In the lands of the Middle East, a sign of utter disrespect is sometimes demonstrated by someone throwing a shoe at another person. This act of disdain is rarely seen in public, however many of you may remember this shameful act being done to President George W. Bush. I have many thoughts about that particular event, but I withhold in order to address the shoe that President Barrack Hussein Obama threw at the United States government, people and military in front of multitudes of cheering Muslim’s in Egypt and beyond.
He said that he came with the goodwill of the people of the United States and greeted his Muslim audience with peace on behalf of the Muslim’s in the US. He now refers to Terrorist’s as “violent extremists.” He spoke of Islam being tolerant…..I’m not so sure the family of the British gentleman who was beheaded this week by his Islamic captures would agree that Muslim’s demonstrate tolerance….I’m not so sure that this man was treated with the dignity that Obama spoke of Islam sharing with the US.
“The holy Quran tells… (us) Be conscious of God and speak always the truth…” Tells whom Mr. Obama? Not Christians…Not Jews.....since the Quran is not our Holy Book. In fact this same “holy book” tells Muslim’s to covert or kill the Jews and Christians. But perhaps this small statement made by the President of the United States who unabashedly denied any ties to Islam during his canadacy…but now chooses words which publicly will forever tie him to the teachings of Islam. Obama even said Quran with an accent….I’m sure that warmed the hearts of his audience. And yet…this man pronounced this statement, “I am a Christian.”
This lightning bolt was let loose in such a way that if you blinked you missed it….One could barely hear it…But I didn’t miss it Mr. Obama….If you are a Christian then I am a Muslim! Would Christ give his backing to babies being ripped from their mother’s wombs still alive and left in a corner to die? Would Christ designate the month of June for countless perverts to celebrate their indecent acts? Would Christ lie? Would Christ steal money from those who earned it just to give it to those who won’t work? There are so many more questions, but you should get the gist of this.
Does he really believe the words that he said? Such as, “Throughout history Islam has demonstrated in words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality” Obviously by the cheers of the audience they seemed to believe this heinous lie! And how about, “I also know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story.” What????? This country was founded by those who fled from religious tyranny and whom adhered to Judeo Christian beliefs. Not Islam Dummy!
And he goes on to state with pride that recently a Muslim Congressman took his oath on a Quran that had been in the library of Thomas Jefferson. How dare a government figure do such a thing! The Holy Bible has and always will be the symbol of honor, truth and godly service. It gets much worse…
In yet another egregious attempt to kiss the behind’s of Arab’s, our own president when mentioning what a crisis that 9/11 was to all Americans, used the second part of his statements to unravel the integrity and honor of every military member – past, present and future! The decisions that we made after 9/11 were conscious, wrought with prayer, counsel and wisdom. Though some of the Intel that was received may not have been on target, in a time of crisis the protector’s of freedom are bound to move in order to serve the best interest of the country and her future. How dare this man who never served a moment in the United States military make a statement about “torture,” as he did? But, his objective failed miserably, because the “extremist’s” as he describes terrorist’s have one more reason to have confidence that their agenda will prevail. It reminded me of someone on the other side of the bathroom door taking care of his business and Obama removing the door in front of the world.
Obama then commit’s to standing against the negative stereotypes of Islamic people….and yet he says he is a Christian…and he has done nothing less then disdain the follower’s of Christ ever since his candidacy and now his presidency began. While I know what Romans chapter 13 instructs, I have to confess that I have never ever had a more difficult time in accepting the fact that even Obama demands my respect. If prayer for his soul and tears of sorrow can be counted, then I respected Mr. Obama’s office in the early morning hours today as I lay awake praying for the salvation of his soul.
While I have to say that some part of his speech found a home of agreement in my heart, at the same time they were words…..Talk is cheap!
In closing….President Obama has put out the welcome mat to all terrorist’s letting them know the light is on for them and welcome home! But some of us will be waiting and not sleeping believing in our Constitutional and God given rights – unafraid…at the ready…
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Are There Any Mr. Smith's Left in Washington?
Most folks remember the classic 1939 era movie with Jimmy Stewart. But for those who don’t….it is a heart warming and patriotic story about a naïve young man from rural America whose hero is a good friend of his father’s and a very respected senior senator. Anyway, Jefferson Smith was put into the place of a junior senator through the manipulations and plans of several very powerful and dishonest men in their plan to use him as a wooden headed puppet who would fill the seat but not give them any trouble when it came to their wicked plans to personally profit at the expense of others.
And so, Senator Smith arrived in Washington DC wide eyed and completely oblivious to reality. His mind filled with the dreams of proposing a bill that would grant boys from all over the United States, despite their nationality…a chance to go to a camp which would strengthen their bodies, minds and convictions in preparation for the next part of their lives. Much to his sorrow, Smith came to find out that the man he thought was an honest servant of the people…was actually a fraud. Through a course of painful and shameful events and evil accusations made against him to cover up the deeds of these powerful men….Senator Smith found himself the laughing stock of DC with only one chance to try and save not only his name, but the respect of his office…He took the floor of the Senate and performed an over 20 hour filibuster which miraculously led the senior senator to completely confessing his guilt and clear Smith’s name.
If you haven’t yet seen this movie, you have to catch it sometime because it is one of those movies which get your heart to beating in believing in the goodness of man even in the midst of the multitudes who are darkened and depraved legislating evil. Fast forward to 2009 when it seems that everyone in government has lost their minds; where the Republic of the United States of America is no more and we are left with taxation without representation. Especially if you are residing in California – the first bankrupt state in the union, the most radically diverse, and most progressive on the part of humanities wicked intentions that can possibly be.
We watch the news and understand that the majority of networks are now owned by the puppet in the white house and those who are pulling his strings. Those who lie without a blink, who firmly believe that the slaughter of unborn babies is not only okay but the right of every woman, those who have pronounced June at a month to celebrate perversion and evil, those who bow low before our worlds leaders apologizing for being American, and who do it all with a glazed over smile and a little screen in front of them filled with words written by the puppet master’s themselves.
My heart cries out to God in prayer for this nation that there would come a flood of repentance and that as the word promises – God will hear our prayer, forgive our sin and heal our land! Does the character of Mr. Smith even exist anymore or is it a fairy tale to believe that there are still those who are honorable, honest, self sacrificing, compassionate and wise leaders who have the guts to revolt against this new kind of tyranny which threatens the very life of this nation?
As a writer, I know that even my time to enjoy the Constitutional Right of FREE SPEECH is on the brink of annihilation and soon only those media outlets who perform for the puppet and his master’s, will exist and all others will be silenced. Just like North Korea….where men, women and children are being slaughtered. How? The NK Army lines them up and shoots them with their high powered rifles. Why? Simply because they are Christians, and one day right here in America the puppet master’s will begin to line us up…Who? Those who speak out against Big Brother, those who have deeply held religious beliefs which adhere to the teachings of the bible, those who stand up and use their constitutionally given rights, those who speak out against evil, immorality and wickedness, those who speak out on behalf of those who have no voice; the unborn, the disabled and the elderly.
Does this sound like some futuristic fantasy? Don’t believe me….do the research and check out what happened to over 6 Million Jews and others in Nazi Germany and Europe. Why it started out with newspapers including disparaging cartoons and caricatures of Jews and no one rising up to stop it….and step by step it evolved into Hitler (And, no Hitler was not a “Christian”) and his puppets beginning to designate who the Jews were by forcing them to wear golden stars, then taking over the businesses that were Jewish owned. Finally, families were dragged out of their homes and either shot to death like criminals or forced to board trains to take them to concentration camps where if they were lucky they were forced into the gas chambers and if not they were worked like wretches, tortured and tormented. Families ripped apart and many completely obliterated. And this horror continued on into Poland, Russia, France and other countries until the great sleeping giant awoke from her deceptive slumber and heard the cries of England and other European countries that were being devastated by this evil.
Surely this “evolution” from cartoon to death camps took many years to cultivate and achieve. Not even…..Check it out and see how easily it can happen….
And so I end this solemn piece with the question; Are There Any Mr. Smith’s Left in Washington who will stand? I pray God that there are…
And so, Senator Smith arrived in Washington DC wide eyed and completely oblivious to reality. His mind filled with the dreams of proposing a bill that would grant boys from all over the United States, despite their nationality…a chance to go to a camp which would strengthen their bodies, minds and convictions in preparation for the next part of their lives. Much to his sorrow, Smith came to find out that the man he thought was an honest servant of the people…was actually a fraud. Through a course of painful and shameful events and evil accusations made against him to cover up the deeds of these powerful men….Senator Smith found himself the laughing stock of DC with only one chance to try and save not only his name, but the respect of his office…He took the floor of the Senate and performed an over 20 hour filibuster which miraculously led the senior senator to completely confessing his guilt and clear Smith’s name.
If you haven’t yet seen this movie, you have to catch it sometime because it is one of those movies which get your heart to beating in believing in the goodness of man even in the midst of the multitudes who are darkened and depraved legislating evil. Fast forward to 2009 when it seems that everyone in government has lost their minds; where the Republic of the United States of America is no more and we are left with taxation without representation. Especially if you are residing in California – the first bankrupt state in the union, the most radically diverse, and most progressive on the part of humanities wicked intentions that can possibly be.
We watch the news and understand that the majority of networks are now owned by the puppet in the white house and those who are pulling his strings. Those who lie without a blink, who firmly believe that the slaughter of unborn babies is not only okay but the right of every woman, those who have pronounced June at a month to celebrate perversion and evil, those who bow low before our worlds leaders apologizing for being American, and who do it all with a glazed over smile and a little screen in front of them filled with words written by the puppet master’s themselves.
My heart cries out to God in prayer for this nation that there would come a flood of repentance and that as the word promises – God will hear our prayer, forgive our sin and heal our land! Does the character of Mr. Smith even exist anymore or is it a fairy tale to believe that there are still those who are honorable, honest, self sacrificing, compassionate and wise leaders who have the guts to revolt against this new kind of tyranny which threatens the very life of this nation?
As a writer, I know that even my time to enjoy the Constitutional Right of FREE SPEECH is on the brink of annihilation and soon only those media outlets who perform for the puppet and his master’s, will exist and all others will be silenced. Just like North Korea….where men, women and children are being slaughtered. How? The NK Army lines them up and shoots them with their high powered rifles. Why? Simply because they are Christians, and one day right here in America the puppet master’s will begin to line us up…Who? Those who speak out against Big Brother, those who have deeply held religious beliefs which adhere to the teachings of the bible, those who stand up and use their constitutionally given rights, those who speak out against evil, immorality and wickedness, those who speak out on behalf of those who have no voice; the unborn, the disabled and the elderly.
Does this sound like some futuristic fantasy? Don’t believe me….do the research and check out what happened to over 6 Million Jews and others in Nazi Germany and Europe. Why it started out with newspapers including disparaging cartoons and caricatures of Jews and no one rising up to stop it….and step by step it evolved into Hitler (And, no Hitler was not a “Christian”) and his puppets beginning to designate who the Jews were by forcing them to wear golden stars, then taking over the businesses that were Jewish owned. Finally, families were dragged out of their homes and either shot to death like criminals or forced to board trains to take them to concentration camps where if they were lucky they were forced into the gas chambers and if not they were worked like wretches, tortured and tormented. Families ripped apart and many completely obliterated. And this horror continued on into Poland, Russia, France and other countries until the great sleeping giant awoke from her deceptive slumber and heard the cries of England and other European countries that were being devastated by this evil.
Surely this “evolution” from cartoon to death camps took many years to cultivate and achieve. Not even…..Check it out and see how easily it can happen….
And so I end this solemn piece with the question; Are There Any Mr. Smith’s Left in Washington who will stand? I pray God that there are…
Sunday, May 31, 2009
ABORTIONIST MURDERED
I am purposely not mentioning the abortionist’s name in this article as the only and just way to confront the atrocity both of his murder; and in the light of the many many murders that he chose to be a part of. You see, his name…his life was unjustly snuffed out by some lunatic who may have been deceived into thinking that what he did was right. However, cold blooded murder, whether it’s done in an abortion clinic in a sterile setting or a church…is still heinous.
When I heard about the shooting, my first thought was….how bizarre that a murderer attended church! The notion of such a thing is oxymoronic. A man attending a church supposedly in line with Luther’s teachings; not even! The reformation took place because the Spirit of Almighty God manifested the truth of the bible to a man who had searched desperately for the truth and found it. The root of all Luther stood for and eventually died for was that the word of God was the first, middle and last authority on the subject of faith, and living out that life of faith....
Luther taught that there was a huge difference between just being baptized into the faith and that of living our faith out daily in submission to God, not as outward works but inward obedience. Shouldn’t there be a difference between those in the church who supposedly adhere themselves to the teachings of the bible and those outside of the faith? I say yes!!! Yes!!!! YES!!!!
Should murderers be named amongst the saints? Well, I suspect that this “abortionist” playing usher in the church this morning thought himself a good person; but in light of what standard? Evidently he had his very own standard of morality which found itself separated by miles and miles from Christ’s teachings. And yet, he thought of himself as a good person? Perhaps true from his personal perverted standards; but what of Gods standards?
What was the Law of Moses? You remember don’t you? ….Thou Shalt Not MURDER, Thou Shalt not LIE, Thou Shalt not commit ADULTERY, Thou Shalt not COVET…..and on and on…. Well, now I’m getting very black and white introducing the bible into this discussion, aren’t I? When the abortionist stands before the judgment seat of Christ, and is asked have you ever committed murder, do you think he will be able to stand in the light of Gods perfection and lie?
He may have lied to his family, and his co-workers, and even his fellow employee’s who took part in the genocide along with him. He may have been able to lie to the face of the women who found herself inconvenienced by a pregnancy, just to tell her that it’s not a baby but a FETUS, which defined means: an unborn vertebrate at a stage when all the structural features of the adult are recognizable, especially an unborn human offspring after eight weeks of development
Does the Law of God demand an answer both for the cold blooded murder of the church usher this morning as well as for the cold blooded murder of countless unborn babies? If God is fair, then the answer is a resounding yes! Just because society has evolved into a multitude who have no moral’s, no conscience, and who spurn the use of self control at the expense of bringing forth a life just to rip it from her womb because it might be inconvenient or financially imprudent; Murder remains Murder! The church usher and the one who murdered him are equally guilty in the court of Gods law, are they not?
When I heard about the shooting, my first thought was….how bizarre that a murderer attended church! The notion of such a thing is oxymoronic. A man attending a church supposedly in line with Luther’s teachings; not even! The reformation took place because the Spirit of Almighty God manifested the truth of the bible to a man who had searched desperately for the truth and found it. The root of all Luther stood for and eventually died for was that the word of God was the first, middle and last authority on the subject of faith, and living out that life of faith....
Luther taught that there was a huge difference between just being baptized into the faith and that of living our faith out daily in submission to God, not as outward works but inward obedience. Shouldn’t there be a difference between those in the church who supposedly adhere themselves to the teachings of the bible and those outside of the faith? I say yes!!! Yes!!!! YES!!!!
Should murderers be named amongst the saints? Well, I suspect that this “abortionist” playing usher in the church this morning thought himself a good person; but in light of what standard? Evidently he had his very own standard of morality which found itself separated by miles and miles from Christ’s teachings. And yet, he thought of himself as a good person? Perhaps true from his personal perverted standards; but what of Gods standards?
What was the Law of Moses? You remember don’t you? ….Thou Shalt Not MURDER, Thou Shalt not LIE, Thou Shalt not commit ADULTERY, Thou Shalt not COVET…..and on and on…. Well, now I’m getting very black and white introducing the bible into this discussion, aren’t I? When the abortionist stands before the judgment seat of Christ, and is asked have you ever committed murder, do you think he will be able to stand in the light of Gods perfection and lie?
He may have lied to his family, and his co-workers, and even his fellow employee’s who took part in the genocide along with him. He may have been able to lie to the face of the women who found herself inconvenienced by a pregnancy, just to tell her that it’s not a baby but a FETUS, which defined means: an unborn vertebrate at a stage when all the structural features of the adult are recognizable, especially an unborn human offspring after eight weeks of development
Does the Law of God demand an answer both for the cold blooded murder of the church usher this morning as well as for the cold blooded murder of countless unborn babies? If God is fair, then the answer is a resounding yes! Just because society has evolved into a multitude who have no moral’s, no conscience, and who spurn the use of self control at the expense of bringing forth a life just to rip it from her womb because it might be inconvenient or financially imprudent; Murder remains Murder! The church usher and the one who murdered him are equally guilty in the court of Gods law, are they not?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
I learned a very valuable lesson this morning as I sat and discussed several issues which recently culminated with me and my family having some hurt feelings. My friend and co-worker spoke to me with clarity, grace and patience and brought up some very important points which up until that moment, I was missing.
So here’s the situation…..
We are keenly aware that appearances can cause much controversy and even invite judgment, unduly. Occasionally, it is jewelry or even clothing but it may not even be something that we are wearing, but perhaps it’s a decoration, a sticker with symbols, or even a pattern on something we own which includes something that in the eye of the beholder doesn’t represent something that a Christian should have.
There are symbol’s associated with cultures….From the middle east there come clothing which can even be offensive to the most humble amongst us, such as veils and beads and things of that sort. But closer to our own neighborhoods, say the biker world….there are things associated with us that it just so happens that the average Christian who isn’t involved in biking….doesn’t understand and they may even be suspect of.
Let’s take skull’s….After becoming a Christian, God cleaned house in both my husband and my life….No one had to tell us, but instead the Holy Spirit spoke to us individually and as a couple to start getting rid of some of the things from our previous lives. That included wizard pictures and sculptures, books on the occult, drug paraphernalia, worldly music which for us used to be used along with drugs and alcohol to bring us to a place that was now very dangerous to us as new believers. We even used our old albums for skeet shooting and pulled hundreds of feet of cassette tapes. Even my husbands coveted collection of Easy Rider’s, Iron Horse and Porn was destroyed and disposed of.
Okay, so for years we looked just like every other Christian….We tried our best to sound like them too, even with my husband’s uncanny ability to sound just like Larry the Cable Guy! But, somewhere in there we began to loose ourselves and who God had made us to be. Our uniqueness was hidden for fear of judgment and condemnation from other Christians.
Most people think this only happens between Christians and unbelievers…But the fact is that we are all wicked and depraved humans, who stumble daily even in our efforts to portray a good example of “Christians.” We eye one another sometimes with a rigid understanding on what is acceptable and what is not.
Enter the biker lifestyle re-emerging into our lives. On the outward, wearing bandanas is a part of every day life for us….not a Halloween costume. Leather and jeans to protect us goes right along with earrings and gauges/piercings which all happen to be part of the persona of bikers….not inherently sinful. Decorations such as dream catchers and the skulls of bulls are customarily used to adorn bikes, clothing and jewelry…and even the mirror of our cages (cars).
Do we have skulls around because we are Satan worshippers? No way! It is just a part of the biker look. We have a good grip on satanic symbol’s and in no way take part in using such things in any way that is contrary to what God would have. How about dream catchers? If we had them hanging on the wall by our bed or the bed/crib of our children…then yeah we’d be participating in a pagan practice. But if we simply like the design as it relates to the biker lifestyle and God has given us a peace in using it, then isn’t this deciding factor of whether or not to use it? Some would say that earrings and gauges and even other piercings are “of the devil.”
The bible is clear in that we are not to wear the golden earring designating our ownership as a slave, as many wore in ancient times. And the bible is also clear about being tattooed with those marks which are in relation to funeral rights. May of us wore these items and displayed our ink way before we were saved, and many of us are unashamed to do so after coming to Christ and becoming committed Christians. Our acceptance in the biker world, especially amongst those who we minister too….weighs heavy upon appearances as well as protocol and our genuine behavior and interaction with others and though we are clearly different from unbelievers within the biker world, we are accepted and shown great favor because we are truly authentic.
And so, though I understand with great gravity that we need to be sensitive to our brethren and not purposely offend them by our behavior, and appearance as is fitting as Christians…..I also know that it might help them to know that we understand their feelings, but to explain our position which may very well be something that they have no idea about. What it comes down to is that many of us have brethren who are involved in customs and activities which we have no understanding of….and as biker’s may of them may not have any understanding to “our world.”
The issue which remains important is that when we have become aware that something about our biker lifestyle has offended our brother, we have been given the opportunity to explain our use of whatever has offended him and though we will be sensitive to not purposely flaunt whatever it is in front of him, giving him an explanation might help to give him a broader understanding about the subject. We ought always to choose to be motivated by love and not reactionary. Sometimes our worlds can become so small that we always feel like we’re being picked on….Come on, if we’re Christians we are all targets of the devil…We are better to keep things in perspective…and that, a loving compassionate grace filled perspective!
Paul says in Galatians chapter 1- I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead
So here’s the situation…..
We are keenly aware that appearances can cause much controversy and even invite judgment, unduly. Occasionally, it is jewelry or even clothing but it may not even be something that we are wearing, but perhaps it’s a decoration, a sticker with symbols, or even a pattern on something we own which includes something that in the eye of the beholder doesn’t represent something that a Christian should have.
There are symbol’s associated with cultures….From the middle east there come clothing which can even be offensive to the most humble amongst us, such as veils and beads and things of that sort. But closer to our own neighborhoods, say the biker world….there are things associated with us that it just so happens that the average Christian who isn’t involved in biking….doesn’t understand and they may even be suspect of.
Let’s take skull’s….After becoming a Christian, God cleaned house in both my husband and my life….No one had to tell us, but instead the Holy Spirit spoke to us individually and as a couple to start getting rid of some of the things from our previous lives. That included wizard pictures and sculptures, books on the occult, drug paraphernalia, worldly music which for us used to be used along with drugs and alcohol to bring us to a place that was now very dangerous to us as new believers. We even used our old albums for skeet shooting and pulled hundreds of feet of cassette tapes. Even my husbands coveted collection of Easy Rider’s, Iron Horse and Porn was destroyed and disposed of.
Okay, so for years we looked just like every other Christian….We tried our best to sound like them too, even with my husband’s uncanny ability to sound just like Larry the Cable Guy! But, somewhere in there we began to loose ourselves and who God had made us to be. Our uniqueness was hidden for fear of judgment and condemnation from other Christians.
Most people think this only happens between Christians and unbelievers…But the fact is that we are all wicked and depraved humans, who stumble daily even in our efforts to portray a good example of “Christians.” We eye one another sometimes with a rigid understanding on what is acceptable and what is not.
Enter the biker lifestyle re-emerging into our lives. On the outward, wearing bandanas is a part of every day life for us….not a Halloween costume. Leather and jeans to protect us goes right along with earrings and gauges/piercings which all happen to be part of the persona of bikers….not inherently sinful. Decorations such as dream catchers and the skulls of bulls are customarily used to adorn bikes, clothing and jewelry…and even the mirror of our cages (cars).
Do we have skulls around because we are Satan worshippers? No way! It is just a part of the biker look. We have a good grip on satanic symbol’s and in no way take part in using such things in any way that is contrary to what God would have. How about dream catchers? If we had them hanging on the wall by our bed or the bed/crib of our children…then yeah we’d be participating in a pagan practice. But if we simply like the design as it relates to the biker lifestyle and God has given us a peace in using it, then isn’t this deciding factor of whether or not to use it? Some would say that earrings and gauges and even other piercings are “of the devil.”
The bible is clear in that we are not to wear the golden earring designating our ownership as a slave, as many wore in ancient times. And the bible is also clear about being tattooed with those marks which are in relation to funeral rights. May of us wore these items and displayed our ink way before we were saved, and many of us are unashamed to do so after coming to Christ and becoming committed Christians. Our acceptance in the biker world, especially amongst those who we minister too….weighs heavy upon appearances as well as protocol and our genuine behavior and interaction with others and though we are clearly different from unbelievers within the biker world, we are accepted and shown great favor because we are truly authentic.
And so, though I understand with great gravity that we need to be sensitive to our brethren and not purposely offend them by our behavior, and appearance as is fitting as Christians…..I also know that it might help them to know that we understand their feelings, but to explain our position which may very well be something that they have no idea about. What it comes down to is that many of us have brethren who are involved in customs and activities which we have no understanding of….and as biker’s may of them may not have any understanding to “our world.”
The issue which remains important is that when we have become aware that something about our biker lifestyle has offended our brother, we have been given the opportunity to explain our use of whatever has offended him and though we will be sensitive to not purposely flaunt whatever it is in front of him, giving him an explanation might help to give him a broader understanding about the subject. We ought always to choose to be motivated by love and not reactionary. Sometimes our worlds can become so small that we always feel like we’re being picked on….Come on, if we’re Christians we are all targets of the devil…We are better to keep things in perspective…and that, a loving compassionate grace filled perspective!
Paul says in Galatians chapter 1- I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Get Back Whips Considered Deadly Weapon
For some time now, law enforcement in San Bernardino, Riverside and other CA Counties have been citing biker’s for having a deadly weapon in their possession. A gun? No…. A Knife? No… Then what? And not only have biker’s been stopped, but arrests have been made and the bikes impounded.
Most of us have clicked on a “get back” made with braided leather, normally in our club/ministry color’s…. They’re cool looking and as we ride, the whip raises like a wing in the wind. They’re just popular additions to our bikes persona and if we are honest most of us are 50/50 on the first and second reason for putting them on our handlebars. Number one is definitely the look…but number two happens to be what we know about how this innocent looking item can be used to take some “Silly Billy’s” attention off of wiping us out while we can make a quick escape.
I know I’m preaching to the choir when I relate the dangers we face every time we’re out on the roads, but for the sake of folks who don’t ride but may end up reading this….bare with me. You see, though most of us have loud pipes to call attention to us….we are many times unintentionally targeted because we’re smaller than the average vehicle out on the road, folks just don’t look for us, and far too many are putting on their lipstick, eating a big mac or talking on their cell. Though California passed a law banning the operation of cell phones, other than hands free…..people just don’t get it… when Susie’s talking to Mom on the way home from work with the crying baby in the back seat, she won’t see us….she won’t hear us….until it’s too late.
Okay that’s one side of the danger zone….but there’s the other which is something that gets many of our blood to boil. These are the folks out there that see us….hear us…..and want to purposely show their bravado by intentionally swerving into our lane, even trying to hit us when we are (*legally white lining). We have no doubt been shown how to use the whip if we are faced with this dangerous scenario with no way out. The whip is made with a quick release (originally used for horses that are trailered for a quick release in case of an emergency). When we pull on the whip it disengages and slides through our right hand allowing the metal clip to be on the end that can then be swung around toward the vehicle (especially a window), thus you can figure out what will happen to glass when the metal clip is swung toward it! No matter the ingenuity or lack of…..in doing something like this……Rider’s generally understand that the whip might work better than their boot kicking the side of the vehicle.
Anyway, it stinks that there are really people out on the roads who target us purposely….nevertheless they do. Am I advocating vandalism? Not at all….don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger. And so…..LA County has now joined the frenzy and so if you are pulled over with a “get back” you may find yourself in jail, your bike impounded, and spending lots of time and money getting yourself out of a jam that in my mind is just another ploy to profile bikers. We would never use a “get back” as a weapon. It is only a tool to protect ourselves against reckless drivers, but its main purpose is to show
Club/ministry colors. So, our members won’t be riding with “get backs” anymore, at least until the plastic clip ones are available in purple and black.
*White Lining or Splitting Lanes is LEGAL in the state of California! Why is it allowed and under what circumstances? First, most of us run bikes with no radiator and so we totally depend upon moving so the air cools our engines. We are permitted to do this maneuver when vehicle traffic is stopped or traveling 35 mph or under. The top speed we can travel at between lanes is 40 mph, but we should use extreme caution and be in a position to quickly maneuver our bike to make a safe stop if necessary.
Most of us have clicked on a “get back” made with braided leather, normally in our club/ministry color’s…. They’re cool looking and as we ride, the whip raises like a wing in the wind. They’re just popular additions to our bikes persona and if we are honest most of us are 50/50 on the first and second reason for putting them on our handlebars. Number one is definitely the look…but number two happens to be what we know about how this innocent looking item can be used to take some “Silly Billy’s” attention off of wiping us out while we can make a quick escape.
I know I’m preaching to the choir when I relate the dangers we face every time we’re out on the roads, but for the sake of folks who don’t ride but may end up reading this….bare with me. You see, though most of us have loud pipes to call attention to us….we are many times unintentionally targeted because we’re smaller than the average vehicle out on the road, folks just don’t look for us, and far too many are putting on their lipstick, eating a big mac or talking on their cell. Though California passed a law banning the operation of cell phones, other than hands free…..people just don’t get it… when Susie’s talking to Mom on the way home from work with the crying baby in the back seat, she won’t see us….she won’t hear us….until it’s too late.
Okay that’s one side of the danger zone….but there’s the other which is something that gets many of our blood to boil. These are the folks out there that see us….hear us…..and want to purposely show their bravado by intentionally swerving into our lane, even trying to hit us when we are (*legally white lining). We have no doubt been shown how to use the whip if we are faced with this dangerous scenario with no way out. The whip is made with a quick release (originally used for horses that are trailered for a quick release in case of an emergency). When we pull on the whip it disengages and slides through our right hand allowing the metal clip to be on the end that can then be swung around toward the vehicle (especially a window), thus you can figure out what will happen to glass when the metal clip is swung toward it! No matter the ingenuity or lack of…..in doing something like this……Rider’s generally understand that the whip might work better than their boot kicking the side of the vehicle.
Anyway, it stinks that there are really people out on the roads who target us purposely….nevertheless they do. Am I advocating vandalism? Not at all….don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger. And so…..LA County has now joined the frenzy and so if you are pulled over with a “get back” you may find yourself in jail, your bike impounded, and spending lots of time and money getting yourself out of a jam that in my mind is just another ploy to profile bikers. We would never use a “get back” as a weapon. It is only a tool to protect ourselves against reckless drivers, but its main purpose is to show
Club/ministry colors. So, our members won’t be riding with “get backs” anymore, at least until the plastic clip ones are available in purple and black.
*White Lining or Splitting Lanes is LEGAL in the state of California! Why is it allowed and under what circumstances? First, most of us run bikes with no radiator and so we totally depend upon moving so the air cools our engines. We are permitted to do this maneuver when vehicle traffic is stopped or traveling 35 mph or under. The top speed we can travel at between lanes is 40 mph, but we should use extreme caution and be in a position to quickly maneuver our bike to make a safe stop if necessary.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Faithful Are The Wounds Of A Friend - TEST
Introduction
How many times do we find ourselves in a position where we must share difficult truths with the people we love? If you are walking the walk with Jesus daily, chances are you are kept on your toes often. We receive our marching orders from the Lord and His Holy Spirit accompanies us just to see that the errand is carried out in a worthy manner. It might be our best friend, spouse, or brother. She may be a sister in our congregation or even a person in leadership within the church. However, it doesn’t always have to be someone other than our self! Sometimes we also have to cause ourselves to face difficult truths.
God has given us a grace filled pathway in order to be able to confront issues in our lives as well as assisting those around us. But, just as the surgeon must use extreme caution when performing such delicate work, we must take care as well. Lives are so sensitive and even vulnerable. The walls of Jericho came down much easier than some of the emotional walls, which surround our lives. But we must depend on the same source that Joshua did. Jehovah.
The following is a work of love and grace, which I offer to you, the Body of Christ. It’ll probably make you uneasy and maybe even angry with some of the topics that I cover. And that’s OK! I believe that the Word of God when used as “prescribed” can be used as medicine and a mirror for its reader. We look into the Word of truth and sometimes become frightened at what we see. The trick is not to run away…but to give God a chance to speak to us. Let us remember that our Father does nothing without the motivation of His love for us. And we might do well to do the same.
The truth is, we often go off “half cocked.” When a gun is half cocked it could have the capacity to be dangerous enough to fire. Often, our “bullet” is out of the chamber before we have realized what we have done. The bullet has already torn the flesh and is winding its way through the inside of its victim. My desire is to wash your wounds. To pour the oil and the wine upon your scars, just as the Holy Spirit continues to do within me. I haven’t reached perfection yet; but come on neither have you. So, join me on a conquest to tear down the walls - which divide us, so that we can truly experience the Power of God!
Finally, you can pick up another pretty little book that will tickle your fancy…but wouldn’t you rather spend your time of devotion in the face of God instead of sniffing around the hallway outside? If you’re satisfied with “social religion” or “empty rituals”, then you really want to put this book down! If not, jump on board! This is an “E ticket” ride! The Eternity Express!
How many times do we find ourselves in a position where we must share difficult truths with the people we love? If you are walking the walk with Jesus daily, chances are you are kept on your toes often. We receive our marching orders from the Lord and His Holy Spirit accompanies us just to see that the errand is carried out in a worthy manner. It might be our best friend, spouse, or brother. She may be a sister in our congregation or even a person in leadership within the church. However, it doesn’t always have to be someone other than our self! Sometimes we also have to cause ourselves to face difficult truths.
God has given us a grace filled pathway in order to be able to confront issues in our lives as well as assisting those around us. But, just as the surgeon must use extreme caution when performing such delicate work, we must take care as well. Lives are so sensitive and even vulnerable. The walls of Jericho came down much easier than some of the emotional walls, which surround our lives. But we must depend on the same source that Joshua did. Jehovah.
The following is a work of love and grace, which I offer to you, the Body of Christ. It’ll probably make you uneasy and maybe even angry with some of the topics that I cover. And that’s OK! I believe that the Word of God when used as “prescribed” can be used as medicine and a mirror for its reader. We look into the Word of truth and sometimes become frightened at what we see. The trick is not to run away…but to give God a chance to speak to us. Let us remember that our Father does nothing without the motivation of His love for us. And we might do well to do the same.
The truth is, we often go off “half cocked.” When a gun is half cocked it could have the capacity to be dangerous enough to fire. Often, our “bullet” is out of the chamber before we have realized what we have done. The bullet has already torn the flesh and is winding its way through the inside of its victim. My desire is to wash your wounds. To pour the oil and the wine upon your scars, just as the Holy Spirit continues to do within me. I haven’t reached perfection yet; but come on neither have you. So, join me on a conquest to tear down the walls - which divide us, so that we can truly experience the Power of God!
Finally, you can pick up another pretty little book that will tickle your fancy…but wouldn’t you rather spend your time of devotion in the face of God instead of sniffing around the hallway outside? If you’re satisfied with “social religion” or “empty rituals”, then you really want to put this book down! If not, jump on board! This is an “E ticket” ride! The Eternity Express!
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