This is a transcription of a sermon I gave this (Sunday, April 18, 2010) morning during our first service. I went on to teach from Scripture, the text I had prepared, but The Lord moved on my heart to bring this message.
I had a rare and great opportunity yesterday, to sit by the bedside of a dying warrior. A man of our community, suffering in his final illness.
His wife called me. his pastor's mother passed, and he couldn't be with him. And we need to pray for that pastor too, that his hear be comforted in the loss of his mom..
So this lady, and I know these people, asked me to come. She said "My husband is dying, would you come and be with him, and pray with him. So I went and sat with him in the nursing home where he is.
They woke him up, and told min that he had a visitor. "Oh, Reverend." He said. He always calls me that. I, I'm not too thrilled about that term, because there is none reverend but God, you know, but if that's what people choose to call me, i understand their meaning of it, so I accept it. In the world's eyes, I am a "Reverend",, You know, a minister.
So, I sat there with that man, and he went immediately back to sleep. He's under pretty heavy drugs. Pain medication, and whatnot. So I just sat there with him for a while. and I watched hi, I prayed for him, and I thought about him. There's a man who has served his country in many, many, many capacities. He's a World War two veteran. He served admirably. A decorated war hero.Served in France and Italy Several places like that, in the 442nd Division, and right in the thick of the fighting. And survived.
He worked on the railroad before he went overseas, and he came back and he worked on the railroad again until he retired. And he loved The Lord. A devout Christian all his life..
And I thought What an honor! What an absolute deep, deep, personal honor it was to be called to sit by the bedside of that man whom I admire so. To be able to be of comfort. Not only to a hero of America, and a hero in God's eyes, but what an honor to be called to sit by the bedside, and pray, and read Psalms and comforting scriptures to one of God's children.
And it made my life and my ministry all seem somehow worthwhile, that I was able to be with this guy. A great war hero.
Dan Takanaka. A great war hero. Served honorably in World War Two. Came out of the Internment camp, and served his country. And never thought a thing about it. At least never out loud, never publicly, he never condemned The United States for putting his people in internment camps. He saw that this was what was happening, so he accepted it, and he prayed, and God sent him the answer.
He served his nation in time of war, and in time of peace. God gave him the answer.
And it does not matter, that this is a man of Oriental heritage. It doesn't matter any more than if he was a man of German heritage, or English heritage, or Swedish heritage, or Finish heritage, or anything like that. he was, He is, an American. A man of whom we need to be proud, and honor greatly.
And when I spoke to Mildred, his wife, afterward, she asked me to be a pallbearer at his funeral, and what greater honor could that be? I'm not going to speak at his funeral, that's his pastor's place, because Dan's one of his.
I just wanted to share a little bit about that, and it's been on my heart since it happened. And I just wanted to share a little bit about who I am, and how I feel and what I feel, and what I believe, and how deeply I feel for the warriors of our nation, and how deeply I feel for each and every one of you.
And it doesn't matter whether you're a member of another congregation, or whether you're a member of this congregation, I know that you're God's children. You've accepted Jesus Christ, you're God's children, and I love you. And I feel just as deep an honor standing before you today, as I felt sitting in the presence of Dan Yesterday morning. And that's my message today.
Agape
Lee
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Taxes
Fringe Benefit Farm
April 15th, 2010
A long time friend sent me an e-mail decrying how a segment of the population gets away without paying taxes. I wrote him back with the following.
Bob:
For many years, I have been advocating a flat tax. 10%. No deductions, no exceptions. If you make a dime, you pay a penny If you make 10 million, you pay a million. Everybody would have to pay, from the welfare recipient, to the largest corporation, and all the employees of those corporations.
When I first came up with that idea, in the 1960s, we could have paid off the national debt in three years, and maintained the then current level of spending. At that point we could have reduced the tax to about three percent, and still had a surplus in the federal treasury.
I couldn't sell it. I told my tax accountant about it, and she said Oh No! that would put all the tax accountants out of business! I told a friend who was big in a labor union, he said Oh No! That would be a tax on labor! When I told my Congressman, he said, "We could never get it past the Democrats. I spoke to another Congressman, and he said "We could never get it past the Republicans."
Now there is a move to to establish a "Fair Tax" in which which the Income Tax would be abolished, and replaced by a national sales tax. The proponents of that idea say it passes the burden to the entire population in a fair and equitable manner.
Not a bad idea either. In any case, we need to make some changes in our tax structure.
The first President Bush did away with many of the deductions on many of the businesses. The oil industry was a major exception. But we must remember, it's not the President who levies taxes, it's Congress. The President may propose laws, but Congress has to do the deed.
We The People, in our greed, keep electing people who serve our personal interests, rather than the interests of the nation as a whole. If someone comes up with a sensible, workable plan, and not just those stated above, they get shouted down by people mired in their personal greed.
The only thing I do know, is, Ya gotta pay yer taxes... Or Else! Too many people are living in Federal Penitentiaries who forgot about that.
Is there an answer? I suppose so, but I don't expect to see it in the 15, or 20 years I have left on this planet.
Best regards
Lee
April 15th, 2010
A long time friend sent me an e-mail decrying how a segment of the population gets away without paying taxes. I wrote him back with the following.
Bob:
For many years, I have been advocating a flat tax. 10%. No deductions, no exceptions. If you make a dime, you pay a penny If you make 10 million, you pay a million. Everybody would have to pay, from the welfare recipient, to the largest corporation, and all the employees of those corporations.
When I first came up with that idea, in the 1960s, we could have paid off the national debt in three years, and maintained the then current level of spending. At that point we could have reduced the tax to about three percent, and still had a surplus in the federal treasury.
I couldn't sell it. I told my tax accountant about it, and she said Oh No! that would put all the tax accountants out of business! I told a friend who was big in a labor union, he said Oh No! That would be a tax on labor! When I told my Congressman, he said, "We could never get it past the Democrats. I spoke to another Congressman, and he said "We could never get it past the Republicans."
Now there is a move to to establish a "Fair Tax" in which which the Income Tax would be abolished, and replaced by a national sales tax. The proponents of that idea say it passes the burden to the entire population in a fair and equitable manner.
Not a bad idea either. In any case, we need to make some changes in our tax structure.
The first President Bush did away with many of the deductions on many of the businesses. The oil industry was a major exception. But we must remember, it's not the President who levies taxes, it's Congress. The President may propose laws, but Congress has to do the deed.
We The People, in our greed, keep electing people who serve our personal interests, rather than the interests of the nation as a whole. If someone comes up with a sensible, workable plan, and not just those stated above, they get shouted down by people mired in their personal greed.
The only thing I do know, is, Ya gotta pay yer taxes... Or Else! Too many people are living in Federal Penitentiaries who forgot about that.
Is there an answer? I suppose so, but I don't expect to see it in the 15, or 20 years I have left on this planet.
Best regards
Lee
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Teaching
I was privileged to speak before Ms. Hemmer's Nursing class at Miles Community College, yesterday. They have a Registered Nurse program, that is quite good. I spoke on the subject of addiction. I have lectured the students for several years. I must be doing something right, because I keep getting invited back. I talked about experience, strength and hope, my life before and after mu drug use, what my life was like, what happened, and what it is like now. I also talked about the differing genetic structure that is the cause of one being an addict.
There seems to be much misinformation about the disease of addiction. It is not a choice. It is part of our genetic makeup. We don't have a "choice" in the matter. We can choose to not use drugs, and alcohol is a drug, or we can choose to use. Once we use, the old expression "One is too many, and a thousand is never enough" comes into play.
An addict is what we are. It is nothing shameful, it is a part of us. We are born with a terminal disease. We will die with that disease. BUT, we do not have to die from it. The choice, is not to use drugs in any form. Alcohol is a drug.
Just as a person with Diabetes keep his disease under control by using medicine, we keep our disease under control by NOT using "medicine." You see, our natural state is loaded. When we are loaded, there are only three results. Jails, Institutions, and Death. When we don't use, and avail ourselves of a good 12 step program, such as Narcotics Anonymous, we learn how to live among normal people, in normal society, and often become respected, productive members of that society.
Remember this: being an addict is not a choice. You either are one, or you are not. Some people who have used drugs, are not. Just as some people who use the drug, alcohol, are not "alcoholics." My advice is, before you take that first fix, pill, or drink, stop. Put it down, and walk away. If you really are an addict, it will surface in other ways. (Gambling, compulsive overeating, the list is very long.) The deal is, at least not masking the problem with drugs won't lead to jails, institutions, and death.
Agape
Lee
There seems to be much misinformation about the disease of addiction. It is not a choice. It is part of our genetic makeup. We don't have a "choice" in the matter. We can choose to not use drugs, and alcohol is a drug, or we can choose to use. Once we use, the old expression "One is too many, and a thousand is never enough" comes into play.
An addict is what we are. It is nothing shameful, it is a part of us. We are born with a terminal disease. We will die with that disease. BUT, we do not have to die from it. The choice, is not to use drugs in any form. Alcohol is a drug.
Just as a person with Diabetes keep his disease under control by using medicine, we keep our disease under control by NOT using "medicine." You see, our natural state is loaded. When we are loaded, there are only three results. Jails, Institutions, and Death. When we don't use, and avail ourselves of a good 12 step program, such as Narcotics Anonymous, we learn how to live among normal people, in normal society, and often become respected, productive members of that society.
Remember this: being an addict is not a choice. You either are one, or you are not. Some people who have used drugs, are not. Just as some people who use the drug, alcohol, are not "alcoholics." My advice is, before you take that first fix, pill, or drink, stop. Put it down, and walk away. If you really are an addict, it will surface in other ways. (Gambling, compulsive overeating, the list is very long.) The deal is, at least not masking the problem with drugs won't lead to jails, institutions, and death.
Agape
Lee
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good News and Lessons Learned
Fringe Benefit Farm
March 2, 2010
Last Sunday, our new cat, a Siamese named Moka, disappeared. She went outside, and while we were visiting with some friends who came out, vanished. We weren't too worried about space aliens beaming her up, but we did have a few concerns about Eagles. They're death on cats. I don't know about the rest of the country, but the "endangered" Bald Eagle is almost as plentiful as geese around here, and there are thousands of them. Oh, well...
On Wednesday, Kathryn was out in the garden, when she heard a meow. She looked up, and there was Moka, cowering by the highway fence. Kathryn brought her in, and said the first thing she did, was head for first the water bowl, then to the feed dish. She was pretty skinny, but has recovered nicely, and is back to being a house pet.
Yesterday we saw a mouse in the house. The other cat, Penny got a good chase in. Caught it, but didn't kill it. This morning, she was looking under the kitchen stove. I pulled out the drawer, and Penny had another good chase. Now the mouse is under the refrigerator, and Penny is watching it like an Eagle after a cat. Hopefully, she will develop her taste for wild game soon, and we won't be worried about mice in the house.
I bought a tractor last Friday. A beautiful 1955 Ferguson TO-35. I went down to Sheridan Wyoming to pick it up. Runs well, and I got a good deal on it. The next day there was a farm auction near Hysham MT. I bought an eight foot disc to go behind "Fergie". (Kathryn named her.)
I unloaded the tractor from the trailer, and hooked up the disc. Lifted the front wheels off the ground. 'Course all sales are final I removed the weight from the implement. It was better. Got loaded, and brought it home. The next day, I disced a fire break around the property. It works very well, and the tractor pulls as it should. It still gets light on the front end when i lift the disc for corners, but when I am able to find some wheel weights for the front of the tractor, everything will work as it ought.
Another thing I learned this morning. You can't heat soft boiled eggs in a microwave, even if you puncture them. Kinda hated to lose the eggs, but the microwave needed cleaning anyway.
It rained yesterday, and the ground is soft and sticky. Won't be able to get into the field for several days. I had hoped to plant some grain to displace the weeds that grow here. Oh, well... It was interesting when I cut the firebreak, that some of the land is virgin prairie. Sod is really tough to cut through. I only plan to scratch the surface a little soI can get some seeds planted. There is Sage brush on the western portion. I can disc right over it without causing much damage. I don't plan to eliminate it, as I like the aroma, and it gives the little critters a place to hide. Food for Penny... -evil laugh-.
The sun is out, and after the rain, the air is crystal clear. It normally is anyway, but right now there is no dust or anything. Montana Blue, which is what I call Azure, from horizon to horizon in all directions. The grass is beginning to green up, and it looks like spring is on it's way. Life is good on Fringe Benefit Farm.
Agape
Lee
March 2, 2010
Last Sunday, our new cat, a Siamese named Moka, disappeared. She went outside, and while we were visiting with some friends who came out, vanished. We weren't too worried about space aliens beaming her up, but we did have a few concerns about Eagles. They're death on cats. I don't know about the rest of the country, but the "endangered" Bald Eagle is almost as plentiful as geese around here, and there are thousands of them. Oh, well...
On Wednesday, Kathryn was out in the garden, when she heard a meow. She looked up, and there was Moka, cowering by the highway fence. Kathryn brought her in, and said the first thing she did, was head for first the water bowl, then to the feed dish. She was pretty skinny, but has recovered nicely, and is back to being a house pet.
Yesterday we saw a mouse in the house. The other cat, Penny got a good chase in. Caught it, but didn't kill it. This morning, she was looking under the kitchen stove. I pulled out the drawer, and Penny had another good chase. Now the mouse is under the refrigerator, and Penny is watching it like an Eagle after a cat. Hopefully, she will develop her taste for wild game soon, and we won't be worried about mice in the house.
I bought a tractor last Friday. A beautiful 1955 Ferguson TO-35. I went down to Sheridan Wyoming to pick it up. Runs well, and I got a good deal on it. The next day there was a farm auction near Hysham MT. I bought an eight foot disc to go behind "Fergie". (Kathryn named her.)
I unloaded the tractor from the trailer, and hooked up the disc. Lifted the front wheels off the ground. 'Course all sales are final I removed the weight from the implement. It was better. Got loaded, and brought it home. The next day, I disced a fire break around the property. It works very well, and the tractor pulls as it should. It still gets light on the front end when i lift the disc for corners, but when I am able to find some wheel weights for the front of the tractor, everything will work as it ought.
Another thing I learned this morning. You can't heat soft boiled eggs in a microwave, even if you puncture them. Kinda hated to lose the eggs, but the microwave needed cleaning anyway.
It rained yesterday, and the ground is soft and sticky. Won't be able to get into the field for several days. I had hoped to plant some grain to displace the weeds that grow here. Oh, well... It was interesting when I cut the firebreak, that some of the land is virgin prairie. Sod is really tough to cut through. I only plan to scratch the surface a little soI can get some seeds planted. There is Sage brush on the western portion. I can disc right over it without causing much damage. I don't plan to eliminate it, as I like the aroma, and it gives the little critters a place to hide. Food for Penny... -evil laugh-.
The sun is out, and after the rain, the air is crystal clear. It normally is anyway, but right now there is no dust or anything. Montana Blue, which is what I call Azure, from horizon to horizon in all directions. The grass is beginning to green up, and it looks like spring is on it's way. Life is good on Fringe Benefit Farm.
Agape
Lee
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Few Thoughts On March 17th
I cannot think of a place that has consistently more dramatic mornings than the Yellowstone Valley of southeastern Montana. Having traveled over most of this great and beautiful nation, and a few excursions to our beautiful neighbor to the south, Mexico, I have enjoyed many sunrises. But daily, the sunrise from our windows at Fringe Benefit Farm are the most awe inspiring that I've seen.
This morning there is a band of clouds covering much of the sky. I think the arm of a little weather system, or something like that. The rest of the sky has a slight haze. When the sun comes up and illuminates the atmosphere, it is ... well, dramatic...
I am feeling veery greatful to be alive to see the beauty of God's Earth today. Today I celebrate 27 years in recovery. Thank you God, Thank you Jimmie K., and thank you to all the addicts who have, and continue to give freely of their experience, strength, and hope.
I have to go in to town early today. Our friend Sarah C. is having a baby today. in fact, as I write this, at about 8:12am, they will have just about finished with her C section, and we will soon know whether to send pink, or blue. More will be revealed.
I got a huge dose of food poisoning. Not sure where it came from, but I sure know where it went. I spent most of the day in bed yesterday, except for going in to teach my Tuesday afternoon Bible study. I didn't really want to, but spiritual things are more important than the flesh. I did not give my usual round of hugs after the study. It might have been just a little poisoning, but in case it wasn't, I didn't want to take any chances.
As you may know, I minister in Nursing homes, and I sure didn't want to give those dear folk any diseases. You see, in our spiritual walk, we must not only give honor and praise to God, but also show love to our fellow human.
There is still frost on the deck this morning. The fields around have patches of snow left on them. Very interesting to watch nature at work.
We have a new cat. Her name is Moka. She's a Siamese, with all the endearing traits of the breed. We adopted her from Pet Smart in Billings. This morning I let her out to commune with Kathryn while was out smoking. Moka DOES NOT like walking on the frosty surface. It is, after all beneath her station. I once saw a lady wearing a tee shirt that said "Because I'm the queen of the f-----g universe, that's why!" I ought to get one for Moka. She has evidently been kept indoors all her life, and is still learning how to operate the cat door. If she has her way, she would make us open it for her whenever she wants to go out or in. I figure the first rainstorm, she goes out, and stays there until she comes in through the cat door all by herself. Cruel? maybe, but it works. See, I understand Siamese cats. They're addicts. Those of you who suffer this disease will comprehend my meaning.
Time to get showered and head in to town. I want to spend some time with Sarah before I have to go to work.
Agape
Lee
This morning there is a band of clouds covering much of the sky. I think the arm of a little weather system, or something like that. The rest of the sky has a slight haze. When the sun comes up and illuminates the atmosphere, it is ... well, dramatic...
I am feeling veery greatful to be alive to see the beauty of God's Earth today. Today I celebrate 27 years in recovery. Thank you God, Thank you Jimmie K., and thank you to all the addicts who have, and continue to give freely of their experience, strength, and hope.
I have to go in to town early today. Our friend Sarah C. is having a baby today. in fact, as I write this, at about 8:12am, they will have just about finished with her C section, and we will soon know whether to send pink, or blue. More will be revealed.
I got a huge dose of food poisoning. Not sure where it came from, but I sure know where it went. I spent most of the day in bed yesterday, except for going in to teach my Tuesday afternoon Bible study. I didn't really want to, but spiritual things are more important than the flesh. I did not give my usual round of hugs after the study. It might have been just a little poisoning, but in case it wasn't, I didn't want to take any chances.
As you may know, I minister in Nursing homes, and I sure didn't want to give those dear folk any diseases. You see, in our spiritual walk, we must not only give honor and praise to God, but also show love to our fellow human.
There is still frost on the deck this morning. The fields around have patches of snow left on them. Very interesting to watch nature at work.
We have a new cat. Her name is Moka. She's a Siamese, with all the endearing traits of the breed. We adopted her from Pet Smart in Billings. This morning I let her out to commune with Kathryn while was out smoking. Moka DOES NOT like walking on the frosty surface. It is, after all beneath her station. I once saw a lady wearing a tee shirt that said "Because I'm the queen of the f-----g universe, that's why!" I ought to get one for Moka. She has evidently been kept indoors all her life, and is still learning how to operate the cat door. If she has her way, she would make us open it for her whenever she wants to go out or in. I figure the first rainstorm, she goes out, and stays there until she comes in through the cat door all by herself. Cruel? maybe, but it works. See, I understand Siamese cats. They're addicts. Those of you who suffer this disease will comprehend my meaning.
Time to get showered and head in to town. I want to spend some time with Sarah before I have to go to work.
Agape
Lee
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Love Never Fails
1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
One of the things a Christian is told to do, is love one another. Love in this case, is the Greek Agape.
- From Wikipedia - Agape (Christian theology) the love of God or Christ for mankind. (pronounced /ˈæɡə.piː/ AG-ə-pee;[1] and sometimes /əˈɡɑː.peɪ/ ə-GAH-pay after the Classical Greek agápē; Modern Greek: αγάπη [aˈɣapi]), also called parental love, is one of several Greek words translated into English as love. Many have thought that this word represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love. Although the word does not have specific religious connotation, the word has been used by a variety of contemporary and ancient sources, including Biblical authors and Christian authors. Thomas Jay Oord has defined agape as "an intentional response to promote well-being when responding to that which has generated ill-being."[citation needed] In his book, The Pilgrimage, author Paulo Coelho defines it as "the love that consumes," i.e., the highest and purest form of love, one that surpasses all other types of affection. Greek philosophers at the time of Plato and other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to philia—an affection that could denote either brotherhood or generally non-sexual affection, and eros, an affection of a sexual nature.
Here's the deal. I don't have to like you. I have to Love you. We are, in the flesh, at least, at the core, not so different one from another. Our feelings, needs, passions, lusts, and so on. If I don't love you, because you are what you are, I am disobeying Jesus' command. I don't have to like what you do, or say, or act, but I have to love you. Love you like one of my children.
Sometimes you might do something to me, that hurts my feelings. Wounds me to the core. But I still have to love you.
It has always astounded me that someone who loves you so much as to marry you, can hate you so bad. You say something, or do something that offends them, and they suddenly hate you, take your money, property, and children, then speak badly of you at every occasion.
Someone like that never did love you. They only loved themselves. Trust me, I am an expert at this, having been a donor and a recipient.
When two people can no longer live together, because they "can't stand the sight of each other," we have to remember agape. And even when we, after much prayer, meditation, and counseling, come to the conclusion that it would be better to live apart, we must not, as Christians, forget to agape one another.
But - (Don't you just love that caveat?) that doesn't mean that we have to be all buddy buddy with each other either. It does mean we have to forgive one another's trespasses. AND, go on an live your life, trying your very best to never wound another person again.
Jesus loves you, and "Love Never Fails.
That's my message today.
Agape
Lee
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