Monday, December 31, 2018

Focus matters

As we enter the new year, we'll see an increase in social media posts promising to get rid of negativity and drama in their lives.
That's backward.
Would you start building your dream house by focusing on all the houses you don't like? Would you research building materials and plans that you don't want to use? Would you chose a location that is not for sale and the seller won't consider selling?
If you want negativity and drama out of your life, don't be negative and don't be dramatic.
We may not like or understand what another person is doing, but we don't need to be equally negative and dramatic in response. We all create a certain energy and that energy attracts a certain energy.
We receive more of what we are creating.
Turn your attention toward the positive. Focus on the examples of excellence that inspire you to be better. Think positivity and gratitude. Speak positivity and gratitude. Build your dream house.
The "negative" people in your life will either get on board or grow weary of your not feeding their negativity.
You can stand cursing the ruble of the house you don't want, or you can set about building what you do want. Where you direct your attention makes the difference. 

Thursday, November 29, 2018

If you could see the future.....

If you could see the future, would you want to?
At this time of year, I begin reflecting on the past year and how amazingly different things are today than they were just a year ago. At our end of yearly gatherings, I always tell our staff and collaborators 'We're going to be amazed at where we are a year from now'. Without fail, each year we are indeed amazed.
Would we liked to have known? Would we have chosen to see exactly what was going to happen?
While it may been have nice to know that a risk was worth taking or that a tough time would lead to unexpected rewards, I love the surprise of it all. Perhaps that's because the year has been overwhelmingly successful and rewarding in so many ways. But there were also some very tough and stressful times; just enough to make the rewards seem that much sweeter.
Knowing exactly how things would turn out may have spoiled it somehow. The unexpected surprises are often the most treasured. It's like opening that one gift under the Christmas tree that was totally and wonderfully different than you expected. Part of the joy of Christmas is the anticipation and not knowing what gifts there may be.
Perhaps life is sweeter as we prepare to be amazed. We watch for it. And in the preparation and the anticipation, we create the amazing things that come. It is, itself, an energy that lifts us into the amazing. Because we are watching for it, we celebrate it. The celebration creates more and reminds us to anticipate more amazing things.
Today, I am thankful for the journey and the unexpected. It's a time of celebration.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Town was closed today! Thank you.

Today was Thanksgiving day. Late morning I drove through downtown Franklin and marveled at the beauty of Liberty Street heading toward the courthouse with all the Christmas decorations. Then my attention was drawn to the fact that every downtown store and restaurant was close. And I was thankful!!! Owners, employees and their families were together today. Our town closes on Thanksgiving. You will see the same on Christmas. YEAH!!!!
There have been years I was traveling on those days to get home. I felt bad when I stopped for gas or paid the toll and realized that person was working instead of being home with their family. While in the Air Force, there was only one holiday spent with family and only because my sister happened to be in the same state at the time with a husband in the Army. It was painful at times.
So, today, I am thankful for perhaps an odd thing - town was closed today. Yes, there were a couple of gas stations open. One place was serving Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, the hotel was open. But everyone else paused for a day of giving thanks and time with family.
There is a slippery trend to start "Black Friday" early with large stores starting Thanksgiving eve or sooner. As a small business owner, I can understand the temptation to reach for opportunity where it may be but this small business owner will focus on a day of giving thanks and being with family. There is something worth much more than a dollar. And I will celebrate seeing a quiet street on family days as I imagine togetherness.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Stop Poking!

People of all political persuasions are expressing weariness with the tone of discourse in the country. It's draining. We're not exchanging ideas or thoughtful discussion. It's more like eye poking and taking sucker punches. It's full of soundbites and one liners intended to provoke rather than provide a forum for contextual information exchange. It's emotionally charged rather than fact based.
How do we stop it?
We stop poking and sucker punching. WE stop.
In recent days there have been silly "poke in the eye" memes that crossed in my feeds. You know the kind; a graphic with a tiny body and big head and some statement that groups a bunch of people in that group as being something or other. Another patting themselves on the back for not being mobs or rioters like that group. The temptation is to poke back with equal venom and stereotyping. Maybe say something like "no, your group just sends bombs and shoot people in churches or synagogues." And that's how we keep things going. Punch - counter-punch.
If we really want to stop all this, we have to stop. First, don't post provocative graphics. It doesn't help to try to walk back the tone in later post discussion. We already poked somebody in the eye. They are looking at the walk back with one eye now and it's seeing red.
Don't poke back when a post annoys you. They don't need to know it annoyed you. If everyone ignores them, it will stop eventually. Get thicker skin.
Finally, if you do have fact based information that isn't emotionally charged, consider sharing it on your own page - not theirs. Let their snarky posts inspire you to be educated about the related subject. Check a variety of sources. Focus on facts. Be ready for a possible discussion - in person. It's quite likely that person is not seeking greater context than what they saw on Facebook or heard from their favorite commentator. If it becomes a discussion someday, be ready to name sources and provide valuable information that may cause them to think about the issue differently. Be sure your position is fact based and logical. If it doesn't change their mind, let it go.
Once in a while you will discover a person of opposing view who has actually done their homework. That's cool. Be open to it and take it in. That's how we resolve differences; by learning to understand and hear each other. We solve problems by looking at them from all perspectives. When we can get to a point where we want to solve problems together, we make America Great Again.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Where will it end?

All around us, there are truly remarkable stories about people who care. There is much love in this world. In hours of darkness, we need to hear their stories and lift those values of compassion, dedication to humanity, and service. These stories are not fewer but the ugliness has grown larger.
What have we become as a nation?
Instead of being a nation of innovation and moral leaders, we are becoming a nation of defenders - warriors.
In the 70's a deranged person tainted a bottle of medicine. As a result, every container we buy with consumable product is now double sealed.
Shoplifters steal millions of dollars worth of items and now we have product packaging that requires heavy duty scissors to open.
Deranged people used airplanes to kill masses and now flying requires body scans, luggage scans, shoe removal and long lines at check points.
We've suffered through dozens of mass shootings in multiple settings. Now, public buildings, schools, and hospitals have guards and scanners. Worst, is a call for armed guards in places of worship.
The nation once viewed as the world example of compassion and welcome for immigrants - exemplified by the image and words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - has a leader calling for building a giant wall and who continually attacks immigration.
What have we become?
Where will it end?
We cannot get angry enough to overcome the forces of evil.
We cannot build big enough walls or fortresses or weapons to overcome it.
We cannot react as defenders to change it.
We have to stop magnifying dangers to a point of ridiculousness.
We have to start thinking differently, speaking differently and acting differently.
The answer is to think bigger, talk softer and determine to understand deeper. What we need to build are broader relationships not bigger defenses. We need to be better problem solvers not bigger, louder bullies.

Friday, October 12, 2018

I don't get it?????? Please explain.

If you heard your neighbor bragging about groping women, you knew he paid off women with whom he had an affair to keep them quiet, and you knew he cheated on 4 previous wives, would you take your children next door? Would you hold your neighbor up as an exemplary example of behavior for your daughters and sons? Really? Would you?
Would it matter how much money he claimed to have in his bank account?
Is that the measure of esteem for you? Really?
If your neighbor was known to lie thousands of times, would you choose to believe his words? Really?
If you knew your neighbor was aiding and admiring local bullies who harassed, tortured and even killed those with dissenting views, would you endorse them? Really?
Are your ethics tied to your personal pocketbook and ego? Really?
Do you think the line of subjection will not touch you? Really?
If that is really what you believe, please explain it to me in terms that make some sort of sense. It makes no sense to me at all.
I see folks proud to be introducing children to this frame of ethics. It makes no sense. If the words of this one were in the mouth of anyone labeled in the other party, there would be great outrage and rightly so. But somehow this "brand" is accepted and I don't get it.
I've even seen that "God" ordained all this madness. Really? Explain this God to me.
I see love of subjugation, exploitation, greed and a level of dishonesty/corruption that rivals no previous administration.  I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
The money changers are enabled and protected. Those throwing stones at the under protected are rewarded and applauded. Those challenging the powerful are stifled and/or silenced. The "least of these" are dismissed. Those seeking asylum are driven away. I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
i don't get it. If you believe you can, please explain it. It cannot be simply that you believe it would be so much worse if, if, if. I need to hear what you believe is actually working to anyone's benefit. Surely, you believe something more than THIS and must think THIS will SOMEHOW lead to that SOMETHING better. Please. Please. Please. Explain how this will happen.

Monday, October 1, 2018

The Path of Democracy

The greatest threat to our democracy is the loss of balance of power between the three branches of government; executive, legislative and judicial. The three must work independently to ensure that the democratic process remains intact, to ensure that the minority and less fortunate are protected, and to ensure that the greed of the powerful remains in check.
We're watching a giant shift tilting toward the executive branch with the legislative and judicial branches aligning with a primary focus of protecting the executive no matter what the action or activity may be. Ethics, protocol, standards of practice, decorum, transparency and issue focused debate are sorely lacking and falling by the wayside.
The erosion of this balance of power has not happened overnight. And it's actually not the first time in our nation's history that power and greed dominated the legislative branch of government. Following the civil war and into the early 1900's senators openly claimed affiliation with the powerful industries that bought their votes. Newspapers of the day were full of stories about scandals and, as is true today, relentlessly reported on political misconduct. It was statesmanship that helped shift the balance.
What seems different this time is the depth of influence in both the legislative and the judicial branch. It's reported that our legislators must spend as much as 30 hours a week "dialing for dollars". An enormous amount of money is required to gain and retain office. Where there are large sums of money involved, a system is rife with corruption and potential corruption.
Now many of our prisons are privately owned. An entire industry has been built around incarcerating people. That drives a need to support the "business" of incarceration. We've seen an unbalanced increase in the number and types of people being jailed. A 15 year old poor kid from a particular neighborhood who steals a lawn mower, will likely serve more time than the top executive who embezzles tens of thousands of dollars.
As all three branches of government align to protect the rich and powerful, the power of people's voices will continue to diminish. It's disturbing that millions of people are willing to overlook and excuse corruption, rudeness, hostility, and crude behavior because they believe that person will do good things for them. However, they would never accept these from someone coming from another population.
If democracy is to survive, we need to ensure that the three branches are co-equal and serve largely independent of one of another. Loyalty must be to the country and the democratic process not to a person or party. This requires open and issue based discussion. It requires input from all corners with protections for the least powerful. It requires long term focus and educated decision making. It requires thoughtfulness and reserving judgement until all voices are heard.
Read. Study history. Learn what has happened before that relates to the issue at hand. Check your personal bias that may lead you to overlook details. Focus on the long term good for the country as a whole. Seek a path of clarity, integrity and honor.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Who are "they"?

Who are "they"? And how are "they" sending us rapists and criminals?
I've been pondering those questions since the first time I heard the then presidential candidate, say it and now he's repeating it in current rallies.
If "they" are sending these people, shouldn't "they" be the focus of efforts to stop it? How do "they" get people to walk for months to cross our border? Or is there some other method "they" are using that's not reported?
If we build a wall, will "they" stop?
I keep trying to imagine how we could take rapists and criminals and force them to go to another country. It makes no sense.
Forget the rapist and criminal part of the statement and use a little logic in this. If you really believe there is a problem and you want a solution, focus on "they". Who are "they" and how are "they" doing this?
If "they" are powerful enough to force people to flea (rapist, criminal or not), after a wall wouldn't we have to secure all water access and tunneling possibilities? What about the Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes? "They" must be very powerful and very dubious.
Who are "they" and what are "they" capable of doing?
Why are "they" unnamed and not the priority?

Thursday, July 5, 2018

No, I am not your liberal enemy

"Are you a liberal?"
These days I'm not sure if that is a question or an accusation. Recently after having it again directed at me, I decided to give a new answer next time.
'I like to view everything through a spiritual filter. How will this action/policy affect the spirit of those affected? How will it affect my spirit if I support it?"
Much of what is happening today is hardening hearts. It's guiding us toward caring less about one another as we apply labels to one another. We need a spiritual filter.
Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Toaism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Native Teachings, - all have common threads within. Where they all intersect lies truth. There lies the spiritual path that will resonate universally. That's the spiritual filter.
Universal truth IS universal. It's not about doctrine or the right book or the right ritual. It's just true - universally. It is true when it sustains. It is true when it creates something better. It's true when it grows love and is based in love.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. I want to see your spirit lifted with mine. How are your positions affecting you spiritually? How are the actions/policies you support affecting others - spiritually? We cannot hate each other to spiritual well being. And the world problems cannot be solved without spiritual understanding.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. You are not my enemy. If we can be spiritually focused, we can challenge one another in a way that lifts us both. That's what I am seeking. Are you?

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Beyond Weird

Things have gotten weird.
Once upon a time, the idea of any foreign country trying to influence our elections would have had us all united in a determined effort to stop it. But not this time. There is no question that it happened. There is no question that foreign efforts to influence us and undermine our system of government continues. But talking about it and more importantly doing something about it gets weird.
We know Russia was the most significant perpetrator. They have been at odds with us since the end of WWII. Once upon a time we were united in our mistrust of their motives. Once upon a time, we saw them as opponents of democracy. But now, things are weird.
The head of our nation now openly admires Putin. The investigation into Russian meddling is demonized and undermined by this administration and it's supporters. At the end of day, little or nothing is being done to stop future interference. The fear that "my guy" might have done something wrong (wittingly or unwittingly) is causing many in our nation to ignore the actual issue. Another country meddling in our election process - especially Russia - would have united us in outrage - Once upon a time.
Once upon a time, the hint of infidelity would have derailed a political campaign. Faith based voters expected the highest standards of family values. Not any more. That's really weird.
Once upon a time, we valued our allies and worked with them on world issues. We stood with them and they stood with us. Canada, Australia, Britain, Germany and France have been close friends of our nation for decades. Now we are at odds with them, pulling out of agreements and threatening trade wars with them. That's weird.
It's especially weird when the administration opens it's arms to not just Russia but other totalitarian regimes like North Korea.
The most heart breaking turn is the hardening of hearts toward the plight of innocent children. I've heard the weirdest things in response. "The law is the law!" "Well, the Obama administration..." Or the strangest "250,000 American Military children have been ripped from their parents." WHAT?!!? Thousands of children are being scattered all over this country and will possibly never be reunited with their families within our borders or outside our borders and this is your response? You really believe these children "got what they deserve" because their parents made a choice you hate. If that's your best answer, THAT's WEIRD.
I struggle to find a common theme behind these things. The only connection is admiration and loyalty to one man. These things defy religious teachings as I've understood them. They all pose long range problems that will grow exponentially. They are all painful assaults on our democratic system, values and our place on the world scene. I look at the people in front of me (that I believe to be good and decent people) who are believing these things are ok and wonder where we are heading as a nation.
Historically, I see this time as similar to the McCarthy Era and the rise of the KKK. If there is a theme, it's strongman tactics and "we versus them" division. If that is true, it's beyond weird. It's frightening.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Why are there illegal immigrants?

What would cause you to pack up what you can carry, leave friends and family behind, and set off for a foreign, unknown land?
That's the question we need to ask and the root problem we need to solve.
If you believe "Illegal Immigration" is a huge problem, the answer is not to become a nation that no one would want to enter. Do we want to become such a mean, nasty, intolerant people that no one in the world wants to deal with?
We should be asking fleeing immigrants why they are coming? We should collect every story. We should document everything they have to tell us. Then we need to go to the countries and ask them why they are not dealing with these issues! Then we use every bit of leverage we have to force them to solve them. We need to take the money we are using to "protect our border" and use it to help create a safer world, safer countries around the world, and rid the problems that are causing people to flee their homes.
Lowering our standards of decency and compassion will not solve "illegal immigration". It will harden our hearts and destroy the very soul of our nation. It will create enemies that last generations. It damages us within. It damages all those who feel the effects.
We have historically been a nation that was a beacon of hope. We have sought higher standards of humane treatment. We have also experienced periods like this where a cancer grew within that attempted to move us away from the essence and spirit of what has made this country great. It's happening again. We need to return to our highest ideals and greatest virtues.
All of the institutions that have created the framework of our democracy are now under attack; public schools, the justice system (including the FBI and CIA), a free press, our system of governance, any public sector organization such as the VA.... There is now a push to privatize everything and what is not privatized should be placed under a very central controlling force. None of this is sustainable. It will crumble over power and corruption.
Then, we will be the ones fleeing.


Thursday, June 7, 2018

Can you be my friend?

Social media is wonderful. It's a way to share and create connections, keep in touch and learn about one another.
And social media is horrible. Specifically, social media can be used horribly. It can be used to spread dis-information, create discord, and as a weapon against one another.
It's too easy to sit behind a keyboard and do harm. Would you say or do the same thing face to face?
Seeing people harshly criticize friends or family ON social media is shocking to me. Would you stand at a party full of people and say the same things? Do you think it reflects most poorly on the person you are targeting? To me, you are the person the most question. I note that I need to keep a distance from you.
The one use of Facebook in particular drives me crazy is - "de-friending". Really? Is that how you handle conflict? Is your "conflict" so great that you seriously intend to never talk with that person again. If you are using it - facebook - as a weapon, do you really think your stamp of approval is so very valuable?
The truest test of character is not in how you handle the easy things. The test is in how you handle the most difficult.
If you say something I disagree with, I will do what I would do at a party. I will move on. I will respond respectfully with an alternative view. Or I'll just smile and think about it. Sometimes what you say really makes me think differently. Rarely - very rarely - will I ever react with the feeling that I can never be in the same room with you again.
I will confess to two occasions where I actually "de-friended" a person. Both were due to cursing that was excessive. We had no personal dispute. We had no conflict. There was no direct reason. I simply did not like all their cursing and didn't want to be associated with their presence on social media. Both were people I expected to never see again and were not significantly connected to anyone I spend time with or wish to. And, indeed, I have never seen these two again and they are still not connected to anyone I spend time with or wish to. My guess and my expectation at the time, is that they never even noticed. I mattered little in their circle either.
I've witnessed some bizarre uses of social media and specifically "de-friending". The person will "de-friend" then later request to be friends. What is that? I've been "de-friended" then had the person send me a personal message asking for something. Really? It all feels like middle school drama to me.
This is not a social media problem. This is an emotional maturity problem. Mark this - if you "de-friend" me on social media, I won't accept a future request. It doesn't mean I won't still love you. It doesn't mean I will mis-treat you face to face. It just means if you want to deal with me - if I matter to you - let's do it face to face. I'm no longer sure you are stable enough to handle the use of a tool that allows you to do remote harm. I may even be praying that you don't own a gun.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

"Praise publicly. Criticize privately"

"Praise publicly. Criticize privately." It's an old saying with a great deal of wisdom behind it. If you think about it, it is very much about the golden rule. We all make mistakes. It's painful if those mistakes are publicly scrutinized.
I once worked under a manager who liked to post the last employee mistake on the wall. He would also copy many people in on emails that listed all corrections that were required on a project. He rarely praised underlings but criticized them daily. When pushback came, he was stymied. "I'm trying to help you," he insisted. But when he was publicly criticized, he was furious. I sometimes wonder if he ever learned why so many of his department left.
"Praise publicly. Criticize privately."
What's publicly?
Recently I was reminded that as soon as I tell a third person what I think, it's public.
In other words, if I tell you what I think about you or something I think you did; criticize you directly, it's private. If I tell no one else and you tell no one else, it's private. The minute either of us shares that, it's public. The two of us no longer control who knows.
If I criticize you and I tell no one else, I have kept it private. If you tell someone else, you have opened it up to public discourse. You may believe the person you told agrees with your side of things. Maybe they do. But will the next person they tell?
The things we say can have powerful effect. Words resonate. They are repeated and repeated. Once released to the universe, we have no control over their power or interpretation. As soon as we unleash a criticism of another, we have unleashed a powerful thing. Even if we believe strongly that we are right, it can have terrible consequences.
"Praise publicly. Criticize privately." And I would add, criticize carefully. Praise will return praise on you. Criticism will return criticism on you. 


Monday, May 14, 2018

Life challenges us.
Deep within - if we let ourselves dwell there a moment - we know the answers.
We know. The spirit knows.
The answers are not quick fixes. They are not bandaids that cover wounds.
The spirit knows, if we let ourselves dwell there a moment or two.
Life challenges us.
We are challenged to learn what power spirit gives us - freely and willingly. It is right there. It is ours and always has been. It is ours to claim, to own, and to share. It is magical and mystical and powerful. It has and is always been there. We need only embrace it.
Life challenges us.
We are challenged to separate lies from spirit. Lies tell us others are in control. Lies tell us that others are to blame. Lies tell us that others hold the solutions.
If we let ourselves dwell in spirit for just a moment - we know the answers.
We have been freely given all that we need to unleash the power of spirit. It is not "out there".
We need no one else to complete us. We were created whole.
We need no one else to make our world right. We were provided a right world.
We need no one else to do anything.
We are responsible for a right world. We are responsible for our own creation. We are responsible for connecting our spirit to the world to create a better place.
Life challenges us.
We answer with spirit or we fail in anger.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Taxes - Return on Investment?

If you're a homeowner, you recently relieved property tax notifications. Most of us tend to grumble about them. Taxes are painful. For some, the taxes are a real struggle. It's taken me many years to get it planned right so it would be less painful. And it's taken me years to see it differently.
This year, as I stared at those papers sitting on the desk, images came to mind. They were much clearer as I focused on the city taxes. I thought of every time the streets were plowed. The city worker who hand delivered the water issue notification came to mind. I saw the friendly faces at Town Hall, our city manager, our mayor, our council, our police, our fire fighters, our events planner, our code enforcer. On some very cold winter days, there were city crews working on some trouble areas on the streets or in the water lines.
How many times can I count hearing sirens of first responders? When did those Christmas decorations magically appear? How did the leaves disappear? When did they sweep away the remnants of winter street treatment?
If my tax dollars were divided among all the services and employees serving this city, how does it get applied? As I consider the many services provided in this beautiful town, I'm supporting a great team of dedicated servants. I'm getting a great return on investment. Looking at it this way made writing the check easier. (That, plus super help from my financial institution, Franklin Oil Region Credit Union, to plan better for it.)
Our taxes really are an investment. When we can measure a great return on investment, it's less painful. In my humble opinion, Franklin, PA, is getting it right!

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

In Search of Universal Truth

A few years back, on a business trip in China, my hosts in Wuxi honored me with a trip to see the Big Buddha and visit the temple. Together we climbed the many steps leading to the foot of the giant Buddha and paused there at a table to visit. Through our interpreter we exchanged questions and thoughts. I was the first American woman they had ever met in person. They marveled that I was over 55 and still working, in this case traveling to videotape in many factories. Women in China retire at 55. They asked many questions about American women.
Then, sitting under Buddha's shadow, the conversation turned to religion. "Our Buddha and your Jesus are much alike," One said. I agreed and said something like this; "Please understand that I am not a typical American woman. Many are not like me. And I believe I was born into a Christian family to help me understand how Christians think and I don't understand it yet." To which they laughed. What followed was a wonderful discussion of how we can learn from one another if our hearts are open to learning.
Cross cultural experiences such as these with Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, Wiccans, Atheists, Agnostics, Spiritualists, Humanists, Native American teachings, and others have added greatly to my life. The universal speaks to us all in different ways. Among us all there are universal truths. For me, it is those universal truths that are the "word of God". If they are not universal and universally true, they are not from God. At best, those things not universally understood as true are simply man's interpretation of God. God's word must be universally understood and accepted. Why? Because God perfectly understands how man thinks. Only God can perfectly communicate so that man understands universally. Name God whatever you desire. God is universal truth. "God" is simply my name for it.
My love for search of that truth is unending. One book, one set of doctrines, one set of teachings, one religion, one practice cannot possibly contain an understanding of all universal truth. When confronted with someone insisting that there is only one way, my inner spirit asks "Why is your God so small?"
Every day I am searching these truths and an understanding of how I need to apply them to my life. And then today, I did a thing. Dear friends would like me to conduct their wedding ceremony. And so, I sought the path that would lead to my ability to do that. And so, this day, I am officially ordained through the Universal Life Church. They require just two core tenets:
  1. Do only that which is right.
  2. Every individual is free to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, as mandated by the First Amendment, so long as that expression does not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and is in accordance with the government’s laws.
I am now officially titled "Minister of Peace". I do indeed believe in those two simple tenets. My simple intent and motivation is to honor my friends wishes. For many the ordination process is intense and I respect that dedication. My objective is not to start a church or in any way diminish any established denominations or ordained ministers. My intent is to serve. And I will continue to search truth. And I chose the title "Minister of Peace" to be my compass.
While this was easy to do, I do not take it lightly. It is simply another step toward a greater cause.   


Sunday, March 25, 2018

Addressing Gun Violence

When you are certain you know the solution to a problem, the best thing to do is work on the solution. If you don't, others will and if it's not the solution you endorse, you may not like the direction it takes.
That's what's happening with the issue of gun violence. Those focused on protecting "second amendment rights" have pointed to many reasons for our mass shootings that they insist have nothing to do with guns; mental health issues, parenting issues, movie/game violences, lack of enforcement of existing laws, etc. If identification of these causes would have been followed by action to correct them, and it actually solved the gun violence problem, we would all be happy.
It's the lack of any constructive actions that led to the marches and the movement that is being led by young people. The issue can no longer be ignored and these people cannot be dismissed. Not listening and trying to discredit them will only deepen their resolve. They see this issue as central to their very survival.
Interestingly, second amendment advocates, at the extreme, also believe their very survival is at stake. There is a deep belief that the right to bear arms is a protection from government tyranny. As long as this group views government as the enemy, or potential enemy, their fears will grow with any attempted actions viewed as infringing on those rights.
Ultimately, neither side of this issue wants to see more dead children. Neither side of this issue wants to see mass killing in public places. We need to start the conversation with that acknowledgement. From there, it will be the ones who actually roll up their sleeves and get to work on solutions that will lead the day. Today, it's a few million young people and those who are supporting them.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Fearless Healing

Fear is a powerful motivator. It can push us beyond rational thinking and behavior. It ignites anger.
In fear and anger, there is no love and no joy. There may be an adrenaline rush in the "gotcha" moments when we believe we have overcome an enemy, but that is evil and short lived. In those moments, we damage our soul and turn our backs to the universal power many call God.
I often return to the simple command from Jesus, "Fear not!" All his teachings revolve around this command. His ministry was fearless. He did not fear the leper, he healed them. Turning the other cheek is a fearless act. Nothing he did was based in fear.
Some point to his turning over the money changers' tables in the temple as example of justified anger. But first consider his motivation. It was based in love of the people being cheated. He did not call for rebellion. He did not stoke the fears of his followers to act out against anyone. He made his point the moved on and continued his ministry of love and healing.
Fear does not heal. Fear does not resolve problems. Acting in fear and anger can only grow more fear and anger. It is debilitating and destructive. It hardens our heart and weakens our spirit.
As fear grows within us, we seek ways to protect ourselves. We build walls in expectation that isolation will keep us safe. We angrily defend and protect those walls while others shout from the other side. It grows more fear which causes us and others to seek retribution or retaliation.
Fear cannot drive rational problem solving. Fear drives justification for destructive acts. The longer we let it fester and grow, the greater the destruction.
It's difficult to look our own fears in the face and recognize the power they have over us. We all believe our fears, and resulting anger, are quite justified. The laws of the universe (of God) are not in our favor. Fear is the opposite of love. We know we are operating in fear when we cannot look at the other and express love. Something is wrong in our soul.
If we want to heal this nation, if we want to heal this world - we must first heal ourselves.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

It's about fear...

What is conservative? What is liberal?
Long ago, as I have written about before, in a single day friends chastised me. "Don't try to convince me that you are a liberal, I know you are conservative at heart." Later that day a friend said, "Don't try to to convince me your are a conservative, I know you are a liberal at heart." Of course, most of you reading this will now say, "Good God, we all know you are a liberal!" The truth is that I am somewhat both. And so are you.
Having the great honor of working up close with a wide variety of people in leadership on boards, committees, organizations, political endeavors, I've witnessed heart. When we are faced with decisions to help someone, we do. When we know there is a need, we will. It does not matter if we are conservative or liberal. We do and we will. It's not liberal or conservative. There is a need and we do and we will.
What separates us is what we fear. When we see risk, we grow conservative. When we see little risk, we are liberal. If we want to bridge our divides, we need to address fears.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

When I grow up....

Even at my age, I'm still working on who I want to be when I grow up. Lately I'm thinking that might be to become so at peace with myself and the world around me that no storm, natural or human created, derails me from the pursuit of love and peace. What does that look like? What does that require of me?
As that's been floating around in my head over the last 6 months or so, a song sprang into my consciousness that a group of us sang out for the first time recently. Singing it with this group first in my living room brought great joy. I see so many faces when I sing these words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftt5KH6TnhE&list=RDFtt5KH6TnhE

But that song is just an expression of a moment and a sentiment. How do I find that peace with myself and the world in the way I desire? My friend Mary Morgan came to mind and the four agreements she shared one evening.
The Four Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
http://www.toltecspirit.com/

If I can focus on these and sing out my heart, I just might be ready to grow up. And when I finally do, I know it will be time to go to the next level of understanding. Therein lies my Salvation.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

More Guns????

Gun ownership in the United States has doubled since 1968. There are 112 guns for every 100 residents. In other words, there are enough guns to arm every man, woman and child in the country and still have a surplus of guns in the hands of citizens. We are number 1 in gun ownership followed by Serbia with 75 guns per 100 residents. (2015 data and reports of exact numbers/100 vary but the overall ratio is consistent with our first place status)
Meanwhile, we also lead the world in firearm related deaths with 10.2 per 100,000 people. We are also number 1 in mass shootings with 78 compared to second place Germany with 7. We have more than 10 times the mass shooting of any other country in the world!
On the heels of each mass shooting, gun advocates float solutions that revolve around more guns in the hands of "good guys". If having more guns is the solution, why aren't we the safest nation in the world already? If the number of guns we have isn't enough, how can more fix that? That "solution" defies logic.
The issue is not about good guys having guns. The issue is that those with nefarious motives have easy access to guns - especially those designed to kill many people in a short amount of time. To me and many others, it's obvious that our first step is to make it difficult for anyone to access weapons intended to be used as mass killing machines.
Of course that will not stop everyone who is intent on killing people. Yes they may try one of a hundred other ways but let's not make it easy for them. It's too easy to obtain and use guns with high capacity. If knives and bats were as deadly as guns, we'd be arming our military with knives and bats.
The other argument for unfettered second amendment "rights" is that we need protection from government tyranny. Really? Your AR-15 may make you feel better but if our government unleashes the military in some tyrannical force against us, you won't stand a chance.
There's a better solution to government tyranny. Get engaged. Vote. Talk with your legislatures regularly. Run for office.
Limiting access to high power weapons is just the first and most obvious step to take. We then need to focus on solutions that address those who feel disenfranchised, angry, and are mentally ill to the point of lashing out at innocent people. That's going to require hard work, diligence, and deep systemic changes. We need national leadership that outlines a multi-pronged approach but it will take local muscle and resources to make those changes.
Let's stop talking about what can't be done and placing blame. Let's get serious and solve this.


Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Serve because you can!

Many who have "served" will tell you that they received much more than they gave. You will hear that from volunteers everywhere. Quite often it's true of many who have volunteered to served in the military. I am one of them.
That has often left me speechless when someone thanks me for my service. In that moment my heart aches for those lost in service and for those who cannot say they received more than they gave. In that moment, I see the faces of the men and women I have known who were irrevocably scared by events of their service. They humble me.
Having worked at the Survival School, I heard first hand accounts of the many situations faced by our men and women in combat situations. I've met former POW's. For many veterans, physical survival was the easy part. I've heard their stories. I see their faces. Mine is not one of them. I am humbled.
If I pause and lower my eyes when you thank me, it's because of them. It's because in that moment I wish to honor them.
And so, I seek that path.
My job in the Air Force was to entertain those men and women and to tell their stories. My job was to bring a part of home to them as comfort in lonely times away from home. In a stroke of luck or fate, I was honored to serve in the elite Armed Forces Radio and Television. There were only about 500 of us worldwide while I was serving. These were the days before internet and broad satellite access to broadcasts. We had teletype service and MARS stations. And in Greenland, we often felt as though we were in Mars.
Across all branches in the military, there are many serving in non-combat roles. There are accountants, mechanics, electricians, computer techs, doctors, nurses, guards, clerical workers and on and on. They are all serving.
Is all service equal? I would say not. Is all service valuable? I would say so.
Throughout our community are volunteers who serve. Many will say they have received more than they give. It's true of those who volunteer as firefighters and it's true of those who volunteer to set up an event. It's true because your focus is on lifting others and by lifting others, you lift yourself.
Service should be recognized as valuable. But it is not all heroic. The act of service should not be heroic, it should be a way of life. We should all be seeking to serve, not for recognition but simply because we are all lifted up by it.
That's not to say that there are no heroic efforts. Some are able to do greater acts by fate or by design. Some find it within themselves to rise above. Some find themselves in situations that cause them to find something within themselves to do much more than they they ever imagined they could. They are heroes when the rest of us wonder if we could have or would have been able to do what they did.
And so, I will be focused on a more positive response as kind souls recognize my small service. Something like, "may we all embrace the service of our abilities", while remembering those who served beyond what they knew their abilities to be.
However you are serving, wherever you are serving, Thank you for your service! It matters!!! May it lift you as much or more than it lifts others. You will be my hero when you rise beyond what you thought you could possibly do in a most unexpected situation. You will also be my hero if you steadfastly serve because you can.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

What the walls say.....

What stories these walls could tell! In just the time this 102 year old house has known me, it's filled with to brim. Many I know and many I don't know, could be told if these "walls could talk". And then there are all the stories that happened long before my time.
The downstairs bathroom was once a very early ham radio room. What communications took place in that room? Who did he talk to and where were they from? How far could that ham radio reach? Where was the antenna? Could it reach overseas? Why was he interested in ham radio? In what years was he tuned in? If only these walls could talk....
I stare at the covered hole in the wainscoting of what is now the dining room. A stove once sat there when that was originally the kitchen. What kind of stove was it? Where was the sink? Did they have an ice box? What did the table look like? Was there a more formal dining room in what is now the family room?
Why did M.R. like doors so much that there were originally 11 doors? Why did every room need to be so closed off? Why a door even on the back stairs and three into the hallway? Was it to regulate the heat?
M.R. Henderson, the first owner of this house, was ,by trade, a carpenter. He lived next door first and had this house built. Did he actually do any of the building? Certainly he had a hand in it's layout and design. How did his family use these rooms? What was his purpose for the third floor walk in attic? Was the interesting tool I found under the surface in the yard his?
I learned some things through his son James who visited once while I was away but his stories were collected by a friend who was here. Sadly, I missed that opportunity and now many years later have many unanswered questions.
What stories these walls could tell!
Though the walls don't tell all that has happened here, they resonate with the combined energy of all who have crossed through the threshold. Many who have spent much time here will quickly tell you that there is something special and unique about this place. I knew it the instant I walked in just over 17 years ago and I know it still. It's an old house with endless needs but there is indeed something special and unique about this place.
It's walls quietly speak it.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Fake News

What does the term "fake news" mean? Does it mean that someone is reporting false information? Or does it mean that someone is reporting information as though it's important news and it's not really important.
This term "fake news" is such a new thing that it's very confusing especially when spouted by someone who so often provides false information. Meanwhile, most of the things labeled "fake news" by this person are provably true and as such, quite important as news.
There is not a single person, a single reporter, a single news source that is correct 100% of the time. I'm not. You're not. We get things wrong. Hopefully, most of us try to get things right as much as possible. We need to be slow to make blanket statements and diligent in our deliberations. We need to remove barriers and blinders that may cause us to dismiss true information because it is not what we hope to know or learn. When we get to a point where we call truth and discussion of truth "fake" because we want it to go away, we have lost our sense of reality and have lost our moral compass.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Forgiveness, Humility and Grace.

The most important things to do are often the most difficult. They are also the most rewarding.
Embracing forgiveness, humility and grace are top among the most difficult and the most rewarding experiences of my life. I know now that they are the magical healing forces of the universe. When two people can come together in grace, humility and forgiveness, it is transformative in ways neither could quite anticipate.These are the building blocks of creation. Creation cannot sustain without them.
When we refuse to forgive someone, we generally communicate that there is something unforgivable in their behavior. We see them as separate, disparate characters from which we must detach for our own good and our own satisfaction. Any sense of humility and grace are buried. They are buried because we are suffering and afraid to face our own frailties.
Those frailties reveal themselves in the statements that begin with "I should have..." Why didn't I..."  Those statements require personal forgiveness, humility and grace. We will grant those to ourselves quickly. We forgive our shortcomings. But the other person... what they "should have"... what they didn't...well, that is unforgivable.
We are not separate, disparate characters in life. We cannot be islands unto ourselves. We are and always will be connected. As others reveal our frailties, we can be thankful. We have likely also revealed theirs to them. As we find voice to express those with forgiveness, humility and grace, we will unleash magical creative forces beyond anything we can possibly anticipate. Anything other will result in an endless cycle of building followed by destruction.