Who Will Go for Us?

Isaiah 6:8-10
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:
Who shall I send? Who will go for Us?

I said: Here I am. Send me.

And He replied:
Go! Say to these people: keep listening, but do not understand;
keep looking, but do not perceive.
Dull the minds of these people; deafen their ears and blind their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears, understand with their minds, turn back, and be healed."

I am quoting this verse because it reminded me of what I want to accomplish in my writing. I was inspired to type a blog post tonight because I just finished another book by my favorite author, Ted Dekker...and I couldn't help but tell God,
"Lord - now that is how I want to tell people your message. I want to help people feel what You are all about through the writing, as seemingly effortless as Dekker."

I enjoy reading almost any story with good working action, and old Ted does not disappoint. But I am amazed at how he weaves a fictional tale and yet still helps you visualize how Jesus takes hold of the character's heart. I want to capture that feeling, and pass it on.

Which brings me back to Mr. Isaiah. If you haven't ever read the book of Isaiah, I recommend it. Yes, it can get quite heady at times, but it really helps one understand just how magnificent God is - and makes you really glad He is on our side if you are a believer. And he also has that amazing ability to help the reader feel God's power taking hold over him - which if you get to read the verses just previous to this, you learn the ability was given to him by God.

When you read, don't you want to feel good about what you read? I absolutely love when an author's words help me achieve a greater understanding of something than I had before. But then, if you read the verses above, God still doesn't want us to have all the answers, does He? This is something I have had to improve upon as I have taken on the endeavor of writing Christian suspense thrillers. I think I am getting better at it, by the way. But when writing suspense, you don't want to answer all the readers' questions. You want to make them think. I have actually gotten in a better habit of answering reader's questions on this blog than anything else. I will keep the thrills coming, I assure you, and the curve balls. But I am learning how to get the readers to 'keep looking, but do not understand.'

If you like to write, and if you like to share your thoughts, but haven't really voiced the thoughts you may think God has placed on your heart, let it out. Let the evangelical blogger within you out. Let the world know that God loves all the people. As hard as it is for me to say, He even loves the ISIS terrorists, too. If they would only open their hearts and listen, instead of be controlled by their radical ideology. Perhaps if more of us attempt to reach out, who knows?
Yes, I just typed that. Does that mean I want us to open the borders to all refugees? No - not without a solid safety check in place. If we were a truly Christian nation and our leaders wanted to pray about how to do just that, than that would be a good start. I am not present within the walls of our top government officials to know whether they pray or not (other than just invocations), but in my experience one can usually tell a man of faith and prayer without ever hearing the man pray aloud...I cannot say I have that perception of any of our current most influential government leaders.

As I said, I was inspired tonight. I just felt like sharing my thoughts. I will continue to try to positively effect my little section of the world, one reader at a time. I will attempt to do that through what I know and believe about Jesus my Savior. I would love to hear some of the other readers out there and their thoughts on the matter. In the meantime-

Here I am, Lord...send me.

Make sure you're riding a good bike...

Are you cycling through this world on a good bike? And I don't mean in the literal sense (Literally speaking, I don't often ride a bike).

Life is full of ups and downs. The hardships we all encounter throughout life are inevitable; there is no way to avoid suffering in this world. It is also kind of rare to never ever have one positive thing in your life happen if one pays attention to their surroundings. Experiencing these positive things and negative things in life, or ups and downs if you will, are very analogous to riding a bicycle through a given course.

The way I see it, a cyclist has to have a good bicycle to make it through the toughest of courses. Now this course could have lots of twists, turns, steep climbs, and long racing hills. There can also be all sorts of terrain on the course. If you have a cheaper made, more degradable material that makes up your bicycle, it won't last. If you have a bicycle that doesn't have any extra gears, that can cause problems as well. You can encounter hills too tough to climb. You can also lose control if you pedal too fast down hill. The true cyclists out there want a bicycle they can depend on.

Here's the problem - I think all of us start out trying to be the bicycle ourselves. The real problem is evident when we see just how flawed a bicycle we have when we make ourselves the bicycle, and try to take on more than we can handle. We become misguided by other things out there telling us that self-self-self is what you need to rely on. So we keep trying to make it through the course without any help.

What if I told you there is a bicycle that was unbreakable? What would you say to getting on a bike that never wears out, and can get you through even the most difficult and challenging courses? Doesn't that sound like the bicycle for you?

See, I think God meant for us to just push the pedals; He just wants us to be the cyclists. He will be our unbreakable bicycle. We are born learning how to ride a bike that just gets us by for a while, but God wants you to get on His Bicycle. Live the way God teaches us to in the Bible; give your life to Him and trust him, and all you have to do is keep pedaling. Sure - there will still be tough hills to climb...some suffering to go through. And there will be those steep hills to coast down with the wind in your face, or even race down pedaling hard.

But if you are on a good bike, isn't the ride worth it?

Attack where the Enemy Isn't -

So there I was, sitting there eating my lunch in the crowded cafeteria at the large hospital where I work - my back to a wall, gun at my side, and me in the perfect spot to see anybody and everyone around me. I happened to observe a certain man with dark eyebrows, wearing some sort of red sweater, perhaps with some festive holiday or Christmas design, but nothing that brings clear memory of detail. I watched him pass by and thought nothing else of him, and I continued to eat my sandwich.

Shortly after downing the sub sandwich, I began eating my chips. I looked up and in the direction of one of the eateries in the cafeteria, the same man, whom I recognized, began walking directly towards my carefully and intentionally selected corner table - with purpose. The paranoid novelist inside could see something strange unfolding, but the professional in me smiled and acknowledged him with a "Hello - how are you?"
The stranger smiled in return, and held two small paper bags from the bakery, and said, "Couldn't help but notice you don't have a dessert. You want chocolate chip, or oatmeal?"
I thought for a moment, and said hesitantly, "Chocolate chip?"

"Chocolate chip it is, sir. Just wanted to say thank you for your service and what you do. Have a great day." Then he placed the chocolate chip cookie bag down next to me on the table. I replied with a words of thanks, and he nodded and walked on his merry way.

So I wolfed down the chocolate chip cookie accordingly, and of course, I started thinking.
Although the paranoid, cynical law enforcement officer in me suspected poison, I was overwhelmed by the random act of kindness. And then I realized, at that moment, when he presented me with an unconditional gift - evil was nowhere to be found...at least not in my vicinity.

The Bible tells us that God, and His Son, are wherever two or more are gathered in His name. So God, and His Son, have the power to be omnipresent. They can be in several places at once (especially on Sundays, no?)
But Satan is shown time and time again in the Bible to only carry out attacks one place at a time. Sure, the 'lord of the air' can mount multiple points of attack with his minions; his demons. But he DOES NOT have the same power as God.

So that is what I was thinking about as I realized the absence of evil in that place, at that time...and I started thinking further. What if all this safety and security, and defense training, while serving its purposes, really isn't what God wants us to use in the constant fight against evil until He comes again.? What if...we are supposed to attack where the enemy isn't?

In other words, when there is no sign or evidence of evil about us, in the presence of strangers - we kill people with kindness. We 'attack the enemy' by showing random acts of kindness. Then someone else notices those acts, and they pay it forward to others. And the action becomes contagious, and spreads, and explodes! What if we could do this, and make it harder and harder for evil to have a place to go in the first place.

Now don't get me wrong; I am still a sheep dog at heart, and I want to attack a wolf when I see him and know he is a wolf. But let's encourage each other to do more random acts of kindness when evil is NOT present, and maybe...just maybe - evil will run out of places to hide.

The Haunted House of Success

So I was thinking about opportunity as it applied to my 13 year old son. Ever since he was 7 years old, he has had aspirations of one day being an officer in the US Air Force. He has recently become active in the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, and he and I have taken steps along the way to encourage success in this pursuit of his dream. Now he is only 13, so he has plenty of time, unknown events, and opportunity ahead of him. The problem he has had to face most of his childhood has been respiratory health. As a parent, this concerns me - because I know that at a certain point, the branches of the military will look down on his health history if it effects him much longer...so I got to thinking about that word opportunity, as it relates to open and closed doors.

I have enjoyed many opportunities to walk through several open doors in my professional life. I have initiated professional careers in education, fitness, coaching, law enforcement, and writing. I have had doors that I pushed open myself, and I have had doors, or opportunities, open to me. It was up to me to take those opportunities - to walk through those doors.

This brought to mind the imagery of a scary movie - an image of a person stuck in a haunted house, trying to escape. For the person who is trapped in that scary house, it may seem convenient sometimes to find doors along the way...doors they think may lead them to a way out - a way to 'break through' to the outside. Because this is a movie we are talking about, some doors appear out of nowhere; some doors they see way down the hall. Some doors might look frightening, and they think there is no way they are going through that one! Others seem convenient. Perhaps a certain ladder suddenly hangs down from the ceiling that appears to break through to the outside via the roof. Sometimes these doors are only open for a little while, then slam shut when you least expect it. And then sometimes, some doors may even seem like the only way to go, but there is a huge, ugly monster they must get by just to reach the door.

Does this not relate to perhaps how a young person could view the journey to success in this world? On my journey through this professional world, I have taken on some career paths because they were convenient at the time. I have taken others because a door was suddenly open to me, and I thought I saw a unique path to 'break on through to the other side.' I know some people may take what appears to be the easy path - the most convenient doors, while others want to climb that ladder hanging before them and go straight to the top. My current path in law enforcement is a door that both I chose to take, and one that is in line with other goals. But the ultimate path I want to take, to achieve my real 'breakthrough', if you will - is the opportunity I discovered, that seems to line up with a certain divine purpose; the opportunity to succeed in a writing career. But there is this huge ugly monster in the way; this monster has many heads, with names on their foreheads like Target Audience, Critics, Platform, Advertising, and Publishing! My initial intentions were to take this monster head-on; but I didn't realize how many heads it would have. I am slowly realizing that this daunting task will take time, and maneuvering. But I will break out of this haunted house!

Which brings me back to the task ahead for my son, and perhaps other people out there. I hope I can help my son realize that there is no one way to go to become successful. There will be ups and downs, and just when you think you might be walking through the right doorway, that door slams shut. For my boy, that could be his asthma. That may be the only reason the Air Force doesn't accept him - OR - maybe that's just the big ugly monster in the way. Either way, I want him - and others - to realize that you don't have to feel pigeon holed or cornered into one career path.

So...what has your haunted house of success looked like?

'Dabo', Garth, ...and Suffering in this world?

"I told them, 'We give you scholarships, we give you stipends and meals and place to live. We give you nice uniforms. I can't give you guts and I can't give you heart.' And tonight, it was BYOG: bring your own guts," Dabo Swinney told reporters after a hard fought win in a torrential down-pour, against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Now I know, I will be the first to admit, I am a self-professed biased Clemson fan, who likes to see the world through orange colored glasses often. But if you read that quote from my favorite coach, and break it down...it speaks volumes!

And as I thought back to those words spoken by the exuberant football coach, I thought of how many people out there in the world refuse to accept the Word of God, simply because they don't understand how a loving God could just let us all go through this world and have to put up with so much suffering. When it comes right down to it, a football coach is one who gets his players to go through high school and college life, and teaches them lessons along the way. They go out there and have to take on the cuts, the bruises, the tackles, the slobber-knocking hits, the pain and suffering of workouts, the cruddy weather, the coaches yelling in their faces...you know - stuff that me, personally, never volunteered to do growing up. But I have seen others who have, and I have seen how they are better for it. Now, does this not reflect life...as a Christian? Here is the kicker - you don't have to play for that coach. You can try to play football somewhere else. You can choose not to play football at all. But if you decide to follow that coach...where is he trying to lead you?

Now look at this from a Christian perspective. God gives us the perfect life coach in Jesus Christ. Christ came to Earth and taught us everything we need to know in life. He taught us how to pray, what to believe, and what is meant to be. And He even warned us of the suffering to come, just as plenty of football coaches, such as Dabo, will tell his players what to expect - if they want to win the prize. But just like those football coaches, nobody is forcing anyone to follow Christ. Jesus shows the way, but you don't have to put on His uniform; you can choose not to follow Him. You have to BYOG - Bring Your Own Guts, to follow Him and see where it will take you.

All this got me thinking even more when I was on my way home from church, and a Garth Brooks song played on my CD. These words, of a father raising a child, jumped out at me from the song:

"You can cry for them; live and die for them; you can help them find their wings, but you can't fly for them.
'Cause if they're not free to fall - then they're not free at all, and though you just can't bear the thought of letting go...
"You pick'em up....dust'em off...and send'em on down the road."

How much like a father is a good coach? How much is God like the ultimate Father? Does He not weep for us? Read the New Testament...He has wept. Christ lived and died for Us, and Lives again! And if you turn to God and ask for help, He can help you find your wings to take off for Him to do anything you can imagine.

But He still has to let us fall. He still has to let us fail - so we can learn to pick ourselves back up again. And what does it take to get back up and keep going?

Guts.

Isiaiah 25:8 says -
 He will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
This is a great Old Testament description of where the ultimate life coach says He will take us. But if you are going to follow the ultimate Father; the Ultimate coach - you have to be willing to suit up. I may not have suited up for a real football coach like some of my best friends - or like my own little brother. But I am willing to suit up now - and follow the Lord.

So BYOG people...let's follow Jesus. And get your Bibles - your playbooks if you will...
And let's go to work :)

Sheep Dogs

I have written a blog on protecting and serving before, and how I have felt called to do just that as a profession. However, I want to look at things at a slightly different angle; I want to take a look at it from the perspective of a sheep dog. Both military and law enforcement have been entrusted with protecting the innocent - the sheep, if you will - from the wolves...the evil people in this world.

Now, these sheep...they don't like the way the wolves look. They don't like seeing a wolf prey upon one of their fellow sheep. As a matter of fact, they can even bare some of their own fangs sometimes - but only for a moment. Most of the time when this big bad wolf is harming a sheep, and a sheep dog is at the sheep's disposal, then they have no problem when the sheep dog comes to the rescue. But there are a couple of things that the sheep and sheep dogs must realize about each other.

First of all, sometimes, a sheep dog can't just bare its teeth and growl and scare the wolf away. Sometimes, the sheep dog has to go all in, actually fight the wolves...and that fight can be messy (you know, shootings, people resisting arrest, tasing, use of force caught on video, etc.). So it may even disturb the sheep when the fight gets messy; this messy fight may get the sheep to look at us sheep dogs with caution, concern, and even fear. Sometimes, the sheep just don't realize what was necessary for the fight.

Second, the sheep need to realize that sometimes, sheep become wolves themselves...or were wolves all along. The very people that seemed okay to trust detect a moment of weakness or vulnerability in a fellow sheep, and they throw off the sheep skin and prey upon that sheep. Enter the sheep dog, to help the victim sheep. But lo and behold, but who ends up being seen as the enemy? Why, the sheep dog, or course...because no sheep would ever want to admit to being fooled by their fellow sheep, when all along that person was really a wolf.

And third, since the best thing to fight the wolves with big sharp teeth is another set of big sharp teeth, sometimes the sheep dogs can be just as scary as the wolves. Some sheep dogs might not even mean to come across that way to the sheep, but they just can't help it. Then there are those sheep dogs who become rabid; infected by the same evil hunger that effects the wolves, and the sheep that go bad.

I was thinking about this today, as once again, I saw all the media bashing of law enforcement, and all the people out there with common sense that still see the need for the 'sheep dogs'. And it occurred to me that I don't need to get too offended - or surprised even - by the people out there who are afraid of cops...afraid of the sheep dogs. Although I intend to be nothing but protective in my job when I am in uniform, it is still easy to tell that some sheep, no matter how evil the wolves get, will never want to trust the sheep dogs, with their big pointy teeth, sitting right there on their hip.

Projection of Power

John 14: 11-21

"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

So I was listening to my new pastor in yesterday's message, and he was speaking about living a life on mission. He quoted this scripture, and seeing and hearing these words got me thinking of the military principal of projection of power. According to Militaryfactory.com, the definition of power projection is the ability of a nation or entity to apply all or some of its elements of power to rapidly and effectively deploy and sustain forces in and from multiple dispersed locations - to respond to crises, maintain or add deterrence, and to enhance stability in the land occupied.

Now let's look at God's strategy, according to the gospel of John. Here, in a sense, is his battle plan. Despite the fact that God's Son left this world for a time, He promises that whoever believes in Him will do the works He has been doing. So first of all, all his troops will keep up the march, and will continue to spread the good news as He did. I think it is safe to say that several good minded Christians have begun this process, and several of us continue it to this day. But that's all fine and good until you realize all we can do is spread the message; we ourselves don't have the power. It turns out God has an answer for that in His battle plan as well. He goes on to say that those He leaves behind for a time will do even greater works than He did! How will they do this? Well, God also planned for this contingency; He goes on further and explains that whatever believers ask in His name, He will grant! That's right...if it is in the Name of God and His mission, He will make it happen. Not only that, but He also says that He will leave behind an Advocate...the Spirit of Truth, who will be with us forever. How's that for reinforcements? So we have a constant powerful ally...but what about the lack of power in the troops? God decided to take things even further. He tells us that the Holy Spirit lives in us. So wherever we go in His name, carrying His good news, He is with us - WITHIN us.

Do I need to say that again? Do you have any idea what it means to have the most powerful being in the universe on your side? How AWESOME!

And if we use the power of prayer along the way, God's will will be done. So it seems the Good Lord is quite the strategist when it comes to mapping out a plan to project His power all over the globe. All we have to do is make that leap of faith, and sign up to join His troops (See John 3:16).

Like a Thief in the Night

 
1 Thessalonians 5:2
"For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the Night."

Matthew 24:43
"But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into."

These verses were brought to mind because I was witness to possible thieves in our neighborhood in the pre-dawn hours as I was leaving for work Tuesday morning. As I was about to climb up into my truck, I witnessed a tall hooded man run over to a suspicious vehicle waiting for him with its headlights out in the cul-de-sac across the street. What made it suspicious, besides all dark clothing and hood, was that the man didn't run to the vehicle until he noticed me turn to look at him. Once he got to the vehicle, they quickly drove away, turning the headlights on further up the street.

Now this alarmed the protective side of me. So 'like a good neighbor', I called local police to send an officer to conduct extra patrols in our neighborhood. I even went up later that day to the neighbor's house whose driveway the hooded figure had run from, and found out someone had opened their daughter's car and rummaged through her things. So I also alerted everyone on our neighborhood Facebook page, and told them to keep an eye out.

Now, let's go back to the Bible verses. What if I knew for sure those thieves were coming back? What if we knew that, and we made sure we told the other residents in the neighborhood to be ready? Well - I think Jesus has these verses in the Bible for that very reason...so we can tell all the neighbors. They can decide for themselves whether to get ready or not, but we are spreading the message. Because you see - although Jesus is certainly not a thief, he point-blank tells us that is how He is going to return.

So what I want you to think about is this:
Are you one of the neighbors that will join us on the watch? Are you the neighbor that will just shrug the neighbors who have been made aware aside? I choose to be part of the global neighborhood watch. I choose to stand up for my other neighbors and tell them to make ready, because He said he is coming back...I just don't know when.

So who wants to join me on the watch?

For further details on how to join, seek all the answers in the New Testament of the good book, the Holy Bible.

The Heart

The heart is a funny thing; in this case I am referring to the soul - your inner-most self, and the emotions that come with it. I was blessed yesterday with a surprise gift from my Mom...she bought me the latest Garth Brooks CD, because she and my closest family members know what a GB fan I was growing up. And Mom being Mom, told my wife to tell me to make sure I listen to Track 5 on the CD. So when I put the CD in my truck for the first time, I look at the back of the cover, and see the title of the song as it begins to play. Of course - the song is titled 'Mom'. The line that caught my ears the most was this:
"So hush now Baby, don't you cry
'Cause there's someone down there waiting
Whose only goal in life
Is making sure you're always gonna be alright.
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong
It's almost time to go meet your mom."

I have always found it fascinating when the perfect melody mixes with the perfect words, and it reaches right through to your heart. See, the song writers knew what they were doing when they wrote the lyrics. They wrote the song to pull the heart strings of not only ALL the moms out there - but the daughters and sons as well. And the lyrics do it effectively. So before I knew it, because of the song's grip on my heart - the next thing I know, a tear rolls down my cheek. Considering I was on my way to work out, I really had to change gears once I got to the gym.
So this brings me back to the heart. Does anyone else find how the heart can just take a hold of you? In the most random moments, whether it be because you see one of those Publix family commercials, or someone helps out an elderly person or small child in a public place, the heart can remind you it's there; grab you and take hold. I know I can't be the only person that experiences this? Perhaps the only 6' 2", 265 pound man to write about it...but still - aren't those times awesome! Sure, they may be weird, but you know, I think we need those moments. Perhaps God blesses most of us with moments like that to keep us grounded. Perhaps God helps some of us notice these events with our hearts in order to remember what we shouldn't take for granted. I know this is a random thought today. But before you leave work or even go to sleep tonight, look back over your day and see if you can remember catching one of those chance moments - that can touch the heart.

LIFE Matters

 

 This is not meant to inflame anyone. This should not make anyone mad, but I was inspired by our youth pastor today, as he delivered a positive message about life, and how we as Christians should spread that message.

He began by bringing up current events regarding Planned Parenthood, and of course - abortion. But the message was about more than just being Pro-life.

This especially hit home with me; I have rarely been vocal about being pro-life, because of my connection to the issue, and being afraid that I may end up being too passionate. I am very much pro-life because I refuse to think that the unborn child that I saw moving around in my wife's belly, along with Jay, was not a human life! That's right...my son Jay had a twin brother (we named him John Robert Fort)- who never made it far enough along to join Jay into this world. I saw the little babies on the screen early on in the pregnancy. I saw the cute little profiles on both faces. I saw the movement. Other members of my family have had similar experience, and I am sure my brother Daniel can relate. So because of the evidence of life that I have seen, and had the displeasure in mourning the loss - I am very much pro-life.

But the point that was hammered home was that we need to be more than just pro-life. We need to do more than just stand against the stealing away of human lives before their time. Another interesting point brought up was the point of view from the other side...one that I can ALMOST understand. That point is that why would we want to go back and bring those aborted lives into the low income, insufferable conditions, and even this fallen world. In other words, for a lot of pro-abortion people, (not the assuming left wing, free-loader generalization here) it is actually a matter of the heart...pity for those unborn children...not wanting them to suffer. The point was made that although this is not the best way of looking at it, we should at least listen and know that this is a concern from the other side.

But then there was more. There were examples given of all the other ways we can stand up for life - other than just standing against abortion. And one of the best things we could do is actually address the other side's concern...by caring for the LIVES that are here now! Yes, there are people suffering in this world, so let's help those people out of their suffering. Help the needy; the Bible says that we should always do this. Help the suffering, such as soldiers who have been wounded. Reach out to people of all groups, all colors, all cultures - all religions. Foster children who are brought into this world in poor conditions, or without a parent. Adopt children. Feed the hungry. Give money to a cause. There are ways we as Christians can fight the negative and evil things going on in this world...by doing good. Although we will be persecuted, even while we do good - we should still do it.

Black lives matter - Asian lives matter - Hispanic lives matter - White lives matter - police lives matter - Muslim lives matter - Christian lives matter - poor people's lives matter - soldier's lives matter - rich people's lives matter - homosexual and transgender lives matter - animals' lives matter (but we were given dominion over the animals) - LIFE matters. So we should do what we can to preserve it and protect it; it is sacred.

Now I believe there is an order to things the way God made it; I think there are going to always be cultures in this world, and even reasons for the preservation for human life that make hunting necessary. This is a fallen world, so there will be death, and suffering, and killing, and fighting. And I will save my son or wife if their life is in danger way before I save an African lion. Does that make me evil? No...but I do think God would prefer us to protect the sanctity of ALL life.

Please don't read this and let it make you angry. Even if you are not a Christian, go out and treat other people you encounter like their lives matter. If we all did this, the world would be a much brighter place. If you made it this far - thanks for reading, and God bless

America - Why I am Still Proud

You know, it's easy to be a pessimist these days, where sin and immorality have no shame. It is easy to be frightful when you think about discrimination of Christians and the looming threat of ISIS. But I am not going to talk about that today.
No, I want to share with America - and anyone else who might see this, to tell you why I am still proud of America.
In America, we still have citizens who will speak their minds, defend their faith, argue using reason, and still proudly wear their red, white and blue.
In America, we have Ford trucks, Chevy trucks, drag races, hot rods, fast motorcycles, Harley Davidson, Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers, Corvettes, and Dodge Vipers. We have good old-fashioned American roller coasters, with American names. We have Monster Trucks, Tractor Pulls, Motorcross, NHRA, and NASCAR! We've got more ways to celebrate the invention of the wheel than I know how to count!
In America, we have cheese burgers, New York pizza, Chicago Deep Dish pizza, Angus steak, 'French' fires, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Macaroni and Cheese, Black-eyed Peas, and Green Beans, Hot Dogs, and Chili! We have BBQ, KFC, Baconators, and sandwiches called the Beefeater! We have Sweet Potato Pie, New York Cheese Cake, Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, Hot Fudge Sundaes, and Home Made Ice Cream...heck - I could stop right there!
But wait - there's more!
In America we have God fearin', gun-totin', rubber-squealin', red-blooded, 2nd Amendment protectin', Walmart shoppin', rough and ready rednecks, who can be all that and still get along with...
Color wearin', straight-up rappin', basketball scorin', large rim drivin', hip-hop dancin', hard core gangsta, who can still get along with...
back breaking, pizza making, cold winter surviving, always swearing, New York loving yankee - we won't say they can get along, but, Hey - they're still Americans!
People of all stereotypes live throughout America, and yet MOST OF THE TIME, when they aren't front and center on the news, and they happen to not be part of political agenda that day - THEY GET ALONG!
In America we have Baseball, Football, Basketball, the Major League, NFL, NBA, College Gameday, College Football, Tigers and Gamecocks, College World Series, and MMA. We have more sports than you can shake a stick at - and most of them you can watch while eating a burger, hot dog, or pizza at the same time!
In America we have Hollywood, summer blockbusters, Broadway, rock concerts, pro wrestling, dinner theatres, little theatres, and Shakespeare in the park.
We have or have had Tom Selleck, Bruce Willis, Dwayne the Rock Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Lee, John Wayne, Mr. T, and Chuck Norris!
Side note - name another country that has Chuck Norris...that's right, you can't...because America is the only country that can contain him!
In America we have or have had  Elvis Pressley, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Metallica, MCHammer, Michael Jackson, Arethra Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., the Eagles...just to name a few.
In America we have A-10s, F-16s, F-15s, F-18s, F-22s, F-35s, B1Bs, Apaches, B2s, F117s, Ospreys, and Chinooks, and a whole lot of Air Power.
We have Navy SEALS, Delta Force, Marine Recon, Air Force PJ's, and the baddest mugs on the planet in our military.
We have a whole lot of boats, a whole lot of tanks, a whole lot of planes, and a whole lot of carriers - and we have and have had the greatest fighting force on the planet. Yes, you can say I am proud to live in a country that has all that.
In America we have or have had Hot Wheels, Hasbro, Monopoly, Transformers, GIJoe, PacMan, Contra, Super Mario, Metroid, Sonic, the DC and Marvel Universe. Sure that stuff is present all around the world, but all of those things got their sure footing right here in America, and had a huge impact on my childhood.
In America we still have the Constitution (for now), the American Flag (for now), great American icons like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and the dollar bill (for now).
All these things I have shared - these are things that have made or still make America great - and unique from any other place in the world. And I only scratched the surface. Sure, there are those out there, including myself, who think all these things are in jeopardy. But while you celebrate July 4th this summer, and who knows for how many more - think about all these things I listed. Right now we still have this. We still stand out; you can put us in a lineup with a lot of other citizens from other nations and pick us out pretty quick. I am proud to stand out - just as I am proud to stand out as a Christian. But celebrate with your families this weekend, and hold on to hope...hope that America remains unique. Hope that America lasts. And Hope that America will somehow turn its eyes on God once again. God bless the USA!

Kickstarter Project 2015

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fortress23/the-knox-mission-unleashed-3-book-set

Please check out my project proposal for Kickstarter.com. I plan on re-releasing my first three novels in a higher-class, more professional style through a self-publishing company, but I do not have the funds at this time. I think if I could put these first three out there in a better product format, I can be that much closer to achieving my dream of being a successful author. Please, pledge...I promise I won't forget it. Thank you- and God Bless...
Jason

Evil - See how it Divides Us?

Evil is real. Science can explain a lot of things in this world...but it can't explain evil. If you don't think evil is real, then how do you explain events the likes of mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and mass executions that we see today? And if evil is real, doesn't it stand to reason that good is real as well?

Please understand this - evil is the force that we see prevail in this world; in our country - when we begin to divide ourselves and want to blame this group or that group or this sterotype or religion for the actions of another, we begin to divide ourselves. What happens when you make forces divide themselves in military? If you can get a team or army or battalion to divide its forces under your direction, then the divided forces can become weak and be defeated. What is happening in America today? Religious division; racial division; political division; sexual division; even moral division. To me, it is obvious that evil, or Satan (Evil personified) is strategically moving things into place and dividing our forces. All of the divisions I mentioned above, with regard to the US, were at one point or another, what set us apart from other nations of the world.

Sure, the killer in Charleston was a white man who hated black or African American people. But if you let your focus on the problem begin AND end with that, it is exactly what the true enemy wants you to do. Don't focus on the fact that the killer was white...FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT THE KILLER WAS A KILLER.

Although I identify with more conservative values of a Republican nature, I think we should get rid of the political parties. What we need to do is UNIFY our forces again, against evil. When we truly were a nation under God - guess what...Satan was losing. I know I am an opinionated person, and somewhat inflammatory at times because I am passionate about American History and biblical teaching. But I can put that aside if more American citizens would stop caving to some entitled attitude of denial and lack of accountability, and acknowledge that we need God. We need Jesus. I pray for this nation, and this world we live in, and I hope and pray there are plenty of others who are with me. Don't let the Evil One divide us anymore.

Anger Management

We had a guest pastor this morning, and I enjoyed his message so much, that I thought I would share it from my perspective. This morning, the pastor spoke on anger - more specifically, anger management.

Those that grew up with me can understand one reason why I might have been able to relate to the sermon. I grew up with a hot temper; fortunately I have been able to keep it in check for most of my life since I was young, but I found this verse in Proverbs profound.

"An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins."---Proverbs 29:22

Not only did this prove true as I actually turned my anger on certain friends, and even family, as I grew up...but I have also seen it first-hand in my line of work. It is truly amazing how anger can take complete control of your behavior, and even your decisions! One of the reasons I always felt like I connected to the character of the Incredible Hulk in the comics was because of how anger effected his life. (Yes, I know - there may also be some strange resemblance to the man who played him, too...at least that is what I have been told). But hearing these words of scripture today helped bring me back home to the fact that anger, while itself is even an emotion God has felt, is not something we can just write off as something we couldn't control so our actions were justified.

The pastor also pointed out this passage:

"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
    for anger resides in the lap of fools."---Ecclesiastes 7:9

This reminded me of exactly what I am writing about in my upcoming novel, and what happened in Baltimore. People perceive some injustice, and quickly overreact without taking time to pause and reflect on what has happened. Then they make foolish, stupid, and even self-destructive decisions. Something similar has happened to me before. I believe I have even written about it before, when I let my temper win out and I ended up punching a fire extinguisher case - and wound up in the hospital. 

Note that both verses I referred to were profound words of wisdom. Well, one thing we should all consider is that these words were written down by one of the wisest men to have ever lived. These words are not mere suggestions; King Solomon wrote them down for a reason. So take heed folks. The passages do not suggest to never get angry...but do not let your anger control you. Instead, take a page out of Bruce Banner's book. Learn how to keep it controlled. And the best way to do that? Why - turn it over to someone who is bigger than you or me. Turn it over to God, and He will help you tame the wild green hulk within us all.

Humility & Accomplishment

 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

----Philippians 2:5-8

This was the scripture we focused on this past week at a youth group beach camp I chaperoned. The theme for the week was 'Others First', and I really enjoyed being part of this special group. We also looked at several other verses in reference to putting other people's needs before your own...but these verses I think sum up the ultimate service for mankind. Jesus put aside the human needs for survival and relief from pain in order for us to have salvation. To me, that is as selfless as one can get. 

Think about that for a second. The Son of God gave up being a supreme being and entered our space and time - just to have that life ended as the perfect sacrifice for an eternal gift we did not deserve. Then he proved his divinity by rising up from death 3 days later, defying death and joining the Father in heaven. Jesus could have said, 'Well, they had their chance'- but instead he came down in the form of a humble servant and died for OUR sins.Talk about being knocked down a few notches.

In Philippians 2:5, the Apostle Paul is asking believers to have the same humble mindset as Jesus when we relate to others around us. He wrote it down in God's inspired Word, which spiritually inspired Christian scholars to include these words in the New Testament. Therefore, we as believers are expected to pursue this task. Now ask yourself this...what if all of us, as believers, really took on this task? What would the world be like? God asked for us to do this for a reason. Think about how much peace would exist in this world if people looked out for one another, instead of constantly trying to one-up their neighbor...or degrade their enemy. Christ didn't just turn the other cheek - He gave all he had.

This past week, I got to see these words put into action by teen-aged youth. They were helping one another, putting other people's needs first, and even putting their pride aside. It was pretty neat to see, especially in this day and age. I hope I am able to meet other people's needs in a similar fashion as I move along in life. I hope that one day, I can look back and say that I helped people; I put aside my pride; I helped where I could. Perhaps my sharing of God's Word in some of my thoughts on the internet can count as some form of service. Or even my modern day parables contained in the novels I write. Who knows? But in the end, I want to please my Father. Doesn't everyone?

It wasn't too long ago, I had my first book signing, and while we sat around the dinner table afterwards, at the same venue - my father told me in front of friends and family how proud he was of my accomplishment. It brought me to tears, and it is a moment I will never forget. But now what if I can dedicate my life to having the Christ-like mindset of putting others first? What if you can, too? What if more and more believers followed suit? Then, when we arrive at the Golden Gates, won't it be that much MORE SPECIAL, when the Father of all fathers says:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Perhaps we who believe can all strive to achieve such an accomplishment!

Reaction and Emotion

Now I am the first person to tell you that I have been as guilty as anyone of this, so I am not judging anyone! But how many of us have been guilty of reacting to something we discovered purely out of emotion, not taking the time to decide the right course of action. I have done this more times than I care to admit, but that doesn't mean I didn't know any better. It is so easy for us to do in our very selfish, sinful nature. Ever wonder how many wars have started this way? What about government scandals? Hmmm, maybe even...marriages? I am writing this so that maybe someone out there can learn from some of the mistakes I have made.

Picture this...some college buddies, living on the same dorm hall, wrestling around and having a good time in horseplay. Bodies get flung around, people fall down and bump their heads, walls get dented...good times, right? Then testosterone builds, egos get bruised, and tempers somewhat flare. Now imagine one of those individuals receive less than cordial jokes about his fiancee at the time. Imagine said individual wanting to lash out in anger and punch someone, or something - anything. And then, he does. Only, instead of lashing out and hitting someone, he punches through the thick glass of a fire extinguisher case. Unfortunately, the wire mesh was not in the glass, so his fist goes all the way through, and then he has the absence of mind to immediately yank his hand right back out, severing veins in vital areas. Now the real problem arises when the individual who lashed out in emotion notices his wrist bleeding profusely, and commences to turn white as a ghost.

Needless to say, that individual was me. Now what did I learn from this? Well, I have tried to keep my temper in check a lot better since then; that's for sure. Am I always successful - no. But I do try to avoid these situations. Why? Well, I think it is safe to say, we make much more sound decisions when we take the time to think things through, or walk away from the immediate situation that is causing us such grief. But emotions can be a funny thing. Keep this in mind when you are at work; at school; at home...at church. When we just go on what we are feeling in the moment, passions can get the best of us, and we can even have the scars to prove it (I still have mine).

So the next time someone says something hurtful to you or about you at work; maybe go somewhere else in the building to cool down, or think of your next action, before you lose your job for fighting. If you are at school, and you see something that makes you fighting mad...go the other way, think about what is right, and let cooler heads prevail. If something controversial is discussed at your next meeting, take time to hash things out with people and stew over decisions made before making an emotional decision. I have found that since I have made a stronger effort in this part of my character, I have been better off for it. Of course, that's just my two cents (in the words of the Food Lion lion).

Chance Encounters? I think not...

So an interesting thing happened today during a break between training sessions at work. My partner in crime/training, Jeremy, and I were sitting in McDonald's drinking coffee, and I was just telling Jeremy about my latest writing ideas, and how they related to the second book I am about to release. We were just having casual conversation, but apparently a woman who was sitting nearby was listening intently to our discussion. In talking, the nice lady (Heidi) approached me and said that she couldn't help but overhear that I had been writing. We began talking, and I mentioned to her that I was a self-published author. She began asking about steps I took to get to that point, and I was able to give her some very basic tips. But then I referred her to my friend Jeremy, and explained to her how he was also a writer...and that he actually was the one who convinced me into putting myself out there and using the Amazon tools to self-publish my material.

One thing lead to another, and Heidi told us about her unique idea about writing children's stories (For Heidi's sake I won't say what made it unique), and she had plenty of good questions about what her next steps should be. Heidi said that she just happened to be praying with God about writing a certain kind of book before we sat down, when she overheard me talking about my book. Heidi very openly told us that we had both inspired her, and that she would be getting in touch with the both of us for more pointers. But then she did something rare - Heidi asked us if we would pray with her before she left. So there we were - a security officer, a police officer, and a random stranger, sitting around small tables at McDonald's, holding hands, and praying. And Heidi prayed for thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to meet us, and she prayed for guidance and continued success to the both of us, and then she closed as we all said Amen. As she was about to leave us, she stopped one more time and told us she appreciated the line of work we were in, and that she would keep our safety in her prayers. And then Heidi left us to our business.

I felt like writing about this today, because I was very inspired by that moment. I wish other people could have seen the encouragement on Heidi's face as she explained to both of us how we inspired her to pursue her goal. I have written before about how I don't believe in coincidences, but this hammered it home for me. I truly feel like God put myself and Jeremy, two independent writers - and Christians, in that exact McDonald's, at that exact time, and opened Heidi's ears to hear what we were talking about as she prayed. Do I even have to tell you how rare it is that a random stranger asks you to sit down with them, hold hands, and pray with them? This is a God-thing, folks. This is a miracle...something that can't be explained by science. Atheists out there reading this - if this offends you, read no further...but there is a God out there who loves us. He uses each of us as his tools; he can use you at any given time in your life to touch the life or inspire someone else. This incident today put my gift of writing in perspective for me. It suddenly made the eventual goal of turning a profit from my books so insignificant. That moment today made me realize part of my purpose in this world...part of God's purpose for me in this world. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity. As for Chance Encounters...I don't believe in them.

A One of a Kind Soul

We were on opposite ends of the spectrum
As anyone could see...
You the Loves-life-to-the-fullest Bartender
And then there's straight-laced Me.

You the short little scrapper,
And me, the big Teddy Bear -
Yet whenever someone used to want to fight you
You bet your Butt I was there.

Back in my Days at Chicora Alley
You were one of the ones who welcomed me most
You always tossed me the Red Bulls,
And you rooted for our Tigers the most!

Your smile welcomed me every weekend;
It didn't matter what kind of mood I was in...
I could always count on ol' Jacob
To Cheer me up with a Grin!

In a time back when we were strangers
People would never guess we'd be friends;
Funny how a place like Chicora
Can change ALL of our trends.

You helped me feel like one of the guys
Instead of just a bouncer looking over the crowd.
You always laughed at my weird faces
When I thought the crowd was too loud!

Though after I left Chicora
And it could be months 'fore I'd see you again,
Somewhere downtown I'd spot you,
And you'd still Cheer me up with a Grin.

Jacob, I don't know why you left us
But I have an idea or two.
Somewhere the good Lord needs
More one-of-a-kind souls like you.

So you take that Grin of Yours,
Go where the Angels are Loud.
You Cheer up all those Folks in Heaven
And you wear your Tiger colors proud.

We're gonna miss you down here on Earth
Anyone on Facebook knows it's True.
Me- I'm Thankful I got to Know
A One-of-a-Kind Soul like You.

I don't even know the details my friend, but I sure wish I could have seen you again. Maybe one day...
Jason E. Fort
3/25/2015

Generalization is breeching the peace

I think it is safe to say that many people took the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. serisouly at one point, so I thought I would sight a quote from the man. He is saying something important here I think. Although peace between all races would be ideal, and a great goal (I think only God will bring about this goal eventually), I think the good Dr. King was right; let's seek to reach that goal THROUGH peace.

Racism is a hot topic these days, but it doesn't have to be. Whether it be racism, or social profiling, or religious descrimination - we have a tendency to judge an entire group of people by the actions of a very small, select sample of that group. This has been the case and point in racism for years. It's like, "Hey I saw this black guy shoot someone once, and the cops caught him and took him to jail." And so the person that makes such a bold statement assumes all blacks are criminals just by the actions of that one soul he happened to see commit such a heinous act. This is classic generalization.

Or you might have a certain religion, and just because they have certain people who proclaim that religion who happen to be radical in action, the whole religion is judged by the radicals. Don't get me wrong...I do think some belief systems, if followed according to their doctrine, are easier to sway people into radical thinking. But we should still not make generalizing statements about one whole group of people just because of the bad apples. This is yet another example of generalization.

I can use this similar example in my marriage. My wife and I have even argued over generalizations before. I might say something like, "You always do that!", when really, whatever she may have done to make me angry could be something that she has just done frequently in the last couple of days or so - but she never did it before then. Or my son might get upset because I am busy with certain activities one night, and he may say "You never spend time with me." Only, I spend lot of time with him, but he uses one small sample to describe  how I behave all the time.

Every race has its heroes, and their scumbags. Every religion has its bigots or radicals, and their saints. Everyone screws up SOMETIMES, but not necessarily all the time. It is when we get caught up with these generalizations that we find ourselves breeching the peace. So here is a challenge for all of us: Let's all try to make it several days in a row without assuming the worst about an entire group of people just because we see certain people of a certain mold do things we disagree with. Let's try to get along with others when they displease us, and hope that maybe their errors in their ways are just a temporary 'glitch in their circuitry', and they get their wires uncrossed at some point. Let's try not to use generalizations, and maybe we can all just get along.

A Spontaneous Gift

I received a gift today; a really neat coin that says the Officer's Prayer on one side, and a picture of the Patron Saint of Law Enforcement - St. Michael - on the other side. It was a very pleasant surprise, and it was so spontaneous, I was dumbfounded. The Officer's Prayer is profound, and after reading it, I was moved almost as much as I was with the thoughtfulness of the person who gave me the coin.

Consider this...someone took the time to put down a prayer consisting of all law enforcement officers' greatest needs. That someone might have been a law enforcement officer themselves at one time or another. But they wrote the following words, and I really felt like sharing it with everyone I can:

Lord
I ask for Courage-
Courage to face and conquer my own fears,
Courage to take me where others will not go...

I ask for strength-
Strength of body to protect others,
And Strength of spirit to lead others...

I ask for Dedication to my job,
To do it well;
Dedication to my Community,
To keep it safe...

And please, Lord,
Through it all,
Be at my side.
Amen

If you know a police officer out there, think about all the things they have to fear. Think about all the places they go...that you won't dare set foot near. Think of the strength it takes to fight someone - truly fight someone - to stay alive. Don't you think they need as much strength as they can get? Think of the dedication it takes to do the job...and stick with it. I can truly relate to this, and even envy my other cohorts; especially the ones out there on the road, making the traffic stops, looking for fugitives in attics, entering the least desirable of places - and sticking with that same job day after day. I already know I had trouble maintaining that dedication; that's why I have stayed in the same field, but taken a different path. I admire the true dedication all my brothers and sisters in blue have to their job.

So not just because of these tumultuous times in which we live, but just for the simple fact that they need our prayers - Pray this prayer from your perspective...the outside looking in. Send a wall of God's angels out to protect the men and women in blue. Pray for them as often as you can think of it...and who knows? Maybe one day - God will use one of those officers out there - to save YOU.

Give More -

"Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test me in this way, says the Lord of Hosts. See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure." ----Malachi 3:10

As I passed the offering plate over to my wife, my eyes got wide when I saw the amount on the check my wife showed me before she placed it in the plate. I, too, had been moved by the pastor's words as he had spoken about giving to God, but I didn't realize how much my wife had been moved. She manages our finances, because - well let's just say - she has the gift with numbers; not me. So although it seemed like a large sum to go ahead and fork over, I trusted her.

At first we had our doubts. Bills began adding up. Tutoring opportunities had been used up; all my wife's students had had their tests and wouldn't need extra help for a time. Jay had things he needed. I was preparing to leave for a big trip to Texas to possibly learn more about a writing career. And on top of all that, I had a strange case of Cellulitis...woohoo - nothing beats unplanned medical bills. It got to the point that my wife and I had our doubts whether God saying TEST ME IN THIS meant maybe we should have eased our way into giving more. My wife even point-blank asked me, "Do we still give ten percent again, or what? Things are awfully tight." At that point, I truly didn't have an answer, other than a shoulder shrug, and me telling her, "Well I know what we SHOULD do, but"- but then I left it at that.

But my wife was sitting down with my son one night soon after that, and she told him that either he could go with me on our annual father-son trip, or we could go ahead and tithe like we had the month before. But she told him we probably couldn't afford to do both.

"Give to the church, Mom. That's what God tells us to do," my 12 year old young man said to his mother. And that settled it. We knew how much we were going to give again; leave it to the middle-schooler to tell us what to do.

But something amazing happened. My wife got this phone call from her trainer in the business she had been doing for almost a year, with this great training opportunity and a trip to Florida paid for by the business company. My wife took her trainer's offer, and left for Florida the same weekend I was headed to Texas. And then some of God's blessings He promises ALL of us trickled into our lives.

My wife came back on fire for her business, and made some real headway in contacting people and generating new business. Before she knew it, she had made more than enough money to cover the ten percent that we had planned on giving again! Seriously - we had prayed for help from God, and He provided! I mean we had been living from paycheck to paycheck for a while now, but then BAM! God shows us how He can do exactly what He says He will do.

Maybe money isn't part of your means to give right now. Maybe God just wants ten percent of your time...or maybe He just wants more of your time. But I wanted to take the time in this blog to ask any of you out there...please give more.

Maybe you can give more of your talents or gifts to God. Maybe you can give more of your time and efforts to helping the poor. Maybe God is calling you to give more of your time to your family. Maybe God is asking you to give more of your time to Him and attend church or Bible studies - it doesn't really matter, but my challenge to you remains...Give More.

If you have the financial means, give more to God.
If you have untapped talents in music or art, give more to God.
If you have time outside of work where you can probably have more rest and fun, give more to God.

It doesn't have to be about money...but God said it; not me. TEST ME IN THIS - if I am not mistaken, a wise man told me this is the only part of the Bible where God challenges us to test Him. Seems kind of important - so test Him. Give more of your time, or your money, or your gifts, or your love...see what blessings come forth. My wife and I are convinced. Although we are imperfect, and I know I will probably waiver in my commitment, because I have before - my wife and I are convinced that God means what He said. If you think about it in the next little while, especially before we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, please consider, and give more.

Let's Talk about Heroes

So I don't know if you have paid much attention to this, but have you ever noticed how obsessed the world is with heroes? Why do you suppose that is? It is almost like we were designed to look up to someone...wait...what? Personally I think it is just one more piece of evidence that we were all made by a Creator, and He wants us to worship Him. Every culture has their tales of heroes. Every religion has many stories of their champions. I just don't think this is by coincidence. I look up to my dad as a hero. When I was a kid, I looked up to Michael Jordan...I wanted to be like him (just like the Gatorade song). The Bible tells us that we were made in God's image, so it should be natural for us to look up to Him...to be like Him. To this day, I still emulate my earthly father and try to do some of the things I remember him doing when I was young. God wants us to get to know Him, so we can emulate Him and be like Him. He even sent us the perfect example by giving us His son, Jesus.

You know, I wouldn't change the heroes I had growing up. All in all, they were some pretty swell guys. I mean sure, Michael Jordan has a gambling issue. But the kind of drive and desire I got to witness in him as an athlete has kept me inspired most of my life. As a matter of fact, I believe that if I can approach my dream of becoming a successful writer with the same fervor that MJ pursued a career in basketball, then I will reach my goals. Then there was the Crocodile Hunter. That's right - I looked up to Steve Irwin. Not only did he have a fun accent, by crikey, but he had a passion and care for the wildlife on this planet that I daresay would be hard to match. Yes, it was tragic the way he left this world, but he died still doing what he loved. He faced Danger, danger, danger...and it finally caught up to him. Ask yourself this...how many wildlife conservationists out there were inspired by that man? Probably more than you know. Then of course, there's my Pops. Dad raised me by teaching me there were consequences to breaking rules. He taught me that if you want something, you have to work for it, or earn it. He taught me that you should treat people fairly, and you should always - always do the honest thing. Most importantly, he taught me that it was important to love God, and that I needed to make church a centerpiece in my family life. He taught me how to treat my own son...I learned a whole lot from watching him.

With all this being said, I would like to know who some of your heroes were. Do you believe in the greatest hero of them all, Jesus? I would be interested to hear some of your stories. Please comment on here, and I look forward to reading some of your posts.

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Oh To Be Daring

"Dare you know who you are," the truly inspirational, passionate author on stage said. This author pointed out for me and several other peers in the room that all we need to do to be successful is tell the world our story...the story of who we are in Christ!

So he made me ponder - just who am I in Jesus? I thought I would take some time to put down into words who I think I am. First and foremost, I believe with all my heart in the identity of Jesus Christ. I think God has blessed me with a solid grounding that is extremely hard to shake. Does that make me close-minded? Depends on who you ask, but I will tell you this...you or money or so-called science cannot shake my faith or make me become a sucker for the next best alternative religion. I credit my Lord and parents and church family for building that Rock of a foundation in faith.

I also believe there is a clear definition of what is right, and what is wrong. This means I see the world in plain black and white. What standard do I use for this? Well, the Bible - and I use it because as I have posted before, I believe it is the one perfect story that has ever been written, and the author is still writing that great story. Seeing the world in this way means I will come across to other people as very opinionated. Well, in my heart, that opinion is based on fact. So if I write my stories, you can bet my sense of right and wrong will come out in my work.

Lastly, I am closely tied to family, and this value that my parents have instilled in me will also come out in my work. My father has always believed in me. My mother has always comforted me. My brothers have empowered and inspired me. My grandmothers mentored me. My wife has supported me. And my son has changed me - so I ask you...where would I be without family. So of course that much influence, and blessing, has no choice but to be present in my story.

Realizing all this, perhaps I can take on the same passion and fervor that my favorite author exhibited. Perhaps knowing these things about myself, and sharing the fact that I am who I am because Yahweh has made me that way, will help me share my part in this perfect story we call life. The best part...the Great Author has told us how it ends, at least the earthly story.

Where is the light in the darkness?

In case you haven't noticed, we live in a fallen world; a dark world. If you turn on the news, it doesn't take long to hear dark news about ISIS kidnapping and decapitating Christians, or police shooting criminals who have just killed someone else, or an obviously evil country trying to obtain nuclear weapons, or traffic accidents with some high number of deaths, or some homicide that resulted from a domestic dispute, or thousands of people killed in a natural disaster.

Like I said, we live in a dark world. But guess what happens in those dark events - somewhere, if you know what to look for, or where to look...there's light! There is light somewhere, most likely in someone's story.

A Christian woman is allowed to live, gets released from the terrorists, and tells her tale. A police officer gives his testimony, and somehow, family and friends realize the officer was protecting others , and the suspect made poor choices. A traffic officer or doctor informs families of accident victims of death, and is touched by the bond they see amongst loved ones. A man who murdered his wife goes to jail for life, but miraculously is saved in prison when he accepts Jesus through involvement with the prison ministry. A country reveals its true colors through it's hatred of Israel, and the world sees them for who they really are. A person survives a terrible disaster, and goes on to proclaim their survival as a miracle from God.

All of this could happen. But it might not...it doesn't matter; we have Jesus. Don't you see? The darkest events in the world can happen, but if you believe in what God has done for ALL of us, there is still a light you can find through all that darkness.

THAT is why I will write my stories. THAT will be HOW I write my stories. My mission, truly revealed to me through the gift of story telling, is to reveal to people through fiction that despite all the darkness present in this world, there is still light...Jesus is that light.

This is my mission. This is my quest. This is my platform. I am standing at the edge of the platform. There is dark water below. I can't turn back now; God has shown me the light, and I have to tell the rest of the world. Surely others of YOU out there are aware of the light. There are people drowning in the darkness below, and the darkness is all they see. It is up to the people that have seen the light to show the others. Join me at the edge, won't you? Join me on this mission, this quest. Join me on this platform...it's time to dive into the darkness, and show others to the light.

Truth through Fiction...Digging My Ditch

     Today in church, my pastor spoke about a story from the Old Testament about Elisha, and how he informed three kings that if they wanted to see God's power and providence, they would have to put some work into it, and dig some ditches so that God would provide their armies water. My pastor then made it clear that Jesus did the same thing in the New Testament time and time again when he performed miracles. He would heal people, but include them in part of the process by asking them to go and do something, such as "Now pick up your mat, and walk", as he said to a man who had once been lame. The good pastor went on to say that when we dig our own ditches, we all have to start somewhere. There is no other way to start digging a ditch manually other than a little bit at a time. So I heard all these words this morning, and they got me thinking.

     I started thinking about how I can dig my ditch to show faith in my Lord. I am like my pastor in that one thing I want most in this world is to see God work wonders and bring entire nations, or huge groups of people, to believe in Him. So 'if only' the God I love and believe so strongly in would show me His power and turn many people's hearts - then I could point it out to others and say, 'That's My God right there...He did that.' What God helped me understand today was that I shouldn't expect Him to show me anything, until I show Him I am willing to put my own faith to work. Deep down, I think I already knew this...and perhaps have even begun this process - but today's message has given me resolve.

     I have renewed resolve in a mission that I started off and on 12 years ago, when I decided I wanted to write for Christ. I would come up with a creative idea for some inspirational but fictional story that I could tell the world to illustrate how God could work in their life...only to be interrupted by yet another story idea. And so I kept up the habit for a awhile, spinning my writing wheels, and showing no fruit. It was like I wanted to dig a ditch...but would just stick the shovel in the ground, then sit there and stare at it for a while. Until about 10 months ago, when God inspired me, and revealed a strange idea about a fascinating tale I could tell - illustrating how the darkness in this world can overtake someone's entire being, and yet God could still use those dark events to bring about hope and light. So now I had a story...and I ran with it.

     Because of this new resolve I mentioned, I can now begin making the shovel move. I have discovered that I can start digging my ditch, a little bit at a time. I have found that If I use the creativity and imagination God gave me, I can find more and more ways to tell God's truth - through fiction. What I started less than a year ago became a full story. And once I finished my story, I started by telling a few people. I let a select few friends read my writing. I got some good feedback, and I decided - Wow - maybe I have something here. So I tried to reach out to publishers. Being the impatient and stubborn soul that I am, I decided I couldn't wait on the right publisher or agent...so I went ahead and put my story out there. At first, it was very slow going. I had a little book signing, and I was able to get my paperback in the hands of a handful of people. But I offered my book for free in the e-book market...and the next thing I know I have my story in over 600 people's hands. Now mind you - a lot of these people only got the book when it was free...but they still got it. I know for a fact I have had readers comment on my writing in personal e-mails and messages who are world travelers, and stumbled upon my book on some e-book website. So my story is getting out there.

     No - I might not be gifted in the missions field, and I might not feel some calling to become a pastor. But like my pastor, I long for that day to see God move nations. I also long to see Him move MY NATION. But perhaps I need to show a little faith. So I have decided that, despite not making much money doing it, perhaps I can get my stories out there into a few people's hands in various places - and maybe they will see the message I am trying to send. Don't ask me how this adventure ends; only God knows that. But hey - I will keep digging my ditch.

Sons of Liberty...Do we have any today?

So I have to say, I just finished watching the History Channel mini-series, Sons of Liberty...and I thought it was very well done. What I got from the film was the fact that someone, whether it was truly Samuel Adams, or someone else - but someone had to be pretty darn convincing to get the other colonies to go to war with the most powerful military of that age. I mean the show hammered it home with the performance of whichever actor played Samuel Adams. When his monologue at the Second Continental Congress was finished, I wished I could have been alive back then to scoop up my musket and join his cause! Heck, when George Washington speaks at all in the film, the actor really made you feel like there was a passionate, extremely strong charismatic man.

So here's my problem. Where are they now? To me it is blatantly obvious that our current leaders (let's just call them brain washers) are constantly adding more and more levels of control - namely to social classes. Of course the masses are oblivious, because the lower class get so much handed to them, they are blindly dependent on the providers of Obama phones and free health care, and they definitely want to keep the free stuff coming. But the masses are too ignorant to realize that all that free stuff will eventually lead to slavery...not slavery like the old days in America, but slavery to a system. Meanwhile, the rich will keep paying for the poor to receive their freebies until the slavery days come, and they won't really suffer that much from it other than it is such an inconvenience to them to shell out an extra few million out of their already existent millions. And the middle class just keeps on trudging along, getting closer and closer to lower class, but not quite getting there because they have too much dignity and still believe in hard work to make a living!

So where are the vocal leaders? Where are the truly passionate men, or women, who can actually see this same thing that I see? The current system is so divided, and conspiracy theorist or not - I don't trust either side very much...the Right wing WAY more than the Left, but I still think every politician today has their own selfish agenda. I need to believe in someone like the characters of this series made me want to believe. After watching Sons of Liberty, I felt like I did when I was a little kid. I felt like I had just re-discovered true heroes. I felt like I could be proud to be an American. I long to see someone rise up and be that charismatic leader, who stands for what is right again, instead of what we all need to SUBMIT to, or instead of someone who wants to tell us what's best for us, instead of letting us ALL work hard for a living, and learn to think and discover what is best for us ALL, INDIVIDUALLY!

I don't feel like I can be this leader; I am too black and white for most people, and I really don't compromise well. I think a true leader has to be able to make SOME compromise, and I am not that guy. However, I feel that there are enough other people out there who share this sentiment. I feel like maybe, if enough people read blog posts like this, and post their own material of similar content...then maybe, just maybe the RIGHT person will see this yearning for a rebirth of the country we once knew. The Declaration of Independence said that we all have the right for the "pursuit of happiness". It did not say that the big government will provide your happiness, or find some other suckers to pay to buy you happiness. It also did not say that we would make people be supposed leaders of our country, only to turn the capital city into a country club, and to turn the highest position in the land into a job chuck-full of vacations!

So if you read this, and you agree...pass it on. We need some modern day Sons of Liberty. I challenge someone out there to be just that. If you read this, and you feel like you have that strong overwhelming powerful personality that is just contagious enough to spread what you stand for like Wildfire, then by all means, DO IT! Because frankly, it's been a long time since I felt like I lived in the America I once knew.

Teaching - it's like Corn Flakes...

So there I was, laughing, discussing, demonstrating, repeating, guiding, training...teaching.

     Have you ever realized that although you may have left a career, certain aspects or duties that you had in a past career follow you wherever you go? There was a time when I absolutely loved teaching. I used to laugh with young children, teach them different exercises and rules to various games, different physical skills, and build their self esteem. I used very similar skills when I coached middle school and high school athletes, whether that be in the weight room, on the basketball court, or on a football field.

     Now I am a training officer...a police officer, but I train 'civilians' and security officers. In several training classes today, I got to enjoy that old passion once again. I had people participate and make the class fun. I had some people who wanted to know more. I had people tell me things or bring things to my attention that I wasn't even aware had gone on recently. It was like a pleasant flashback...back to the days when I was good old 'Mr. Coach Fort.' Although this seemed to be a longer week than usual at work, I ended it on a great note. I think the Good Lord opened my eyes today to show that once again, I have gone down various paths for a reason. My grandmother on my mom's side was a school teacher. My mother was a teacher. I was a school teacher...and I still get to teach - just a different type of student.

     But after all the classes today, and earlier this week, I thought about that great feeling of satisfaction when I felt like I really communicated to students, or in this case, peers - exactly what I wanted to get across. And even though it was a familiar feeling, I thought about the old TV commercial for that good old fashion breakfast cereal - Corn Flakes. Remember...'taste them again for the first time'...remember that? So anyway, I want to ask anyone out there. Can you think of past careers, and certain skills or activities pertaining to a specific job? Have any of those things stuck with you, even though you have moved on to other things? Just felt like sharing. What are some of your thoughts? (THAT MEANS LEAVE A COMMENT   :)   ).

Who's for Freedom? I, for one, refuse to give up mine...

     The dictionary defines Freedom as the power to determine action without restraint. It also defines it as personal liberty; the opposite of bondage or slavery. Yet we are seeing more and more examples each and every single day (especially under our current Muslim president's RULE) of Christians losing their freedom. Air Force cadets and Army men have been told they can't talk about their faith, and they can't leave bible verses written on marker boards outside of rooms. Prayer isn't allowed in schools (yet we will consider the idea of broadcasting Muslim prayer over a college campus - hmmm). Chaplains can assist soldiers and law enforcement families as long as they don't offend other religions by praying out loud. Nativity scenes have been taken down in some townships because it offends the Muslims. A Christian prayer is no longer accepted as proper before sporting events, so we now have to have Moments of Silence to respect other religions. However - there is a double standard.
     
     Our children are taught about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, and other -isms in History classes, but the character of Jesus Christ, and 'mere Christianity' are hardly mentioned, in case it offends someone. We are taught by society that Islam is a 'peaceful religion', and Christians are too judgmental and too conservative. We have to consider Muslim wishes of absolutely NO pictorial representations of their great prophet, yet people can poke fun of and trash Christianity all they want. We can condemn a man for stating his beliefs in Jesus, but put sexy celebrities on a pedestal and celebrate their promotion of promiscuity. We are forced to pay into a healthcare system that promotes the killing of unborn babies by the thousands - something against the very fabric of Christian teaching, just so the big government can bring in more dependents into this society for US to take care of. We are limited to where Bibles can be allowed, yet people can freely give away copies of the Quran on college campuses.

     Anybody seeing the double standard yet? Seems to me everyone that gets all weird feeling (maybe that's conviction trying to tell you something) about Christianity gets to determine their own actions, while the Christians are the only ones being restrained. All the people who think they are bigger than God, and don't have enough gumption to admit that they are flawed individuals like EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US are the ones who are getting personal liberties, while we Christians are being told to hold back some of the liberties we USED TO have! I'm going to let people in on a little secret - if something offends you, DON'T READ IT. DON'T WATCH IT. MOVE ON. But just like you don't want Christians telling you how to live your lives, don't force your beliefs on us, either. Frankly, I am tired of it. I grew up in what once was a great nation. God willing, it will be again, but if we as Christians don't start speaking out more, before you know it, there will be CHRISTIAN Concentration camps! It's happened in history before, people. Get your heads on - Christians helped build this great country, so stop hating on us. You don't have to believe what we believe, but don't tell us we CAN'T believe what we believe. Here's the kicker...your guilty conscience can't change my mind. It can't change my heart. It can't change Franklin Graham's heart. It can't change the heart of the Christian who dies execution style kneeling before some thug in a head rag over his face because he's too much of a coward to let the world see who he truly is! So why try. Just let us be, and we will let you be. There's a difference in a Christian telling you that you might not get to heaven if you don't change your belief system, and a non-Christian telling us we aren't allowed to do anything to exhibit our faith. A HUGE difference. I will grant you this - the Crusaders in the middle ages went about things the wrong way. But that was hundreds of years ago. The bulk of Christians for the past several hundred years have spread the word of Christ by sharing His good news...certainly not by offing people's heads because of a picture they drew. 

     Seriously, if you want separation of Church and State - Fine. But it needs to put all religions on an equal playing field. It does not need to allow one form of religion to become dominant, or rather - domineering, and single out another just because it doesn't make you feel good about yourself. I am just telling you right now - I am for freedom. Let someone try to force me to denounce God or Christ - it won't happen. There is nothing anyone can do. And I am glad to say I feel the same about everyone else - I want you to believe what you believe. But don't tell me I can't. If you're feeling froggy and feel the same way, spread the word. Christians have just as much right to freedom as anyone else.