Yesterday was the annual Corinthian Hill Property Owners Association meeting. Most of it went smoothly as usual. One topic is a commentary on the the state of our nation.
Owners in one of the 4-plexes in the development have encountered an issue that will plague us for some time. Two owners wanted to make changes to their units. The other two did not want to make the changes. A third owner agreed to allow the two to make the changes. The fourth fought it through the CHPOA. The CHPOA said no! The two owners made the changes anyway. The only recourse is for the single owner to sue the two who made the changes. Got the picture?
Self above neighbor, above nation and above God. We are all guilty. Had these rules been reversed the problem would have been worked out amicably Now the solution is more and stricter rules. Legal battles. This is a grass roots issue. This is not a national political issue. Christ said, “Love God, love your neighbor” Do You?
Sunday, May 29, 2011
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
Just returned from "Trail West"work week. It was amazing. There were over a hundred college age young men and women there from various parts of Texas. They paid their own way. Many are just days away from finishing a semester of school. They worked hard for five days preparing TW for is summer mission of entertaining and loving on families who come because they want to learn more about “Young life”. They actually experience the love of Christ through the work of the camp staff and volunteers. Little do they know about the behind the scenes loving preparation of the work week volunteers.
During the week Grace and I experienced the love of Jesus from all the other workers. The historic Jesus who ministered on earth about 2000 years ago is still alive and well. There are three aspects of the one God of Heaven. The Father over us. The Son with us. And, the Spirit in us. We have been chosen and granted Grace and mercy.
The Son gave us two commands. They are present in several place in the scriptures. The first is "Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind. And, the second is like the first, Love your neighbor as yourself." I think long and hard about how to love the Lord. Love is describe in many place in the scriptures. It is a noun and it is a verb. It is not a feeling. I have concluded the second command is a how to. It is in part, how to love the Lord.
During the past week, I experienced the commanded love from all the workers at Trail West. I have been truly loved and the command has been met. I pray that all God's children are able to experience this same love from their neighbors. Look for it. Expect it. Anticipate it. Seek out those who are working on obeying the command. The reward is enormous. Read about it in John 15 and 1Corinthians 13. Read the commands in Matthew 22:34+.
During the week Grace and I experienced the love of Jesus from all the other workers. The historic Jesus who ministered on earth about 2000 years ago is still alive and well. There are three aspects of the one God of Heaven. The Father over us. The Son with us. And, the Spirit in us. We have been chosen and granted Grace and mercy.
The Son gave us two commands. They are present in several place in the scriptures. The first is "Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind. And, the second is like the first, Love your neighbor as yourself." I think long and hard about how to love the Lord. Love is describe in many place in the scriptures. It is a noun and it is a verb. It is not a feeling. I have concluded the second command is a how to. It is in part, how to love the Lord.
During the past week, I experienced the commanded love from all the workers at Trail West. I have been truly loved and the command has been met. I pray that all God's children are able to experience this same love from their neighbors. Look for it. Expect it. Anticipate it. Seek out those who are working on obeying the command. The reward is enormous. Read about it in John 15 and 1Corinthians 13. Read the commands in Matthew 22:34+.
Monday, May 2, 2011
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!
May 2, 2011
So Osama Bin Laden is dead. Some say that brings him to justice. What will bring us to justice? Our deaths? Some will say we are just. But, I repeat a now famous saying, "Let him who without fault (sin) cast the first stone."
How can we who are sinful bring anyone to justice?
So, what are we to do. Turn to the one who can help. If you believe as I do please speak out. We are not righteous. We are guilty of disobeying the one who created us and loves us. Seek righteousness by seeking the righteous one. Hunger and thirst for righteousness inside ourselves. No one can be made righteous by force. The death of Bin Laden has not made him righteous and it will not lead his followers to righteousness.
Turn the other cheek, trust the one who saves. The advice itself if given or taken poorly is likely to create more conflict. There will be many who proclaim these words to be wrong and stupid. If I respond harshly with angry tones, nothing will be accomplished. Words alone will not turn the tide. Witnessing actions sent from a sovereign/loving God will show the way for many. Many more will still not believe. Are we to turn away from them? No, we are to continue to love them, demonstrate compassion, listen and accept them. But, we must not accept their unrighteous ideas.
The pain of 911 will not diminish or go away until we learn to forgive. No amount of human justice will take away the pain. We will not recover from the pain of the devastation at ground zero until we understand the nature and identity of the villains. We are the guilty. Sure it was taken down by terrorist but, God allowed it because we have turned away from Him.
In OT times God told the Israelites to destroy their enemies. They tried and failed. Instead they became prideful and confident in their own capabilities and stopped paying attention to their God. They became weak and very much the same as their enemies. God was not opposed to their fighting. He was angered when they did it on their own and refused to obey Him.
I just know, that I was repulsed when I saw the celebrations over Bin laden's death. It is wrong to celebrate over an enemies death. I was feeling sad for the revelers. It is biblically wrong! The man who said he was happy that his Son's death was revenged did not look very happy. Evil is awful but, we must not try to conquer evil with evil. We must stand above it. We cannot do that alone.
So Osama Bin Laden is dead. Some say that brings him to justice. What will bring us to justice? Our deaths? Some will say we are just. But, I repeat a now famous saying, "Let him who without fault (sin) cast the first stone."
How can we who are sinful bring anyone to justice?
So, what are we to do. Turn to the one who can help. If you believe as I do please speak out. We are not righteous. We are guilty of disobeying the one who created us and loves us. Seek righteousness by seeking the righteous one. Hunger and thirst for righteousness inside ourselves. No one can be made righteous by force. The death of Bin Laden has not made him righteous and it will not lead his followers to righteousness.
Turn the other cheek, trust the one who saves. The advice itself if given or taken poorly is likely to create more conflict. There will be many who proclaim these words to be wrong and stupid. If I respond harshly with angry tones, nothing will be accomplished. Words alone will not turn the tide. Witnessing actions sent from a sovereign/loving God will show the way for many. Many more will still not believe. Are we to turn away from them? No, we are to continue to love them, demonstrate compassion, listen and accept them. But, we must not accept their unrighteous ideas.
The pain of 911 will not diminish or go away until we learn to forgive. No amount of human justice will take away the pain. We will not recover from the pain of the devastation at ground zero until we understand the nature and identity of the villains. We are the guilty. Sure it was taken down by terrorist but, God allowed it because we have turned away from Him.
In OT times God told the Israelites to destroy their enemies. They tried and failed. Instead they became prideful and confident in their own capabilities and stopped paying attention to their God. They became weak and very much the same as their enemies. God was not opposed to their fighting. He was angered when they did it on their own and refused to obey Him.
I just know, that I was repulsed when I saw the celebrations over Bin laden's death. It is wrong to celebrate over an enemies death. I was feeling sad for the revelers. It is biblically wrong! The man who said he was happy that his Son's death was revenged did not look very happy. Evil is awful but, we must not try to conquer evil with evil. We must stand above it. We cannot do that alone.
LIVE LIKE THERE IS A GREAT TOMORROW!
Did you know that everyone alive today will die? Of course you do. There is no way out of here in you current body. We all are going to get out of here but, not with our current body. It is going to die and be destroyed.
This is considered by most to be a forbidden topic. And, I shouldn't speak for anyone but myself. But, God has moved me to write this down. If you are reading this you will know I was convinced to publish it.
There are for me two goals in life. The one I think about most is living this life to the fullest. I believe God desires that for me. Yes, He even encourages me in this endeavor. In fact, I believe He loves me enough to provide just the help needed to achieve this goal.
The second goal, the more important one, is to arrive home at the end of this journey. This life on Earth is finite and temporary. Maybe it is a kind of school or proving ground. And, it will end. Someday all of it will end. It won't just be my part in it that ends. Everyone's part will end.
God has promised me an even greater and more abundant life. I don't want to miss it. I want to be there when the bell rings. I want to cross the final river on dry land and enter His Kingdom.
I am trying my best to get there and capture His promise. How? Trust and obey! Why? There is no other way!
Anybody want to hear more. I hope so. Seek out and know Jesus personally. Then get to know him better. Hunger and thirst after Him. You can capture the promise!
So, I want to do the best I can while I'm here and I want to arrive at Home with my Lord when He is ready for me.
This is considered by most to be a forbidden topic. And, I shouldn't speak for anyone but myself. But, God has moved me to write this down. If you are reading this you will know I was convinced to publish it.
There are for me two goals in life. The one I think about most is living this life to the fullest. I believe God desires that for me. Yes, He even encourages me in this endeavor. In fact, I believe He loves me enough to provide just the help needed to achieve this goal.
The second goal, the more important one, is to arrive home at the end of this journey. This life on Earth is finite and temporary. Maybe it is a kind of school or proving ground. And, it will end. Someday all of it will end. It won't just be my part in it that ends. Everyone's part will end.
God has promised me an even greater and more abundant life. I don't want to miss it. I want to be there when the bell rings. I want to cross the final river on dry land and enter His Kingdom.
I am trying my best to get there and capture His promise. How? Trust and obey! Why? There is no other way!
Anybody want to hear more. I hope so. Seek out and know Jesus personally. Then get to know him better. Hunger and thirst after Him. You can capture the promise!
So, I want to do the best I can while I'm here and I want to arrive at Home with my Lord when He is ready for me.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
YOUNG LIFE SUMMER CAMP SUMMIT COUNTY COLORADO
Less than 80 days til we get on the bus!!
That's right, we are headed out to Castaway in less than 80 days and we don't want YOU to miss out!
With of camp being lowered thanks to some amazing donors and opportunities for fund raising and scholarships, there are no excuses to not go to camp!!
If you are in high school, know someone who is, or have a kid who is anywhere from going to be a freshman next year to going to graduate this year SIGN UP NOW!!
Camp is coming up on us QUICK!!
Dates: July 2nd - July 10th
Where: Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes, MN
How Much: $475
Get Your $100 Deposit in and Registered to Reserve Your Spot Today!!
HEALTH CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM
Please complete the health, consent, and release form and return it to us along with your final payment by Monday June 27th, 2011. Please note that record of your last physical, immunizations, and health insurance is mandatory as well as a physician's signature. You CANNOT go to camp without these forms signed! If you do not have insurance you will be covered under Young Life accident/injury/property insurance (up to $4,000) when you are on camp property but this does not include illness such as strep throat.
WHERE WILL WE BE?
We are going to Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes, MN. All camp numbers and the mailing address will be provided directly to parents at the bus at the time of sendoff, but is also available sooner via the camp website above.
WHAT TO BRING?
Beach towel, swim suit, spending money, rain coat, tennis shoes, one extra pair of OLD closed toed shoes, 2 sets of grubby clothes, jeans, shorts, sweatshirt, t-shirts, underwear, sunglasses, sun screen, camera, personal toiletries, one nice outfit for the final banquet and anything else you might think you need. All bedding and bathing towels are provided (however you WILL want a blanket/travel pillow for the bus ride!)
WHAT NOT TO BRING?
Funny you should ask! CD players, IPods, cell phones, and any other electronic devices will be allowed on the bus there and back only, not at camp (Camp Policy). These items will be put in the camp safe for the duration of camp and then returned upon camp departure.
WHEN DO WE LEAVE AND WHEN DO WE RETURN HOME?
We need you at the bus at the Young Life Building (3rd & Granite in Frisco) on July 2nd (Time TBD) to check in and have a snack before sendoff. We will not stop for dinner so pack accordingly if an early dinner won't tie you over. We will return to the Young Life Building on Sunday July 10th around noon. Parents, please be available to pick up your children at this time (We will ask your child to call you when we are close).
For Registration, Health Forms, and Camp/ Payment Information
Visit www.summitcounty. younglife.org
Or Call Aaron Witler 719.221.0566
--
Aaron Witler
Summit County Young Life
That's right, we are headed out to Castaway in less than 80 days and we don't want YOU to miss out!
With of camp being lowered thanks to some amazing donors and opportunities for fund raising and scholarships, there are no excuses to not go to camp!!
If you are in high school, know someone who is, or have a kid who is anywhere from going to be a freshman next year to going to graduate this year SIGN UP NOW!!
Camp is coming up on us QUICK!!
Dates: July 2nd - July 10th
Where: Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes, MN
How Much: $475
Get Your $100 Deposit in and Registered to Reserve Your Spot Today!!
HEALTH CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM
Please complete the health, consent, and release form and return it to us along with your final payment by Monday June 27th, 2011. Please note that record of your last physical, immunizations, and health insurance is mandatory as well as a physician's signature. You CANNOT go to camp without these forms signed! If you do not have insurance you will be covered under Young Life accident/injury/property insurance (up to $4,000) when you are on camp property but this does not include illness such as strep throat.
WHERE WILL WE BE?
We are going to Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes, MN. All camp numbers and the mailing address will be provided directly to parents at the bus at the time of sendoff, but is also available sooner via the camp website above.
WHAT TO BRING?
Beach towel, swim suit, spending money, rain coat, tennis shoes, one extra pair of OLD closed toed shoes, 2 sets of grubby clothes, jeans, shorts, sweatshirt, t-shirts, underwear, sunglasses, sun screen, camera, personal toiletries, one nice outfit for the final banquet and anything else you might think you need. All bedding and bathing towels are provided (however you WILL want a blanket/travel pillow for the bus ride!)
WHAT NOT TO BRING?
Funny you should ask! CD players, IPods, cell phones, and any other electronic devices will be allowed on the bus there and back only, not at camp (Camp Policy). These items will be put in the camp safe for the duration of camp and then returned upon camp departure.
WHEN DO WE LEAVE AND WHEN DO WE RETURN HOME?
We need you at the bus at the Young Life Building (3rd & Granite in Frisco) on July 2nd (Time TBD) to check in and have a snack before sendoff. We will not stop for dinner so pack accordingly if an early dinner won't tie you over. We will return to the Young Life Building on Sunday July 10th around noon. Parents, please be available to pick up your children at this time (We will ask your child to call you when we are close).
For Registration, Health Forms, and Camp/ Payment Information
Visit www.summitcounty. younglife.org
Or Call Aaron Witler 719.221.0566
--
Aaron Witler
Summit County Young Life
Thought from April MRT Trip
April 12, 2011
We have been back in Dillon since Saturday and I have been recovering from the 400 miles of tandem biking with Bill and Grace. Exercise is good. I left home with a nagging sinus infection and came home feeling much better. Exercise works better than antibiotics. I have a lot of browner skin. Especially on my face, arms and lower legs. And, a nagging skin irritation on my neck where I believe a shirt was rubbing. My legs are tired but, I was able to do a weight workout and a 40 minute ride on the stationary bike today.
The trip from St. Louis to Memphis was great. The weather was, should I say, challenging. Rain one day. And lots of wind. We rode 56 miles the rainy day. One of the windy day we only did 20 miles. On the first day we hit a culvert pretty hard and broke the casing of our rear tire. Then we had four or five more flats the next two days until we were able to get a new tire. I learned from Don Hansen last night that we could have used a dollar bill folded in the tire as a better fix. Bill did try to patch the tire lining. But, that only worked for a short distance.
The ride across the I-55 bridge from Tennessee to Arkansas was terrifying at best. There was a pedestrian walkway on the outside of the North bound lanes. It was narrow and the high speed continuos traffic was right next to us. At the Arkansas end we encountered a "Huge" snake that Bill almost stepped on. Then we had to ride the shoulder of the interstate another three miles for an exit. From there we headed home.
Congress should be required to take this trip. The state of our country is vividly portrayed by the condition of the towns and cities situated along the river. Whatever they are doing in Washington is not working. We are losing our economic position. Many towns and cities are in a deplorable condition. Some look like cities in third world countries. We are growing into a nation of poverty. The people don't even know what has hit them. People are out of work. There are no signs of new buildings. There are many closed factories. The main streets of some towns look like war zones. Some road work is evident. Probably supported by Obama Debt Stimulus. But, lots of roads and bridges are in a poor state of repair. The I-55 bridge is a prime example of the worn state of our nation infrastructure. Most of these bridges are over fifty years old. It is not a pretty sight.
We have been back in Dillon since Saturday and I have been recovering from the 400 miles of tandem biking with Bill and Grace. Exercise is good. I left home with a nagging sinus infection and came home feeling much better. Exercise works better than antibiotics. I have a lot of browner skin. Especially on my face, arms and lower legs. And, a nagging skin irritation on my neck where I believe a shirt was rubbing. My legs are tired but, I was able to do a weight workout and a 40 minute ride on the stationary bike today.
The trip from St. Louis to Memphis was great. The weather was, should I say, challenging. Rain one day. And lots of wind. We rode 56 miles the rainy day. One of the windy day we only did 20 miles. On the first day we hit a culvert pretty hard and broke the casing of our rear tire. Then we had four or five more flats the next two days until we were able to get a new tire. I learned from Don Hansen last night that we could have used a dollar bill folded in the tire as a better fix. Bill did try to patch the tire lining. But, that only worked for a short distance.
The ride across the I-55 bridge from Tennessee to Arkansas was terrifying at best. There was a pedestrian walkway on the outside of the North bound lanes. It was narrow and the high speed continuos traffic was right next to us. At the Arkansas end we encountered a "Huge" snake that Bill almost stepped on. Then we had to ride the shoulder of the interstate another three miles for an exit. From there we headed home.
Congress should be required to take this trip. The state of our country is vividly portrayed by the condition of the towns and cities situated along the river. Whatever they are doing in Washington is not working. We are losing our economic position. Many towns and cities are in a deplorable condition. Some look like cities in third world countries. We are growing into a nation of poverty. The people don't even know what has hit them. People are out of work. There are no signs of new buildings. There are many closed factories. The main streets of some towns look like war zones. Some road work is evident. Probably supported by Obama Debt Stimulus. But, lots of roads and bridges are in a poor state of repair. The I-55 bridge is a prime example of the worn state of our nation infrastructure. Most of these bridges are over fifty years old. It is not a pretty sight.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Final leg of the fourth trip
April 9, 2011
Today we are waking up in Dumas, TX on the way home. Dropping off Bill in BV and then heading for Dillon. Yesterday we drove from Fort Smith, AR. Last night Bill and I finished our business tax return. Its getting down to the deadline.
We completed this section of the bike ride just across the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge from Memphis. Riding across the bridge was a harrowing experience. The traffic is fast and continuous. Probably as many as twenty 18 wheelers on the North bound lane at a time. The bridge shakes and shutters with the weight and speed of the traffic. We rode a narrow walkway hanging over the outside edge of the bridge. We were right next to the traffic separated by a concrete barrier and the bridge steel work. The walkway was full of trash to dodge.
On the other side the river walk next to downtown Memphis was beautiful in it own way. There were many parks and lots of walkers. There were a few joggers and fewer bikers. We rode a total of about 400 miles on this trip mostly against the wind. The final day was expected to be about 40 miles but was much closer to 56. Lots of winding around.
I have many reflections from the trip. I will try to share them with you later.
Today we are waking up in Dumas, TX on the way home. Dropping off Bill in BV and then heading for Dillon. Yesterday we drove from Fort Smith, AR. Last night Bill and I finished our business tax return. Its getting down to the deadline.
We completed this section of the bike ride just across the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge from Memphis. Riding across the bridge was a harrowing experience. The traffic is fast and continuous. Probably as many as twenty 18 wheelers on the North bound lane at a time. The bridge shakes and shutters with the weight and speed of the traffic. We rode a narrow walkway hanging over the outside edge of the bridge. We were right next to the traffic separated by a concrete barrier and the bridge steel work. The walkway was full of trash to dodge.
On the other side the river walk next to downtown Memphis was beautiful in it own way. There were many parks and lots of walkers. There were a few joggers and fewer bikers. We rode a total of about 400 miles on this trip mostly against the wind. The final day was expected to be about 40 miles but was much closer to 56. Lots of winding around.
I have many reflections from the trip. I will try to share them with you later.
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