Category: Reflections

Reclaiming the purpose of the holiday in my life

This year I have found myself more stressed and anxious about the shopping of the gifts for people and that they appreciate the gift and the value of such item. I have added to my chronic insomnia on the angst of the holiday and its apparent mandatory requirements of socializing whether with friends, peers or family.

The purpose of the holiday of Christmas was the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through time and (lets be frank here) the wickedness of the human heart, it has been mutated into a holiday of gift giving (and receiving – can’t forget that part). Its been turned into reasons for eating too much, drinking too much and cajoling around by many. The periods of such activities and socializing taking up for some many hours. The dollars spent varying but often the spending really becoming the accumulation of further debt.

Again, the purpose of the holiday of Christmas was the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know, their is the spiritual aspect of the holiday and the secular aspect. Truth is (at least for me) the pressures and preparations for the fulfilling of all expectations of others for the secular aspect has overwhelmed my psychological, physical and sad to say spiritual health as to fully appreciate and endeavor into the spiritual aspect of the holiday. Does that make sense? Let me put it another way, I am drained, exhausted and have increased my angst.

Again (to self), the purpose of the holiday of Christmas was the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I got to make my appreciation and recognition of the importance and value of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ my top priority. I need to push away the secular tentacles and mass of space and reestablish healthy and correct boundaries of my mind, heart, spirit and life. He has to be the priority. I have to undo 49 years of wrong-programming and actions. I honestly have to ask God for forgiveness for 48 years of wrong practices and priorities. I have to reclaim the purpose of the holiday in my life.

“My heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Your only begotten Son – the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, I am sorry for getting swept up in self and secularization of the holiday of Christmas. I am sorry for having and practicing the wrong priorities year after year surrounding this holiday which is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of Your only begotten Son so that He would live the life of a man, a human being and that He would obey and fulfill all the prophecies of His existence and purpose so that He could and would make the atonement for my sins and all those sins of people who believe and trust in Him, His name and His finished work on the cross made complete through His resurrection. God thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to Earth so that I could be saved from an eternity in the Lake of Fire. Thank You for allowing me to be forgiven of my sins. Thank You for all that I receive in the fact of my salvation. Thank You for caring that much for me and the all the human race. Thank You Father. Now please help me to make the Lord Jesus Christ first in my life not only in the holiday season but everyday of my existence. Help me to be a light of Your love in this world and my world. Amen”

 

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Lie now, deal with it later

From The Hill

“Health industry officials say ObamaCare-related premiums will double in some parts of the country, countering claims recently made by the administration.

The expected rate hikes will be announced in the coming months amid an intense election year, when control of the Senate is up for grabs. The sticker shock would likely bolster the GOP’s prospects in November and hamper ObamaCare insurance enrollment efforts in 2015.

The industry complaints come less than a week after Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sought to downplay concerns about rising premiums in the healthcare sector. She told lawmakers rates would increase in 2015 but grow more slowly than in the past.

“The increases are far less significant than what they were prior to the Affordable Care Act,” the secretary said in testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee.

Her comment baffled insurance officials, who said it runs counter to the industry’s consensus about next year.

“It’s pretty shortsighted because I think everybody knows that the way the exchange has rolled out … is going to lead to higher costs,” said one senior insurance executive who requested anonymity.

From the Daily Caller

Health insurance premiums have risen more after Obamacare than the average premium increases over the eight years before it became law, according to the private health exchange eHealthInsurance.

The individual market for health insurance as seen premiums rise by 39 percent since February 2013, eHealth reports. Without a subsidy, the average individual premium is now $274 a month. Families have been hit even harder with an average increase of 56 percent over the same period — average premiums are now $663 per family, over $426 last year.

Between 2005 and 2013, average premiums for individual plans increased 37 percent and average family premiums were upped 31 percent. So they have risen faster under Obamacare than in the previous eight years.

2 cents:

Lie now and deal with it later is the SOP for the Obama administration when it comes to the so-called Affordable Care Act which the name itself is guilty of the rule. Lie now, it has been the go to for many of his poor policies and actions. Lie now because he wants something done and despite what he believes about himself, he doesn’t know everything or even half so. Policies and actions of this president are not based off of or from strong and sound foundations. But he doesn’t want to be bothered with such details because he believes he is right so – say and do whatever needs to be done to get done what I want. That is the summation of this president. He wants the pomp but not the circumstance. He must be worshipped but don’t hold him accountable. He is a monstrosity born from the superficial narcissistic bent of our society. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us – the citizens of the USA – a president we deserved. Heaven help us. Now Almighty God let us have an American Spring so the ship of our country can be righted and healed.

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Roger Waters and his dad

I can’t imagine growing up without my father or mother. I especially can’t imagine not being able to really remember one’s parent. Undoubtedly this daily experience which includes the unanswered questions weighs on one’s psyche. As the years roll by it is a tool in shaping one’s self which includes one’s perceptions, aspirations and personality.

I also think when one thinks of “celebrities” per se we don’t consider them as “Everyday Joe’s” – which they really are. It is just that they also have different talents, circumstances and/or fortunateness in their mix. With some celebrities it is a little easier to see the colors that make up the individual, especially those of the skill and trade of artists, authors and musicians.

A deeper than surface level fan of Pink Floyd and especially of Roger Waters (undoubtedly Mr. Pink himself) knows that Waters has had the unfortunate experiences of having his dad taken from him when he was a mere five months old. I don’t know what kind of relationship he had with his mother or his father’s parents but I am sure he had questions about his dad.

I learned yesterday that Roger was recently contacted with information about what happened to his dad many years ago during WW2. The story is here. I look forward to new music from him as he processes the details and comes to grips with the history of the experiences.

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Intentions

Over the last two weeks much has been written about the events that are unfolding in the Middle East. Much of what has been pushed out to the masses has been commentary and opinion not actual developments. Here is my 2 cents:

The matter of Iran and the nuclear weapon issue gets down to discerning their intention based on their actions. What they want is for everyone to believe their intention in reference to nuclear technology has no correlation to their actions and policy in actual experience in the Middle East and abroad. The lives negatively impacted in the region because of their funneling funds, weapons and soldiers in places such as Syria should be considered the exception to the rule. The same goes for their funding, weapons and strategic leadership to Hezbollah; yes, another supposed exception. The same goes for their … with Hamas and other identified terrorist groups. All of these we are to believe are the exception to their “noble” intentions. Yes, what they want the world to believe is that when it comes to nuclear technology they have no desire to develop and use it for military resources. They have no desire to make it available to Hezbollah, Hamas, etc. They have no desire or intention to acquire the “flaming sword of Islam”. We are to believe that the ayatollah – the chief ruler of Iran – has an ethical precept when it comes to nuclear weapons. (Mind you, not the tons of WMD chemical weapons in Syria’s arsenal. This they allowed to be after all who are they to infringe on a sovereign recognized nation?) No we are to disregard the current and historical practices of the leadership of the country and accept the warm smile, kind words and a promise that they have no intention to create nuclear weapons.

I have written it before but am stating it again – the current president of the USA is actively working a nuclear strategy in the Middle East that will make the demand that Israel must get rid of their nuclear weapons. The groundwork has been made over the past six to twelve months. The final calling line – If Iran is to have no nuclear weapons why is Israel allowed to have them? The political strategies the chief empty suit is trying to make into a staunch reality is one in which Israel will be positioned as a war-monger and in order to exist peacefully (wink, wink) they will need to relinquish much more land and authority to the Palestinians and scrap heap their nuclear weapons. They are being quickly corralled into a corner  (if not have been) that is of the making of Barrack Hussein Obama.

The events which are occurring and the way our current administration is engaging them is scary. We have a HORRENDOUS vacuum of leadership in our government – Wise, Ethical Leadership. And if I may take it even a step farther – Christian Leadership.

MEANWHILE,  in the USA’s MSM and the populace as a whole important matters have been relegated to the small font, less prominent headline placeholders (if even present) on websites and publications:

  • the NSA and government invasion of privacy across the globe the economy and the change of the norm for the average employee remains inferior and for many unacceptable and unsustainable
  • the mandatory national health insurance plan created by the president that is economically and practically unsustainable is uncoiling and coming to life
  • the almost complete erosion of moral principles, civility, decency and etiquette in society
  • many more things but I’m sure you get the point

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Republicans and Independents ARE to blame

Yes that is what it says. Put another way the Conservatives are to blame for the mess we have in our nation, capital and the vacuum of leadership in the White House.

Why?

Because they have not been able to produce at least one individual that is intelligent, collaborative, charismatic, engaging and strategic. They and we have not produced a person that has the potential to be a great leader for our country. Why is that? Are we to believe what the left says which is the bottom-line of quality conservative leadership is an oxymoron and an impossibility?

Is it because the so-called blue bloods are the only place that the powers that be (TPTB) look toward and they are all tainted? So another problem is the ridiculously limited scope of where they are looking for future leaders.

Is it because the money game has eliminated the best candidates since they are not tied to the money?

Is it because the practices of the media and left are so devastating to a person and their family that potential candidates have decided it is not worth it?

In my opinion all of these reasons still are tied to the poor leadership in the Conservative party. The problem is systemic in nature and requires swift surgical treatment so as to remove the tumors and cancer in the body of the Conservative body. So yes, they are to blame and sadly it seems the saying is true “physician heal thyself”.

Until they do people like our current president will be the people’s choice.

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On the road to Emmaus

Luke 24:1-53 KJV – [1] Now upon the first [day] of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain [others] with them. [2] And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. [3] And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: [5] And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? [6] He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, [7] Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. [8] And they remembered his words, [9] And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. [10] It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary [the mother] of James, and other [women that were] with them, which told these things unto the apostles. [11] And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. [12] Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. [13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs. [14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened. [15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: [20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. [22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; [23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. [24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. [25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. [28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. [29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. [30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. [32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? [33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, [34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. [35] And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. [36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. [37] But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. [38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? [39] Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. [40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet. [41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? [42] And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. [43] And he took [it], and did eat before them. [44] And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. [45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, [46] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things. [49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. [50] And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. [51] And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. [52] And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: [53] And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the account of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. I have a copy of the famous painting by Robert Zund in the “inner sanctum”. My mom bought it for me when she learned how special the account is to me. You can read the text (in purple) and see what happened so I don’t want to repeat the whole story but I do want to share some of the things that touch me about this account.

  • Cleopas & his friend are travelling after the news that Mary told the disciples and then have heard Peter & John verify that Jesus was not in the tomb. These two men head to Emmaus. It is apparent from the Bible that they were perplexed & saddened. I think they were in shock; I mean consider the events that they have experienced first hand over the past four days. Wouldn’t you be in a daze? Part of me thinks they started walking and they were not even considering where they were headed, they just knew they had to clear their heads. It is also apparent that they were discussing and trying to figure out exactly what was going on that Jesus appeared on their path and started walking along with them.
  • That when Jesus asked them what they were talking about & why were they sad. Cleopas is flabbergasted at the inquiry. How could this traveler not know?! It was not something done secretly but openly and loudly. Cleopas gives a great summary of the events and then Jesus (I always picture a smile) replies to them with the same flabbergastedness “How could YOU not know it was supposed to and needed to happen?!” Then Jesus beginning with Moses – meaning the Law and working his way through the Old Testament showed and proved to them why what happened did happen. I am sure these men were absolutely stunned because over and over in the Gospels there is reference to the people being blown away by how when Jesus expounded on the Scriptures how He spoke with such authority, confidence and wisdom. These two guys were being given a survey of the Old Testament by the Savior, Messiah, & Word. Think about it!
  • We are told that they were not allowed to discern or recognize it was Jesus who was the traveler. I figure it happened for one or both reasons. One, that is because they would have been so busy worshipping they would not have provided the opportunity for Him to show them what the OT taught about Him. Two, these men were already shocked and perplexed and God didn’t want to add to the confusion. What He wanted to do was help them so He made sure that He would first have the time to answer all their questions then He would reveals Himself.
  • That they recognized Him immediately when He prayed, when He spoke to the Father. They knew how He spoke to the Father and the words and the tone rang true. They had heard Jesus many times bless the breaking of bread for meal and here He does it again and I am certain He did it the same way He usually did. Then you get the verification once Jesus disappears! that again when He had been expounding they were struck by the way He taught.

One of the most powerful interpretations of the events on the road to Emmaus is the following song. Please do yourself a favor and spend the four minutes to listen to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAX-KJusIjQ

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