Too Old to Matter

Here is what is on my mind today. Upon listening to commentators concerned with the direction the health care debate is going. I, once again, got caught up with the implications and the "what ifs" of our future as a nation.

It seems, from their comments, that eventually this country will be in civil war of sorts. The healthy, young, productive people versus the older, ailing, less productive retired people. The conversation included remarks by one of the President's health advisers, a doctor himself and a brother of one of the President's main advisers. He is purported as saying "...doctors are taking their oath too seriously." (You know that oath that says they will "...do no harm.") That statement is bone-chilling! This statement reminded me of Tom Daschle's remarks about older people "learning to live with " their ailments. The implication was that older people use too much Medicare money.

Next, the conversation turned to a gentleman who sought help from his state for drugs to recover from an illness. A reference was made to a law which is actually on the books in two of our states. Ailing and older people will be supplied with drugs to commit suicide. The man in their conversation, was offered drugs for assisted suicide, but not drugs to prolong his life or heal his illness.The age of this man - 53 years old.

The logic: Older people are just in the way and should gladly give up on life so the more necessary people can live and be in good health. If you are young, this may seem a bit reasonable, but I hope not. If you are older than 40, than you may want to watch your back. If you are over 60, you need to pray none of this becomes law!

Am I steamed! You bet! But-I have to calm down and consider all of this in light of the fact that God is still in control. The Almighty Creator of the universe has the final word, not some smug doctor, politician or pseudo-intellectual futurist with negative, godless views. God reigns still and ever! That is how I keep my balance, by resting in the truth of God's sovereignty. So can you. Doma

Celebrate the Ordinary Day

Ho hum! Another ordinary, normal day here on planet Earth. Not much is happening, not much is changing right now and things are bordering on boring. Well, great! This is a good thing.

Don't we all know people who seem to go from crisis to crisis. The drama queens, the sensationalists, make every day a trial or a stress packed event. Living unintentionally and having life catch them off guard, not contemplating consequences, these folks are the stress laced, adrenaline junkies who seem constantly on the ragged edge. Or, they are the victimized, low energy, depressed ones dragging their egos behind them through dark, endless days.

Surely there has to be a balance for these people, an ordinary, "catch your breath" kind of day once in a while? I thank God for plain, common days, and for the ability to live intentionally considering the consequences of my words and actions daily. It has not always been this way for me. I have been both a person with a victim-mentality and a drama queen. I am here to say that without Godly balance I could not even come close to enjoying a quiet, common day.

There is peace in laying out your day before God early. Seeking Him intentionally as the source and organizer of each new day is the best way to start. Whether the events of the day are predictable and boring or full of opportunities and new obligations, bring all before the throne of grace right away. There is strength and power in giving the day back to the Provider, Jehovah Jireh. He will partner with you to make it a good one, no matter what! Doma

Trust, The Precious Commodity

Listening to the radio today, I heard a man say we trust people we think we really know. Yet I remembered another quote from years ago, "No one can accurately predict or guarantee the behavior of another person." So, considering these quotes plus years of experience with human nature while raising a family and working, I have to make my own statements about trust.

To trust anyone totally is a huge risk. No matter who they are or claim to be. We really must trust God first. We go to Him and ask Him to help the person we are wanting to trust to be a trustworthy person. But, if we have not come to a relationship with the living, loving God, we can't really let go and trust Him to do that!

Start out with making yourself available to God by praying, communicating with Him. Read the scripture and see what Jesus is like. He said, "... when you have seen me, you have seen the Father". I am trusting Jesus Christ and leaving my doubts, fears and anxieties at the cross. He has proven to be completely trustworthy at all times.

At the cross and most of all at the empty tomb, there is proof of God's trustworthiness. He kept His word, sent the Messiah, and has prepared a place for those who trust in Him. I believe Calvary is a great place to start trusting God. Doma

Alligator's View

It's time to lighten up. Please imagine with me a reason that an alligator might pass up a meal. (Just humor me!)

An alligator with a toothy grin
Saw a portly redhead in leopard skin.
The sight of her he found incredible.
He thought her bad taste quite inedible.
Doma

Life Unraveling

What happens when everything in life begins to quickly unravel like a favorite old sweater caught on a nail? All you were certain of and trusting in is suddenly in jeopardy. For some Americans, this is happening right now. Their jobs are being eliminated, their investments have decreased in value, their bills are unpaid and stress is affecting their health. Marriages flounder and the future looks bleak. Depression, fear and anxiety haunt many,many people.

If you happen to know someone who is struggling and you are one of the people who is not, then you have a sacred obligation. You are being blessed to be a blessing. Your "good fortune" is not just a coincidence and not just for you. Your brothers and sisters need you. They not only need a friend to listen and to pray for them, but may need more from you. Your heart must be tender before God, for He may ask you to share your blessings with others.

To share only material blessings is not enough, however. For long-term recovery, strugglers need faith. They need soul support. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest." It is in introducing battered, hurting people to the Savior that you are giving eternal blessing to those tired, troubled ones. Reluctance to share the blessings of faith in Christ has eternal consequences. Isn't the Savior's "Well done, good and faithful servant" more important to you than what some critical person may say about your witnessing to others?

Help people put life's puzzle together again with Jesus as the missing piece. His love is the one certainty we can rely on forever. Take Him at His word! Doma