Why we need Jesus...

"Reason and morality cannot show us a good and gracious God.  For that, we need the incarnation...The God revealed in Christ does what reason and morality cannot to...Many people today act like someone has created a peace treaty between reason and faith, after reason won the war...Special revelation, especially the incarnation, is precisely where the Christian faith breaks down the wall our culture has erected between faith and reason...The gospel creates not speculative pundits, spiritual gurus, or moralists but witnesses."

Excerpted from "The God Who Came Down" 

by Michael Horton

What a difference a day makes...

Each year, on December 28, I pause to reflect on my story.

Life moves past us at such a brisk pace that it's easy to forget what life was like 44 years ago; what life could have been like, had God not intervened that night in 1968.  It was the last Saturday night of the year; I had a plan for my evening, and it certainly did not include an up close conversation with God.  But, He had a different plan...and, as it turns out, it changed my life forever.

But the path to that evening in 1968 started many years before...when my Grandmother, who lived with us at the time, would gather me up and carry me off to Church and Sunday School--I still have my first Bible, the one mom gave me to take to church with Grandma.  I didn't know, until I was a young adult, that my grandmother faithfully prayed for me each day--that "BJ would experience the power of Christ in his life and embrace Jesus as his Lord and Savior."  She eventually moved back to her roots in Fort Scott Kansas.  But I continued to get myself to church until about the 8th grade.

I don't recall why I decided to "drop out" but I'm sure it just didn't feel very "cool" to attend church and sunday shcool any longer--and since I went by myself, it was my decision to make.  Fast forward to the fall of my Jr. year in High School.  One evening I landed at a "Campus Life" meeting at the home of a classmate (Jim Rehnberg)...it was the kickoff for the school year and as advertised, it was a "Burger Bash"--all you could eat--and a huge crowd of students.  But I got more that evening than a big meal.  The Campus Life leader, Mark Zier, gave a short talk at the end and he asked the crowd..."If you died tonight, do you know where you're going?"  I didn't; it bothered me, then I moved on.

On the evening of December 28, 1968 I was set to attend an "Afterxms" party with some buddies (Jerry McClain was driving).  Our "wires got crossed" (coincidence?) and they never showed up; stuck, I recalled something was happening at the Rec-center with Campus Life that night--they called it a "Campus Life Rally."  There was a girl I had some interest in (Colleen Rehnberg) and I knew she would probably be there (I was right);  I managed to catch Mark (Zier) before he'd left his house.  He was delighted when I called, and he swung by and picked me up.  An evening of activities, music and then a guy, Roger Cross, got up and challenged me again about my life and death.  This time I was ready and wanted to get this question resolved; Mark talked with me and then invited me to pray a short, simple prayer, and the rest...is history.

Three weeks later I went to the Ventura "Rally" because Mark asked me to share about my recent conversion experience with that half of the county we lived in. Mark mentioned a girl he thought I'd really like, a cute sophomore at Buena HS named Laura--he wanted to introduce us; he was right.  In that span of three weeks I'd had two introductions that literally changed the direction and the outcome of my life: I'd trusted Christ and met my future wife--we married 3 years, 48 weeks and 6 days later.

My home was a rather complicated place.  Lot's of love and pain.  I was carrying some emotional baggage by that time and was making some bad choices.  Christ changed all that in an instant.  The baggage was there--if fact it didn't get fully "unpacked" for years.  But His presence in my life set me in a "best direction" that just never wavered.  Laura's family became a surrogate family for me as our relationship grew; they, especially her dad (my dad died suddenly in 1970), filled a great need in my life.

In the 80's there was a popular gospel song written by Bill Gaither that describes my story, I get choked up every time I sing it; the chorus declares..."Something beautiful, something good; all my confusion He understood, all I had to offer him was brokenness and strife, but He made something, beautiful, out of my life."

December, 28, 1968.  What a difference a day makes.

2013: a "Big Ben" year...

Four big milestones in 2013. 

• Celebrate 40 years married to Laura January 5.  
• Watch the Irish make it 12 National titles on January 7.  
• Mark entrance into my 6th decade on March 14, my 60th birthday.
• Blessed to have had 45 yeas "in Christ" December 28.

It's been a good life.

#59...

Christmas #59 is in the books.  

Some random thoughts...

• Had a great celebration...but with some missing parts; family in CA, NJ, NC, CO...wish we could all be together.
• Erin hosted again on XmsEve...Laura on XmsDay. (I am keeping Christ in Christmas..."X" is the ancient symbol for Christ. Greek letter Chi "X" is the first letter of Greek "Xristos" or Christ...nuf' said.) They did such a wonderful job making us all feel at home and feeding us very well.
• One member of the family was just recovering from the flu, so glad she felt just well enough to join us...so much appreciate the effort it took.
• Grand sons are growing up too fast.
• Movie selection this year "Trouble with a Curve Ball."

But this year there was an undercurrent of sadness and concern; it was buried inside us, but it was there.  Why wouldn't it be?  Grief over the senseless murders of people in Oregon and Connecticut, an ambush/murder of two first responders in New York state, bitter division that still plagues our government, a population unwilling to celebrate our diversity and unable settle on what constitutes our "core values," uncertainty about the economy and a health-care system, a school system sabotaged by politicians which is exhausting the people charged with the task of education (4 in my family), 10+ years of war, a future for our children, grandchildren...our Nation.

These are disquieting times.  The conclusion to President Abraham Lincoln's 2nd inagural address seems so appropriate to these days we're living in...

"...With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

Lincoln saved the Nation once.  Perhaps his wisdom might point the way again.

God's love never fails...

We are the reason for the season...

"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners...God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us..."

Christmas is joyous because God's love never fails.

Shalom L'Chaim, in Christ.

Blog, blah, blah...

Someone asked me recently "why do you blog?  Nobody reads it, what's the point?" 

It's not the "reading" that's the magic. 

For now...it's the writing; great therapy, keeps me engaged, demands rigorous thought and teaches me a great deal as I work through the process.

For later...I'm leaving a cyber "paper trail" that my friends, family...especially my kids and grandkids...can log onto and "hear" me, remember me; who I was, what my passions in life were, how I thought and what I valued. I pray it just might make a difference in their lives someday...can you spell l-e-g-a-c-y?

Grateful to live in an era that has empowered me "go on the record" and leave something of what makes me unique behind.  I can't live forever, but the words I leave behind, they can.

A city, set on a hill...

December 1, 1862 Abraham Linclon reminded the nation: America is "the last best hope of the earth."    Though often reviled around the world, at times with good reason, I believe that President Lincoln's premise has been demonstrated repeatedly over the past 150 years.  

May God contine to bless America; may He empower us to be people of character and good will; with generous hearts, brilliant minds and dynamic vision...for making tHis world a better place.

A city set on a hill, cannot be hidden.

Goof proof...

"The Incarnation of Christ serves as a glorious reminder that God’s willingness to clean things up is infinitely bigger than our willingness to mess things up."

TULLIAN TCHIVIDJIAN

Final solution...

It's a FB day.  Checking in from time to time, with special attention to what friends are posting in the wake of Oregon and Connecticut.  Some talk about "arming teachers."  Makes me wonder, what are you thinking?

Arming teachers and asking them to act in yet one more enormous role is NOT the answer.  This knee-jerk reaction (arming teachers) is part of the larger problem facing us this morning.  Too many people have bagged on their responsibilities for creating a "user-friendly" culture--this would of course be true of SOME teachers; BUT it's a big tent filled with parents, extended family members, the Church, politicians, the entertainment icons and their handlers, the culture of our Colleges and Universities and corporate profits--seems a good start on a long list.

In the name of freedom we have acted in ways that have produced unintended consequences.  We have come to believe that because we have the protection under law to do something, produce something, say something--we can.  The irony is that liberty in that context is license--and license leads, too often, to lawlessness.  One of the most important lessons I learned at home was this; just because I CAN do something, doesn't not mean I SHOULD do it. 

If we as a culture, can get back to this simple lesson and apply it with consistency to the way we LIVE our lives, run our companies, invest our money, lead our homes, churches, communities and our nation, THEN I believe we will have taken a FIRST-STEP toward restoring sanity to our decision making process and rebuilding the ramparts that protect our culture from evil and devolution toward certain destruction.

But mark this, the final solution is a spiritual one.  The Older Testament prophet Micah lived in a truly evil world.  The theme of his prophetic letter stresses the integral relationship between true spirituality and righteous conduct.  Toward the end of his letter he turns to an axiomatic concern: Micah 6.6 "...with what shall I come to the Lord and bow myself before the God on high?"   In today's vernacular it might sound something like this..."What kind of life will reflect and infuse truth in a world whose reality is based solely on pragmatism and driven by relativism?"  He reveals that answer to us in chapter 6, verse 8... 

"He has showed you O man, what is good.  To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."   Micah 6.8

Friends, it's not a fiscal cliff we see looming on the horizon.

Lost and found...

Loss. I've had my share over the years.

Two weeks after I graduated from High School, my father died, I was 17. In 1984, just after my 31st birthday, my mother died . I was 38 when I learned I had diabetes. I began a "rest of my life" battle with skin cancer in 1996, at age 43. Disappointment...oh my, where do I start. Failure--several crushing instances. Unrealized dreams, of course.

My story isn't unique. It's called, "being human." Loss is just a part of the "living experience." Life is hard, and, can be very harsh. Loss, though we all face it, is not simply a one size fits all process. For some, loss means never experiencing "what could have been." For others it's remembering "what was." For all of us it's losing people we love, to death. Life's "Harsh passages" include broken relationships, disease, tragic accidents, children "lost" in adolescence and never able to move on to productive adult lives, addiction, betrayal, unfaithful spouses and/or friends...have I described your "loss-story" yet?

Recently, an extended family member, and friend, facing a number of very difficult circumstances posted a comment about loss, she concluded, "Easy to be philiosophical...easy to be grateful too." As I paused to reflect on her words, I was struck by this profound insight.

"Easy to be grateful too..."  Really?  We can't, generally, control loss. Bad things happen to good (and bad) people. We can, however, control our attitude and our response to loss. We can ask "why me?" or we can declare "why NOT me!" That's the "philosophical" part.

The "grateful" part comes when, our pain notwithstanding, we aren't swallowed by bitterness; through the darkness of the moment, we still see the sunshine we've experienced over the years--as well as the expectation that the sun will shine again. Loss frames our perspective. It reminds us of the providence of God and the blessings we enjoy and have enjoyed through the ebb and flow of life. It's ironic, loss and gratitude are two sides of the same coin. Tennyson understood this when he penned "It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."

The sentiment that struck me as so profound was "easy." It just never occurred to my friend to not be grateful. The emotional and spiritual place that she "lives" made gratitude a logical extension, not of her pain, but of His promise. The Psalmist (42.5) said it this way..

"Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and my God."

Loss isn't abandonment. It isn't the death of hope. It's an intersection of life where one can step back and see life not just for what it isn't, but for what it is; it's at that place, in that moment, we see the goodness of God, and it's easy to be grateful.

Lost and found. A fitting description.

The Art of Power...

I'm reading Jon Meacham's new book Thomas Jefferson: the Art of Power.   The election of 1800 required 32 elector ballots before Jefferson prevailed to become the nations 3rd President.

In his first inaugural address, March 4, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson made this remark.  

"All will bear in mind the sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable.  That the minority posses their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.  Let us then, fellow citizens, unite in one heart and one mind."  

These words, as with so many preserved and passed down from the Founders, have particular application as we move into 2013 with our current administration of shared power in WDC.

May God bless America with leadership who shall embrace this counsel from ages past, so relevant still, yet so elusive.

My Christmas wish list...

The 7 modern sins...

• Wealth without work
• Industry without morality
• Worship without sacrifice
• Politics without principles
• Science without humanity
• Knowledge without character
• Pleasures without conscience

Work, morality, sacrifice, principles, humanity, character and conscience.  This is my Christmas wish list for America in 2012; my prayer for my nation in 2013 and beyond...

"Father create in us a hunger for what is right and just.  Help us to understand...that a love of money, is the root of all evil; that work is an honorable endeavor that shapes our character and gives us meaning and purpose; that industry must, in the end, produce social justice and opportunity for all; that politics is the business of the people, by the people and for the people and is the most noble and self-sacrificing life call a citizen can pursue; that we celebrate what science discovers in the context of enriching our appreciation for our uniqueness as humankind and creating in us a deeper spiritual hunger; that we seek knowledge as a path to humility; that pleasure be the by-product of good character, honest work and noble intention, and not an end in itself; that we understand that living a values-centered life does by definition require sacrifice...and may all this lead us to declare that 'You, are the awesome God.'"

Infamy...

December 7, 1941. 

2400 dead. 1200 wounded.

18 US Ships and 300 planes destoryed or damaged.

"A date that will live in infamy"   President Roosevelt

"I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant and instilled in him a terrible resolve."  Admiral Yamamoto

Both men were right; the world was rescued from an Axis of evil, but not before millions lost their lives.  Freedom isn't free.

WE...are the reason.

We are the reason for the season...

"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners...God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us..." Rom 5.6, 8 NLT

Christmas is joyous because God's love never fails.  

Shalom L'Chaim, in Christ.   

Emanuel...God, with us!

"Reason and morality cannot show us a good and gracious God.  For that, we need the incarnation...The God revealed in Christ does what reason and morality cannot do....Many people today act like someone has created a peace treaty between reason and faith, after reason won the war...Special revelation, especially the incarnation, is precisely where the Christian faith breaks down the wall our culture has erected between faith and reason...The gospel creates not 
speculative pundits, spiritual gurus, or moralists but witnesses."

Excerpts from "The God Who Came Down" by Michael Horton

Christianity Today, December 2011 issue

Can I get a witness?

The urgent threat...

"These are the times that try men's souls" wrote Thomas Paine in his pamphlet "The American Crisis" published Dec 23, 1776; the Colonies faced the almost certain prospect of defeat in their war for indpendence. Paine implored Americans "don't give up the fight."

As the curtain begins to drop on 2012: our economy is misfiring, the world is a more dangerous place than ever before, we face the prospect of a nuclear Iran, an ascendant China...but the fact is that virtually every generation of Americans were forced to face down a crisis...and they survived, thrived and grew strong on the idea of the American Dream.

We must remember to "keep the main thing," the main thing. The "idea of America" has been the fuel driving our resolve to be "one nation, under God, indivisable, with liberty and justice for all;" an idea those who traveled this way before us thought to be worth sacrificing, fighting and dying for. Indifference to this "big idea" is the real, the urgent threat to our liberty.

Resolve to do your part; work hard, make informed decisions, be a person of strong character, celebrate interdependence and respect people who disagree with you--but press them to think outside their "box" and you, think outside yours. Don't give in to fear or indifference--be strong and of good courage. Let's leave a legacy that will inspire a new generation.

Thanks GIVING...

The harvest is nearly all in.

This is the first day of a week of Thanksgiving. These are times that challenge us all; but joy, real joy can't be touched and isn't determined by circumstance... 

"Lord empower us to drill down deep and discover joy in simplicity, in being; a kind touch, a gentle word, a thoughtful deed, a smile, a poignant moment. Use us as instruments that produce a concert of joy in every context we find ourselves this week, and every week. Amen."

Make this a happy thanks GIVING.

..the main thing?

On December 28, 1968 (age 15) I said "yes" to Jesus, and in that moment my life was transformed. Forty-four years since then is...a few.  My life has a not always been a clear reflection of His presence, but it has for the most part been, by His grace, a slow and steady "long obedience in the same direction."

The dynamics of our culture, over my lifetime, could be described as a devolution of "conscience" and evolution of "relevance" as our moral compass.  It's ironic that the most extreme expression of the conservative mind, libertarianism, is in many ways the penultimate form of liberalism.  My point is that "systems of thought," even theological systems of thought, can't change the trajectory of the human spirit. God does that one person, one decision, at a time. We just don't have the temperament to pull that off.  History is filled with movements which morphed into extremism that marginalized human beings, in the name of a "greater-good," producing tyranny and crimes against humankind.

It's not my job save my culture from itself.  The part I have been given, as a Christ-follower, is to point the people in my sphere of influence to God, who can; this is "the main thing" for me.  I'm not called to point them to "systems" or movements that will save the day, but to the God of eternity who loves human beings with an everlasting and long suffering love, a transformative love.  He does the formative work in people that can change culture.

That said, how can I "keep the main thing," the main thing?  I offer 10 simple rules.

• Be humble.
• Love my spouse.
• Act as an agent of peace.
• Trust in the power of God.
• See people the way God sees them.
• Focus on walking close to God on a daily basis.
• Empower my kids and grandkids with a legacy of godliness.
• Declare the principles and precepts of God in a loving, inclusive way.
• Love unconditionally my enemies and those who might seek to hurt me.
• Pray for those raised up as leaders in my church, community and nation.

Systems and movements, by their very nature, devolve. God, is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

I choose God.  He produces change which gives me, gives us all, hope.

Thanksgiving menu...

Kids, grandkids, good table-talk, smiles, a look-back in time and an extra 
helping of making new memories.

What are serving at your house?  Perhaps the key isn't what we bring to the table, it's what we take away.

Hold fast...

Peace withers.             
Order explodes.
Culture devolves. 
Hold fast.

Justice fails.
Virtue punished.
Truth hidden.
Hold fast.

Love lusts.
Innocence lost.
Hope vanished.
Hold fast.

God our stronghold.

He is exalted.

Cease striving.
Hold fast.

Help is on the way.

Where can I run?

Can swift water outrun its flow,
Can darkness swallow the sun?

Where can I run…
His lovingkindness not transform?
His watchcare not attend?
His provision not sustain?
His strength not carry?

Can swift water outrun its flow,
Can darkness swallow the sun?

One and done.

Watergate. 
Forty years and counting.  
Benghazi.
Where is Deep Throat when you need him?  

Need help getting home?

This song has been on my mind and heart today. I can't shake the feeling that someone out there is struggling, searching, feeling lost, but unable to find their way to the calm delight we all long for--but you're ready to embrace a new way.

Jesus said... "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11.28,29

Listen to this song, a soulful heart cry for new direction and real meaning for life. If it resonates with you and you'd like to know more, contact me at goodneighbaier@yahoo.com.

Now children...

Existential Fact: Our political DNA produces lot's of anger and bitterness in this country.  That's always been the case, always will be.  To say otherwise is to redact history; just romantic non-sense.

Existential Fact: Americans are competitive.  We hate to loose.  This is perhaps most intensely experienced in our politics.

Existential Fact: There are haters on the margins of all movements involving people; we pay too much heed to those margins--and the hate tends to bleed back to toward the center.

Now what?

To my conservative friends: Buck-up!  The world hasn't ended.  Stop the whining and stop being sore losers.  Don't be fooled by conservative pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful.  Eat the meat and spit the bones out.  

We conservatives have some work to do--grow, change, think outside the box--let's focus our passion and energy on that process, and perhaps we might emerge with a better message and vision that more Americans can embrace.  We have an obligation as Americans and fellow-citizens with those who see the world differently than we do, to give the Obama Administration: Part 2 a chance...and to actively work to make this administration a success to the degree that our values and principles will allow.  That said,  I submit that it does not have to be an "all or nothing at all" proposition.

To my liberal friends: I stipulate it, you won. You've had a few days to celebrate and wag your fingers; now, be gracious winners and effective leaders.  Don't brand legitimate and passionate disagreement from "the loyal opposition" as "hate speech."  Don't be fooled by liberal pundits--they do have something worthy to say, but they are entertainers seeking to maintain an audience; no need to parrot them--it isn't helpful.  Eat the meat and spit the bones out.  

Liberals would be wise to allow conservatives to have a seat and the table, we constitute nearly half the electorate that turned out on November 6.  It will continue to be impossible to get anything done if the only seats left are at the "back of the bus." Find the good in conservatism and embrace it to the degree that your values and principles will allow.  That said,  I submit that it does not have to be an "all or nothing at all" proposition.

To ALL my friends: We had an election.  Liberals won, conservatives lost...at the top of the ticket.  Now, let's close ranks, stop sniping at each other and get on with the business of fixing America--our government, our communities, our schools, our families and let's work on growing as individuals.

"Now children...," it's time we grew up and gave the next generation, our children, a cultural/political templet that works...or else.

The day after...

It's November 7, let's close ranks and hold those elected to govern responsible for the way they govern; let's also allow them to compromise and advance the business of the Nation forward toward a brighter future.

Remember, we have a new-direction "fork in the road" every two years.  It's the "governor" on the system and virtually assures that the more things change, the more they stay the same; therein lies the genius of the Founders.

Politics, it's part of our DNA.

The door swings "one way..."

Today millions of people in thousands of precincts will, in the ultimate irony that has become our democracy, walk into hundreds of churches--who charge nothing for their service to the nation--to cast their ballot to select leaders who craft, pass and/or sustain laws that bar the voice of the church from the public square.

Paradise found...

(This week as I watched Laura lovingly tending her garden in preparation of winter, I was reminded, again, about what an amazing woman she is.  Such gifts, shared so selflessly...and pointing us so clearly to God whom she loves and serves.  I wrote this piece some time back as a tribute to her; I share it again with you now...)

Summer.
Deck brittle with age, surrounded by color, a wall.
Satin petals: Red, Pink, Ivory, Maize.
Thorns a reminder: look, don't touch.

Water droplets perfectly formed, wait to escape.
Bees busy, a harvest of nectar.
Woman sits, watches, filled with joy at the sight.

She labors with tender care.
Scarred by thorns, undaunted.
She plants, she feeds, she waters.

The full bloom of her effort,
a feast for the eyes
Delicious to smell.

Autum.
Sun's path plunges
colors blaze then fade.
Not an end; pause, to rest.

Winter.
In time she prepares for the deep white sleep of winter.
Well covered. Glory there still, but not.
They wait.

Spring.
She prepares the soil, a feast.
They awake from slumber, race to come out.
Canes the channel of life, carry lovely crowns through voyage to summer.

In full bloom they linger.
Celebrated, loved; a reminder,
In the begining, God.

A heart-felt plea...

As a Nation we've enjoyed a two-party system that has worked for the American people in bringing the best ideas of each in a synergy that has eclipsed ideology.

"Father-in-heaven, deliver that kind of dynamic environment to us again, that

 we might continue to be a force for peace and that which is good, here and around the world. Heal our division and elevate the aspirations of our leaders to pursue values driven by character, reflective of our diversity, and aimed at the common good. Grant them shrewd judgement to desire and do the right thing. Give us leaders worthy of our trust; restore the confidence of this Nation in those selected to govern, that they might work shoulder to shoulder to move us forward for future generations. Amen."

The way I saw it...

Big sigh...the debates are history and supporters for both the Governor and the President are glad we won't see them face off a fourth time.  Both these leaders earned credit for the their efforts under great pressure; America wins, what a process!

There were, for me, two "moments" in the debate--neither one of which Governor Romney took full advantage of.

The first was when my President looked into the camera and described why he'd called for Hosni Mubarak to resign. He described "young people in the streets--wanting a better life and a better future" and the fact that it just was not an option for the Mubarak government to roll over them in tanks.  I immediately said (out loud) to the TV "and where were you Mr. President when thousands of young people wanting a better life and a brighter future" were brutalized on the streets of Teheran in the lead up to the murder of a young woman, shot down in cold blood three years ago?  Where was my President in those critical days of protest and violence?  Flip, flop.

The second occurred when my President commented that it was clear that Governor Romney's foreign policy positions weren't, in fact, very different from his own.  Mr. President I would, respectfully, point out that it is your policies that have NOT been so very different from the LAST Republican President's policies--when the campaign rhetoric faded, you finished what had been started by "W." You kept that administration's Defense Secretary, Gitmo is open, drones fill the skies, you've supported the development of democracy in the Middle East, you've pursued a "kill the bad guys" policy for Terrorists leaders--with the help of intelligence obtained through rendition and water boarding, you even call it terrorism today, instead of your initial insistence of using the term "man-caused-disaster."  You were, Mr. President, "against it before you were for it." Flip, flop. 

On the big holes in this administrations record...Russia, our relationship with our allies in Eastern Europe, Turkey, an abysmal effort in Latin America, the strain with Israel and a marked indifference in our interactions with the UK...President Obama was given a "get out of jail free" card by the moderator who chose to ask nothing about these deficientcies.

As the race comes down the backstretch, the President is losing ground, what an improbable turn in just 30 days--Flip, flop.

Counting down...

Summer "daze" is history now. Footballs fill the air, Baseball stumbles toward the World Series and Fall slips toward winter...and we near the selection of our 45th President along with a potential sea change in Congress; so change is in the air. But is it?

Will this election give birth to real, new leadership or will we simply swap one set of suits for another?  How will we know what the election produces?  Here's my "watch" list...

• New leadership will act reponsibly as stewards of our wealth. No more blown budgets. 
• New leadership will refuse to act in its own self-interest. No more pork. 
• New leadership will build bridges across the asiles of Congress. No more gridlock. 
• New leadership will work on behalf of the people. No more paybacks to unions, lobbies, business or deep pockets at the people's expence. 
• New leadership will set a different tone as it charts our course as a Nation. No more lionizing the "loyal opposition" or winner-takes-all arrogance. 
• New leadership will commit to reform--of both the Senate and the House. No more tolerance for cronyism, nepotism or corruption. 
• New leadership will understand that "less is more." No more unlimited terms of service. 
• New leadership will celebrate our history, diversity, vision and way of life, while at the same time seeking to make us a better, more compassionate and inclusive people. No more excoriating the nation because it seems the "hip" thing to do. 
• New leadership will set a "living example" of good citizenship. No more double standards. 
• New leadership will act in the interests of the nation. No more back room deals where the only winners are the politicians and their handlers. 

Seems polyanna. But we've seen this before. Read about it in John Adams. Leaders serving selflessly, fearlessly and without guile. It is this kind of leadership that gave birth to our nation and now must re-emerge to carry us, our childern, into the 21st Century with a reclaibrated vision, but a vision that stands stedfastly, still, on the prinicples of freedom, equality and the inalienable rights of its citizens.

These principles birthed a confederaton, nurtured a union and established a Nation...of the people, by the people and for the people.

"When I grow up..."

This is of course one of the "sounds of summer" delivered to us by who else, The Beach Boys.  It's one of my favorites.   When the DJ's at KRLA or KHJ in Southern California spun this selection I'd turn the radio up (even louder) in my 1960 Ford Falcon--and be transported into thoughts of... the future; "what will it be like?  Who...what...where...when...if?"

Today, when I select that tune on my iPod, or hear it on my Pandora "Beach Boys Radio" selection, I'm transported into thoughts of...the past; we all grew up.  I settled down early, married my High School sweetheart 40 years ago and "dig" her more today than ever!  Life hasn't always been fair, but it's always been good.

I've grown up, and now, I'm growing old(er) and I think about, legacy.  What will I leave behind that will mark my place in the passage of time?  What will my grandkids carry through their lives that has my fingerprints on it?  Have the lives of people been enriched because they spent a season in close proximity with me?  Have I been an agent of positive change? Have I equipped my children to be good citizens, parents, role models and people?

I'm grateful that I'm NOT finished. I'm grateful that I'm not alone. I'm grateful He's not done: "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbleing and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.²⁵All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."  Jude 24, 25

the Great Debate...

Politics is part of our DNA as a Nation.  It's why we don't choke up when we hear our cousins from across the pond singing "God Save the Queen."  That said, let's work to keep the Debate civil and respectful.

Let me be clear here; civil doesn't mean we can't passionately disagree with each other.  It doesn't mean we can't say what we think and apply with dazzling skill (or not), the amazing resources at our fingertips to back up our opinions.  It's ironic that we have come to believe that it's politically correct to be neutral--or at least give the appearance of neutrality.  The term "political" has no application apart from the idea of people engaged in advancing a specific set of ideas to govern the way we do things--in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, communities and government!

The freedom to speak is part of the foundation of our nation; our nation, that survives today because citizen-soldiers have taken up arms against those who would seek to subjugate us and our way of life--without regard for wether they agreed with all the politics.  We owe those who gave so selflessly a debt of great responsibility with regard to our deportment as a free-people.

That said...let's engage in the debate.

• Let's speak out with boldness.  
• Let's refuse to be thin-skinned.
• Let's choose kindness.
• Let's refuse to brand "not like me" as hate speech.
• Let's make it passionate, but not personal.
• Let's give each other the space to be stubborn and blind. Not everyone is as smart as we are...that's a good thing (wink, wink).
• Let's believe the best about those who think differently.
• Let's ask questions to clarify.
• Let's exercise grace and tolerance for those who seem, from our perspective, so intolerant.
• Let's be willing to grow and change.
• Let's not be ugly.
• Let's remind those who may embrace what we believe, but do so in ugly ways, that "ugliness isn't funny, helpful or appropriate--ever."
• Let's work to control hyperbole...which is rhetorically useful and appropriate but must be done with balance.
• Let's allow for another rhetorically useful tool: sarcasm...but those who use it unwisely do so at their own peril.  Less is more.
• Let's be willing to own our errors humbly and with grace.
• Let's be willing to forgive.

Come November 7, 2012, let's close ranks and hold those elected to govern responsible, for the way they govern; let's also allow them to compromise and advance the business of the Nation forward toward a brighter future.

Remember, we have a new-direction "fork in the road" every two years.  It's the "governor" on the system and virtually assures that the more things change, the more they stay the same; therein lies the genius of the Founders.

Politics, it's part of our DNA.

Dear Mr. President...

"WE the PEOPLE in order to form a more perfect union...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Preamble to the Constitution

"...to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; and whenever any Form of Government becomes destrutive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government."

Declaration of Independence

"...Citizens of the United States do not exist to support and serve the government. Quite the contrary; our Constitution makes it very plain that the government is a creation, and servant, of the People. They pay for it, and they maintain it. If need be, Mr. Obama, they also have the right to dismantle it and start over."

Michael Nellet "A Basic Economic Lesson for Mr. Obama" 

Dear Mr. President...

I know you get it; what's troubling is your presumption that because you believe America needs to be fundamentally transformed--that, your opinion, gives you the right to exercise the power of the Presidency in ways that violate the trust given to you in 2008. You don't own the Presidency, the People lend our President's power and expect they will use, but not abuse it.

You recently described a classic American experience, people helping each other up the ladder--part of what makes our culture exceptional. Then it became clear as you continued, that you don't get it at all. In your vision of our country, "behind every successful entrepreneur there stands a successful government (Rich Lowry)."  Nothing could be further from the truth.

The truth is, Mr. President, that behind our government--the oldest most successful democracy on earth--stand exceptional citizens, who believe in a big idea birthed in the crucible of revolution, which make it great. It's this "citizen DNA" that makes democracy work. Our money builds those bridges, dams and roads, that "infrastructure;" our engineers vision and design them and our labor force contructs them; our hard earned tax dollars pay for them. Government has a role, but make no mistake: the People preceded the Government and it is this Nation's People that make her great, government possible and dreams come true.

Mr. President, the People did not anoint you to Federalize mentors, teamwork and pro bono benevolence. That's not a function of government, never has been, never will be; it's part of the character of our People and has marked every generation for 236 years. The genesis of this kind of generosity is the goodness of our People and our willingness to help each other; our passion for helping others improve their lot in life, realize a dream, move across socio-ecomic barriers and beat the odds. That's just what we do; we give back and we give generously without concern for what "our fair share" might be. That's why America is the most generous Nation on the planet; this is a place where in spite of evil, goodness does eventually prevail.

Please, Mr. President, reconsider your campaign to reinvent America in the image of collectivism. That sets the bar far too low and will surely relegate us to the backwaters of the 21st Century. The world will be a far less humane place if that becomes our destiny.

Mr. President, like many politicians, you often conclude your prepared remarks with a simple yet profound blessing; "God bless America." I pray that you will be energized by the possibilities contained in that simple phrase; that you will lift your eyes from the horizon, to the heavens and be gifted with a fresh vision much bigger than "a fair share." A vision rooted in grace, driven by faith and powered by obedience.

Mr. President, may God bless you.

Respectfully,
Ben Baier

Be still...

The word "listen" contains the same letters as the word "silent." Silence conducts the still small voice of God; it is a discipline that pays big dividends...

Be still

and know

that I am God.

Psalm 46.10

Stay engaged; Get informed!

It is easy to be dismayed (and I must say I fight it) by the cost of modern democracy, and the opportunities that cost creates for abuse.

BUT...our process today is so much better than it was 40+ years ago (things began to change in 1964).  The rise of the primaries (which has driven up the cost) have replaced smoke filled rooms where scores of people (some with money, some with power and some with money and power) made the decisions millions make today.  By comparison, there is much greater transparency now, than ever before.  The issue of disproportionate influence, well, that's part of the baggage of democracy.  Andy Stern is a good example of that in this administration...but this is a problem  in EVERY administration.

Democracy...It's messy, it's flawed and it's easily manipulated; that said it's the the last-best hope freedom has.  All I can do is participate in the process in an engaged/informed way and pray for those who are raised up to lead.

That's enough.

Today...

Today a gift; time, breath, life.  Now what?

Today horzion indigo-blue dawn.

Today sweet slumber, my retreat.

Today moments with God, my hope.

Today wished away?

Today sundance East.

Today love's gentle touch, my confidence. 

Today grandson smiles, my delight.

Today mine to squander, make great?

Today sun blazes zenith, Noon.

Today disapointment, my challenge.

Today sweet fragance, my respite.

Today spent, invested?

Today  moon reflects suns glory, sublime beauty.

Today kind word, my comfort.

Today quiet reflection, my strength.

Today, something of significance to last?

Today, here, gone.

Today, all I have, all I need.

Today, I will rejoice and be glad.

Taps begin to play...

Time adds little perspective.
Death in a hostile place, a time not chosen.
Cities hard to pronounce; countries hard to find.
Cause, clarity; clouded, confused. Hard to recall.

Time dulls memory. 
Pace pushes people on.
Space vacated, empty, gone.
Place dissolves, no trace, so it seems.

Taps begins to play.
This I remember. 
Their laughter, their scent.
First date, first kiss, first love.
A Friday night, when life was simple.
The future a certain dream, bullet proof...not.

Tears flow freely now.
Pride in a life well lived.
Grief for a life given; invested and gone.
The loss, the pain; heart broken, shattered.

These are the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen...
Their last full-measure given; duty, honor, country.
May they rest in peace. 

May we never forget.