In My Shoes

money=freedom

2009-09-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

If you are a person who has ever dreamed of being wealthy someday, then you will easily relate to the point of this post. When people think about being rich they often dream about being free to wake up whenever they feel like it, having the freedom to work only if they want to, having the freedom to live anywhere and send their children to the best schools, best doctors, best cars, food, etc. The opposite is also true.

Poverty=bondage
When you are among the working poor then you have to scrape for every dollar, then you are likely bound to a job which restricts to from enjoying all of those thing mentioned above. I've often thought that those of us who carry significant debt from year to year, are not living lives much different from those poor people in North Korea, China, Soviet Union. Debt is bondage. Debt consumes your money, which in turn consumes your Freedom.

The point of this all is that we put criminals into jail for two reasons:
1. Containment
2. Abrogation of freedom.

Taking away a person's freedom is a severe punishment. So, lets purpse ourselves to get out of debt and when that politician comes around telling that he will give you all kinds of goodies, know that he is also promising to take more of your money, more of your freedom.

For the past 2 years, my family has been on a journey to elminate all of our debt. We've had some setbacks, we've also had some good achievements. We have a way to go, but we are not giving up. We are working hard, the American way. I want to obtain for myself as much Liberty as is possible in this world.

BIG Government is Corruption

2009-08-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

I've come to a new perspective on BIG Government since the townhall meeting. American's have lost our appreciation for Liberty and what it means to be free. We need to recapture our love of Freedom and oppose significant attempts to steal it. I directly equate our national debt with the loss of freedom. Every dollar of mine that the Government takes claim of is one less that I have for my family. Less money means less choice, less financial power, less Liberty. Government debt is also bondage, because of the long term levy on my income that is restricting. America was built on hard work and the idea that the way to ultimately help poor people is by enhancing their Freedom, not giving them handouts. Remove the barriers to their progress.

One of my guiding values: Your personal liberty should only be restricted when it infringes on the personal libery of someone else. This value is in opposition to the "Nanny State" mentality. For example: People should have the freedom to practice any religion that they prefer and take on any ideology (regardless of how politically incorrect it maybe). However, that freedom should be restricted if it can be proven that the belief encourages actions that infringe on other's rights. Such as, the phenomenon known as "Honor killing".

Spirited yet Civil Townhall meeting.

2009-08-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Those are the words I'd use to describe the Townhall meeting Rep. Rob Andrews held on August 24th 2009 over the Health care Bill HR3200. The news media says that there were 800 people there. There were a lot of people in the hall ways who didn't have a seat in the auditorium. My guess is that 60% of the people were there to support the opposition to HR3200. I must admit my new found respect for Rob Andrews. He took most of the jeers like a man. I think he did engage in a little stretching the truth on the Bill. He said that the Bill included more competition between Health care Providers. He said the health care he receives as a member of the House would be the same quality as the health care from HR3200. He acknowledged that passage of the Bill would foster the need to raise taxes. He saw no benefit to Tort reform.
One woman who identified herself as an Independent floated the idea of a health care referendum. I thought that would be a great idea. R. Andrews didn't.
The most electrifying speech came from this guy:

He identified himself as a person suffering from a chronic illness, then went on to recite a quote from Thomas Jefferson

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

The quote ignited a ruckus within the meeting. I think R. Andrews was visibly shaken and had no real comeback. It was as though he acknowledged the political score. How can you argue with Thomas Jefferson?
R. Andrews clothed his support for Health care reform in compassion for uninsured.
The lines for the microphones were out the door. I didn't get a chance to speak. If I did, I would have said something like this:

"Congressman Andrews, this administration has been selling HR3200 to the Americans as compassionate. As a percentage, I give 10x more of my income to charity than President Obama does. I am trying to do my part to help the least among us only to get lectured by the President about my need to be compassionate. His compassion involves reaching into my pocket(instead of his own) to give to someone else. I don't think it is compassionate to make people dependent on Government for their needs. That is not loving them, that is enslaving them. Right now, every baby born into the US, is born owing the government about $5,196347.54. That is not Freedom, that is bondage. This administration has not advanced Liberty in America. Liberty is more valuable than "free" health care."

Homeschooling is inextricably linked to Religious freedom

2009-06-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

When my wife and I seriously began considering homeschooling our children, I was very interested in the educational acheivements of homeschoolers. Now that we are a few years into homeschooling, my reasons for homeschooling have changed. The educational aspect of homeschool is still great, but a deeper conviction about this alternative method has arisen. I don't think homeschooling is a fit for everyone, but every Christian parent ought to take seriously the option of homeschooling.
As a Christian father, we are called to be the Shepards of our children/family. Scripture implores us to raise our children to be disciples. We are called to teach our children the revelations of God in Scripture. My role as a father is not so different than that of a Pastor or Priest.
I would not tell a brother, that you cannot shepard your family if they are going to traditional school, but traditional schooling will provide many more challenges to your children/family than homeschooling. You will have a steeper mountain to climb because of peer pressure and Liberal instructors. Many homeschool parents who have decided to put their children in school even for one year have decried a large amount of undoing of their discipleship work. As a Christian, it is my duty and pleasure to instruct my children in the Truth of Scripture. In a public school, by law teachers are only allowed to present the Bible as a work of literature if at all.
If the homeschooling alternative was removed from parents via legislative action(as in Germany and Britian), then you can see that my religious freedom (to live my life and raise my children according to Scripture) would be compromised.

The UN treaty of the "Rights of a Child" has been floating around for decades. In the 90's Bill Clinton said he would sign it, but Congress did not ratify it. This treaty seeks to drive Government in as a wedge between you and your children among other things. With the new 111th Congress leaning more toward Internationalism, there is a heightened concern over the ratification of this legislation. As you know, when the Congress ratifies a Treaty, that treaty supercedes our Constitution.

Fun post Friday - Washed up bands with Orchestras

2009-06-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

My theory: When a rock band decides to do a concert with an Orchestra, then you know the band is past its prime and lacks new ideas. I guess they rationalize that the Orchestra bring some freshness to their sad/tired music. Let's see some examples: First a couple that should be no surprise
1. Elton John

2. Billy Joel (give it up, man)

3. Elvis

4. Eric Clapton (seriously, what hits has he had since the songs on this record? I rest my case; Done!)

5. Oh no, not Metallica (it's over dudes you are washed up)

Did I miss any?

Jesus sang Scripture, shouldn't we?

2009-06-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

I'd like to offer a less negative post on Worship from my original post on the topic. The Psalms are filled with people crying out to God from their own experience. However, IMO modern worship music should present a balance between my experience and God's word. This is where modern worship music tends to fail. The modern worship movement is mostly based on cool riffs and catchy melodies with ego-centric lyrics. Whatever happened to singing doctrine? "Holy, holy, holy Lord...God of power and might...Heaven and Earth are filled with your Glory"

The Westminster Shorter Catechism contains:
2. What rule has God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
Answer: The word of God, which is contained in scriptures is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Jesus sang Scripture; in Matthew 30: 14 at the last supper it is revealed that Jesus sang with the disciples. This was the end of their Passover and for 2000 years Psalm 118 has been sung at the conclusion of the Passover. It is an unanimous belief among commentators that Jesus sung this Psalm at this moment.

As a musician, I am hardly sympathetic to the notion that using Scripture only for lyrical content, is like tying your creative hands.
The greatest Christian music off all time: Handel's messiah is built entirely on Scripture.

I think there is room in Christian music for two categories: Worship and Pop. You can do whatever you want with the Pop genre of Christian music. Let's base the Worship genre on Scripture.

Christianized Worship music

2009-06-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

As Christians we are called out of the world into the kingdom of God. Because of this calling, Christians ought to be different from those in the world. We ought to think differently, act differently, parent differently, educate differently, worship differently, sing differently, etc.
However, the modern Worship music appears to take the model of music from the world and attempts to "christianize" it to fit in the church service. Much of the World's music is written from those who have no authority higher than themselves. Therefore, their music is often self-centered. Many of the writters of Modern worship music have taken on this narcissistic attitude in their music and attempted to "do it better" by adding Christian themes. Worship music is no longer about Our God, and Our Faith it is more concerned about My God, and My Faith.
for example:
(Shout to the Lord: Darlene Zschech)
"My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I long to praise
the Wonders of your mighty love.
...

Now consider the lyrics penned by Martin Luther:
A mighty fortress is our God
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe
....

Dear brother/sister, when has God called us to take up worlds model on anything?

What's Wrong with the Modern Worship Movement?

2009-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7

I suppose it had to happen; that I have become one of the fuddy duddy old guys who say "That's not the way we did it back in my day". However, my criticism of modern Worship movement is more substantial then "TURN IT DOWN".

The modern Worship music is an excrement of the Modern Church growth movement which has some good stuff, but much of it is crap. The Church Growth Movement(CGM) has a theme that the church meeting should be a "fun" experience. If church is fun, then it will be a place where people (including the un-churched) will want to be. So, the CGM has sought to persuade pastors to build modern buildings, have cafe's in church, and purge the church traditions.

The traditional sound of the worship music has been replaced by modern rock styles, like U2. As long as I can remember, Christian musicians have always been copying the sounds of secular music. Somehow Christians are uncomfortable in creating something new. The focus of this modern worship experience is a concert atmosphere. Again, if the Parishioners know that every Sunday morning they will go to a free concert, then they are more likely to continue attending church. Church ought to be "fun", right? ...umm, right?

Since the emphasis is now on "my experience" at church. The writers of modern worship music have abandoned Scripture as a foundation for building their lyrics. Modern lyrics are built upon "my experience". For example:

(Air I Breathe – MercyMe)
"This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence
Living in me”

(Walk by Faith – Chris Folson)

“I walk by faith
Each step by faith
To live by faith
I put my trust in You
I walk by faith
Each step by faith
To live by faith
I put my trust in You

Every step I take
Is a step of faith
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
And every prayer I make
Is a prayer of faith
And if my God is for me
Who can be against me”

Modern lyrics also take on a disturbing sensual feel to them. In my opinion, this is done to appeal specifically to women.

(Draw me Close To You – Hillsongs)

“Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace (!)
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near”

Let's take an ADD moment while I discuss the Tower of Babel.(Genesis 11)

The people of Babel decided to "make a name for themselves" and to gather in one area to create a society for themselves. John Lennon's "Imagine" song comes to mind. Their sin was not the construction of a physical tower, but rather their decision to build the tower in pride and to build a society independent of God.

Now, many of the writers of Modern Church music have decided to abandon the art of building lyrics on Scripture and have instead built their songs on their Christian experiences. Dear brother/sister, is this so different from the people of Babel? Consider the arrogance, of man thinking that he can craft lyrics that stir the heart of God, without Scripture.

Most of us would shutter at the thought of listening to a minister who only talks of his/her experience of the Christian walk, while neglecting the preaching of Scripture. So, why do we stand for it in our worship service?

What do I know?…I’m just and old guy.Now, TURN IT DOWN and GET OUT OF MY YARD!

Live is too short for TV.

2009-05-22T05:52:00.002-07:00

~~Religion~~ television is the opiate of the masses.

In my younger years, I would watch a few programs after school. Now, my TV viewing is about 3 or 4 hours a month (the average American watches 4 hrs a day). I hate watching the television. Nothing on the TV enhances your life or helps you in your life goals.

Think about what the TV does to you:

The TV only takes away energy and productivity. Watching TV 4 hrs a day consumes 1/4 of your waking hours. That time of your life just vanishes. For people who have no life asparations, they just flush their life down the toilet by consuming excessive television.

There are millions of people who arrive home from work, plop down in front of the tube, then go to bed after their last program is over. That is not the way to live your life. Furthermore, people who watch TV are less happy people. The effects of TV viewing on children are very troubling. In the link noted above is a statistic that ought to make us all worried:

Percentage of 4-6 year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching TV: and spending time with their fathers, preferred television: 54

Guys, we are losing a generation of children. Fathers, turn off the TV, take your children outside.

3 ways Obama's Change is a farce

2009-05-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

What I see so far is that President Obama is doing all of the same things that the Democrats were whining about for 8 years under President Bush.

1. A Bully like foreign policy. President Bush was constantly critized for being an isolationist, and telling other countries what to do. Jumpin' Joe Biden recently stated that "Israel must accept the two state solution" regarding the Arab/Israel conflict. Remember when he was warning Pakistan about bombing their territory?

2. Bumbling speeches and foreign protocol gaffes. GWB gave us nuc--lear and misunderestimated. However, sure Obama is great with the teleprompter, but Obama unplugged is terse. Remember his embarrassment with giving Gordon Brown the DVD's that won't play on foreign DVD players? How about him walking in windows at the White House?

3. Remaking America: The uber Left was in a craze over Bush imposing a theocracy in America. However, it is Obama who seeks to "Remake America" by having the federal government consume more of the private sector (banks, health care, auto) and moving us father away from the Founder's intent of Public vs. Private.

Congratulations, you're rich...now be responsible

2009-05-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

The GlobalRichList has changed the way I see myself. Instead of viewing our financial wealth in comparison with the people next to us. We should see ourselves on the global financial scale. I'm guessing that you are among the top 10% of the worlds wealthiest, which places a moral responsibility on us to be giving people.

Consider this:
According to MarketingCharts.com children 12-14 obtain an annual income of $2,167, which places them in the top 15.22% of world population.
Teens 15-17: $4023, which places them in the top 14.6%.

The fact that most of the poverty in the world comes from oppresive governments shouldn't deter us in giving our resources. In fact, small donations can usually go a long way in helping people.

There but by the grace of God go I

2009-05-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

I’m reading a book about America’s Christian heritage and in it is this story. This story(according to the author) used to appear in school textbooks.

During the French & Indian war, George Washington was leading some of the Virginia militia and some British soldiers to the French Fort Duquesne(which is now Pittsburgh). However, before arriving, they were ambushed by Indians. Because of the Indians unconventional fighting style, many Virginia and British soldiers were killed. All of the military leaders (on horseback) were killed, except GW. GW had several horses shot out from beneath him, additionally, his coat had several bullet holes in it, but at the end of the battle GW didn’t have a scratch. Once back at home, GW wrote a letter stating that God’s providence had saved him on the battlefield.

Many years later, Washington returned to the place where the battle had taken place and he met with an Indian chief. The Chief told GW that he was in that battle and had instructed his men to target the military leaders. The Chief told GW that he himself had taken several shots at Washington and was now honored to meet the man that the “Great Spirit" protects.