Unmitigated Gall

From My Perspective - - -

It is difficult to understand gullibility and naiveté that can be observed about otherwise astute and intelligent people. When listening to public addresses and discussion, one has a sense there is something wrong with what is being said - - it just doesn’t sound logical or reasonable. For instance, a Health Reform Bill that has not been openly discussed, or publicly read, or voted upon – people are lined up on either side either for or against it. Then – a deadline is set for the Congress to vote for it so it can be signed into Law – with the hope and promise that corrections and amendments will quickly be made to it. Mind-boggling? Yes! Incredulous? Absolutely! Illogical? Indeed! This is where the unmitigated gall surfaces as the reality! There is only one expression that can summarize such activity and behavior – Shameful!

There is an excellent Book Review submitted by David Mays: “The Speed of Trust - The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen M. R. Covey. David Mays review includes these thoughts: “This book surveys four core constituents of trust: integrity, intent, capability, and results. All four are needed to engender trust in relationships, organizations, and society. With trust, everything runs faster, smoother and cheaper. A lack of trust imposes a "tax" in speed and costs. Covey outlines 13 steps to see, speak, and behave in ways that build trust. "The ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders--customers, business partners, investors, and coworkers--is the key leadership competency of the new global economy."

The body of the review includes these thoughts and comments: "Whether you're on a sports team, in an office or a member of a family, if you can't trust one another there's going to be trouble", Joe Paterno. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is intended to prevent corporate scandals like WorldCom and Enron. The cost of implementing one part of it is estimated at $35 billion. This amounts to a huge "tax" resulting from a loss of trust in corporate institutions. Some leading organizations ask their employees directly, Do you trust your boss? This may be the most predictive indicator of team performance…Trust is one of the most powerful forms of motivation and inspiration. Who trusts you? Trust is a function of character and competence. Covey deals with five circles, or waves, of trust: trust in yourself (confidence in ourselves, our ability to set and achieve goals), in relationships, in organizations, in the market (your brand reputation), and in society (creating value for others). Leadership is getting results in a way that inspires trust. The means are as important as the ends.
The First Wave - Self Trust. The Principle of Credibility The foundational principle is credibility or believability. Am I believable? Do I trust myself? And Am I someone others can trust? The four cores are:
1. Integrity: honesty, integratedness, being congruent inside and out, acting our values and beliefs
2. Intent: our motives, agenda, and resulting behavior
3. Capabilities: talents, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and style
4. Results: our track record, performance, getting the right things done
Core 1--Integrity - Are you congruent? “Rules cannot take the place of character." Alan Greenspan
Core 2--Intent - What's your agenda? Intent matters. It grows out of character. Examine your own motives. Am I seeking to bless or impress?
Core 3--Capabilities - Are you relevant? "Our capability to do the task at hand inspires trust in others.”
Core 4--Results - What's your track record? Results make you credible and establish trust.”

The basic goal and commitment for the follower of Jesus Christ is: (a) II Corinthians 8:21, “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”, (b) Romans 12:17-18, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”, and (c) I Peter 3:16, “keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” This is the minimum standard and an important starting point! Consider these things with me!

Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of. . .

From My Perspective - - -

Many years ago, a group of men who were willing to risk their lives and fortunes to establish a nation that would be free from the avarice (insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth) and tyranny of men, penned the words (In Congress, July 4, 1776 - The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America): “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness…”

Today, after 234 years, how is this Pursuit working out? Is the Government truly “of the people, for the people, by the people…”? How does one become like a mere pawn and relegated to insignificance? Do you feel and believe that The Government today is actually concerned for you and your need, or might there be a more sinister motive, namely, their own personal career and fortunes? How do people and governments get to this point of inward focus and personal interests?

Perhaps we can glean an insight and answer from the Book: The Choice by Max Lucado, where we read: “…Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. “There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter.” The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth. “Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation.” “Ah, but you’ve only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter.” A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, “What is it?” The Creator spoke only one word: “Selfishness.” The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths. “This is the result of choice?” the angel asked. “Yes.” “They will forget you?” “Yes.” “They will reject you?” “Yes.” “They will never come back?” “Some will. Most won’t.” “What will it take to make them listen?”
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him. With another step into the future, He paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler of a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon He would be hung on it…”

Has Max Lucado defined the issue for us – selfishness and self-centered interests? Is that why Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness seems to elude so many? In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus sets the parameters for following Him, and asks a poignant rhetorical question. We read: “Jesus said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Selfishness - self-centered interests – must be sacrificed on that cross. We are here to emulate the Savior and Creator! One needs to love God and to show God-Love to all. God-Love gave us Jesus and Redemption! Consider these things with me!

Aiming Or Maiming

From My Perspective - - -

The trite saying is: “If You Aim At Nothing – You Will Always Hit Your Target!” Another paraphrased saying is: If you throw enough Jell-O at a wall – some will eventually stick – but there’ll be a terrible mess as a result of that effort. Taking “aim” always suggests precision and direction. A well-aimed rifle shot is much better than a random shotgun blast. One will hit the target – the other can result in damage and maiming. The more one takes specific aim with the skill of a marksman the more likely the target and goal will be achieved. It accomplishes a level of confidence as one hones the skill of accurate aim and marksmanship.

A New Confidence Index has been released. “For 44 years, since 1966, The Harris Poll has measured how confident Americans are in the leaders of major U.S. institutions. Then, based on the responses, Harris calculates an overall Confidence Index. Over the years, it has gone up and down. In 2002, it touched 65. In 2008, it fell to 44. This year, it stands at 53, one point lower than in early 2009. While the overall Confidence Index has not shifted much this year, the individual confidence ratings used to calculate this average have undergone a great deal of change. The biggest modulation since early 2009 is the substantial drop in public confidence in the White House. The number of those with a great deal of confidence has fallen by 9 points from 36% to 27%. There have also been declines in those with a great deal of confidence in colleges and universities (from 40% to 35%), organized religion (from 30% to 26%) and television news (from 22% to 17%). On the other hand, there have been increases in the number of those with a "great deal of confidence" in the courts and justice system (from 19% to 24%), major companies (from 11% to 15%) and Congress (from 4% to 8%). However, confidence in all of these institutions is still very low. The five top institutions that inspire a great deal of confidence in more than 30 percent of Americans include the military (59%), small businesses (50%), major educational institutions, such as colleges and universities (35%), medicine (34%) and the U.S. Supreme Court (31%).The five least inspirational institutions include organized labor (14%), the press (13%), law firms (13%), Congress (8%) and Wall Street (8%).”

Most of these findings are based on two primary areas: (1) perception – the influences that impact how one thinks things are going and/or happening; and (2) result – does one have the sense that things are occurring in an even-handed way with maximum integrity. The media and political spin can have an effect upon how one thinks, as well as the level of confidence one has at a given point. Usually, one looks for a light at the end of the tunnel. Currently, most people can’t even find the tunnel much less any light at the end of it. The current political climate was based on the premise of: “Change You Can Believe In” and “Hope” for those who are struggling and laden with despair of ever having a portion of the American Dream. While those political slogans can (and did) gain attention and response, it is always a misdirection for the poor, needy, desperate and hopeless. The misdirection is putting ones confidence in a man, a party, political promises and rhetoric, etc. When realization and relief do not appear on one’s horizon, a person becomes mentally maimed - and disillusioned. Once more, the aim was to gain votes – not to provide assistance and relief.

What can one do? The obvious answer is to change the focus. Don’t rely on rhetoric, hollow promises or a man's style. The true confidence one should have is stated in – Psalm 146:3-5 – “Do not put your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help and whose hope is in the LORD his God,” In Hebrews 10:35-36, “…do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Placing ones hopes and confidence in a man or movement will allow one to soon reach a place where there is a loss of trust and confidence in everyone and everything. Putting ones hopes, dreams, aspirations and confidence in the Lord will always result in fulfillment, acceptance, peace and assurance because God’s Aim is precise – He always hits the correct target at the right moment. He will never Maim you physically or spiritually. He will always guard your mind, will and emotions. You can always confidently rely upon Him. Consider these things with me!

Change and Transition

From My Perspective - - -

Change and Transition is inevitable. The fact of our life, and the growth and development that accompanies it – physical growth, experiences, intellectual acumen (quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight), financial understanding, spiritual commitment – all are part of who and what we are and/or become. There are no shortcuts and no easy formulas – it is a process – sometimes arduous and frightening.

Sarah Steele is part of a group that deals with professionals and changes they face. An article about her areas of expertise and assistance is entitled: Change and Transition - 10 Steps to Surviving Change Elegantly. Her vitae (brief account of one's life and work) is: “Sarah Steele is founder of Atlantic Coaching, works globally with high-achieving professionals who, although successful in their career, aren't as successful as they'd like in other areas of their life. Specializing in helping clients get crystal clear about exactly how they want their life to look, something many struggle with, our clients learn how to say ‘no’ graciously, freeing up precious time and space for the things they really want to say yes to. Ultimately, it is through more conscious choices and effective systems that our clients quickly enjoy greater control and experience more success without sacrificing professional achievements.”

Part of her secular approach is: “If I say the word ‘CHANGE’ how do you feel? Most people remain fearful, anxious and uncomfortable with change, despite it being a driving issue in our society. It appears that no matter how much experience we have it doesn't get any easier. Gaining a level of understanding that allows you to be productive, creative and flexible with your own life as well as helping others handle change is key to succeeding in today's ever-changing world. Follow these 10 steps to help you cope with the transitions in your life: 1) Recognize that things DO change. Nothing is forever. Neither the good, nor the bad. 2) Pinpoint the specific change you are going through…Stay focused on one aspect of the change by identifying what you are most afraid of losing as a result of this change and then understanding why that loss is uncomfortable… 3) Accept the loss factor. Admit to yourself that regardless of whether or not you experience this particular change as 'good' or 'bad', there will be a sense of loss. 4) Seek valid information. You will doubt the facts and struggle to believe anything you hear, see or feel about the change. Write down what information you need to know and who can provide you with that data… 5) Take action. Now that you have information, kick-start some forward momentum by taking both physical and mental action. 6) Recognize the Danger Zone. There comes a point where we choose to move on with the change and discover the opportunities it brings, or to give in to the fear of the unknown and remain fearful, anxious and in denial. 7) Make a decision. All the information you gathered may seem overwhelming. To avoid analysis paralysis set yourself a deadline for making a decision and do whatever it takes… 8) Identify the benefits. All change has some benefits. 9) Change? What Change? There will come a time when you stop looking at the 'change' as something different. 10) Identify a change partner. Finding a change partner who is committed to encouraging you and supporting you will make the whole experience less scary and probably speedier.”

When Spiritual Changes and Transitions occur, the decision process can be just as complex and intricate, namely, What Is God’s Will For Me At This Point and Time, and In This Place and Situation? It necessitates one returning to Foundational Principles for Life, such as, Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT): “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.” One needs spiritual verities to shape his or her life. “Faith as a grain of mustard seed…” will be sufficient to allow one to move forward in spiritual growth, development and purpose. It’s not a mechanical process – it is a way of life for the person progressing in The Spiritual Journey. One’s Eternal Hope leads to The Ultimate Change: I Corinthians 15:50-52 “…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God… we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet…we will be changed…” Consider these things with me!

Stringing Us Along

From My Perspective - - -

The New Scientist (Survival of the Smartest) has the ongoing study and pursuit in terms of “The Seven Theories of Everything”. In an article published on March 4th, 2010, the lead paragraph states: “The "theory of everything" is one of the most cherished dreams of science. If it is ever discovered, it will describe the workings of the universe at the most fundamental level and thus encompass our entire understanding of nature. It would also answer such enduring puzzles as what dark matter is, the reason time flows in only one direction and how gravity works. Small wonder that Stephen Hawking famously said that such a theory would be ‘the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we should know the mind of God’.” One can read the full article at: http://www.newscientist.com...The article goes on to state: “But Theologians needn't lose too much sleep just yet. Despite decades of effort, progress has been slow. Rather than one or two rival theories whose merits can be judged against the evidence, there is a profusion of candidates and precious few clues as to which (if any) might turn out to be correct.”

There is a brief description of the “String Theory” in the following comments and conclusion: “This is probably the best known theory of everything, and the most heavily studied. It suggests that the fundamental particles we observe are not actually particles at all, but tiny strings that only look like particles to scientific instruments because they are so small. What's more, the mathematics of String Theory also rely on extra spatial dimensions, which humans could not experience directly. These are radical suggestions, but many theorists find the String approach elegant and have proposed numerous variations on the basic theme that seem to solve assorted cosmological conundrums. However, they have two major challenges to overcome if they are to persuade the rest of the scientific community that String Theory is the best candidate for a ToE. First, String Theorists have so far struggled to make new predictions that can be tested. So String Theory remains just that: a theory. Secondly, there are just too many variants of the theory, any one of which could be correct – and little to choose between them.”

With their conclusions being what they are, then why string us along with years of costly research that so far has produced very little credible data to substantiate the theory? Regarding the topic: “Quantum Einstein Gravity”, a similar conclusion to the String Theory is reached: “Part of the problem with unifying Gravity and Quantum Mechanics is what happens to gravity at small scales. The closer two objects are to each other, the stronger the gravitational attraction between them; but gravity also acts on itself, and as a result, at very small distances a feedback loop starts. According to conventional theories the force should then become ridiculously strong – which means there's something wrong with the conventional theories.”

When one compares the Scientific Aspirations with the Spiritual Acceptance, there is an obvious difference in the conclusion reached. A Fundamental Principal of the Christian Religion is stated in Hebrews 11:1-3, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” This Fundamental Principle is further stated in Isaiah 44:24-25,“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you…I am the LORD, who made all things, Who alone stretched out the heavens, Who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, Who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish…” In other words, The Lord is saying: Don’t let anyone String you along with their Theory about Creation – I made it and I alone sustain it! In the film – Chariots of Fire – there was a very dramatic reading by Eric Liddell from Isaiah 40:21-31, some of which is: “Do you not know? Do you not hear…Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth…To whom then will you compare Me…says the Holy One? Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these?...The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth…” Theories may be fanciful but they can tend to String You Along! Ultimately, one cannot avoid the declaration – “In the beginning God created…” He made you for a purpose and with a purpose! Consider these things with me!

Virtuous Vacillations

From My Perspective - - -

Foundational Principles and Moral Imperatives should never be compromised or ignored. This is especially vital when it pertains to those who govern and those who are governed. To be virtuous means: “conforming to moral and ethical principles; being morally excellent; upright…” Whereas, vacillation means: “To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another…”

An example of this can be seen in the government focus over the past year regarding the passage of Health Care Reform. When he was a candidate, the President stated on different occasions:
CBS Interview 11/2/04
My understanding of the Senate is that you need 60 votes to get something significant to happen, which means that Democrats and Republicans have to ask the question, do we have the will to move an American agenda forward, not a Democratic or Republican agenda forward?
Center for American Progress Conference 7/12/06
Those big-ticket items: fixing our health care system…one of the arguments that sometimes I get with my fellow progressives…is this notion that we should function…where we get a fifty plus one victory…If we want to transform the country, though, that requires a sizeable majority.
Change to Win Convention 9/25/07
The bottom line is that our healthcare plans are similar, the question once again is, who can get it done? Who can build a movement for change? We're going to have to have a majority to get a bill to my desk. That is not just a fifty plus one majority.
Obama Interview with the Concord Monitor 10/9/07
You've got to break out of what I call the sort of fifty plus one pattern of presidential politics. Maybe you eke out a victory of fifty plus one. Then you can't govern…We are not going to pass universal health care with a fifty plus one strategy.

On Wednesday of this week, the President said: "No matter which approach you favor, I believe the United States Congress owes the American people a final vote on health care reform. We have debated this issue thoroughly, not just for a year, but for decades. Reform has already passed the House with a majority. It has already passed the Senate with a super-majority of sixty votes. And now it deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that was cast on welfare reform, the Children's Health Insurance Program, COBRA health coverage for the unemployed, and both Bush tax cuts -- all of which had to pass Congress with nothing more than a simple majority (implying: 51 votes)…”

Some of the Founding Principles which have been forgotten by the current generation are ideas shared by Thomas Jefferson: (1) “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not;” (2) “It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world;” and (3) “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

Is this oxymoron – virtuous vacillation – acceptable in any area of life? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated this Foundational Principle and Moral Imperative – Matthew 5:33-37 – “you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool…Simply let your Yes, be Yes, and your No, No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” It is basically (a) have scruples (a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions), (b) demonstrate consistency, and (3) be a person of character and integrity! These are values that should never be compromised or forgotten! Consider these things with me!

People Say and Think The Darndest Things

From My Perspective - - -

Years ago, Art Linkletter wrote and published a book entitled, Kids Say The Darndest Things. This idea was also advanced by Bill Cosby with a brief television series with that name, as well as by Charles M. Schulz in his Peanuts series. Tests and Quizzes given to children demonstrate that thesis in the answers given - -
The future of "I give" is "I take."
The parts of speech are lungs and air.
A census taker is man who goes from house to house increasing the population.
Define H2O and CO2. H2O is hot water and CO2 is cold water.
The general direction of the Alps is straight up.
Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris.
The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom.
The blood circulates through the body by flowing down one leg and up the other.

In the Adult World, things become a little bit more serious. It’s no longer just what people say, but more importantly, what is being done. When it comes to Public Religious Observance, there are – rightly or wrongly, fairly or unfairly - some keen observations and expressions - - -
In 1952 President Truman established one day a year as a National Day of Prayer.
In 1988, President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer.
In June 2007, Presidential candidate Barack Obama declared that the USA was no longer a Christian nation.
In 2009 President Obama, canceled the 21st Annual National Day of Prayer ceremony at the White House under the rouse of not wanting to offend anyone.
On September 25, 2009 from 4 am until 7pm, a National Day of Prayer for the Muslim Religion was held on Capitol Hill, beside the White House. There were over 50,000 Muslims that day in Washington, DC. (Guess it doesn't matter if Christians and others are offended by this event - we obviously don't count as anyone anymore). Visit the website: www.islamoncapitolhill.com to glean useful information regarding Islamic objectives, and to increase ones knowledge of trends in the world today.

When it comes to Economic Issues, people say more than the “darndest things”. Some of what occurs impacts many in day to day living - - -
1. U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have voted themselves $4,700 and $5,300 raises.
2. They voted to not give you a S.S. cost of living raise in 2010 and 2011 ..
3. Your Medicaid premiums will go up $285.60 for the 2 years and you will not get the 3% COLA. Your total two-year loss and cost is estimated to be $1,600 ($3,200 for a husband and wife).
Over the same 2 years, The House and Senate each get $10,000 raises
4. Will your cost of drugs - doctor fees - local taxes - food, etc., increase? Yes!
5. Do you feel disadvantaged and abused? Will The House and Senate feel the same cost increases you will? No! They have a raise and better benefits. Why care about you? You never did anything about it in the past.

In desperate and difficult times, what should one do? In Habakkuk 3:17-19 are these insightful words of the prophet: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Why would the prophet say this? How can this make sense? It is because of the enduring truth of Habakkuk 2:4, “…but the righteous will live by his faith…” There may be difficult days ahead – but – the Lord always honors those who Honor Him and His Word. Be not dismayed! God remains in total control! Consider these things with me!