Neighborly Talk

It is said that people should refrain from talking politics and religion with others. Why? I presume so there won't be a fight that ensues over differing opinions. But must we really avoid these subjects even when we disagree?

I know that I get pretty emotional when talking about things I am pasionate about. My relationship with God and the social and political issues that I deem important can cause me to try to convince others to see things from my perspective. I can get forceful and judgemental if the other person seems to reject my thoughts and beliefs without really hearing what I have to say. I admit that isn't a good way to win them over.

So I am trying to learn the art of discussing these topics with an open mind and a loving heart. I try to shake off the intense feelings that grip me and relax and enjoy the exchange of ideas. It is sad to me, however, that few people really do want to discuss politics and religion except when they are of a like mind.

We seem to limit our knowledge and understanding when we set up fences and then won't even have a neighborly talk while we stand on either side. Who knows what might happen if we could love our neighbor and share more than the fence with him!

I want to learn how to speak with truth wrapped in civility and kindness so my neighbor will be happy to listen. Then maybe my neighbor, too, will treat me with the same respect!

Laying Down our Burdens

There are so many times when I think my problems are so huge and so heavy! I consider others to have it easy, or at least they are handling things better than me. When I really take a look, I find them carrying burdens sometimes much greater than mine.

I see women caring for husbands who suffer through disease or injury. I know of moms and dads who suffer the heartbreak of children following a dangerous or painful path. I have witnessed anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. I see and I hurt for them. I see them and hurt because my burdens hold me back from reaching out to help them in their need. I am needy too. I need a place to lay my burdens down. We all do!

"Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."
Psalm 68:19

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yole is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Who will Reign?

I do not want to be political but I am. I do not want to get involved in political discussions, but I must. I am political because I am a voter. I am involved because I care deeply about the people that sit in the seat of power and have in their hands the pens that will become law and be the guide for the present and the future. For this reason I must not remain silent.

Our choices are between imperfect men and women. We cannot expect them to be perfect, nor can we expect them to be totally in agreement with our views. We will not know all that we need to know about each candidate, because we can only see what is presented before us in planned appearances, and we do not know the future. Our choices, therefore, must be made with a higher wisdom. Yes, we may need to choose an imperfect candidate that does not reflect our point of view and that we know little about only because we side closer to him/her than we do with the other. But, is this really the wisdom from on high or is it our fear of being placed under the rule of those with which we do not agree?

I am struggling with these points. I do not know how I will vote come election day. I know only that my choices are narrowed. My soul desire is to vote in agreement with the Sovereign God who rules over all men! I choose to place His choice in the seat of power. I want the man He sees perfectly but still trusts with this position for His purposes.

I am reminded that the children of Isreal cried out for a king, and though God was their king, He allowed them to have their way. I am reminded that David was imperfect before God and man, but he also was "A man after God's heart."

So what leader do we deserve? What leader will lead us closer to God? What leader will submit his will to the will of the Father? The answer will ultimately be determined by God's choice. I believe, He alone will allow us our choice and teach us through that choice, whatever the consequences may be.

Till election day I will be in prayer for our country and our fellow citizens. I will pray that I vote in wisdom. I will intercede for the candidates and the people. I will pray that a cry of revival will be heard calling out for the ONE TRUE KING to reign in our hearts.

Reign in my heart, O God! Reign in me so that I need no other to reign over me!

Jesus the Politician

After listening to some of the speeches from the Democratic Convention, I began to wonder what Jesus thought of all this politics. He probably thinks it is simply a war of words (which it is), but then I thought about His "Politics."

You say "What? Jesus was in politics?" Well, yes, but not the politics we have come to be acquainted with here in the U.S. and across the globe. Jesus came to earth to campaign for our souls, not votes. Votes only pay lip service to this nominee. When we offer our souls to Him as our candidate we make a commitment that is eternal and offer a complete relinquishment of our lives.

Jesus made promises (that He will keep) and talked about issues of our hearts. He lived His life as a leader, showing us the way to live and the way back to our Heavenly Father. Yes, He was more teacher than politician, but He was and still is fighting for our souls against an opponent that will gladly take the souls and use them for his purposes.

Jesus, the politician, has my soul and my vote! How about you?

Polling Power

I am disheartened with the weak turn out for the primaries at my polling place today. It amazes me that Americans hold such power in their votes and yet set it aside without much thought. The most power is afforded to those who choose those who will run in November. If my polling place is typical, the power rests in the hands of a minority.

Our freedoms are set in a balance and judged by the few who deem it a priority to study and test the candidates. The question arises: who would you chose to decide for you? Who do you trust to hold the keys of freedom for you?

Laughter

What makes you laugh? Maybe you enjoy a little twist of words, like I do. I like watching Jay Leno's Headlines. I enjoy the little things children say that are turned around or words used in the wrong way. I like the funny way we people can blurt out something. As it tumbles along it gathers a giggle, then a heehaw, and rolls on into a big belly laugh!

The funny thing about me is that I take my words seriously and try not to make those silly and enjoyable blunders! I know that God's word is serious too, but even He likes to turn a phrase in an unusual way.He sprinkles His story with little tickles that lighten our lives and bring us a bit of fun!

We have an incredible God that knows us so well! He is aware that living can be really stressful and serious and we need relief. A smile, giggle, tickle, and laughter help us see the light in the darkness. I think He laughs with us, too.

Here are my "paragrafts" Brooke! They were fun to write!

Yes, Lord, I laughed today! Thanks for giving me the ability to laugh! It makes me feel better!

Senses

What do my eyes fail to see? I believe there is so much more than that which I can touch, see, hear, taste, smell in this world. I have glimpsed another reality in each of those senses. A tiny puff of air on my skin, a snapshot, whisper, a sweet savor, or aroma comes into my consciousness from an elusive place and I know there is more.

Maybe this is the place where I meet with my Creator, the One who knows me best and loves me most. Maybe it is the place where I can know and be known fully. Could it be a part of heaven?