Let’s Get Started!

We’ve moved into the new year and I hope many of you have aspired to do great things for the greater good of all people. It’s time to get started!

We cannot hold onto all the things that didn’t work in 2018, but we must use the power of reflection and analysis to make sure we can plan better for 2019 and beyond. The problem with most of us–is human nature–the lack of ability to see or think beyond the moment and therefore, our plans often don’t succeed because we must always look beyond where we are and where we want to go, but where we can see ourselves at least two years beyond the moment. If we have to make adjustments to get there, we make the adjustments by having a contingency plan, included in our plan of action.

Okay, 2018 mid terms are over. Local elections are coming up in probably most states in 2019 and we must get ready now and in the process, determine how what we do with our local elections in 2019 can shape what can happen in 2020–the next presidential election. I’m super glad that Democrats won big in a number of states that changed the “faces” literally in The House and since most of the Senate seats are up next, we can do the same thing there–if we plan and start working towards the goal–right now.

Local elections are important because many of those persons who win, move onto the state and national election venues. We must know who it is we elect to any position of governance at the basic level. We need to know who our school board members are–their character and nature, the county commissioners, the city council members (whatever they are know as–assemblies, etc.). Before we work to elect them to State offices, what have they done on the local level that warrants our trust at another level? Are watching what they do? Do they have the interests of all people at the heart of their votes or is it just about personal agendas and they don’t care about the people? We must think about these things before committing our time and finances to anyone. We, the people who elect those who are supposed to represent us–must pay attention to everyone running for office. Electing people who have been in public service is a must–no matter what level that public service has been–it proves they have a heart for people.

Primaries are important! We must educate, inform everyone where we live on the importance of the primary elections in every state. Who ends up on the ballot for all general elections is decided by who wins the primaries. We must get people out to vote in all primaries at all times. If we don’t–we may not end up with the best choices for the general elections.

Character matters–we cannot afford to promote or elect people of questionable character and that has nothing to do with their sexual orientation, gender or religious beliefs. Are they trustworthy? Are they corrupt? Would we trust them with our children–our most precious resources? These and other questions like these are the types of questions we must be willing to ask. If we can’t get coherent responses or only get apathetic ones, we need to look for other candidates who can enthusiastically embrace and demonstrate our core beliefs–caring for humanity and in protecting our democracy.

With all of that being said, I’d like to encourage all who can–to help promote Democratic parties across the nation. I know many cannot afford to contribute financially to all (I can’t), but if everyone with a social media presence, promotes Democratic Candidates across the nation, no matter where they are, we can help make a difference. Right now, I’m thinking specifically about Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee. We can locate Democratic parties through Facebook in every state and encourage them by our support in helping them to find candidates who can win against every Republican who has stood in lock-step with trump–voting against the interests of the people.

If we get started now–we can help make a positive difference in every state across the nation, but we must get started now. Are you with me? Let’s get started! And make sure our promotion and support is about the issues–not trump. No matter what we say about trump, his supporters won’t be dissuaded so we must concentrate on the 68% of the population who will work to get the job done. Remember–Democrats have already demonstrated, we care about all the people and we must ensure that all the people have access to healthcare, veterans are taken care of, working citizens have livable wages, and a quality education is available for all. If you tend to forget, keep this blog handy and refer to it often–Democrats Care About All The People!

Deceptive Storms (excerpt 2)

“I just got a call from the high school and it appears that more and more kids are involved in drug use.  They’re trying to pinpoint the distribution, but you know how difficult that can be.  This is especially true since they do not control the flow of traffic in and out of the building.  I suggested they put up security cameras in lieu of having someone man the doors.  At any rate, they said they would take my suggestion to the next board meeting.  I’d hate the thought that some of our kids are involved, but one never knows what kids will do when they are out of sight of authority.”

“Yes, I do know.  I’ve actually been a little concerned about Vernon Jenkins, lately.  He seems to be more resistant to the teachings at the church.  I’m not sure if it is just teen-age angst or if there is another problem.  I’ve tried to talk to him, but he always leaves as soon as church is over and I think he only attends the youth meetings because his dad makes him.”

“Both he and his dad are having a bad time.  I’ve offered to counsel him, but his father insists he can handle it.  I’m just not sure if he’s trying to handle things as his dad or as a minister.  Sometimes those lines can be blurred.  I hope that’s not the case here.”

“Pastor Cal…I …uh.  I was trying not to say anything until I could prove my suspicions but I think Vernon is using.  He’s distant and his eyes are always glassy-looking.  I know the symptoms.  The pulling away from people who know you well, trying to fit in with all the wrong folks.  I hope he’s not, but all the signs are there.”

“Before you draw any conclusions, see if you can get him to open up and talk to you.  I’m sure if we can get him to talk, we’ll be able to help him, but if he’s not willing, the only thing we can do is to alert his dad.  You want me to do it?”

“No sir.  At least, not yet.  Let me try talking to him.  His dad has quite a temper and I would not want to be responsible for anything that happens to Vernon because of his dad’s uncontrolled anger.  I’ll make it my business to talk to him tonight and let you know what happened.  Was there anything else?”

“No, not at all.  I’m sure you have things to prepare for your meeting.  Call me tomorrow when you get a chance.  And…by the way, Pastor Dee and I are expecting a new baby…”

“Congratulations!” Reverend Anderson interrupted, surprised by the news.

“Thanks, but we want to keep this quiet for a while.  Because this pregnancy puts her at risk, she’s not going to be around the church much and I’m going to need every minister on board to fill in the gap.  Can I count on you?”

“Absolutely.  And please let Pastor Dee I’m praying for her and the baby.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate your prayers.  I’ll talk to you later.”

After Reverend Anderson hung up the phone, he smiled to himself.  He knew that Pastor Dee and Pastor Cal were relatively newlyweds, but he didn’t think that a baby would ever be part of the equation.  “How about that?” he thought.  “They still got it going on.” He pulled out his bible and began writing some notes for the youth meeting.  Before long, stumped as to how to approach the subjects he wanted to discuss, he got on the Internet to see if there any websites with good suggestions. As he searched, he remembered.  He remembered his own involvement with drugs and how it could have cost him his life.

Paul Anderson, the greatest athlete known at Community High School, had many offers from various colleges and had been awarded all sorts of scholarships.  It was the spring just before he graduated high school that things fell apart.  He and some of his buddies had been out celebrating their impending graduation and all of their accomplishments in high school.  When someone had pulled out a joint, at first Paul refused—thinking about all he had ahead of him—he didn’t want to ruin his chances to be successful.  After a while, someone dared him to take a drag.  Never one to resist a dare, he accepted the joint and inhaled deeply, sputtering like crazy as he coughed violently.  The other guys laughed at him, but since his eyes were smarting and his lungs burning, he didn’t see anything funny.  The longer he sat, watching them pass the joint, the calmer he became until he finally took another hit.  This time, he didn’t sputter or cough; he just sat back and grinned stupidly.  By the time he got ready to go home, he couldn’t focus.  The world seemed to be moving faster than he was and he was trying to catch up.  He heard laughter faintly as though it was far away, but he couldn’t see who was laughing.  His buddies all appeared to be far away. Finally, he heard someone say, “we gotta take him home.  He can’t drive like that.”

Unfortunately, they didn’t move fast enough. By the time someone thought about getting his car keys from him, Paul had walked out the door, keys in-hand.  He struggled trying to open the door when he couldn’t get the keys to slide into the lock and then almost fell getting into the car, but he finally got the keys into the ignition and started the car to head home.  That was the last thing he remembered of that fateful night.

Deceptive Storm available on amazon.com and smashwords.com Enjoy!

Who Do You Trust?

“Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1 NIV).

Most mountains won’t budge of themselves, but we have witnessed mountains being re-conformed whenever it suits man–for their purposes.  More specifically, I’m thinking about the mountains in West Virginia that have been carved out for highways, bridges–all for the benefit of man–with man-made equipment (explosives and bulldozers). So, when I read this verse, I get an understanding about the endurance of a mountain–as long as we leave them alone.

Of course, there are some instances in which earthquakes have caused mountains to shift and rocks to slide, but the base of mountain–for the most part remains intact. I say this without knowing the full destruction of every earthquake and I’m simply trying to make a point. The point is–we should be like the mountains–steadfast, immoveable, unshakeable when we our trust is in God.

However, when we “quake” at the negative reports–from doctors, the media, whoever; the implication is that we cannot be trusting God and are relying upon either our trust in man or self. Can we really trust in ourselves? Are we infallible beings worthy of trust? Or are we just as fickle as the next person, constantly changing our minds, our values, our morals–just to go along to get along? What have we done that makes us think we are trustworthy? How do we know we cannot trust self or others for any extensive time? Look at our reactions to an economy out of control.  Look at our reactions to the news reports that seldom report anything positive.  Look at what we do in front of our children and then expect them to do something better. Look at how we treat each other–with hatred and disdain and then expect someone to love us. This is what happens when we “trust” us and others.

Trust in the Lord! Commit all your ways unto Him and allow Him to direct your paths. Submit to God, resist the devil and the devil and all his demons will flee. Trust in the report of the Lord when doctors tell you you’re never going to get well. The Lord’s report says, “we are healed by His stripes.” When watching the news, remember what the Lord has said: “These things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

Trust God to keep all of His promises and never quake in a moment of doubt.  Stand firm in your trust and commitment to God and watch Him work things out in your favor. Be like the mountain–unshakeable in the midst of turmoil and don’t let man’s ideas, plans and thoughts re-conform you! Know–don’t just believe–know that God will do whatever He said He will do–to His glory and our benefit!

 

Deceptive Storms (excerpt from chapter one)

Cal locked the door for the last time and squared his shoulders as he walked back down the steps, smiling as he watched his wife, impatiently waiting by their Trailblazer.  He admired her sense of adventure and willingness to drive for the next eight hours.  He understood.  They had much to discuss and could do so as they traveled, making plans, starting the next leg of their journey.

D’Cerner stood by the door, gazing into the future, not knowing what would happen, but ready for anything.  Cal was caught up in the moment for a second, watching her. She certainly didn’t look her age, but about fifteen years younger, then with his arm around her waist, turned her towards the door and opened it.

“I’m ready for something new and can’t wait for us start our new life in London.  I hope we haven’t forgotten anything.”

“I’m sure we haven’t, and if we did, the realtor will call the kids and make sure they get it.  You checked the house three times before we told the movers to get going,” Cal smiled at her as he sat behind the wheel and started the SUV.

“I know, but I can’t help feeling that we’re leaving something important behind,” she pouted.

“We are leaving something or rather some ones very important, our children.  They will be fine.  We’ve discussed this a number of times and they all agreed to live in your house. When

the time comes and they want to move, they’ll work it out.”

“I know.  Can you believe it? After everything that’s happened, it has all worked out for the best.”

Cal nodded his head.  “I know.  It wasn’t that long ago when I wouldn’t have dreamed of this day, but it’s here and I’m going to enjoy the ride.”

As he pulled out into the street, he began to think about the past seven months.  After the hearing, he and D’Cerner were offered the church in London to pastor and were given time to go visit before making a final decision.  They had already determined that they would take the church before the hearing began, but agreed to the visit as a formality.  Looking back on the hearing, Cal grunted causing D’Cerner to look at him quizzically.  He didn’t notice.

She started to ask what he was thinking about, but then realized he too was remembering their fateful hearing.

 

This is an excerpt from the second part of a triology–My Father’s Gift–available on Amazon.com.