Ronald Reagan predicting the future. A must see…
Month: November 2009
A government big enough…
With unemployment now the highest in many of our lifetimes, do we still believe that massive government spending and huge bailouts are the solution to turn the economy around? Or should we maybe consider some aggressive tax cuts and pro-business policies? On one of the morning shows today they had a huge story about how horrible Wal-Mart’s “sick day” policy is and how it’s spreading the flu and how people feel like they are forced to go to work if they are sick because they will get a demerit. Clearly, we don’t want people working with the flu, but at the same time, companies (especially of that size), MUST have strict policies in place to protect their business and make sure people really seriously consider not showing up for work. If they don’t, they won’t be able to serve customers and there are plenty of people lining up at Wal-Mart for their low prices despite how “evil” they are. I am so sick and tired of business and businessmen being demonized in our country. Clearly, there are “bad guys” in any industry, but to act like everyone who wears a suit and tie to work is a criminal or everyone who runs their own business is a thief is lunacy. This country was built on the back of men and women who busted their butts to get where they are. It’s built on the back of people who don’t want unemployment, government-care, obamacare or anything else. We are becoming a nation of fat, lazy, self absorbed people who do not know or understand how this nation became the most powerful civilization in the history of mankind. If we don’t ALL (liberals, conservatives, libertarians, vegetarians, whatever) WAKE UP, get up and make things happy as INDIVIDUALS there will be a steep price to pay. Bottom line: Government is NOT the solution to our problems. Government is the problem. Individual liberty, freedom, and plan old hard work is what will turn this ship around. “A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.” – Gerald Ford Ok, I’m glad I got all that out.
“beauty will rise” – questioning faith and cherishing family
The new album by Steven Curtis Chapman, beautywillrise, may be one of the most powerful expressions of art, music, and faith that I have ever heard.
About 6 months ago, the Chapman family was struck by a tragedy. While backing out of the driveway, their oldest son ran over their 5 year old adopted daughter Maria Sue. Just hours before they had been celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter and were about to have a graduation party for their son. Complete joy was transferred to the deepest of grief.
This album is a heart-cry from Steven about his faith and what can rise from tragedy.
Music can often be touching, but I can’t remember being touched like I was by this album – ever. Our Hayden will be 5 at the end of this month and the thought of loosing him is one of the most painful things I could imagine. No parent should have to bury their child. To hear a man of such faith as Steven Curtis Chapman seriously question his God and his beliefs, but come back to the reality that there is a mighty God who has a plan much bigger than ours is powerful – very powerful. Talk about having your beliefs challenged in a way no one would desire — wow.
I am not sure my faith is that strong and pray it’s never tested like this. There is no greater time to question God than when a child is taken from this earth in such a way. But if I really believe what I say I believe, then that child is dancing with Angels in a heaven that is more splendid than anything we can imagine.
This album is also a powerful reminder of how we should treat our family, how we should speak to those we love, and what we should spend our time doing. If it was the last day, the last moment you had with your husband, your wife, your child, your parent — how differently would we treat them than we often do in times of anger or frustration.
I am thankful to be reminded by this music. Reminded that what really matters on this earth is faith, family, and friends.
Check out the album on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=335251220&s=143441