The Footpath - chapter two

Arlene was lost in her own little world – a world of tranquility and sunshine. Reminiscing about her childhood as she drove she relived her carefree days on the farm. She had to get up at sunrise and would put in a full day’s work but the satisfaction of accomplishment at day’s end was immensely gratifying. In her mind she was much closer to God on the farm than she was in the suburbs. Was she closer to Him because she depended upon Him more or was it because she didn’t have as many responsibilities? Perhaps, she thought, responsibilities steal our dependence on God.

She remembered the first time she was allowed to ride on the tractor with her dad. She felt so grown up, even though she was only seven years old. It was a bumpy, jostling ride to the field. When they arrived her dad had stopped the tractor giving her time to take in the beauty of everything around them. She had never seen a field like this one. It seemed to stretch into the horizon.

“Whatcha thinkin’ ‘bout?” her dad had asked.

“Dad, it’s beautiful” she replied. “I love the flowers growing here.” “Did you plant them?”

“Nope they’re just flowers that come up wild.” “But take a good look ‘cause they won’t be here for long.”

“Why do you say that?”

“This field needs to be plowed. It means the flowers will be destroyed by the plow. We hafta git this field ready for plantin’. When you plant a new crop everythin’ in the field has to go. You ready?”

“I guess so.” She wasn’t really sure what was going to happen but she was with her dad and that seemed to make everything okay.

The plow was lowered and the tractor began groaning as it pulled its weight through stubborn soil. She thought about his words every time new furrows were plowed. “When you plant a new crop everythin’ in the field has to go.” Her dad was right. Everything did have to go. The plow had no mercy on the field. She glanced across the field. The plow had done its job. The wild flowers were gone. All that was left was freshly turned earth. She like the smell but felt sad for the flowers.

They were a church going family and her dad took opportunities like this to help his children become better acquainted with the Bible. Her dad kept one eye on the plow as he shared what he called ‘God things.”

“Did you know the Bible has a lot to say ‘bout farmin’?” he asked. He didn’t wait for an answer. “Everthin’ you see out here was started by God. Fact is, God loves farmin’ so much He started His work right on a farm. It’s a fact!”

Arlene’s eyes grew wide. She had never heard anything like this before. She felt an out of the ordinary excitement and curiosity. She waited with anticipation for the next revelation from her dad.

“The Bible tells us God made man from the dust of the ground then put the breath of life in him. While Adam watched, God planted a garden with trees of ev’ry kind an’ put a river right through it’s middle and then put Adam there – tol’ him to take care of th’ land.”

She could hear the pleasure increasing in his voice. Dad loved talking about the Bible with his kids.

The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the tractor suddenly lurched as the plow jumped out of the ground. Arlene, who had been sitting on the rear fender was thrown from the tractor and slammed to the ground. Everything went black…

The Footpath - chapter one

“Finally here!” That was the thought in their minds when they awakened. They hoped the weatherman’s prediction was accurate – sunny and warm with a 10% chance of precipitation. What a beautiful day to begin their journey.

They had packed the night before in order to get an early start in the morning. The alarm had gone off at precisely 5:30 a.m. Breakfast was hurried because of the mounting excitement. They were out the door by 6:30 a.m. traveling by car to their drop off point. This was going to be the trip of a lifetime.

“They” were a father and two sons. The father, David, was an experienced hiker. Of the two sons, Josh was the oldest and Edward the youngest. This would be their first long hike together and they looked forward to the adventure.

David’s wife, Arlene, had grudgingly agreed to drop her “three boys” off. She was not an early riser and couldn’t understand their excitement. “It must be one of those weird male things,” she thought to herself. She wondered why they could be so eager to get up at 5:30 a.m. to take a long walk and be so unenthusiastic when it came to cleaning the basement.

The car left the highway and began its meandering journey down a country road. The speed of the car now greatly reduced only caused the anxiety of the three males to build. They began to complain about her lack of speed when suddenly a speeding pickup truck rounded a blind corner nearly colliding with their vehicle. Arlene was quite shaken by the near collision and had to stop the car and take a couple of minutes to put herself back together. “I never have liked these dirt roads,” she spouted. “You can’t see far enough ahead to avoid what’s hurtling toward you.”

The speed of their travel slowed significantly but no one complained. That was one near miss which was too close for comfort. Besides the slow speed gave David and his two sons a chance to begin noticing some of the peculiar beauty of the open fields and wooded acreage they would soon call home. Their excitement had dropped to a manageable level which seemed to bring peace to Arlene.

Arlene had not liked the idea of this trip from the beginning. What she had experienced early in her life had continued to haunt her to this very day. Dave didn’t bring it up very often because it always seemed to upset her. Josh and Edward didn’t even know about it. When David had first talked with her about this trip she was absolute in her stance – David would never take her sons on this kind of trip. David’s argument had been this kind of trip would give Josh and Edward a life experience which would help them to more fully understand and appreciate what Jesus had said so many years ago. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) The words “narrow” and “small” had a disturbing impact in her life. She was sure these words disturbed other people too. Would she ever be free of the feelings which wouldn’t die?

Her thoughts retraced those terrible days she had experienced years ago. Why couldn’t she let them go? What gave them so much power over her? She was so overcome by these thoughts she never heard David’s warning…

The Ethics of Big Business

I have a friend who attended a recent auto union gathering.  The members were assembled to vote on a new agreement with General Motors (actually Big Government Motors).  There were concessions they would have to make if they were going to keep their jobs.  I understand voting to lose benefits for yourself.  Jobs are scarce and everyone has to make adjustments.  What I don't understand or agree with is Joe Union Worker voting to eliminate the benefits of workers who have retired.  Retired workers were promised certain benefits.  Now they no longer exist.  I guess union workers really don't care about former union people.  The attitude seems to be "kick 'em to the curb."

What I am really miffed about is healthy workers eliminating court ordered payments from GM to workers who were injured on the job.  Because of the lackadaisical attitude of management and a failure to follow safety procedures my friend was hit by a forktruck.  GM was declared to be at fault by a judge and ordered to pay $$$$ every month to this injured worker.  The responsibility of GM to continue to pay workers injured on their watch has been overturned by a union vote.  My anger is boiling because at the urging of union leadership fellow union members have voted to override a judgement in a court of law.  How can this be legal?  In fact, how can this be moral or ethical?  When will we begin to look at things from the other person's point of view as well as our own BEFORE we make a final decision?  One day those who made this awful decision will likely be "kicked to the curb" by others.  After all some principles never die.  Among those is this one "we reap what we sow."

Unite - Are You Kidding?

This is not original with me.  I received it in an e-mail.  The author is not identified.  I share the ideas presented here and wanted to share it with you.

I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and  Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama.  Well, I want to  make it clear to all who will listen that I AM NOT uniting behind Obama! 

I will always respect the Office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his developing abilities as an orator and wordsmith, But that is it. 

I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure that he is a one-term President! 

Why am I doing this? 

It is because I do not share Obama's vision for America;

I do not share his Abortion beliefs;

I do not  share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth;

I do not  share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the  ceiling has been changed three times since August...I think it started at $250,000); 

I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%; 

I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;

I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);

I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America;

I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East, and certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran. 

Bottom line, my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my God to do what is Right! 

For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs! 

They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs or their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country! 

They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant! 

They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years; they have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country! 

They have made every effort to remove the name of God or Jesus Christ from our Society! 

 They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and the most basic principles of our criminal code; they have attacked one of the most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of  free speech! 

Unite behind Obama? 

Not today. 

I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are sheep being led to slaughter, or at least to the kool-aid fountain!   

PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during his Presidency and I am not sure how history will judge him. 

However, I believe that he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!! 

Majority rules in America , and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight to be a voice in opposition to Obama and "his goals for America ." 

I am going to be a thorn in the side of those  who, if left unchecked, will destroy our Country!!  Any more compromise is  more defeat! 

I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist, anti-God crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America ! 

"Error of Opinion may be tolerated where Reason is left free 
to combat it."  (Thomas Jefferson) 

God bless you and God bless our Country!!! 

And It Came To Pass

And it came to pass on a delightfully bright and sunny spring day President Obama decided to get into the auto making business.  I am so glad this happened after he appeared on Jay Leno - at least that helped prepare us for the hilarity of his comedic role as the leader of the ever weakening country he has been chosen to lead.

Does he really think he has the answers for fiscal responsibility in the private sector of business when he can't keep his own political house in order?  I have never seen the government get involved in anything and improve it.  Once the government's hands are pulling the reins ruin and disaster soon follow.  

I am most agitated about the fact that ordinary citizens have no recourse.  We are supposed to smile and take it on the chin (or worse).  GM and Chrysler have both taken billions of our taxpayer dollars.  Their appetite for this money is insatiable.  But FORD hasn't taken a dime.  How is it possible one of the big three is remaining solvent while the other two are bankrupt?  

I have devised my own strategy for dealing with this problem.  If enough Americans would do this I believe it would make a difference.  I have decided not to do business with any corporation which has taken bail out money.  I will bank at a localized bank not a international one.  I will buy my next vehicle from Ford.  I will do everything I can to make sure I am supporting United States businesses.  Go ahead and scream about protectionism.  I don't really care.  There comes a time when we need to get our own house in order.  We don't need to spread our wealth to other parts of the world when our own citizens are begging for jobs.  Its time to stand up and support our own.  Its also time to send a clear message to the professional politicians that we will no longer put up with their double speak, lies and dishonesty.  Its make or break time for the United States.  I choose to put my energy toward the make side of the ledger.  I hope you will too.  

United States Depends on...

Talk Radio reports "Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) held a photo opportunity today with Congressman Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee and Dan Mote, President of Maryland University.

Speaker Pelosi said that funding from the recovery package to assist science and innovation was “already making a difference.” She said, “It’s a recognition that our country depends on education, on science and technology, and our recovery package reflects that.”

Congressman Gordon said, “There approximately six and half billion people in the world and of those who are working about half of those make less than $2 a day.” He hoped that money invested into science and research would ensure that future generations have a better standard of living."

This is precisely what is wrong with the current leanings of the leadership in the United States. Speaker Pelosi's insistence "that our country depends on education, on siciene nad technology..." is true but is also dangerous.  I have a penny in my hand.  It may be worth more melted down than it is as currency right now.  The overarching message on the penny is not about science or education or technology.  It isn't about the greatness of Abrahm Lincoln whose likeness graces the front of this coin.  The overarching message at the top of the coin is "In God We Trust."  While Speaker Pelosi rattles the empty cans of trust and dependence on education and science she is blatantly silent about "Trust In God."  

I am not saying or even implying education, science and technology are not important - they are. But overemphasizing their importance and ignoring the motto of the country is, in my mind, very close to treason.  Of course I have been known to overstate the obvious.  Let me make a stab at understating it.  Speaker Pelosi is leading by example.  The question is where is she taking us.  If the destination is a return to the original ideas which led us down the road to becoming the greatest nation in the world I will willingly and gladly follow.  But if the path leads closer to socialism or communism; if the road leads into the wilderness of servitude and want I will continue to write and live in opposition.

By the way Congressman Gordan, deporting our manufacturing jobs to third world countries has made us poorer and other nations richer.  If this hasn't helped stem the tide of poverty in some areas of the world why did we adopt the plan?  Other nations will not be helped by spreading the wealth.  Our financial base is like water in a glass.  Spill the water on the counter and it loses its depth.  Socialism has already proven non-effective.  Why are you pointing us in the direction of failure?

Socialist Leanings Continue

President Obama recently appointed the Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, as the Director of Health and Human Services.  Kathleen is a woman whose leanings toward Socialism are as blatant as those of the President.  She attempted to force legislation which would have created mandatory public funded health care in Kansas.  Fortunately the State Legislature was a little more sensible. So, instead of diversity in the President's cabinet we are getting more of the same. And it bothers me.  It bothers me because the guidebook of my life, the Bible, advises care in the selection of friends and counselors.  All of us tend to become like those with whom we associate. In my opinion the United States has been placed on a slippery slope sliding toward disaster.  The United States, instead of being a power to be reckoned with, is becoming a power to be ignored.  Like a school bully we can threaten a severe beating based on past victories but we really don't have the power (or is it "the will") to follow through.  We are no longer a leader we have become a follower - a follower of failed Soviet bloc and European attempts to govern with mandatory sharing of reduced resources.  

Such thoughts were whirring through my mind today when I began reading the Bible.  I have been wondering if there is any answer.  I asked at one point in my musings "is God delivering us into captivity or is Satan destroying us?"  If I could make a choice between the two I would choose the first.  However, when I began reading today I read something which gave me hope and I just had to share it.

"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.  I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.'" And God said to me, "focus on who I am."  It is easy for me to forget the greatness and almighty, everlasting power of God when I see the direction we are being forced to take because of the decisions of politicians who have little love for this country.  "Focus on who God is."  When I do focus on Him the enormity of the problems desolve.  

"Surely I have a delightful inheritance."  Focus on a future the present cannot destroy.  Do what you can to right the wrongs and direct others to the right path - but remember you have to leave this place to reach the next.  So don't lose sleep over unrighteous people who make unrighteous decisions which lead people down an unrighteous road.  You should expect nothing else from them.  "Surely I have a delightful inheritance."

"I will praise the Lord who counsels me..."  I don't take my orders from politicians.  They may succeed in pushing the country in the wrong direction but they will not push me in that direction as long as I allow the Lord to counsel me.  Focus on the directions of the Lord.  "I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure..."  Wow!  Thank you Father! Just what I need when I need it - that's what He continues to supply.  Live what you know is right.  Depend on the direction the Lord provides.  Trust in the care of the Father.  Now ask yourself - what do I have to fear?