Good-bye Liberty, Hello Utopia

I’m always telling my kids that school is their job and they should always work hard and do their best. But what if the grades they earned were treated like the wages we earn at our jobs...


Billy was always a good student. All through school he worked hard and earned all A’s except for one B in sixth grade P.E. and ended up finishing middle school as the third highest in his class. It was a sad summer day when his parents announced that they were moving in August from their home in Liberty, Texas to Utopia, just east of San Antonio. They would be settled in just in time for Billy to start high school.

As the school year started, wanting to make a good first impression at the new school, Billy really hit the books hard. The other students didn’t seem to take school too seriously. Billy thought perhaps this would give him just the edge he needed to graduate first in his high school class. He studied every night and always completed his homework assignments on time. On every paper, every assignment, every test he scored 100 percent. That’s what made his parents quite perplexed when after the first grading period his report card showed straight C’s. His parents scheduled a meeting with his teachers to discuss his grades. They took every scrap of paper he had produced showing he had received the highest scores possible on everything.

At the start of the meeting one of the teachers opened stating that after he had spoken to Billy’s parents he did decide to review his grades, as did all the other teachers. All of them realized there was a mistake on Billy’s report card. They presented the revised grades to Billy’s parents. His grades had been changed to all D’s.

“What is the meaning of this?” Billy’s father asked. “I’m holding all Billy’s papers and they all show he received 100 percent on everything. How could he get all D’s with scores like that?” he demanded.

“We had another straight A student, but she transferred out before the end of the grading period. That’s how we mistakenly had given your son a C.”

Perplexed, Billy’s father asked, “Why on earth would the transfer of another student have any impact on my son’s grade?”

“Oh that’s right. You came here from Liberty. You’d don’t understand how the grading system works here in Utopia.” The teacher began to explain, “To make things fair for every body, points are taken away from the ones who have earned more and given to those students who haven’t. The harder you work and more points you earn, the more you have taken away for the benefit of the rest of the students. Isn’t the Utopian school system wonderful? We all hope Billy will keep working hard and getting these wonderful grades.”


I bet if you were Billy or his parents you’d be very ticked off that he is having the fruits of his hard work taken away from him. As crazy as it sounds, this is just how wage earners are treated under the tax system.

July 4, 1776 - Change We Can Believe In

“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government.”

So starts the document we celebrate each July fourth. Have you ever read it for yourself? A majority of the body of this Declaration lists specific grievances about which the Representatives of the Colonies had repeatedly petitioned the established government. The response from the King had been only greater tyranny. So fifty-six brave and bold men, “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,” signed their names and pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to bring about the change that they believed in. This was their duty. Not a plot to gain political power or great personal riches. If only we had real leaders and statesmen like that today.

I can only imagine what these Founding Fathers would have to say about the current tyranny we now live under. What would their response be to a government that takes over private companies, that allows property to be seized before a trial in which guilt has been proved, that passes legislation in the middle of the night which hasn’t even been read? Governments are instituted among men to secure our unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Not to erode or strip those rights away. Our present day government seems to have more in common with that of the King of England from 1776 than it does to the one established in our Constitution.

"Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God." Thomas Jefferson

"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." George Washington

“A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicity.” Thomas Jefferson

“I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." Thomas Jefferson

"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty.... And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure."
Thomas Jefferson


Know what you celebrate this July Fourth. Understand how this Nation was brought into being and the cost to those who made it happen. Remember, as Thomas Jefferson says, that lethargy is “the forerunner of death to the public liberty.” Don’t just light a sparkler, reignite the fire of Liberty!

Personal Bankruptcy Crisis Solved

I heard this on a network news story yesterday. "Every thirty seconds in the United States, someone files bankruptcy in the aftermath of a serious health problem."

Being a numbers kind of guy, I thought I'd see just how many bankruptcies that was in a year. Here's what I came up with. Using the "every thirty seconds" number, the total medical related bankruptcies for one year would be equal to 1,051,200. (2 filings x 60 minutes = 120 an hour, x 24 hours = 2,880 a day, x 365 days = 1,051,200 a year) According to the Financial Post, the total number of bankruptcies in 2008 were 1,117,771. The Financial Post further states that of the 2008 bankruptcies, 45,546 are business filings. This means there were only 23,025 filings for reasons other than "serious health problems" if this news story's claim is true. Really? Only 2% of bankruptcies are due to financial irresponsibility or circumstances other than unpayable medical costs?

In a way I feel much better, knowing that there aren't a bunch of people out there living beyond their means and misusing credit, buying houses, cars, boats and other toys they can't afford. Maybe the government should just write checks to all the doctors and medical facilities to pay off all these health related bills that are causing the personal bankruptcies of these otherwise responsible citizens. It sure makes more sense than the billions and billions of dollars spent to bail out the banks and other companies. This simple plan would eliminate nearly 98% of the personal bankruptcies IF the numbers from this news story are correct. I saw it on TV. It's got to be true, right?

Fast Thoughts on Fast Food News

Ok, I know they don't like the "Fast Food" term and they are supposed to be called "Quick Serve Restaurants" now. But But QSR just didn't sound right in my title. Anyway, after a month off, I'm here commenting on the following.

I was watching Fox and Friends the other morning and saw an ad for Popeyes. What struck me as funny is their new ad slogan. "Louisiana Fast" Just think about that. I know, stereotyping isn't nice. But really, have you ever been to Louisiana? That slogan appears to be more of an oxymoron, doesn't it? I'm just saying, the pace of life down in that part of the country seems, um, well a bit more "relaxed" than other places I've been.

Then there was Reed Harris from New Mexico who came up with a memorable way to propose to his girlfriend. He hid the ring in her Frosty from Wendy's and then challenged her in a Frosty eating race. Having invited friends to watch the event, I'm sure he didn't quite plan on the way it turned out. His girlfriend, Kaitlin Whipple, must be very competitive. She won the race and never even noticed there was a ring somewhere in the midst of the all the Frosty she had swallowed. But it all turned out all right in the end. They are planning to wed in May or June. It made me think of Melissa from the Bachelor. I'm sure she wanted to tell Jason to stick the ring he gave to her where the sun don't shine.

And finally, we have the McNugget meltdown of Latreasa Goodman. She ordered and paid for a 10-piece, but then was told they were out of nuggets. When she was only offered alternate food items rather than a refund she called 9-1-1. Not once. Not twice. But three times. Maybe she called 3 times because she expected the police to respond in a New York minute and they were responding Louisiana Fast instead. When told by the 9-1-1 operator that 9-1-1 was for emergencies she said, "this is an emergency, my McNuggets are an emergency." I guess QT isn't the only place that has serious food.

Quote for the day

"in the end we have a choice: burnout & cynicism vs. being true to what God has called you to, regardless of what change that brings to your current situation."

This is from Kim's Blog. She the very gifted worship leader (Sorry to short change you, Kim. I know that doesn't even begin to describe how wonderful you are.) at my church who just attended the 2009 re:create conference. It's some kind of worship leader get together thingy. And from what I've gathered, it's pretty cool. I'm sure this quote came in the context of being ministry. But it really has been making me think.

As some may know, I've been in kind of a restless, wrestling stage lately. Got those big "What? Where? When?" questions bouncing around. But I do find that, even if I'm not sure where I should be tomorrow, if I determine for now that where I am is right where God wants me, I am much less cynical or prone to feel burnt out in my job.

The hard part will be if/when I clearly know what God calls me to, can I embrace the "regardless of what change that brings to your current situation" part? It just makes me think about the Casting Crowns lyrics, "Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense. Deep water faith in the shallow end." One never really knows for sure until the time comes to act. I'd so like to think I could do something "regardless." But really, would I? Much like my youngest in the pool. She's so brave when she can touch the bottom. But take her out deeper, even when I reassure her that I will let nothing happen to her, and she is very afraid. I know she knows I love her and all. But still, her fear is greater than her faith that I won't allow any harm to come to her. One thing that does happen when I take her out deeper (other than the screaming), she clings more tightly to me.

Cling more tightly. That's not such a bad way to handle when we're in the deep end of life, is it?

What would DayVee do?

How can you tell that I'm having a bad day at work? How about when it's after 4:00 in the afternoon and I'm still downing coffee. And it's not even very good coffee. Why do I let myself get so stressed about my job at this time of the year? I'd go seek some professional help about it. But in the end I know they'd tell me it was just my parent's fault. You know, that being raised with a good work ethic kind of stuff and trying to live up to their expectations.

Not that I mind hard work or doing my best. And I do like what I do. But it is just a job. Like I told them when I interviewed here the decade an a half or so ago, a job isn't who I am. It's just a necessary evil because things cost money. I have a job to earn money with which I provide for my family. Hmmmm. If money was not an issue, meaning I had no debt and didn't have to worry about having to pay for a place to live or food, clothing or transportation, my basic needs, what would I want to do?

That's a question I've been pondering for a few weeks. Perhaps with a little twist or two. Like not what would I want to do but what would/does God want me to do? Couple that with Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Realistically, I have no unmet material needs. In fact, like most Americans, I have far more than I need. And in my heart I know God is faithful. But if God clearly said to me quit your job and do "X" could I? Would I have enough trust in Him to "drop my nets" and follow Him? Would you? Do you?

Just thinking....

This will be a post in which I have very little to say. I have so may thing bouncing around in my brain and have so many more questions about the will of God than answers at this point in time.

If one has to, which does one choose, making a living or making a difference?

When is something confirmation of God's leading and when is it just a reasoned intellectual decision?

on the flip side...

How does one know when God is really closing a door or it's just a rationalization of why not to do something that might be hard?

Is there such a thing as something being the wise thing to do even when it seems crazy?

Is it because I am too close to myself that I seem to have such little clarity and discernemnt?

Whatever You’re Doing

Sanctus Real - Whatever You’re Doing
From the album We Need Each Other

It’s time for healing, time to move on,
it’s time to fix what’s been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong;
it’s time to find my way to where I belong

Chorus:
There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender
Whatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace
And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything – I surrender

Chorus:

Time to face up, clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out that I’ve wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but I believe …
You’re up to something bigger than me
Larger than life, something heavenly

Whatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life
Something heavenly, something heavenly

Time to face up, clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

Today in worship...

I was overwhelmed today in worship. The thing that caught me off guard was the way it all hit me and what song prompted this. The hymn was written about 175 years ago by Edward Mote;

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

The message is so simple and is so where I'm at these days. I've been prompted by my daily Bible reading these past few months to re-examine the things in my life through the filter of am I trusting in Jesus or other stuff in the way I live my life. All other ground is sinking sand, save building on the hope of Christ.

Then the sermon containing Philipppians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."

Am I really confident that He'll complete it or am I still trying to force how I think things should be? Surrender, complete and unconditional surrender, that's what it takes. God is faithful. I am not. Solid ground or sinking sand? What's it going to be? I choose The Solid Rock.

Then to close with "From the Inside Out."

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

This song always gets me. But today. Boy I had a hard time containing myself. I just tried to tune out everybody else and sang this wholeheartedly like I never had before. I know I'm so flawed and have failed a thousand times a thousand. But there is no half-way with God. We either submit to Him and let Him consume us or we don't. His will above all esle, my purpose remains the art of losing myself in bringing Him praise. My purpose is not to live my life my way. But to let Him live through me in a way that brings glory and praise to Him. I just read earlier this week that it profits a man nothing to gain the whole world but lose his soul. But whoever loses his life for the sake of Christ will save it. I don't know what's next. But I guess I shouldn't be too concerned. I'm not driving anyway, And the One who is, knows where He's going.

Just words about words

When I'm working in a couple of applications at the same time or surfing on the web and I type but my cursor doesn't seem to be anywhere, where do all those letters or words go? I know I typed something. And sometimes they were log ins and passwords. Is somebody collecting all that somewhere? Does it all end up in a dead letter office somewhere?

Dead letters. Hmmm. Were they ever really alive?

I'm so glad I learned English as a child while my mind still had room to keep track of all the odd things in the language. Like the words to, too, two or do, dew, due. Or what about the word live. Casting Crowns played live in the house where I live. The word looks the same but I bet you read it two different ways in that sentence.

How did I ever learn which way to spell the "f" sound. The rough, fat philanthropist from Philadelphia had enough funds. How does somebody know when hot and cool mean the same thing or are opposites? Does every language have these kinds of issues?

Or what about when a word changes. My kid were reading an older book and it used the word "gay" as in happy, joyful. But somewhere it came to mean a person who is attracted to another person of the same sex. Oh, and what about the word marriage. It's defined as a legal union between a man and woman as husband and wife. You think I'll get stares from people if I announce that my parents have a gay marriage? Some people might think they are very progressive. That is until they find out I have a male father and a female mother and they are happy together as husband and wife. I guess I've just determined I'm all for gay marriage.