I just watched Bob Woodward speak with Dana Perino and provide overwhelming evidence that he is suffering from TDS. I’m wondering if he got a payout from the dems for becoming an active campaigner. What would Bill Bradley, legendary editor of Post think about Woodward’s conclusion? —- change the subject. Apparently even the giants of journalism have fallen into the depths of political power dollars and are now incoherent and unable to consider actual outcomes as facts. Only words and opinions matter in the face of the overwhelming evidence of their incompetence. They are not worthy of the position?

Proud to have spent the day with such a fabulous team of Help4School volunteers. The collaboration and communication was astounding. Complex problems have complex solutions. Period. There is no middle ground and our problems with virtual schooling are far deeper than technology. The pain cut to the core of our culture and exposes priorities and choices with unprecedented ferocity. We the people must stand up and choose to change for our future. Everything has changed and the change is permanent. We are not going back. Where are we going exactly? That is a great question. I believe it is all about small group accountability in organic growth and education pods. MicroSchools built and supported by landing zones and central facilities. This fundamental shift is profound and will be costly in every sense. We can use this pop up model to support and encourage organic institutional flexibility from the bottom up. Top down is effectively dying. IMO.
Teaching and teachers are essential. What we are doing now is leaving too many behind. We can do education and inspiration differently. We must do education and inspiration differently. Our youngest generations lives are at stake and ours with them.

You choose whether you focus on what you can do... or what you can't do. Words have power. Are you so tired, so sore, or so sleepy... or are you focused on how you can be less tired, less sore... less sleepy. Be better. Don't seek affirmation for failing in others. Be inspired by achievements of others. Be more than you are. Choose what you tell yourself and others.

We live in a country where far too many are addicted to anxiety, fear, dependency, and victimization. Faith and choices focused on God and service to others is a proven therapeutic and it vaccinates and empowers US in community. We must choose to love and serve others above self. That will change everything. Peacefully.

Leading includes managing panic and optics and tone actively. Drawing a causal connection to more deaths because of Trump’s decisions and actions is ridiculous politics.
It is deplorable and naive to state that “Trump lied and people died.” The panic and fear kill and the ramifications of the humanitarian crisis are just beginning. Since we are now doing counterfactuals... in retrospect... if Hilary had been in charge things would have been very different and radically worse... such is the way of liars and losers and cowards. Trump is none of those things. With Biden it would have been far far worse. No closed borders in Feb and March is just as a start to how bad things could have been.

And to be clear, there is much we could have done better. But hindsight is 2020. Always has been... Actual leaders know this.

from Dave Foreman on FB
“so Donald Trump made some comments to Bob Woodward in March/April and now everyone is going nuts. Right.

I was doing a LOT of analysis back then on who said what when. The CDC, WHO, and government and private groups were desperately trying to make sense of things. EVERYONE was overreacting on too little factual information out of an abundance of caution. What was said one day was contradicted a week or a month later.

The president said in a short conversation that the virus was more deadly than the flu and also said he was downplaying it because he did not want to create a panic. THAT IS HIS JOB. Presidents are responsible for managing the mood of the country as the facts unfold.

Anyone who tries to act like they 'knew' what was happening is exaggerating. When you are shutting down air travel to other countries, contemplating the death of 2 million of your citizens, and don't really understand the disease yet because your medical team doesn't you say things to calm and sometimes manipulate the public. Remember that the people that want universal masks now were saying we didn't need then then - BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH PPE AND WANTED MEDICAL PEOPLE TO HAVE THE INVENTORY. We have tens of thousands of ventilators now that may never be used because we thought we needed them.

I get that if you want to defeat Trump in November or you can't stand the man ANYTHING will be a great reason to further your position. That does not, however, make it true. Various governors and Senators and Mayors said a lot of contradictory things around the same time. That is what panic does.“
​

By Lonnie Bullock..
​
As we move into early voting and the last few weeks before the election, I have been thinking often about the filters I use in selecting the person I will vote for. Beyond party alignment, beyond fear, beyond media hype, beyond the deception of advertising, I find myself asking, "What will influence my decision when I mark my ballot?"

Here are some of the filters I am using to determine my vote:
1. I am a Christian who values the teachings of the Bible so that is my first filter.
2. I have and will forever be a defender and voice for the unborn. I will never silence by voice by voting for a person who devalues the life of the unborn.
3. I value our history of being a republic of states, united under one constitution.
4. I believe government should be as small as possible and exists to serve the people not for the people to serve the government.
5. I believe all people are created equal and should not be used as pawns to accomplish political agendas.
6. I believe in capitalism and that government exists to encourage private ownership and not government control.
7. I believe those who have much, much is required as individuals find ways to serve the community.
8. I value religious freedom and believe the church is essential to the health of communities and our nation.
9. I value law and order equally administered and enforced.
10. I will support those who best match my filter and who love their country.

I am proud to be an American and am excited to participate in our great democracy by voting. I encourage all of you who live in America to do the same.

The choir and collective singing is in the heart of worship.  It is powerful, indicting,  and comforting, but not always comfortable.  Your congregation is essentially a choir.   The recent pandemic crisis has restricted almost all communal singing due to the numbers, aerosol science speculations, fear, and the reality that Covid is a serious and dangerous disease for many choral singers due to age, comorbidity and a whole series of issues and complications born out of congregating together. 

Is worship suffering? Yes it is. 
Are churches growing in the midst of this crisis?  Not in nickels and noses that I can see.  but maybe in other ways.  

My premise is that the absence of congregational and choral singing has reminded us all of how important worship is to our wellbeing.    It also exposes a critical gap in many churches engagement models.   Fellowship, Sunday School for kids and adults, Bible Study, and Service projects are the lifeblood of our churches.. Worship is a reflection of service.. in a service.  It is the lens, the metric, to evaluate our health.   When we are faithful and submit to serve and love others… Worship will showcase our hearts.  
We must sing together and share songs.  This is about more than physical singing.  It is about example. Singing is uncomfortable for many because it is an outward and public sharing of heart.  This exposes us, and makes us vulnerable.  We are so lucky that God covers us.  
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you.

For the Record... Black Lives Matter. I stand with my black, brown and other friends against hatred and bigotry...

as to BLM... -- that organization is a seditious, disaster area, Petri dish for violence and victimization culture...that is dead wrong in its view of family and community. The communist and utopian idealism driving insane ideas such as #defundthepolice MUST be opposed in principle... peacefully, with honor and dignity. This is very hard to do when mob rule reigns and groups of activists allow themselves to be corrupted into violence against property AND fellow citizens by agitators... It is impossible to discuss honestly even in principle when so many black Americans are being killed by other non-white Americans... It must stop.

Everyone agrees that Black lives matter. BLM should NOT matter. It is a virus that is destroying lives, families, and communities everywhere that it rises. That is a fact.

Even as a 50 year old white man... I AM allowed to oppose the BLM organization and its actions... AND still support the statement that black lives matter.  I am millions like me am not the enemy but I will fight you if you threaten me, my family or friends.  That is an issue at our core.

​This is a free country, and it will stay that way, unless the BLM organization gets its way... Then, all bets are off... 

Breaking news! It really is September First. The world continues to turn. God is in control, and we are all going to be okay. 

​Also.. don't be fooled by the media and politicians.. every election is important.. every single one. Principles and Platforms are the game.. not the individuals. Experience teaches us this. The seasons continue, and we the people are just that.. people. GOD HAS GOT THIS! 

Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Weakness incites violence. Strength does not. Violence takes many forms. Physical, economic, semantics.

Politics and our system of government provides a peaceful way to manage the people and the diverse ideas while respecting their strength.

The idea that we would no longer have blue states and red states was idyllic and perhaps even utopian, but clearly unrealistic anytime soon if ever.

Unity does not require uniformity when strength and honor reign.

Assuming that a friend or family member has heard or knows something is the beginning of a disconnected relationship. At scale and duration, it becomes toxic and destroys that relationship. I was taught the implications of assuming early on and I never imagined that such a simple concept could become so pervasive and destructive thanks to social media. ASS.U.ME is a dangerous word and it spreads like a virus in our 2020 culture of selfaggrandizing self interested obsession. ​

If you ask a man what he thinks, you should be prepared to hear what he thinks, not what you think.
Equally, Writing publicly (I.e. posting on FB) invites comments and engagement. To the brave souls that actually post what they think, Bravi tutti.
Foolishness is fueled by disconnecting. In 2020, arguably the most connected and diverse generation in history is unable to talk and share because too many seek uniformity over unity of purpose.
​

Solid question asked today in our era of crime and punishment and evidence and science. If you died today, is there enough evidence available for your friends, neighbors, family members and even strangers to review and convict you of being a Christian? It isn’t about talking, being good, nice or moral... the case is made in your words and deeds. Your legacy in sharing the good news of the Gospel. We are so easily distracted these days, consumed with a desire to look good, be good, do good. Those things are indeed good, but the way to heaven is through Jesus. Belief and devotion to a man that lived, died and was resurrected for us. Earthly standards are just that. God’s standard is all or nothing. Everything ventured. Everything gained. 

​“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life— your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life— and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” Romans 12:1-2 MSG

Snooze for 30 days is excellent.

This cancel culture mantra of think this, say this, or unfriend me is terrible. The costs in the long run are terrible. Life is not a video game that can be reset easily. Friendships and relationships are the keys to our future prosperity. Popularity is not all that valuable in the end. We don’t have to agree but we should find a way to stay connected.

At sporting events. Passions and tempers flare, and the people get excited. It is expected. Political conventions and rallies are the same. These days the energy and excitement is expressed on social media. If we grant sincerity and look through the energy to the substance, policy, and record we are afforded a better view of reality. That said, conventions and energy are fun. It is awesome to stand up and be proud of a position, an idea, a team, and even a protest. The rub, is that it all needs to remain peaceful. When the games becomes too violent in words or actions then everyone loses.

Quote of the day. “People in the bubble have no concept of what it is like to be poor.”
They literally can not conceive of the severity of the problems for internet usage and virtual schooling and the fear associated with feeding a family in the middle of this economic catastrophe. Poor people are not dumb. They have often made bad decisions and are in a bad spot. They are not dumb and they are not lazy. They do need some help, but not at the cost of their dignity.

Most people I know are virtuous hard working people.  They seek wisdom,  exhibit courage, revere honor, and are generally measured and respectful in their words and judgement.   Empathy and caring is a tricky thing to show authentically at scale. Some choose to virtue signal and tell you want they intend, how much they care while focusing on how much better it would be if they had more control.   I tend towards a different model. I care deeply, but I believe that my actions and choices, in spending of precious resources like time and money, must deliver results in support of my principles.    To be nice is nice. To actually help others is nicer. 
My concern, shared by most, is that leaders also set an example of morality and character. This is unavoidable and critical.  How I perceive words and actions can be completely disconnected from reality when leaders play the spin game. All leaders do it. All leaders must do it.  Competency in this game is about using character and record of results to find the right balance. Inspiring the masses is an extraordinary ability and responsibility.  Until Trump came into the picture it was almost always about walking the lukewarm middle to avoid a radical appearance.  He trumped this norm and embraced a model of in your face, out loud thinking, and counterpunching that broke the mold and hit the reset button. 
Donald Trump is not a nice measured communicator.  He does get the job done in my view. In his next term, I’d like to see him adopt a more measured persona. Alas that want is not effective in national elections and the current environment. Trump’s drain the swamp approach reset the playing field. He bears responsibility for ushering in and condoning a “key signature” that is harsh and mean spirited.  A decision is starkly presented for US. Do we prioritize result over rhetoric. Nice, well mannered elderly intentions over snap decisions and sometimes harsh decisions.  I like what Biden said last night. Character is on the ballot. America’s character is not built on flashy rhetoric and Marxist progressivism in my book. My choice is clear.  To keep America great, we must get results and then manage the optics. 
Managing optics up front with controlling and autocratic decisions in the back rooms is toxic.  The central committee begins then to set the moral standards and uses rule of law and force of government to destroy the rights granted by God.  When coupled with a victimization, cancel culture that rejects rule of law in favor of mob movements, the rights of the people to speak and live freely are damaged and maybe even destroyed. A deep feeling of resentment and disgust spreads like a virus as omnipotent morality reigns in place of one on one decisions. 
My solution,  vote your conscience and search your heart. Go to church and put God back in charge because of your own interpretations.  Talk less, smile more. Above all, decide if you prioritize image over results. To evaluate the results you MUST get past the image and find real numbers and metrics that matter. Look ahead, but don’t ignore the past.  With politicians and leaders, past results are a predictor of future decisions. 
My view of politicians is that most are not virtuous hard working people.  They ignore wisdom, rarely do anything courageous, are willing to sacrifice honor for poll results and votes, and in recent years are not measured and respectful.  That last one, I’d really like to get back to measured and respectful, but when push comes to shove, progress will provide jobs, and security both physically and financially. I can overlook the bad behavior if the results continue to pile up.  If I see decisions ultimately bearing fruit over time and at scale.  That is the bar.  Progress is not about who is nicer, it is about what decisions best enable life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. On that front, we have come so far, but we have so far to go. Choose wisely when you vote. 

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”  —C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics (1970)

"Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.” 
― Theodore Roosevelt

National political strife and division in face of a historic election decision , violence and protest.
Disease, sickness, death.
Isolation, mental illness, bullying, tyranny
Entertainment, education, and evolving expectations of everyone.
Too many spending too much time focused on not dying above all else.

we must choose to live and be alive in Gods world.
The sun rises. Today is an opportunity to serve. What we see and how we see matters. Don’t worry, be happy is more than a platitude. It is a critical principle to living. Faith. Hope and love remain. That is a trinity of advice we must see and say every day.

See something. Say something is wrong. This is correct:

SEE SOMETHING WRONG? Do something about it.

​You. Yes you. Expecting someone else to handle it is the root of the problem. Need help, ask for it. PERIOD!!!

Breaking News!! Very little in the real “local” world is actually about President Trump.

He doesn’t represent conservative right Christian principles any more than Biden represents the progressive left. Ultimately we vote on ideas, not people. This is why identity politics and the emerging cancel culture born of a victimization systemic oppression mindset is useless.

We cannot live on past success and failure any longer. We can live and love into a future based in service ams choice in place of control and dependency. In community and society based on liberty, we can choose to help.

I do think that President Trump is the best choice available for now but I dream of a brighter future.