Garbage In Garbage Out

My granddaughter offered me the choice of one of her TicTacs or a stick of gum. Neither one was at all tempting. Usually the only time I'll have some gum is if my ears are popping on an airplane. Sodas don't tempt me either. All that sugar (or sugar substitute) and misc. ingredients are very off-putting for some reason.

I found this article, leapfrogging from Organically cooked, as we habitually do on the web, and thought it worth posting the main points here too, as it reinforces what I've been mulling over, and talking about for some time. You may think it freaky that I'd eat some mushrooms growing wild outdoors, but shopping in your local supermarket can prove more dangerous to your health.

From the article reviewing Michael Pollan's lecture: 7 Rules for Eating

Choose Food Over Food-Like Substances,

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

March 23, 2009 -- Food author Michael Pollan in a lecture given last week to an overflow crowd of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) scientists.

As part of an effort to bring new ideas to the national debate on food issues, the CDC invited Pollan -- a harsh critic of U.S. food policies -- to address CDC researchers and to meet with leaders of the federal agency.

"The French paradox is that they have better heart health than we do despite being a cheese-eating, wine-swilling, fois-gras-gobbling people," Pollan said. "The American paradox is we are a people who worry unreasonably about dietary health yet have the worst diet in the world."

In various parts of the world, Pollan noted, necessity has forced human beings to adapt to all kinds of diets.

"The Masai subsist on cattle blood and meat and milk and little else. Native Americans subsist on beans and maize. And the Inuit in Greenland subsist on whale blubber and a little bit of lichen," he said. "The irony is, the one diet we have invented for ourselves -- the Western diet -- is the one that makes us sick."

Snowballing rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in the U.S. can be traced to our unhealthy diet. So how do we change?

7 Words & 7 Rules for Eating

Pollan says everything he's learned about food and health can be summed up in seven words: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Probably the first two words are most important. "Eat food" means to eat real food -- vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and, yes, fish and meat -- and to avoid what Pollan calls "edible food-like substances."

Here's how:

1. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. "When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?" Pollan says.
2. Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.
3. Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store. Real food tends to be on the outer edge of the store near the loading docks, where it can be replaced with fresh foods when it goes bad.
4. Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. "There are exceptions -- honey -- but as a rule, things like Twinkies that never go bad aren't food," Pollan says.
5. It is not just what you eat but how you eat. "Always leave the table a little hungry," Pollan says. "Many cultures have rules that you stop eating before you are full. In Japan, they say eat until you are four-fifths full. Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, 'Tie off the sack before it's full.'"
6. Families traditionally ate together, around a table and not a TV, at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asks.
7. Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.

He's even done a Manifesto. Altogether, I found his ideas helpful, also echoing what Michael Ruhlman has to say about the food industry and our cooking/ eating habits, joined by some other well-known chefs, food writers in this debate.

There is a spiritual parallel here. What the world serves up as true and right, depending on the cultural norms of the time and place, the politically correct thing to believe, ain't necessarily so. We are blessed to have our Creator's Word on the subject of truth, the Operating Manual as it were, for life. Just as we want to get our water filtered and pure, before we drink it down, there's for sure a lot of garbage that needs sorting out of what goes into our belief systems.

Another good parallel is the time issue. We don't have time to shake a few ingredients together in a bottle for our own salad dressing, but we can find the time to comment endlessly on blogs, or... We don't have time to spend meditating on Scripture and in prayer but... what are our priorities supposed to be anyway?

Bird Brains

The birds have moved on. Another phase in their life cycles. Or, for some, an end. This nest was on the ground; blown down by the wind. Who knows how long it was empty; at any rate, very symbolic for us humans. However, the birds build it for one purpose only. To hold eggs. They don't need a place to sit, watch TV, exercise, eat meals, work on a hobby, etc. It's just for the kids. You might say they have small brains, one track minds. But, at least they do what they were created to do.

That's what I ask myself from time to time. Am I doing all I was meant to do? Writing too many food posts may be causing all this introspection. Though, introspecting can be good for us, in moderation.

Blogaversary Party

Macarons in honor of the day

Happy Blogaversary to me, happy blogaversary to me, blah, blah, blah. From me to me. One hundred five posts later, one whole year today, of ranting, raving, recipes and misc. other stuff for all the world to see . Ha. All two of you. Or, anyone else who doesn't comment.

A couple of the famous macarons from food bloggerland here. I have to say, if it wasn't for the fabulous internet, and blogging, reading posts from all you foodies out there, I'd have no clue what a macaron was, much less have tried to make one, not to mention duck confit, or heard of matcha, black garlic, finger limes, ganache, beignets, etc. etc. What a world! What a year! It's certainly had its ups and downs.


Kealani, my granddaughter, and I have had a great time learning more cooking techniques and trying out new recipes. Here we are making matcha shortbread cookies for St. Patrick's Day and, bottom right, yesterday's macarons (which should really have bigger feet). The only difference in the macarons from your normal, we added powdered vanilla essence and used lemon curd for one of our fillings. The other filling was a simple bittersweet chocolate ganache.

And, my deep thought this morning was, we don't always have the option of changing or getting out of a particular situation, but it is possible to change our attitude, regardless of who or what or where we're stuck with. We can not only change, but grow and improve. Yes, in all areas. My regret is that I took so long to figure it out, and years of pity parties later, it's good to celebrate.

It's Not a Tulip Garden

I love my tulips. Somehow just couldn't resist. Actually I was being impatient in the supermarket line, stepped away from my cart and spotted these lovelies calling out to me. A good distraction and better than tabloid headlines, from my bad attitude.

I was journaling yesterday about unrighteous attitudes, and how we can think our reasons for them are justifiable. Attitudes being the thoughts and intents of the heart. Later, I'm often not even able to remember what those so-called reasons were, but unfortunately, the sad consequences of our poor disposition may follow after us into the future, despite whatever we do to change and correct it.

It brings to mind David's wife, Michal. From her point of view many factors would have justified her contempt and the harsh words spoken to her husband. She had loved him and helped him to escape the wrath of Saul, her father. He on the other hand, seems to have forgotten her, had married at least five other women, at the point years later - after she had been given by her father to another, and is now in an apparently happy marriage to a man devoted to her - when David brings her back for political, and or prideful reasons. She is also without children, a pitiful position in that culture. Is her bad attitude therefore okay?

After sympathizing with Michal, we might attempt to see things from God's perspective. Though, of course, we can't understand it all, we do know He is more interested in our heart attitudes than our temporary happiness. David was her rightful husband, whatever right or wrong decisions he may have later made with regard to other wives. Any children she might have borne could have been said to be of the line of Saul, and a possible cause of future contention or claim to the throne of Solomon, God's choice. Was Michal grateful for the good things she did have?

We are always in control of how we think and act, irregardless of circumstances and other people. I guess it's a cliche to say life is what we make of it, but still... Is life ever fair, ever without trial, ever a tulip garden all of the time?

Big Church, Small Groups

I like these sheep. Their shepherd is in sight here, looking out for them.

I have been mulling over the concept of "Small Groups", especially in the context of a large church. To quote from a recent Sunday bulletin:

A small group is a "community" of people connected to each other through a ministry, such as, care groups, hula, prayer, men's and women's, etc. "

They are a subject of conferences and workshops in the Christian world. There is intense focus on getting them to work successfully for the health of a Church. They cannot be looked at as nice adjuncts to the Body, but are vitally important, especially for new believers and Christians without family who are born again. We all need a working support network, and that support goes both ways. The Church needs its helpers. We are failing when we depend upon paid staff for the majority of ministry work.

The church I am a part of is not presently functioning in this area to full capacity. What I mean is, some of the small groups may be working as intended, but not all of them. Significant numbers of the congregation are falling through the cracks - sheep wandering around if you will. I know the feeling personally, having so far volunteered or attempted to be part of, two different ministries, only to discover they either don't meet at all or fail to pull in their volunteers for service. Not even a call back after signing up. I'm sure I need to try, try again. But, then, I am a mature Christian. I have saved family and friends. The worry here is for those who don't, and may give up after one or two attempts.

In the past, when people would tell me they felt lost in a large church, I would assure them, "Just plug into one of the ministry groups and you'll feel differently." That was the situation when we were attending several years ago. Then we left to help with a church plant, and returned last August. New people in leadership positions have different ways of doing things - change happens - and I can no longer give anyone that old assurance of just plugging into a small group. Try joining maybe three or four or more until you find one that works, would be the new recommendation.

This has caused me to prayerfully consider the whole process, how it works in a church, who is the responsible party or parties, what is my role, and how I might be a help in the situation. Dare I say though, the buck has to stop with leadership, in each individual ministry, and in those overseeing. It is a leaders' responsibility to see that individuals are the priority, and not just particular goals, or numbers, performances or product - to realize that what God sees as most important are His people. There are resources out there for leaders. Still, overall, the Senior Pastor is responsible for how the whole Church system is working to achieve community and discipleship - individual, personal relationships with God and the family of believers, and their growth as mature Christians.

A "small group" or ministry should actually meet together occasionally, pray together, even eat together once in awhile. "Brainstorming" is good, talking over goals and ideas. Practicing a skill or learning new ones, if applicable. Is this too much to ask? I believe God wants to use us all in this Body of Christ, to which we are joined as family, and that he gives gifts useful to the functioning of the whole. The Pastor, as a good shepherd of his flock, locates the best spots for his sheep. He sees that they are not only fed, but can grow to maturity.

Still Waiting

Mangosteen Tree

This is a Mangosteen tree we planted quite a few years ago, probably over 15. We are still waiting for some fruit. Hopeing. Any year now I'm expecting to see a bloom or two, harbingers of upcoming little mangosteens. Sometimes in our spiritual lives we seem to have a long wait for certain fruits or usefullness. But, we have to know that "He who began a good work in us will complete it."

My daily readings in Scripture have taken me to the controversial section in Ezekiel describing the yet-to-be built temple. Reading about all the gates and guard alcoves, which face inward, it occurred to me that trouble, in both families and governments, often comes from within. This may account for the use of the Greek word "naos", meaning a spiritual temple of God's people, rather than "hieron", a physical building of wood and stone, in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, where the "man of lawlessness" sets himself up. So, we might assume that the Antichrist will come out of the church, accompanied by signs and miracles. Aside from this point, I found my questions about animal sacrifices being reestablished and what the temple would look like were nicely and quite accurately answered from the book by Paul Jablonowski at his website. For the final answers, we'll just have to wait, though he seems to feel we're right at the end of this age.

Back to the subject of waiting on the Lord, (I'm still meditating on that) and thinking about Moses again. He was in a sort of semi-retirement (like me) his sons likely grown and doing a lot of the work he had once done. Was he now so used to the peace and quiet of country life, far from successful military campaigns, or the intrigue, rumors and energy of city living, of the royal court in Egypt, that he had even forgotten that vision of delivering his people? Perhaps, settled and comfortable, he also enjoyed the solitude and simple routines.

God needed to use a burning bush to get his attention. And, once he had it, to use miracles and a lot of convincing to get him going. Those of us who don't have a problem saying "no" may be so caught up in doing the comfortable routines, that we miss or avoid God's call. On the other hand, the opposite error is in being so busy, caught up in all kinds of volunteer work, groups, and clubs - often for that feeling of being needed -that real needs, priorities, assignments may go unheard or put aside for lack of time.

There is Light

Smiling Pita

This pita should maybe go on ebay for big bucks. My daughter bakes bread, crackers, sometimes pita, for the Farmer's Market. Right now, her oven is behaving erratically and she is experiencing some terrific back pain. Please pray for Sunny.

This imperfect life is meant to cause us to seek our perfect Creator God;
the loss or unfaithfulness we experience, to trust his enduring love;
the ugliness we encounter, to desire his beauty.
When we are faced with lies, it makes us see how precious his truth is;
in hopelessness, he is our hope and salvation.
In a time of terrorism, he holds a perfect peace that passes understanding.
In a world marred by the effects of sin, we need our Creator's correcting, healing hand.
There will be an end to evil; all the prophecies will be fulfilled.

"Whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 12:28b

Idol of the Day

Only a garden gnome

I think it adds a whimsical touch. An Ira Ono creation, without any sort of power. Basically a mask on a stick, it does illustrate the utter uselessness of appealing to anything other than God for help. We hear so many injunctions and rebukes, in the Old Testament particularly, regarding idol worship, that in our so very "scientific" age, are easy to disregard; by thinking "that was then" and doesn't apply now. More sermons are needed on the subject of what constitutes an idol in our time.

"Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their worthless foreign idols?"
Jeremiah 8:19b

Is the Lord still being provoked to anger by idols? There is a scripture which says greed is idolatry. In the old days, that idol would have been Mammon, or similar gods, worshiped to insure wealth. I remember visiting temples in Japan and noticing the emptiness of spirit; then strolling by pachinko parlors (in the US we have Las Vegas), filled with intent players and an overwhelming spirit of greed. The face of the false god and place of worship has changed. Today, as ever, adultery, fornication and pornography are the pursuit of sex before God - what the Israelites knew as Ashtoreth, goddess of the Sidonians (among others and by different names.)

There is so much focus in Scripture on the subject of idolatry that it must be just as important for us - that they all be uncovered in our time - recognized for what they are. Today our idols are more concealed, often shrouded with psychological double-talk and labels - Satan has a game plan for every culture and age. Actually it's also a form of self-deception, not grasping the degree to which God is put in a secondary position.

The god "science" can even claim temples on the high places. Not that scientific research or study is wrong. What is wrong is when it, or anything else, replaces God as final authority in our lives or where we turn for help.

God's Little Fruitcakes

I didn't make one this year.

There is a recipe for fruitcake here (if you click on it), but I'm not making one. I'm convinced we're all God's little fruitcakes - the world just chock full of fruits and nuts. And, aren't we all special? Each one of us an individual mix; which is why he gave us his recipe for success (we're really stretching the metaphor here, I know - my idea of a Holiday inspired post.) I think it's the contrasts of flavor and texture in fruitcake we enjoy - or don't. Some people just make jokes about it.

Did you ever wonder why he put so many contrasts in Scripture? Why all the light versus dark, good and evil, the wise and the foolish, life and death, truth versus the lies of the enemy, the righteous as against the wicked? Then, of course, the final contrast of heaven and hell. Isn't life supposed to be, like full of gray areas? But, since God says otherwise, guess what? It's not. He put all those contrasts in, over and over, so that it would sink in. So that we would wake up and get the picture.

"He who is not with me is against me." Matthew 12:30

We have an enemy and a Savior. There is right and wrong. Reality is not subjective.

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15

The world would have us mush out and gray down all those contrasts, even though God's word is really clear about black and white - because life is not a balance scale, held by some goddess of mercy, weighing out good deeds as against bad - it is by grace alone we are saved; by clinging to a merciful Savior.

"With your right hand you save me." Psalm 138:7c

Meanwhile the fruitcake left from last year just got tossed from its neglected place at the back of the refrigerator - taking up valuable space; which is why I didn't get around to making any this year. I enjoy fruitcake, but not enough to eat it all myself.

Denominational Dismemberment?

Parade shots - kids supporting Operation Christmas Child

One of the things I appreciate about the Operation Christmas Child Project, aside from the wonderful work of compassion and evangelism, is the unity it promotes, between those churches participating. I love the feeling of the "Body of Christ" coming together. I believe it also makes Jesus happy.

On the other hand, I am definitely not "Foursquare". We saw a promotional video Sunday that emphasized a spirit of Christian denominational, self-serving, disunity. For some reason it makes me very uncomfortable to hear folks repeating over and over, between life testimonies, "I am Foursquare" or Nazarene or whatever, for that matter. It brought to mind what Paul had to say in an appeal for unity among the believers, and I think on this very subject:

"What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Peter"; still another, "I follow Christ."Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"
1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Dismemberment seems to be happening more than ever in our own age, of Baptist, Missionary, Assembly of God, Lutheran, Episcopal, Foursquare, Nazarene, Calvinist, Reformed and etc.; we are this and you are that, nah, nah, nah. One can only wonder what Jesus thinks of all this grouping off; each sub-heading of Christianity thinking they have the best and most correct answer for the world.

As for me,

"... my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me
in a robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10

And, here's another good one along these lines:

"You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow." Isaiah 62:2b

That name happens to be "Christian," correct me if I am wrong.

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts 11:26:b

"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16

What, we might ask, is in a name? And, are we now ashamed to be called Christians? We need to pray for more unity among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and be proud to bear his name.

Dissing

No dissing in this group

As I read my proverbs for the day (Prov. 6:12-15) it certainly seemed to apply to a family member of mine and our recent unpleasant and ongoing dramas:

"Who plots evil with deceit in her heart - she always stirs up dissension."

A person who's going to my parents and 'dissing' everyone else in the family. Maybe that's where the word has its roots - dissension (the noun) = dissing (the verb) speaking bad about in order to discredit, dishonor and cause disapproval, leading, they may hope to disinheritance?

And this was just before heading into town for an appointment with our attorney to see what might be done. Nothing much apparently - it's a human sin problem. Older people, when in a weakened state, both physically and mentally, are something like wounded critters out in the wild. Somehow the vultures are able to sense their vulnerability and to hone in. They can be and, as per the attorney, are frequently taken advantage of by caregivers, family members, even the good old handyman - anyone without a fear of God, and willing to lie to get what they want, whether it is for power or money or both.

However, God is in control and we need to keep on trusting him and remembering that. In the very next verse, I may be insensitive, but it is encouraging:

"Therefore disaster will overtake her in an instant; she will be suddenly destroyed - without remedy."

And, in the next set of verses, we are told that two of the seven things "the Lord hates, that are detestable to him" are:

"A false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers "

(and sisters and grandkids). There we go with the dissing again. God hates it and deals with it. In fact, he has been, so far, in some very amazing ways. When this is all over and done, perhaps I'll blog the full report. Suffice it to say though that he cares and does intervene. Praise God!

The Little Old Man of George St.

Is God Impressed?

Photo by Byron
Temples are still there on the high places.

Is God impressed? I don't think so. No more today than in the time of ancient Israel.

"They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless."

What we consider worthwhile is not very often what God does. Today we have perhaps some new gods - which most people wouldn't think of calling idols. But what is a false god, other than something we trust in for truth and help and self worth? The big ones of our age are science, technology, education, drugs, and medicine - aside from and along with the more ancient gods of money, power and sex.

Did you ever think that just possibly public icons like Marie Cure or Albert Einstein were not so especially worthwhile in God's eyes. Certainly no more, and maybe less, than a child of his who follows after the things close to his own heart. And, we have no need to wonder about that either. He has taken the trouble to communicate and preserve for us his precious Word. If a doctor has found a new way of saving lives, that may be good, but only to the extent that it gives someone an opportunity to seek and serve God in any bonus years they're given. Time that is only a blink in eternity.

Hezekiah was told to prepare himself, that he would die of the illness he had, but after he sought the Lord for healing, with tears, he was given an extra 15 years to live. He then managed to annoy God with his pride and to produce a son, Manasseh, one of the more wicked kings ever to rule Judah.

Jesus tells us, his followers, that we will do great and worthwhile things. That is great in God's eyes.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

Greater than those things (the miracles - verse 11) Jesus did!? Wow! And, that wouldn't be discovering a new asteroid and naming it after yourself either.

Battle Alert is Full Time

As soon as we are victorious in a battle, the next one must be prepared for, because sure as shooting the enemy will recoup and return. In 1 Kings, we read about Ahab's win over the Arameans. Afterward, the prophet who had foretold his victory came to the king and told him to "Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again."

When Satan left Jesus in the desert after tempting him, "he left him until an opportune time."
And, as well, Scripture warns us "if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

I think this can be especially dangerous to more mature Christians. We think we've got things under control, that we're strong in the Lord, and guards can be let down. Maybe there is a temptation to slack off on reading in the Word (after all, how many times have we read it already?) or praying, unless we really need something. I know when my back went out a month or so ago, it was a lot harder to read lying down. When in pain, prayers can be cut short quite easily. It is possible to give in to discouragement. I could kneel down ok though and decided it was a better position anyway, as per my earlier post.

Letting up on any of the full armor of God leaves us open to Satan's opportune time for attack. And, yes, that massage therapist did a terrific job. I feel like things are improving.

Life Labels

Practicing to be a princess?

Reading in I Kings this morning I was struck by how certain people are referred to. There is mention of "Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh"; a "Shemaiah the man of God" is mentioned; and I Kings 13 tells the story of a fellow known only as "a man of God" - even later when King Josiah, as predicted, came across his bones, the man is still referred to as "the man of God who foretold these things." In the whole story that is the only name given him. What are we primarily known as or for?

Jesus (means Jehovah saves) was known as The Messiah (Christ), it became part of his name. John the Baptist was also known as a prophet. The role we play or what we do identifies us. A woman or man of God then, as a life identifier, is not a shabby goal. Some, after their death, will be known as maybe a famous bestselling author, the T.V. news reporter, a mother of four, nuclear scientist, inventor of electricity, Pope, president of a country, actress, realtor or insurance salesman. All very nice, but not what we should want to be primarily remembered as. Not the highest level of success in any field. God doesn't look at success in the same way the world does. What will be my main label or yours?

Clementine the Yeasty Girl

Clementine

200-year-old French sourdough starter.

This (name changed to protect the original) girl's been around for quite awhile, though she's just joined our household. Another mouth to feed. Only once a week though, if we keep her in the refrigerator.

Of course, when following the recipe for a loaf of sourdough bread I used 2 cups of starter, instead of 1 like the directions called for. Figured if one is good, then 2 will be better? Later, when the final proofing didn't rise as high as I would have hoped, the thought occurred to me that the rising power comes from the yeasts eating available flour. Less flour plus more yeast = less food for everybody. Deep thoughts. And, this Scripture popped into my head to batten things down, just in case I didn't get it: "Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?" 1 Corinthians 5:6

On the bright side, the bread tasted great, especially while still warm. A moist, chewy texture with crunchy crust, melted butter, oh yeah. Also, it went very nicely at lunch today with a bowl of my (left-over) Cold Kefir Cucumber Soup, posted on the yummy food blog, Nami-Nami.

For me, it's a parable of following God's directions - his recipe for a blessed life. Going off on your own, thinking you have a better idea than your Creator, doesn't produce optimum results. Gotta keep checking that manual.

Is She a Hotty?

Who are we dressing to please? Two recent posts, Kim writing, Is There a Happy Medium? at the Upward Call blog and Dan Phillips at Pyromaniacs with his excellent repeat article, Sister...show Mercy! were inspirational for mine. I'd been thinking of writing about an experience I had not too long ago and they have encouraged me to go ahead with it.

Our Church (at that time) Praise & Worship team had 3 or 4 teen girls, some of whom dressed more provocatively than others, but all were at least borderline. Pastor issued them a request to modify, modestly, their dress. However, one young lady continued to wear, Sunday after Sunday, very "dressy" clothes that were at the same time, tight, way above the knee, belly button showing, etc. And, I knew men in the congregation were struggling. Finally, after one service I approached the girl, mind you apart from the others, as an elder woman, on Church Council, and spoke very gently and diplomatically, I thought. I told her that she was not dressed appropriately for a Church Worship team (or anywhere else really - but I didn't mention that) and that men shouldn't have to struggle with impure thoughts, to have that sort of temptation in their face, in church of all places. And, up on a stage where our attention is focused for the duration of what is supposed to be a focus on worship of God.

Well, she mumbled that she didn't understand, that her grandma had said she looked just beautiful that morning before they left for church. I told her she did, but that wasn't the point. Fashionable, yes, she was. Dressed up, yes. Sexy to the max as well. She cried a bit and went off to tell her family.

And then, all hell broke loose. I got a call at home shortly after church from her father, using obscenities, racial slurs, cursing... and mother could be heard in the background chiming in.... to think that I would have the nerve to tell their daughter how she should dress! Well, THEY surely weren't doing it. And, nothing changed.

To make a long story short, we ended up leaving that congregation, for a number of reasons. She went on to have a baby out of wedlock shortly after. I don't know if anyone ever learned anything. I came to the conclusion that if a father doesn't explain clearly to his daughter what effect dressing provocatively has on men, with ideally his wife backing him up, and if he further, doesn't enforce a dress code, girls just don't get it at that age, I certainly didn't, and often they won't until much later. The responsibility is clearly with parents, biblically speaking. Though, in the absence of that, in some situations, a pastor or church elders should be able to come alongside. What about a sermon once in awhile? And, what are they doing in their "Youth Groups", aside from having fun and games, if a basic teaching like this cannot be communicated?

In an earlier age I suppose they erred in over-dressing competitively and expensively. In our time it's under-dressing, sometimes competitively and even expensively. Is it to please God, our peers, members of the opposite sex, the family cat, who??

I have been recommended an excellent little book on the subject, Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard.

Steely-eyed Focus

Meet my brother's dog, Eddie. You see that ball? He's very protective of it. Fixated you might say. Puts up a tremendous struggle if you try to take it from him. You throw the ball and he's ON IT.
No distractions. It is priority one.

So, what is my focus? What is priority one in my life? Hopefully, not anything material. I was just talking to my nephew about Emergency Medic as a career option, discussing how you deal with the death of someone you may have grown close to. But, we're all on that train of life, not knowing what stop will be ours. We're all terminal, in terms of this life. Only a relationship with God extends the trip into eternity. You can think of it in that way. You may be the one who keeps them on the train for awhile, and or the one who helps them get an eternal ticket.

You get the idea. Number one, top priority, intense focus needs to be that relationship with my Creator. Because I don't know, and none of us do, how much time we have on this life train.

Hilo Farmer's Market and Prayer Post

It's A Farmer's Market Day

In Hilo, that's Wednesdays and Saturdays. So, I went with mangoes on my mind and was not disappointed. Besides that, there were fresh radishes, and etc. etc....

While there, I took a few pictures, and talked to an old acquaintance, Danny, who mans a corner stall, selling plants, especially carnivorous ones. Yes, they do eat bugs. I mentioned putting the photos on my blog and about the parables we encounter in our lives. Danny reminded me that these plants use a sweet attractant and then trap the insects once they're drawn in. Just as we are warned about in various Proverbs, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." We can be seduced by something that seems good.

Do you see the little sacs? Those are the traps, holding rain water to drown the unwary bugs. Poor dears.

Being armed against temptation is only one reason why we need to be in prayer. I was reading some of the responses on a Meme that was recently circulating in the blogosphere - comments were invited about the things we are afraid to mention in church or to other Christians. It seems that many people have trouble with prayer, the need for it, the usefulness of it, and making time for a prayer life.

If I have a question about something that's discussed in the Word of God, that's where I go for an answer. What did Jesus do? If at all possible, we can check that. Jesus, as perfect and sinless as he was, and Creator of the Universe (it boggles the mind), found the time, saw the need to spend time in prayer with his Father. He is our model and best example. Do we need it less than he did? And, sometimes, we are told, it was for the whole night! Luke 6:12

Even with people around him (what I would call a real distraction), he was able to be "praying in private." Luke 9:18 Not being able to get off by ourselves is not necessarily an excuse. He was an example to his disciples and us, and taught about prayer. Luke 11:1-13

In addition, it was a habit with him. Reading in Luke 22:39-42, we see that he went "as usual to the Mount of Olives" to pray. He "knelt down" - now this is God's own Son! And, He asks "If you are willing, take this cup from me; (the request) yet not my will, but yours be done." What about naming and claiming it? Also, "he prayed more earnestly." This brings to mind what James 5:16-17 says about the fervent prayer of the righteous.

Some of the comments mentioned not wanting or feeling like praying at or for meals. Jesus is once again our model for right action. He, Creator of the Universe, gave thanks. Someone else suggested that those people should fast for at least 24 hours and then they might be more thankful for the next meal.

How can you sustain a relationship with someone without talking to them (prayer) or listening to them (reading his Word and listening for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit)? I don't think it's possible.

Who or what are our gods now?

It was instructive to observe in 1 Samuel 4:3, how after a defeat,

"The elders of Israel asked, 'Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?'"

Good so far, but in the very next sentence, without so much as a pause for reflection, much less prayer and supplication, or waiting on the Lord, they answer their own question. They'll bring the Ark along next time. That's the ticket! Aren't we smart?

How often do we do the same thing? Ask the Lord for an answer, without any real intention of listening for his response? Of seriously waiting and seeking? Instead, I often do the first brilliant thing that pops into my head that looks like it might work.

And, as we learn from this story, there is no blessing in their own solution. To the contrary, they get another defeat, worse this time, as well as loss of Israel's Ark of the Covenant, and the death of the High Priest, and his two sons (not such a loss there).

Right before the battle, the Philistines had heard the Israelites shouting when the Ark was brought into their camp, and said: "A god has come into the camp..." (verse 7) And, they were correct, in a sense. Israel had made a false god of the Ark: "...so it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." (verse 3) Appropriately enough, the Ark, when captured, is placed beside the Philistine god, Dagon, in his temple. And, what happens next is one of my favorite stories.

So, we need to ask ourselves, what are the things we use today to "save us" when God seems too remote or not answering fast enough, or loud enough, or in the way we would like?