Party Favors and the Government Stalemate

 

I was spending time with one of my grandsons the other evening and he began to tell me about the party favors he had been given at a birthday party for a friend. Initially, I thought he was telling me that the toothpaste on his brush had a 'farty flavor.' So I was a bit confused, because most toothpastes have been engineered to taste good. So, how could the toothpaste taste on his brush taste bad? Who wants to brush their teeth with something that is foul tasting?

 

 

No, that wasn't what he was talking about. He was actually talking about a handful of capsules on the counter that when soaked in water cause miniature sponge dinosaurs inside of them to expand, pop-out and appear to grow before your eyes. He was telling me he had received them as a birthday "party favor." The problem I was having at that moment with this 'farty flavor' business was that he doesn't pronounce his "p"s very well. In fact, his "p"s comes out sounding like "f"s. So as he was telling me about his party favors I am hearing him tell me about "farty favors." As he is explaining all this, I am cracking up inside. I wake up to his conversation at that point which is moving on with an intense discussion of all things “dinosaur.”

 

 

 

It hits me the next morning as I am reading the newspaper that my grandson is a genius. A letter to the editor was addressing the issue and non-sense of "party" politics.  The mere mention of "party" takes me back to my grandson's discussion of "farty flavors.” Yes I think, blatant party politics are simply "Farty Flavors." Irresponsible. Juvenile. Dis-ingenuous. And, oh yes, they don’t seem to mind making a nation of innocent by-standers victims. They would rather die on a hill than surrender. They would rather take no prisoners and revel in the glory of some victory. But after the battle, what becomes of the victims? A strong nation requires bringing people together. Let’s be responsible. Let’s build a stronger nation, not a weaker nation with disenfranchised citizens.

 

It seems to me that immovable party positions, espoused again and again are simply gaseous exchanges that serve no real purpose or general good except to make the source of the gas feel good for a short time. Nothing is accomplished and no real good appears to be coming from it, except paralysis.

I suspect most people simply want government (local, state and federal) to work. We pay good taxes for it. Most want statesmen who are real servants to step up, look at the issues that confront us and work to solve problems. Our representatives need to look at the issues from multiple perspectives and then solve those problems in ways that will resonate with most people. They need to be inclusive of others.  They need to consider the positions and needs of others, not just their own personal needs or the needs of those who shower them with money and praise. They need to propose solutions that will or may have the potential to the solve problems of people they do know and do not represent. There must be serious dialogue within and between political parties.

If we do not resolve the issues before us in a meaningful, long-term way our current self-destructive actions (and inactions) will lead to a weakened nation. Ultimately, that nation, if we continue on our course of “do-or-die” politics, may find itself irrelevant, or on the trash heap of historical empires. We must develop a process and precedents capable of leading to resolutions that do not imperil us. At present, we are on a course of political one-up-man-ships parallel to the run-up to the American Civil War. The process must be changed so that stalemates do not reoccur again and again. We need a process that automatically schedules new congressional elections in a timely manner (say within six months of a deadline to pass a budget). Previous year budgets should continue during the time it takes new elections to be held. We need a new way to redraw districts that do not wander all over a map in order to entrench people and political parties. And we need new rules established by law that moves legislation out of committees not according to a party or politics.

Our present course may not lead to a literal war, but it could lead to the collapse of this once great nation. We cannot allow an infection like the one we have had over the past decade become the gangrene that simply smothers us out of relevance.

“Farty” politics consists of impoverished people who consume only one thought. They have no new ideas. They only re-tell the same old stories and propose the same old solutions. They dare and then bully one another other. Our representatives need to look into a well of ideas, engage in dialogue and become statesmen, not political hammer-men.

There are games to be played, if you will, but everyone needs to be playing and that I mean we need fields to be grassy, lines drawn and rules established so the game of American life can be played. No one is having any fun standing on the sidelines.

We need to get past "farty flavors”.

Scripture:

Without vision the people perish. Proverbs 29.18

Those who walk in their own counsel go backward. Jeremiah 7.24

Conflict is not the solution. Psalms 33.17

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but wise men listen to advice. Proverbs 12.15

 

Kamp Keck 2013 Is History

After watching "Ernest Goes to Camp" on the first night of Kamp Keck and hearing Ernest say, " You know what I mean?" 20 times too many, I realized one of my own little campers had the same quirk. Only my grandchild would say, "You know what?" He must have said it 1000 times over the course of the week. No one could ever guess what he was thinking.


On the second night, after watching "Ernest Goes to Jail" Ernest asked the same thing many times. I then
realized another of my grandchildren would politely, but constantly ask, "Can you help me?" Hum, I began to see a pattern.

Nothing changed with the third movie, "Ernest Scared Stupid." Ernest was right on with his favorite phrase. And wouldn't you know it, so were our remaining two grandchildren. We realized another child liked to ask, "What are we going to do next?" and the fourth frequently made the "Can we have a Popsicle?" request. Wish I had a nickel for every time I heard these phrases.

Mind you, Kamp Keck did more than watch "Ernest" movies. Kamp began with the creation story, "Days of Creation." We made colorful butterfly houses and butterfly feeding stations. We had a campsite and a tent-friendly inflatable moose. We went on a nature scavenger hunt and we went to the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro. Maybe too, our visit to Cheekwood Gardens under the night skies to see Bruce Munro's " Lights" counted as a nature activity. At any rate it reminded us somewhat of the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. His descendants would be more numerous than the stars.

Every morning began with a Bible-based story. They included, "The Half-Empty Jar," "God Promises a Big, Big Family," "The Alabaster Jar," and "A New King." (All stories from the book Remember, and Don't Forget: Bible Stories for Mom and Me by Saundria Keck and Kay Benson.)

Since Kamp is about cousins building relationships, there were a lot of other simply fun activities. They recalled previous year activities and requested that we do them. Worm searches were done, a tea party was crashed, there was swimming in the big vinyl pool, water guns were filled, faces painted and art was created for the Kamp's art show held on our last day.

I especially loved it when one of our grandchildren bragged that her “grossed-out” act was better than the one her mother had as a young child. Her mother once left her pacifier amid the produce where she had been licking the cucumbers in the grocery store and after returning home wanted to go back to the store to retrieve it. Her daughter’s story involved eating the peanut butter used as bait in the mouse trap that was in the garage. It was truly a bonding moment for cousins. Need I say, you can tell Darth Vader apart from Mrs. Vader by the fact she wears lipstick.

 The highpoint of the week occured when Mimi and Poppa gave each of our grandchildren a "Mike with One-Eye" tee-shirt and went to see "Monsters University" at the theater. The ticket sales girl didn’t even have to ask what movie we were there to see. "You know what I mean?"

Scripture:   Deuteronomy 6.7 – As you go, teach your children that God is good.

Deuteronomy 6. 20 – When your son or daughter asks you, you can say what the Lord has done for you.

Psalm 78.4 – Tell the next generation what God has done, His power and wonders.

Psalm 79.13 – God’s people will praise Him and from generation to generation they will recount it.

Psalm 145.4 – One generation will commend God’s works to another.

Rattlesnake Head Chili, Voted “Best Chili” by the “Second Wind” Group

While on the subject of snakes, and things that can bite. A few days ago my Rattlesnake Head Chili won “Best Chili” in a cook-off of chilies for the group known as the “Second Wind” at my church. It’s a group mostly make up by AARP-Types. My wife and most of the other ladies are in the Second Wind group because their husbands qualify.

Why did I name it after a snake? Well, it’s because this chili can sneak up on you and bite you. In other words, it is somewhat spicy. In looking back on the event, I think I won because one or two of the judges were from Texas. They tend to like things hot and spicy. I like Texans.

Speaking of rattlesnakes, the last time I actually saw a Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) was in August of 2002 in the Great Smoky Mountains. Saundria, my wife and I were hiking to Ramsey Cascades from the Greenbrier Trailhead, about an 8-mile hike round-trip. It was in August, a wedding anniversary gift to me and it was hot. On our way back (from not quite making it to the waterfalls) we encounter a swarm of locusts bursting into a loud roar. It was almost deafening. No wait, it was a Timber Rattler along side the trail. I had just stepped beside it and then there was Saundria. She actually recognized the sound for what it was, a rattlesnake before I could. He was coiled and ready. His warning was loud and clear, “step back.” I suppose he was “speaking in tongues,” but I was able to translate his words. We stepped back and I took his photo. (No, wait again, I didn’t have my camera.)

There he was, quietly along side the well-walked trail. And like the oblivious to any harm suburbanites we are, we didn’t see him. He could have sunk his fangs into anyone of our four legs (as we weren’t wearing long pants). And everything after what actually happened might have unfolded differently. Fortunately, there was no hospital trip or visit to an emergency clinic.

Now to the real point (don’t you be thinking fang) of this entry. I am going to sneak up on you and give you the recipe to Rattlesnake Head Chili.

Rattlesnake Head Chili
12 –14 Servings
3 pounds ground beef
12 oz of Italian Sausage (Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage), chopped
1 large white onion, chopped
1 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon oregano
4 cups (8 oz cans) tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (Pace Picante Hot)
2 packages chili seasoning mix (McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix)
2 (15 ounce) cans light red kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans

Directions
In a large pot (or very large saucepan) over medium heat, cook the chopped Italian Sausage. Place into a crock-pot. Then cook the ground beef and the onion and sauté until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease. Put the beef and onion into the crock-pot.

Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour (or simmer in crock-pot the rest of the day).

The recipe was created looking at several other chili recipes and taking what I thought would make a meaty, flavorful chili. I multiplied ingredient amounts and rounded things up or down to match how things are sold in groceries as well as can and jar sizes, etc. I didn’t want to have a bunch of half-used items that might have to be tossed later on.

So feel free to add another can of beans or onion, take away a package of chili seasoning, or reduce the heat by getting a jar of “medium” salsa. But beware, it is the year of the snake and a little bite may be fun. The judges from Texas thought so.

Be Careful in the Year of the Snake

A few days ago the people of China celebrated their New Year. For them it is the “Year of the Snake,” the sixth of 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac. It is believed by the Chinese that people born under this sign are thoughtful and wise and approach problems rationally and logically. They are often very clever, egotistical, and stingy. For everyone else in that culture it is important to consider the consequences of any planned action before engaging in it.

This “Year of the Snake” got me to thinking. It is always a good idea to consider the consequences of any planned action. Being careful is just good practice, especially around snakes.

Many of us in our western culture do not particularly like snakes. It doesn’t matter if they are venomous or non-venomous. It doesn’t matter if they are big or small. It’s a cultural thing.

The State of Florida is even having a python roundup. Because of python releases and an environment that is favorable to their prolific reproduction, state officials say there are too many of them in the Everglades. They are not a native species to the area. And these pythons can get large enough to take down deer, alligator and other large animals.

My parents didn’t care for snakes either, nor did my grandparents. Snakes stole eggs the chickens laid. They frightened farm animals. And I guess there was also the story that Satan was a serpent. You know the story. It’s written about in Genesis.

I know that when I was a little kid I was curious about snakes and I know that before most children grow up they want to pick them up or keep them as pets. Then some adults tell them they are dangerous and to avoid them.

Herpetologists recognize that snakes keep the number of mice and rats down. They eat insects, birds, small mammals and other snakes. Greg, one of my hiking friends always seems to be picking up a snake on the trail. He’s is one of just a few people I know who handles snakes.

On the other hand, I remember a time in early May 2004, in East Tennessee Greg, Luke, David and I were at a trailhead getting ready to hike when an elderly guy in an old truck came up to us to talk. Initially he talked about the weather and seeing folks get out into the woods and then he asked, “Have you seen any snakes?” He reminded us there are people in the backwoods who handle snakes in church, venomous ones. He might just be one of them. We told him we were just beginning our hike and hadn’t seen any. His question to us confirmed that handling snakes in some churches was still being practiced, even in 2004. It was late spring and he was hoping snakes were emerging from their dens.

This year for celebrating the snake also brought to mind my time in Brazil last September in the State of Amazonas, helping an indigenous group of people build a meeting facility for their church in their village. Some of us were digging holes to set large poles into when we heard the sound of an alarmed chicken. The squawking of the chicken finally stopped and that seemed to be that. A few minutes later, a local man produced a dead young chicken and a boa constrictor for all of us to see. As is customary with boa snakes, it strikes its pray and holds its victim with his mouth, wraps itself around its prey and strangles it. On releasing the snake we observed that this particular snake was no longer interested in feeding on its victim. Various other sources say boa will feed on rodents and rabbits that have been killed for them. Maybe this boa had second thoughts about the chicken he had killed. The chicken was large compared to the eggs in my bluebird box (Refer to my blogs dated June 13 and 28, 2009). I thought about how the snake would have appeared once the chicken was consumed.

Some cultures seem almost transfixed by snakes. The ancient Egyptians included Cobras into their art. In fact, I think Egyptians even worshipped some snakes.

In Judaism a snake on the top of a pole could save someone bitten by a snake from dying. The Book of Numbers (Chapter 21) provides details on that subject. One interpretation Christians make of this passage is that the bronze serpent on the pole helps us to recognize the source of our sin and that we must look to God to be healed spiritually.

In ancient Greece mythology Asclepius carried a rod with a serpent wound about it. Medical societies, ambulances and doctors use this as a symbol of medical healing today. The symbol is referred to as a “Rod of Asclepius.”

Maybe the year of the snake is a good thing. It seems a lot of different cultures have a good many takes on snakes. I’m not saying I am going to pick up snakes, especially venomous ones, but I am not necessarily afraid of them either. I am just going to remain cautious. I just know that even snakes that aren’t venomous can bite, and even little bites can lead to infections. In a world and in a time where so many things can go wrong, being careful is just a good practice. But I think that was said already.

Scripture

Genesis 3.1 - Now the serpent was craftier than any of the other beasts the LORD God had made.

Genesis 3.14 - The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.

Exodus 7.9 – When Pharaoh says to you (Moses), “Prove your represent God by doing a miracle; say to Aaron, “Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.”

Numbers 21.8-9 - And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” Moses made a bronze1 serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

John 3.14 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

Mark 16.17-18 - And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Nothing Like a Leiper's Fork Parade

It was a Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade year with family. You know the kind of parade I’m talking about. It leads off with Rudolph and ends with Santa Claus in a sleigh as the climax to a very excited crowd of boys and girls who have waited to see him for what may seem like a year.

Well, everyone in these parts knows that the parade in Leiper’s Fork, a rural community in this county is a little offbeat if not qwerky. This year the actual parade was delayed a two weeks due to rain, but it was just as unusual as always. Maybe the additional two weeks just added to the emotional buildup. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day.

The first Christmas Parade I attended a month before the Leiper’s Fork parade included for me an Elvis sighting. It was unexpected and for me helped to make it memorable. Elvis sang “Blue Christmas.” The rest of the parade included marching bands, corrals of horses and many large floats. I don’t recall any goats, pigs, small donkeys, puppies or dogs. The parade in Leiper’s Fork had a menagerie (second dictionary meaning) for us.

Leading the parade in Leiper’s Fork, of course was a dancing Rudolph, and then there was Mike Wolfe from American Pickers on a vintage Harley with sidecar. Filling the middle of the parade were Farmall tractors, a replica of the General Lee, several antique Fords, Chevrolets and a Willies pickup truck. The parade also included a local Cub Scout pack, local high school cheerleaders, the Grinch who stole Christmas; children’s peddle cars, even a remote controlled model plane. At the end were Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. As you can see, it was complete.

There was a lot of excitement in this year’s parade. There were many children and possibly a few adults who were ready for the big man. I can recall that when I was a young boy it was important for me to communicate with him. I suspect kids don’t really change. He needed my list if I was going to get what I wanted. The kids today need to see him too. Seeing him is somewhat comforting even though when I was a kid I was always a bit anxious about it. He was also kind of scary too. I bet the children lining the parade route were just as anxious.

Thinking about parades, I am about to conclude that nearly every parade has someone special to salute, someone we want to welcome or maybe even celebrate. We look forward to seeing them and honoring them. Parades are meant for military heroes, sports figures and teams, national leaders and talented celebrities. So it is with Santa Claus. With notice, we mark our calendars to see them and look forward with great anticipation to seeing them.

During the holidays you may also plan for and greatly anticipate attending musicals and concerts, neighborhood lightings, and other events. And too, most of us long for time with parents, children, grandchildren and other family members. I look forward to spending time with them each year. A Christmas parade kind of primes our anticipation for being with family.

My granddaughter, Analayne woke up early the other morning, got dressed, made her bed and then proceeded to her parent’s bedroom. She woke them up at 3 am ready to go to her grandparent’s house. She couldn’t contain herself she was so excited. It was Christmas Eve day! That just sums it up, doesn’t it?

When you were a child did you wake up early? Were you excited about receiving some special gift? Did you look forward to seeing someone special to you opening a gift from you to see the expression on his or her face or in his or her eyes? I know now how my parents must have felt when I found a sled under the tree. My son received a Millennium Falcon and an X-wing Fighter one year and as a parent I was thrilled with his excitement about receiving it.

I gave my wife a coconut cream pie from Dotson’s Restaurant this year. Their coconut pies are the closest of any to being like her mother’s coconut pies. She wasn’t expecting it. I looked forward to her opening the box it was in. She had not clue. For me, it wasn’t easy to hide, and that added to the emotional drama of the occasion.

Think back to when you were last excited like my granddaughter. Ready to go and full of anticipation. What a special time it is to be excited about what lies ahead.

What kind of anticipation do you think Mary, the mother of Jesus had? Or Simeon’s anticipation of the Messiah? Or us, when we think about the second coming of Christ? The parade that sticks out to me the most in scripture is the one for Christ on the Sunday we refer to as Palm Sunday. Christmas is a time for some with conflicting emotions. Loved ones who are no longer around. I guess it comes down to focus.

Scripture

God’s sign to you will be a son, born of a virgin. Isaiah 7.14

We will be given a child who will be God, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9.6

He will come from the family of Jesse (King David) and the Spirit of God will rest on Him. Isaiah 11.1-5

There will be one before Him (John the Baptist), preparing the way for God. Isaiah 40.3-5

God declares a Messiah will come for the nation of Israel. Jeremiah 23.5-6

A “Righteous” branch will emerge. Jeremiah 33.15

From Bethlehem there will come one who will rule for Me. Micah 5.1-2

Jesus enters Jerusalem to many people shouting “Hosanna!” - Mark 11.7-8

Mary anticipates becoming the mother of Jesus. - Luke 1.30-33

The Spirit of God will come on you and His Son will be born to you. Luke 1.35

Simeon waits for and encounters the Christ child in the Temple. - Luke 2.25-32

I (Jesus) will come back to you. John 14.2

John foretells the second coming of Christ. - Revelation 2.16

I am coming again. Revelation 3.11 and Revelation 22.12

Santa Claus, Biometrics and The Polar Express

Two recent events triggered some odd thinking within my mind. The thinking came down to this: What will Santa Claus look like 50 years or 100 years from now? Will he look significantly different? Remain pretty much the same? Or will he disappear altogether?

A few weeks ago my family gathered in Ohio for Thanksgiving and we all went to the Christmas Light Display at Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio (between Dayton and Columbus). They have celebrated the Christmas season with a Christmas light display for many years. The covered bridge light display is choreographed to “Carol of the Bells” by The Trans Siberian Orchestra (There are many You Tube videos under “Christmas at Clifton Mill”. The WildScotsman has a 3 and a half minute video taken this year).

Their seasonal attraction also had a display of Santa Clauses. The photos included here were all from that exhibit. There were many, many more than what is shown here. Notice the differences in the appearance of Santa Clause, over time, in different cultures, and by different artisans. Though there are significant differences, there are common features and characteristics in the big man. He is usually big, with a large belly, wears a cherry red to dark red suit trimmed in white, has a full, white beard, wears a funny, long cap. And then there are bells that somehow accompany him, along with a booming, “Ho, Ho, Ho.”

In my experience, large men in such costumes are often quite frightening to young children. My children were frightened of the department store guy. And, come to think of it, I was terrified of the guy. It takes a brave girl or boy to approach him. Ralphie (in A Christmas Story) brings back to my mind the entire scenario. I had a hard time remembering my own name in the situation. (I am sitting on Santa's knee in the photo below.)

So, in 50 or 100 years will Santa Claus pass every kid’s biometric testing device? You know the one he or she will be carrying that is part of a “smart” device used to communicate, monitor the environment for hazards, and verify the identity of every beast, pet, man, women or child. Can Santa Claus survive the deafening alarm and defensive smog emitted by every kid’s smart device? Or can Santa Claus somehow continue to do the impossible if not mystical feat of being everywhere and still somehow pass United Nations “programmed Santa” for height and weight requirements, fingerprint test, iris test, facial analysis and saliva test.

The second event that eased the thinking pain associated with Santa Claus meeting a United Nations biometric profile, was when I sat with my nearly 4 year old grandson to watch “The Polar Express.”

The question, the boy in the movie had was the same question I had at some point in my youth. Maybe you or someone other than you asked the question at some point in your life. “Do you believe in Santa Claus?” In 50 or 100 years a second question might automatically go with it, “Is this guy the real Santa Claus?” With a biometric testing device a kid in a few years might verify this fact.

When Leighton and I watched “The Polar Express,” new questions came to mind. Things in this movie reminded me of when I was a child: the pre-occupation with things like baseball, marbles, hubcaps, model and real trains, hobos that hopped trains and radiators. Then something in the movie jumped out. The know-it-all nerdy boy was wearing a PJ top with the words “Explorer” and “Jupiter C” on it. The Jupiter C was first launched in September 1956 and the Explorer 1 Satellite launched in 1958. Woe, I was older than the time this movie depicted for a boy asking the big question.

The boy in the movie goes to a drawer to re-examine the evidence: the department store photo of Santa, the newspaper clipping on a Santa strike, the World Book entry on the North Pole. And then the Hobo asks the boy about his “persuasion: on the “Big Man.” It is a convicting question, because no one likes to be “duped” or “taken for a ride.”

Then the Hobo in the “The Polar Express” states firmly, “Seeing is believing.” Is seeing believing? What tests can be used to verify if the guy the boy sees is really Santa Claus? The boy was living in a time before biometric testing.

If you lived in that time, how would you verify the identity of the Big Man? What qualities would he have? What characteristics would he have that validate it for you? How would you determine the truth of the man?

What measure would be needed for you to identify Santa Claus in 50 years? Would he need to meet certain biometric measures? What would convince you?

Maybe, believing is seeing, or hearing is needed. What did it take for young boys or girls 500 years ago to believe?

Santa Claus for the young child is very real. To see him in a red suit with a large bag of toys puts skin on him so to speak. He cares about little girls and boys. The point of this essay is this: The spirit behind the giving of an unexpected, undeserved, and dearly needed gift is worth everything. It is greater than what we receive.

Scripture:

John 8.31-32 – Believe and you have the truth, which will set you free.

John 4.25 - He who is in authority will tell me all things.

John 7.26 - Those who could prove who He isn’t can’t.

John 13:35 - Followers of Christ are known by their love.

1 John 3:10 - Those who practice righteousness are the children of God.