Immigration

Hot topic these days. My friend from college just asked me what I thought about illegal immigration, since I live in California and that state seems to be more impacted than upstate New York, where my friend lives. I struggled to answer. That is just it. I have no answer -- no solution. I do have some basic beliefs that include:

1. Belief in human dignity for all people created in God's image.
2. Curiosity about the value of political boundaries, and the concept of "illegal" in this context.
   
3. Acceptance that resources to care for all people are limited under the current structures (health care, education, housing, etc.)
4. People who truely behave badly, such as truely guilty felons, need to return to their country of origin.
5. Myths surrounding immigrants carry too much power and inaccurate information.
6. Inconsistencies in who is welcome, who is not, and who we choose to go "help" in the world.
7. Anytime a people group is targeted as a problem, that is a dangerous sign.
8. What about welfare abuse by American citizens?

So, as often happens, the more I think about some issues, the more questions I have.

A Night Devoid of Stars

Said so well...

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through the violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I war internally against war. I do support the troops -- but what does that really mean? I want them home safely. I thank them for their service. It is more complicated than that. There is a national deficit, economic struggles, and yet war is a financial priority in the U.S. budget. Forecasts of finances needed to proceed with the war in Iraq are staggering. The whole thing is troubling.

And as a side note, waterboarding is just plain wrong.

Presidential Campaign Innovation

I feel frustrated (slightly; why give too much emotion to all this) that the candidates for president with less money can't fairly compete in the campaigning that goes on during pre-primary season. It doesn't seem very democratic. So only the rich can be president? That's not so noble. I have three suggestions:

1. Give each candidate or perhaps the first seven to apply to run the same wallet with an ATM card and the same amount of funds deposited. Then, say, "Go!" Sit back and watch and see what each accomplishes with the fund.
2. Permit each candidate to raise money. Then proclaim the one with the most money president. The end. Do we let them contribute their own money? That would have to be decided.
3. If we agree on #2, here is a twist I really like. Take all the funds raised and contribute to organizations that combat world poverty and/or the global AIDS crisis. And go home feeling good about America. Like MEDA...Mennonite Economic Development Association. Wouldn't that be grand?!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4QExbeBc30
   

That's it from me. Happy Super Tuesday everyone!

The Grinch On Christmas

I just came across this quote from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." I like it, so I'll blog it here.

"Maybe Christmas he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more."

I recently asked my husband what he enjoyed about Christmas this year. He said, "No presents." I have to agree with him. Due to our strict spending limits for Christmas 2007, we did not buy gifts. I made a calendar for my mom and gave my dad a 1 year subscription to "Cookies By Mail" for six shipments of home-baked cookies randomly throughout the year. I made that up, and I'll bake and ship cookies to him. Glen and I gave no new gifts to each other. For other family, we made fudge and gave them that with some other little items. I enjoyed making the fudge -- something sweet to enjoy.

I did not miss the following things connected to gift giving: going to the malls/congested retail areas, fighting for parking spots, rushing to wrap everything, waiting in line, trying to guess what would be meaningful to someone on for the limited amount of money to spend, and the stress on time and money. I did hear others complain and I thought I wonder why they play the game when it is more of a hassle than blessing.

I now prefer to give money to a reputable charity for a goat for a family in poverty somewhere in the world. In fact, we were honored by others who donated on our behalf to support those fighting poverty in the world. That is very meaningful!

We did give our youngest nephew his annual $20 disguised in a coloring book. That is traditional fun. He graduates from high school in June 2009, so this will continue one more Christmas. Once the boys are out of high school, the gifting stops.

I recently saw a WalMart commercial with a little boy in a car going to WalMart to "spend" the gift card he got. It was a cozy, comforting tone to the commercial. However, it bothered me. A sense of peace, comfort, and love are not really found in material goods and consumer spending. This add was misleading. I found peace, comfort, and love in sharing time with loved ones (friends and family) and enjoying good food throughout the holidays. Simple and satisfying. Lesson learned.

Spinning the Gray

I am not referring to our current weather - the hat-trick of rain...three storms coming through in the next few days. Today, I decided to spin the gray, my gray -- my way. It is election season and all that, so spinning is in the air. And so are my gray hairs. I'm turning gray, more so each day. I'm 52 and a half, so it is age appropriate behavior. So far, I am uninterested in coloring my hair. Getting in the habit of flossing daily was enough trouble. If I had to manage my roots (and I'm not taking about getting in touch with my inner-child or doing a genealogy), I can't imagine how adding one more thing to the "to do" list would add to my happiness. Not to mention the cost. Maybe it is only $5 a bottle once a month for 10 years or so. That's about $600 I'd rather do other things with like three annual passports to Disneyland or donate to charity.

So, I'm going gray with pride. Standing tall. And taking two steps along the way:
1. I'm going to create a new version of a familiar cliche to say, "Gray is the new blonde." That's positive. Maybe I'll start gray jokes. Or start a publicity campaign about grays having more fun.

2. I'm going to spin it so that I no longer have gray hair...but silver hair. That can now be politically correct. Silver is so much more lovely. Ban the label gray hair!

I love this proverb: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” [Proverbs 16:31]

And I just read this on another blog “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” C.S. Lewis said this. Brilliant.

My culture says aging is not good. I love being counter cultural.

So You Believe In God?

Why?

Sometimes I pose this question to myself, as if I were in a conversation with a friend who had no perspective of the Almighty. Perhaps an athiest, an agnocstic, or an undecided -- as if they wanted to know who I would be voting for in eternity. These conversations are few and far between for some reason.

Today, driving along, musing about my answer to the topic question, I came up with my latest response. It is a good one, I think. Because it is a big idea. I like to avoid using Scripture (did you just gasp in horror or did someone burp?) in my answers to this question. I also like to avoid cliche or box lunch type answers all contained and packaged. So, this answer is one I'm chewing on right now.

Why do I believe in God? Forgiveness. How could that be imitated? How could that be innate? Natural? That is whole-hearted, life-giving evidence of God to me. When hearts soften and then are empowered to forgive another, freedom for the forgiver is often transforming. Sometimes, relationships are healed in time. People grow in capacity and are sometimes able to sincerely forgive someone's criminal behavior toward them. There is no rest nor satisfaction in revenge or unforgiveness.

Forgiveness is a mystical, intangible powerful dynamic. Yet there is tangible evidence of it in action that cannot be denied. That mirrors the presence of God for me in undeniable terms.

For those of us who believe, Christ is the ultimate example of the power of forgiveness. He offered forgiveness of sin to reconcile us to the loving, just God. It ties together for me, yet I may or may not bring our salvation in Christ into a conversation about why I believe in God. And sin -- another topic for discussion, but not today.

Forgiving -- the force that shows me God. And forgetting? Well, that's different.

Fire

This has been a weird week. I cannot believe how many fires burned in Southern California and how many people had to evacuate. We were fine, but it still makes you think about what you would grab if you had to go in a hurry. The fires were not close to our home, yet I had a runny nose off and on and a raspy throat now and then as a result of the smoke and particulate matter floating in the air. I was outside for an hour Monday night, and when I got home, my clothes smelled smokey. That was odd. The smell in the air was like a campfire smell. The sky over our house was clear for a day or so, and then it got slightly cloudy -- but not clouds, smoke. The fires were 45 minutes to 2 hours drivetime from us, and yet we still had signs of the smoldering. That was interesting, especially since where I grew up didn't have to deal with this. We do live near foothills, though, and they are very dry. Makes us grateful for every safe day. Now the air doesn't smell smokey, but there is a very fine dusting of ash on our cars, which floated from who knows where all the way to our community. Another reminder of the reality of the burning.

All Different

I was just reflecting on our differences and the positive impact that has on the world. The other day, we watched my 16-year-0ld mountain goat nephew cycle down a mountain road. I was terrified just riding in the truck with Glen driving. [No offense Glen -- you didn't scare me. The curves on a cliff did.] I thought there is NO WAY I could ride my bike that far on that kind of a incline (decline?) with curves, cliffs, blind corners, and lack of shoulders and bumper pads. I really admired his fortitude to do all that in such a determined, yet relaxed manner. I was impressed. Then I got to thinking, there are probably things I do that he would never want to do. Perhaps, teaching a class of fourth graders or being an assistant principal at a middle school. I had that same determined, yet relaxed attitude. So, I'm just glad for all the different skills, talents, and gifts people in my life have. As the song says, "What a wonderful world." And great loved ones -- friends and family -- with which to share the road of life.

Gift of Travel

My sister-in-law recently came for a visit and brought her 4 year old granddaughter along. A big trip like this had its challenges for both of them, especially considering they drove over 6 hours to get here. It caused me to reflect on how much I gained from all the road trips my family took over a childhood of summers. Of course, I didn't think of it at the time, but it gave me many advantages. Learning to get along in a car for long drives, getting out of town, seeing all the sights of places new to me, trying new things, stopping to eat and select what I wanted, staying overnight in unfamiliar circumstances, living out of a suitcase, staying busy in the car, and the luxury of uninterrupted conversations. As an adult, I LOVE to travel. Maybe this is where it began -- family driving trips over summer vacation. Quite a gift my parents gave me! Perhaps they never saw it that way.

Studio 60 -- Rumor Has It

I will watch the next episode of Studio 60 in 10 minutes. I just finished reading some blogs on the show that aired in other time zones already. Now I know this is the last episode. Now I know it wraps up a lot, but rather quickly. Now I know it is coming out on DVD. I already knew the cast was an amazing ensemble, the banter was intelligent and witty, and the characters compelling. I also knew the topics ran the range from humorous to deeply touching and/or troubling. I really enjoyed it, though it was on too late for this working woman. I miss West Wing. Studio 60 inspired hope for engaging TV, but it struggled. I'm not versed enough in the industry to interpret that. All I know is that I really enjoyed it, and TV viewing is less interesting than ever for me now. Good thing I love to read. Good-bye for now Studio 60. I'll consider getting the DVD.

Cheap Talk -- Costly Consequences

It is destroying community in my mind. It is lowering our levels of connection. It is often hurtful and cheap...though costly at the same time. I'm talking about the level of bashing others, especially public figures, with disrespectful words. Sometimes it is humor at the expense of someone else. It is dragging someone down with verbal weapons of destruction. All of a sudden, I'm acutely aware of it and becoming more sensitive to it.

I think the Paris Hilton and jail event brought it to my attention. The amount of sarcastic remarks about this situation is staggering. Though I am not a Hilton fan, I was actually outraged on Miss Hilton's behalf by the insulting and gross comments made be a female comedian hosting an awards show on TV the other night. The level of vulgar disrespect cannot possibly be considered humor, but evidently it was.

Hillary Clinton bashing is also aggressively prominent among the people who might be labeled Christian conservatives. I am tired of the snide remarks and forwarded e-mails degrading her. And I actually would like to have lunch with her someday. I think she is intelligent, articulate, and has good ideas on how the world works. Does putting her down some how secure some sort of moral safety or something for some people?

So, I've had enough. Often I don't respect certain choices made by certain famous people, as if I have the truth on what happened as represented by reporters. But, as a stranger to them, what business do I have putting them down in my random conversations? I am studying Scripture and examining the life of Christ. To tell you the bold truth, I can't find that kind of treatment to people others deemed unworthy of association. He was very direct with religious leaders.

I have become increasingly aware of community founded on relationships or caring, and how essential this is to growing. I'm working to reform my words, so that I do not participate in people bashing. Shutting up or deleting certain e-mails before reading is the easy job. Calling people on it is another issue. I've not gotten to that point, yet. That feels uncomfortable. Words are so powerful. Community of caring people is our hope and Christ's design, if you ask me. I'm learning a big lesson about this. I'm still learning. Sweet speech that is sincere on behalf of fellow humans is my goal.

Backyard Inspiration

I love our backyard. It is a mini-park in my urban world. It is a place of solitude and refuge or a gathering place for enjoying good friends and good food. Big trees surround it, a premium in some neighborhoods of Southern California. One tree is an avocado, and two others are orange trees. Delightful and a privilege to have those trees thriving.

I've decided to work on some landscaping. I'm designing a plan in my mind. I will consult my husband, who has a great head for solutions and practical steps, and he is very handy with many home projects. I will consider the two large dogs who have been known to eat a plant or two from time to time. I may even talk with a landscape design professional. I have a couple worthy recommendations. We need to paint the exterior of the house first.

I'm most excited about creating a fountain. I've been collecting ideas from various local fountains I like. I look forward to the beauty of the design, the soothing sound of falling water, and the possibility of cooling my feet on a hot day. I don't want a pool nor a jacuzzi -- just a beautiful fountain crafted from natural materials and perhaps some artsy tile. I want it to visually connect with the rest of the yard and the arts and crafts style of our 1915 home. Of course, I want to stay within our budget. I also want to enjoy the view of it from our den windows.

So, I'm sketching and taking photos, and pacing it out, and researching the project. That in itself has been rewarding. The processes of learning, growing, and creating something of beauty to share with others is a feast for my soul. I need an outlet like this project to get my mind off other clutter in the daily grind that I have no control over. I just ordered some books to study to further fine tune my ideas before I seek some construction bids. It's fun! When someone asks, like on the Actor's Studio, "What else would you like to try [as a career]?" I'd answer landscape architect or designer.

[Photo: Palm trees at shopping center near my home]

My Life My Dog

Well, I've compromised. I decided I wanted to let my dog on our sofa. For years, we have not permitted our animals on the furniture, with the exception of our bed on occasion. Now, the youngest gets on the sofa for a nap whenever he pleases. It is very cute to me and I delight in sitting there next to him for the evening. At first, I felt like as master I had slipped to an owner prone to spoil a pup. Other rules have stood firm. I just thought that I might really enjoy sitting next to him as he curls up next to me. I was right. It is sweet, cozy companionship. Life is short. Enjoy your dog!

Pirates of the Carribean #3

[Wow! It has been a long time since I blogged. Time flies.]

Not sure what was longer...the line to get in or the movie itself, but a small band of friends and I joined the herd gathered at the local theater for the first showing of the new Pirates movie. Our friends were in line two-hours ahead of showtime. We had bought tickets online the night before. We joined them in line about 45 minutes ahead of showtime. We were seated about 20 minutes after that. We were surrounded by a crowd largely younger than we are. Where do the other 50-somethings go for fun on a Thursday night? We were not, however, dressed in pirate garb as many were. I'm not that hard core of a fan. I just love a well-told rip-roaring story.

We sat in the back of the theater and relished the fact that no one would be kicking our seats. Previews lasted a while. Then the movie began and hooked me from the start with a mysterious and intriguing beginning, which appealed to my social justice side grabbing my emotions by the throat. And the wild ride continued from there in true Pirates tradition. It exceeded my expectations and I liked it better than #2. It was a creative, swashbuckling adventure with the fabulous return of all the main characters, the solid humor, the crazy twists and turns, and a decent amount of gross. What more could I ask for? And hooray for the women!

It was fun! I loved what they did with the edge of the world. I was surprised by certain events. Johnny Depp is still amazing at the character of Captain Jack Sparrow. The trip to Singapore added interest and dimension. I lost count of subplots and the pirates' code (which is just a guideline, really), but that did not spoil a thing. It just made me want to see it again. Oooooo and that Calypso. That is all I can say unless someone demands parley.

Now I've heard a critic hammer it as a bad movie. Well, he probably did not have many friends as a child. Maybe the movie breaks down in some ways for some people, but I enjoyed it. It was fun. And that is mostly why I go to the movies in these cases. Did I mention the special effects were special and effective?

I did think the movie was wrapping up about six different times, but no, another twist and off we go! That was OK. I stayed engaged. So, three hours later...preview, movie, and credits (stay to the end, of course)...we headed home, fell into bed, and I must have sword fought all night because I woke up tired.

Network News...Tragedy and Trivial

This is nothing new. On the one hand, I felt touched by this morning's network news. The continued reports of the school shootings, both in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the recent Colorado high school shooting, inform me of a tragic situation. As an educator, I am troubled by these random events that kill, wound, and terrify children. The power of forgiveness is getting air time because of the actions of the dear Amish folks. I think that part is very cool.

On the other hand, the network news groans on and on. Quickly following those stories of impact came two stories that I find annoying and trivial. I'll start with Anna Nicole Smith and the odd death of her 20 year old son at the time of her baby girl's birth. And who is the baby's father? And now the news of an attorney in California daring her to come to the west and submit the baby to a paternity test. I'm shaking my head in humorous dismay. How does this crazy story keep dear Anna in the headlines? Who cares?

Where are the stories of amazing people out there behaving in a way that impacts the world with reasonable life choices and personal sacrifice that impact the world for good? Those stories deserve the noteriety. Celebrity status so regularly goes to those whose lives are riddled with personal choices that the rest of us should walk on past. I know...the ratings.

The other story, not so trivial, but being dragged before us with myth and speculation, is the story of Mr. Foley and his e-mail indiscretions. That's bad and very sad. He resigned. The wearisome stuff for me is the never ending speculation about who knew what and when they knew it and did they do enough and losing the House or the Senate...blah, blah, blah. Lots of opinions being shared...and people are proclaimed guilty until proved innocent by a sound bite. Maybe I'm just too suspicious of this type of story so close to Election Day. I was an intern in state government in the Midwest during college days. And yes, a few elected officials do behave badly, according to my first-hand observatio. I'm not denying that possibility. But I search for the significant news in the Foley folley as reported day by day. Lots of distractions.

I do enjoy National Public Radio news. It is more balanced in my estimation. The stories are more news worthy to me and less gossipy.

Oh, yes, we are still at war in Iraq, right? That falls deep into the news pile, leaving the headline status behind. That is tragic, too.

E-mails & Commentaries That Stir Up Hate & Fear

I received a well-intentioned e-mail this afternoon regarding photos of people protesting and carrying signs defending their faith, which is different from my faith. The words on the signs were strong and offered violence as a strategy. The e-mail came with a warning that we Americans need to be aware of the dangerous people group. Let that be my vague summary of the e-mail. If you have questions about the details, contact me.

This type of information causes me concern and questions.

It could promote fear, which is not of God. It puts my focus on what man can do, and that is not the whole story. I know in Scripture I am called to love my God, my neighbor, one another, and my enemy. Information like this does not promote any of those responses.

I am also called to hate evil. I am called to discern and evaluate. I am not called to judgment. That is reserved for the Triune God. That judgment is not a synonym for hating a people group.

I also see in Scripture that a holy battle is happening and it is not in flesh and blood, so I expect hateful, violent events. However, information like this directs my focus away from other evils in the church and in the world that are just as important to God. This type of material is out of balance. In Habakkuk, the nation Israel was judged by God for their superficial worship and belief. Evil was used by God to move Judah into real faith. That is my heart’s awareness and my challenge to respond to personally. That changes my perspective.

Evil is not a political battle, and these types of articles that list taking over countries diminish the broader scope and impact of coming events. Also, implicating all Muslims is disrespectful and offensive to me, as disrespectful and offensive to me as when Christians are generalized to be a certain way and treated with disregard in the world. God intends to redeem all nations — including every Muslim who searches honestly for God and the truth. Does this information edify me, build compassion in me for the world, encourage me to pray for all peoples? This is not my battle. This is God’s.

If I worry, I sin. If I battle people, I miss redemption’s greatest irony (incongruity between what actually happens and what might be expected to happen, especially when disparity seems absurd). We have sinned and, as happened in the Garden of Eden (Mesopotamia), we are now aware of good and evil that co-exist in our world. If we did not have that awareness, we would find trusting God easier.

This information is inappropriate for me in my walk with God. It could promote hate that does not seem wise in God’s design for overcoming evil. Forgiveness is one thing Satan cannot imitate. Does this prompt the power of forgiveness?

If we criticize this religious expression, can we ask for our comrades to be able to have freedom for religious expression?

I hope you are challenged to think deeply about these sensitive issues. These are tough times. We must behave in ways that honor God and one another.

Complicated California Senate Bill 1437

I just got an e-mail requesting that I call the governor's office and oppose a bill that "prohibits instruction, or the adoption of any instructional material, that reflects adversely on persons due to sexual orientation. This bill also adds the age appropriate study of the role and contributions of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender to the social science course of study that covers contribution of men, women, and groups to development of the state and nation." [info.sen.ca.gov]

The e-mail stated that "the bill requires that all new textbooks (K-12) highlight homosexuals and eliminate all references to 'mom' and 'dad.' Instead they will be referred to as 'sperm donors' and 'sperm receivers.'  This bill is ridiculous, it's expensive and it singles out a small special interest group.  We don't need elementary school children exposed to this nonsense."

I dug around online, reading about the bill, and could not locate any information about textbooks now being required to "highlight homosexuals and eliminate all references to 'mom' and 'dad.' I did not exhaust the literature. I am suspicious when statements like this are made in an e-mail such as this, so I wanted to know more.

I oppose this bill, because I feel parts of it are poorly constructed in my opinion.

However, I do like the fact that the bill changes the wording (regarding non-discrimination) from "sex, color, creed, handicap, national origin or ancestry" with "enthnicity, gender, disability, nationality, or religion." I think that is a good and appropriate improvement. I encourage equity for people.

I oppose the changes as written regarding social science course of study ("age appropriate study of the role and contributions of people who are gay, lesbian, etc."). I think that sexual preference should be a private, personal matter and no preference in print should be given. All people who contribute to California or life on earth should be given appropriate credit without knowing who they prefer for sexual relations. That's just too personal and invasive. If someone has contributed to society, the person should be acknowledged for the contribution. Why do I need to know who they are attracted to or dating or committed to or sleeping with? Will there be a heterosexual pride parade one day, too?

I think a better job could be done writing this language to promote equity without becoming a public relations campaign for a certain population. I'm still defining my position on all this. It is a complex issue and I want to be cautious in response. I want to know more specifics.

Tour de France Bliss

Tomorrow, the Tour de France begins. We'll kick it off with French Toast for the 8:30 broadcast. This is a fun three weeks for our family. It has already started off crazy with nine contenders exiting the competition due to the Spain doping scandal. It is disappointing to lose some top cyclists to these accusations. If proved to be innocent, it is costly timing of this.

I am delighted the Floyd Landis, George Hincappie, and Levi Leipheimer have greater chances of finishing in the front now. That makes it more exciting for me. I am cheering for Americans this year, and the Discovery Team. Kind of a splintered loyalty, but it broadens my chances of having more fun watching.

I've already seen funny commercials and enjoyed some broadcasting from Phil, Paul, and Bob. Since I met Paul and Bob in February at the Tour of California, it is even more fun to watch them. We saw Hincappie, Landis, and Leipheimer, too. Makes it all more real!

Who will wear yellow in Paris in three weeks?

Promise of Summer Vacation

I am working feverishly in the heat to get all the year-end reports and paperwork done so I can end the school year and start the delicious summer break. I am so close to the internal bliss of knowing the work is done and summer has begun! It takes discipline for me to stay focused on the work at hand. All I can think about is the hope summer provides that the time to catch my breath has arrived. I am spoiled by the teacher vacations. I was in business for years with only two or three weeks off each year. Can't imagine how I coped!

Quotes to Consider

All the quotes are from Dean William Ralph Inge...

"A nation is a society united by delusions about its ancestry and by common hatred of its neighbors."

"Events in the past may be roughly divided into those which probably never happened and those which do not matter."

"The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."

William Ralph Inge lived June 1890-February 1954. He was a professor of divinity at Cambridge, and a columnist for the Evening Standard. He wrote several books on mysticism. His nickname was "The Gloomy Dean" because of his pessimistic views in his column.

I liked the quotes above, especially the third one because I agree with it. The other two are interesting and possibly true. I will have to give them more thought. I can see why he possibly got his nickname!