EATING HEALTHY; FEELING GOOD - WEEK 4

It will be FOUR WEEKS tomorrow since I began a new life style. It CAN be done!!!! It is all a matter of making up your mind, discipline and saying NO. Simple? Yes. Easy? NO. Last week I was only able to exercise 4 days, but that is an improvement over 0 days. I fixed food for my granddaughters that was not on my restricted food plan; I resisted the urge to taste or let down for just one day. YEAHHHH!!!!

Because it is a life style change rather than a diet, we have scheduled in certain favorite foods. Super Bowl Sunday is one of those scheduled days. The favorite food, Pizza. Not a low calorie pizza, oh no, the real thing. A pizza dripping with cheese, ground beef, bacon, green pepper, onion and pineapple. I intend to enjoy every bite I take with no guilt. During my many years of “dieting” I have found it is unrealistic to completely eliminate those things during the weight loss phase which you know will be the first things you go back to the minute you reach your goal. Part of discipline is understanding that these foods may be enjoyed once in awhile in moderation. So for the month of February this is the scheduled food.

Here is a great recipe for a cold, blustery day. It can be made the day before or frozen for another meal. It is easy, nutritious and comforting. So get cookin’ and enjoy.

SUSAN’S SUPER BOWL CHILI

1 lb 96% lean ground beef (Very important it is 96/4, a higher fat content will increase calories)
1 30 oz. Can Brooke’s Hot or Mild Chili Beans
1 10 ¾ oz Can Campbell’s Tomato Soup
1 14 ½ oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
5 Cups or 40 oz. Water

Chili powder, salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and diced onion, until ground beef is no longer pink. In a large pot combine cooked onion and beef mixture with remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of FF cheddar cheese and 6 saltines for 1 bread serving.

Total recipe 1765 calories 32 WW points
Per 1 cup 196 calories 3.5 WW points
6 Saltines 70 calories 2 WW points
1 Tblsp FF Cheese 20 calories 0 WW points

One month behind me, a lifetime to live.

GET RID OF THE "BLANKEE"

Mackenzie and Madison spent the weekend with Grandpa and Grandma. We played, we pretended, had a snowball fight, and ate popcorn and ice cream. I don’t know about them, but I am exhausted and ready to do it all over again soon. As usual I learn so many things from my two granddaughters, including lessons in life that God has been trying to teach me.

Madison carried 3 little dolls with her to bed, to church, to the table, in the car; wherever she went. Mackenzie was never without Mickey and Minnie. It is comforting to have these stuffed “friends” with them at all times. It is okay because they are 1 ½ and 3 ½. Eventually they will outgrow these items just as they did pacifiers and bottles. I doubt very much if Mickey, Minnie, Sara Lynn, Sonja Lee and Eddie will be carried down the aisle during their graduation ceremony or be the attendants at their weddings.

Many of us have our own version of comforting items that we just cannot let go of for any reason. They jump on our backs when we go shopping, have dinner with friends or go to Sunday Service. They cuddle in our arms as we fall asleep. Sometimes they even wrap themselves around our ankles when we least expect them to appear. The Bible calls them weights and sins.

Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

The key words in this passage of scripture are not weight and sin, they are lay aside. The weights and sins just seem to occur naturally. It is the “laying aside” that sometimes seems impossible. Many times I have prayed, “Lord take this sin or that weight away from me,” but I was not willing to lay it aside. I have learned that one of the most important words in the English language is NO. Sin will always be present and ready without notice to provide a temptation. There will always be a weight attaching itself around our neck if we are not on guard. The key is to say NO; lay it aside; turn away. Is it really that simple? Simple, yes; easy, no!!!

James 4:7 provides another clue on letting go of our comforting weights and sins.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

This verse contains two key principles. First you submit to God, and then resist the devil. In both verses we must be an active participant in ridding ourselves of those things which would weigh us down. It is time to get rid of the “blankee.” We must LAY ASIDE, SUBMIT TO GOD and RESIST THE DEVIL. After that, we will be able to rid ourselves of Satan’s control and free ourselves from anything that would prevent us from enjoying all that God has for us.

LONG DISTANCE GRANDMA

Tomorrow morning I will rise early, check my list of things to pack, juice, sip cups, non-messy snacks, and special cds, then set off on a 3 hour journey to pick up my 2 very special weekend guests. Mackenzie and Madison are coming to spend the weekend with Grandpa & Grandma. We have great plans for the next two days. They include exciting things like sledding down hills, snowball fights, hot chocolate and cookies. In the evening we will play Candy land and catch with fuzzy balls, watch animated videos, eat popcorn and ice cream. We can put away the salad and health foods because at Grandma’s house you get macaroni & cheese, pizza, chips and grilled cheese. We will take lots of pictures and send some home for the memory books. Hopefully they will look at them and beg to come back in a few weeks.

I am a long-distance Grandma. It is the hardest thing in the world to live 6 hours away from the 2 most precious little girls in the whole world. Every time I see a new picture or hear their voice on the phone I want to jump in the car and bring them back. This trip started with a phone call in which a little 3-1/2 year old voice said, “Gramma, I need to come for a little visit.” Well who could resist that request? Then of course Madison has to give her usual Hi and Bye. The result, Grandma is on her knees praying for good weather on Friday.

I am so thankful that I am also an across-the-street Grandma. Caleb spends every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with me. We play peek-a-boo, stack blocks and share pieces of mashed banana. I treasure every time he nestles in my arms, sleepily listening to me sing or when he throws his head back and giggles because Grandma is pretending to nibble his ear. I know it won’t be long until all three think I’m out of touch. It will be too embarrassing to give Grandma a kiss goodbye and playing cars with Grandpa will no longer be cool.

So I’m trying to create all the memories now that will permanently imprint themselves on little brains; memories of unconditional love, lots of hugs, tasty treats and exciting times. Then when the time comes that they are so busy with growing up and going to Grandma’s is lame, a tiny bit of nostalgia will call, a memory will pop up when least expected and a yearning to snuggle between Grandpa and Grandma with a big bowl of popcorn will overwhelm them.

There’s no need to ask if a 6 hour round trip Friday and again on Sunday is worth it. We’ve got memories to make!!!

LIVIN' WITHOUT DISSIN'

One of the buzz words in today’s youth culture is “Dis” as in she dissed (disrespected) me. Many fights have erupted because one individual felt they had been dishonored by another. We all want to be respected and treated with honor. Hurt feelings, grudges and deep wounds occur because we don’t receive the respect we feel we deserve. If we are honest with ourselves most of the times we are “dissed”, we have failed to show respect to someone else.

I am currently reading Honor’s Reward by John Bevere. He states we are commanded to honor others, not because it is deserved but because it is honoring God. According to the dictionary, Honor is high respect for the worth of something or someone; deference, reverence or homage. The opposite is Dishonor, which means to treat in a disrespectful or demeaning manner; to bring shame or disgrace.

In the world we seldom see “everyday respect” for other people. Men no longer hold doors for ladies, children no longer stand so their elders may sit, our civil authorities are referred to as “pigs”, teachers are disobeyed and showered with profanity and even our church leaders have become the butt of distasteful jokes on late night talk shows. We are a nation of disrespect and dishonor.

Children learn to honor others by the way we show honor, even when it is not deserved. If Dad is constantly berating Mom and Mom ridicules Dad at every turn, children began to believe that neither parent is worthy of honor. Most television shows, especially “sitcoms” portray Dad as a bumbling idiot and Mom going her own way without regard for dad or the children. Disrespectful behavior is constantly reinforced.

Parents consistently take sides against teachers and pastors. Children began to believe that no one has a right to point out that they could possibly be wrong, let alone correct their mistakes. This belief is passed on through generations, until we raise up a group of people that have no regard for any authority. It moves up the ladder, even reaching the President of the United States. If he is not of your political party, he is referred to disdainfully as "Bill" or "George." The Bible says that God bestows authority. Even when the person dishonors the authority bestowed upon him we have no excuse to show disrespect. When our children observe us showing honor and respect to those who deserve it the least, they will once again learn to respect and honor those in their world.

When did it begin? Where did it all start? I feel it all began when we stopped honoring and fearing God. He is now referred to as “the man upstairs” or “JC” or even worse, “my homie.” When we once again refer to God as My Savior and The Almighty God; if we ever fall on our knees and cry “Holy, Holy, Holy; when we finally make Him the center of our lives, we will begin to honor others as God has commanded.

If you have "dissed" the people God has put in authority over you or the people who may be under you, make a decision today to go out of your way to honor everyone you meet with a smile, a kind word or a helping hand. Remember you are doing it as unto the Lord. If you continue this practice, it will become a habit and you will find yourself “LIVIN’ WITHOUT DISSIN”.

STILL ON TRACK - WEEK 3

I MADE IT!!!! 3 weeks of eating healthy and exercising. Usually by this time, something has come up to break my resolve. Making sure that Steve is eating healthy and exercising along with me is helping tremendously. We’ve started putting the allotted portions on our plate with only salad and green beans served free style. So far neither one of us has overdosed on vegetables. Meals are really much more enjoyable when you are hungry and it’s great to not feel totally stuffed.

My recipes for the week are some of my favorite healthy snacks.

Vegetables and Dip

Dip Recipe (Provides low-fat, low calorie protein)
16 oz carton Cottage cheese, low fat or non-fat
½ envelope of dry non-fat Ranch Dressing Mix

Spoon ingredients into food processor, process until smooth.
Serve with assorted raw vegetables.

Celery with non-fat cream cheese

Yogurt-Gelatin Dessert

1 pkg of your favorite flavor sugar-free Jello
1 6 -8 oz carton of complimentary flavor of nonfat, diet yogurt (no more than 100 cal)

Mix Jello according to package directions. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Gelatin will still be runny. Wisk in yogurt until smooth. Chill at least 1 hour longer or until Gelatin is completely set. Serve with a tblsp. of Cool Whip. ( Entire recipe without cool whip equals 100-140 calories depending on yogurt used. I usually divide it into about 3 servings)

100 calorie mini bags of microwave popcorn (You get the whole bag by yourself)

25 calorie Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate (a wonderful mid-afternoon treat, once Caleb is asleep or something to warm you up before bedtime)

I mix one envelope into the biggest mug of steaming water I can find, then add a dollop of cool whip for extra richness and creaminess.

I now begin my 4th week. I’ll have a new report next week.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HE ALREADY HAS!!!

Most of us have events occur in our life that we can never forget. They make such an impact that just closing our eyes for a moment takes us back to the time, day, and location, Another moment and the feelings come rushing over us every bit as real as the day of the event. If you are old enough you can remember the JFK assassination, the explosion of the Challenger, the day Elvis died and of course 9/11. A day I will never forget was the day God changed my life. I repented, was baptized, and received the Holy Ghost on October 9, 1966. It was 41 years ago on my 9th birthday. I can still remember the little prayer room in the church on Kilburn Avenue, Rockford, IL. I will never forget the lightness I experienced knowing my sins were gone. And you cannot know real joy until you experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Since that day, I have wanted to serve God. Although, I have not been perfect, I was always aware of God’s hand leading and guiding my life. In recent years, I have felt this deep yearning to be a real servant of God. I want to lead someone to experience the joy that I have found in a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Many times I have prayed that God would open doors, make me sensitive to others and help me to recognize opportunities. In the past year, God has put me in many situations to minister to someone through prayer, an encouraging word or email and even helping them find the aisle the groceries were located.

Did those things really make a difference in their lives? Did anyone go home and think about the kind, helpful woman at the grocery store? I begged God to please let me know, if I was really making a difference. I have finally heard what God has been trying to teach me for the last few years. YOU DON’T NEED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, I ALREADY HAVE!!!! I have stopped asking God for results and rewards, it is enough that He trusts me enough to minister to one of His precious creation.

An excerpt from a compilation of Mother Theresa’s writings by Brian Kolodiejchuk puts the whole thing into perspective. Mother Theresa had finished her final vows to become a nun. She had made a private vow to Jesus to “never refuse to do anything He asked of her.” God told her to go to Calcutta and work with the poorest of the poor. He also instructed her to lay aside the traditional nun’s habit signifying her chosen vocation and don the simple linen dress and sari of the lower caste Indian woman. This may seem like such an insignificant action. Does God really care whether we have on a suit and tie or working man’s shirt? No, what he does care about is that His Glory shines brightly as we fade into the background. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As we decrease, God will do mighty and wondrous works through us.

AMERICAN POLITICS PART III

Today is the Michigan Primary. I will vote this evening for a Republican. For the first time during Primary season I am not excited or energized by any of the candidates. Most of their speeches start out in an upbeat fashion and I find myself pausing to consider, this may be the one. As the speech progresses, however, the “laundry list” is unfolded and once again all the candidates meld into one big “Sugar Daddy.” Now I believe that any Republican Candidate is better than the best Democrat because they have to hold to the Republican Platform on moral issues. When the laundry list comes out, however, the Republican list just happens to be a little smaller.

America has become a nation of wide–mouthed babies crying “Feed me, NOW!!!” The poll-savvy candidates pick up on this immediately and the laundry list grows longer. One candidate even had the audacity in a campaign ad to portray the list as beautifully wrapped Christmas presents. The usual gifts of universal health care and a clean environment were under the tree, but the one that set me back was Universal Pre-K. I sent one of my sons to preschool, on my dime, the other one was unable to attend. I found no difference in their education, ability to learn or progress in school. I think this is a veiled attempt to secure Universal Daycare which allows the government to have more say in the way we raise our children. If this is the road America is on, I would like to put in a couple of requests. Today we have about 3 inches of snow, I feel for all northern states there should be Universal Snow Shoveling. My dishes need to be washed and the dog shed on the carpet, I have a right to Universal House Cleaning. Why stop now, give me Universal Prepared Meals and Universal Clean Laundry.

We have also become a nation of victims. In the New Hampshire Primary, a candidate said something had to be done about Predatory student loan companies. I agree!!!! Why should my kids have to pay back student loans? I know we signed a promissory note, but they preyed on our emotional desire that our kids go to college and our lack of funds. After all, why should my kids get a job to help pay for their education? This could cause irreversible stress and anxiety problems. How dare Mastercard/Visa allow me to run up $40,000 in credit card debt. They should have realized I couldn’t afford all those things I just had to have right now. Why should I have to save my money and wait until I can pay cash? By then it won’t be the latest craze. Gas is too expensive to fill up my Hummer, Medicare rates are increasing, and I can hardly afford to eat and at the same time pay for my cell phone. Why should I have to choose?

Many candidates like to compare themselves to Ronald Reagan or John F. Kennedy. I still enjoy the inspirational speeches we heard from Reagan. He told us “we will have opportunities beyond anything we’ve ever known:” that we are a “Shining City on a Hill” and of course, “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear down that Wall.” It was also Reagan who said, “A baby is an alimentary canal with a loud voice at one end and no responsibility at the other” and “Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.” Perhaps he had a vision of America in 2008. Although I am not a fan of Kennedy, who can forget the line, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Give me a candidate once again that believes in all the things that made America great. One that takes us back to the pioneering spirit of our founders and the values of hard work, personal responsibility and independence. If one exists and ever runs for office, I will run to the polls; I will fight the huge lines that will form, waiting for their chance to cast a vote.

I would like to end with another great quote by Ronald Reagan:

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

THE PREACHER AND A 9 YEAR OLD BOY

Have you ever wondered why you were born in a certain year, in a particular town, into a specific family? Was it chance brought on by a night of intimacy or was it be divine appointment? Have you ever thought that you may have been born for Such a Time as This?
God has a definite appointment and a definite plan for every person. Most of us will miss the appointment and not fulfill the plan because we follow a path of our own choosing instead of the divinely chosen path that would lead us to our destiny.

Many times we question events that occur, people we meet, or the career paths we follow. Could it be that God has set all these things in motion from the foundation of the earth to bring you to Such a Time as This?

Esther had no way of knowing when she along with all her people was taken into captivity, the impact she would have on a whole nation and empire. She could never have predicted that her story would still be told, written about, and celebrated thousands of years later. If she had not been obedient to the divine appointment in her life, she would have died; just another Jewish captive. Instead, knowing the risk she was taking, that it could possibly even cost her own life, she stepped into her destiny and saved a nation.

AS TOLD BY STEVE WILLOUGHBY, MISSIONARY TO SINGAPORE.
There is a story of a small Chinese boy and a Pentecostal preacher who kept a divine appointment of prayer for 30 years. It seems that the preacher was at a funeral in Texas when God gave him a vision of a little freckled face girl with a long black braid and a smiling Chinese boy standing in a one-room school house in Texas. Riding along with the undertaker on his way to the cemetery, the undertaker pointed out a one-room school house where the deceased had attended school. The minister asked, “Did the deceased have freckles and a long black braid when she was a little girl?” “Why, yes” the undertaker exclaimed, “how did you know?” The minister replied, “I just knew.” At that moment God confirmed to him that if the vision of the little girl was reality, then somewhere across the ocean was a little 9 year old Chinese boy that he needed to pray for. The minister began to pray that God would keep His Hand upon the small boy; that He would raise him up to be a great man of God and preach the gospel to his people. The minister became so obsessed with the vision that 5 years later he bought a ticket to China and walked the streets searching for the face in the sea of 9 year old faces, but to no avail. He continued to pray and ask God to please complete the vision, to let him know where the little boy was and what he had become. Thirty years later, sitting in a restaurant in Louisiana, the preacher told his story to assembled guests. A Pentecostal Chinese immigrant leaned over to one of the dinners and asked, “Could he be talking about Bro. Tan?” He got on the phone to Singapore and asked Bro. Tan’s wife to email him a picture of her husband when he was 9 years old. Including the picture of a smiling 9 year old Bro. Tan in a collage of other 9 year old Chinese boys, the old preacher was asked to see if his Chinese boy could possibly be one of those portrayed on the computer screen. The preacher began to weep and say that’s him, that’s my little Chinese boy, as he pointed to Bro. Tan.

It seems that Bro. Tan was born into a Buddhist Taoist family. As a young man he began to date a Christian young lady. Her parents were very unhappy about the situation and asked the American Missionary to come and talk with the two young people. The young lady was very unreceptive and brushed off everything the missionary had to say. The young man, however, began to weep and ask questions. The following Sunday, he made his way to the missionary’s church and was filled with the Holy Ghost. Since then, Bro. Tan has become the first appointed missionary to China from the Singapore church and has won thousands of people to the Lord. What if a preacher had brushed off an unlikely vision of a 9 year old Chinese boy standing in a one room Texas schoolhouse? What if he had become tired of praying after 1, 5 or 10 years? Because the divine appointment was kept, thousands of people have come to know the Lord in the Power of the Holy Ghost.

We all have a divine appointment. We are not living in a specific town on January 14, 2008 by chance. If you aren’t sure what appointment you are supposed to keep, ask God to show you. Perhaps you felt a tug at your heart, heard the call or had visions of what you could accomplish for God many years ago. You may have been a child or a young person. As time passed and nothing seemed to be happening, other things began to take priority, but you’ve never been able to quiet that gentle reminder of long ago. It isn’t too late. The plan hasn’t been scrapped or the appointment missed. It has just been waiting for you to finally say YES to God.

Don’t be afraid to step into your destiny no matter the cost; the reward will be far greater. Who knows but in Such a Time as This you could change the world, affect your city or win your neighbor down the street.

NEW LIFE STYLE-WEEK 2

I have to confess I haven’t been perfect on writing the date. Yes, last week I wrote 2007 on the check and sealed the envelope. I’m sure the electric company will still get their money. The new eating and exercise plan are going surprisingly well. It is amazing what can happen when you get the right mindset. When I really get in the groove, I can never understand what has been so hard about eating healthy and exercising regularly. Today we went to the Olive Garden. While it isn’t the best place for the health-conscious, I ordered what I wanted, left off the breadsticks, complimentary chocolate mint, and took half the meal home. SUCCESS!!!

Another first for me, changing my relationship with the scale. After analyzing all my reasons for changing my life style, I realized that only one had anything to do with the scale. Therefore, I have decided not to weigh in before starting my new plan. I will weigh on the last day of every month and put the scale back in its place until the next month has passed. Have I lost weight? I hope so. My clothes fit better, I don’t feel overloaded constantly, I am actually hungry at meal times, I am able to add minutes every couple of days to my exercise routine and best of all daily doses of antacids have went to few and far between.

Here is a recipe that I found very tasty this week.

GROUND BEEF VEGETABLE STROGANOFF

1 lb. extra lean ground beef (90/10 or 94/6)
1 can Campbell’s condensed vegetable soup
1 can Campbell’s condensed 98% FF cream of mushroom soup
½ cup FF beef broth

Brown ground beef, drain. Stir in vegetable soup, cream of mushroom soup and beef broth.
Simmer 5 minutes.

Serving size: ½ cup beef over ½ cup brown rice
Add a large garden salad w/ff dressing, your choice of steamed vegetables and you’ve got a meal.

New update next week

AMERICAN POLITICS PART II

The political roller coaster continues. We’ve had another rousing debate in South Carolina in which Fred Thompson resuscitated (to revive from apparent death or unconsciousness) his campaign, the usual sniping went on at Huckabee and Romney and Ron Paul managed to insert his “I can’t believe he actually said that” rhetoric. Huckabee was in Saginaw County yesterday and made the front page of the newspaper. A small write up on Romney was included below the fold and McCain received an even smaller article on page 2.

I’m not ready to endorse anyone yet, but remove McCain (too smug and condescending), Guliani (character issues, not strong pro-life) and of course Ron Paul (too looney tooney).

As promised here is my struggle in coming to terms with the death penalty. I believe we are all made in the image of God, that life is precious and unless you are defending yourself, your family or country, the end of a life is God’s decision. There are many crimes that are so heinous that the perpetrator does not deserve to live. Though we have may have not committed a crime we are all fallen and deserve death. I am so thankful for Redemption. If there is redemption for me there can be redemption for anyone. Only God gets to decide who has gone so far they cannot be redeemed. Since I am not a sociologist or a theologian, the article below written by my son Steven to Father Jonathan at Fox News says what I feel much more eloquently.

Father Jonathan,
I enjoyed your article on capital punishment. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. As I read, a few thoughts of my own came to mind, so I thought I would share. I hope you enjoy. (I will tell you as a disclaimer of sorts that I am an evangelical Christian minister. That may help you read my comments from the intended perspective.)

My observation is that we, as humans and especially as Christians, are a dichotomy of views. One set of views originates from our natural, sinful pull toward carnal fulfillment, and the other from the transformed, Spirit-enlightened understanding of the love of God toward man.

As this pertains to capital punishment, I find that the Christian world all too often mistakes carnal justice for God's justice, as well as our vengeance for God's. In the end, are we not taught that ultimate vengeance is God's alone? My carnal mind wants to dictate what is "deserved" by evil men and women and then see that sentence carried out. It seems that I conveniently forget that if not for the blood of Christ, my sense of"justice" would require a similar fate for myself. I'm reminded that by the grace of God and the blood of Christ, I do not receive what I deserve, but find mercy so that I may be restored to the place of God's purpose in my creation. Why would I desire anything less for another human being, perhaps no more or less sinful and deserving of punishment than myself? It seems a very dangerous road to travel when we begin assigning severity to sin in a spiritual sense, thereby justifying our own transgressions by contrast. I only see that road ending in a spiritual self-delusion of grandeur. Definitely not the mind of God.

When I prayerfully consider the issue of life, I find that God's love in me yearns for those who have transgressed, no matter the transgression, to find redemption so that they may not perish without God's gift of salvation. Of course, my carnal mind's demand for justice in the face of man's atrocities fights this most "unnatural" proclivity toward mercy and leaves me desperately asking God to reveal more of His nature in my life.

While I fully believe that man's justice should be carried out upon those who break the law, I find myself wondering why I would want anyone to die, especially if it means that in the process they lose the gift that God desires for each of us. That gift is His incredible offer of salvation and restoration.In conclusion, I'm left with a single question regarding all of life'sissues: Why do many Christians feel that they have the right and freedom to compartmentalize life into any areas where the will of God is not considered, nor is it welcomed?

I believe that Christians of all denominations are similar in this way...many are committed to their relationship with God and want to consider Him in all aspects of life, and many only want a convenient relationship with an impersonal and unmeddling deity. If the people of God truly want to change the world and see the will of God done on Earth as it is in Heaven, then I believe we must begin to consider God's will and His Word in every aspect of our lives and our philosophies. We must put down the insistence of our carnal mind to run the show, and be transformed by the Spirit (Romans12:2). As far as I understand in my limited enlightenment, hatred and anger toward the unenlightened is not part of God's transformation of the human soul. For the Christian, there should be no belief established or action committed that is not somehow affected by the presence of God in our life.

Although I have strong political views, I am not an activist. My humanity supports capital punishment for reasons of deterrence and retribution, but as I have shared, this seems to be greatly at odds with my relationship with God and the love that He has placed within me. As such, I desire greatly toturn over every aspect of my life to Him, knowing that my life and mind in His control is what is best.

Thanks for reading. Any comments you have would be very welcome. I truly enjoy your column.

God bless!
Steven D. Niswonger Associate Pastor
Redemption Ministries
http://www.redemptionsaginaw.org/

HOORAY FOR AMERICAN POLITICS

The political season is up on us. We’ve now been through a highly publicized caucus and primary and one little known caucus in Wyoming. The Michigan Primary is Tuesday. I have been very careful to not show support for any candidate to date because I did not want to influence or offend anyone reading my blog. I am a lifelong Republican and am still listening to each candidate’s case as to why they should be president. I still have 6 days to decide.
Although it isn’t a popular opinion, I have to confess, I love the political season. We even have Election Night parties with great food, moans, groans and cheers. My friends think I’m crazy, my family, thankfully, understand and share in my sentiments. I find it energizing and exhilarating. I enjoy every debate, both Republican and Democrat. I even enjoy the ads, the negativity and the thinly veiled barbs thrown at opponents. I sift through all the rhetoric, look at past records, but the true test of character is in the candidates’ response to the opponents “attacks” during both debates and advertising.

Now I will probably offend someone. I do not understand how a committed Christian can vote for a Democrat. As stated above, I vote Republican. I believe that the moral issues of life and marriage have to be considered over economic issues. I cannot trust an individual who does not value human life above all else with my money. It is very hard to believe a “man’s word” who thinks nothing of cheating on his wife and children. Finally, anyone who will not stand for marriage and against gay rights does not deserve my mark next to his name. Economically speaking, the best help for the poor and under-privileged is to provide a friendly atmosphere to corporations, thus creating better jobs and opportunities. I also take exception to anyone stealing my hard earned money to fund projects that do not benefit me. As a Christian, I generously give to worthwhile charities and do not consider the government to be one of them.

I have to admit, the Republican platform is not perfect. The two biggest issues I have a problem reconciling are gun control and the death penalty. Here are my feelings on gun control; I will discuss the death penalty in a separate posting. The official platform is against gun control, citing the 2nd amendment, The Right to Bear Arms. I am a big believe in all the civil rights we are guaranteed by the Constitution. I think, if you choose, you have a right to own a gun for hunting and protection. I am for registering, waiting periods, and back ground checks. I do not understand why anyone needs or should want an assault weapon. The argument states that gun controls do not prevent criminals from obtaining weapons. I agree, it is ridiculous to assume that anyone wanting to commit a crime would go through legal channels to obtain a gun. In my opinion the gun controls are to protect good people from doing stupid things.

Whether you agree with me or not, whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, please go vote. As a citizen of this great country, it is your right and your voice. If you don’t exercise your right to vote, don’t bother exercising your right to free speech, it has lost all credibility. We have enough actionless complainers.

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK

Today I am overwhelmed with life. I’m tired! I’m tired of living in mediocrity. I’m tired of clean clothes and nutritious meals being the highlight of my day. I’m tired of always smiling, always being the encourager, always caring if other people have what they need, are comfortable, sacrificing my needs and wishes for everyone else. I want to know if anyone even cares or notices the things I do for them.

I’m tired of wanting to accomplish something for God and never seeing any results. I’m tired of not knowing if there will be 5 people at church or 10. I’m tired of people who “can’t” make a commitment. I’m tired of lying awake at night with tears running down my face because there is a whole world that doesn’t know You and I don’t know how to reach them. I want to know if the few words to the man at the grocery store made a difference. I need to hear that going every Monday to the Rescue Mission helped to change a life. I want to know if anything we tried to do for You has affected anyone positively.

I’m tired of struggling with all my faults and failures. I want to have a victory that lasts more than a day. God, I need to see an open door, have a dream fulfilled, or a prayer answered. I know your Word says not to be weary in well doing and we will reap if we faint not. I haven’t fainted yet but I feel like I’m gasping for air.

As David said in Psalms 61,
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Today I’m clinging to the Rock whose ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine.

Isaiah 55:8
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

As I am writing I hear the music streaming from the CD player, “Yes, Jesus Loves me, Yes Jesus Loves me, Yes Jesus Loves me, The Bible tells me so. God is so faithful. Even in the midst of a pity party He lets me know He still loves me.

NEW YEAR'S GOALS

The Christmas trees are down and all the decorations packed away for the next 11 months. Five days into the New Year, I have written 2008 on checks without a correction and more impressive, I am 4 days into my new way of eating. Yes, like millions of people, my resolution was to eat healthier, exercise more and fit into the piles of clothes in my other closet. Many people refuse to make New Year’s Resolutions because they feel they will just be broken. In my opinion that is a cop-out. If you don’t want to go on a diet, don’t!! To me a resolution is the same as setting a goal for the coming year. I can guarantee if you never set a goal, you will never progress to a new level. If you never set a goal, you have no responsibility to take a step toward change and you will stay the same. So, call it New Year’s Goals!!!

I am asking all my faithful readers to be my accountability group. Every week, I am going to write a progress report, good or bad. If I find a good recipe I will share it and ask if you have any tips, leave a comment or email me at susan.niswonger@sbcglobal.net.

So, My first week has been good and here’s a new, simple recipe.

Susan’s Italian Chicken
4 thawed, skinless, boneless chicken breasts
½ cup Fat Free Italian Dressing
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Marinate for at least 2 hours in ½ cup fat free Italian Dressing. Take chicken out of marinade, leaving only what clings to chicken, Toss out remaining marinade
Place in a sprayed baking pan, sprinkle with seasoned bread crumbs
Bake uncovered at 400 for 30 minutes.

Here’s to a happier, healthier New Year.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Greg Mancina, Saginaw News columnist says good riddance to 2007 and that there is no way 2008 could get much worse than 2007. He cites the funding of the “failure” in Iraq, laments the toy recall due to lead, the looming mortgage crisis, the declining American dollar, steroid use by our sport’s heroes, a Harry Potter character’s outing, congressional bathroom scandals and how you could not find the one safe toy, the Nintendo Wii, on the shelf. The only bright moments during the year that made his list were the UFO sighting by Dennis Kucinich, O. J. Simpson back on trial, the Yankees not winning the World Series and the “Don’t Tase Me Bro” man at the John Kerry rally. How sad !!!

Mr. Mancina’s problem is that he is focusing on the half-empty aspect of events from 2007. Someone looking at the glass as half-full might mention that even the Democrats are finally admitting that the surge is working, 97% of American borrowers pay their mortgage payments on time every month, and companies care enough to issue recalls instead of cover-ups that would harm the younger population. Perhaps we can use the seamier side of life to teach our children that hitting a baseball does not make one a hero, even leaders make wrong choices that result in unpleasant consequences and there are much more important things in life than the latest video game craze.

In January 2007, I lost my job due to the sale of my company. I chose to look at this as an opportunity to spend more time with my family and volunteer at the local homeless shelter. In October my mother-in-law passed away. While we miss her greatly, we rejoice that she is no longer suffering and is at peace due to her faith in God. The Saturday before Christmas, my sister and brother-in-law were involved in what could have been a serious accident. Although the truck was totaled, we paused to give thanks that they escaped with only sore muscles and a few bruises. It is really all about how you choose to view events.

The Apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As I look back at 2007, I choose to be thankful for the many blessings and learn valuable lessons from the unpleasant events. Standing at the brink of 2008, I anticipate a year filled with success and failure, happiness and sorrow, always with the assurance that tomorrow the sun will still be shining and the flowers will eventually bloom.