Lately, Mr. Dow and Mr. Jones seem to be so sad.

Hello friends and neighbors, it's Thursday, February 19, 2009 and I am doing my best to get my day started here in these parts. It's actually 4:40 a.m. as I begin writing this blog. The time stamp from the utility provider of this blog is based on west coast time, therefore, it's marked as 2:40 a.m. I wanted to clear that up because some see that time stamp on my blogs and wonder if I ever sleep at all. While I am not one to lay in bed for long periods of time I do my best to get my six hours each night, or at least five. I'm very thankful that usually I can sleep and typically it doesn't take long for sleep to take hold, therefore, I am able to milk the clock for a little more waking hours each day. I started to say more productive hours but that would be a stretch because having time, using time, and having it count for something at the end of each day is a whole different subject.

I see where our economic experts are now revising their estimates and downgrading their predictions about progress in the coming year. They now say that the economy is going to do much worse than anticipated and that unemployment will likely near 9% by the end of 2009. That's a whole bunch of folks without a job. That's a whole bunch of families who will be struggling to make it. That's a whole bunch of pressure that will come to moms and dads as they try to muddle their way through until we can some how begin to see things pick up again. This means that if you and I have a job today, we need to be thankful to God and to show Him that we are thankful by doing our very best in the work He has given to us. We need to do all we can to help those who are not employed in whatever way we can AND we also need to prepare ourselves and our families for the turbulence we may experience before this is over.

We are blessed to live in a region where our state is actually one of only six operating in the black. I heard that our Governor and state legislators are weighing the possibility of not taking any of the federal stimulus package since we have a budget surplus and we would rather not have to endure all the strings that will be attached. Six states out of fifty. The rest are in the red and California has the largest budget shortfall, that being $41 billion. These are very scary times. They cause each of us to pause and wonder about what might happen over the next several months. The experts say at the heart of the matter there's a conundrum. People are not spending any money because they are concerned over what might happen. The not spending of any money is the main cause of what is happening. I know it's more complicated than that but to a large extent this is the consistent explanation of why our economic engine is stalled. In the midst of all this grim and gloomy world where prognosticators do their thing, the government bails like there's no tomorrow, and hand wringing has become our national past time, I remind us all one more time of a line from my Grandpa's favorite gospel song: "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand." That's some good news we can count on! Amen. .....More later.

I knew the scenery was moving fast. Now I know why. I really am going downhill fast!

This will be one of those good news, bad news reports for this Wednesday, February 18, 2009. One year ago I was going about my own business teaching my Bible class when suddenly I flipped off the stage and wrenched my knee. This led to surgery, which led to a time of recovery, which led to a number of months of noticeable pain. Today, it is pretty much healed up but it is not exactly the same as it was before this incident occurred. But, to tell the truth, that outcome in reality is a good metaphor for how life itself works. The good news is that we are all still hanging around and able to read this blog. The bad news is that regardless of where you are in your journey, you most likely have already begun that downhill run.

What prompted all of this? I read an article yesterday from one of the London papers that went organ by organ to give a factual representation of how aging impacts our physical well being. Our brain begins its long-term decline in our 20’s. We start out with some 100 billion of those neuron things but begin to shed them at an increasing pace as we age. By the age of 40 we could be losing as many as 10,000 of these little jewels per day and in the process we create gaps that may eventually cause us some trouble with memory and co-ordination. Lung capacity also begins to wane at age 20. At age 30 one could most likely take in two pints of air with one breath but by age 70 that will be cut in half.

I won’t cover every body part listed but suffice it to say we are in decline in many ways as we continue our journey here. Our plumbing doesn’t work like it once did. The teeth, the eyes, and even our voices take hits over time. A woman’s voice tends to grow lower and huskier while men’s may become thinner and higher. I suppose if this were to happen to me I could try out for the Irish Tenors or something like that but by the time I’m able to reach the high notes I probably won’t be physically able to travel with the group. Might as well laugh, I did when I wrote that line. The heart is, of course, a biggie and it begins to unravel somewhere in our 40’s. We are talking averages here because we all know that genetics plays a big role as well as environmental factors and our own personal lifestyles.

In the end, I’m not discouraged after reading these things because they reflect the facts on average. I know there are many out there saying silly things like you are only as old as you feel and other nonsensical stuff. I choose not to be pessimistic or overly optimistic. I believe in having a realistic outlook based on the truth as best as it can be found and understood. Because as I see it, God has given us the life we have. Some of us take care of our physical well being better than others. Some of us take care of our spiritual well being while many do not see the need. Let me just point out that not taking care of the spiritual more or less makes the other a moot point anyway since we all will live for eternity, either with God or separated from Him. I’m banking on being with Him; therefore, the downhill ride is not so bad when you know exactly where you will end up! Amen. …..More later.

Psalm 32:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."

Good morning to one and all on this Tuesday, February 17, 2009. We are dealing with many issues as a nation and it appears the secularists are gaining ground. The Gallup organization just completed a comprehensive polling to evaluate religion and it’s influence in America today. One good thing that came out of the polling was the clear indication that a ‘Bible Belt’ does really exist. This reflects areas of our country where people state emphatically that God, religion, and the Bible are a very active part of their daily living. I suppose the good news is that taken as a whole, the entire country still votes God as being a great influence by a 65% margin. However, this is somewhat misleading as more and more of the balance is shifting from states that are high versus a growing number of states that continue to decline.

Not surprisingly, the New England states continue a decline that brings them into the low forties in terms of percentage of people who view religion as playing a major role in their lives. The current administration reflects a thoroughly humanistic view of the world. This worldview may give lip service to spiritual themes but the policies being advocated are typically in direct opposition to what the Bible clearly teaches. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts scored the lowest and one need only think about those in the Congress representing these states and how their causes, votes, and direction reflects the liberal, secular, humanistic worldview.

Does it matter? I would say it matters much. Just over two thirds see religion as losing its influence in the life of our nation. In 2002 that number was less than one third. I am thankful to live in a state tied for the 10th position with 74% affirming God as a major influence in our lives. However, I fear for our nation and our children as we see more and more giving up on faith in God in turning to what this world and its system offers. God has made it very clear in His word. As we as a people fail to recognize Him, seek Him, and live based on our faith in Him, we do so at our own peril. The highest number in the poll was Mississippi with 85% of those living there indicating their belief in God as being a major influence in their lives each day. Many see Mississippi as being backwards in many ways but God is pleased and sees them at the very top using His evaluation method because they have chosen to openly honor Him. I will be doing what I can to help close that eleven point gap between my state and their state because it matters, not only for now, but for all of time and ETERNITY. May God help heal our land continues to be my prayer. Amen. …More later.

Paying tribute to Washington, Lincoln, and ........

Happy President’s Day, on this Monday, February 16, 2009. I mentioned to my eldest son last night that with schools, banks, and government offices being closed today for the holiday he should have an easier commute across the metroplex. He said he would take any help he could get. I suppose those who do get the day off have a different view of what the day might bring. They likely have been formulating a three-day weekend plan for some time now. For the rest of us, we walk out to the mailbox only to be reminded that there’s no mail delivery today. I don’t have a problem with honoring our presidents because God’s leadership model calls for someone to be the leader by example and in their deeds. We’ve had some great presidents and we’ve had some that were not so great. We’ve had some that had tumultuous times in office and others that served during peaceful and tranquil times.

Polls of historians and other scholars to rank presidents come up with the usual names. Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt are typically the most often mentioned in the top three. Lincoln actually holds the number one position in more scholarly polls than the others, with Washington second, and Roosevelt third. These men served during the founding of our nation, the civil war in our nation, and during the time of great challenge called WWII. Jefferson is typically in the next grouping along with Theodore Roosevelt. The top ten also reflects men like James Madison, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and John F. Kennedy. You can go and see those ranked in the middle and those typically holding down the less well thought of status but in the end, we find that these men are just that, men, some given more challenge than others, and to those who responded to that challenge in a noteworthy manner, they receive the gratitude of a grateful nation.

I’m not sure that ranking presidents is a worthwhile effort. However, we do know that what we, like them, do have an impact on others, therefore, the actions of the man holding the highest office in our land has had an impact on us all. God also holds us accountable, not so we can make a list of being popular, but so that we can influence those in our families, our workplaces, and our sphere of contact, for sharing truth, and living out an example that is pleasing to Him and of value to others. One of the admonitions found in God’s Word tells us to pray for those who are in authority over us. This means you and I, as believers, have a sacred duty to pray for our current president, Barak Obama. Join me today in saying a prayer of thanksgiving for those who have served in this great office and in praying for our current president that God will guide his time in office. Have a great day and may God bless. Amen. ….More later.

Turning the words of love into the actions of love.

Well folks here we are, we made it to Friday, now what? I wonder if we actually accomplished anything of lasting value in the many hours we've pursued over the past several days? But, here we are again, on this Friday, February 13, 2009. That’s right! Friday, the 13th! You may have some qualms about this superstitious day on the calendar, but to me, it’s the day following the 12th, and the day before the 14th, and nothing more. Of course the 14th is another Hallmark opportunity to sell cards, gifts, and dinners as a way of expressing love towards others, especially the romantical form of love. I heard yesterday that 76% of small businesses who depend on these types of promotions report their gloomiest outlook ever for this year’s celebration. Most folks will likely settle for a very modest expression of their love, perhaps even a personal verbal greeting. Wow! You mean you might actually tell those you love that you really do love them instead of buying a card, flowers, gift, or taking them to dinner? It just might be an appropriate thing to do even if you do the others!

Yesterday I spoke about the love of our Savior that should flow through us to others. I found some quotations from folks over the years that speak to this important issue of going beyond words or good intentions to the place where caring and action takes place. “He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars. General good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite, and flatterer.” “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions.” “The road is long from the intention to the completion.” “All worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action.” “The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.” These are comments from poets and other famous folks as they perceived the need to back up our words with tangible actions.

As we move towards the day set aside to recognize the power of love let us not forget the Maker of Love and His word on the subject. Essentially, a bottom line way of looking at how love is supposed to motivate our actions can be found in a verse from the inspired writing of James. He says in his opening words from what we call the first chapter that true religion is found not in how much we know or in how much we practice, but rather it’s shown by how much we care for those who are in need. (Read James Chapter 1) The Apostle Peter put love in perspective when he stated that "above all things, fervently love one another". Above all things, now that’s a priority statement especially whenever you consider that he was talking about everything that surrounds life including the coming end of the ages, but first and foremost is to be our continuous outflow of love and concern. (Read 1st Peter Chapter 4) Happy Valentine’s day to all my readers and may God help each of us to appreciate His purpose for love! Have a great Saturday and Sunday and I’ll do my best to think up something to write about when we meet again next Monday, Lord willing! Amen. ….More later.

Seeing beyond the me, myself, and I tunnel vision.

Good morning class and welcome to some more tantalizing tidbits to help get you up and running on this Thursday, February 12, 2009. Today we recognize the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. We thank God for this man who, as President, helped shepherd our nation through one of the greatest challenges we have faced.

I’m sure many of you have more important things to think about than trying to make sense out of my discombobulated ramblings but that’s why we have the TV remote control or the fast forward on our dvd players. You can switch the blog off or scan down to the bottom and move on to the issues you also have to deal with today. That’s one thing that has impressed me throughout the hurricane saga, our dear Bro. Milton’s traumatic health crisis, and our daily challenges is how that we are not only not immune to having troubles, BUT we are very much not alone. You need only visit the ICU to know just how true this is. You need only visit with someone who has been totally left holding the bag after their insurance company failed to help them. We often are quibbling on the margins while others are dealing with their own catastrophic crisis. It does help one to get away from the ‘why me?’ funnel and broaden our vision to see the breadth and depth of suffering being experienced by others.

I heard a man talking about how that you really don’t know exactly how another person feels about a tragic situation unless you’ve been there and done that. A cancer survivor knows much more how to minister to a new cancer patient than someone who cares but doesn’t have the experience. I know first hand what it means to deal with an insurance process that wears you down, wears you out, and challenges every iota of your strength and intestinal fortitude. However, I do not know what to say to people whose insurance carrier chose to go out of business instead of honoring their claim. They have walked a different road than I have and I should be sensitive to their plight. My mom is currently in a rehab facility trying to regain her strength after her latest bout with pneumonia. She told me yesterday that her attitude was not very good when she arrived but having seen so many pitiful patients, she had chosen to thank God that she was as well off as she is.

Reality has a way of smacking us up side the head IF we are paying attention. We can become so narrowly focused, so self absorbed even in dealing with legitimate needs that we lose a sense of what others are going through. Hurting people. They are all around us. They are in our offices or out on the shop floor. They attend Church with us. They are at our kid’s sporting event. They are everywhere. We all wear blinders to a certain extent because we have our plates full but it does make a difference when we choose to set our stuff aside long enough to not only see the other fellow, but also to reach out and care in whatever way we can. It may only be a word of encouragement or a prayer on their behalf but it tells them and us that we understand how difficult it can be in this life. May God help us all to care enough. Amen. …More later.

Just look on the bright side of life.

I’ve heard that admonition all my life. I suppose that was the mantra before we were all encouraged to have a ‘half-full’ instead of a ‘half-empty’ mindset. I thought I might tip toe around these profundities on this Wednesday morning, February 11, 2009. A fellow I know used to say that if you are flying in an airplane through stormy weather it’s always nice and clear somewhere up in the atmosphere. Yet, we know from the recent heroic landing of a huge jetliner into the Hudson river that getting the plane into that clear space can be difficult when a flock of birds show up. One account I read said everyone in the cabin became a prayer warrior before they hit the water. I guess that would be a great example of ‘just in time’ religion and it was certainly warranted as far as I can tell. Many come away from that type of experience with a ‘why was I spared?’ attitude that most likely will lead them to ponder life with a renewed focus on seeing a fulfillment of their purpose. I’ve had a few of those near misses in my life and it is sobering when you try to make sense out of what it means as you make your way forward.

That mortality thing is at work whether we experience a seemingly miraculous survival or just go about our business each day. I’ve mentioned before about a preserved prayer of Moses found in Israel’s official songbook, The Psalms. In the 90th division, verse 12, Moses is recorded as a recommendation to those who would read his pleading to God: “So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (New American Standard Version) That inspired text came from a man who knew what it meant to live a full life and one filled with many near misses, challenges, and seemingly impossible assignments. Looking on the bright side Moses would say is doing what Solomon gave as his conclusion to the finding meaning in this perplexing life: “…fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” (NASB) Wow! You don’t get to where you need to go by coming up with a slogan approach to life, you get there by recognizing God and living out your life based on that recognition.

One of the things I noticed in the instances where I appeared to have ‘dodged a bullet’ as they say is how temporary those feelings of intense concern about life and its purpose seemed to be. I was really going to make some changes because of what had happened. I was going to make sure that from that point forward things would really be different. And, they were. I most likely even made some very loud promises to God and to those near and dear to me BUT soon the busyness of life and the screams of the urgent drowned out those now whispering recollections of that fervor once so dominant and strong. Yeah, that’s the human condition and we all know what it’s like to suffer from the human condition. What Moses wanted us to know after all he went through, and what Solomon concluded after years of study, experimentation, and searching was simply to live life before God with Him and His ways as our pursuit. I close with a prayer that each of us will be able, with His help, to follow the lead of Moses and Solomon in looking on the bright side of life! Amen. ……More later.