P. Allen Jones - Writer

Who Told You?

2011-10-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

There were many busses coming through my impoverished neighborhood for one reason or another. A painted-over blue bus used to drive through my neighborhood on Sunday mornings. It beeped its horn, before stopping at the end of the block. Most children in this impoverished neighborhood knew this meant it was time to go to church. Anyone who wanted to go, ran toward the blue bus who waited patiently.

Most of the neighborhood kids were dressed and ready to go, so as the horn blew, we’d run out to meet it. Our parent’s, some not home and others working, didn’t mind if we went to church. I guess they figured it was better for us to be in church, than on the streets getting into trouble.

This bus would make a few more stops in other poor neighborhoods, and then drive thirty-minutes to First Baptist Church of Mar Vista in Venice, Ca.

My first visit to this church we “bussed” children were sent from the main sanctuary, where everyone was, to another building where young people from all walks of life and all colors learned and worshiped Jesus together.
For months I attended this church, via the blue bus, and got to know who Jesus was.

During a winter youth retreat in the mountains, we bused children saw snow for the first time. We also praised God like never before. This is where I also found my everlasting love for Jesus. There in the mountains, full of snow, I decided to believe, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16)

The following Sunday, I got baptized and I’ve been a believer ever since. That’s not to say I haven’t strayed away and lived like any other sinner. But God never left me in my sin. He always gently called me back to Himself, where I eventually stayed.

If it weren’t for the faithful servants of Mar Vista church, the kids from my neighborhood and I would not have gone to church, any church. If it weren’t for the love those people showed, caring for poor children from another side of town, I may not have fully given my life to Christ.

This is what I know. Each one of us has a responsibility to tell someone about Jesus. Then, it’s God’s work to touch their heart.

Thank you saints of Mar Vista for bringing me to church when I had no other way of getting there. And, thank you for telling me (in a way a teen-ager could understand); that “No man comes to the Father except by the Son,” and that is Jesus Christ.

Did anyone tell you?

Can You Keep It?

2011-05-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

I was about eight years old and I remember going to a neighbor’s house where various people in our neighborhood gathered together to study the bible.

I watched in amazement as they read bible verses and discussed it’s application to our everyday lives. An old man with a cute dog who lived across the street, the elderly lady who lived next door and others I hadn’t met before sat next to each other talking about God.

At the end of the study, the home owner gave everyone a bible verse to remember for the next meeting. I was assigned Luke 11:28.

I remember the panic that poured over me. “I’m just a kid,” I thought. “How can I remember this AND repeat it for adults?” I was worried. I went home and read that bible verse over and over. “Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” Luke 11:28

When time came for the next week’s bible study I was ready.
As usual, the adults read and discussed various bible verses and I listened quietly. After the study, the leader went around the room to have everyone quote the bible verse they were assigned.

I stood up slowly, noticing everyone’s eyes on me, and I pronounced: “Luke 11:28, Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.” Everyone cheered. My mother looked so proud and I was shocked that I had actually remembered the verse considering my fear.

Years later, God would remind me of this experience. He taught me to read His Word, study it and remember it. And, in return I would be “blessed.”

I challenge everyone to read God’s word. Know for yourself the promises of God, the instruction of God and the blessings of God. No one can tell you anything better than the source itself. Open the bible and gain knowledge, learn the ways of God and our relationship to Him.

Let the Word come alive in you and always keep it.

Heart & Mouth

2011-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

According to the bible, God gave Moses Ten Commandments for the children of Israel to live by. These commandments describe civil behavior and are the foundation of modern day law and order.

The problem with these commandments is that man, whose natural instinct is sinful, fights his nature to comply. The children of Israel, who knew God first-hand and witnessed His miracles; like the parting of the Red Sea for their escape from Egypt, couldn’t even keep the commandments.

How can they (we) meet up to God’s standards?

We can’t. In Romans 10:4 the bible tells us, “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

This righteousness (being right with God) cannot be found in our actions to keep the law. We all fail to keep them in one way or another. Righteousness, we’re told, is in our belief in Christ.

Why Christ?

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Because God loved us he gave us another chance, a way out of our sinful nature, and a new hope through Christ and not ourselves.

How do we get this righteousness from Christ?

We receive it by faith. In Roman 10:9 the bible tells us, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

So there it is.

Believe in your heart (by faith) and confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and you will be saved. You now will receive the righteousness that only Christ can present to God on your behalf, and God will accept.

Make no mistake we are all a work in progress. In the future, you will sin because of the fight we have with our sinful nature. Now, however, we should seek repentance, then gain forgiveness, pursue righteousness and be confident in our salvation through Christ “our Lord”.

Isn’t it cool………lol.

Uncertainty

2011-03-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Recently, thousands of dead fish washed ashore in California and news reports said, “A shark might have chased them into the marina, the fish got confused, and could not breathe due to the number of fish stuck in the marina.”

Really?

On New Years Eve 2011, Los Angeles Times reported, “The puzzling phenomenon started on New Year’s Eve when thousands of blackbirds were found dead in central Arkansas. Townsfolk spent their holiday weekend removing the remains of between 4,000 and 5,000 dead red-winged blackbirds. "

Puzzling, really?

The U.S. Geological Society and U.S. Department of Interior conducted various studies to offer analysis on the effects of environment on wildlife. In one major report related to polar bear extirpation (aka extinction), they began their report’s conclusion: “

"Analyses in this report contain three main categories of uncertainty: (1) uncertainty in our understandings of the biological, ecological, and climatological systems; (2) uncertainty in the representation of those understandings in models and statistical descriptions; and (3) uncertainty in model predictions."

Polar bears are becoming extinct and the keyword is uncertainty.

Man’s impact on plants, animals and environment are undisputed across the globe. The negative effects of mining runoff, pesticide runoff, mercury, lead, and selenium poising are found in water, air and soil.

Global overheating, due to fossil fuel exhaust, also affects our air and ozone protection, decreasing our only protection from the sun’s burning heat.

So you think its hot now?

Besides man’s self-destructive behavior, doomsday theorists are noting the end of the Maya calendar in 2012 and the quatrains of Nostradamus to conclude that there is a coming “end of this current age.”

Really?

As we see in current global events, there is something is wrong. The destruction of our planet due to man’s greed, the extinction of animals and plants, and the changing composition of our environment due to overheating are evident.

Eventually, there will be a consequence.

In Matthew 24:14 Jesus says, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

But, no one knows when this “end” will be.

In Matthew 24: 3-8, Jesus warns that there will be wars, famine and earthquakes but these are only “birth pains.” He also warns that we should not be deceived by false preaching announcing that the end is near.

In Matthew 24:36 Jesus tells us, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

No one can predict (when) heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus does tell us (who),(what), and (where).

In Matthew 24: 29-35 Jesus tell us who – “the Son of Man” (Jesus) will appear, what – He will return at the end of this age, where – on the clouds of the sky with great power and glory.

So what do we do with this information?

In Matthew 24:42-44 Jesus tells us to be alert and be ready. Like an Olympic athlete, we should be preparing our spirit for the coming day when all men will see God’s power and glory.

While we still have breath in us, we should work out our salvation, seek God’s truth, study God’s word, and pray for our loved ones to find God’s truth as well. Then, we can rest knowing that we have prepared for that day that will surely come.
*

Forgive Yourself

2011-01-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

I recently had a beautiful outing with my family. Following a long day of fun we decided to caravan to a restaurant to eat. After a wrong turn, unbelievable traffic, and a tour of at least three county lines, we stopped at a Mexican restaurant.

Beside the fact we passed 50 other Mexican restaurants, no one cared what we were going to eat, we just wanted to stop driving.

At the end of this driving tour my frustration level was off the chart. My sister was driving and I needed to voice my frustration to anyone who would listen. I asked my sister to forgive me then I bleeped out a four letter word.

I got out of the car and bleeped out the same four letter word to the other members of my family. Then quickly asked them to forgive me.

“I’m sorry,” I said, “I just had to let out some steam.” Everyone overlooked my outburst and hurried into the restaurant for that long awaited meal.

During the meal I couldn’t get this off my mind. “How could I have lost my cool?” I thought. “How is a God loving person praising God with the same mouth that curses? I felt ashamed.

After some soul searching, I asked God to forgive me, asked my family to forgive me again, and then I had to work on forgiving myself.

In Hebrews 8:12 the bibles tells us, “For I will forgive their evil ways. I will not remember their sins anymore.”

When we repent from our sins, God forgives and remembers them no more. This is so reassuring because as believers of Jesus Christ we are being transformed by the renewing of our mind to be like Christ. The key word is “being” transformed.

The process of being holy and righteous is a process. We can’t beat ourselves up when we fail or fall. We must simply recognize our sin, turn away from it (aka repent) and then ask for forgiveness.

The final part of this process is to forgive ourselves.

We are all a work in progress. It is like a painter painting a masterpiece. After a mistake, they don’t throw away the canvass, they keep painting. Blending colors over the mistake and creating a wonderful image in spite of the mistake.

I had to forgive myself for all my past mistakes, errors, and sins. I know God already has.

In All Your Seeking, Seek What?

2011-01-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

In this time of post recession, coupled with financial and social depression, most of us are seeking help in various ways.

Dr. Phil speaks to families who’ve lost their way raising children with tattooed bodies screaming to the world. Suzy Orman gives one-line answers to those seeking help to recover retirement investments that now equal zero. Dr. Drew is counsel to society’s privileged people who reflect the same physical, mental and drug abuse seen all over the world.

We are all seeking answers.

In relation to the worries of life Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus is telling the world that God and His righteousness is the only answer.

You might ask, “How does this work?”

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus tells us “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Jesus is telling us to ask, seek and find all that God has for us. If we ask for His help, seek His direction, wisdom, favor or opportunity, then we will find the perfect conclusion God has for us.

Only if we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first.

How do we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness?

We seek God, His righteousness and the knowledge of his kingdom through His word, the bible. As we seek His truth and wisdom, we receive understanding. If we believe what we’ve been shown (the truth) then faith fills our heart and mind. Now, God has our attention.

After we give our attention to God we naturally want to emulate His righteousness (virtue), and therefore please Him. In every aspect of our lives, we will pursue His truth (in His word) and ultimately live a life worthy of His kingdom and the realm of His presence.

However, there is no free pass.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:14, “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life only a few find it.” And, in verse 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

There is a price to pay.

In addition to seeking and finding God, we must surrender our will (purpose) for God’s will (purpose). We must become His hands, His feet, His mouth, and His love. Our purpose becomes God’s purpose and then our lives shine His brightness into a dark world.

Then, in faith, we can go to God in prayer about everything. We can trust that His will (find out what it is by asking) is being done in our lives. We can knock on any door, pray about every situation, present every need and God will open, resolve and supply every need.

Now, we can tell Dr. Phil “no thanks”, Suzi Orman “I don’t need it”, and Dr. Drew “It’s all resolved”. Together we will seek, find, ask, and knock waiting for God’s will to be done and His kingdom to come.

Amen!

What Is Reverence?

2011-01-02T17:00:00.001-08:00

Ok, step back and hold on to your hat I’m pondering again.

I was watching a conversation between a catholic nun and a priest. What I noticed in the discussion was their sheer reverence for God.

They spoke about loving God and His awesome presence. They didn’t talk about what God could do for them or what he could give to them. They just talked about God and who He is.

This conversation led me to ponder my own belief and question if I properly have reverence for God.

Webster defines reverence as: respect, admiration, worship, awesome, astonishment, amazement and high regard.

I pondered things people revere.

Some revere a football team, especially those who’ve won a super bowl game. Some admire a Grammy award winning singer or an Academy Award winning actor. Some worship money and the beautiful things it can buy. Some are astonished by a great mind like Albert Einstein. Some are amazed by the talents of Kobe, LeBron, or Michael Jordan for their athletic ability.

But what about God?

Are we in awe of His existence? Are we amazed at His talent to create all living things, including us? Do we find sheer joy and honor to be in His presence?

Do we revere God?

As religions come and go, various beliefs stress the importance of various ideas. Leaders of the church interpret the word of God and create religious traditions and ways of worship. No matter what faith, the whole point is God – creator of man and the universe.

As we go to church and do our weekly “duty” to worship God, we go about our lives; working, playing and resting without further thought about God or His awesome existence.

Reverence for God, and our love and respect for Him, must be translated in our comprehension and gratitude of God’s grace, mercy, love and salvation.

We should stop, with respect, admiration, and awe to admirer that God is in everything.

God is in that sunset timed perfectly each day. God is in forgiveness that brings restoration to our lives and souls. God is in that act of love; feeding the homeless, clothing the poor and caring for the sick.

We should think about His beautiful gift of creation and the awesomeness of His handiwork. Think about His accomplishments in your life and the lives of others. Think about His love; to give His Son Jesus as an offering for the sin of the world. Think about His peace that He gives freely as we need during difficult times. Think about the world without Him and how badly man would behave if he had no moral compass to live by.

With this thought in mind how can we not revere God?

Cheer Him, like a great touchdown pass. Praise Him, like an award winning performance. Love Him, like our favorite song. Worship Him, like he deserves.

Some Eastern religions teach meditation techniques that tell you, “Let your mind go blank….go to nothingness.” I say let your mind go to God.

Do we revere God? We should.

2011 - Many Blessings

2010-12-31T16:41:00.000-08:00

Each day is a blessing,

Nothing is promised beyond this moment.

Inhale and enjoy the gift of life,

Exhale and share God's love with someone new.

Merry Christmas Love

2010-12-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

December is a busy and happy time for many people. We hustle and bustle for gifts, Christmas decorations, good food, and the company of family and friends. It’s a wonderful time of year.

Although December 25th has not been proven to be the exact day Christ was born in Bethlehem, much of the world also celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Regardless of the day or time, Christmas is a time to remember the birthday of Jesus the Christ.

The famously quoted bible verse of John 3:16 the bible tell us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This verse reminds us that Christmas is also a time to remember God’s love for us. The gift of love that God gave was His Son, Jesus. This meant God allowed everything to happen to Jesus - His birth, life, death and resurrection to be accomplished for us.

But why?

If you read further in John 3:17, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Saved from what?

First there is judgment. The bible tells us in Romans 14:10-12, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

In Rev 20:12 the bible shows us a vision of this judgment, “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

Then, there’s the second death. In Rev 20:14-15 the bible tells “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Why is Christmas so serious?

Christmas is more than trees, ornaments, chestnuts roasting by an open fire and Santa Clause. It is not only a time to celebrate the birth of that cute little baby in swaddling clothes, Jesus. It is a time to celebrate God’s love, His gift of salvation from judgment and (if we believe) escape from the condemnation of eternal death in the lake of fire (aka hell).

Now that is something to be merry about.

Merry Christmas to all and to all please believe.

Bible On-line

I'm Thankful

2010-11-18T01:18:00.000-08:00

After the toughest year of my life, I’m thankful.
I could list the events for all to see, only to reveal the true depth of my loss and pain.
I could relive them; just to remind myself how far I’ve come.
But what I am is just thankful.
For loved ones young and old, wise and foolish, all enriching my life.
For that special one, deep inside my inner circle warming my soul.
For the knowledge that I exist, and it is good.
For the design creator of a perfect universe.
For His endless creations that confirm, we are not all there is.
For the burnt orange sunsets I see each day.
For waterfalls, flowing wondrous life giving water.
For seagull’s that fly over the beauty of the ocean
For this day my daily bread, I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Crown Of Splendor

2010-10-22T15:26:00.001-07:00

I heard someone say, “Where are all the grandmothers?” I had to laugh when I heard this because most of the grandmothers I know look like their daughters; with clothes too short, make-up too dark and hills too high.

This observation is in no way a bad reflection of how women are taking better care of themselves. Miss Clairol has helped the cause by providing more hair colors than ever before.

Grandmothers today just seem to lack the ole “ask Grandma” wisdom of the past.

In the past, one thing people could depend on was grandma’s wisdom. Grandma would not sugar coat her opinion on what she felt was inappropriate or un-godly. Her wisdom, gained through years of experience, and the value of her correction, was beneficial whether you liked it or not.

The bible tells us in Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; if it is attained by a righteous life.” I ponder and conclude, with age and a righteous life, gray hair (old age) is a blessing.

With this blessing there is also responsibility.
Wisdom that comes with age and experience should be on display for younger people to see. It should reflect into their eyes as an example of dignity, purpose, devotion, and balanced living.

This responsibility includes being a reflection of our devotion to Christ. As we emulate His love and forgiveness, we demonstrate it with helpful hands that share, loving hearts that care and compassion toward our neighbor.

In addition to this display of Christ in us, we should show young people an example of righteousness to look forward to. Give them a “When I grow up I wanna be like _____” example.

No one is perfect; all of us fall short of God’s perfect glory. But we can aspire to be righteous, with God’s help, and then let our light shine for the world to see.

Then, as our young people shift their role models from Jersey Shore (an MTV disgrace) to their wise ole friends, neighbors, grandmas and grandpas, they will have something to hold on to. When life’s bumps and bruises come, and they will, they’ll be encouraged. They will use these examples of wisdom and righteous living to be their guide.

(((((Calling all crowns of splendor))))) Each new day is a new opportunity to help a young person, teach a young person, and lead a young person by example. Make a difference by living a life that counts worthy.

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Do I care about genetically engineered food?

2010-10-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Before

I recently watched two scientists argue for and against genetically engineered salmon. I will restate their argument and you decide if salmon will be on your dinner plate.

For - These “engineered” salmon are modified by inserting a growth hormone from another type of fish into DNA of salmon eggs. In Panama, these salmon will be harvested in enclosed and controlled pens. They will be delivered through a developed, controlled and predictable supply method. These genetically modified salmon eat more and develop faster. The advantage to the consumer is they will be brought to market faster. These modified salmon are supposed to be 95% sterol, so there’s little chance of reproduction in the wild. FDA has fully tested these salmon according to their food safety standards. Warning labels are unnecessary because these salmon taste just like wild salmon.

Against - Genetically altered salmon have unknown allergic affects to consumers. The FDA has no data or test results on the harmful affects or allergic reactions of the growth hormone compounds used in engineered salmon. Genetically modified salmon are gluttonous, hence faster growth. If they are accidently loosed from their “controlled environment’ into the wild, wild salmon population and its food source will be in danger of being overtaken. There is no “FDA control” of international harvesting of these salmon in foreign countries. FDA is considering no warning label for consumers, therefore consumers won’t know what their eating. Genetically modified beef, pork, and chicken are next in line for approval.

I used to love salmon and now I'm speechless.

After

What Is She Doing?

2010-10-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

I know some of my readers are thinking, "What is she doing pondering things related to religion."

Religion and politics are always topics open to debate and contraversy. I have not been shy about opening any subject for review. Thank God for freedom of thought and speech.

Since I am a spiritual person, as well as a physical being, I have to ponder the whole picture, the whole person, everything.

Follow me on this journey of discovery and analysis. It might cause you to ponder a few things too.

Enjoy!

We Are One

2010-10-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

When I go to the gym, I work on parts of my body that do not appreciate gravity. I exercise arms that continue to flap long after I’ve stopped waving. I bend to touch my toes with a spine that verbally cries out sounds of cracks and crumbles. The fight to keep my body fit is uphill, yet is very necessary to maintain current and future health.

This uphill battle also seems to rage spiritually. As Apostle Paul noted in Romans 7:21, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

Unlike our physical battle, spiritual battles have already been won.

When Jesus spoke to the disciples at the Passover dinner He spoke plainly about betrayal, His departure, heaven, and the Holy Spirit to come. After this conversation, Jesus prayed for the disciples.

In John 17:11 He prayed, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.”

Then, in John 17:20-21 His prayer included all believers. “My prayer is not for them (disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” In this prayer, Jesus asked God to include all believers in His perfect in-dwelling; Father to Son, Son to believer.

But what about the raging war Apostle Paul spoke about in Romans?

God the Father is perfect, almighty and powerful. Jesus is God’s perfect gift of love. With this in-dwelling of perfect love, perfect peace and true forgiveness, we can become transformed from our sinful nature to a spiritual one. Then, as Jesus said, we may be one.

This transformation, however, is only possible with the help of the in-dwelling Spirit of God (also know as the Holy Spirit).

After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection He promised not to leave believers alone. He promised the free gift of the Holy Spirit of truth in Acts 1:5, “5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

In Acts 2:4 the gift was given to all believers as promised, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

The end result of the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers is the spiritual nature of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness AND self-control coming to its fullness.

Believers, with the Spirit that also dwells in both God and His Son, can now overcome every weakness and be free from the prison of the law of sin.

As our physical nature takes its course; we age physically, our health declines and we face an unavoidable expiration date. In contrast, to all believers, when God’s Holy Spirit takes its course in our lives; we mature spiritually, our spiritual health increases, and by exercising our faith we prepare for eternal life.

Now that’s an exercise I want to do.

See for yourself
http://www.biblegateway.com/

Does God Hear Prayers?

2010-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

For years I had a hiccup for a heartbeat. Eventually my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. This murmur, I thought, explained the pressure and racing beats I often experienced.

One day a blood vessel in my left eye burst clouding my vision with blood. My doctor referred me to an ophthalmologist; who performed an ultrasound on the arteries of my neck. He discovered I had a 69% blood flow obstruction in one of my arteries. My primary doctor and a cardiologist were immediately notified.

Together, they all decided to watch me and perform a follow-up ultrasound in six months.

Six months passed, the blood in my eye cleared and I go for the follow-up ultrasound for my artery. The nurse asked me a million questions, “Are you diabetic, do you drink, smoke, and are you pregnant?” I answered no to all, waiting for her to hurry-up and tell me everything was alright.

A few days passed before I got a call from my doctor. He said, with very little emotion, “You need to see a specialist to deal with your heart blockage.” I was stunned.

Here I was; 49 years old, mostly healthy, not overweight, not a smoker, not a drinker, and I had major arterial blockage. I saw my life flash before me. I had not lived my dreams and I was not ready to die.

I immediately make an appointment to see a Cardio-surgeon and he plans to perform a procedure called an Angioplasty. This procedure involves a straw-size tube being pushed up a vein near your groan area, then up through the heart valve to the main artery. This is all done while die is pumped into the vein and x-rays are taken.

On the day of the procedure I was terrified. I was asked to sign waivers, notified of the many risks, and told my adventure could end in death. As the nurse rolled my gurney toward the day-surgery room, I quieted my spirit and prayed. “Lord, please have the doctor tell me there’s nothing he needs to do.”

I was given local anesthetic and was fully awake for the procedure. The incision was made; the straw was inserted and pushed up through my heart. The dye was pumped into my artery and x-rays were taken, all while I looked up at the ceiling.

As the doctor instructed me to turn my head from left to right, a single tear rolled down my cheek. He mumbled something to himself and called over to another doctor waiting nearby. They both watched an x-ray monitor as he pushed the straw higher up my neck.

Looking down, the doctor said, “You have a birth defect, your artery is not blocked it is just smaller than normal. Then he said, “There is nothing I need to do.”

I blinked down another tear. “Did he just say what I prayed for?” I thought. The doctor repeated word for word my answered prayer. “There is nothing I need to do”, he said again.

That day, God confirmed that He is real and He hears prayers. Not only does he hear them, but He answers them too.

Thank God for prayer.

What Is Forgiveness?

2010-08-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

When a child is scorn by a playmate they experience hurt feelings and temporary anger. All that’s needed to make the situation better is a simple act of kindness; sharing of a toy or a piece of candy. Children find it easy to forgive by going about life living in the moment. They don’t focus on the past, or ponder too much about the future.

A loved pet, whose owner scolds them for pooping on the floor, is scolded with a yell or even a newspaper smack on the rump. This pet understands that they have done something’s that displeases the owner, and in most cases, comprehends that this behavior is unwanted. In just a few moments, after the owner returns to normal vocal tones, the pet runs up tail wagging offering love they both enjoy.

In relation to full grown adults, with mature emotional judgments, forgiveness seems to be much more difficult. They don’t easily overcome an offense and often times hold on to hurt feelings well past any memory of the exact event. They are quick to “write someone off” leaving no chance for reconciliation or forgiveness.

This is where I ponder what forgiveness is.

My mother recently passed away. For years she was the most negative person I had ever known. She held on to past hurts like a million dollars worth of gold. She caressed her hurts; bringing them out daily to gaze at their dirty little bruises. Every time I spoke with her, she’d go into her pouch-of-pain and recount a story I’d heard a thousand times before. I began to dread conversations with her. I knew, however, I had to endure them just to find out how she was doing. I eventually learned to mentally tune-out during the pouch-of-pain sessions, blinking back to consciousness just in time to say goodbye.

In a weird twist of fate, my mother also committed offenses toward her family too numerous to name. My family was fractured and badly hurt. There was a serious need for forgiveness all the way around.

Prior to my mother’s recent death, she found forgiveness. Forgiveness that was rightly undeserved, basically unearned and completely free. My mother found forgiveness as she faced her own faults and her own failures. Forgiveness let her off the hook as she let everyone else off too. My mother passed away in peace after making peace with herself, her family and all mankind.

A bible truth says, “You reap what you sow.” This can wonderfully apply to forgiveness too. If we want forgiveness, we have to give it. We can never take back things we’ve done to hurt others, but we can offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

When I ponder forgiveness, I must conclude, it is necessary to sustain life. We must give it, receive it, offer it and accept it. Like a child living in the moment, the only sure moment we have is the one we’re using right now. Tomorrow is never promised. So, in order to live our full lives, the pouches-of-pain must be emptied. They must be replaced with jars-of-joy, cans-of-contentment, pouches-of-peace, and a belly-full-of-laughter.

What is forgiveness? It is freedom.

Carbon Trading - Earth For Sale

2010-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

The world was watching Copenhagen, the location of the 2009 Climate Change Summit. Attention to mother earth’s overheating problem finally got its long awaited center stage. Centuries of deforestation and pollution have proven mother earth is hot and mad as heck. Scientist have screamed for years, “You’re killing the earth!” Corporations have whispered, “You’re killing our profits.” In the middle of this yelling match are species being fished into extinction and snow capped mountains only seeing mud on their tops.

Earth activist saw the climate summit as an opportunity to protest and become a pain in the royal neck of rich countries known for polluting. Their protest also brought attention to corporations that cause contamination to populations around the world. Poor countries finally had an audience to tell how drought causes famine and that economic debt rises in proportion to temperatures.

Wall Street also took an opportunity to capitalize on this Climate Change Summit. According to climate economists, pollution can be measured as a commodity and sold for profit. These economists presented a proposal to help reduce pollution worldwide and it caused much debate. The program is called Cap and Trade. This program would cap a limit on the amount of pollution (carbon) a country or corporation could release in water, land or air. If the country or corporation does not exceed their carbon pollution limit (cap), they would be able to sale the excess as a pollution “credit” on the open market. These unused carbon credits would then be traded as a commodity on Wall Street.

If you look at a nighttime global picture of earth you’ll see Africa is dark. This darkness is a symbol of carbon pollution. Where lights exist, so do industry, manufacturing and carbon pollution. Needless to say, the richest countries are brightly lit even from space. As China, Europe and the United States burn carbon they will no doubt benefit from this Cap and Trade idea. To me, it looks a lot like Wall Street’s mortgage loan bundling scam and the cause of our current recession.

As our SUV’s guzzle gas processed in plants that pollute our air, and we talk on cell phones that pull electricity from power plants built near dams that block rivers and kill fish, earth is sick and Wall Street wants a piece of the action. Even though this Cap and Trade idea is deviously bright, I ponder if we should sale the earth’s health on Wall Street. To take the earth’s pain and make a profit just doesn’t seem right. If Cap and Trade is adopted only time will tell if it contributes to earth’s healing. Unfortunately, only our grandchildren will witness the outcome.
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Where Is Independence?

2009-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Walking to the beat of your own drum or following your own conscience could be considered independence. Not being swayed by popular opinion, popular polls or peer pressure is another way to look at independence. I ponder where is independence?

Independence in thought is what caused Albert Einstein to flunk math, yet develop the theory of relativity. Independence in principles caused the pilgrims to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to find a new life, in a new world. Independence has always preceded great accomplishments.

The threat to independence seems to be conformity. I’m not referring to the wild, no holds bar, let it all hang out independence. I’m speaking of the independent freedom to ponder ideas (yes, I said ponder), then gather conclusions based upon personal beliefs.

In this age of conformity, Ms. California stood independently and lost a crown because of it. After being asked a question on national television regarding her beliefs on same sex marriage, she stood independently on a principal belief based upon her core values. She said, “I believe marriage is between a man and woman.” Her answer, which seems to be unpopular, caused much controversy and debate. Her independence was attached with full force.

In politics there is an Independent party, as apposed to the Democratic or Republican parties. The Democratic Party says it stands for liberal ideas and the Republican Party for conservative ideas. What about independent ideas? Do they reside in the Independent Party? A party seems to stand in the middle on most political issues, having no specific agenda of its own.

In the media, unrestrained independence is in full effect. We see freedom of speech turned into unrestraint, with shock-jocks telling it all and reality shows letting us see it all. The independent media has blurred lines and has made wrong look very right. This independence of expression was unleashed in the 1960s and has never turned back.

As I ponder where independence is I look at my own rebellious spirit. I don’t go with the flow, I don’t follow the herd, and I stand up even if it means standing alone. I acknowledge leaders, without conforming my ideas, beliefs or standards to theirs. I am happily independent.

In my conclusion, independence is freely flexing all over the place. The good, the bad and the ugly are all out there being independent. Without limits and unrestricted, independence is out there flapping in the wind. Like civilizations of past, hopefully we don’t flap too far.
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What Do You See?

2009-11-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

I never realized how much I took sight for granted. Two months ago I lost my eyesight. A blood vessel burst in my left eye and one half of my world went black. The fear of further vision loss was only part of this distressful event. The fact that seeing the world around me or my family’s faces was too much to bear.

Currently, I have regained 85 % of my eyesight, with hopeful prognosis for the future. During this time of illness, I couldn’t help but ponder the amazement and blessing of sight.

As we age, bifocal usage becomes a necessary evil. Normal vision changes are not uncommon. We laugh as we stretch our arm to read a label, prolonging a visit to the optometrist. Once our vision is corrected, vanity sets in and we leave the newly prescribed eyewear at home, hoping for an optic miracle.

But what about blindness, this is no laughing matter. The world requires that we see to get around. If once independent and self-sufficient, with vision removed, the world is a bigger, darker, scarier place. This place can be managed with canes, Seeing Eye dogs and external support, but is no less isolated.

Now that my sight is restored I don’t want to miss a thing. Looking at a sunset has a whole new meaning for me. When I see my family, I examine their faces, never wanting to forget any detail. Sight is such a blessing, like walking, breathing, and living. We should take none of them for granted.

What do you see? Hopefully, you see everything.

How Is Your Day?

2009-10-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

While sitting in the woods pondering my little heart away, I discovered a word that changed my life. This word stands alone, strong and independent. It doesn’t need a sentence, a phrase or conjunction to make it complete. It doesn’t need sugar to be sweet or salt to be sour. The word is today.

Complete all by itself, today is right now. Just as you’re reading this article, today is all around you. As you pursue life, liberty and happiness, today watches it all. Along with the good, the bad and the ugly, today is played out until it is a memory.

Today is bundled up, grouped together, and then bound into a whole life. Whether we live our dreams or face our nightmares, it all happens today. Whether self-inflected or caused by others, today is passing us by. Successful or full of failure, today we can do something about it.

I know this may be a little too deep for some of my fellow pondering friends. I promise I’m not going over the deep end. I am, however, just thinking about what we do have in life. What is a true fact is that we have today. Tomorrow will take care of itself and is not promised to any of us. If we have breath in us today, then life is good. Tomorrow we shall see.

Pondering the word and concept of today gives me such hope. Living life like there’s no tomorrow, by grasping and appreciating every moment of today, offers a glimmer into the fullness of life’s possibilities. If I could seize every opportunity to love my family, my friends and my God, then my day is well spent.

Even if my today doesn’t include a winning lotto ticket, then endless shopping sprees (wishful thinking), it will include thankfulness. I will be thankful for the small things in life, like my daily bread. My today will also include forgiveness, as I forgive many who don’t deserve it. Then, it will include a deep, long yoga breath; the kind that knows I am alive and glad about it.

How is your day, today?

Can Katrina Happen Again?

2009-09-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

August is hurricane season. Storms come, do their damage and move on. This is life here on earth. History has shown the devastating affects of storms, earthquakes and all sorts of natural disasters. History has also shown man’s response to them.

In August 2005, the world watched CNN narrate America’s shameful response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. As thousands of citizens baked in sweltering heat, trapped in hospitals and homes, help sat on highways miles away. As the Superdome Stadium filled with abandoned American citizens, now called refugees, doctors and nurses in hospital manually pumped air into patients whose life support was now on manual power.

Being called refugee was the first of many insults thrust upon the citizens of New Orleans, an American city. These citizens were basically ignored as government agencies blamed one another, and then pointed blame at those suffering. One official said coldly, “If they had left town as we instructed, they would not be here to suffer.” Maybe that official thought the sick and elderly got what they deserved?

In a war zone, the military is a fine tuned machine. During war, every aspect of life is air lifted in to do a job. After the job is done, everything is hauled out. In a civilian city, the chain of command is in effect; local government, then state, then national. In the case of New Orleans, that chain was broken. Shamefully, the links to that chain met, discussed, planned, and pointed, all while people suffered.

The silver lining to this story are the men and women of courage who went beyond heroism. Those doctors and nurses who stayed behind with patients without news of their own family’s condition. Those family members who would not leave their elderly loved ones behind. Those rescuers who stole boats to pick up people wading in murky flood waters. The Coast Guard helicopters that flew way too late, way too long, to save people stranded on rooftops. The news crews who kept filming, even though their eyes were filled with shock and tears. And, religious organizations that passed road blocks and barricades to bring food, clothing and medicine to the abandoned. There are too many examples of American citizens who filled the void government left.

Hurricane Katrina taught America many lessons. It taught us; we are vulnerable, not immune to disaster and we need a plan. Katrina also taught us that good pours out of people in the face of disaster. Government finger pointing led to people stepping in to help. Shameful abandon led to unselfish compassion. Disaster led to heroism.

Can Katrina happen again? Just watch the sky, there’s a storm sure to come.
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Where Is Contentment?

2009-08-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Our desires drive us outward. We get educated, get families, cars, houses, and call it getting a life. We want to be the best, and get our due rewards in exchange. We want a belly full of treasures, and we call it happiness.

With everybody being touched, in one way or another, by the economic crisis we see the rise in depression. I saw one television commercial by a drug company with woman looking sad. The camera was close to her face as she talked about depression. She said, “Depression hurts everyone.” I got depressed just looking at that commercial. This woman’s sadness was infectious, even if it was for advertisement sake. I ponder where is contentment?

It has been reported, prescription medication is becoming the number one drug abused in America. We, Americans, are becoming self-medicated to smooth out the edges of life. There are, indeed, cases of hormone imbalances, mental illness and depression that do need medical attention. I just wonder if drug companies have given Americans a free ticket to check out of reality.

Jobs lost, of course, equals hard times ahead. An unexpected death also kills joy. Promising young people, who get lost in drugs, hurt the entire family. These are justifiably things to be upset about. Crying sometimes is a requirement and being scared is only natural. My question about contentment relates to when our desires are unattained and contentment becomes the victim.

The desire for a faster, hotter car makes us discontent with the old one we have. The desire for a bigger house makes us look around our home with disgust. The desire to be rich makes us scream every time we see our portfolio. And, the desire to be perfect dies every time we look in the mirror. In these cases, I think we should re-examine our desires. If our desires lined-up with what’s really important, like healthy family and friends, then the whims of life would not be a factor in our contentment.

I believe we can choose to be content, in any state. Our attitude about what’s going on is key. I love the gospel song “We Fall Down.” This song tells us that we all fall down, but we should get up. If we fail, get up and try again. If you lose something, let it go and keep your joy. We can choose how we let things affect us.

I pursue contentment for my own selfish reasons. I want to live a happy life regardless of what’s going on around me. If this is ignorant bliss, then call me a fool. I’m not fully there yet; when things do creep up and try to steal my joy, I karate kick that stuff away as fast as I can. Where is contentment? I believe it’s wherever you want it to be. Have a content day ;-)

Do We Need Healthcare?

2009-08-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

I’ve heard the debate. The cost of universal healthcare will be this million and that billion. The question going back and forth is who will pay for this? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I do know how the lack of healthcare affects us all.

My son was born at a hospital that was specific to my personal healthcare provider. He was covered by this healthcare plan under my employer starting the day he was born. Each month, we paid benefit fees and each month our family was covered. My son is a normally healthy person, so he only used healthcare services for health maintenance. He had all his shots as required, teeth cleaned twice a year, etc…. Everything was kept current and sickness was rare for him.

At 22 years old when he graduated from college, he was cut from our “family” coverage plan. In a letter from our healthcare provider he was told, “If you would like your own healthcare coverage to continue, apply for an individual plan.” He did just that. He completed all the required forms, signed all the documents, and agreed to the monthly fee. He sent his application in assuming coverage would begin soon. One week later, he got a letter denying him coverage. The reason for denial was “Pre-existing condition.”

Years earlier, my son played football and sprang his shoulder. This sprang healed and was no longer a problem. For this reason, he was denied healthcare coverage, even though he had been covered by this provider for his entire life (22 years).

Now, I have to ask, do we need healthcare? My experience has shown me that healthcare providers use their profit, voodoo magic or some non-realistic measure to determine if a person will be coverer or not. In my opinion, my son’s experience was shocking and undeserved. He did not want FREE healthcare, he just wanted to be covered.

In America, something’s got to change. Healthcare provider’s profit has replaced human care. The bottom line has replaced human kind. And, limited care has replaced the gentle hand of healers. I don’t believe the critics who say healthcare in Canada and France is not working. Doctor’s there have one job, healthcare. Administrator’s have their job, to administrate. Wall Street is no where to be seen. Investment groups trying to profit from reduced care mixed with high cost is unheard of, except in America.

Has America forgotten its people? First the mortgage crisis, and we’re homeless, now healthcare and we’re sick. Something’s gotta give. Do we need healthcare? The answer is so obvious I can’t even write it.
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What Is Courage?

2009-08-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

During the recent Fourth of July celebrations, I heard various descriptions of how freedom was won through the courage of men. One story led to the discussion of the Vietnam War and the courage of men who were prisoners’ of war (POW).

The story was woven with faith, hope, love and suffering. One man was quoted, “Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die that the protected will never know.” I had to agree. I’ve never known, and can’t imagine, the suffering POWs endured, nor have I known the courage they had to possess.

Courage, on the surface, is facing our fears then going forward anyway. As we muster up the courage to walk on to a new job, we take a deep breath and move forward. As we gather courage to ask our first love out for a first date, we check our breath and move forward. Courage appears in house fires, when Firefighters run inside a burning building not knowing if the floor will hold up. Courage appears in courtrooms, when innocent people sit and are tried for a crime they did not commit. Courage is everywhere, in everyone, showing in some small way everyday.

But this is only the surface of what courage is. In 1973, when the first prisoners’ of war from Vietnam landed at Clark Air Force Base, no one knew the courage required of those men to see that day of freedom. Those service men, having survived many years of torture, appalling conditions, and illness, walked in front of the world having completed the purest form of courage.

One soldier released after six years of captivity said, “…what gave him sanity was the view of a small patch of grass through a hole in the cell wall.” That patch of grass was a reminder; there was life, loved ones, and freedom just outside.

Another soldier said, “…he welcomed a ray of light that shined on a cross carved onto his cell wall.” Each day, he said, at the same hour the sun slowly crept onto the wall, flashing light on the cross. At that time, he said, it was his temporary church and he would begin to pray.

Each soldier repeated they did not know the outcome of displaying such courage at the time. They just wanted to survive. They didn’t know how faith; hope, love and knowledge would be tested and perfected in them. When courage was called for under fire, they didn’t know they’d become better and stronger people, and appreciate life.

The example of those POWs is a lesson of life. Courage is perfected under fire. Though we hope to never have to see that fire personally, we should remember, while sipping our Starbucks Vanilla Latte, to thank those men and women who give courage freely for all of us. Where is courage? I believe it resides in men and women who endure all kinds of conditions in the name of freedom and justice. And, they do it well.

Can't Take It With You

2009-08-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

I recently turned on the television to watch something to take away a night of insomnia. I turned the channel to my favorite one, the American Movie Classics. I was just in time for the start of a very old black and white “good one.” As the credits rolled, I noticed it starred Lionel Barrymore. I’ve always been interested in his work, considering he is also related to Drew Barrymore, a current day actress. I settled down in a comfy chair, with a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket ready to be entertained.

The movie was the 1938 version of “Can You Take It With You?” It was the story of a poor, harmonica playing grandfather and his quirky family. The lead actor (Barrymore) was dressed in unusually dusty old clothes and overly-aged make-up. He played an easy going man who bragged about walking away from an office job that didn't go along with his vision of life. He was happy, odd, and loved by everyone he knew, everyone except his granddaughter’s future mother and father-in-law. These people were rich, entitled, and loathed.

This movie began by showing the contrast and intersection between these two families. The contrast included one man being rich, the other poor. One man had a take no prisoners’ personality; the other gave to anyone who crossed his path. One was a dominate businessman buying up the entire neighborhood, the other was being evicted from his home. The only intersection between these two men was their children were in love.

This unlikely love affair brought each family together over an unplanned dinner. After a mishap explosion during dinner and a misunderstanding by local police, everyone was sent to jail. In jail, the rich man’s lawyers came to his defense, while the poor man’s friends came to his. The rich man easily paid his bond, while the poor man’s friends passed a hat around to collect money he needed. The rich man watched in amazement as the hat was passed to over one hundred people. The outcome was a life lesson for everyone, including me.

In the rich man’s his own pursuit to intimidate people and triumph over every challenge, he’d never known such friendship. In jail, he discovered that buying up an entire neighborhood, getting rich and evicting poor tenants was not worth a dime. He learned about love and friendship, and was changed forever.

The poor man’s continuous message throughout the movie was; “No fear, lots of love, be happy about the simple things, enjoy friends, and you can’t take it with you.” He poured this carefree love out to his family and friends, and they gave it back ten-fold.

So, can you take it with you? Well, that depends on what it is. If it is wealth, power, and influence the answer is no. I’m sure on many deathbeds the last thought is probably not money. I bet it’s the thought of loved ones being left behind, and their love that will be remembered. This poor grandfather figured out what really is important. The only thing we take with us is love.

Whom Do We Trust?

2009-08-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

I got an email a few months ago addressed to me and a thousand other people. It said, “Don’t buy the new gold one dollar coins.” I had already discovered these gold dollar beauties, thought they were pretty, and bought a few. I could only get a few because banks ran out of them early. The email went on to say, “These coins have removed ‘In God We Trust’ from its face.”

I read this email, as I do all mass broadcast emails, and then delete it. I talked to a few people about this email, but they’d never heard anything so foolish. I went on with my life, thinking, one day; I would look at one of those coins to see if it were true. Months went by, I never did.

That was until today. I heard someone talking about global monetary systems, a one world “order” and the removal of religion from America. After listening to this discussion, I ran to my bag of collectable coins to look at my gold dollar coins. I had to see for myself if “In God We Trust” was in fact removed.

First, I looked at a 1951 penny. Yep, In God We Trust was there across the top of President Lincoln’s head. Then, I looked at a 1971 President Kennedy half-dollar coin. Yep, In God We Trust was there touching his neckline. I looked at a 2002 President Washington quarter, the one in which each state is described. The one I looked at was for Louisiana, with its Louisiana Purchase figure engraved on the back. Low and behold, In God We Trust was engrained near President Washington’s curly wig.

Now I was really curious. I picked up a 2000 Liberty one dollar gold coin with Pocahontas looking over her shoulder. This coin also had In God We Trust engraved on top of the baby draped over Pocahontas’s shoulder.

Then, I picked up my new American dollar gold coin with President James Madison’s face on the front. I was hoping so badly that this gold coin would also have this trusting quote printed on its face. I looked at the shiny coin, which has never seen circulation, admiring its shiny newness. I squinted to see the engraving of the front inscription “James Madison, 4th President 1789-1797.” I turned the coin thinking the information I was looking for was on the back.

The back of the coin was inscribed in bold letters “United States of America.” Also, Lady Liberty was etched looking regal, with outstretched arm and torch carrying hand. The amount “$1” was printed on the back-side of this gold coin too. I turned the coin over again, thinking I missed the words “In God We Trust.” No such luck. I could not find those words printed on this one dollar coin.

My mind went to that email I’d gotten months before. I retraced the conversation I’d heard about a “new order.” I was confused. Why would those words “In God We Trust” be removed from a coin that belonged to a country that was founded with God as its foundation?

The founding father’s referenced God in most all of their documents. According to U.S. Congress Resolution 396, an act was passed in 1956 adopting ‘In God We Trust’ as the official motto. I pondered if we no longer trust God, whom do we trust?

I researched more about this President Madison gold coin, and discovered “In God We Trust” is printed on the side edge of this coin, nicely hidden from all view. Surely, I didn’t believe American’s would sit by and silently watch “In God We Trust” be removed from schools, courts, marriage, families, and now money. Or would we?

Where Is Wisdom?

2009-07-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

When my daughter was in pre-school she used to ask, “What’s that?” a million times. And, a million times I would patiently describe what “that” was. While I described the object, she’d look at it, touch it , and learn something new.

As she progressed in school, she began to lose her enthusiasm as grades and testing became more important than the information she was supposed to learn. I saw this naturally inquisitive soul begin to hate school. She didn’t hate learning, but the process of school. She hated the process of passing, failing, testing, and assessing. Her natural love of knowledge was being replaced with dread.

While in college, I knew something was wrong with the process as well because I experienced the same sense of mechanical learning too. In college, the goal was passing tests, getting units and obtaining the degree. No one cared if they actually retained the knowledge. We just wanted to pass and move on. I often wondered how much of that stuff I would retain, and how useful that education was going to be in “real” life. On-the-job training took care of that.

Education should be a journey that teachers take along with students. They should explore ideas, discussing conclusions and developing understanding. This journey should be life changing, personality evolving and opinion building. This is a journey from knowledge to wisdom. I ponder where wisdom is in our educational system?

America’s educational process focuses on completing assignments + testing = grading (A,B,C, D,F). The success measure of a school’s educational system is based upon standardized tests created by God knows who. Those tests determine what a student should know at a certain point in time, to pass to a certain grade. These tests also measure how well a school did at teaching certain points. But is this real learning? Are these assessment tests measuring knowledge or test preparation skills of teachers? If a teacher teaches what’s on the test well, they do well. But is knowledge being transmitted from one generation to another?

Comprehension is a joint venture. There is a transmitter and a receiver, a teacher and a student. Regardless of meeting the State’s pre-conceived “standard”, a student should be brought to embrace knowledge. And, discover the evolving knowledge of ones self.

The ability to think for yourself about circumstances, consequences, and realities verses theories are core to learning. Our young people need the skills to engage free thought to activate their lives. Instead of accepting what MTV says about a subject, our young people should be stimulated to discover the world. They should be motivated to explore history and activated to make the world a better place, with knowledge.

Generation neXt should be given a chance to think clearly, have opinions, and agree to disagree. We don’t need a generation of robots, following their leaders without question. Wisdom is the knowledge that we don’t know everything. What we do know, we should allow our young people to explore and find. That’s where wisdom is.

A Simple Farmer

2009-07-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Is there honor in being a farmer?

Farming is a heavenly profession. A Farmer works the land and feeds all of mankind. He (or she) clothes the world with coats of cotton, as well as, feeds sheep to provide their contribution of wool. A farmer grows the beauty of the world in floral arrangement at every wedding event. They create shade for children playing in trees they’ve planted in rows. They nourish love with red roses harvested during Valentines Day. Their flowers contribute to the sweet smell of perfume on a young lover’s earlobe. They say “Happy Mother’s Day” with their bouquets of mums, and say “Get Well Soon” with their sympathetic arrangements on hospital bedsides. They also contribute to the final goodbye at the departing of every man’s soul.

For this very reason, I would like to be a farmer in heaven. The reason I want to wait until I get to heaven is, presently my knees are just too frail to do all that bending. I like to get my hands dirty, but my manicured nails don’t take too kindly to dirt under them. And, I love being in the fresh air, but the bug’s drive me crazy. I must make a note to self, ask God to remove bugs. But, I digress.

I look out over the rows of orchards that cover our landscape here in Tulare County, and I marvel at the men and women who do this back-breaking work. What kind of person does this kind of work? Who dedicates their life to the land? I ponder is there honor in being a farmer?

I first take a look at the bible in Genesis 2:4-5, where God created the earth, but nothing grew on it. In verse 5 we are told why. “For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground…” Eureka! Man was created to till the ground, work the soil, command the earth, and eat. Note: This is before sin changed our relationship with God AND our job description was changed to be fisher’s of men.

Even so, farming is a wonderful occupation. Even though it’s not publicized, honor is given to a farmer every time we lift our forks. Every time we bite a sweet peach, or pucker from a sour lemon, the farmer gets his reward. Every glass of orange juice that is given to a child who’s sick is packed with a farmers love. Every glass of sparkling wine is filled with a small drop of joy and sweat-equity from a vineyard. And, secretly, we all thank goodness for virus fee food.

I’m sure I can speak for many others when I say, (IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS) “THANK YOU FARMERS!!!!” Your early morning tilling, mid-day harvesting, and late night vigils fighting frost are not in vain. Your reward in not only on earth, but I’m sure it will be in heaven too. I can just imagine God saying, “Thank you for doing my work I decreed in the original job description.” Is there honor in being a farmer? As my daughter would say, “OMG, yeah!”

What is Integrity?

2009-06-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

For many years, I worked for corporations that had high-level security requirements. Every employee was constantly warned that cameras were watching our every move twenty-four hours a day. We were also given annual ethics training to remind us to be on our best behavior during work hours, as well as off hours. Many times we were told a small infraction of the rules was still an infraction, and therefore, grounds for termination.

I never had a problem following rules or laws, and I didn’t really care that my work environment was controlled by computer monitoring, listening devices, or cameras. I was a good person, I thought, and I had nothing to worry about.
I went about my life and work as usual not caring that almost every aspect of my life was open for review. Year after year, time passed and I was not affected by all the surveillance. That was until September 11, 2001. Everything changed after that day. Everyone was scared and my work environment became a place of paranoia. Everyone was watching everyone; even janitors couldn’t be trusted.

During one of our annual ethics training sessions, I looked around my work environment and wondered how we could work in this state of paranoia. There were so many new rules, with new dos and don’ts being created everyday. This training room was tense with a since of everyone’s fear and overwhelming responsibility of not making any mistakes. As the instructor rattled off more new rules, he ended his dissertation with the words that will never leave my mind. “Integrity,” he said, “is doing what’s right when nobody’s looking.”

“Eureka!” I thought. “That’s it! Doing what’s right when no one’s looking!” I felt relieved immediately. All the surveillance that was around me, all the monitoring, and all the cameras didn’t matter if I always did what was right, ESPECIALLY, when no one was looking.

This idea flowed into my personal life too. When a store clerk gave me too much change, and no one was looking, I gave it back. When I dropped a row of clothing onto the floor as I shopped, and no one was looking, I picked them up anyway. When my son wondered why he had to mind his manners “cause nobody’s watching”, I told him to mind them anyway.

This concept of integrity is useful in all aspects of our lives. If everyone would do the right thing, even when no one is watching, just imagine the view of this kind of world. Kindness would be infectious, justice would be automatic, and love would be for real.

What is integrity? I believe it’s a wishful idea from those of us who always see good in people. It’s the idea that people are generally good if they follow their heart. It’s the belief; if we “do unto others, as we have them do unto us”, then the only possible outcome is good.

Where is Helen Thomas?

2009-06-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Has the American news media failed us?

There is a journalist named Helen Thomas who has been a member of the White House Press Corps since 1960. Helen was dubbed “sitting Buddha” because she usually sat front and center at every U.S. Presidential news conference since John F. Kennedy. Every time Helen raised her hand she made those guys at the White House squirm and rightly so. Her questions were usually tough, sometimes sprinkled with humor, but unforgivingly straight forward. She would ask questions most Americans wanted to ask, and held these temporary leaders accountable for their answers.

Helen has written four books; her latest being Watchdogs of Democracy: The Waning of the Washington Press Corps. For me, the title says it all. Reporters were our (the people’s) watchdogs. They usually shed light on the highest and darkest levels of power. Investigative reporters gave Americans confidence that they would get to the bottom of an issue, and that political propaganda would be exposed. I ponder whether America’s news media has failed us?

Currently, reporters are fed news bites from “sources”, and news agencies sift through these bites to report stories that have the most impact. Anybody watching the big three news conglomerates: Fox, CNN or MSNBC can see reporter bashing, self-worship and biased political agendas going on, all while the American public are fed a sifted version of current events and partial world news.

If we take a look at news being transmitted during our dinner hour, we can see talking heads spew their opinions, their observations, and their personal conclusions about current events. We see one pot after another calling the kettle black. Turn the channel; we see red and blue political agendas being accused for some political crime or another, all this in the name of news.

One news program entitled “No Bias, No Bull” was given the title, I assume, to give viewers the assurance that they’re getting the truth, and nothing but the truth. Another is proposing “No Spin”; as if they would not fabricate or concoct a story with half-truths. News, I thought, is the transmission of events from truth to truth, unbiased and un-spun by its every nature.

Remember Watergate? It was uncovered by reporters working as the people’s watchdog uncovering truth. Not red state truth, or blue state truth, but American truth. I’ve got a ton of questions and I just want someone to ask them. I want someone to ask what’s really happening in Rwanda, not tell me how many kids Madonna has. I want someone to ask what’s really going on in Darfur, not tell me box office movie sales. And, I want someone to ask where those crates of American money are that were found in Iraq at the beginning of the war, not tell me how Janet Jackson got a flat stomach.

I wish news was being reported by Helen Thomas. I believe she would search for the truth and get to the bottom of what’s going on. She would not rely on Government “sources,” with their pre-printed approved statements. But rather, she would take to the streets, take off the TV make-up and be about the business of watching our democracy.

I know ignorance is bliss, but I can’t be blissful right now. I believe the American news media has in fact failed us. They have made us choose sides; red or blue, and they have taken sides too. They have focused on poll data and statistics, and carved our country into boxes on their 65” video screens. I hate to say it, but I can’t bear to watch.

12 Million Orphans

2009-05-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

May 7, 2009

In one African country there are twelve million orphans. Twelve million little souls, from parentless homes, are putting a strain on their overwhelmed society. These orphans will be tomorrow’s teachers, farmers, bakers, and butchers. Unfortunately, they’ll do so without their health or childhood in tack.

These twelve million orphans just so happen to also be infected with HIV/AIDS. This one minor detail will unfortunately change the ending of this story. These orphans may never see adulthood, consequently, not replacing the generation before them. Just imagine a society with children teaching children.

Ok, I know, you’re ready to stop reading this article and turn the TV on to see Dr. Phil. You might be thinking, “That’s way over in Africa, and that’s their problem.” Or, you might just pass it off as another curse given to those darn descendants of Cain. I hope that’s not the case. According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) statistics, we have a problem in America too. HIV/AIDS is the number one killer of young black males and homicide is number two. I ponder, can we turn away?

The universal language in the world is music and love. No matter where you are in the world, when music is played we all understand. We know the flute, the guitar, and the drum. We can all tap our feet to a Norigian tune, as well as, a song from Mozambique.

It’s the same with love. We all understand a soft caring touch and comprehend a gentle hug. We all know a smile when we see it and feel its warmth in our hearts. If we allow ourselves to love, care, touch and hug hurting people, then those twelve million orphans cannot be ignored. If we have breath in us, I believe we should care. Not just care with our tears when we see a Feed The Children ad on television, but care with our deeds. Can we turn away? I hope we don’t.

I pray that we look into what the Red Cross is doing and get involved. Check out the Peace Corps and see what’s up with them today (yes they did survive the 1960s). And, if you’re retired sign up for a mission job teaching heath care in some far away place. Or, check out medical missions and go comfort sick children somewhere. Or, look into religious missions that build schools, homes, and souls.

I can’t turn away. That why you’re reading this blog right now.

Find out more at UNICEF:

http://www.uniteforchildren.org/index.html

http://www.worldaidsorphans.org/

Do we appreciate California’s rich history?

2009-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

The land of milk and honey, and just enough sunshine, is this beautiful place called California. California’s history is rich with stories of Spanish missions, cowboys and Indians, wild west prospectors panning for gold, and settlers staking claim to its rich soil. One such tale is about a man; along with other people that believed through hard work, independence, and self-determination anyone could succeed. This group of people created a town in Central California where they could promote this vision of a self-determined community.

Thirty-seven families traveled to this area where 800 acres of inexpensive farm land, and several water wells, sat along the Santa Fe Railroad line. These families consisted of: professionals and intellectuals, craftsmen and farmers, ranchers and retired soldiers, and the new town grew rapidly. It was not long until the prospering town had a school, church, library, and post office built. Businesses included a hotel, machine shop, bakery, drug store, and barber shop.

This town eventually became a railroad stop, providing customers for the town's many new businesses. Local grain and cattle ranchers also used the railroad to move their products to and from market. The town's shops and stores supplied day-to-day needs for living, and the church and school provided for the spiritual and educational needs of the town's people as well.
This group of hopeful dreamers flourished for almost 10 years, and at its peak numbered 300 families. These citizens joined together to build a self-governing independent community and experienced the reality of the American dream.

As each year passed, growing farming demands from surrounding areas lowered the natural water supply. The result was decreased clean water available for the towns use. In time, water-right disputes among surrounding counties ensued and available river water was diverted away from the town and its residents. In addition, income from railroad shipping business began to decline, and trucks gradually replaced trains for transporting farm products to market. This small town suffered greatly. Slowly, many of the town’s residents were forced to seek work elsewhere and young men enlisted in the military and their families followed.

This small town was called Allensworth and is now a California State Historic Park. The reason this town is significant is because it was the first town in California to be created and settled by African-Americans.

We can learn a lot about California and its rich history as we look back at towns like Allensworth. It says a lot about the American spirit and of people who dream, work hard, and organize to make a better life. It looked like the settlements of Jamestown and Williamsburg, only they survived. Do we appreciate California’s rich history? I sure hope so. This summer let’s go visit our historic California State Parks and enjoy our rich history.

******** ALLENSWORTH STATE PARK***********

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=583 *

What Is Faith?

2009-05-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

A famous writer was interviewed prior to his death and was asked if he ever thought about dying. The author answered, “I think about dying all the time.” The interviewer looked baffled. “How could you write about such great characters,” the interviewer asked, “if you always have death on your mind?” The author smiled. “I’ve thought about death ever since I was a child,” he said. “That’s why I have faith.” The interviewer nodded. “So, you think there is a higher-power over all this?” The interviewer waved his hand around the room. The author smiled again. “Yes,” he said. “This gives me peace.”

The author has since died and has no doubt met his higher-power face to face. The discussion between these two men led me to ponder faith.

Each morning we have faith the sun will rise and each evening we expect the sun to set. We go to bed at night and have faith we will wake up the next morning to wash our faces, get dressed and go to work or school. We have confidence that the sun will rise even though were not sure of it.

When I ponder what faith is, I have to include all elements of its definition. Faith is confidence, trust, reliance, assurance, conviction, and belief. We have faith that things will work as they’re supposed to. Things that we don’t understand which work beneath the surface; like physics (what goes up, must come down), or mathematics (the distance of the sun from earth is 94.5 million miles and this allows us to not be burnt to a crisp.) These perfect things are at work, and we have faith that they will do their jobs each and everyday. We go about our lives having faith whether we know it or not.

The author also mentioned faith in a higher-power that he trusted his cares about death (and dying) to. He, therefore, had reliance on this higher-power to keep the perfect universe in perfect order. He also concluded that death, like life, is inevitable, and that faith gave him peace and confidence that this higher-power would take care of all his concerns. Like oxygen; it is there and we need it, but we can’t see it working.

Faith in a higher-power is something that takes effort or no effort at all. We either believe or we don’t, simple as that.

After all this pondering I have to agree with the author. I believe there is a perfect universe designed by a perfect designer I call God. Believing this also gives me peace from concerns, worries, and fear. Although I don’t think about death very often, I know it’s waiting in the wings for its grand entrance. So until the day of its appearance, I will exercise my faith and give thanks to my higher-power for the beautiful sunrise that’s sure to come.

Thankfulness

2009-04-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ponder with me what it means to be thankful.

Twenty years ago, while waiting with my kids at their school’s bus stop, I noticed a woman sleeping across the street on a church’s stairwell. This stairwell faced my kid’s bus stop and each morning we watched this woman sit, sleep, and eat while the world passed by. My children and I watched in horror as parents, and their children, mocked this woman for being homeless. We silently watched as no one lifted a hand to help this women, besides us. This experience never left my mind, and my heart has always found a place of compassion for homeless men, women and children.

During these hard economic times, I’m reminded how much I’m thankful for. Not just for the warm bed I sleep in, the warm clothes that I hang in my closets, or the heater that warms my home, but for the knowledge that it could be very different.

Most of us are one paycheck, one lay-off notice, and one medical bill away from joining the millions of people who are losing their homes and facing a homeless shelter. We can’t even imagine how it would be to face this reality. Some of us say, “This will never happen to me!” But, don’t speak too soon.

My brother had an unexpected stroke (not like he was planning for it), and he became disabled. Being self-employed, he could not work, and therefore, could not earn a living. Hospital bills started to come in, medicines were required, and losing everything was a possibility. Thankfully, he had wise investments that were liquidated and his home was saved. My brother’s story had a happy ending, but how many of these types of stories don’t end so well.

Millions of disabled Americans are homeless. Be it mental or physical illness, sick people are living in shelters and on the streets all over America. Homelessness and poverty have no respect of race or religion. Men, women and children of all races and religions call a shelter home.

I am grateful for my blessings, and my warm home. I’m thankful for the little things that I enjoy everyday. What I don’t use, can’t use and won’t store in my garage to rot, I give away. I think being thankful for what we have and giving away the excess is true thank-full-ness. Find a homeless shelter and be thank-full too.

Homeless shelters always need:

bibles, blankets, sleeping bags, shampoo/conditioner, razors, shaving cream, bar soaps, underwear for men, women and children, undershirts, socks, toothbrushes/toothpaste, brushes/combs, deodorant, and someone to show they care.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox

Christ vs. The Easter Bunny

2009-04-10T14:04:00.001-07:00

During this time of year when we remember the resurrection of Christ, the easter bunny is getting on my last nerve. To top this off, Newsweek Magazine does a lead article, “The Decline of Christian America.” http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583

What is really going on here?

Hardtime Hope

2009-04-05T11:18:00.001-07:00

Is it hopeless in these hard times?

I was watching CSPAN and there was a meeting in Washington D.C of foreign student interns from all over the world. These students stood in line to speak into a microphone and answer various questions regarding their thoughts on the new American president, and American politics. One by one, these foreign students spoke about their thoughts on what they were witnessing during this time in American history.

A faculty commentator asked one student, “What do you think about all this optimism?” The student thought for a moment, looked around the room, and said with a foreign accent, “What’s wrong with optimism?” Everyone in the room; students from around the world, professors from local universities, and political commentaries all began to clap.

A poet once said, “The future is the presence of now, living as it endures, overcomes and yet still hopes.” As I ponder this idea I wonder, is it hopeless in these hard times? Based on history, the cycle of struggle, courage and survival are replayed over and over in every generation. Man has struggled ever since cavemen struggled to get that first fire started. Now they struggle to put them out. Men have stood up with courage to defeat ruthless armies and end tyranny, and struggled to overcome man-made genocides around the world. Men (and women) have found ways to survive during, and after hard times.

As some of us face foreclosure of our dream home, face children oversees protecting someone else’s soil, face Wall Street insanity focused on our retirement funds, and a future that looks bleak, we have cause to feel hopeless. We’ve entrusted our future to the hands of greedy CEOs, and watched as our financial future was driven into the ground. Yes, we have cause to fear.

During this time let’s not forget history; when greed, hate, or the ignorance of mankind got out of balance, good always overcame evil. Wherever there is a ray of light, darkness can not stay. This ray of light is also known as hope. Not the cum-ba-ya kind of hope, but the knowledge that perseverance, determination, and faith (yes the belief that you are not alone in this battle) all work together for good.

Hope is the God given understanding that only humans beings enjoy. Animals look for a meal, but only man hopes for a perfectly grilled steak. Man trusts in his ability to work hard, wish for a good outcome, and look forward to the best. If we let ourselves we can hope for the best and anticipate that one day the struggle will be over. We can then struggle, have courage and survive just like generations before us.

Is there hope in this time of hopelessness? Yes, why not. Why not look for that silver lining, that dawn after the night, that rainbow after the rain, and that perfectly cooked steak. Why not be blissful in this time of CNNs repeating how bad it is over, and over, and over, and over. Why not hold on to that life jacket so you won’t drown in the sea of despair. Why not expect and trust and look forward to better days ahead. Why not have hope in these hard times.

What Is Life?

2009-03-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know what you’re saying. “She’s going over the edge now, pondering LIFE of all things.” And you’re probably right. This is a big one, the mother load of pondering, but I like a good challenge, so here goes.

When I ponder this question my thoughts go back to my grandmother who would remind me that I didn’t know everything. Whenever I’d try to outwit her or tell her something she already knew, she’d say, “I knew you before you were a twinkle in your father’s eyes.” I used to laugh at my grandmother’s description because I knew she was right. I couldn’t hide anything from her, and she did in fact know more than me.

What my grandmother was saying was that she was a grown woman and before I was a divided cell in their mother’s round belly, and before my father’s DNA was transported to its new home. That’s really knowing someone. The thought of me being a divided cell in my mother’s belly, mixed with my father’s DNA, is really a remarkable notion. Me standing, talking, thinking, laughing, crying, running, playing, hoping, and believing all started with a single cell. I’m blown away just thinking about the wonderful, incredible miracle of life, all starting with a single cell.

This cell, containing 50% of my mother’s best and worse traits, combined with 50% of my father’s best and worse traits, resulted in my 100% beautiful brown eyes and inquisitive disposition. (just kidding) But seriously, you gotta marvel at the opportunities for something to have gone wrong as this cell divided over and over again during gestation. Just think, if only one of those cells were affected by infection, x-ray, alcohol, drugs, or bad nutrition it could have resulted in an abnormality or birth defect. Regardless of my husband’s insistence, no birth defects exist and I’m doing just fine.

Whenever I look at a picture of a fetus at four weeks, five weeks, or even eight weeks I marvel at the development of hands, feet and eyes, those beautiful brown eyes. I marvel at nature in all its perfection. This then leads me to think about the Pro-this and Pro-that debate that people are having. I wonder if those people debating really think about the enormity of this wonderful experience. I wonder if they’ve ever seen an actual birth or seen a babies blue eyes twinkle each time they jiggle. I wonder if they’ve ever smelled a newborn’s sweet skin or if they really looked at the marvel of crawling, to walking, to running, to winning an Olympic gold metal for swimming. I wonder if they feel love, as well as, the warmth of someone loving them in return. This is real life.

When I ponder what life is, I wonder what the debate is. The concept of living, to me, is described in every adjective associated with astonishing. It’s amazing, extraordinary, mind-blowing, mind-boggling, unbelievable, fantastic, phenomenal, and remarkable. What is life? It’s the ability to enjoy a sunset, it’s a view of the ocean’s rolling waves, it’s my grandmother’s sense of humor, and it’s rocky road ice cream. It is my ability to feel, touch, taste, see and hear. And, it’s my ability to know that I am. This is real life.

What Is Compassion?

2009-02-09T02:58:00.000-08:00

My friend, what is compassion?

Today, I laid to rest my best friend. He was a three pound Yorkshire Terrier who stood ten feet tall. He was the most loving pet I’ve ever known. He loved everything he met; cats, dogs, people, gophers and frogs.

He had a playful nature and was wise beyond his one year of life. Our special time was late at night, when I’d go into the kitchen for that forbidden midnight snack. He’d follow behind me; hair tossed, and watched as I gathered one unnecessary snack after another. He never judged me, although I did notice a grimace or two when I reached for chocolate cake. This three-pound friend was named Karl and I miss him in every way.

My home seems colder, his toys sit silent and my midnight snack just doesn’t have the same forbidden joy. My heart aches at the loss of his life and my life will never be the same without his joy. As I face the rest of my life without Karl, I ponder what is compassion?

Prior to this day, when I’d hear someone experienced a loss, I’d coldly say, “They should go to God for comfort”. Whether the loss was self-inflicted; like if they got a mortgage loan they couldn’t afford and was now experiencing foreclosure, or the loss was unforeseen; like losing someone they loved or a job. My same cold response was “Go to God”.

After experiencing my first real loss, “going to God” was harder to do when my heart was so heavy I couldn’t even eat. Going to God was just too hard. Now I know that "going to God" is still my answer for anyone hurting, but now I understand that going anywhere for a few days, weeks or even a year might be very difficult. I did not understand compassion, but now I do.

Compassion is feeling the pain of someone else and genuinely being sorry for their suffering. Compassion can’t fix their pain, but it can cry with you, it can hold your hand when you need a friend, and it can even give you a hug and tell you “everything will be alright”.

During the time I lost Karl, I looked into the face of compassion by way of a dear family friend. This friend could not take away my pain and she could not even imagine how broken my heart was, but her understanding and kindness was greatly appreciated. She stood by my side as Karl was put to rest, and for the moment, she hugged my tears away.

So, now I understand compassion. It’s not a cold response; like “get over it, it’s only a dog.” And, it’s not a cold response like “go to God”. Compassion is understanding, caring, helping, hugging, wiping away tears, or fixing a hot meal. Compassion is asking, “can I do anything for you?”, or saying "I’m here for you if you need me."

I understand compassion, now that I’ve experienced a loss. Will I still tell people to go to God for comfort? Yes. But now I’ll only tell them after I’ve had sympathy for their sadness, empathy for their loss, concern for their needs, offered kindness to comfort them, had consideration for their pain, held their hands and cried with them. What is compassion? It’s human nature on its best behavior.

Do Dreams Come True?

2009-01-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dr. King.

Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream. This dream was in full color, like on a 42” TV screen with HD images flashing in front of his eyes. Dr. King dreamt of a future place where his children could experience life where all children; Black and White, Jew and Gentile, Protestant and Catholic could live in harmony. During this year, I ponder do dreams come true?

In a dream we think of the impossible. Like cows coming home and pigs flying. A dream contains fantasy mixed with a hope of reality. In our dreams, we’re skinny, beautiful, rich, and happy. In this dreamland, we’ve published our books, painted that perfect picture and swung that flawless golf swing (and ahead on all 18 holes). In our sleep, we can do and be anything our imagination creates.

That’s what Dr. Martin Luther King did when he dreamt of the impossible (at his time) and hoped for it to be a reality. On August 28, 1963, during his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King read a promissory note from the bank of justice. That promise was contained in the American Constitution and Declaration of Independence. This is where all American people were promised “the right to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.

On January 21, 2009, 80 years after Dr. King’s birth and 40 years after his death, that promissory note will be paid-in-full to a man named Barack Obama. On this day, 45 years after the “I Have a Dream” speech, the first African-American (literally) will be inaugurated as President of the United States and Dr. King’s dream becomes a reality. America is now a country where Black children and White children can play together, learn together, grow up together and succeed together.

The celebration of Barack Obama taking his place in history goes deeper than the racial glass ceiling being broken. The mountain top, where Dr. King saw his dream, is clear of the clouds of hatred and bigotry. The sun is shining and the weather is fine. Birds are chirping and the grass is green. A picnic blanket is set with all kinds of good things to eat and all Americans are invited to enjoy.

Do dreams come true? For Dr. King, who was laid to rest 40 years ago, he can now rest in peace. Dreams do come true, finally, for all of Gods children.

Can A Peacock Exist In A Land Of Penguins?

2009-01-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, I attended a diversity training seminar given by my employer. One of the handouts given to all employees was a book entitled "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins", by Barbara Hateley. The opening dedication of this book was to “All who yearn to fly free and show their true colors – and to all who have the wisdom to learn from those who are different.”

The book was a simple read, almost childlike with its stick figures drawn to describe the story of Perry the Peacock. During the training seminar, we discussed the premise of Perry the Peacock, and considered how his story related to our workplace (and our lives).

Perry was different. He was a talented and colorful bird who came to live in the Land of Penguins. Perry’s adventure of living in this land required that he fit in, be like the rest and look like everyone else. The problem with Perry was that he was a peacock and no matter how much he tried to be a penguin, his differences stood out. His feathers began to show their colorful variations, his peacock voice was loud, and his expressions were just too exuberant for the penguins. In this book, the author describes how some of the penguin elders became uncomfortable with Perry’s differences and they concluded, “Perry needed to change to be accepted!”

The story goes on to tell how the penguin elders gave Perry a penguin suit to wear. Perry squeezed the suit over his feathers, but the suit crushed his tail feathers and his wings couldn’t move. One by one, other (non-penguin) birds who lived in this land; like Edward the Eagle, Helen the Hawk, Sara the Swan and Mike the Mockingbird were also given penguin suits to wear over their feathers. And they too felt the same constraints as Perry did.

The author described how some of the (non-penguin) birds decided to “change the culture rather than let the culture change them.” So, they created strategies to bring about change but were met with resistance and red tape. Eventually, pressures to be like the penguins was just too much for Perry and the other birds. One by one they left the Land of Penguins and searched for the Land of Opportunity.

In the Land of Opportunity, Perry and the other birds found a place where they could flex their wings, sing to their own song – confident that it would be heard, even by those who sang with a different voice. The author noted, The Land of Opportunity is an attitude. It is an openness to new ideas, a willingness to listen, an eagerness to learn, a desire to grow and the flexibility to change. The author concluded, "Above all else, they knew the joy of just being themselves."

The story of "A Peacock in the Land of Penguins" was a wonderful reminder to everyone at this training seminar that our differences are to be appreciated. It reminded us to see with new eyes, and allow ourselves and others to be what we truly are…ourselves. There is a lesson to learn from Perry the Peacock, that wonderful bird.

Where is all this fear coming from?

2008-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness the election is over. I don’t know about you, but I’m having CNN withdrawal. Nothing on the news seems of any interest, except BBC World News and PBS News Hour, of course.

What I am noticing though, is some weird sense of fear. The sky is falling type of fear that has no real basis or justification. It’s not the orange, yellow, red sort of fear, fed to us by you know who, but it’s the “change is coming” sort of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of our guns being taken, fear of negotiations with our enemies, fear of being weak, and fear of being strong. It’s the fear of the right and the left, and those darn middle people too. I ponder, where is all this fear coming from?

I heard a news report, “Israel fears Obama will speak with their enemies.” Do we fear speaking too? Didn’t the beloved Ronald Regan “speak” to Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev and say “Mr. Gorbachev tear down that wall!” In result, the entire Soviet block fell, as well as, the Berlin Wall. So much for fearing one man speaking to another. I’ve even heard people talk about the end of the world, with doom and gloom and sinners taking over the world (hello, have you been sleeping?). The world is changing, hopefully growing up. And with growing, there will be growing pains. Some of these pains will cause more pains, but that’s what growing up is all about.

Is this world perfect, not! Are people perfect, really not! But fear of the unknown is what stops us from being all that is possible. Fear stops us dead in our tracks, and doesn’t allow for the possibilities or the progress to enrich our lives. If we were afraid to fly, travel would be a bore. If we were afraid of the ocean, we’d miss the beauty of sailing.

I’m not convinced that the moral conscience of America should be allowed to decay, for change sake. And, I’m not convinced that the fears of some are invalid (we do fear the unknown). I am convinced, however, that we should all stay engaged in the debate, voice our opinions, get involved in fixing problems, and never fall asleep again.

The election of 2008 was a wake-up call for every American. We were in some sort of coma brought on by God knows what. We’re awake now and that’s good. Now that we’re awake, we should support “the new man”, who by the way, will have the hardest job in the world. Why? Because we’re all in this together. This is our time to show the world that together we stand and divided we fall.

So what is all this fear about? I say, it’s the past afraid of the future, yet we all know that nothing stays the same. Don’t fear the unknown, shine some light on it. Get involved, give your opinion (in love), roll up your sleeves, and make a difference. Fix what’s broken, break what doesn’t work, and get your hands dirty. Then, you’ll be too busy to fear.

Are We Blind To Evil?

2008-11-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my husband and I were having dessert with friends and the television set was flickering in the background. As we ate chocolate cake and ice cream, we started hearing sounds that should have been heard only in the privacy of a bedroom. We stopped eating and glanced over to the television set, at 9:00 p.m., on a non pay-per-view channel and were shocked by what we saw.

As our ice cream melted, we sat in amazement while one act of perversion after another was broadcast over the airways. We checked the channel twice to make sure the TV wasn’t tuned to an “unacceptable” or known “envelope pushing” station. We were shocked to find that it was tuned to our regular family channel.

This led to a discussion on what our eyes, ears and speech have allowed to be considered acceptable. My group of friends debated how the standards of what is considered perversion have been sugarcoated as free speech and free choice. “If you don’t like it,” one person said, “change the channel and don’t watch.” The problem, we concluded, is when it’s on every channel, at all hours, including after school time when kids are home watching TV before their parents get home from work. There can’t be regulation of what we watch or limitation of our choices, if the choices are made for us by programmers and entertainment executives. What they consider acceptable is fed to us hungry entertainment consumers and we eat it all.

Have we become a society numb by the over-indulgence of violence, perversion and moral decay? Does it not affect us when we see people killed? Do our eyes not blink at outrageous acts of twisted fantasy passed off as entertainment? Does music have to accompany a flood of profanity to make it hip, and hop and cool?

As I pondered these questions, and my friends discussed the moral decline of our nation, I felt nostalgic for the good-ole days. The days when we were actually entertained and amused by the gifts and talents of singers, dancers, and actors. Those days when people who wanted to see “the other stuff” paid a pay-per-view cost for it. Those days when the hours of 3-9 p.m. were considered “family viewing hours”. You know, those good ole days.

Currently, we all pay for basic access to entertainment via cable, satellite and internet. The problem is that the “other stuff” is included in our basic entertainment choices. We’ve seen so much of “the other stuff” I think we don’t see it, hear it, or speak out against it. I guess I’m one person in this big ole sea of forgetfulness that’s saying I see it, I hear it, and I don't like it!

Are Cultures Worth Saving?

2008-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

We are in a global world with satellites, cell phones and global warming. We wear business suits to most meetings, and speak the common language, English. Non-American’s want our Levy jeans and Marlboro cigarettes, and they love our Cadillac’s and reality shows. In the short run, its called progress, and in the long run, there is an expense. The loss of culture and language throughout the world has been the cost. Losing what makes people unique is the true expense. I ponder, are cultures worth saving?

Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest humans found in China are dated from 2.24 million to 250,000 years ago, along with their culture. In Japan, starting around the third century BC, they invented wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making, and introduced new styles of pottery making. In Australia, Indigenous Australian’s created the world's oldest wind instrument, the yirdaki. And, since the beginning of man, Africans used dance as an important mode of communication; using gestures, masks, costumes, and body painting to signify specific meanings. This is culture.

I read a report that languages throughout the world are diminishing. Native tongues are disappearing, and in a global world, we all speak the universal language of money. Whatever makes us uniquely wonderful is of little consequence. National heritage, sacred holidays, and national commemoration days are all immaterial when you look through global eyes. We are all just one big happy family.

So, are cultures and languages important to appreciate and protect? Just imagine what life would be like without Chinese food (boring from my perspective). What would cooking be like without India’s influence of cumin or curry? What would anything be, if it weren’t for the cultures that developed them?

Imagine this, a place where everyone is the same. We all walk, talk, dance, sing, and dress alike. We would look like those androids in the 1950s space movies, wearing gray colored jumpsuits. This would be our world with one culture. Thank goodness we aren’t all the same, and don’t wear those ugly gray jumpsuits (gray in not my best color). Thank goodness we have many colors, cultures, hair styles, songs and dances. Thank goodness history has shown that cultures create, and their creations can be enjoyed by all. Are cultures worth saving? Darn right!

What Is The Cost Of One Tomato?

2008-10-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

A woman walks down three flights of stairs, pays cab fare for a two-way forty block ride, shops while using a cane, and then takes stairs back up to her third story apartment. That was the price of a tomato for an elderly, disabled woman in Harlem, NY and this story was told by Soledad O’Brian on CNN’s “Black in America” series.

Unbelievable you say, when you drive around the corner to Ralphs, Gelsons, Save Mart, Piggly-Wiggly, or Vons. That’s the convenience of living outside of the red zone. Oh, you don’t know what the red zone is? It’s the urban, inner-city, low income, poor minority, or whatever you want to call it. It’s the area that doesn’t have a bank, grocery store or hospital in it.
I know you’re shocked; this can’t be real in America you say. Bad news, it really is.

Years ago, I worked in a community where there were no banks and one dirty grocery store. One day after work, after a quick stop in to buy something for dinner, I walked into this grocery store and the meat smelled bad, and the vegetables had a swarm of some flying object hovering over its bruised skin. I turned around and drove home empty handed. I was shocked at what I saw and pondered how this could be.

Like the disabled woman in Harlem, people in the red zone eat what is close to home. Their choices are mini-mart food, fast food, or no food at all. On special occasions, when they get extra money, they might take that long trip for a fresh tomato, carrot, or onion. And, after this long trip, they might have a fresh salad, fresh affordable milk, and food made by their own clean hands.

You may ask yourself, why they don’t dig a hole in their backyards and plant tomatoes, onions, carrots, and fruit trees. WHAT BACKYARD? In these urban inner-city areas, every available block of space is “developed” with concrete. There are no gardens. The people in these areas rely on their communities to provide their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. If local businesses don’t provide what is needed, then a bus ride to get that tomato is the only answer. And, I’m not including what the shut-in disabled people living in these areas have to endure.

So you may ask, what is all this about? Why should I care? Well, when you hear that children in urban inner-cities are obese because of all the fast food that surrounds them, believe it. When you hear that banks flee from urban areas of a city because they fear being robbed, believe it. And, if you hear of a disabled woman taking two cabs just to buy a tomato please give her a ride.

Where Is It Made?

2008-09-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Last year I took a class at a local college and many of our assignments related to global topics. One assignment required the class to go home, look in our closets, and write down where our garments were made. Easy enough, I thought. I went home, looked in my closet, and grabbed the first blouse that touched my hand. The tag read “Made in Jordan.” I blinked. I didn’t know America traded goods with Jordon. Go figure?

I reached past this blouse, for a “better quality" fine silk. I just knew it had to be made in America. I touched the fine label and it read “Made in Vietnam.” I was shocked. One of my most expensive blouses was made in a country where America fought in a bitter war? I was confused. “I must have something made in America,” I said out loud, as I rambled through my closet.

I grabbed another blouse, scarves, hats, pants, shorts, dresses and whatever else I could find with a tag on it. I was surprised by the countries listed on the tags, and my ignorance stared back in my face as I read each label. The countries listed were: Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Turkey, Guatemala, North Marina Island (I never heard this either), Mexico, Korea, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong and USA. The only two blouses with “USA” listed on their tags, were in my smaller size section of the closet. These “smaller” clothes were in sizes I haven’t worn for ten years.

It took me a minute to digest what I was seeing. I had to ponder this one. “Where are American jobs?” I thought. With American companies going “global” they can manufacture goods all over the world. They can pay workers well below American minimum wage, and by-gosh, no American Labor Laws to get in their way. All I could say after reading my clothing labels was “WOW”.

I wondered where were American workers while their jobs were being shipped off to North Marina Island? (where ever that is) How can American workers compete with Indian workers who make only $5,000 a year? (By the way, those workers are happy to get that much) I now know where my clothes are made, but I just wonder what America will look like when nothing in my house is tagged “Made in USA”.

Can Books Change Lives?

2008-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school I joined a book club. The advertised introductory offer was “Three Books for Only $1.00!” At 16, I was happy to get anything for $1.00, so I signed up fast. The offer didn’t give me a choice of which three books, so I waited patiently to see what surprise I’d get.

When I got the package of books, I ran to my room to see what $1.00 purchased. I tore the box open and noticed the books wrapped in tissue paper. Filled with excitement, I unwrapped the books and the read the titles. The first read “Ernest Hemingway, The Sun also Rises,” the second read, “Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and the third, “Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms.” I rubbed my hands across their navy blue book covers and thought, “Who the heck was Ernest Hemingway?” At 16, and a reader of Teen Beat magazine, I would have never selected these three books for any reason. I took my $1.00 gift and threw them across my bed.

One day while rushing to school, I threw my school books into my book bag, and mistakenly grabbed “The Sun Also Rises” too. On the bus ride to school, I usually read whatever book I had in my bag, so I fumbled around my bag and grabbed the $1.00 book. I opened it up, looking for pictures, and thumbed through pages confirming there were none. I read the copyright date, “1926”, and concluded this book had to be boring. Since I had a long bus ride and nothing other than History and Algebra to read, I started reading “The Sun Also Rises.”

At first, I was surprised to find the book easy to read, exciting and even fun. For the first time, I escaped my concrete city life and traveled, if only in my mind, along with Ernest Hemingway and imagined everything he described in vivid color. Ernest Hemingway helped me to realize there was another world outside and I was transformed.

Reading continues, for me, to be a wonderful way to explore, travel, imagine and experience new and exciting things. A trip to Barnes and Noble bookstore is like a trip to a travel agent, with new destinations on every isle. History books teach us about our past, autobiographies tell us about people’s lives, and non-fiction enlightens us to issues around the world. Memoir’s recount griping tales of struggle and fiction, as Jenny in Forrest Gump would say, takes us “far-far away.”

If we take a minute to think hard enough, we can remember a book that has changed our life. In the case of my 22 year old son, it was “Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham”, but that’s another story. Can books change lives? I sure think so. What’s on your reading list?

CHANGE

2008-08-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Originally published August 22, 2008 by Southern Sierra Messenger.

How do we deal with change?

Imagine the open range, with elk running free, bears hunting rivers, and the food chain working as nature intended. Imagine stars shining their true brightness without competition for their brilliance. Trees filling the landscape, wild and untrimmed. Imagine paths made by grazing animals, never repeating the same route. Rain and snow forecast by the wind and clouds. Imagine oceans overflowing with whales, sharks and tuna, and rivers full of spawning salmon.
Landscapes, commanding full attention for the view, without competition from concrete. This was before man.

Man had to tame the land, dam the rivers, control the population of elk, fish the ocean, fence the cows, cut back the trees and light our paths. This was needed for us to live, so change had to come as man needed to eat, sleep and feel safe. The problem comes when we think that change stops. Change, like a running brook, always flows, sometimes slower than others, but always moving. Change, makes us uncomfortable, when it’s different than what we know and different than what we’re use to. Once accepted, or even when not accepted, change takes its place in our lives.

Remember, the horse drawn carriage allowed transportation, settlement of the west and change. Railroads pressed deeper through the wild, going through mountains instead of around them, and more change. Then cars, owned exclusively by the well-to-do with prestige, bounced around dirt roads, change again. And, the dream of two brothers in Ohio trying to soar like the eagles created the world of aviation. Oh yes, change comes.

Highways, freeways, overpasses, and bridges have changed our landscape and our ability to move around the country. And we like it. We like seeing the Grand Canyon from the comfort of our RV. We enjoy seeing the coastline through our car’s moth stained windshield. We love to jump out of perfectly good airplanes, to see what it feels like to be a bird. And, we like to get to Hawaii in five hours from Ontario Airport, with daylight left for fun. Oh, change is good.

What about when change is not good? Change that disrupts our comfort zone. Like a fence going up on land recently sold to strangers and a “do not trespass” sign recently posted that marks their boundaries. This change can’t be good. What about the arrival of a new home that blocks our view of the prairie? Or, a road being widened to make room for more cars, more highways, and more people. This can’t be good or can it?

Some change is accepted, like progress, when we feel some control. When change is out of our control, we get angry, get even and get out. We move, we protest, and we resent it. But, this reluctance to accept change around us is against the pioneer spirit. It conflicts with mankind’s dream to improve their lives, however how small. With change, however, comes responsibility. Reckless disregard of people, animals, the air, land and waters is inexcusable. Careful, thoughtful change, in the pursuit to improve life, however, is always good. Just look around, history is a good teacher.

What Is A Real Cowboy?

2008-08-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

I was told a story at a dinner party and I can’t help but repeat it.

A couple moved to a small town from a big city and set their sites on opening a business. They browsed over the majestic hillsides, and towering trees, and decided that this small place was where they would live out their dreams. Coming from a big city, as most city folk think, they decided to bring city comforts and quality to this wonderful country town. They purchased fine saddles, bridles, and hats with the finest details. And bought stylish shirts, pants and everything in between. They set up shop in the middle of town and placed an “open” sign on the door.

At first, only look-e-loos came in, touching the fine wares, then leaving without buying anything. After a few weeks, some people bought this or that, but none of the fine saddles were ever fully appreciated. The shop owners were confused, wasn’t this the country? Don’t people like good quality? Don’t they need boots, shirts, hats and saddles? These city people, who thought they knew what was needed to have a successful business, couldn’t figure out what was wrong. After a few months, with no real sales, they finally figured out what was wrong.

On one rainy day, a man walked in and slammed the front door behind him. The bell, that usually tinkled when the door was shut, crashed into to wall and everyone stopped to look up. This gentleman was dirty from head to toe. Even his white hat was brown from dirty finger prints made when he adjusted the hat up or down. This man stood in the doorway glaring at each isle, moving his head up and down over each item. The shop owners said, “Good morning!”, the man grunted and walked past them.

He walked to the last row in the shop, trailing mud from his wet cowboy boots behind him. A lump of mud dislodged itself when he turned down one isle and left a blob on the indoor/outdoor carpet. As he walked down the isles, he rubbed his fingers along the embroidery of one of the finest saddles in the shop, he grunted again. He then picked up a hat, one of those fancy white hats that had a small silver buckle on the side, and felt the texture of it, moving his finger around the buckle. He put the hat back on its stand and looked around the shop one final time. He smirked at the shop owners, and walked toward the door. The shop owners followed the man, “Can I help you find anything?” they said. He stopped, with his muddy boots and dirty cowboy hat, gathered up a wad of tobacco he was chewing and spat it right on the floor. He turned, opened the door and walked out. The next day, these city people, who brought fancy western gear to this small town, closed their doors and went out of business. The fancy western gear they brought to town was useless, here, in the country. They concluded, they really didn’t know what a real cowboy was anyway.

Do We Need Art?

2008-08-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Is it all just gobble-d-goop or does art really enrich our lives? Is movement of ones body in leotards and tights really a form of expression, or is it just physical convulsions? Is a blob of colored oil on a canvas really beauty, or just a blob of paint? Are watercolor paintings the colors of life, or just splashes of water left to dry? Do we really need art in our lives?

To ponder this question, I recall walking through Getty Museum in Los Angeles with six inner-city kids. Most of them, had never been inside a museum, let alone seen a “real” painting. They were tough and not impressed with this cultural outing, which was planned as a “fun” trip. With smirks on all of their faces, I parked the car at the bottom of the hill, as required, and waited for the tram to take us to the perfectly manicured property. I smiled with glee, asking the kids, “Isn’t this fun?” No one responded. I had to admit the tram ride wasn’t exactly Magic Mountain’s most thrilling ride, but I felt it started our adventure off to a good start.

We rode the tram to the top of the hill, and the doors opened onto the museum entrance. There were stairs leading up toward the exhibits, and the kids walked out of the tram not knowing what to do next. As they stood around waiting for my instructions, they were passed by crowds of bustling art lovers, showing their excitement and anticipation. I gathered my thoughts and reviewed the exhibit brochure, knowing I had my work cut out for me to make this event “fun.”

The brochure showed the current exhibits to be; modern photography, 18th century English furniture, and oil paintings by a famous painter, whom I’ve forgotten. I was excited and overjoyed, and led the kids towards the photography exhibit first. They followed, not feeling an ounce of my excitement or interest in photographs. I kept my head up and led them toward the exhibit door. Once we got to the door, I thought I’d better tell them about museum etiquette. “Don’t touch anything!” I said, looking as firmly as possible. Hoping they would heed my warning, I watched them like hawks, and so did the security guards.

Picture this, six tough-looking inner-city kids walking through the Getty Museum. All eyes were on us. I ignored the attention we caused, but was a bit insulted by the insinuation that these kids were going to do anything beside enjoy art. The kids looked around, first, at the pictures of war heroes, then dancehall girls, cowboys, and children from different countries. They walked by each picture, looked deeply, but never touched. When we completed the photography exhibit, we walked into a hallway leading toward the next exhibit. The kids didn’t say a word. I couldn’t hold my excitement, “What did you think?!” I said. One of the more vocal young ladies replied, “How long do we have to be here, this is boring?” I took a deep breath and kept walking.

The oil paintings got them excited. They noticed the globs of oil mound on the canvas creating life-like images they could recognize. They were amazed at the life filled within the eyes, and the creaminess of the skin. These kids came alive with the colors of oil, and I appreciated the day not being a total waste. The security guards, who followed closely behind us, were even amazed as the kids analyzed the paintings for me. They pointed out their observations of what the painter might’ve been thinking, and I glanced over to one of the security guards, who sort of nodded, as I agreed with the kid’s observation. Art was getting through. Art was touching these children in places where they had never experienced. And, even Miss, “this is boring”, changed her tone, as she saw the other kids get excited.

The last exhibit was the 18th century furniture. I reminded the kids “not to touch” and we proceeded into a room filled with antique furniture. There were cherry, mahogany, and teak tables, desks and drawers. There was even a bed, said to have belonged to a King of England, made with purple velvet and gold leaf trim. The kids’ walked past the fine timeless pieces, oooooing and awwwwwing at its elegance. The guards stepped closer toward us, thinking the kids were going to press down on some precious table, or break a time weakened chair. The kids looked, but never touched. I was so proud.

After reviewing the exhibits, we walked out toward the Getty gardens. The weather was cold, so we opted to get hot chocolate at the concession stand. As we stood there, near the gardens, sipping our hot chocolate, little Miss “I’m bored” leaned over to me and asked, “These gardens are beautiful, aren’t they?” I leaned back to her shoulder and said, “Yes, they most certainly are!” On that day, at the Getty Museum with six inner-city kids who usually don’t’ see anything beautiful, I ask,

“Do we need art?” Without question the answer is, “Yes, we most certainly do!”