We have been frustrated with the judicial system in the case of our brother David, who is presently sitting in a federal facility in Big Spring, Texas. After release from the California prison, he was held at the San Bernardino county jail waiting for the transfer to a federal prison. Six months he sat waiting. Finally, he was sent to Oklahoma City for clearing, and then was sent to Big Spring this past April. I tried calling various correctional contacts found in government web sites, all to no avail. Finally, I wrote a letter to my congressman in my district, and at first felt nothing was going to be done. I had even hand-carried this letter to the congressman's office. After several phone calls from a congressional aide and some conversation about the lack of action on the government's part and an email that I wrote back venting my emotions, something is finally happening.
I got a call from my brother Noel, who had been contacted by David. (David tried to call me but my telephone system will not accept collect calls right now.) David said that my letter to the congressman has done something to stir things up. A congressional inquiry has been launched, and David's counselor at the facility said he most definitely will be getting a hearing. We hope it is soon, but we can be pleased that something is in the works.
My mother is anxious to visit David, as we all are, but the timing just has not worked out for any of us kids to take her to Texas for the visit because of our work and schedules. Well, Sondra and I are leaving this Friday to go to Shawnee and then to Texas (with mom in tow). We are trusting that all works out. It may be possible for my brother Noel and sister Marti and husband Bill to go as well. We hope everything works out for all this.
Life is busy around here too. Sondra is teaching as an Intervention Specialist (small group tutoring) to Kindergarten children at risk in their educational learning process. She works three days a week (T-W-Th) for 3 hours each day. It is relatively stress free and rather enjoyable. During that time, I do daycare (babysit) with my little grand-daughter Bailey until Sondra returns home from school.
Last Tuesday, we had a memorial service for a dear friend and member of the church, Lynda Naumann. What a precious soul and one who truly loved people. She was generous with her time, her talents and her finances at different times. Born into a Jewish family many years ago, she became born again about 35 years ago and was a strong woman who knew what she believed.
Last night at church, I led a Bible study on who Jesus is. It is central that we understand and know how to communicate to others who Jesus is. He (Jesus) is the cornerstone of our faith. In the study, we discussed what other religious belief systems say about Jesus. I looked at those in the study and said, "Who is Jesus to you?" That is the most important question of life that we must answer.
I am so blessed with the opportunity to share my faith in so many ways and to so many people. I am humbled that I can serve such an amazing and awesome God to build the Kingdom for the sake of eternity.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Great Expectations
My message yesterday was titled "Great Expectations."
From the account in 1 Samuel, we looked at the story of David and Goliath. All the others in the army of Israel were afraid to face the giant. Not so with the young man named David. He had experience with God's presence and power to kill the lion and the bear when he was but a shepherd boy in the field with the flock.
When Goliath defied the God of Israel, David could stand it no longer. He said, "I will go and fight the heathen. My God is greater than any man who defies the Lord." David went, killed the giant Goliath and the Philistine army ran.
David's great expectation was in the power of a mighty God. David said, "My God will fight this fight. It is not mine." Our expectations in the face of chaos and misery and hurt and challenges and obstacles can only be high if we know God is in the battle to fight for us.
I was reminded, however, that God does not do it alone while we sit idly by. We must do our part. David had to pick up the stones and use his sling shot. God directed the stone, but David was on mission and did what he needed to do too.
Yes, I am an eternal optimist. God is able. I will trust him. Our finances are tight, because of limited income after Sondra's retirement. We are both looking to find other ways to increase our finances, as we must do our part as well. However, God has been so good. A few weeks ago, a man who wishes to remain anonymous gave me a couple thousand dollars to catch up on our bills. He is also helping us with a down payment for a vehicle.
I have a certain amount of pride and I do not want to manipulate others into helping me, so I do not broadcast our needs openly. But God knows them and does miraculous things. Yesterday, a lady gave Sondra some cash to help us out. At the same time, another lady gave me an envelope with money in it and said, "This is for you."
I continue to be amazed at the amazing goodness of a God who loves me and knows my every need. He puts it in the hearts of others to bless, and we are so humbled.
My expectations for God's provision is as high as the heavens, as that is where all sufficiency comes from. You will have various battles and giants to face this week. I hope your expectations are high as you serve and live for a wonderful Savior. Trust is the key. Let us trust fully and joyfully.
When we do, there will be a R.I.O.T. (Revival In Our Time).
From the account in 1 Samuel, we looked at the story of David and Goliath. All the others in the army of Israel were afraid to face the giant. Not so with the young man named David. He had experience with God's presence and power to kill the lion and the bear when he was but a shepherd boy in the field with the flock.
When Goliath defied the God of Israel, David could stand it no longer. He said, "I will go and fight the heathen. My God is greater than any man who defies the Lord." David went, killed the giant Goliath and the Philistine army ran.
David's great expectation was in the power of a mighty God. David said, "My God will fight this fight. It is not mine." Our expectations in the face of chaos and misery and hurt and challenges and obstacles can only be high if we know God is in the battle to fight for us.
I was reminded, however, that God does not do it alone while we sit idly by. We must do our part. David had to pick up the stones and use his sling shot. God directed the stone, but David was on mission and did what he needed to do too.
Yes, I am an eternal optimist. God is able. I will trust him. Our finances are tight, because of limited income after Sondra's retirement. We are both looking to find other ways to increase our finances, as we must do our part as well. However, God has been so good. A few weeks ago, a man who wishes to remain anonymous gave me a couple thousand dollars to catch up on our bills. He is also helping us with a down payment for a vehicle.
I have a certain amount of pride and I do not want to manipulate others into helping me, so I do not broadcast our needs openly. But God knows them and does miraculous things. Yesterday, a lady gave Sondra some cash to help us out. At the same time, another lady gave me an envelope with money in it and said, "This is for you."
I continue to be amazed at the amazing goodness of a God who loves me and knows my every need. He puts it in the hearts of others to bless, and we are so humbled.
My expectations for God's provision is as high as the heavens, as that is where all sufficiency comes from. You will have various battles and giants to face this week. I hope your expectations are high as you serve and live for a wonderful Savior. Trust is the key. Let us trust fully and joyfully.
When we do, there will be a R.I.O.T. (Revival In Our Time).
Friday, August 28, 2009
Family Photo
Some of you have not seen my kids and their spouses and all my grandkids in one picture. Here they are. This is the Galen Greenwalt clan, taken a couple of months ago.
From left to right:
Son-in-law Shawn, baby Bailey and daughter Crystal Marcum;
Grandson Jace(standing), daugher-in-law Shelly and son Jason;
Sondra, son Evan, grand-daughter Kylee (Jason and Shelly's) and me.
This was taken at one of Sondra's retirement ceremonies at the Rialto school district meeting at the end of May 2009.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
First Attempt to Post Photo
Because I am new at this, I will try to put a picture in this blog. This is my first try.
This is me and Sondra down in San Diego for the wedding a few weekends ago.
This is me and Sondra down in San Diego for the wedding a few weekends ago.
Goldwater Quote
A good friend of mine for many years apparently has some pause to reflect on the current climate of our Christian culture. It seems like this friend is equating Christianity (and those with strong religious beliefs) with the "right wing crazies" that are shown on some newscasts. He didn't say it, but it is what the quote made me feel.
In a recent blog, he inserted a quote from Barry Goldwater, a Republican senator from Arizona and a presidential candidate years ago. This quote is from 1981:
"There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent.
"If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me...that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are?"
Oh, Mr. Goldwater, I am so glad you asked. (Goldwater died on 1998, but I will still answer him because it is relevant today.)
First, you say religious people are immovable and trying to force the government into following their position. Look at television and radio broadcasts today. I challenge you to say that the "non-religious" faction is not immovable and trying to force the government into following their position. Do you understand? Both sides (Christians and atheists, the conservatives and the liberals) feel passionate and want their ideas to be heard and followed. That is not wrong. It is who we are. We must be fully committed to what we believe and trust and understand, because our spiritual nature comes out in our physical nature and world view. So, yes, we as Christians are immovable and trying to make change. Hallelujah!
Second, Mr. Goldwater, you say that you are tired of the political preachers across the country telling you what to believe. Well, the preachers became silent for some time and came to be understood as the "silent majority." It has been high time that the preachers of today proclaim truth and Biblical justice and morality with boldness again. We need a great revival in our land. Atheism and various non-Christian political agendas will not bring needed hope and joy and purity to our world. Only Jesus can do that. I have debated, cajoled, talked, cussed and discussed with many atheists and agnostics over the years of my ministry. I have never had any atheist tell me about the profound joy of life, the great purpose of living or the exciting miracles that have happened through their "belief" system, and we must agree that atheism is a belief system of sorts. So, I am happy to be a part of the renewal of the Christain faith. Praise God for preachers and lay Christians who stand up and tell others what they as Christians believe! It's about time.
Third and last, Barry (I'm going to get personal now), if you want to be a moral person, where will you get your moral base? From philosophy, or secular humanism, or personal introspection? I think not. Those all have a base in something else. There is a final point of view, a ground floor, from which we gain our perspective and viewpoints. It's either the Bible or from someone who is human (who has taught a certain value). Barry, where do you get your morals and values? Will it be from someone long ago (or even present-day) who you will trust for your belief system? Or will you rely on God's Word as the final authority? For me, it's the Bible with Jesus as central for my faith. I rejoice that I have such a foothold and base to stand on!
So, Mr. Goldwater, if you were here today I would lovingly and proudly tell you about my faith in Jesus if you would let me. I am not high and mighty to think that I sit on the throne of "greatest knowledge" that no one else can attain. No, I am but a simple individual who has found indescribable joy and unparalleled peace through my personal relationship with a God who loves me more than I can ever know.
And I hope my friend from years ago still has pause to reflect on the current Christian climate. It's not what it needs to be, but Christians are merely human beings too. We as Christians just have a mighty hope from above that we live for. And, yes, I want everyone else to have it too!
In a recent blog, he inserted a quote from Barry Goldwater, a Republican senator from Arizona and a presidential candidate years ago. This quote is from 1981:
"There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent.
"If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me...that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in A, B, C, and D. Just who do they think they are?"
Oh, Mr. Goldwater, I am so glad you asked. (Goldwater died on 1998, but I will still answer him because it is relevant today.)
First, you say religious people are immovable and trying to force the government into following their position. Look at television and radio broadcasts today. I challenge you to say that the "non-religious" faction is not immovable and trying to force the government into following their position. Do you understand? Both sides (Christians and atheists, the conservatives and the liberals) feel passionate and want their ideas to be heard and followed. That is not wrong. It is who we are. We must be fully committed to what we believe and trust and understand, because our spiritual nature comes out in our physical nature and world view. So, yes, we as Christians are immovable and trying to make change. Hallelujah!
Second, Mr. Goldwater, you say that you are tired of the political preachers across the country telling you what to believe. Well, the preachers became silent for some time and came to be understood as the "silent majority." It has been high time that the preachers of today proclaim truth and Biblical justice and morality with boldness again. We need a great revival in our land. Atheism and various non-Christian political agendas will not bring needed hope and joy and purity to our world. Only Jesus can do that. I have debated, cajoled, talked, cussed and discussed with many atheists and agnostics over the years of my ministry. I have never had any atheist tell me about the profound joy of life, the great purpose of living or the exciting miracles that have happened through their "belief" system, and we must agree that atheism is a belief system of sorts. So, I am happy to be a part of the renewal of the Christain faith. Praise God for preachers and lay Christians who stand up and tell others what they as Christians believe! It's about time.
Third and last, Barry (I'm going to get personal now), if you want to be a moral person, where will you get your moral base? From philosophy, or secular humanism, or personal introspection? I think not. Those all have a base in something else. There is a final point of view, a ground floor, from which we gain our perspective and viewpoints. It's either the Bible or from someone who is human (who has taught a certain value). Barry, where do you get your morals and values? Will it be from someone long ago (or even present-day) who you will trust for your belief system? Or will you rely on God's Word as the final authority? For me, it's the Bible with Jesus as central for my faith. I rejoice that I have such a foothold and base to stand on!
So, Mr. Goldwater, if you were here today I would lovingly and proudly tell you about my faith in Jesus if you would let me. I am not high and mighty to think that I sit on the throne of "greatest knowledge" that no one else can attain. No, I am but a simple individual who has found indescribable joy and unparalleled peace through my personal relationship with a God who loves me more than I can ever know.
And I hope my friend from years ago still has pause to reflect on the current Christian climate. It's not what it needs to be, but Christians are merely human beings too. We as Christians just have a mighty hope from above that we live for. And, yes, I want everyone else to have it too!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A Tale of Two Cities
This is a tale of two cities. San Diego and Desert Center. Both are in California.
San Diego is a city that lies right on the Pacific, just above the border from Tijuana, Mexico. The weather is moderate almost all year round. The palm trees wave in the bright blue sky. The smell of ocean breeze when driving the coast is comforting. It is a destination for many tourists and visitors. The population is close to 1.4 million, which makes it the second-largest city in California and the 17th largest in the United States.
Desert Center is a little town about 40 miles from the Arizona border on Interstate 10. It is in the middle of nowhere, stuck between Blythe and Indio in the California desert. It is a ghost town of what it used to be. The Kaiser mine, just a few short miles away, closed many years ago. There is a golf course now and two small lakes (Lake Tamarisk) for the residents and the many "snow birds" who descend on the small town in the winter months. The population almost triples when the seasonal visitors come and stay. The sign on the highway says the population is 125. It is not unusual for the temperatures in Desert Center to reach 120 degrees, I was told by residents there.
And that is why I mention these two cities. I was in both of them over the weekend.
Friday afternoon, Sondra and I drove down to the Silver Strand on Coronado Island in San Diego. Our good friends, Gene and Pam Ressler who still live in 29 Palms, were there as they had set up their fifth-wheel RV trailer just a few feet away from the water of the bay. It was a relaxing week for them in retirement (even though Gene still works to keep busy), and we were invited to come down. We arrived in time to eat dinner at Anthony's Seafood Restaurant on the wharf with them, taking little grand-daughter Bailey with us also.
Sondra and I spent the night at the Holiday Inn directly across the street from the restaurant, so that was convenient. I had gone online prior to bid on a room via Priceline.com and was successful in getting that room for $57 for the night.
The next day we sat on the waterfront with Gene and Pam, just talking and catching up on news about each other's families. We ate, shared good memories, talked of church life, opened up our hearts, laughed and cried, and were sad to leave at the end of the day. It was a wonderful time and we didn't want it to end. But we had to go home.
Sunday, we were blessed in our time of Bible study and worship. At the end of the service, I met with a homeless couple that introduced themselves to me earlier in the week at Fairmount Park. I had been asked to speak at the Third Year Anniversary of our ministry for feeding the homeless at the park. This couple (Steven and Carrie) came to our worship service Sunday and are interested in getting married in the church. They want to be baptized as well, so we are excited about what God is doing in their lives.
Then, Sunday afternoon I left on a little journey to Desert Center. Clif Sanford and Christina Kennedy live there, and they had asked me some time back to marry them. Clif was an inmate at Chuckawalla Prison with my brother David last year. When Clif found out that I was a pastor from conversations with David, he told David that he was going to have me do his wedding when he got out. Some months back, Clif got out and we have been in touch all year about a marriage date.
I arrived in Desert Center about 5 pm at their house, which was right across the street from little Lake Tamarisk where the wedding would take place. It was a simple ceremony with no music, no chairs, no suits and no fanfare. Just a few family members and friends from the community. It was great. Later when we had the ceremony, the sun was setting, the breeze was cool and everyone was in fine spirits. Clif was in blue jeans, cowboy shirt and cowboy hat. Christina was in a pretty blouse and white pants.
I drove home that night thinking of the two cities, San Diego and Desert Center. Both were special to me because I had shared in the lives of two very different couples. The geographical and physical description of a city doesn't make it any better than another. It's what happens in every city that makes the difference.
We had fun in San Diego with the Resslers, and I had fun doing a wedding ceremony for the Sanford family. I had a great weekend. I felt God's presence in so much that was going on all weekend long. Life should be fun, and God helps make it that way!
San Diego is a city that lies right on the Pacific, just above the border from Tijuana, Mexico. The weather is moderate almost all year round. The palm trees wave in the bright blue sky. The smell of ocean breeze when driving the coast is comforting. It is a destination for many tourists and visitors. The population is close to 1.4 million, which makes it the second-largest city in California and the 17th largest in the United States.
Desert Center is a little town about 40 miles from the Arizona border on Interstate 10. It is in the middle of nowhere, stuck between Blythe and Indio in the California desert. It is a ghost town of what it used to be. The Kaiser mine, just a few short miles away, closed many years ago. There is a golf course now and two small lakes (Lake Tamarisk) for the residents and the many "snow birds" who descend on the small town in the winter months. The population almost triples when the seasonal visitors come and stay. The sign on the highway says the population is 125. It is not unusual for the temperatures in Desert Center to reach 120 degrees, I was told by residents there.
And that is why I mention these two cities. I was in both of them over the weekend.
Friday afternoon, Sondra and I drove down to the Silver Strand on Coronado Island in San Diego. Our good friends, Gene and Pam Ressler who still live in 29 Palms, were there as they had set up their fifth-wheel RV trailer just a few feet away from the water of the bay. It was a relaxing week for them in retirement (even though Gene still works to keep busy), and we were invited to come down. We arrived in time to eat dinner at Anthony's Seafood Restaurant on the wharf with them, taking little grand-daughter Bailey with us also.
Sondra and I spent the night at the Holiday Inn directly across the street from the restaurant, so that was convenient. I had gone online prior to bid on a room via Priceline.com and was successful in getting that room for $57 for the night.
The next day we sat on the waterfront with Gene and Pam, just talking and catching up on news about each other's families. We ate, shared good memories, talked of church life, opened up our hearts, laughed and cried, and were sad to leave at the end of the day. It was a wonderful time and we didn't want it to end. But we had to go home.
Sunday, we were blessed in our time of Bible study and worship. At the end of the service, I met with a homeless couple that introduced themselves to me earlier in the week at Fairmount Park. I had been asked to speak at the Third Year Anniversary of our ministry for feeding the homeless at the park. This couple (Steven and Carrie) came to our worship service Sunday and are interested in getting married in the church. They want to be baptized as well, so we are excited about what God is doing in their lives.
Then, Sunday afternoon I left on a little journey to Desert Center. Clif Sanford and Christina Kennedy live there, and they had asked me some time back to marry them. Clif was an inmate at Chuckawalla Prison with my brother David last year. When Clif found out that I was a pastor from conversations with David, he told David that he was going to have me do his wedding when he got out. Some months back, Clif got out and we have been in touch all year about a marriage date.
I arrived in Desert Center about 5 pm at their house, which was right across the street from little Lake Tamarisk where the wedding would take place. It was a simple ceremony with no music, no chairs, no suits and no fanfare. Just a few family members and friends from the community. It was great. Later when we had the ceremony, the sun was setting, the breeze was cool and everyone was in fine spirits. Clif was in blue jeans, cowboy shirt and cowboy hat. Christina was in a pretty blouse and white pants.
I drove home that night thinking of the two cities, San Diego and Desert Center. Both were special to me because I had shared in the lives of two very different couples. The geographical and physical description of a city doesn't make it any better than another. It's what happens in every city that makes the difference.
We had fun in San Diego with the Resslers, and I had fun doing a wedding ceremony for the Sanford family. I had a great weekend. I felt God's presence in so much that was going on all weekend long. Life should be fun, and God helps make it that way!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Cash for Clunkers
Sondra and I have been busy these past couple of weeks trying to buy a new car for cheap. Part of that pursuit is because of the government program called Cash for Clunkers. We have an old 1995 Ford 12-passenger van with the seats removed, and we use it like a pickup truck. It gets about 8-10 miles per gallon, so we knew it would qualify for the CARS program.
We thought it would be an easy process. Find an inexpensive gas-saving small car, turn in the clunker, pay for the car and leave.
Wrong. There are so many restrictions. The vehicle needs to be registered for the past 12 months. Must have been insured continuously for the past 12 months. Must have been in your name for the past 12 months. Must be in running condition when brought to the dealer. Must have a clear title (pink slip).
Fortunately, our van fit the bill for all those rules.
Unfortunately, the van is considered a Class 3 truck because it has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of over 8500 pounds. That means that we are restricted to a Class 2 or Class 3 vehicle to purchase. Those vehicles are the big SUVs and big pickup trucks. We were stunned. We had a Nissan Sentra that we were looking at, one that gets 35 mpg. The salesman came back and said, "Sorry, you can't buy that Sentra under this program. But we do have the Frontier and the Armada that will fit that restriction."
Sure. For double the price and almost half the miles per gallon. Someone didn't think this one through on the government level. If you want me to be more fuel efficient, let me buy any car that gets good gas mileage. Don't make me buy a big vehicle, just because it fits the "truck" designation. I don't have the money, I don't have the inclination for it, I don't like it!
Well, I still have the van. And I don't have a new car yet. I have only enough money for half the vehicle they say I have to buy. Sorry, my pockets are empty.
I know there is a lesson to be learned in all this that we have gone through. Driving to so many dealerships, some even in the Los Angeles area about 50 miles away. Talking to so many salesmen (and saleswomen). Looking at every aspect of money and trying to pay cash only. There is a lesson, but I don't want to know it yet. I'm still smiling but not in a new car! Ha.
Thanks for letting me vent!
We thought it would be an easy process. Find an inexpensive gas-saving small car, turn in the clunker, pay for the car and leave.
Wrong. There are so many restrictions. The vehicle needs to be registered for the past 12 months. Must have been insured continuously for the past 12 months. Must have been in your name for the past 12 months. Must be in running condition when brought to the dealer. Must have a clear title (pink slip).
Fortunately, our van fit the bill for all those rules.
Unfortunately, the van is considered a Class 3 truck because it has a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of over 8500 pounds. That means that we are restricted to a Class 2 or Class 3 vehicle to purchase. Those vehicles are the big SUVs and big pickup trucks. We were stunned. We had a Nissan Sentra that we were looking at, one that gets 35 mpg. The salesman came back and said, "Sorry, you can't buy that Sentra under this program. But we do have the Frontier and the Armada that will fit that restriction."
Sure. For double the price and almost half the miles per gallon. Someone didn't think this one through on the government level. If you want me to be more fuel efficient, let me buy any car that gets good gas mileage. Don't make me buy a big vehicle, just because it fits the "truck" designation. I don't have the money, I don't have the inclination for it, I don't like it!
Well, I still have the van. And I don't have a new car yet. I have only enough money for half the vehicle they say I have to buy. Sorry, my pockets are empty.
I know there is a lesson to be learned in all this that we have gone through. Driving to so many dealerships, some even in the Los Angeles area about 50 miles away. Talking to so many salesmen (and saleswomen). Looking at every aspect of money and trying to pay cash only. There is a lesson, but I don't want to know it yet. I'm still smiling but not in a new car! Ha.
Thanks for letting me vent!
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