This morning, like many days, I awoke early, with a pressing thought in my mind, you know the kind that you ask yourself why am I thinking about that, I really just want to sleep. But you soon realize that weather you want it to be or not, you your mind is actively pursuing this path and unless you do something to change its activity, it will continue. In any case you are not going back to sleep.
I have learned, not without hardship, that these strong impressions, not only occurring at waking but oft times throughout our waking lives as well, are not just subconscious activity somehow manifesting them self in my sleep or activity lulls. Believe me, as a collage graduate in research psychology, as one of my emphasis', I understand all the quasi-scientific theory behind R.E.M. and other mental sleep activity as well as subconscious thought. What I know, though, comes from years of personal experience, mistakes, examination and confirmation of truth. Though various trials, I have learned to pay attention to these impressions, to regard them as gifts, rather than odd occurrences or annoying sleep interruptions. Yes I have learned, and while I am still not perfect at exercising that knowledge, I have learned that focus on these impressions, pondering them, often results in needed perspective adjustment, clearer understanding of sometimes troubling circumstance, even guidance needed to overcome life's trials. Sometimes they are just Gods way of saying I know you needed a good laugh just now.
I rarely write about these impressions, in fact more often than not I do not even discuss them, but today I will make an exception. I did the other day in my election day post, although I did not refer to the impression, it did orient my perspective and set my thoughts that day. This morning's impression was of a totally different sort though. It was, in part, related to a dear friend, a past employee and coworker who I have the greatest respect for.
We live in turbulent times. Each of us have trials, burdens that we bear, failed relationships, lost jobs, physical and emotional trials/pains that can become dehabilitative; events that can cause us to question our own personal worth, and what our life is really about. Juan has suffered more than his fair share of these, but it is the test of character, the measure of a man as it were, that is found in how we approach and overcome life's trials. It is in the trials that we become strong, or not. It is in difficult times that we progress, we grow and find purpose, or simply allow ourselves to regress and despair.
This morning I woke thinking about Juan. I would like to share with you a story. One of Juan's trials. I am sure he will not mind. I am also sure I will not do it justice, but I hope in my feeble attempt you will, as I have, find meaning, purpose, and maybe even receive on some level an impression of your own that will add meaning to your day for having taken the time to read this. I have not saw Juan in seven years, since we both suffered, in our own ways, the trials of a corporation that we helped to build into a worldwide powerhouse, lose its luster and go the way of many that do not change to meet the needs of the times. Although I have not saw, him as we live thousands of mile a part, we have remained friends and I share in his sorrow of difficulty and in his joy of triumph as if it were my own.
Just for point of reference on Juan, he is a brilliant young (I use the term young liberally, hoping to somehow include myself in that realm) man. His studies have given him uncanny abilities in the field of computer artificial intelligence and modeling. His character has blessed him, after previous trial, with a beautiful wife and supportive companion. Juan loves the outdoors, the wonders of creation on this earth, he loves sports, friends, and fellowship, and respects life and all it has to offer.
Twenty one months ago, Juan who was actively building his life in this less than ideal economy, was taking a break from the rigors of work to enjoy with friends some exercise in a friendly game of flag football. In what was a normal friendly leisure activity with friends a freak accident occurred. He suffered a fall that blew out both knees, rendered him totally unable to walk and turned upside down his life. I will not go into all the gory details as I am sure I do not fully understand myself the multiple surgeries, the pain and mental distress of having not only to rely totally on others for your basic care, but having to relearn to even walk.
I followed Juan's recovery, from a distance with interest, knowing that he would, as has always has, overcome adversity, but I was not sure at what point he would accept that life is normal again given his new circumstance. I watched as he went from incapacitated to beginning therapy for atrophied muscles after months of necessary immobilization, from learning to stand and walk to, ten months after the accident, being able to ride a few minutes on a stationary bike. It was an amazing day when 11 months after his word was tuned upside down, Juan posted a picture of a jumbled mass of medical aids, walkers, crutches, supports, etc. that he was done with. Yes he was back on his feet, under his own power, moving on.
For many of us that would have been the end of an era, we would have considered it a success that we were able to once again provide for ourselves, we would have accepted that while we were mobile we would likely never do some of the things we had done before. In short, we would have settled, basking in our triumph over adversity.
I watch with interest when a month later Juan posted that he was returning to the gym, that he found that he could even jog a bit. A year after his surgery, he had full strength back and said he needed to step it up. He started biking, and I shared in his triumph as he made his first hikes. He was back! Nearly good as before and doing what he loved!
In October, of last year he celebrated his 3 year anniversary with his beautiful companion who became his caregiver and lifeline. Quite a trial in and of itself on a young marriage. I am sure, as I know them both, that they are stronger as a result.
In January of this year they celebrated his clearance from physical therapy with one hundred percent recovery. A few months later he was on top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. And in September he was up in one of my favorite places, and his too, Banff National Park in Canada, hiking trails that many of us would not attempt in our prime. Yes, Juan had not only recovered but reached new heights, literally.
It is a testament of courage, determination, and possibility. Proof that one can accomplish, in the face of absolute desperation, anything one has the will to achieve. I was so happy for him. For their family!
But that is not the end of the story. Last month, I received a note from Shannon via post to Juan's friends on Facebook that Juan was at it again. This time he was doing what most only think about in there mental explorations as they read about great climbers scaling the peaks of the world. Juan was on his way to Nepal. He was scaling some of the toughest terrain on the earth.
Yes, while many of us were bickering about upcoming election, commiserating about the economy and what is happening to our country, Juan was out fulfilling a dream. I watched and followed his progress via coordinates on goggle maps as Juan, who was totally incapacitated just 21 months ago, in a state that some would likely never had recovered from, scaled the Himalayas. I participated vicariously in his triumph as he
reached Makalu base camp at 16,000 ft! He commented that the trip broke his will twice, but that sometimes you just have to keep moving, and as I congratulated him on all he had accomplished on this trip and over the past twenty one months, he said simply and humbly:
"Thanks, Dave! God paved the way for me, I just showed up."
So this morning as I woke early, to darkness knowing that there was a a couple feet of new snow waiting for me outside in the darkness, I wasn't thinking about that or the plowing in the cold, or anything that my tired old bones would normally be contemplating. I was thinking about a humble friend who rose from the depths of adversity, to triumph, reaching the pinnacle of human feats of exertion. I was thinking of a friend who recognized that it was not because of his will, but because of the tender mercies of a loving Father who stands ready as we are willing to follow.
Today I am thankful for the gift of waking impressions, for good friends, and for the attitude adjustment that comes from pondering the impressions given, as gifts to us, from our Father above.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Morning After....Forward! But to what?
It is November 7th 2012. It is the day after what truly may have been the most historic election of my lifetime. Maybe in the history of our nation. I watched in near silence last evening as the voice of the people was made known. I'll admit, I am disappointed, discouraged, even a feeling bit of despair.
I have been a outspoken proponent of liberty, of the foundational principles of our forefathers. I love the country that I was raised in, what it stood for, it was a light on the hill, a beacon to all that would be free, those who would seek prosperity through the fruits of their own labor. Those that came to be apart of the law abiding citizenry that knew anything was possible if you just worked for it. Sadly, I hardly recognize it today.
What was so historic last night? Well it certainly wasn't that we elected a Black President. Frankly unless you are a racist, I am not sure why that was so historic 4 years ago. What was truly historic, was that after four years of exposure to what the POTUS's believes, his policies, his actions and intent, that as a people, America has affirmed his direction. The voice of the majority, eyes wide open (or at least they had ample opportunity to have been) voted for social transformation, departed from our constitution, affirmed that the governance style of the president, which overtly disregards the congress, has sought to amass power unto itself beyond any previous presidency, and seeks to live by social re-distributive principles, is consistent with the will of the majority. In short, while the Republic was not tossed out the window literally, the voice of the populace is that it should be.
Beyond the presidential election, state initiatives that oppose federal law passed handily with regard to same sex marriage and legalization of pot. Indeed, in the face of fiscal peril, social issues prevailed. There is now no hope of repeal for the healthcare act, that literally does nothing to provide for better healthcare but turns 17% of our economy into another government regulated program of taxation and redistribution. The act will be fully funded and will transform our healthcare system beyond the expectations of most Americans, not necessarily in a favorable way.
Yes, last night was historic, but history is not always kind. We see through out history, while man, at times, has freedom to act, the agency to choose as it were, he does not choose the consequence of his choice. Consequence is self evident, it follows decision, for good or for evil.
The American people have made their choice. Now they will receive the consequence of their decision. The majority has cast off fiscal responsibility, morality, traditional values of self-reliance and those of our forefathers, for social engineering, Keynesian economic philosophy (of this most do not understand or or hope to control the outcome) and Saul Alinsky tactics, to reshape this country into what? Most do not know or frankly care enough to figure it out. They just want the false security of government to tell them it will be okay as they slowly waste into serfdom.
Yes, last night was historic, the people voted in favor of the party who sought to remove God from their platform (actually they did it but their leaders and a few who claim to serve Christ but support the murder of millions of innocent children through abortion, feared the effect on the election and replaced the words to brunt the effect in opposition to the voice of the delegates ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8BwqzzqcDs ). They agreed with the POTUS who said we are no longer a christian nation, who supports those who would destroy us and affronts those who have been our allies and friends. They traded traditional values and individual responsibility for free birth control, same sex marriage, and pot. The voice of the people disregarded the necessity for fiscal responsibility and instead chose to approve of the POTUS plan that will double our debt in the net 10 years, as if the economy will last that long if we go down the path he has knowingly set. The people have chosen instead to bury there heads in the sand and pretend that if we cut our military to the point we can't wage war on multiple fronts we won't have to. Our enemies seemingly will just smoke weed with us and hold hands. Forget that the stabilization around the world for the last 60 years has largely been a result of our efforts though the strength of deterrent which is our military. Yes, they choose to believe the spreading influence of radical Islam, largely ignored even in some ways fostered by this POTUS, poses not threat to us, they only, as a stated objective, want to wipe us off the face of the earth.
Maybe I am becoming cynical in my old age, maybe I am no longer, in the know. You see, I do not believe in a global federation of peace, no I didn't even buy into the idea when it was sold as Star Trek in the 70's, but we probably had a better chance of it then. Do I think the end of our nation is staring us in the face, no, I think, judging by the will of the people last night, it has actually already occurred. We have, by all indications, past the tipping point the fallout is just beginning.
I, for one will indeed hold on to my guns, and my religion. I will as it says in Luke 6:28, pray for my enemies, and those who despite-fully use me. I'll also give heed to the lessons in Samuel, Kings of the Bible, and of Mosiah 29: 26-27 (Book of Mormon):
------
26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
------
The voice of the people has spoken. America will reap what it sews, and at the end, well this will serve as a reminder that as America chooses to pursue other paths, forgetting God and the foundational values of our forefathers that made this country what it was (not what is, or is becoming): 3rd Nephi 25 (Book of Mormon)
------
Where will you be? With whom will you stand? Where did you stand last night?
I have been a outspoken proponent of liberty, of the foundational principles of our forefathers. I love the country that I was raised in, what it stood for, it was a light on the hill, a beacon to all that would be free, those who would seek prosperity through the fruits of their own labor. Those that came to be apart of the law abiding citizenry that knew anything was possible if you just worked for it. Sadly, I hardly recognize it today.
What was so historic last night? Well it certainly wasn't that we elected a Black President. Frankly unless you are a racist, I am not sure why that was so historic 4 years ago. What was truly historic, was that after four years of exposure to what the POTUS's believes, his policies, his actions and intent, that as a people, America has affirmed his direction. The voice of the majority, eyes wide open (or at least they had ample opportunity to have been) voted for social transformation, departed from our constitution, affirmed that the governance style of the president, which overtly disregards the congress, has sought to amass power unto itself beyond any previous presidency, and seeks to live by social re-distributive principles, is consistent with the will of the majority. In short, while the Republic was not tossed out the window literally, the voice of the populace is that it should be.
Beyond the presidential election, state initiatives that oppose federal law passed handily with regard to same sex marriage and legalization of pot. Indeed, in the face of fiscal peril, social issues prevailed. There is now no hope of repeal for the healthcare act, that literally does nothing to provide for better healthcare but turns 17% of our economy into another government regulated program of taxation and redistribution. The act will be fully funded and will transform our healthcare system beyond the expectations of most Americans, not necessarily in a favorable way.
Yes, last night was historic, but history is not always kind. We see through out history, while man, at times, has freedom to act, the agency to choose as it were, he does not choose the consequence of his choice. Consequence is self evident, it follows decision, for good or for evil.
The American people have made their choice. Now they will receive the consequence of their decision. The majority has cast off fiscal responsibility, morality, traditional values of self-reliance and those of our forefathers, for social engineering, Keynesian economic philosophy (of this most do not understand or or hope to control the outcome) and Saul Alinsky tactics, to reshape this country into what? Most do not know or frankly care enough to figure it out. They just want the false security of government to tell them it will be okay as they slowly waste into serfdom.
Yes, last night was historic, the people voted in favor of the party who sought to remove God from their platform (actually they did it but their leaders and a few who claim to serve Christ but support the murder of millions of innocent children through abortion, feared the effect on the election and replaced the words to brunt the effect in opposition to the voice of the delegates ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8BwqzzqcDs ). They agreed with the POTUS who said we are no longer a christian nation, who supports those who would destroy us and affronts those who have been our allies and friends. They traded traditional values and individual responsibility for free birth control, same sex marriage, and pot. The voice of the people disregarded the necessity for fiscal responsibility and instead chose to approve of the POTUS plan that will double our debt in the net 10 years, as if the economy will last that long if we go down the path he has knowingly set. The people have chosen instead to bury there heads in the sand and pretend that if we cut our military to the point we can't wage war on multiple fronts we won't have to. Our enemies seemingly will just smoke weed with us and hold hands. Forget that the stabilization around the world for the last 60 years has largely been a result of our efforts though the strength of deterrent which is our military. Yes, they choose to believe the spreading influence of radical Islam, largely ignored even in some ways fostered by this POTUS, poses not threat to us, they only, as a stated objective, want to wipe us off the face of the earth.
Maybe I am becoming cynical in my old age, maybe I am no longer, in the know. You see, I do not believe in a global federation of peace, no I didn't even buy into the idea when it was sold as Star Trek in the 70's, but we probably had a better chance of it then. Do I think the end of our nation is staring us in the face, no, I think, judging by the will of the people last night, it has actually already occurred. We have, by all indications, past the tipping point the fallout is just beginning.
I, for one will indeed hold on to my guns, and my religion. I will as it says in Luke 6:28, pray for my enemies, and those who despite-fully use me. I'll also give heed to the lessons in Samuel, Kings of the Bible, and of Mosiah 29: 26-27 (Book of Mormon):
------
26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
------
The voice of the people has spoken. America will reap what it sews, and at the end, well this will serve as a reminder that as America chooses to pursue other paths, forgetting God and the foundational values of our forefathers that made this country what it was (not what is, or is becoming): 3rd Nephi 25 (Book of Mormon)
------
1 aFor behold, the day cometh that shall bburn as an oven; and all the cproud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name, shall the aSon of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and bgrow up as ccalves in the stall.
3 And ye shall atread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses, my servant, which I commanded unto him in aHoreb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you aElijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful bday of the Lord;
6 And he shall aturn the heart of the bfathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and csmite the earth with a curse.
-------
-------
Where will you be? With whom will you stand? Where did you stand last night?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
Here is my closing comment on this election, please take a moment to read and share:
It has been a long brutal campaigning process. You may have made up your mind, you may have already voted like me. If so, thank you for exercising your right to vote your mind.
We all have our reasons to vote for the candidates we choose to support, the economy, jobs, spending, foreign policy........
But there is one clear difference between the two major parties that was made clear at their conventions this year that merits pondering. It is one that every American must weigh. One that is so fundamental that it was the basis for our founders writing of our constitution. It is inherent, in the very act of exercising your right to vote, to life, to liberty, to the pursuit of happiness, to all of the rights that every elected federal official is sworn to uphold.
This difference, which the Democrat Party clearly removed from their platform, by will of their representatives, then only because of pressure, took three verbal votes, all of which supported the change, still overrode the actual voice of the convention to return the wording to their platform against the clear majority's will. (If you didn't see. It, it is worth reviewing the convention video.)
The difference is God. Whether you are religious or not is not at issue, but a belief in where your rights come from, your value as a person is. Our founders clearly stated this as the basis of our freedom, that our rights are granted of our Creator. The democrat convention removed even a belief of deity from their platform. By doing so, they showed that they are a party that no longer believe in our constitution, that the individual is inherently free and worthwhile, with rights endowed in them of their Creator.
In doing so, they have established, that they believe that rights are not of God, but of the government. This is a departure that is irreconcilable with our founding principles. It voids the inherent value for which this nation was founded and shifts the responsibility of government from protecting rights to becoming the supreme power. That is not a platform of my country,
So today as you exercise your right to vote, consider what you believe, where are your rights endowed from. Do you support the constitution, do you agree with the founders? Do you want to remain a free American? Or are you only voting social issues? The choice has been made clear.
CAN YOU, WITH ANY OUNCE OF INTEGRITY, VOTE FOR A PARTY AND PLATFORM THAT SEEKS TO REMOVE THE VERY BASIS OF OUR FREEDOM? VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE! I HAVE.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/09/democrats-shift-language-on-israel-remove-god-given-from-platform/
It has been a long brutal campaigning process. You may have made up your mind, you may have already voted like me. If so, thank you for exercising your right to vote your mind.
We all have our reasons to vote for the candidates we choose to support, the economy, jobs, spending, foreign policy........
But there is one clear difference between the two major parties that was made clear at their conventions this year that merits pondering. It is one that every American must weigh. One that is so fundamental that it was the basis for our founders writing of our constitution. It is inherent, in the very act of exercising your right to vote, to life, to liberty, to the pursuit of happiness, to all of the rights that every elected federal official is sworn to uphold.
This difference, which the Democrat Party clearly removed from their platform, by will of their representatives, then only because of pressure, took three verbal votes, all of which supported the change, still overrode the actual voice of the convention to return the wording to their platform against the clear majority's will. (If you didn't see. It, it is worth reviewing the convention video.)
The difference is God. Whether you are religious or not is not at issue, but a belief in where your rights come from, your value as a person is. Our founders clearly stated this as the basis of our freedom, that our rights are granted of our Creator. The democrat convention removed even a belief of deity from their platform. By doing so, they showed that they are a party that no longer believe in our constitution, that the individual is inherently free and worthwhile, with rights endowed in them of their Creator.
In doing so, they have established, that they believe that rights are not of God, but of the government. This is a departure that is irreconcilable with our founding principles. It voids the inherent value for which this nation was founded and shifts the responsibility of government from protecting rights to becoming the supreme power. That is not a platform of my country,
So today as you exercise your right to vote, consider what you believe, where are your rights endowed from. Do you support the constitution, do you agree with the founders? Do you want to remain a free American? Or are you only voting social issues? The choice has been made clear.
CAN YOU, WITH ANY OUNCE OF INTEGRITY, VOTE FOR A PARTY AND PLATFORM THAT SEEKS TO REMOVE THE VERY BASIS OF OUR FREEDOM? VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE! I HAVE.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/09/democrats-shift-language-on-israel-remove-god-given-from-platform/
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