the budget. But I also stated that it was time for the church as a whole to roll up its sleeves and fight for its life. There had to be alternatives, but we would have to fight for them, otherwise next year we'd probably discuss cutting the choir director. And in another year or so, we'd be discussing putting the property up for sale.

And fight we did, yet we were all quite courteous in doing so. It all started about halfway through the meeting Wednesday night once the budget was brought up. It seemed pretty obvious to me that there was some fuzzy math going on. All ministries were asked to submit a budget that was 10% lower than last year's. Looking at the report, it was odd to note that Worship and Arts actually went up, at which time our choir director got up and said he did exactly what he had been instructed, so how come the budget went up? There were other things that were brought up that seemed odd as well.

The subject of apportionments also came up. Apportionments are the monies contributed by each church in the conference in order to maintain the connectional ministries of all the churches. The budgeting for apportionments (as we were told) is based on the expenditures of the church two years prior. I checked another conference's website - their apportionments were based on an average of the church's expenses for the three prior years. In my opinion, it's not a terribly fair and equitable way to assess the apportionments. It's great for the (few) churches that are actually growing. It's like the current real estate market where you get a nice low interest rate and now two years later, your property has appreciated considerably in value - a smokin' deal if you sell. But for the churches that are declining in membership and the resulting income, it's like getting a car loan for a vehicle that's two years old based on the value of that vehicle when it was still brand new on the car lot! That's not fuzzy math - it's just plain stupid.

The question was asked, "What if we don't pay all of our apportionments?" Our District Supervisor replied, "Nothing." I can pretty much confirm that just looking at our own conference's apportionment reports. There some churches that aren't paying all of their apportionments, and even a few that haven't been paying at all. This has been valuable research - I will be touch with our church's lay leader and finance committee.

Another question that was brought up was, "How many of us were even aware that we were in such dire financial straights?" Only a few hands came up. It was obvious that the various committees had not been talking to each other, let alone the finance committee and the SPRC (staff/pastor/parish committee). In fact, the SPRC was told by the finance committee to eliminate the organist position. Meanwhile, our choir director was expected to direct the choir and play the organ (which fortunately he can do) - and get paid less for it.

The great thing about this whole discussion is that it has brought us back together as a church again. It got people talking - several good points were made and wonderful ideas proposed. Naturally it was recommended that the finance committee to revise the budget. The most astounding moment was when that original budget went up for a vote - only three voted in favor.

We have a lot of work ahead of us. It's not going to easy, either. The budget obviously needs to be revised. A supplimental stewardship campaign is being launched. And we're trying to find creative ways to deal with the budget (my chiropractor was the SPRC chairperson at her church and she gave me some good ideas).

But the meeting on Wednesday night did something wonderful. It got us all talking to each other, speaking assertively but lovingly. The Holy Spirit has filled many hearts; it has ignited a fire in our church unlike any we've experienced in years. People are speaking boldly in their faith. While difficult - it is now an exciting time in our church.

In my prayers for our church, I pray for guidance, wisdom, discernment, creativity, humility, boldness, and perseverance for as long as it takes. Amen.

Crunch Time At the Old Church

2005-11-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I previously wrote a post regarding my personal struggles with our church, and tonight I feel no closer to a resolution than before.

Let me share a few things that have transpired since that initial post:

First, my wife and I checked out another church I was curious about - that was a tremendously positive experience (as I shared in another post).

Secondly, the results of our latest stewardship campaign are in - and it doesn't look good. As a result of dwindling membership, we are down 69 pledges from last year - and five of those pledges had previously contributed about $30K to our budget. So it's definitely crunch time.

I'm not involved in church politics whatsoever (I prefer to fight in the trenches rather than command), but it's interesting to hear some of the prayer requests coming from people that are - and they indicate that our church is in serious trouble right now

This coming Wednesday evening we are having an all-church conference to discuss our future. It's not expected to be terribly pleasant. We are all being urged to attend and to pray for what needs to be expressed at the meeting.

The truth of the matter is I'm not sure what I should pray for. I could easily see myself joining the church we visited on October 30 - in fact, if it were totally up to me, I'd go. But it's not totally up to me. It depends also on what my wife wants to do and upon circumstances.

A church is not just a facility or its programs - it's the people who make up a church. This other church has a wonderful bunch of people. So does my church. I've invested too much time and effort in these friendships to just walk away from my church.

Our music program is top-notch, and it is not dead - yet. We also have an organ that desperately needs repair or replacement. Another fact to consider is that our contemporary service is drawing slightly more attendance than our traditional service. I fear that our traditional music program is one of the things that may have to be sacrificed in order to save our church. I know that will stir up a lot of controversy in the church, especially amongst my fellow choir members.

There was a time in my life when I was seeking. I wanted more in my musical experience. I knew someone in a particular church choir, and I knew of the choir's reputation. After observing a few rehearsals and performances, I knew that D was more than a choir director; he was a truly a teacher and I could learn more from him. So I joined that church choir, not only finding what I originally sought, but finding things I didn't realize I was seeking. In fact, I'd say I was blessed a hundredfold. My church succeeded in its mission when I was lured there and brought into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

I have a deep affinity for the music ministry that brought me to my church and kept me there, and was my shining beacon during those times of trouble. I have a deep affinity for the people whom I share in that in ministry, to those who benefit from our ministry.

There are times when God goes to the Vine and prunes those branches that no longer produce. We, as a church, are facing one of those times. What needs to be pruned here? Is the music program one of them? I hope not, but we have to be realistic. We have to be good stewards and make sacrifices if we're going to save this church. And inevitably we will lose people before things turn around.

For that matter, am I someone who is being pruned by God? Is this the circumstance through which I am being pruned? I don't know, but I hope it will become clearer to me in the weeks ahead.

So therein lies my struggle.

Idiot of the Week: The Dangers of Smoking

2005-11-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

This week's Idiot of the Week Award goes to a French woman who wanted to go outside for a smoke. Only problem was that she was aboard a jetliner in midflight. Admittedly the passenger was terrified of flying (as I'm sure all of her fellow passengers are by now), so she had taken some sleeping pills with alchohol before takeoff. She also has a history of sleepwalking, and has no memory of the incident. Doesn't she know the smoking lamp is out before the paratroopers jump? Hmmm... [source article]

Let the Holiday Melee Begin

2005-11-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

The leftovers are in the fridge and our bellies are full. And if you've waited till now to start your Christmas shopping, you may already be too late - the 2005 Holiday Shopping Season kicked off early this morning.

I have to admit that just this morning I've braved a 40-minute wait in a checkout line at Best Buy, then to a bookstore (where I now have one Christmas gift on order), and then to Walmart for dog food and a few other sundry items (I didn't go to the Supercenter, though - what, are you nuts?)

Granted, it's a little early for me to Christmas shop - it's not even December yet. After all, I pride myself at having once started - and completing - my Christmas shopping in a record two hours on December 24. Something about the thrill of the hunt.

But at my older and wiser age, I've found the holidays to be a lot less hectic if I start earlier. The day after Thanksgiving is perhaps the earliest I've ever Christmas shopped. And you know what? There's still that thrill of the hunt. Let the Holiday Melee begin!

A Touching Tribute to Our Armed Forces

2005-11-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

Here's something definitely worth checking out.

God's Sense of Humor: The Trials and Tribulations of Plumbing

2005-11-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

A nagging spouse is like the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet; [Proverbs 27:15, the Message]

The nice thing about a leaking faucet is that your wife does not have to nag you about fixing it. This week I'm on vacation, and my wife did mention that it would be nice if I fixed the kitchen faucet. She wasn't nagging, mind you. After all, a dripping faucet is one of those self-nagging home improvement projects.

Instead of just fixing it, I decided to go ahead and just replace the darned thing. So after a little grocery shopping at the Walmart Supercenter, I went over to Lowes and picked out a new faucet to install.

Now I've done this before, and most times when I've replaced a faucet or a toilet valve, I've also had to replace a supply valve and the water supply tube (a friend of mine who helped me re-tile our bathroom says my house was built by apes - and I believe him). I went into Lowes knowing that I might have to do more than replace a faucet but also hoping I wouldn't have to. However today was no exception.

As soon as I tried to turn off the hot water supply to the faucet, the cheap plastic handle broke (not surprising since the cheap plastic handle has had sufficient opportunity to become brittle in the nearly 20 years since those apes built our house). The valve on the cold water supply was not budging, but I knew it would break nonetheless. This was followed by the usual string of curses and profanities commonly uttered when one is working with plumbing. And although I tried and failed, it was nice to know that people don't usually look in the cabinet under the sink to see the hole you punched in the wall with a pipe wrench. I'm just glad that the neighborhood children were in school.

So I went out and turned off the water to the house, disconnected the old faucet and removed the old supply valves. I took one of the supply valves with me to Home Depot just down the street. A nice employee - who reminded me a little of my dad, of all people - pointed me in the right direction and told me he'd meet me there in a few minutes. Sure enough he came by, looked at my old parts, and picked through some new ones. He said, "God loves you," not necessarily because he was sharing his faith (maybe he was) but because he was able to find exactly what I needed and that it wouldn't cost too much.

Anyway, everything is back to normal and the new faucet looks nice. It doesn't drip, either.

The irony of this whole thing is that I read the above passage from Proverbs 27:15 just this morning. You gotta love God's sense of humor!

Sister Act: When Making Your Kids Do Stuff Pays Off

2005-11-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

When my wife's daughters were little girls, she would keep them from fighting each other in the car by making them sing. Not only did they learn to sing well, they learned to sing in harmony. Eventually both of them sang in the choirs at school and at church, and were pretty good at. E, the younger one, even continued to sing in the elite choir in high school and was in a few musicals at school; recently she was in a musical review at church.

Today the worshippers attending the contemporary service at church got to reap the benefits of a seed sown by my wife some 20 years ago. In what our worship leader called a sister act, our grown-up daughters sang a couple of duets during the service. It was a quite a blessing! We've known that E has a pretty good singing voice because we heard her recently. And so does J! (we just haven't heard her because she hasn't been involved in music for quite a few years).

What's really amazing is that we didn't do or say anything to encourage this - they came up with it on their own. I think our worship leader (who's known the girls since they were little) said it best for all of us when he said this was a blessing that was long in coming.

So the moral of the story here is that it's okay to make your kids do stuff - someday it just might pay off.

Open Letter To a Homicide Bomber

2005-11-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

Not all the bombs intended to go off last week in Amman, Jordan went off. A woman accompanying her husband also intended to be a homicide bomber at the Radisson SAS hotel. But by the Grace of God Almighty, her explosives belt failed to detonate, and she was later arrested. Here is her confession:

"Sajida Mubarak Atrous, born in 1970, an Iraqi national, living in Ramadi.

"On Nov. 5, I accompanied my husband to Jordan with a forged Iraqi passport, under the name of Ali Hussein Ali and Sajida Abdel Qader Latif.

"We waited and a white car arrived with a driver and a passenger. We rode with them and entered Jordan (from Iraq). My husband arranged our trip from there, I don't know.

"In Jordan, we rented an apartment. He had two explosive belts. He put one on me and wore the other. He taught me how to use it, how to pull the (primer cord) and operate it.

"He said it was to carry attacks on hotels in Jordan. We rented a car and entered the hotel on Nov. 9. My husband and I went inside the hotel, he went to one corner and I went to another.

"There was a wedding at the hotel with children, women and men inside.

"My husband detonated (his bomb), I tried to explode (my belt) but it wouldn't.

"I left, people fled running and I left running with them." [source]

So tell me, Miss Atrous: Did your explosive belt really fail to go off? Did you feel compassion for those celebrating a wonderful life event? Did you feel compassion for the children you saw? Did you find yourself in a position where you just couldn't pull the cord? If so, bless you. And may God help you through the ordeal you now face - widowed, imprisoned, and despised by millions.

Or did you go into that hotel of your own free will? Did you feel nothing for the people you were about to murder? Did you not think your own life to be precious? If so, I praise God for sparing you and the ones you would have taken with you. But in the eyes of the evil ones that made you do this, you are no martyr - you are a failure. And may God help you through the ordeal you now face - widowed, imprisoned, and despised by millions.

I can assure you that you've been misled by the Evil One. There are no forty virgins tending to your husband and the pigs he associated with. Where he is now is a place described in the Holy Bible where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth."

The late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir put it this way to the Palestinians: "We can forgive you for killing our children, but we can never forgive you for making us kill your children."

But you know what? God can forgive anybody, no matter what. God has spared you for a reason. Perhaps for your salvation. Remember that He loves you and does not desire that anyone bear His punishment. He weeps for your husband because they will not spend Eternity together. Don't let Him weep for you. Come to Jesus.

More Pics from ASU Homecoming

2005-11-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

More pictures from ASU's Homecoming game have just been published on the ASU Band website. The Alumni Band did pretty well.

I'm in this picture - I'm the one just to the right of the tip of the "V" formation (actually it's an "S" but you can't see that). We're playing Star Spangled Banner in this photo.

Here's a slideshow of pregame (performed by the Alumni Band) and halftime (performed by the Sun Devil Marching Band) show that day.

Outrage in Jordan

2005-11-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Now that al-Qaeda has struck one of it's own (namely the three hotels bombed in Amman, Jordan), we're finally seeing some significant outrage from Muslims. It's about time.

Granted, in al-Qaeda's eyes, Jordan was probably asking for it. After all, they are quite friendly with the United States, and even with their Jewish neighbor, Israel, to some degree. They're also one of the more liberal Arab/Muslim states. You also don't see a lot of foreign fighters crossing into Iraq from Jordan.

But sadly enough, we're not seeing the same protests in Cairo, Tehran, Istanbul, Tripoli, Ramallah, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Damascus, Riyadh, etc., etc., etc. That doesn't shed a favorable light on Islam. Sounds like they condone the bombings, eh?

You Know What Happens When You ASSUME

2005-11-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is a most bizarre story - apparently a man found himself glued to a toilet seat in a Home Depot. When he called for help, store employees assumed it was a hoax. Well, you know what can happen when you ASSUME - and that's what has happened to Home Depot - they made asses out of themselves after they inadvertently made an ass out of this poor man. He's now suing for damages.

I especially loved the statement, "The company, Home Depot, could not immediately be reached for comment." That's really no surprise - rarely can a store employee can be reached for a price check, let alone real customer service. Frankly, I'm surprised the toilet seat appeared to be clean in the first place.

Don't get me wrong. I love Home Depot. There's one in my neighborhood. But when I go I always make sure I have my cell phone with me; otherwise my wife thinks I've had some sort of accident or I was abducted by aliens when in reality I'm strolling down the aisles dreaming of projects I'll never start. Besides, you can't have too many light bulbs and duct tape.

Home Depot truly is a do-it-yourself store. The moral of the story here is: be prepared to pry yourself off the toilet seat. Better yet, just look before you plop yourself down - you know what happens when you assume.

Sickening Story

2005-11-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well this sickening story has certainly been a hot topic locally. Turns out a young couple here in town kidnapped a teenage girl and made her their sex slave. They kept her locked up in a dog kennel and threatened to kill her and her family. The woman finally confessed to police because she was afraid their victim was suffocating in the box under the bed. Probably more afraid she'd lose her meal ticket. I understand that the "man" was charged on hundreds of counts. Doesn't look like these animals will ever see the light of day again.

Worried About Avian Flu?

2005-11-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of attention being given to the avian flu - more specifically the H5N1 virus - that's out there infecting and killing a lot of birds, and some people, too. Vietnam has just reported its 42nd death from the avian flu. Many are expecting a potential pandemic and comparing it to the one that struck the world back in 1918-19 and killed some 40 million people.

Personally, I'm not much of a chicken (get it? chicken?) when it comes to this bird flu thing. But I think it's a good thing that many health organizations are taking this seriously. Certainly people have contracted the H5N1 virus and have died. Many of these victims are those who work in close contact with poultry to make a living - and catching the flu (I've learned this is actually not an uncommon occupational hazard for these folks). Then there's the folks who don't cook their poultry long enough or not at all.

I once watched a show on the Discover Channel about what our bodies go through when we have food poisoning. It was not very pleasant to watch. The victim in this program had eaten undercooked chicken (many healthy chickens carry salmonella anyway). I've never been fond of pink chicken myself. But after watching that show - trust me - I don't eat undercooked chicken. If it has even the slightest hint of pink, back in the oven it goes.

So far, H5N1 has not proven to be terribly detrimental to mankind. Although it has spread from poultry to human on several occasions since 1997, the dynamic of human-to-human spread has not happened. Once it does, then we should definitely take notice. Perhaps at its first onset, we will still have time to prepare.

Now I'm no doctor, but it has to be noted here that the Spanish Flu of 1918-19 had a lot of help. World War I had just ended. There were a lot of malnourished people in Europe (many farms were not being worked since lots of farmers were making war, not food). The conditions were quite ripe for a virulent strain of influenza to come in and ravage a population whom most already had a weakened immune system. But obviously this was a very deadly strain, too, as many who were strong and healthy were killed by this virus, too.

I don't want to come off as seeming unconcerned. As for myself, I've made reservations for Heaven in advance (or as a good friend of mine says, "I have fire insurance."), so whatever happens to me is in God's hands. Now certainly the avian flu, if it turns pandemic, will take quite a toll on the U.S. But I think we'll do okay, considering. I'd be more concerned about Africa and places around the world like Africa. With a population already weakened by AIDS and hunger and what-not, Africa will be ripe for Death's harvest. I think it could very well turn out to be the most devasting plague thus far in history.

So are you worried about avian flu? Knowledge is your best weapon. The CDC has some good information to start. I even found a map where you can monitor the spread of this season's flu.

There's Something Rotten In Denmark, Too

2005-11-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

You're not hearing a whole lot of news about this, but there's Muslims rioting in Denmark, too. [story] Not to mention that Danish police may have thwarted a terror plot there. [story]