tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89403911246484451542024-02-18T18:11:23.914-08:00The Conservative Independent Rant"YOU'RE NOT GOING CRAZY. YOU'RE GOING SANE IN A CRAZY WORLD" THE TICKmanajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-65617079746905459102014-07-02T15:37:00.000-07:002014-07-02T15:37:49.766-07:00MarathonOn May 10th 2014 I did something that I never thought I would. I completed a Marathon. When I say I never thought I would do that, it was honestly not even on my radar at all. I have never considered myself a runner, jogger, or even much of a walker. I enjoy sports a lot and try to stay in shape, but running was just not on my agenda. I’m not sure I can pinpoint when I decided to do it, but I do know I like accomplishing things. Last year I completed a half marathon, and I figured, what the hay why not do a full one. It is not something I think I will do again in the near or even distant future, but it is something I learned a lot from. I’d like to share a few of my thoughts and experiences with it.<br />
<br />
Shock and Awe<br />
<br />
As I said before running was just not something I do, or did rather. But, I decided a year ago that running a half marathon seemed feasible. It was. I completed it without any problems. I was by no means competitive when it came to the race, but I didn’t come in last, so that’s something. On the course they provide water and Gatorade and some energy stuff (really sticky and goopy stuff). I stuck to water and Gatorade and had no real problems. I was tired at the end, but not wasted. I actually felt like I could run more, which might have been part of the weirdness that led me to go ahead and sign up for the marathon. Going farther than 13.1 miles proved to be an important lesson for me. <br />
<br />
I had it all planned out. My parents live very close to a running path called The Centennial Trail in Spokane Washington. So, I spent the morning with them and planned to run that afternoon. I was going to run 2.25 miles out and then back and get a drink of water, then run another 2.25 miles out and then back to get a drink of water, repeating the cycle until I completed 17-18 miles. I didn’t make it. Water was simply not enough for my system to work that hard. I know there are some runners who can do that with no problems, I’m just not one of them. I made it back to my parents home after a little more than 16 and half miles. The last bit I was jogging so slow I should have just walked. But, I felt the need to finish it out running. Luckily I was at least aware enough that I knew not to push it any farther. I got home sat on the couch and promptly refused my mom’s kind offer of dinner, I felt like I was going to throw up. She immediately got concerned and shortly got me in to lie down. That is when the clammy cold sweat started going and the sick to the stomach feeling increased. I started shaking and my speech got a little slurred. I was headed into shock. I’m blessed to have parents who know what is what and they took care of me appropriately (since I had so miserably failed at doing that). I made it through the experience okay but it was certainly a wake up call for me. <br />
<br />
Lesson learned: I have limitations and if I am going to try to overcome them I absolutely need help. From then on I started paying more attention to my nutrition before after and especially during a long run. I got myself some of those sticky gooey energy packets and tried them out. They became a good companion for me. I followed the recommendations for use and found it to be beneficial. I also continued to rely on the help of others who knew more than I did and made it through a couple of other draining though not shocking experiences. I paid more attention to my system and responded more appropriately. <br />
<br />
The Witch Doctors<br />
<br />
I have an amazing and fun family. That starts with amazing and fun parents. They have always been there for me. They were very instrumental in helping me complete the marathon. The last several years they have been very into learning about and sharing about essential oils. I was a perfect candidate for their expertise in working with sore muscles and building up sustainability. I jokingly called them my witch doctors as they used their various brews on me. Truth is, it totally helped. After the marathon I had some difficulty getting out of the car and walking, but within the next couple of hours I was actually feeling well enough to go chaperone a dance for my young women. <br />
<br />
Lesson Learned: Your parents never stop being your parents. They continue to show me such compassion and are there for me whenever I need them. At the very end of the race my mom was there jogging along side us and taking pictures. And my dad was just across the finish line, so I ended the race with a big ol hug from him. I’m very blessed to have the parents I do.<br />
<br />
Angels to Bear Me Up<br />
<br />
I decided that I wanted to have purpose in the race. So every half mile I dedicated the run to someone. I started with my nieces and nephews, then my parents, siblings and in-laws, then for my young women. I am so glad that I did. It was a unique experience. When you are stretching your body to its limits you have a tendency to tap into the spiritual side of things. That, I think, is why fasting can be such an effective form of worship. As I ran that half-mile I would ask God to help me see those individuals as He sees them. Starting with the kids I had sweet and cute memories that popped into my head. I came to understand that He sees them the way I do, just to a greater amount. He loves them and they make Him smile. I felt that about everyone. Getting through the last half especially was difficult. I began talking about these loved ones out loud which ending up not just helping me but also my running buddy. The love that I felt for all of them really did give me the strength I needed to continue on and finish the race. They were like my angels who kept me going.<br />
<br />
Lesson Learned: God loves who I love, way more than I can comprehend. Knowing that He loves us is amazing. My emotions and spiritual feelings were certainly heightened during the run. It was a great blessing for me to feel that. We love God first and He expands our ability to love others. Love really does bear us up. We can be strengthened by that love, I certainly was and am.<br />
<br />
Someone Who Has Gone Before and Knows the Way<br />
<br />
My training/running buddy was my Uncle Myron. He also happens to be my boss. Our training jogs often became our unofficial office staff meetings as we would discuss the needs of our clients and where the company was headed. It was fun bonding with him through all of that. Myron is more than just my boss or uncle. He is quite a bit younger than my mother and so when we would spend time with him growing up he sometimes almost felt like an older brother. I have thought that about him for a while, but as I was training and especially during the marathon I became even more aware of a special bond that we have. He had run a marathon before. So, I ended up relying on his knowledge and experience to help me through the shocking/draining experiences and getting through those long hours of training and of course for the race itself. <br />
<br />
Lesson Learned: Having an Older Brother Who Knows the Way is a Life Saver. Myron probably would be a little chagrined at the comparison, but he reminded me of The Savior. He is our Older Brother who knows the way and how to get us to the end of our race. The more we rely on Him the more successful we can be.<br />
<br />
The Last .2<br />
<br />
I had gone from training in the super cold (I jogged out in single digit temperatures) and snow, to training on a Mexican beach (funnily enough just a few weeks after the super cold run), and it came down to that last .2. I have heard that the last .2 is very important to marathon runners because they want to make sure people know just how long they have run, more than 26 miles. As I thought about those loved ones each half mile I decided that the last .2 I would run for me and to ask The Lord to let me know how He felt about me. I was quite exhausted by the end, and had done a fair amount of walking by that point, but it felt important to run that last little bit. As I rounded the corner I ran and asked The Lord to let me know how He felt about me. I was overwhelmed with a sense of love as I pictured The Garden of Gethsemane where He took upon Himself our every pain and suffering. The feeling was quite intense and as my emotions were already close to the surface I shed a few tears (I guess I hydrated well enough :) <br />
<br />
Lesson Learned: We are Loved. The most important lesson of all.<br />
<br />
It was a great experience. I am so grateful for the support I received and the love that I felt and continue to feel. I am truly blessed. I’m not sure that I am going to repeat the experience again any time soon. But, I know it was a great experience for me and I am glad I did it. 26.2! <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-24360704297535701322013-12-13T16:48:00.000-08:002013-12-14T14:32:21.595-08:00Journey HomeTwo of the most formative experiences of my life occurred as a teenager. The most important decision I ever made in my life was at sixteen. My father was speaking at a Church meeting and his message struck my soul, “Before you can truly have a testimony of any part of The Gospel, you must first have a testimony of Christ.” So powerful was the impact of that message that I decided then and there that I wanted to know Christ and to spend my whole life seeking a relationship with him. I believed The Gospel and tried to live its teachings before that experience. But, afterwards I went forward wanting to know, praying more sincerely, studying and not just reading Scripture. I came to know Christ and to grow in gratitude for what He has done and continues to do for me. He became my best friend. His influence is the most important in my life.<br />
<br />
The other formative experience was that right after I graduated from high school my family moved from Richland Washington to Boise Idaho. The decision to move was prayerfully made as a family. Every one of us felt the inspiration that it was right for the family as a whole and for each of us individually. Trials and blessings came out of the move. My biggest trial also turned out to be a huge blessing. I was left without a home. Anytime I was with my family I felt at home. But, while they were settling in, forming relationships and roots in Boise I felt like a stranger in a strange land whenever I visited. That was hard, however it also took away any fear I might have had about leaving the nest to fly. Had I always had Richland to go back home to I don’t know that I would have gone much further than Richland. It was a great place to grow up, but I guess God had other plans for me.<br />
<br />
The move also taught me a lot about what home is. Home is where you love. So, Boise has become a home for me, because my family, whom I love dearly, is there. I’ve also found a home in Pullman Washington, Israel, Southern New Jersey, Phoenix Arizona, and eventually back to Washington. All because of love.<br />
<br />
I’ve heard a metaphor before that life is like riding a bicycle built for two. We often operate under the belief that we are steering only to be reminded that God is actually in the front and our job is just to pedal. <br />
<br />
I’m eternally grateful that He leads my life. I would have never guessed that I would be living on a farm in Loon Lake Washington. Nor would I have guessed that I would find a home by getting to hang around a bunch of teenage girls, but that is what has happened. God’s answers are always infinitely better than anything I could come up with.<br />
<br />
My move to the farm has been a tremendous and unexpected blessing providing the opportunity to work more intensively with families working on attachment issues. I also have really cool neighbors whose inspiration and generosity led to this move.<br />
<br />
Moving also afforded me the opportunity to join a new Church congregation. Rather quickly I was asked to teach the 14 and 15 year old Young Women’s class. Right off the bat I felt a bond with these young ladies. I found them to be funny, random (we had discussions about a plethora of interesting things), incredibly insightful and spiritually sensitive. I was supposed to be teaching them, but I always came away from our lessons having learned from them. I also was able to witness an inspiring amount of kindness and compassion for each other, for me, and just people in general.<br />
<br />
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints our congregations are divided into wards based on geography and number of members. Within each congregation are organizations for children, young men and young women (12-18 years old), men and women. I was part of the Young Women’s organization as a teacher. But, the leadership consists of an adult woman who is called to be the Young Women’s President. She also has a 1st and 2nd Counselor and a Secretary who serve with her as The Young Women’s Presidency in that ward. The President at the time was a fantastic leader who seemed well organized and had a great love for the girls. But, her time as President was going to come to an end over this past summer and a new Presidency was going to be called.<br />
<br />
Months before the change was to happen I kept getting an impression that I was going to be called to be the President. To be honest I thought the idea was pretty far-fetched. I’d never been asked to be a President of anything and I also thought that it would be better for these remarkable Young Women to be led by someone who is a mom. But, there was a part of me that was quite excited at the prospect of spending more time with these impressive girls and getting to know them better. Thus began an inner struggle between fear and love, a struggle that became intensified over the summer when the Bishop sat with me and extended the calling. The conversation went like this:<br />
<br />
Bishop: “So, you been keeping busy.”<br />
Me: (thinking he was just making conversation), “yep, keeping busy is better than looking for something to do.”<br />
Bishop: “Well, we are thinking of making you busier.”<br />
Me: (thinking ‘uh oh’)<br />
Bishop: “How would you like to have a family?”<br />
Me: (thinking ‘is he trying to set me up with some guy he knows?’)<br />
Bishop: “We’d like to give you a bunch of daughters. We are calling you to be the Young Women’s President.” <br />
<br />
Its probably a good thing I had had some pre-inspiration that this was coming, it was not as much of a shock as it could have been, but it was still a shock. Fear versus love. I chose to love and accepted the calling. Then I found an empty classroom, knelt down and cried. I was overwhelmed with love for the Young Women I was asked to serve. But, I also felt the weight of it and feared to mess it up somehow. I didn’t know how to be the Young Women’s President and I told God so. But, I knew that He knew what He was doing, because He told me so. <br />
<br />
The weeks that followed I experienced bouts of peace but a whole lot of anxiety. The peace would come when I would think of the girls and some random funny comment or a witnessed act of kindness. One of the weeks between the calling and the actual switch of Presidencies I got to spend a lot of time with them at Girls Camp. I got to know them even better and enjoyed playing apples to apples or uno in the hot sun, or watching them go out of their way to serve each other. Amazing and inspiring.<br />
<br />
At some point during the wait I was traveling with my brother and his family, they were playing their music and a song I’d heard before came on but this was the first time I actually heard the words, it was “Home” by Philip Phillips. The words were like the voice of God speaking to me, ‘settle down it will all be clear, don’t pay no mind to the demons they feel you with fear, just know you’re not alone, I’m gonna make this place your home.’ I calmed down and trusted that God had me and the girls well in hand and that I would feel like I was coming home. <br />
<br />
When the switch was finally made I was grateful for the graciousness of the previous Presidency and of the women called to serve with me in our current one. I was also filled with even more love for the Young Women of the Chewelah Ward, a love which has continued to grow.<br />
<br />
I am having a blast! I get to hang out with the Chewelah Ward Young Women every Sunday and Wednesday. Plus I get to go to basketball games, cross country meets, concerts and whatever other activities might come up and have my girls to cheer for. I get to laugh with them, have more serious conversations with them, play ridiculous games like pickle ball and charades, and I get to be inspired by the remarkable youth that will be my future leaders. I am a changed woman for knowing and loving my girls. I’m more compassionate, I have more fun, I have more love for everyone I come in contact with. I feel more purpose and more grateful. I know The Savior more now because I know them, they remind me of Him in so many ways. Knowing the impact they have had on me, I can only begin to imagine the impact these remarkable Young Women will have on the world, all for good.<br />
<br />
Fear versus love. Back to those formative experiences I had as a youth. I could have looked at life with fear as I did not feel like I had a home to go back to. Instead I embraced the love of The Savior and discovered that I was always in His arms. That gave me the courage to face everything being first centered in His love. Fear doesn’t win when love is present. And He will always help us feel at home.<br />
<br />
What I want most of all for my girls is for them to feel the love of The Savior in their lives. Perhaps they will be able to feel a glimpse of His embrace when they feel my love for them. If they can be filled with His love and trust in Him then their journey, like mine, will lead home in more ways than any of us can know. I’m grateful for the many homes I have been blessed with, and right now to have a home where I am, and with the remarkable Young Women of the Chewelah Ward. One day we will all return to the home of all homes, right there with The Savior. And oh how I will rejoice in that day when I can be in His presence, and I will rejoice even more to be in His presence with the people I love. <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-57120014345637017352013-09-29T16:26:00.001-07:002013-09-29T20:10:59.156-07:00Fear versus LoveWe do not remember what it was like to be born. I for one am rather grateful for that. Birth must have been an absolutely terrifying experience. I have been thinking a lot about the problems that our society is facing right now and my thoughts turned to birth, so I wanted to share a few of those thoughts on the subject. To help with my understanding I first examined what would be the ideal experience. The safest place for a child is within the mother’s womb. Their every need, ideally, should be met. There are no concerns or fears to face. There is a steady stream of nourishment to aid in the growth experience. There is constantly a familiar heart beat and the familiar voices of mom and dad and other loved ones. At birth a child is suddenly thrust out of the safety of the womb into an unfamiliar world, and the senses explode with new and frightening experiences. Taking a first breath for instance, how must that have felt? A child is born with a will to live, and along with that a fear of death. Imagine feeling hungry for the first time. No wonder they cry like they are going to die, they feel like they will. Fear of death, that is a condition of humanity. But, there is a way to quell that fear and it should occur at birth. Amongst all the noise and other sensations that the baby experiences there should ideally be at least one, and hopefully more voices that they recognize. Mom and Dad are both hopefully there. The love of their parents calms what felt like overwhelming fear for the newborn child. Love casts out fear. That experience of being afraid and then having love overcome the fear happens repeatedly in the life of a baby. Every time they feel hungry or uncomfortable or just out of sorts, the loving arms of their parents envelop their child and casts out the fear. That is what the ideal experience should be like. <br />
<br />
If we do not experience a loving relationship than we are left with a fear of death and a will to live. Our focus then becomes survival rather than connection. Now, no one has experienced a perfectly ideal situation in life. We face trials, that is another condition of humanity. So, we all have times when we focus more on survival than we do on relationships. But, our emotional and spiritual health is dependent on our love being more powerful than our fear. <br />
<br />
The natural state of mortality, this temporal world of ours, is decay. A while back I felt the need to purchase a new car. My old one just was not going to cut it for long in a snowy mountain area. So, I drove home in this shiny new car parked it in the garage and thought about how cool it is. The next morning I go out to the garage open it up and see how dirty it got during the drive home. I just laughed as I realized that is just the way it goes in mortality. Mankind makes all sorts of shiny new things and then nature gets it dirty, pretty quickly. That is the way it is with everything that is manmade. It starts to decay as soon as it is made. Then we start the battle of trying to stop the decay. I put it through several car washes the first several weeks. But, it just got dirty again. Because of this natural decay there is that tendency to become fearful, that we we are going to lose all of this mortal stuff including eventually our lives. Its true, but we need not be afraid of it.<br />
<br />
The natural state of the soul, the spirit is growth. However, if we are caught up only in survival, the fear of death, than we stunt our ability to connect with the spiritual side and the growth that should come with that. To focus on the soul is to recognize who we really are, children of God, and who everybody else is, children of God. If we could see ourselves and others that way that would change everything. We would focus on our relationships and really love each other. We would also love our Creator and be able to feel His love for us. Can you imagine the difference that would make? <br />
<br />
If we stay focused on mortality, fear and decay then we will be constantly trying to stop the decay, and trying to do it in man made ways. If instead we focused on the spiritual, on relationship and bond we would face each trial that mortality presents us with gratitude and a desire to learn something from the experience. We would turn to God, our greatest bond and be able to find His purpose for us and have our experiences sanctified for the benefit of ourselves and others.<br />
<br />
My thoughts turned to some examples. I was thinking about this in terms of war, a rather drastic example. In war there is usually an aggressor and and a defender. The aggressor seeks power, which is driven by fear, the fear of not having enough to survive the way they want to. The defender could also be driven by fear, losing power, losing lands, life, freedom etc. Or the defender could be driven by love, love of God, country, family etc. I was recently reading in The Book of Mormon about a fierce battle between the two major sides of the Book, the Lamanites and the Nephites. The Lamanites were driven by a desire for power, the Nephites, led by Captain Moroni, were driven out of love and to defend their rights, families, and lands. Let me share a bit of what is written in <br />
Alma 43<br />
:39 And it came to pass that the Lamanites became frightened, because of the great destruction among them, even until they began to flee…<br />
:42 And the Lamanites did flee again before them, towards the land of Manti; and they were met again by the armies of Moroni.<br />
:43 Now in this case the Lamanites did fight exceedingly; yea, never had the Lamanites been known to fight with such exceedingly great strength and courage, no, not even from the beginning.<br />
:44 …yea, they did fight like dragons, and many of the Nephites were slain by their hands, yea , for they did smite in two many of their head-plates, and they did pierce many of their breastplates, and they did smite off many of their arms; and thus the Lamanites did smite in their fierce anger.<br />
:45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their Church.<br />
:48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts-yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea their freedom from bondage.<br />
:49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.<br />
:50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them.<br />
<br />
Love wins. Not that it is not a struggle. But, love will win, it casts out the fear and changes our focus so that we can grow. And while fear did bring the Lamanites to fight like dragons and with great courage, it still lost out to the love the Nephites were fighting for.<br />
<br />
Another thought I had about war is in the many wars this country has fought. The last time we actually won a war was World War II. The other wars since then have just ended without The United States being a clear victor. What drove us in World War II, sure there was a strong element of survival there. But, it really was love. We loved our freedom and fought to defend our freedom and our families. There was a mutual focus on prayer and beseeching the help of Our Creator. It was a horrible war, and so very many paid an ultimate price. But, the love won. Since then we have been battling out of fear. Fear of communism, fear of terrorism. I will always honor our soldiers, I believe that the majority of them do fight out of a sense of love for their country and for their families. But, while they fight, what are the people at home doing? There is not that united purpose, that connection to our soldiers and causes and mutual love of God, family and country.<br />
<br />
When we get caught up in mortality, survival mode than we tend to just look for mortal answers. All of the problems that we face as a society can really be chalked up to this perspective. The more we look to ourselves for the answers the more man messes it up. We can certainly look at government interference to see that reality. This desire to “do something” and look to the government to do it has caused so many unintended consequences. <br />
<br />
The Progressive mentality is one in which there is a desire to perfect man, a man made utopia. It is driven by fear, the fear that man as is, is just not good enough. There is a fear of pain and suffering and yes of death. Progressive politicians play on the fear of man, telling us we must do something to stop all the wrongs that occur. In a way I agree with them, something must be done. But, to continually look to imperfect fear driven <br />
mortally minded mankind for answers is ridiculous.<br />
<br />
To stop horrendous violence we look to the government. To improve education we look to government. To improve our health care system we look to government. And it gets worse and worse and we keep looking to them over and over again expecting some different result. One day the decay will be too much to overcome and collapse will occur.<br />
<br />
The answers are staring us in the face and always have been . We need to love. I know that may sound cheesy and unrealistic. But, its reality, we need to let our love be in charge of how we respond to trials. We need to let the love of God fill our country again. If we truly did that, if we truly felt His love for us it would conquer the fear. And if we truly loved Him back we would trust Him and start living the way He has asked us to. He did not give us commandments as a way of trying to control us. He gave them to us because they provide the best way for happiness and bond and love. We would feel connected again to our families. Wouldn't that be amazing. The family would be in charge and kids wouldn't have to feel so damaged and trapped in survival mode so much so that they shut off their humanity and are willing to cause harm to others. <br />
<br />
The answer is love and bond and family and God. Choose love. <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-39093403533587679852013-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:002013-04-23T11:19:13.624-07:00Come Ye DisconsolateA song that my amazing sister Shanelle sang a while back has been running through my head and heart as the events of last week unfolded. I know I joined with countless others in having Boston and West in my prayers. I was touched to see the outpouring of love and of faith that occurred in our nation. I was reminded of the unity and faith we felt following the events of 9/11. The song is called Come Ye Disconsolate and I think it really hit the spot for me. God Bless America.The intro song is sung by Chelsea Echols, Shanelle Hess sings Come Ye Disconsolate<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ptYIFlEdLAY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-54117434584709808102013-03-26T11:42:00.002-07:002013-03-26T11:42:37.614-07:00Remember Who We AreWe have forgotten who we are. That is the real problem. There are many symptoms and many an argument on ways to mend them, but no one is talking about the real problem.<br />
<br />
I recently have been working through a course on being spiritually centered and enjoying the day by James Cox (I highly recommend it). One of the key concepts is recognizing where our worth comes from. Too many of us (and I certainly have been guilty of this) base our worth on our performance. Our worth should be based not on what we do but who we are. <br />
<br />
At our most basic inner core we are children of a loving God. If we truly recognized that about ourselves it would fill us with both humility and a sense of our true worth. Humility and self worth go together. It is a recognition that we all come from God and have great worth in His sight. None of us are elevated above another we are all His and deserve to know it and act accordingly. Pride on the other hand is the search for superiority. If there is superior that means there is inferior. Those who seek for superiority will always struggle with doubt and will struggle to prove that they are superior rather than its opposite.Those who struggle with their self-esteem are struggling with pride.<br />
<br />
If we focused on our true identity and humility our performance would be an expression of our gratitude to Our Creator rather than a source for esteem. We would also see others as they really are and treat each other as we ought. Of course none of us would be perfect at it, life is about growth which means we learn from our mistakes. But, to have the knowledge of who we truly are as the base of our operations would make a tremendous difference. <br />
<br />
As I was pondering what I was learning about my own individual worth my thoughts turned to the nation and how this same principle applies. At the founding of this nation there was a recognition of Divine Providence, that we are endowed by Our Creator with rights. There was a recognition that we are His, and have great worth in His sight. American Exceptionalism has been turned into a prideful statement about how amazing we are compared to everyone else. The reality is we are only exceptional because of Him. God is the one who is amazing, and as we humbly rely on Him and love and serve Him and each other He will continue to bless and strengthen us in our trials. The more we turn from Him the less exceptional we are. We are neither inferior or superior as individuals or as a nation, rather we are nearer or farther away from Our Creator.<br />
<br />
There is in our society now a worship of the carnal, the body. We define and judge people not by the content of their character but rather their skin color, what they eat and drink and what they do for sex. It is degrading and symptomatic of the problem of not remembering who we really are. <br />
<br />
The gods are political correctness as defined by some group of people whose desire is driven by greed for money and/or power. Those who stand and speak of traditional values are excoriated as not with the times and phobic. The reality is their, the Progressives, ideas are old, and the results are well documented. If we continue on this path this society/nation will one day end where it always has and always does, destruction and tyranny. We cease to be an exception when we follow the same path as everyone else who have turned to themselves and their supposed superiority rather than to God. <br />
<br />
I recently heard that they are now trying to take the word Easter out of schools too, just as they are trying to do with Christmas. I immediately started wishing random people a Happy Easter. How is it that we have gotten to this place? Religion is treated as some sort of hateful thing that we must hide. When the First Amendment is discussed people focus on free speech. But freedom of religion is the first freedom discussed in the First Amendment. The founders made it so, knowing that a knowledge of who we are and where we came from was necessary for the maintenance of freedom. It is so much under attack and it is no wonder. If those who focus on their own superiority want to have power over whom they consider inferior than they must make us focus only on the temporal, they must take us from Our Creator and from our true selves. <br />
<br />
There is much darkness in this world. But, I take comfort in knowing that the light always prevails. Wherever light is it rules over the darkness. We just need to shine it brighter. This is not an easy task but it is the most basic thing that we can focus on right now. Individually we must seek Our Creator and then as families, then as communities and on up from there. <br />
<br />
This is a blessed country, but we must remember where those blessing have come from. We must remember who we are. <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-46704430479639142172013-01-11T10:39:00.003-08:002013-01-11T10:39:41.212-08:00Darkness and Light1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.<br />
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.<br />
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.<br />
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.<br />
<br />
I think it is fascinating that light is a theme in the Holy Bible right from the beginning. God saw the light, that it was good, and then He divided the light from the dark. <br />
<br />
We live in a world of increasing darkness. We live in a nation where 6 and 7 year old children have been massacred in their school. I thought about writing concerning the Sandy Hook massacre ever since it happened, but decided it would be best to get some perspective. <br />
<br />
That day was horrific. It was a shock to all of our systems to see something that horrible happen to such young kids. I have 4 nephews that are in first grade. I held them all a little closer and a little longer when I saw them shortly after. They are so full of life and so little. As a counselor I’ve worked with parents who have lost children to tragedy. There is nothing that can really truly fill the void left behind. I’m grateful for the faith that I have that families can be reunited in the next life, that they are not truly lost. But, the separation is painful. I continue to pray for their families. I also mourn for the teachers and other faculty and staff who were lost that day. Their families are also in my prayers. I honor the heroic actions they took to save the children. <br />
<br />
Our society has searched for blame, driven by a media bent on their own agenda. The ridiculousness is astounding to me. They keep talking about the government doing something, yes because one of these days they are going to finally figure out the magic law that every criminal is going to follow s/. How many laws did that maniac break? People keep looking to the government for answers when what we really need to do is look to ourselves and to God.<br />
<br />
God separated the light from the darkness, and the difference is becoming clearer every day. I’ve written before that times of great light and truth have often been preceded by great darkness. The Exodus led by Moses was preceded by the murder of children, the murder of children also was present around the birth of Jesus Christ. We live in a day of preparation for His Second Coming, and satan is throwing his usual temper tantrum. <br />
<br />
The solution for the darkness that is so present now is to seek the light. We must do so individually and as families. There is a healing balm, there is peace, there is light and truth. Life is not going to be easy, we will face uncomfortable and even horrific things. When those things happen we have a choice of where we turn for truth and comfort and light. It breaks my heart that so many turn to man and government. The solution is not there, government screws up every time they try to intervene on our job of mercy. They have proven themselves to be incompetent and in many ways evil themselves (the lies and manipulation and immorality coming out of them is putrid). We must turn to God. We must speak again of His truths and the safety that is in keeping His commandments. <br />
<br />
While there is much darkness, there is also much light. And remember that no matter how dark it gets the light always rules, sun, moon and stars. Where there is light it wins. Love and serve each other. There is so much goodness, I see it all around me. I have hope for a better world, and that it is possible because He has made it so. <br />
<br />
It feels like it is winter in our society. But, spring is coming. Of that I have great faithmanajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-3969674596805487582012-11-20T16:31:00.001-08:002012-11-26T11:23:57.618-08:00Change: Can We Become Exceptional Again?Change. It is a difficult task. Much was promised about change in 2008, with the result that the only change we really saw was the speed and volume of the direction we were already heading towards. True Change is possible but it requires an intense commitment. I have seen it in some rather dramatic ways. I have done quite a bit of counseling work with alcoholics and drug addicts for instance. I have also done work with individuals in our prison systems. Changing from those circumstances is difficult and unfortunately lasting change is the exception. But, it does happen, which always gives hope that it can happen for each individual given enough clarity and conviction.<br />
<br />
This past election did not turn out as many, including myself, had hoped. I’m not going to dwell too much on the candidates or even the specific results. It was interesting to watch history repeat itself, I <a href="http://conservativeindependentrant.blogspot.com/2010/12/either-change-your-tune-or-change-your.html">refer</a> to an earlier post about whether or not we are elephants or squirrels (alas that was answered). I would rather focus on the general outcome and what the results will likely be. I was praying and fasting about this past election. I did not ask for a result except that the country would have clarity and wisdom. I feel like the answer to that is still forthcoming. Things are going to be quite a bit more clear and hopefully the majority at least will find some wisdom. <br />
<br />
America is certainly on a downward turn. There is all sorts of reasons for this turn, but I think one of the big reasons is that we have forgotten who we really are. America is supposed to be an exceptional nation, but we are trying to be like everyone else. Why? It does not take much research to realize that continuing in the same fiscal and moral trajectory will just end in well an end. We are following the path of so many others before us who have faced their own ends. <br />
<br />
It feels almost as if we need to hit a rock bottom somewhere to wake the country up out of its apathy. It also feels like we are imprisoned and addicted. We are imprisoned by our debt, and we are imprisoning future generations with mountains more. We are addicted and even dependent on social programs. Mostly we are imprisoned by arrogance, apathy and ignorance. Do we really believe we can continue on this course? Do we even know how bad it is? <br />
So, what is it that we really need to change? Ill tell you what made the biggest difference for the people I had the blessing of working with and seeing lasting change. Moral clarity and conviction to God and family. Most individuals who are incarcerated re-offend at some point, usually fairly quickly. Most people who are attempting to overcome addiction, especially on a first attempt, turn back to it. Being clean, being innocent of crime, is an exception, they are exceptional individuals. <br />
<br />
In order for America to become an exceptional nation again, we must do what those exceptional people who have overcome do, humbly turn to God. We must repent and make amends with those we have harmed with our lack of morals and our apathy. <br />
<br />
I believe in miracles. I have seen many. But, in order to have the miracle of being exceptional again we must put ourselves in a position for that. Humility, openness to the hard honest brutal truth of how bad it really is. <br />
Perhaps the clarity will come when we hit some sort of rock bottom. Perhaps wisdom will be borne of suffering. But, I know this, I will continue to speak of and write about truth. I will seek Our God, and supplicate His grace on this nation still. I know I will not be alone in that. Gather together, be His people, love our families, love each other. <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-59614893190591263372012-08-22T12:46:00.000-07:002012-08-22T12:46:05.834-07:00Looking BeyondThe political atmosphere is irritating. I could probably just end this blog post right there, but I’ve been trying to decide why I find that to be true. I started thinking about it when I again became irritated by the Republican party’s continual disrespect and disregarding of Sarah Palin. It is no secret that I’m a support of the Governor. I find her to be one of the few politicians who is genuine and congruent with her beliefs. That does not mean I agree with every single decision she has ever made, I don’t agree with any human being 100% of the time. But, I don’t know any other politician who has put up with as much as she has, and maintained a good attitude, perspective and a willingness to continue standing up for her beliefs and what she knows are the best principles for freedom in this country. <br />
<br />
Why is it so beyond the majority of the Republican politicians to stand by Governor Palin, to support her and to echo her principles in a way that will resonate with Americans. I think they have just become so caught up in power that they have forgotten what is most important in life, not what we have but how we live and love and serve. They abandoned an ally who fought for them and for what? Supposed vestiges of power. We are filled by love, if what we love is power we find that it passes like a sieve and the collection of it is futile. Its not so much that they lose their souls in politics it is that their souls are empty. Watching their behavior is disheartening and enlightening all at once. <br />
<br />
There is some hope. It is interesting to watch the process of the Republican Party Platform being formed. There is a greater distinction developing between the two parties, as the platform is going more Conservative. But, I’m realizing more and more the importance of looking beyond myself and beyond mortality. <br />
<br />
How blessed we are to know the reality, that there is more to life than life. One day we will greet eternity and realize we’ve been in it all along. In that perspective history itself will fade away and our most important memories will be of who we loved and how we loved them, God, family, fellow man.<br />
<br />
We catch glimpses of eternity here and there, in a baby’s first smile, in a warm embrace, in feeling the tender merciful forgiveness of God and in countless other ways. <br />
<br />
I want to leave something better behind for the next generation, that’s about loving those who follow me. I do so with the hope that they too will greet eternity with hope and joy and a knowledge that their lives, that all our lives lead to something greater, beyond mortality. In life we should learn to love and serve on this earth, we seek to live it well and in congruence with what we know to be true. May we open the windows in our lives that release eternities view. May we cherish every opportunity to love and defend freedom and that which is right. <br />
<br />
So, we carry on, learning from the past, preparing for our future and the future of generations to come. But, mostly we live with and eternal perspective and hope that guides our lives to greater service and love. We seek out like minded people, and seek leaders who have that perspective too. Look beyond today, that today may be greater for the perspective we keep. <br />
manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-8523166182101010372012-08-05T10:35:00.004-07:002012-08-06T10:21:59.829-07:00Thoughts and Prayers and PatternsSeveral weeks removed now from a horrific tragedy in Colorado and I have some thoughts that I wanted to commit to writing. When these tragedies occur there is an outpouring of questions and usually an outpouring of prayer. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by such awfulness. That is a beautiful and appropriate sentiment, one that I certainly share. I continue to keep them in my prayers that they may be comforted and blessed. <br />
<br />
But, all to soon the sentiment seems to fade. While those directly affected will carry the scars of the incident for long term, the country at large seems to move on to a slightly different normal, but not much different. It is an all too common pattern.<br />
<br />
They are cries for us to "do something" to prevent such things from happening again, but those cries to tend to fade until another event brings them out again and we are reminded about just how many mass murders have occurred. It seems that the knowledge that there is little we can do to prevent all crazy intent murderers from committing their crimes sinks in at least a little and the cries cease for a time. <br />
<br />
The cries of "do something" to me seem rather arrogant. Have we become so reliant upon our government that we look only to them for answers to our problems? The government continues to prove it is incompetent at anything that is really not their responsibility. Making more laws will not prevent criminals from committing crimes, but it somehow makes some people feel better that "something" is being done. <br />
<br />
The answer for bettering society does not lie within government. It lies within us humbly turning back to God, acknowledging our weakness and our need and committing to living His standard. This cannot be enforced upon us, it has to individually decided. Compelling does not equal conversion. But, it must be freely said that we need Him.<br />
<br />
Every tragedy that strikes affords us the reminder to return to God, and it is done for a time. However, the pattern indicates a short return marked with a lack of true and lasting conversion. <br />
<br />
We should well remember our Founding Fathers and Mothers whose reliance on God was paramount to their victorious revelation and then the creation of a free nation. When I think of George Washington who added into the oath of the office of presidency "so help me God" I marvel at his reliance on Divinity. The phrase "so help me God" strengthens the oath and makes a person more accountable not just to man but to Him. It also seems to be a plea, "help me God" a recognition that the task requires guidance and strength beyond human capacity. <br />
<br />
We should also remember how a reliance on God is what brought about the end of slavery in this country and elsewhere. A true conversion to Christianity brought people to the commitment to fight to end it. I will reiterate again Abraham Lincolns quote, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!<br />
It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."<br />
<br />
We are in the same place, we've forgotten God. Do we have national sins? To be sure. We have allowed a debt to accrue that will enslave generations. We have allowed men and women (Republican, Democrat, Independents) of deplorable character to be our representatives. As a society we continue to devolve to a place where statements supporting God and His commandments are considered hateful. <br />
<br />
Do we recognize that the simple answers for solving so many of societies problems are found clearly and simply in His commandments? <br />
<br />
We need a lasting conversion, a return to God. He is the true source of freedom. Without Him we will be a mass of people with little guidance searching for any leader who will be bold enough to lead in any direction he/she pleases. History has borne that out to be true. <br />
<br />
My prayers are that we will take the opportunities presented to us, to return to Him humbly and fully and freely. <br />
<br />
<b>Update:</b> <i>At the time that I wrote this I was unaware of yet another mass shooting that occurred in Wisconsin at a place of worship. It was certainly saddening to learn of this horrific incident, and thoughts and prayers go out to those affected. As with the shooting in Colorado I hope also that people will choose to look to God and to follow His patterns in order to find healing. </i>manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-74859983781206265262012-07-08T17:37:00.000-07:002012-07-08T17:37:18.840-07:00Dismantling the CastleEver since the announcement by the Supreme Court that their decision was to uphold Obamacare I had one thought that has been recurring in my mind its a simple phrase and it goes like this, " you are not the boss of me!" <br />
<br />
For far too long we have allowed the government to act like they are the bosses of us when in fact we are the bosses of them. They work for us not the other way around. In a very real sense and in a very real way this is our fault. It's time we took the responsibility back. We the people must stand, must speak the truth and must be heard.<br />
<br />
Not long ago I was asked by a friend of what I would do to restore principles of freedom in this country. I told her it would take a very long time. We have to be willing to stay on message and to stay on purpose for at least 100 years. That's how long the Progressives have been doing their work of fundamentally transforming this nation.<br />
<br />
For a 100 years the Progressives have been trying to convince the citizens of this nation that we are a Democracy rather than a Republic. One of the messages that I hope people take away from the Obamacare ruling is that our government is not treating it like a Democracy. In the polling done on Obamacare there has never been one time that the majority of the population has supported this outlandish law. I would hope that the population is now disabused of the notion that we are a Democracy. I would hope that the population would realize that our government officials are treating our country as if it is an Oligarchy, and they are the privileged elite few who rule over us. We must disabuse our government officials of this notion.<br />
<br />
So how do we do all of this? It will require patience, persistence and a continuing focus on our foundational principles and documents. As I wrote before we must be willing to work for 100 years.<br />
<br />
A simple analogy has helped me understand how best to go about our work of restoring this country. We have a Constitution and it is firm and steady. However, the leftists Progressive have built a castle of cards over the top of our Constitution. Not only that but they have surrounded the castle with a moat, an ideology. This moat stinks like nobody's business. The Progressives have steadily worked on two things. First, building the castle. Card by card they have taken responsibilities and ownership of things that belong to the people. Second, they have tried to convince the population that the moat doesn't stink. There is another notion that we must disabuse ourselves of. It is the idea that man can perfect man. The reality is this is not possible. History teaches us this very simple lesson: Man is imperfect, we therefore are incapable of perfecting each other. That reality stares is in the face and in every country in which it has been tried it has failed. It doesn't matter what you name it, socialism, communism, progressivism etc. It always fails because man can not perfect man.<br />
<br />
There are two things that we must do in order to restore the principles of freedom in this country. First, we must dismantle the castle. This has to be done systematically, carefully and with tremendous patience and persistence. We start at the top and we take it down card by card. Take down Obamacare, repeal and for right now forget about replace. Repealing Obamacare is an important and necessary first goal. Then we can start on the other stuff. Regulatory commissions must be pared down. It would be unwise to get rid of all of the regulatory commissions at once. I know it requires patience but it must be systematic and careful. This change is going to be painful, the citizenry has grown accustomed to the way our government operates to the regulations they have imposed upon us. I did not describe it as a house of cards because that does not generate a significant enough image. It is massive. Eventually if we are patient and persistent we will be able to take down the cards of Medicare and even Social Security. Its going to take a while and in the meantime we should be taking seriously plans like Paul Ryan's which address these issues systematically and with more immediacy.<br />
<br />
The second thing that we must do in order to restore principles of freedom is to with constancy re-teach the citizenry that the moat does in fact stink. Our country was founded with the belief that we the people are agents unto ourselves. We are free to determine the direction of our lives and to enjoy the consequences of our own decisions. This truth must be restored to the minds of the population. It must be repeated often and loudly.<br />
<br />
The Obamacare ruling could certainly be disheartening. However, I believe it can solidify in our minds and hearts our responsibilities as citizens of this great nation. <br />
<br />
There is one other thing that we must do. We must put ourselves again in the position to have firm reliance on Divine Providence. Again and again God has given us the chance to return to Him. We as individuals, and I include myself, must repent of our pride and our wrongdoings. We as a nation must as Abraham Lincolns said in his time of crisis, " humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness." Our crisis is great as is our need. We must recognize that our crisis is a consequence of faulty ideology, of Oligarchic tactics from our government and a steep decline in morality and in reliance on God. <br />
<br />
We can heal. Things can be made right. But, as I wrote previously we must be patient and persistent in this important fight. The castle is going to fall, that time is fast approaching, unless with careful and steady deliberation we remove the cards one by one, remembering all the while that the ideology from which these cards sprang is faulty and historically damaging. And of course we must return to Great God Our King. <br />manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-39526326179307660062012-06-16T23:17:00.000-07:002012-06-16T23:23:27.389-07:00Bond Part 2I had the wonderful opportunity again to attend RAD camp which is all about helping families that are struggling with attachment begin to heal. It was a very moving experience for me as I felt I was literally watching the hand of the Lord work in these families lives. The parents are wonderfully loving and dedicated to doing anything they can to help their suffering kids. <br />
<br />
I reflected again on the aha moment I'd had while watching Rabbi Daniel Lapin discuss the worship of ba'al. I discussed it with several other staff members at the camp and we came to the conclusion that while certainly mental/emotional aspects play a significant role in attachment issues, it actually comes down to a spiritual battle. <br />
<br />
So, many of the kids I'm blessed to work with have had great evil perpetrated upon them at a very young age, including in utero. Is it any wonder that they struggle with the idea of trusting when that trust has been so horrifically broken in the past. As I point out in my earlier "Bond" post the conditions of these kids is remarkably similar to the conditions of the societies worshipping ba'al. <br />
<br />
Here's a brief re-cap of some of those conditions. <br />
<br />
-Defecation<br />
-Smearing of Excrement<br />
-Vulgarity<br />
-Violence<br />
-Loss of honor and self-respect<br />
-Demeaning and Destructive towards women<br />
-Warring against faith<br />
-Sexual Depravity/Deviancy<br />
-Animalistic <br />
-Filth<br />
-Hopelessness<br />
<br />
I list those, because I see all of them in my work. These kids are suffering. I know they go into these conditions because of dark experiences and dark feelings they have. I also know that life can get better as the learn to trust their true family, the ones who love and really take care of their needs and do all they can to help these children grow up to be amazing adults. <br />
<br />
As I was pondering the spiritual I thought of a couple of Scriptures that refer to family. First off I think it is interesting to look at the 10 commandments given to Moses and to note that one of them has a promised blessing associated with keeping it, <br />
<br />
<i>Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.</i><br />
<br />
Well how about that? It seems that having an appropriate parent/child relationship will make life healthier, living longer. Of course thats not a guarentee that we all live to be 100, but I do think it makes life more fulfilling happy and yes healthier. I also believe there are eternal connotations as well, inheriting the earth and all that. <br />
<br />
There are sometimes if we are listening that we receive spiritual instruction and the next Scripture came into my mind more like instruction then anything I could have come up with on my own. <br />
<br />
<i>Malachi 4:5-6 Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.</i><br />
<br />
Elijah. This is the last verses on the Old Testament. The Old Testament is about covenant relationship between God and His people. I thought of the Scripture and I asked myself, why Elijah? and what is this turning all about?<br />
<br />
So, I jogged my memory with a quick search about the prophet and the answer was an even bigger aha then the one I had for my first "Bond" post. Elijah is the most famous prophet to go up against the priests of ba'al. The story if found in 1 Kings 18. Elijah challenges the priest of ba'al to call down fire, all 400 of them try to do so but fail. He then has buckets and buckets of water poured over an alter and calls upon the Lord to light a fire, which He does. This proved to the people where the real power lies and the people responded. <br />
<br />
I find it fascinating that this champion against ba'al would then be in charge of turning our hearts to each other in families. There it is, the best way to win the spiritual battle is as a family hearken to the Lord, keep His commandments, trust in His blessings, be good parents and be good kids. <br />
<br />
This country needs God, the Founders knew it, and so many Americans know it today. We also need to make sure we are focusing our attention on the most fundemental unit of our society, the family. We cannot abdicate our roles as family members to government or teachers or whoever else. The kids are work with are extreme examples but I believe we are seeing the distrust and lack of attachment prevelant in our society as a whole. We must turn to each other and to God. <br />
<br />
The spirit of Elijah is alive and well, we can keep it growing.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-76636667717889407242012-05-17T15:43:00.002-07:002012-05-17T15:43:47.584-07:00Un-InspiredI’ve long identified myself as a Conservative, but it was not until 2008 that I really solidified by political beliefs and the reasons behind those beliefs. I’ve long loved history but it was not until 2008 that I began to understand how very relevant history is to what is happening today. 2008 is the year I finally was inspired to figure it out.
The Presidential election fascinated me, beginning with both the Democratic and Republican primaries. In fact I’d say the Democratic primary was the more interesting for me. I loved the back and forth between the Clinton and Obama camps. Obama in particular was intriguing, I loved the idea that our country might elect our first African-American president. It was so historical! He was also a great orator to boot. I watched debates and stump speeches and tried to weigh their statements with what I believe. I decided that I needed to go deeper into what I believe and also what the candidates believe. When I made the effort to do research I realized how very much I disagreed with then Senator Obama. I can understand why so many just think he is the bees knees. Its easier just to take what the media says and what the candidate says and just believe it. I'm grateful I woke up.
When I really started to nail down what I myself believed I began to look for candidates who believed the same as I did. I looked for evidence of belief not just in words but also in actions. I became curious as to who the possible vice presidential candidates might be. I found Governor Sarah Palin and began researching anything I could find out about her. She was in line with my beliefs. I was impressed that she lived what she preached. I was impressed that she took on the Republican problems before she took on the Democrats in her state. I still admire the Governor.
The 2008 election started a whole new educational process for me. I decided I wanted to learn how our country got into our current economical and moral mess. Its been a great couple of 4 years, and I really have learned a lot. It took effort, but it has been more than worth it.
I knew this election cycle would be less interesting, we already knew who the Democratic candidate would be. But, 2012 has been just plain old uninspiring. I watched debates, but found they were all talking circles around each other and around issues that, although the media tried to tell us otherwise, just aren't pertinent to really putting this country back on the right track.
I certainly think President Obama must not be re-elected. But, I'd hoped we would be able to be inspired.
It is going to be a very long difficult haul to correct what our progressive minded government has been doing to us for so long. I wanted to start the correction off with some bold truth telling. Maybe we still can. In the meantime keep learning, sharing and standing up.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-83681002530416369322012-02-15T16:38:00.000-08:002012-02-15T21:59:08.909-08:00BondI think one of my all time favorite guests that Glenn Beck has on his program is Rabbi Daniel Lapin. When Glenn was still on Fox the Rabbi and he had an amazing discussion about the Tower of Babel. Recently they had another amazing discussion about the worship of Ba’al. You can check it out <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/beck-rabbi-lapin-tackle-baal-the-rise-of-secular-fundamentalism-on-gbtv/">here</a>. Rabbi Lapin is such a wise and gentle soul and has such a great understanding of reality and truth. From what I understood the worship of Ba’al basically comes down to choosing the baser tendencies we have and denying ourselves of our higher divine natures. One example cited was the increasingly more deprave spiral of pornography. Our society is pretty messed up when you consider that pornography is protected against censorship but religion is considered offensive. Rabbi Lapin also discussed that one of the signs of choosing Ba’al is the inappropriate elimination of excrement. They discussed several historical examples and then recent examples such as the Occupy Wall Street people urinating in public places and pooping on police cars and such. Its pretty vile and yet its important to acknowledge that it is indeed happening. Listening to Rabbi Lapin talk I had one of those lightbulb over the head moments. Most of the children that I work with who have attachment/bonding issues have had major problems with excrement and urination. It’s one of the more unpleasant parts of trying to parent these kids. More recently I read the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/the-way-greeks-live-now.html?pagewanted=all">story</a> discussing the way Greeks live now including how it is not uncommon to find people discreetly going through the garbage looking for food. This too was a familiar story for me. I’ve worked with kids who in survival mode would have to eat out of the garbage and even drink out of the toilet because of severe neglect from their untrustworthy parents. It dawns on me that one of the main issues in the debasement of our society in this country is indeed the lack of familial bonds. <br />
<br />
When there is a lack of familial bond that makes it nearly impossible to have appropriate bonds with others outside of the family. These kids I work with have attachment issues because the bonds they initially formed were broken usually by someone they trusted. They then go into survival mode because forming another bond becomes a threat (because of the pain they’ve already experienced). My work is all about helping families bond. There are several key principles that help kids bond with their parents. The more I’ve learned about these principles and their effectiveness the more I’ve realized that the same principles apply in our ability to bond with God. So, here is a little bit of a rundown of what we work with to help parents and kids bond, and also how it relates to our relationship with God. <br />
<br />
As a therapist I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of families that are struggling with issues of attachment/bond. Relationship is key to leading a happy, healthy life. We need one another. The bonds that should be most dear to us are in our families. The relationship I’ve been working most with, and learning about is between parent and child. The more I’ve learned about it the more I’ve realized that the principles that increase bond in a family relationship also works to strengthen our bond with God. <br />
<br />
Coming in to mortality necessitated a separation from Our Heavenly Father. This was important in order for us to be tested and to grow. As God knew we needed a separation He also knew, and prepared for it, that we would need a way back to Him. The way back is called The Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our Savior made it possible to be, as the word implies, <b>at one </b> again with God. Our most important relationship is with God. It is essential to take the necessary steps to come unto Christ so that we can return to His presence. <br />
<br />
An important concept and principle is that trust comes before love. Think of that parent child relationship. An infant has to implicitly trust in their parents to see to every need. If that doesn’t happen that can create problems for the rest of that individuals life if those trust issues are not resolved. Fortunately we know that God is everlastingly and in all situations trustworthy. He knows our needs and we are well in His hands, as long as we trust Him. When we learn then we learn to love. Think of those moments when an infant makes eye contact and connects with their parents and when they first genuinely smile. That’s bond, that’s love but they first had to know they could trust you to meet their needs. <br />
<br />
So, how do we build trust between parent and child, and of course with God? Obedience is necessary in doing so. Children who learn to obey their parents, learn to trust that their parents make good decisions for them. We must learn to obey God, and as we do we find that He does indeed know our needs and will lead us to growth and happiness. Obedience to His commandments lead us to true happiness and freedom. <br />
<br />
Consider another important aspect, what the Atonement makes possible for us. If we do it in the name of Jesus Christ, that means He made it possible. We know communication is essential to relationship. How sacred is prayer. God has blessed us with the opportunity to connect with Him. We pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. It is humbling to know we can communicate with Our Heavenly Father. <br />
<br />
Once we demonstrate trust through obedience, we can fully commit to trust by making and keeping promises. A child shows their love to a parent by being trustworthy themselves by following through with the commitments they have made. Consider then the importance of our promises, covenants, with God and with each other. A baptismal covenant for instance is incredibly important, and bonds us with God. In my faith our baptism is followed by receiving the Gift of The Holy Ghost. We are promised the constant companionship of The Spirit as we live worthily. Keeping that promise increases our connection with God. <br />
<br />
The crowning covenant in life we make is in marriage. In that we promise not only to God, but to another person to be faithful and trustworthy. How magnificent that is, that relationship with God and then with our spouse and the children born within that covenant are made eternal and lasting. It is again made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
There are many more ways to look at this topic but I’ll limit it to one more, the attachment and bonding that can come from pain and healing. An experience I’ve reflected on often is with my nephew Austin. He spent most of the first month of his life in the hospital. It was a scary time for our family, his parents especially. Austin, who was obviously in discomfort and pain, had his own hospital room complete with hospital bed. His parents, and then grandparents and aunts (including me) and uncles all took turns climbing onto the bed and holding that little guy. There was very little time in which someone wasn’t holding him. That was nearly 2 years ago. Austin is healthy and doing just fine. He also loves to be held. He has a strong connection with any of us that were there for him. He doesn’t remember the pain, but he does remember the bond. <br />
<br />
So often we hear from the leftists view that we must avoid pain. The reality is that pain is a part of life. But, pain can actually serve to bring us together, it can be a catalyst for bond. We find healing in our connection. There’s a reason we hug someone who is in pain, physical and/or emotional, connecting with them helps to heal. <br />
<br />
This is also true in our relationship with God. The Savior Jesus Christ is the Master Healer. The healing power of His Atonement is real. I have felt that in my own life. I’ve experienced being in His hands, and I’ve experienced being in His arms. I don’t remember or dwell upon the pain, but I will forever remember the bond I have with Him. <br />
<br />
Bond with The Savior in turn bonds us to Our Heavenly Father. He has given us the gift to be in families, it is so important to bond with them. The only thing I can imagine that would be better than one day being in the presence of my Savior is being in His presence with the people that I love. <br />
<br />
Of all the things that need to change in our country and society increasing the strength of the bonds we should hold dear and strive to build and maintain should be one of the primary steps. Seek to love those around you especially your family. Seek God and His commandments. Seek to make and keep sacred covenants. Seek to share this message with others. We need each other and the more we realize that and truly seek it the closer to healing, and the bond that comes with it, we can come.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-80868909883241921582011-12-24T15:01:00.000-08:002011-12-24T15:05:09.271-08:00Bethlehem, Gethsemane, Calvary<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aV2a8_X6Wqg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
With fellow believers I celebrate this Christmas season with joy and gratitude. What a significant time this is. It is wonderful to be able to have this time to gather with family and acknowledge the importance of the birth of The Savior of the World. <br />
<br />
As I’ve thought about His birth I’ve pondered about how important it was that Christ demonstrated His willingness to Atone for us. Each Sunday members of my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, partake of The Sacrament bread and water in remembrance of His sacrifice and Atonement. There is a specific prayer offered for this ordinance, here is the prayer for the bread:<br />
<br />
<i>O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given them, that they may always have His Spirit to be with them. Amen.</i><br />
<br />
One of the important aspects of the bread is that by partaking of it we are demonstrating our <i>willingness</i>. The bread represents His body. He took upon Himself a body in order to Atone for us, it was His demonstration of willingness. How utterly significant it is that the place where He was born, take upon Himself a body, is called Bethlehem which means “house of bread.” There are no coincidences in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
Here is the prayer that is said on the water.<br />
<br />
<i>O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father that they do always remember Him, that they may have His Spirit to be with them. Amen. </i><br />
<br />
There is an important difference in these two prayers. In partaking of the bread we demonstrate our willingness. In partaking of the water we demonstrate that we <i>do</i>. Just as Christ actually did perform the Atonement as He shed His blood in taking upon Him our sins and sufferings in Gethsemane and on Calvary. <br />
<br />
Christmas is all about celebrating the life of Our Savior and His willingness to take upon Him the glorious mission of The Atonement. In celebrating this we acknowledge with humble gratitude that He fulfilled His mission. Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world. He lives, I know it. Merry Christmas.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-64344304996922929712011-12-21T15:25:00.001-08:002011-12-21T15:25:32.619-08:00Light RulesI once heard a story about a young man who was fascinated by light. He equipped his pick-up with several varieties of headlights. At one point he was thrilled to obtain an airplane landing light. He was able to affix it on his car. He took a friend of mine up into the mountains and demonstrated its brightness by turning it on into rather dense foliage. All became visible, including some very shocked deer looking bewildered at the intensity of the light. The young man was one night driving in the mountains and happened to be come upon another car. At the time he had just his regular headlights on. The other driver coming his way flashed his brights signaling that the young man’s lights were too bright. The young man in turn flashed his light indicating that his headlights were at their normal setting (of course I imagine they were a little on the bright side given his fascination). The two drivers exchanged several more brightening signals until the young man finally became frustrated and went ahead and turned on his airplane landing light. Needless to say the other driver stopped in his tracks and from then on discontinued his brightening. Now, I think the story is funny, though I don’t know how happy I’d be if I was the other driver, it was a rather “in your face” moment. But, I was recently thinking about this story in working with my clients. <br />
<br />
Many of the kids I work with have come from some heinous situations and have had to deal with dark evil. The best remedy for this is to shine an intensely bright light, to have an “in your face” moment with evil. So, we talk about truth, we face it in all of its ugliness and beauty. There is no hiding when you shine a light that bright. <br />
<br />
I’ve also been thinking about light in terms of Christmas. I love the fact that a bright star was one of the signs of Christ’s birth. He brought light into a dark world. I marvel at the feeble attempts of society to try and dim His light. Congress has attempted to ban members from wishing their constituents a Merry Christmas. Some historians have attempted to change the term B.C. (Before Christ) to B.C.E. (Before Common Era). All across the country attempts are being made to stamp Christ out of Christmas from vandalizing to outlawing nativity scenes. Try as they might their attempts will fail. You simply cannot shut off that bright of a light. People will continue to celebrate Christmas, and will do so with the true spirit of Christ. Even if they try to change it to the Common Era, they will never be able to hide the fact that the Common Era started with the birth of Christ. <br />
<br />
His light will not be darkened. We just need to have eyes to see the truth. The sun rules the day, the moon and stars rule the night. No matter how dark it is the light always rules. <br />
<br />
Merry Christmas and may we all continue to follow His light in wisdom, faith, hope and love.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-43303512425565899482011-11-30T14:52:00.000-08:002011-11-30T14:52:08.570-08:00The Secrets We Keep2 Chronicles 7:14<br />
King James Version (KJV)<br />
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.<br />
<br />
So, I work with a lot of kids these days in my profession. Its great and fun and very rewarding. But, it also requires a willingness to be able to go through some difficult sessions hearing about difficult things and sometimes facing some defensiveness. Healing so often requires overcoming barriers. One of the barriers that comes up a lot, especially lately with my treatment of children is secrets. Too often secrets are a result of shame and a desire to hide. These types of secrets have a strong tendency to keep children (and let face it adults too) stuck in old and hurtful patterns. Once a client begins to develop a sense of trust it is important to begin to address the secrets they have been keeping that are barriers to healing. There are five common areas in which kids keep secrets that keep them stuck and hurt.<br />
<br />
1) Lies they’ve told<br />
2) Things they’ve stolen<br />
3) Things they’ve broken<br />
4) People or animals they’ve hurt<br />
5) Sex things <br />
<br />
As you can imagine talking about these five areas can become a bit uncomfortable, especially when shame is involved in keeping the secrets in the first place. But, when these beautiful brave kids begin to open up about their secrets you can start to see a change in their very countenances. Releasing the secrets takes down barriers not just to their pain but also to their hearts. They can begin to really accept the love from others. It’s a difficult but wonderful process and I’m so proud of these kids when they are able to go through it. <br />
<br />
The more I’ve thought about this process the more I’ve realized its appropriate for all of us to really address. Of course with my mind the way it works I also see a connection when it comes to our government. I think that in order for there to be real and honest change in our current government they are going to have to reveal all truth, all the things they’ve been trying to hide. Without that, no true healing can take place and we will just continue to see a vicious downward spiral no matter which party is in office. <br />
<br />
1) Is there any doubt that our government has told lies. So common are lies that the media barely addresses it anymore. There is simply a wave of the hand dismissing the fibs politicians tell, because that is just what politicians do. There are lies, then there are lies told to cover up the other lies until there is a virtual mountain of lies. Its not just the current congress or current administration, this has been going on for a long time. Is it any wonder that the public has a hard time trusting its government. <br />
2) Stealing is basically taking ownership of something that does not in fact belong to you. I understand the necessity of taxes. We do need to have some order, so we need to have a government and it needs a way to operate. But, when the government instituted the income tax it began to take away something that belongs to us, our property, our income. When the income tax was first introduced the politicians promised it would only be a tax on the wealthiest Americans. Wait you mean they lied?! Shocker. Our government has become addicted in a way to taking our money and using it for all sorts of stuff, that honestly is just unnecessary. They’ve tried to convince us that we need their services. The reality is they are using our money to give us things less effectively than we could get ourselves. They’ve made themselves a necessary middleman. The misuse of our funds needs to have a huge spotlight shone on it. They take from us and then try to convince us its for our own good. That’s enough. Our government needs to learn that they cannot just take without consequence. <br />
3) There is simply no way to adequately address any of these areas when it comes to our government. What have they broken? Well, plenty. Breaking all sorts of laws, and the prescribed measures of the Constitution. They’ve also broken things they’ve said they built for us, Social Security, Medicare etc. Probably the biggest thing they’ve broken is trust. Once that is gone, its very hard to get back. Coming clean with all the things they’ve broken is a start. <br />
4) People they’ve hurt. Again there is probably not a list adequate enough to cover this. The government has made itself out to be some granter of mercy. The reality is that is not their job, and they are harming the merciful processes that belong to the people. They create a problem, and then they’re cure just makes it worse. <br />
5) Sex things. For those who say that character doesn’t matter and that morals are only relative I say bunk. Sexual addictions reveal all sorts of sickness. Morals and character does matter. We are so used to seeing unfaithful politicians that it sometimes barely makes news at all. Being unfaithful to marriage and morals, a commitment which should be second only to our commitment to God, speaks volumes about the ability to stay faithful to other things. <br />
<br />
Our country needs a healing, a miraculous one. The only way true healing can take place is if all the secrets our government officials have been keeping are revealed. We need a big ol bright spotlight to shine on all the darkness. That is how we turn from the wicked ways, seek His face and receive that blessing. We must reveal, repent and pray. I have seen miracles. I testify that God can heal our land as He has healed so many things. But, we have to put ourselves in the position to receive that great blessing.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-51999911547227701762011-10-06T07:55:00.001-07:002011-10-07T08:02:29.012-07:00Thoughts on Governor Palin Not RunningIn the end when we are all called before God Our Creator and asked to make an accounting of our lives, He will not ask what positions we held or how much money we made or how many people we influenced. He will ask how we treated the most important people in our lives, our family. Did we put them above other concerns? He will ask what we did with the gifts He gave. Life, Liberty, Responsibility, what did we do with those, and did we defend them not only for ourselves but for our family and those who follow? And He will ask about our hearts. What became of our hearts? Were they turned to Him? Were we filled with compassion and mercy and gratitude? This is the final accounting. There is no possible way for me to know what is truly in Governor Palin’s heart and all the things she has done with her life. But, by their fruits we can know some things. She has a servant’s heart. That service has always centered on her family, then to her community, then of course also to her country. She loves God, her family and her country in that order. I feel the same way. I am disappointed, but I also feel like I understand, not completely but I understand that she is following God’s guidance. I’ve said all along that she has my support whether she runs for president, senate, or straight for the hills to just spend time with her family because I trust that she is guided. If all she does is continue to be a great mom then her life will be a resounding success story. Of course she’ll do more than that and I look forward to standing by her side in standing up for God, family and this blessed country. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sarah Emily Jordanmanajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-77767153727700877572011-09-29T08:37:00.000-07:002011-09-29T08:37:27.085-07:00Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: In That OrderWhy does the liberal left, who wants more government, more laws and less choice value abortion so much? It seems to be the only "choice" that so many on the left are willing to defend. I know I'm not the only one to ask that question and notice the odd discrepancy. But, I've thought about it more this past little while, especially in light of our Vice Presidents despicable comments supporting China's one child policy and the more recent despicable lawsuit won by the couple who sued their OBGYN for not informing them of their child's missing limbs. They claim they would have aborted him had they known. What a disgusting message to send to that poor child. Anyway its been on my mind. Thinking about it recently the ideas of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (formally property in the original draft) popped into my head. I realized it wasn't just those rights that were significant but its also the order they were placed in that is significant. <br />
<br />
Life is first. I'd been thinking about that original question in terms of liberty (why liberals value abortion). But, the reality is that leftism first does not value life. Thus leftism only respects the choice to end life, not just in terms of abortion but also in terms of euthanasia. Its important to note also that leftism tends towards eugenics as well. The leftist ideologies end up in sacrificing some life for the false ideal of the greater good. <br />
<br />
The Founders were very deliberate when it came to crafting the founding documents. They were not just deliberate in including life, liberty and property/the pursuit of happiness, they were deliberate in the order. <br />
<br />
The most basic fundamental God given right is life. If you do not respect life, than you have little respect for the next one, the power to direct that life. Without respect for the first two foundational principles than the third, the power of ownership/responsibility for what we do with our lives is likewise given little respect. <br />
<br />
It goes more basic than those three principles. The leftist mindset also discounts individuality. I believe there is a power in unity, but that power can only be properly accessed when individuals make the decision to be unified. Its funny to me to watch governments attempt to artificially promote unity after they've witnessed the power of the real thing. For instance Argentina started the Falklands War hoping for the nation to rally in unity after witnessing the actual unity generated with their hosting of and winning the World Cup in 1978. Or here in the United States look at the government pushing idea of making 9/11 a service day. I don't disagree with that idea necessarily, but I do recognize that it is borne out of a desire to manufacture the unity we felt by choice that day. <br />
<br />
It goes more basic than individuality still. Life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness and the individuality with which we all experience these things are gifts from God. We don't have rights because we are superior beings or from any man made gift, we have them because we are children of a loving God who wants us to grow.<br />
<br />
We understand that the great and marvelous day when swords will be made into plowshares and peace will reign, will be that day because the people will choose it, they'll choose God and to return to Him. Until that day we must protect the ability to eventually make that choice. That means we allow life to continue, allow for the right to choose to continue to allow for the consequence of our choices to be followed through be they good or bad, easy or difficult. <br />
<br />
We stand at the dire moments and say as has been said in past generations, dispensations and times. We will live the gift we've been given and protect that gift for others even if that means giving up our own. I will gladly sacrifice other pursuits, in the pursuit of my children's right to pursue their own happiness. I will use my liberty to choose to protect others' liberty. I will use my life to stand testifying of my God and of His merciful gifts. I will stand shoulder to shoulder choosing to unite with others who will do the same.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-48936022337791261922011-09-07T22:33:00.000-07:002011-10-01T16:23:35.247-07:00LearningEvery experience has worth, especially if you learn something from it. The past several months I've experienced many great things, a few difficult ones, but all of them worth it. God family and country is how I best keep things in perspective and in order God is first in my priorities. I've drawn closer to Him this past while, and am very appreciative. <br />
<br />
Family has been a major focus for this past little while. Its been appropriately time consuming. Not only have I been able to spend with my own family but my work these days has been largely focused on helping families come to a healing. <br />
<br />
I've maintained some of my country focus through all this. I have the opportunity on Tuesday nights to co-host a blog radio program, you can catch it <a href="http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/94654">here</a> if you're interested :), with Thomas Schmitz and Ranae Durfee. Its a blast. I've also been spending some time volunteering for organize4palin. If you're interested in being part of that you can go <a href="www.organize4palin.com">here</a> to sign up to be a volunteer. <br />
<br />
I've not taken time to blog, but I'm determined to get back to it. Its not much of a contribution but I still think its important to write and share Conservative principles and values and stand up for my country in anyway I can, including writing on a little known blog.<br />
<br />
Today I want to just share some things I've learned from my experiences the past couple of months. <br />
<br />
<b>Fear Is Okay to Feel, But Do What's Right Anyway</b><br />
<br />
Not long ago I was working with one of my kid clients on trying to learn how to trust. She kept covering her face with her hands, at one point I just took her hands in my own and looked right in her eyes. I could tell it was hard for her. But, then she did something that she hadn't done before, she told me how she was really feeling, how scary it was to try and trust somebody, and did it looking right into my eyes. It may not seem like much to someone who doesn't know this kid. But, right then I knew she was showing more courage than I could begin to myself. I've never been so utterly betrayed by the people who are supposed to love me, as she had. I've never had to re-learn how to trust, and not just specific people, but the whole concept of trusting. There she was actually trusting me with her feelings, and it was hard and scary. But, in order for her to truly heal she had to be able to learn to trust. In order to have a healed heart she has to learn to share it. Its going to be a roller coaster path for her, but she has continued to show courage in the face of fear. She's not the only one. I've been able to see that courage over and over again. It takes amazing courage to tell the truth, especially of that truth is unpleasant and we fear that it may have scary consequences. Americans need to have courage like that kid. We've got to look our problems in the eye and tell the truth about what must be done. Its going to be hard, but it has to be done if this country is going to truly heal. <br />
<br />
<b>Kids Aren't Just Our Future They Are Our Present</b><br />
<br />
As I said there were some difficult experiences these past couple of months. I needed a bit of healing myself, nothing to big just life being life. One of the most healing experiences came with a family campout. There is nothing, nothing like greeting family again after an absence. Hugs absolutely rock. My nieces and nephews melt my heart. I loved sitting around a campfire and having them around singing silly songs and just being together. Having the healing experience of being with my family helped me to cherish my relationship with them more than ever. God has gifted us with relationships. What we do with that gift is incredibly important. Its important to acknowledge that what we do now will affect our children's future. But, while we work to secure a safe and prosperous future for them we must cherish the relationship that we have with them now. Through every difficult experience we have arms to hold us, and relationships to cherish. Love your family, love them dearly. Laugh and cry with them. Live life and honor those in our lives as gifts. <br />
<br />
<b>Miracles Happen</b><br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I had a request of God. I asked Him to open my eyes to see more clearly the miracles He is working. I've seen too many in my lifetime to count. But, something unique happened to me in answer to that prayer. I was literally seeing multiple miracles a day. Big miracles. I saw peoples hearts changing, families turning corners to where they were actually starting to heal. Unexpected blessings came in the form of miracles including this rather humorous and yet merciful one in which someone lost my phone number. That's a hard one to explain but for me it was most definitely a miracle. Miracles happen every day. When our eyes and hearts are open to it we see them clearly manifest. And as we see we also are filled with another miracle, gratitude. I call gratitude a miracle because its more than just a feeling. It literally changes our physiology to be grateful. It moves us to action, to humility and most importantly it moves us closer to God. Miracles do happen in all of our lives, and they will continue to happen for our country. My eyes and heart are more open to it, and I'm excited to see it all go down. <br />
<br />
I'm grateful for my experiences and I'm grateful to be learning. I'm also grateful to blog :) and will be doing more of it. I want to be anxiously engaged in good causes, keeping that perspective of God, family and country.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-57620044835969338412011-07-06T20:35:00.000-07:002011-07-06T20:35:35.673-07:00Save The Family, Save The CountryEarlier this month I had the honor and blessing of participating in a week long camp dedicated to the healing of families affected by attachment issues. I got to witness some amazing miracles. I got to see some amazing hearts and lives. I have been able to watch some of the struggles and continuing miracles in the weeks that have followed. There is nothing, nothing that will be more important to the saving of this country than the work of saving families. <br />
<br />
Throughout history there have been individuals who have risen up as leaders when they have been direly needed. I am reminded of one of my heroes, William Wilberforce. He was a man who was driven by faith and the belief that God had called him to do a great work. He is best known for his work in ending the slave trade. He was an amazing man, and he rose to the challenge given to him. What drove his faith? His testimony of Jesus Christ. For Him to be a Christian was more than a title it meant a way of life and a way of being. He was an authentic Christian and he asked his fellow citizens to live up to the mantle of Christianity. His work was the making of a better world. No one can argue that his work and his life was a resounding success. He is safely with The Lord now, but his example and inspiration live on. <br />
<br />
Nancy Thomas reminds me very much of William Wilberforce. She has that same caliber of character and has been a driving force across this country in the salvation of families. She is a Christian woman who lives her faith out loud and in every action. She has dedicated her life to saving children and families. She is kind of America's Mother Teresa, though I'm sure she would shrug off such a comparison. It was such an honor to meet her in person, to see her in action and to participate in the work that she does.<br />
<br />
When a person decides to live congruently with their faith and purpose they are able to access the power to truly change lives and hearts. And when they do it from a pure servant's heart that power becomes magnified. When they do it pleading to God for His help and seeking then to do His will, well miracles cannot help but follow. <br />
<br />
The family is the most basic foundational unit in society. Defending and strengthening the family is fundamental to protecting our nation and our liberty. Such a time as this requires such a person as Nancy Thomas, just as Wilberforce's time required him. <br />
<br />
Nancy Thomas uses the principles that we all know to be true, most basically that we are children of God. Somewhere in all of us we know we must trust God, commit to living His principles, and then own up to and make restitutions for our mistakes. God is our Father. Here on earth we've been blessed with families. It is within our families that we learn to trust first our parents and love, again first our parents. That sets up the foundation for the rest of our lives. Sadly there are many individuals who've not experienced this. Miss Nancy is determined to heal the damage caused by the breach of trust and to heal the children and their amazingly beautiful and compassionate parents who want that same thing. And boy have miracles ensued.<br />
<br />
Nancy trusts The Lord with all her heart, knows her purpose and lives it. She is a mortal ministering angel, and so are the faithful devoted individuals who staff their camps. And I cannot say enough about the parents, many of whom adopted their children, who love their children enough to be bigger, wiser, stronger and kind and hold these suffering little ones in their arms providing the healing that only a parent can. I was reminded of what The Lord's work is all about, healing. Especially healing and blessing children is essential to who He is. The week of camp I read again and again a passage in The Book of Mormon which details s marvelous experience during Christ's visit to The Americas from 3rd Nephi ch. 17<br />
<br />
5-And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, He cast His eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon Him as if they would ask Him to tarry a little longer with them.<br />
6-And He said unto them: Behold my bowels are filled with compassion towards them.<br />
7-Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy. <br />
8-For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.<br />
9-And it came to pass that when He had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and He did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto Him.<br />
10-And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at His feet, and did worship Him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss His feet, insomuch that they did bathe His feet with their tears. <br />
11-And it came to pass that He commanded that their little children should be brought.<br />
21-... and He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.<br />
22-And when He had done this He wept again:<br />
23-And He spake unto the multitude, and said unto them; Behold your little ones.<br />
24-And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them. <br />
<br />
For the full account <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/17?lang=eng">see</a> <br />
<br />
That is what happens. We come to Him and we bring others to be healed. Both get the immense blessing and joy of being in His presence. I've experienced both, and both are awe inspiring. Then of course the children. They still have angels round about, and some of them are mortals. <br />
<br />
There is no more important work than saving the families. If you'd like to learn more about Nancy Thomas and her work check out her <a href="http://www.attachment.org/pages_nancy.php
">website</a>.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-89167672917855779522011-05-30T21:12:00.001-07:002011-05-30T21:13:12.256-07:00RememberingMemorial Day, what an important day of observance it is. The purpose is to remember those who've given their lives for this country while serving in our Armed Forces. Its origins in the United States come during The Civil War and aftermath. As I was contemplating this day, in gratitude I remembered having recently watched a documentary about the art of war which highlighted the battle of Gettysburg. Here is part of that video. Watch both parts 8 and 9 for the full story.<br /><br /><iframe width="395" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp7p9U9HFtE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Little Round Top became the final and best defense for the Union Army. As I was watching this I wondered how was it that the Union was able to find the absolute best position? How was it that after loss after loss the Union army was able to win this monumentally decisive victory? I then remembered another video I had seen. <br /><br /><iframe width="395" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wDUO2C_nsqE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />What led to the Union victory at Gettysburg? God. A good man and a good leader turned to God in the most dire needs, and God took the matter into His hands. <br /><br />As we gratefully remember those who've given their lives for our freedom. We should also remember He who is the author and the protector of our freedom. Thanks be to our heroes proved as they stand and fall mercifully in our behalf. And thanks be to Our God who has preserved this nation. We must humbly turn to Him now as ever.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-25780041362924896422011-05-02T18:45:00.000-07:002011-05-07T02:54:46.738-07:00Unknown SoldiersI have long believed that our soldiers offer us tremendous examples of service and sacrifice. May I offer my grateful congratulations on their efforts this past weekend in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Good work everyone, God continue to bless you and your loved ones. <br /><br />Its important to say a word about President Obama's role in all of this. Some would ask if we Conservatives will give him credit. Totally, I'll definitely give him credit for making the right call. Congratulations and thank-you Mr. President. I support the principles he followed in this matter. Gitmo and enhanced interrogation were key. Mr. President, thanks for allowing the military and the intelligence community to do their jobs, unhindered by your political ideologies. I'd love to see our President apply more Conservative principles and see just how successful they can be too. <br /><br />This incident has reminded me of a principle that our soldiers are again a tremendous example of, being willing to do the right thing regardless of who knows it. A lot of that comes from perspective. I believe the most important perspective is an eternal one.<br /><br />To live with an eternal perspective is to know that the choices we make in this life will have eternal consequences, good and bad. It also means that our works are known by God. Those who properly carry this perspective understand that God sees our negative works, but also that our good works may never be known by any but God. In a world where so much attention is paid to celebrity and where everyone is supposed to have at least 15 minutes of it, to continue to do good works whether or not anyone sees is incredibly honorable. <br /><br />I was thinking about this concept recently as I was reflecting on the sacred experience I had a few years ago of visiting The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The significance of that site is great. Those brave soldiers gave their lives in the defense of freedom and their fellow countrymen. Their names are unknown yet their devotion and their courage is honored. We do not know their names, but I take comfort in the fact that an all-knowing and all loving God does. When they passed from this life, while making the ultimate sacrifice for us, they went to Him who knew their deeds and their sacrifice.<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lfyrKHTvgwk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />They represent every soldier who has ever fought for us. Countless brave men and women have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. I marvel at our soldiers. They are willing to heroically and bravely stand in our defense, whether they get praise and recognition or not from the public. I know some, and always tell them thank-you (which seems woefully inadequate). But, it is impossible to know and thank them all. Again I take comfort in knowing that God does know them. <br /><br />Our soldiers are exemplary, meaning we should strive to be like them. We must be willing to stand up and fight for what is good and right and true, regardless of whether or not anyone knows it. We can rest assured that when it comes to our actions the two most important people will know, ourselves and God. <br /><br />We must be willing to have God alone know our good works. For Him alone to know the work we do to stand up for the freedom He has granted us.<br /> <br />My name may never be known in any wider circles than my own family. But, God, He knows. He knows my heart and He knows what I'm trying to do. There is honor and then there is valiance. I hope to return to Him with valiance.<br /> <br />Too often I'm guilty of wanting my voice to be heard. But, the only one who matters is Him. I will stand before Him one day and make an accounting of my life. I will make an accounting for what I did with the precious gift of freedom and if I made the way for the freedom of my posterity easier.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-80331249417245177062011-04-08T12:55:00.001-07:002011-04-08T12:55:37.286-07:00Take a BowAn ancient story is told about a wicked man who wanted to be king. His name was Amalackiah, but I just nickname him, the jerk or wicked dude or something along those lines. I’ll try to summarize it, basically the guy was a terrible human being. He lived in a free land, where people elected their leaders. This jerk sought supporters who were also attracted to power and he hoped they would elect him to be their king. Alas, he did not win enough support and the land remained under free rule. But, this evil guy still wanted to be king. So, what he did he do? He decided to become king of the enemies. He took his loyalists went over to enemy lands and convinced the enemy king to fight against his own people. Here’s where he gets crafty. The leaders of this enemy army were not exactly thrilled with the prospect of going up against the evil dude’s former homeland. They always lost. You see the free nation was also one which relied on God and constantly sought His protection in seeking righteousness. Well, God did protect them and the enemies never won. So, as I said the army was reluctant. Wicked guy decided he needed to win the support of the army so he secretly met with the army leader and won his trust by convincing him he wouldn’t have to go up to fight. Then Mr. Evil slowly poisons the leader of the enemy army. During this process he won the confidence of the army and after the leaders’ death he took control of the army. Then he decides the time is right for the ultimate prize, he still wants to be king. So, he marches back to the enemy king having successfully gathered the army under his new command. The king comes out to greet the servants of total jerk evil guy. The servants take a bow in his presence and when he goes to command them to arise they stab him to death. Well, these servants of evil dude then blame the murder on the kings own servants who had fled (not surprisingly). The wicked man then comforts the queen on the death of her husband, marries the queen and since he’s the leader of the army and the queens new husband he gets named king of the enemy. Nice story eh? Its actually pretty despicable. He ends up going to war with his once homeland and costing countless lives, including his own. This whole event was driven by power lust and the end result was nothing but sorrow.<br /><br />Now, murder and such is not going on in our highest levels of government (well not that we know of), but certainly the same type of evil attitude is pervasive amongst politicians. Anytime we see our leaders bowing before the supposed powers we should be incredibly suspicious. Too often a bow is just a pretense for a power grab. I must also note that I do not believe there is so much an effort made towards having a king as there is to maintain some sick oligarchy.<br /><br />You probably think I’m going to talk about our Presidents continuous bowing. Which I admit drives me bonkers. But, actually I was thinking about this subject in relation to the establishment Republicans and the pundits who support them. I’m no longer shocked by the disparagements that these people throw at Governor Palin. I have however started to ponder what it is that drives their attitudes and actions. <br /><br />To me it seems that they are suffering from a similar paradigm as that evil dude, and his followers. They seek power. And in the end they are willing to bow down in order to offer some pretense of submission when in reality they are looking for any opportunity to grab their own power. I know what you want, Kristol, Frum, Krauthammer, O’Reilly etc. etc. etc. and on and on, you want a piece of the power. You want to have your voice matter to the rest of us, so you tell us what we are supposed to think.<br /><br />Look the Democrats/Liberals/Progressives/Leftists make their platform and desires easy to spot. The establishment Republicans and their ilk, well they try to thrive in shadows. They look for ways to get what they want while still cloaked in some semblance of Conservatism. Its slimy, gross and I’m on to it and so are a lot of Americans. So, go ahead keep it up people. Keep bowing before the media, seeking their praise, and the left seeking their support. Bow to the slime and the filth and the corruption that has pervaded our government and the media that was supposed to protect us from it. You’ll be exposed. Understand the consequence. You are culpable in the destruction of freedom and the country which has best been its protector. While you continue to try to tear down one of the few political allies America and Americans can truly rely on, we will keep standing beside her and our country. Our freedom is worth the fight. And power will once again rest with who it belongs to, the people. We will keep relying on God and not on your supposed wisdom. We will keep looking for leaders who do the same.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-64765059441416761732011-03-22T23:32:00.000-07:002011-03-23T08:21:40.818-07:00Some HistoryI had a history Professor back in my college days who tried to convince the class that history doesn't repeat itself. His argument was that there is no exact repetition, names change, environment changes, places change etc. Well, it was not so long ago that as I was thinking about that Prof. and another couple of lectures he gave it dawned on me that he was a huge Progressive. The idea that history does not repeat itself is essential for the Progressive ideology, because they have to believe that it will work someday even though so far it has not. Yes, indeed the names change, and environment and all that. But, for crying out loud a simple examination of history shows that it does indeed occur in patterns. That's the whole reason to learn history, so that we can learn what to do and especially what not to do. Its a gift, and it is far underutilized thanks to a great many things including faux educators. <br /><br />I have several historical ideas for blog posts floating around in my head. I've needed to just sit down and start committing them to paper, or computer screen whatever you want to call it. So, I'm going to divide the ideas up in to a couple of areas and then just go from there. <br /><br />I've loved history for a long time, and have had a particular fascination for the 20th century. One of the things I've found interesting is how little attention is paid to the early 20th century. Is it a coincidence that that era is famous for beginning the Progressive movement in America? Doubtful. There are so many current events that can be better understood by understanding the early 20th century. Look WWII gets well deserved attention, but what about WWI? Do you want to understand what is happening in the Middle East? You have to know about the early 20th century. What about the radical elements that existed in the early 20th century, Anarchists joining up with Socialists who are supposed to be on opposite sides of the political spectrum, what in the world? One of the absolute scariest events in The United States and the world occurred in the form of devastating illness, and it hardly ever gets spoken of. So, one of the areas I'm going to focus on is early 20th Century history. Buckle up, its going to be, well it might be boring for some people, but I think its a fun journey. <br /><br />Bureaus. If you think history is boring, you will likely think I'm one of the most boring people ever to want to delve into the history of bureaucracy in America. Doing the research I did on Psychology and the Left, and noting the ties with the FDA really opened my eyes to how much damage the practice of regulations has done to the American way of life and our Constitution. So, come along and discover just how nasty the EPA is, or the DOJ. Oh, and what about the ATF? How the heck did Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms go together under one bureaus? Progressivism holds the key, say it with me, Prohibition. Sounds like fun right? <br /><br />I've long been puzzled the Progressive ownership of group think. So, many groups in American society seem to identify with the left, which seems totally incongruent with the history of the Left. Where did the idea for Native American boarding schools come from? What about internment camps for those of Japanese descent? What about the excessive number of abortions performed on minorities in America? Does the Progressive left in America really represent minorities? Simply put, no. From slamming the door on immigration to turning women's rights into abortion on demand, the left has a long history of treating the groups they claim to represent poorly. I'm going to take a good hard long look at this. <br /><br />Suggestions and tips are most welcome. As I already wrote, I love history. It is a gift and I intend to continue learning from it. One of the most important words in the English language is remember. We must remember who we are, and where we came from and what is really true. Then we can truly move forward walking in the light that is knowledge and humbly seeking to be wise.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940391124648445154.post-89650758985896965702011-03-09T16:27:00.000-08:002011-03-09T17:05:18.261-08:00Author of LibertyGalatians 5:1<br /><em>Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage. </em><br /><br />Okay so I here I go again talking about God. Why did God grant us freedom? Why did He allow for mistakes? It’s because He allows us to grow individually to, dare I say, progress. He would have us become our greatest selves. That cannot be accomplished by force, it can only be accomplished by choice. Will we make mistakes? Of course. Each one of our lives gives insurmountable evidence of that. History is replete with examples, which have included terrible consequences. But, we can make good choices too. <br /><br />God plays an active role in providing grace, an enabling power, to those who acknowledge His hand and seek His help. Grace is real. It is also necessary to acknowledge the reality of evil. For me the summation of evil is anything that turns us away from God. I think the term “evil” gets thrown around too much and directed inappropriately. So, understand that I do not write this lightly, I believe that Progressivism is evil. It has turned people away from God and towards man. There are Progressives who invoke the name of God, but do so with their own agenda and ends in mind. Progressivism attempts to take a moral mantel. But, believing that evil can be controlled or altered by another form of evil (turning from God towards man for solutions) is nonsensical in the extreme. <br /><br />Progressivism has caused damage in our nation for a century. To undo that damage, to truly seek a restoration is going to take a mighty miracle indeed. In order to have God active in the miracle of restoration we are going to have to be on His side. In times of crisis in this country we have sought Him, and He has been there. Great leaders have humbled themselves before Him. We need the Author of Liberty. He blessed us with it, He will sustain those who seek to preserve it. We need leaders who will kneel before the Almighty with a firm reliance on Him, and His direction. We each need to be leaders in our own right. <br /><br />So great is our need now, it rivals any previous crisis. The attacks have been deep and sustained. Covered in cloaks of our welfare, the reality is that Progressives have laden us with chains of debt, of immorality, of oaths broken. <br /><br />I’ve thought recently of an incident in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Missouri Executive Order 44 was issued in October 1838 by Governor Lilburn Boggs. Boggs stated " ... the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace" Artist Andrew Knapp depicted an incident commonly referred to as “Majesty in Chains” The Artist describes the scene:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Majesty in Chains" takes place in Richmond, Missouri, sometime in November of 1838. The Prophet and his associates had been taken prisoner at Far West, Missouri, and were awaiting trial at Richmond in some rough log houses situated near the courthouse. Six men at a time were chained around the ankles with a long chain that was held to each ankle by a lock. Parley poignantly recounts:"In one of those tedious nights [imprisoned in Richmond in a rough log house] we had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the "Mormons" while at Far West and vicinity. They even boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women and children.<br /><br />I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words: <br /><br />'SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and bear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!'<br /><br />He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards. <br /><br />I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended on a breath, in the courts of England; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri."Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, pp. 209-211.</blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_Q97sdxvyDLEks89kdunlUUnc6CGpv9vycEN0P24LG77eITu3_dYhlddfyiPNdi76DVLc39JfoCPh3JkAM3vbdgGhay6WlGhaLvwbhzZXkWJo_LjuVzBmZyWar9xP-MXy3R4gXrYo_7s/s1600/majesty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_Q97sdxvyDLEks89kdunlUUnc6CGpv9vycEN0P24LG77eITu3_dYhlddfyiPNdi76DVLc39JfoCPh3JkAM3vbdgGhay6WlGhaLvwbhzZXkWJo_LjuVzBmZyWar9xP-MXy3R4gXrYo_7s/s320/majesty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582241625395263154" /></a><br /><br />Majesty in chains moments have occurred throughout history, often as terrible evil attempts to overcome goodness. It feels as if we are in such a crossroads now. It is our duty to stand, shackled as we may be. We stand, mocked though we have been and will most certainly continue to be. We stand knowing the God who authored our liberty will sustain those who seek to uphold this marvelous gift. It is His majesty. <br /><br />Our fathers' God to Thee, <br />Author of liberty, <br />To Thee we sing. <br />Long may our land be bright, <br />With freedom's holy light, <br />Protect us by Thy might, <br />Great God our King.manajordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07427112384152373113noreply@blogger.com0