Thank the Lord the snow has grounded those who mostly give us a "snow" job!

Good morning and welcome to our brand new, very rainy and cold, Thursday, here on this February 11, 2010. It is very hard not to become cynical in the very divided country that we live in. The blizzard in Washington D.C. has essentially shut down the federal government. That may be the best news for us all because at least they are unable to meet and pass laws whether intended or unintended that end up limiting our personal freedoms and growing the presence and control of government over our individual pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Now some would say that is a very cynical, narrow minded, and perhaps even pessimistic view of the God ordained role of government. While that conclusion may have some merit I've reached a point where gridlock is a better outcome than our becoming a socialist nation. Viewpoints and philosophy have consequences. More and more information continues to come out about the people who are currently in control of our government. This information portrays a consistent mindset that believes government is the solution to all our problems, therefore, one would expect the kinds of executive orders, proposed legislation, and approaches that we have seen. Given this huge disconnect from those who champion the individual versus those who promote a nanny state, there's little wonder that consensus is not only illusive but perhaps beyond reach.

The politics are typically going to be ugly no matter who is in power. However, I cannot remember a time in my nearly 64 years where the lines are drawn with such bold distinctions. Generally speaking, I am very disappointed with those I've traditionally supported to the extent that I could easily join in the ancient curse of wishing "A pox on all their houses." Why? Because we are more and more becoming a people who could easily use the rallying cry from our founding: "Taxation without representation." The government as it operates today is not only corrupt but it is a carrier of corruption that tends to infect any and all who come near. We find good solid candidates, support them, and send them to Washington. Within a short period of time they become insiders and we, the people, become outsiders. They no doubt did much early on to fight this infection but the longer they stay it is the more acute this disposition controls them. We end up being faced with choosing which insiders are the lesser of all evil insiders. Now that my friend is a cynical viewpoint and I readily confess to holding it. Does this mean I am downhearted and discouraged? Absolutely not!

I have all my hopes, dreams, and aspirations tied to my faith in Creator God who will in His own good time take care to make all things right. He is with us regardless of the party in power. He can intervene according to His own good purpose and yes, I have read the back of The Book, and we win! The Psalmist said that some trust in their chariots and some trust in their horses, but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God! (Psalm 20:7) I believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. I believe that all powers great and small are subject to His Sovereign control. Therefore, I stay engaged, I continue to exercise my right to express my opinions, and I continue to participate in the political process because government is ordained by God. They tell us that our nation is basically divided on nearly a 50-50 basis. One half wants cradle to grave government control while the other wants to uphold the individual as being key in building our future. And there are all types of variations within these camps. In the end, I want to be on God's side of the argument where we join with Joshua in proclaiming this: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) Amen. .....More later.