Song: "No tears in heaven, no sorrows given. All will be glory in that land; There'll be no sadness, all will be gladness, When we shall join that happy band."

Hello folks, welcome to Wednesday, January 16, 2013. We do live in an upside down world, or it seems that way. I read a quote where a fellow was talking about his homeland, "In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs." (Sir John Pentland Mahaffy) That was likely intended to be humorous but it really does reflect how things go, at times, for everyone who happens to reside on the planet. The wife and I have recently attended two memorial services that came up, as they say, quite unexpected. The first one was for a seventy year old neighbor and she passed away on Christmas day. She had been ill but no one thought she was close to death. One of her daughters spoke and used a replay of an imagined phone call to her mom that she was too busy to make on Christmas Eve. It was sweet and at the end she said, "Bye mom, I love you." The other service was for a 48 year old lady who discovered she was suffering from serious cancer and lived only 9 days from her diagnosis. It too was a very sweet service but the family was shaken and still reeling from this unexpected event. Sad but encouraging because those speaking could use her own words of testimony to comfort and challenge. From the get go she had told everyone not to worry because it would be okay. Those of us who are believers are reminded of the truth behind her statement. It wasn't okay for those mourning but it was okay for her and when that day comes for me, you, and everyone else who have placed their trust in Jesus the Christ, we can be sure folks, it will be okay! Amen.

I know some folks who would rather never, ever contemplate anything relating to death. I respect their right to see it that way while at the same time it seems to be an approach that not only defies reality, but it avoids a major factor in our coming to terms with our eventual eternal destination. I'm not one who enjoys seeing others so sad as the tears fall, but, I also am fully aware that it is an ever present and ever significant part of our day by day living. To be quite frank, that older age sentimentality has caught up with me. It's always been there but it tends to be a little easier to trigger these days. That's okay. Jesus wept because He cared about Lazarus and those who were mourning his death. (Gospel of John, Chapter 11) That puts us in good company when we mourn with those who are mourning. The 48 year old lady had specific words for her three children. Her words were shared with those attending. It was a different encouragement and challenge for each child because they are unique. However, the common thread was this: "Whatever you do and wherever you go, put God first." That was a mom's heart for her children and it's one that you and I can embrace in our lives as well. Amen.

There's always friction in Washington but the President flamed the fires even more by saying he was not going to even consider negotiating over the raising of the debt limit. The debt limit has to be raised by Congress in order for the government to meet its obligations. However, in the past there have always been deals struck where conflicting visions are at stake. It is true that the money needed is to pay for those things already approved by Congress and that is what the debt limit deals with, however, it is also true that Republicans see this issue as one of the few they have in terms of getting any concessions at all from the President. Now, supposedly, he has taken this off the table which could cause the government to shut down. He has fired the preemptive strike to make clear that the Republicans who desire to negotiate a deal to reduce spending will end up being blamed for folks not getting paid and services not being provided. The President said anyone not voting to raise the debt limit is supporting the collapse of our economy. But, wait just a minute Mr. President. You refused to vote for the debt ceiling increase requested by President George W. Bush, in 2006, when you were in the Senate. Mainstream media to the rescue. Things were different back then, you know, different. It was okay to register a protest vote then but now anyone doing so is a downright dirty dog. I smell something. It's the stench of the double standard, but, why should we be surprised. I hate to make this longer but I think it important for us all to consider these two quotes: “I think if you look at the history, getting votes for the debt ceiling is always difficult, and budgets in this town are always difficult.” That was President Obama speaking at his press conference this past Monday. Second quote: “The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit.” That was Senator Obama speaking on the Senate floor on March 16, 2006. As is often said, we will see what we will see. Maybe that's better than, it is what it is. I'll think about it. You do the same. Until next time, may God bless and may He help our troubled land. Amen.     ....More later.