Praise Worthiness!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

No matter what happens in America--or even in the world--when we have a right relationship with God, He will always steer us in the direction of His Word.

Military parades--especially those displaying military armament--are usually a tool of dictators to flex military might, but it is more importantly--a demonstrable display of a leader's insecurities. Therefore, the "military parade" Rumplethinskin wants--is not a celebration of a military victory--those things we normally celebrate using a segment of the military--but a blatant disregard for those who serve in the military to appease his ego and amplify his insecurities.

Many veterans and those currently serving are disgusted by the idea of a military parade to assuage an ego-maniac, especially since he is draft-dodger who refused to serve in the military when called upon--"Cadet Bone Spurs" is an apt nickname for him. Though he loudly proclaims respect for the military--those who know--understand he lies and he's covering for the fact--he didn't serve and nor did any of his family. In fact, his grandfather was expelled from Germany because he refused to serve a mandatory stint in the military. It appears--disdain for serving in the military is in his DNA--and therefore nullifies any respect from anyone who has served or is serving in the military.

Claiming that Democrats who didn't "clap" for him during his State of the Union message committed treason is an a treason in itself. It demonstrates his lack of knowledge of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution or determined disregard for it and that he is not upholding or defending the Constitution as his oath proclaims.  If in fact, disrespecting a sitting president was a treasonous offense, we'd not have very many in Congress still there.

There was the incident of the Congressman who shouted out, "You lie" during one of Obama's State of Union messages.

There was Paul Ryan sitting as stiff as board through Obama's State of the Union messages, not clapping or standing.

There was the entire Republican party who "sat on their hands" during Obama's State of the Union messages, not clapping, not even paying attention.

And then there is the constant malignant rhetoric promoted by Rumplethinskin proclaiming Obama was not an American. That indeed is treasonous, but he's never been charged or arrested or convicted of a "treason."

What makes Rumplethinskin think he has an absolute right to be "worshiped?" His malignant narcissistic ego compels him to believe he's "worthy to be praised."  Of course, his equally ignorant base enables his thinking since they clamor for his stupidity at every rally. He is not worthy of praise. He is worthy of total disdain and disgust conviction for treason when it is revealed that he conspired with Russia to rig the 2016 election and is still conspiring with them to erode our democracy. "Giving comfort and aid to our adversaries (enemies)" encompasses the definition of "treason." So, if anyone is guilty of treason, it is Rumplethinskin and his entire administration including the "crime family" mob wannabes.

No matter how much stupid we see from the current resident in the White House, we will not give in or give up nor surrender our values for him to trample on them. We will continue resisting the stupid and blatant ignorance until justice prevails and we call sleep better at night.

Hope is around the corner in the mid term elections and in the 2020 election. We can reverse the stupid and reclaim our position as a world leader if we exercise wisdom in whom we elect. We don't need to ever elect again, a person who has so much to hide that they deliberately obstruct justice when under investigation.

My life is an open book and ready for inspection by anyone who has access to the Internet.

I don't have a problem presenting my tax returns which will indeed prove--I'm simply an Everyday American--retired and paying taxes.

I have no problem discussing any questions anyone might have of my past or present--as long as the questions are relevant to the position I'm seeking and my ability to perform well in it.

But getting back to being praise-worthy--nothing worth praising about the current resident in the White House and I don't know if there will be anything worth praising with a new resident because realistically--none of us are worth praise, but God alone is. With that being the case, I'll give Him the Praise for He is the only One worthy of it.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for being who You are and for creating me to be who You want me to be--all glory and honor and praise belong to You all the days of my life.

For more insight as to my thoughts about "everyday news" follow me on Twitter @educatormary. Stay persistent and keep resisting the urge to accept false propaganda promoted by those who deliberately attempt to deceive. Don't believe anything other than verifiable truths with evidence.

Redeeming Qualities

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. 1 Peter 1:13-23 NIV

As far as Christ is concerned, we who were sinners have been redeemed with the precious blood of Him who hung on the cross and shed His blood for us that we might have eternal life. And the only thing He requires of us is that we love one another with a sincere love, not a plastic, superficial love that is conditional.

There are some who only care about those who care about them.
There are some who only respect those who respect them.
Then there are some who expect loyalty when they are not loyal to anyone but themselves.
These are conditional responses and what Christ wants from us is unconditional love shown to one another whether others love us or not.

Loving others--especially when they are unlovable can be hard to do, but we must if we are to demonstrate the love of Christ within us. If we have not His love, our love for others is superficial and easily diluted based upon how others treat us.

How do we know when the Love of Christ dwells within us? We know because the fruit of His Spirit is evident in our lives. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Galatians 5:23-26 NIV

Therefore, our redeeming qualities are evident in our love for one another, the joy we have in rejoicing with the success of others, the peace we have in our homes and communities when we know we are peacemakers and not peacebreakers, the patience we have with those in our environment, understanding we all have to find our way with the help of others; the kindness we can show complete strangers as well as those we love; the goodness in our hearts that ignites the desire to do good things for others; the faithfulness we demonstrate to those things we have committed to doing as well as the people we have committed to being faithful in our lives; the gentleness we show those who have not yet reached the same level of maturity we have; and the self-control we demonstrate on a daily basis, not allowing our feelings and emotions to drive us.

Are there any who have yet to demonstrate having any redeeming qualities in our midst? Do we dare to speak truth to power in order to set the record straight and to make sure when we stand before God on the day of Judgment, we can rest assured we have done all we could do to sound the alarm, warning others of the danger in not following Christ? Are we capable of loving others, no matter what and how do we know that?

Loving others unconditionally has been the foundation for me to do what I do--as an educator, a community activist, a wife and mother and grandmother, and a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a writer with a platform, what I say may not always be indicative of unconditional love, but when we love--we tell the truth--whether others agree with it or not. That is--unconditional love!

As a further demonstration of unconditional love of all Americans, I am taking on the posture of jumping into the political arena in my bid to become president in 2020. I am not running for the position in hopes of gaining power or status, but for the love of country and my fellow Americans. I have neither political baggage for the opposition to inspect, celebrity status and wealth, and I don't play golf. I am a total representation of the Everyday American, having faced the challenges that most Everyday Americans without celebrity, political pull or wealth face, daily. What I do have is honor, love and integrity. If you can handle truth and love in voting for an Everyday American, you won't regret it. Please--spread the word--and remember my name!

Give What Is Owed!

"Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect then respect; if honor, then honor." Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Romans 13:7-10 NIV

What would happen if someone came into your home and disrespected your home?

Would you disrespect them by not honoring what they do in their home?

Then, why would trump go to another country and have his wife and daughter disrespect the traditions of those in Saudi Arabia? Were the Saudi's accommodating because of the pay-to-play policy they knew would be employed?

I am not impressed with the $100 billion dollar weapons sale or the $100 million contribution to Ivanka's fund. Seems a bit hypocritical to me since trump railed against Hillary for accepting money from the Saudi's that was used to help people in other countries. No one is going to be helped by Ivanka's fund other than the family and we know this because her father accepted donations to a foundation that he used to his benefit. The acorn doesn't fall far from the trees.

At any rate--judging by the faces of those around them on this trip (Saudi's), they were tolerating him and probably laughing behind his back later because he's so gullible and they know it. It's not hard to get over on someone when the world knows a person is needy and simply needs phrase to win them over. I saw some actually speaking to others while trump was speaking.

Soon and very soon--if all goes well--we'll no longer have to be embarrassed by the ignorant one who refuses to learn history.

While we wait--think on these things: there are others who actually care about all Americans and not just about how much money they can get out of it. There are others who would truly love to serve the nation by representing all Everyday Americans, not just some. And there are those who understand that Christianity is about love and taking care of the poor and needy. I am one of those Americans.

Breathe, Reflect and Keep Fighting!

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 NIV

How does passage of scripture align with what we see right now?
Deception--is a key word in what we see in the daily news. People--and this is the White House contingency--are deceived by what they do--abuse of power--and they think we are deceived by their "alternate facts" which are blatant lies.

If they simply read and lived the bible--at least 45 claims to "love the bible" then he would know there is no need for him to keep comparing himself to President Obama--he'll never measure up. What he should concentrate on doing is not allowing President Bannon to steer the ship he was commissioned to captain. None of us who are paying attention are blind to what is going on. We know 45 didn't draft the executive orders and his "photo op" show of signing them and attempting to read words he's never seen is obvious.

How do we know? Most of us with fairly good perception and ability to draw conclusions knew when he first opened his mouth. He does not have the intellect to draft the executive orders presented in the presence of the press. Only an idiot would have given him credit for it. But that's not the most important factor--it has been revealed by media that he didn't know what he was signing and hence the chaotic mess with the Muslim Ban. And they can claim all they want that it was not a "ban on Muslims" but Giuliani revealed that 45 asked him how to "legally ban Muslims" and he helped him.
45 wants people to "praise him" but so far, he's done absolutely nothing that is praiseworthy. It is craving for recognition that President Bannon is using against him, feeding his ego so he can influence what he does. Hence--the conclusion that SB is actually the president and most people don't know--we have an unelected person running the government.

We'll soon see how the fallout will affect every American when SB--who is determined to destroy the country in order to fulfill his own agenda--allows white supremacist to do whatever they want to do in order to make America--"white again."

America needs to wake up and take off the blinders that are creating the scales distorting their view of reality. 45 is mentally unstable, SB is a bigoted racist, and haggyblonde is sleep deprived (she admitted yesterday) and since we know--sleep deprivation is a form of torture that creates distortions of reality--we know why she's acting the way she is.

They (teamtrump) seem to forget all the vicious lies they promoted during a campaign and now, they "say" it's not fair for people to constantly criticize what they do or how they're doing it. Really? It was okay for them to demonize both Hillary and President Obama, but now--it's not fair! What a load of baloney!

45 ran down his opponents in both the primary and general election with falsehoods, blatant lies and vicious personal character attacks, but now--the petulant, tantrum-throwing-toddler-in-chief wants people to play nice and stop hurting his feelings because he feels so "demoralized."Maybe he should have thought about "his actions" and considered how others might feel; especially since he continually denigrated President Obama for years--and he still has not apologized for that. But that's okay--Karma bites--and we learn from the word in Romans 13:7 --we can only get back what we give. "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

And yes, before anyone reminds of the preceding verses of Scripture, I do know what it says and what it means, but since we do not have integrity and honor operating in the WH, I am not obligated to them.

Now, for those who need encouragement to keep going in the battle--step back for a moment, take a deep breath, reflect on the purpose and then get back in the battle to win it!

Let's Build Bridges!

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-14, 17 NIV

Instead of building walls that isolate
Let's build bridges that reciprocate
Integrity, honor, and respect,
Giving to get what we expect.

What makes it so difficult for us love?
Did we not receive it from Him above?
Are our hearts not filled from within,
Enough love and respect for all men?

God's love flows continuously from Him to all,
Not hindered by hate or discriminating wall,
With the message of love preached and all receive,
The world will know--In Him, We Believe!

Is Your Foundation Intact!

When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Psalm 11:3-7 NIV

If we don't build on solid foundations,
Of love, hope, and respect for all
We set the stage for destruction of nations,
Both far and near, within, without not hearing the call,
Of God's Word to relieve oppression for all generations.

We need to fill the cracks, restoring foundations,
Building bridges, cementing partnerships, not building a wall,
Promoting hatred, distrust, fear and division, in all relations--
Ignoring the one truth we seem to have forgotten,
God knows when we we're good and He knows when we're rotten.

We are One Blood, One Nation, One Race--All His Creation!

A Black American by Smokey Robinson - Def Poetry Jam

Lessons Learned!

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:7-12 NIV

#Politics Alert
For the past two days, I have--as per my habit--scrolled through various media articles and commented on those I thought warranted a comment. It is always my intent to simply comment "to the article" and I never comment on what another poster has said--unless they reply to me directly.
Herein lies the challenge--for them and me. It would appear that many who post to Internet articles feel they are the only ones entitled to an opinion and they repeatedly end up calling people names when asked to produce verification of what they said. Here's an example to a comment I wrote regarding the use of the song, "We Are The Champions" on CNN 7/19/16.

Mary Hall-RayfordNot surprising--he thinks he can get away with anything. After all, he hijacked the GOP in order to pursue his own attention-getting agenda that's all about him!

Tony GuidrozWell Hilary knows that she will get away with everything, including murder, illegally sending classified information, and perjury. You let me know when Donald gets on that level.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz Who did Hillary murder? I must have missed that trial!

Tony GuidrozThose are FACTS.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz You didn't provide any facts--just more speculation and obscure biased opinion. Who did she murder and when was the trial held? Just the facts, please!

Tony GuidrozLet me guess you are denying all those others or no? I gave you all facts that you can look up yourself. You seem pretty lazy not wanting to do any research for yourself. Typical.

Mary Hall-RayfordTony Guidroz Actually, you gave me NO FACTS--just innuendo--there is a difference. I usually research information before I proffer an opinion--about anything. Who did she murder and when was the trial? That is factual information and unless you can prove it--with documentation--you might want to take a nap and then wake up from your delusional world.

Tony GuidrozI told you. Where are your factual rebuttals for the FACT that she is a thief, that she sent classified information illegally, and that she committed perjury? All things that are on video. As for the murderer part, she didn't pull the trigger, but she may as well have. Oh and she was investigated for it. She's not in prison for the same reason that she's not in prison for the email scandal. She is apparently above the law.

Tony GuidrozShe sat there and lied to Congress on 2 separate occasions, about 2 separate cases. So sad that you defend a woman who takes money and sympathizes with the very people that view women as property. She belittled and berated women that were sexually abused by her sex crazed husband. She calls black men super predators, yet she has your support. Lmao. Who's the delusional one?

 

Marvel Amber John If she was this bad she should be behind bars. She's not.. Your point? No wait! Don't tell me.

Mary Hall-Rayford Tony Guidroz I didn't say one word about anything other than your allegation that she had committed murder. None of what you just spewed provides any factual information of your allegation. But I won't belabor the point that you keep straying away from. You're entitled to your delusions and as for the other allegations that I'm defending her--where did I say that or did you just assume that? Not much for facts are you? Just spewing bigotry, I guess--is a way to spend your time. Have a wonderful day!

My point to titling this post, "Lessons Learned" is that even though I tried to end the conversation with calm, it escalated into something far more sinister than needed to be.

While I realize every person on the planet has already concluded who their political candidate is, I am extremely cautious about making accusations about anyone--without concrete evidence. I have to admit, I seldom experience the kind of hatred for one person that I've seen lately about Hillary (in the past about Obama simply because of his skin color). People have criticized everything about the woman--from the clothes she wears to her husbands past indiscretions and everything in between and beyond.

Who has never committed a stupid act in their life? Who has never made mistakes? As I pointed out to several people on that thread yesterday, I usually research information before I speak on it and can and have provided links to support what I say. But the lesson I have learned is that no matter what you say to some people--they go into attack mode and never recover from it. At that point--it is wiser to stop talking to them--even though they won't stop.

I'm not afraid of controversy and I don't back down from anyone attempting to bully or intimidate me--I know who I am and don't have to prove that to anyone. I am concerned about the level of hate that people don't have a problem displaying and how all that hatred impacts the challenges we see on a daily basis.

I encourage substantive discussion about issues I care strongly about, but I refuse to be embroiled in stupidity--where what we say, matters not. While I can respect a differing opinion by anyone, that courtesy is not often reciprocated, but it won't stop me.

When The Lord speaks to my heart, I will respond and obey. It does not matter if people accept what is said; what matters is my obedience and therefore, I will continue to obey God for He is the only one who deserves my praise. Politicians--come and go--and in the end, only what we do for Christ will have any lasting impact in our society.

Let Order Reign!

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. Ecclesiastes 12:9,10 NIV

In verse eight, the Teacher is yelling that everything is "meaningless" and then we understand why.

Where there is no wisdom, foolishness prevails.

Where there is no knowledge, ignorance is bliss.

Where there is no order, chaos and confusion reign.

If we look at what is happening around the world we can see the significance and truth of what happens when there is no wisdom, knowledge or order. And when we get closer to home--right where we live--where our kids go to school--where we shop and interact with others--the truth looms even greater.

We are told in The Word that God is not the author of confusion and yet where see confusion, no one wants to recognize the evil that plots the destruction of order.

Last night, I attended the high school graduation where my grandson attends school and plays in the band. Like many schools, during a high school graduation, students are given a specific number of tickets for their guests and this school was no different. Every student was given four tickets and there were approximately 133 students graduating. Usually the ceremony is held outside on the football field, but since rain threatened the event, it was moved inside. The auditorium was reserved for those with tickets and the Commons (a huge area outside the auditorium) was set up for the overflow, complete with a screen so everyone could view and hear the event.

I cannot stand ignorance and confusion. When I saw how foolish people were--trying to get into the auditorium without a ticket and then acting foolish when turned away--I felt anger rising within me. But the anger was not about those acting foolish, it was about those who even allowed them to think they had a right to be there without having a ticket.

As a result--the ceremony-usually observed with sanctity and decorum, was a hot mess outside the auditorium and from the comments of a few people on the inside--it was not better. I truly wish people would understand how important this event is and not take it as opportunity to be a pep rally where no one can hear anything.

I sincerely hope that two years from now, people will learn to act with more decorum and I also hope the administrators of the school will make more of an effort to maintain order by not allowing the ticketless--access to the ceremony. I want to see order reign when my grandson receives his diploma, not hear a madhouse of cheering so no one else can hear.

Aside from the obvious--my being upset over the graduation process--I also look at all the confusion in the Body of Christ. Where "Christians" are confused about their gender, their roles in life, and even confused about the purpose of the church. Perhaps, just perhaps, when the Body of Christ is no longer confused, and functioning decently and in order, we will see a change in society that demonstrates the change from within a Body of true Believers.

Lord, speak to the hearts of Your people and remind them--You expect us to always act decently and in order and to do things Your way, not our own.

Praying For Those In Authority!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

Whatever we do and however we do, we must have a purpose. For without purpose, we are merely marking time--waiting to see which way the wind will blow or the dice will roll. This is what happens we act without understanding and purpose--anything goes and we simply accept it.

However, in this passage of scripture--Paul's letter to Timothy--we see instructions given for those in authority and the purpose. The purpose in this case is that God desires all to be saved and come into the knowledge of truth. Of course truth is a philosophy of its own, but for now, we'll concentrate on God's Truth as the only means by which anyone can be saved.

Now--here's the million dollar question--in recent weeks regarding the presidential campaigning--who has exhibited the most godly character in speaking to the people at town hall meetings, during debates and in their campaign ads?

Granted, I understand some people have made of their minds simply because of their frustrations and bitterness against the current President, but is that a reason to vote "willy-nilly" for a clown who has demonstrated disrespect and disregard for other human beings? For anyone who does not understand authority should certainly be put in a position of authority over others. And every time ungodliness opens its mouth, the evidence is heard.

If ungodliness wins the election, then it means those who know The Lord were not praying for righteous authority, for the prayers of the righteous avails much. We can and we must pray for the office of authority and anyone residing in it. Why? So we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness--not ungodliness--knowing how to love one another and respect all.

Our prayer for the office(s) of authority should include the reign of Holy Spirit over whoever sits in a position of authority. For those seeking authority, our prayer should include a willingness for them to seek wisdom from God and to hear and obey Holy Spirit in all matters. 

Father,

In the name of Jesus, we pray for every person seeking or in a position of authority in every walk of life, but we especially pray for those who seek to lead this great nation. Holy Spirit take up residence in the White House and make Your presence known from the top to the bottom. Lord, open every person's spiritual ears and touch every heart--giving them a desire to seek You in every situation and the Wisdom that only You can provide--having them hear Holy Spirit when He speaks and then obeying without hesitation. For we know when godliness reigns in the hearts of men and women, peace will prevail and confusion will have no place to dwell. We thank You for hearing and responding to this prayer and speaking to the hearts of all who agree. Amen!

The Value of A Name!

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1 NIV)

Most of us have heard the phrase, "A rose better any other name is just as sweet," but have we really thought about the value of a name?

Just as there as many kinds of roses, with varying hues and fragrances, there are many kinds of names--with varying connotations attached and usually--the perceptions of others will increase the value of our name or detract from the worth of our name.

Think about this--when people hear your name--what is the first thing they think about? Do they smile or frown? Are they happy or sad? Are they inspired to seek you for counsel or to hide from you? Is being associated with you a good thing or a questionable venture? Remember the adage, "Birds of a feather flock together," or "We are known by the company we keep." What kind of company do you keep that determines the value of your name?

When people respect someone--there is usually an acknowledgment of that respect when someone utters their name. Those listening to the one who uttered the name, perk up and pay attention. This person's name will revive good memories and stories abound about how good they are at this and that--how they stepped forward to help in a pinch, how selfless and considerate they are of others and this is a person--most want to be around--they have a good name.

However, the same is true when a person's name is mentioned that has gained notoriety--a name that causes people dread and anguish or even brings up negative memories. Most people will shun anyone associated with this person simply because they have an affiliation with one whose name is not trusted or respected.

When I look at what is happening in our society right now--change of names with change of gender, change of political correctness and change of stance for what is right--I am not surprised with the reaction or responses some people have to hearing "some names" in the media. But it is because our perceptions of others are colored by the behavior or conduct associated with the name that we lose sight of the one name--Jesus--who was vilified by those who didn't understand who He was or His purpose on earth. The religious leaders of the time sought to kill all who were associated with Him, not because the disciples had done anything wrong, but because the religious leaders were afraid of losing control over the people. There are still some people who fear the name of Jesus--especially when they don't want others to come to know Him for themselves and then they'll discover--how some have lied to them.

But what feelings are triggered when we hear the names? Caitlin,Bruce, Bill, Hilary, Obama, Boehner, Kagan, Thomas, Scalia, Ginsburg, Roberts, Kennedy, Tiger, McCain, Wesley, Michael, Kwame, Rosa, Martin, and the list could go on and on.

Now--what thoughts or feelings are triggered when someone mentions your name? Are the thoughts kind, respectful, considerate--does your name excite or defeat? When people hear your name associated with others, what is their likely conclusion about who you are?

If we conduct ourselves in such a way that many people would abhor association with us--we need to rethink how we do things or accept the fate of someone who will never rise to a level of success because without others--there is no true success.

When people mention Jesus and your name in the same breath--what is their conclusion  about you? Will they say you're  living the life or living a lie?

A good name has value beyond measure and when it is heard, it is highly esteemed and promoted.

Teach The Children!

"All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace." (Isaiah 54:13 NIV)

Have we dropped the ball? Are we know longer demonstrating what The Lord has taught in our own behavior? Are we the reason the children are the way they are?

We have all been "children" at sometime or another and unfortunately, some fully physically grown adults are still children. They were not taught the basics of socialization--common courtesy, sharing, consideration, respect, self-control, and self-respect. If we didn't learn these as children, chances are we never will.

I remember when I first started working at one of the high schools and I was trying to squeeze past a young lady blocking my path. I said, "Excuse me." Her response was, "Excuse you?" and then she sat there staring at me like I'd grown horns. She had no idea what I meant.

Too many of the children in schools, at home and in the general public take their "anger and frustration" with them, everywhere they go.Why are they angry? Their home life is less than desirable. We have kids going hungry, being abused, sleeping on mattresses without linen, sleeping in their clothes because they've never had pajamas, and then they have mamas who have different live-in boyfriends every other week, there's never enough food or money, some in the dark without heat or light and then mama's boyfriends are abusing the children and daring them to tell it.

It is not their fault that their parents never learned to parent, but someone has to teach them right from wrong and how to get along with others in this society because we do not live alone in isolation.
This happens because the parents were not taught when they were children and so they cannot teach their children anything worthwhile, but those of us who know, can and should teach them whenever we find a need to do so, wherever we are; it is our responsibility to teach the children in the ways of the Lord, by example not just by what we say!

So, let's make a pledge--a commitment--to correct lovingly (if we can) and show those children who were never taught the things that they ought to know and do, so our communities and school and homes, too will know peace and harmony will reside in the midst of it all--Let's Teach The Children!

My name is Mary M. Hall-Rayford. As an educator, parent, grandparent and child of the Most High, I approve this message!

Loving Regardless!

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:44,45 NIV)

Talk about having a sense of humor! When Jesus told people to do this I can only imagine what they were thinking. "What? Is He nuts? No, He wasn't--He was simply being who He was and is--Love!

Love--can only produce love, can only ignite love, can only fuel love and while it can be a strain sometimes, to love the unlovable, we can do it when we remember this. The problem with remembering this message is that we are often seduced by a spirit of self-righteousness to think we have to cater to those who hate us and we we do not.

How do I  know? When Jesus overturned the tables in the temple because of the farce He saw of hypocrites, He loved them enough to correct them. When parents have rules and instill in their children appropriate behaviors it is because of love. God has established proprieties for all of us and in order to obey Him, we have to love--not be foolish, but care enough about people that we plan no harm, but want to see them in position to receive all that God has for them.

Only an enemy plans harm--love plans care and protection.

Even when we recognize the enemy, we can still love them enough to correct them, redirect their thinking, and treat them courteously, and never lose sight of the rules established to maintain order and consideration of others.

Because people "in general" do not understand the meaning of courtesy and consideration, they often ignore the rules of courtesy and the laws of the land. Discourteous drivers think they are the only ones with the right to drive on the roads, at any time, and to ignore those who also have rights. Discourteous movie-goers have phones ringing and public conversations that interfere with those who have also paid to see the movie to "hear" what's on the screen. Discourteous people eat at restaurants and never tip their servers appropriately. Discourteous people only think about what they want and never consider the rights of others or give them any consideration. In spite of all this, we can still love--sometimes from afar--and pray that their hearts will be softened to hear God and know Love, so they, too--can love.

Regardless of how we feel--as long as we do not allow ourselves to be put in harm's way--we love regardless of the attitudes of others towards us. Jesus said so, but even He had limits and boundaries--because He is love!

Nothing To Argue!

"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly" (I Timothy 4:7 NLT).

One of the reasons that "people" have said why no one should discuss "religion and politics" is because there is so much that can be argued, but shouldn't be.

What a person believes is what "they" believe. No one should attempt to superimpose their belief systems on anyone else because everyone is entitled to believe whatever they want to believe.  

Belief--in anything--is subjective--not necessarily objective and as such should be respected as an individual's right.

Part of the problem with "denominationalism" is the fact that every denomination is a split from a foundational belief. This is why we have Catholicism, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and a host of other denominations that "chose" to use specific segments of scripture as a foundation for their belief. What has happened is that it has all become "religious institutions" established that have little or nothing to do with Relationship with God.

So, if people want to believe there is "power in things or an object," let them believe it. If the source of their belief system is contained or confined within man-made objects--that's their business.

However, I would point out that the prophets of Baal discovered there is no power in "the things made by man's hands" or in "words used as chants or incantations" to evoke the Spirit of God.

If we truly want to see "the power of God operating" in our world, we simply need to develop a relationship with God, obey His voice, and see how loving others can change the environment.

Now, that's "Power" and it is not contained, but as infinite as our God is.

Go ahead--have your discussions about your beliefs, just respect the beliefs of others in the process. God responds to our faith in Him, not the things in which we have faith. Don't argue--just love!