I'm glad I waited 24 hours before finalizing my thoughts on the vote by the General Conference delegates regarding the ordination of women in the ministry. I have been a fence setter. It looks like there is biblical support for not ordaining. It looks like a biblical case can be made for ordaining. Since I am not an active member presently, I have felt it was not necessary to form an opinion.
Since following the "discussion" at #GCSA15 on Twitter and seeing the reactions of the majority of the stakeholders, I now have an opinion. But I won't share it.
This vote was not a disavowal of women in the ministry by the church or by God. It continues a barrier to complete recognition by the formal church, not a barrier to the many who have been touched by their ministry. They will continue to enjoy the results of the ministry.
Many of the "no" votes were a personal disavowal. Strong feelings exist in some. But this issue would not have even been discussed 50 years ago. I venture to guess there would have been 2,300 "no" votes and 63 "yes" votes if the question was placed then.
"Church" arguments usually take the form of "God says," and for good reason. We have been taught this way. While I may disagree with the outcome (oh, did my opinion slip out?) I don't disagree that this decision may be God's will. If I didn't think that, I would have no reason for trusting anything to the church.
In this (western) society we often look at as teams winning or losing. Winning is seen as morally better and as having God on its side. Look at all the praying for victory and praising God with every touchdown. However, if it was morally better, wouldn't the same team win every year? And wouldn't the Dodgers have won the World Series last year? I think these issues are seldom fully understood by us. This and any vote is not definitive. It is subject to changes of understanding. The church's mission continues to be center that should not change, and all the votes of this session and all future session will merely be "current" understandings.
"No" did not necessarily mean God did not approve. Delegates were not given the options I have been taught God has: Yes, No, Later, and Something Better. With as many "no" votes as I saw and with the tenacity of some of the "no" people, maybe God says this isn't quite the right time. Wait until some of the anger can be overcome. A worse division would have resulted.
We are in a world where things happen much faster than even 50 years ago, much less 150 years ago. But it still takes time for humans to change direction. Division may still result here because hearts haven't been changed. For much the same reason, racism remains an issue in America. Even with progress, hearts are not yet changed. Legislation, regulation, and church policy won't change hearts. Love and time do that.
The church has placed impediments to progress in its path before. It placed a couple more for me this session. It will do it again. But if, as I believe, God is in charge, His will is being carried out somehow. Moses didn't cross to the Promised Land. Martin Luther did not see the completion of the Reformation. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not see a black President of the United States elected. But each played a part in progress.
The ladies serving the SDA church in ANY capacity are the living, breathing proof they are needed. Ordination will only increase that when it comes. I have been thrilled inside to see the lack of anger and division in most of the responses. Anything further need to be said on how much of God these women are?
Now, continue with what you were doing.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Drugs and Aging.
There is a strong movement underway to legalize marijuana. As I reflect on a number of problems in our country I am rethinking my opposition. And including many drugs currently listed as controlled or illegal.
I propose a new national policy. When a person turns 65, all drugs may be provided by physicians and considered legal. This will have a number of positive consequences:
1. Peace. A person's last years will be made pleasant. In old age it would be nice not to be as acutely aware of all the pains, loss of energy, and parts that are now broken or non-functional.
2. Social Life. Children will be much more likely to visit. Both because the old people will be more pleasant to be around and it will increase their own access to chemical bliss. Grandchildren will think Grandma and Grandpa are fun.
3. Medical Systems. Medicare will be saved. Old people will not realize they need surgery or treatment.
4. Financial Freedom. Supplemental income from selling "excess" drugs would relieve society of the need to provide further Social Security increases.
5. Crime Reduction. Fewer drug dealers will be needed - get whatever you want from an old person. Drug addicts would not have to commit crimes to get money for drugs. Prices will be lower - just go see an old person. And old people will get still more visitors.
6. Sharing Experience. Old people have wisdom and would be able to gauge how much of what to give - who needs it and who does not and is just complaining and needs to get a job.
This doesn't solve everything, but lets get the dialogue going.
I propose a new national policy. When a person turns 65, all drugs may be provided by physicians and considered legal. This will have a number of positive consequences:
1. Peace. A person's last years will be made pleasant. In old age it would be nice not to be as acutely aware of all the pains, loss of energy, and parts that are now broken or non-functional.
2. Social Life. Children will be much more likely to visit. Both because the old people will be more pleasant to be around and it will increase their own access to chemical bliss. Grandchildren will think Grandma and Grandpa are fun.
3. Medical Systems. Medicare will be saved. Old people will not realize they need surgery or treatment.
4. Financial Freedom. Supplemental income from selling "excess" drugs would relieve society of the need to provide further Social Security increases.
5. Crime Reduction. Fewer drug dealers will be needed - get whatever you want from an old person. Drug addicts would not have to commit crimes to get money for drugs. Prices will be lower - just go see an old person. And old people will get still more visitors.
6. Sharing Experience. Old people have wisdom and would be able to gauge how much of what to give - who needs it and who does not and is just complaining and needs to get a job.
This doesn't solve everything, but lets get the dialogue going.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
38th Anniversary Musings
I walked up the stairs and confronted the Family Wall of Fame at the top - pictures mostly of our children at various stages of maturity. But there are also a few pictures including the founders of Lois and Don Enterprises. With an anniversary coming up soon how could I help but think back and smile:
You were mine from the moment I saw you walking down the dorm steps with long flowing blonde hair. I will do whatever I need to to keep in your good graces. Your happiness is all I long for. Let's re-up this contract for another 38 years.
____Yes, I will _____ I'll think about it
_________________________________
(sign here)
(I don't even care that the NSA may read this!)
- At the family members who said it wouldn't last 6 months.
- At the memories of the smiles Lois and I have shared over the years.
- At the gifts given, both exciting and "what made you think I wanted that" (after the birthday gift of a waffle iron.)
- At each of the children - how much they were wanted, the dreams I had for them, the excitement I felt in following them in their scholastic as well as extracurricular endeavors, their happy times and their disappointed times.
- At the friends who have come into and gone out of our lives as we moved from one geographical location to another.
I know I could go on. But supper is calling. So, as with the times that provided all these happy thoughts, I leave them behind too quickly so as to engage in the present. But Lois, through it all you have been my support, my inspiration, my joy, my lifeline. You bring a smile when everything around seems to be falling apart. You are the first thought when I am experiencing success. (OK, you are also the only one from whom I take serious guff.) You established and managed the finest family and household I could have imagined. Your success is evident.
You were mine from the moment I saw you walking down the dorm steps with long flowing blonde hair. I will do whatever I need to to keep in your good graces. Your happiness is all I long for. Let's re-up this contract for another 38 years.
____Yes, I will _____ I'll think about it
_________________________________
(sign here)
(I don't even care that the NSA may read this!)
Saturday, March 29, 2014
First Unofficial Joint Meeting of the North Dakota and Iowa Chapters of the Alumni of Hawaiian Mission Academy
The First Unofficial Joint Meeting of the North Dakota and Iowa Chapters of the Alumni of Hawaiian Mission Academy took place last evening, March 28, 2014, in a booth at Perkins of Bismark, North Dakota. In attendance were representatives of the Classes of 1971 (Larry Pascual) and 1970 (Don Brown.) Greek salad, tomato soup, and grilled cheese sandwich was provided, as desired.
Discussed were:
Meeting Facilitator: Larry Pascual (it was his State and he knew the good restaurants.)
Recording Secretary: Don Brown (we had to give him something to do.)
Discussed were:
- World Affairs
- The effects of the economy
- How much older the other one looked than we remembered
- Who has what kids and where they are and what they are doing
- Where the members present have been, what they have done, and what they are doing
- Memories (probably fairly accurate) of going with the dorm to Scotty's, the Scuba Belle, teachers, who we have some contact with, etc.
- A challenge to a Class basketball game was made then withdrawn because we were tired and were afraid of getting hurt. Discussed where we were already hurting.
- Why we can't move back to Hawaii (not so much the restraining orders, more $$ related.)
- Next meeting: Hope we don't wait another 43 years to have one.
Meeting Facilitator: Larry Pascual (it was his State and he knew the good restaurants.)
Recording Secretary: Don Brown (we had to give him something to do.)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Lesson of the Cemetery
Several things nurture my spiritual life in my search to understand my place in the universe.
* Reading through the Gospels and focusing on the life of Jesus, His sayings, His reactions to situations around Him. How should I be different because of that?
* Looking at Nature. The complexity and interaction of everything is overwhelming. Keep thinking or give up thinking?
* Walking through the cemetery. OK, that takes a little explaining.
When I do my walking I usually end up the final approach coming back through the local cemetery. It has been here probably since the founding of the town in the 1850's. This is young when you consider the length of recorded history and how many others there are around the city, state, country, and world. Or the number of those not buried in the land of the final condo's.
On my way back I walk down the middle from the more recent section to the older section. People buried last week to people who died in 1864. There are husbands and wives buried together and sometimes with children. People with the same name scattered all over. On the headstones are long stories and on some just a name. Real flowers, no flowers, and artificial flowers. Husband died in 1956 and wife who died in 1988 next to him. A lady born about the same time as me who died in 1968 on the same headstone as father (died 1992) and mother (1930- .) Veterans of WWI, WWII, and perhaps other wars.
The cemetery is in a peaceful setting. It is well kept. And it still growing. That last part is what always gets my attention. It brings up questions.
* Reading through the Gospels and focusing on the life of Jesus, His sayings, His reactions to situations around Him. How should I be different because of that?
* Looking at Nature. The complexity and interaction of everything is overwhelming. Keep thinking or give up thinking?
* Walking through the cemetery. OK, that takes a little explaining.
When I do my walking I usually end up the final approach coming back through the local cemetery. It has been here probably since the founding of the town in the 1850's. This is young when you consider the length of recorded history and how many others there are around the city, state, country, and world. Or the number of those not buried in the land of the final condo's.
On my way back I walk down the middle from the more recent section to the older section. People buried last week to people who died in 1864. There are husbands and wives buried together and sometimes with children. People with the same name scattered all over. On the headstones are long stories and on some just a name. Real flowers, no flowers, and artificial flowers. Husband died in 1956 and wife who died in 1988 next to him. A lady born about the same time as me who died in 1968 on the same headstone as father (died 1992) and mother (1930- .) Veterans of WWI, WWII, and perhaps other wars.
The cemetery is in a peaceful setting. It is well kept. And it still growing. That last part is what always gets my attention. It brings up questions.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Owen Family Reunions
Summer's almost gone. Another year past with no Owen Family Reunion like I remember.
Reunions were great memories with cousins - kick the can, hide and seek, freeze tag, badminton, some kind of baseball, wondering through the garden and picking berries, or "I'm bored, there's nothing to do." Aunt Violet and crew would always have great meals with fresh milk and cream from somewhere, fresh garden potatoes or tomatoes or green beans or . . . .
Someone would start with the firecrackers. Usually Uncle Ed but it might be Uncle Bill Ritchey to get ahead of Uncle Bill. Uncle Bernie would pick it up to get back at Uncle Ed.
Uncle Ed/Uncle Bill/Uncle Bill/Uncle Bernie used to go off to Loveland for one of two things - 2 gallons (glass) of A&W or watermelon. A&W speaks for itself.
But the watermelon! Oh, the watermelon! It always seemed to be a good. I think it was most often a Black Diamond, the dark green kind you don't see much anymore. And of course there were seeds. God had not invented seedless yet. But I don't think the Uncles would have gotten them anyway - not real. Now when I bring home less than a great taste, I sometimes doubt my heritage.
The lonesome train straining to make it's way up the grade from Loveland leaving one to wonder if it was going to make it this time. Trips out to Lone Tree Lake and half-heartedly listening to Dad tell of his adventures swimming or ice skating on the lake. (How I wish he was here now to tell me those stories - really, Dad, I'd listen.) Thunderstorms coming over Longs Peak. Going down into the Aunt Violet's musty basement (the old place) and seeing all the jars of fruit. Garages divided with sheets so several families could stay there.
Then there was the Sabbath meal and it was the big deal. While there was some coming and going, at this meal everyone who was going to be there was there. It might be at the Loveland Veterans Park or at the Powerhouse park up along the Big Thompson. You know, the one that washed away in a flash flood 35 years ago.
But mostly what I miss is the people. Uncles and aunts, cousins, of course my own family, and then extended family or family friends that would show up (remember the Snyders.) Knowing they were part of my family, my flesh and blood. Listening to the old people (anyone over 30) tell stories of when they went to Campion or Platte Valley Academy, or to Lexington or Kearney or Oconto or Lincoln. Seeing new additions - younger cousins who joined. Every one of them hold a special place in my heart that does not go away. Even though I haven't seen them for many years.
You can't go back. Past is past. It will never be the same. But I won't forget the Reunions. They are the rock that I was built on. They are a key to my understanding who I am and why I do things the way I do. And I am proud of it all. No one can have my memories.
Reunions were great memories with cousins - kick the can, hide and seek, freeze tag, badminton, some kind of baseball, wondering through the garden and picking berries, or "I'm bored, there's nothing to do." Aunt Violet and crew would always have great meals with fresh milk and cream from somewhere, fresh garden potatoes or tomatoes or green beans or . . . .
Someone would start with the firecrackers. Usually Uncle Ed but it might be Uncle Bill Ritchey to get ahead of Uncle Bill. Uncle Bernie would pick it up to get back at Uncle Ed.
Uncle Ed/Uncle Bill/Uncle Bill/Uncle Bernie used to go off to Loveland for one of two things - 2 gallons (glass) of A&W or watermelon. A&W speaks for itself.
But the watermelon! Oh, the watermelon! It always seemed to be a good. I think it was most often a Black Diamond, the dark green kind you don't see much anymore. And of course there were seeds. God had not invented seedless yet. But I don't think the Uncles would have gotten them anyway - not real. Now when I bring home less than a great taste, I sometimes doubt my heritage.
The lonesome train straining to make it's way up the grade from Loveland leaving one to wonder if it was going to make it this time. Trips out to Lone Tree Lake and half-heartedly listening to Dad tell of his adventures swimming or ice skating on the lake. (How I wish he was here now to tell me those stories - really, Dad, I'd listen.) Thunderstorms coming over Longs Peak. Going down into the Aunt Violet's musty basement (the old place) and seeing all the jars of fruit. Garages divided with sheets so several families could stay there.
Then there was the Sabbath meal and it was the big deal. While there was some coming and going, at this meal everyone who was going to be there was there. It might be at the Loveland Veterans Park or at the Powerhouse park up along the Big Thompson. You know, the one that washed away in a flash flood 35 years ago.
But mostly what I miss is the people. Uncles and aunts, cousins, of course my own family, and then extended family or family friends that would show up (remember the Snyders.) Knowing they were part of my family, my flesh and blood. Listening to the old people (anyone over 30) tell stories of when they went to Campion or Platte Valley Academy, or to Lexington or Kearney or Oconto or Lincoln. Seeing new additions - younger cousins who joined. Every one of them hold a special place in my heart that does not go away. Even though I haven't seen them for many years.
You can't go back. Past is past. It will never be the same. But I won't forget the Reunions. They are the rock that I was built on. They are a key to my understanding who I am and why I do things the way I do. And I am proud of it all. No one can have my memories.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Is it Still Christmas
As a kid growing up in Hawaii Christmas seem to last for several months. Gifts came by way of a 5 day ship trip. But depending on postage rate you chose it could take 14 to 60 days. And relatives would send things three months early to 5 days before Christmas so it went on for quite a while.
It is now 4 days after December 25. Is it still Christmas?
If you celebrate this day as Jesus' birthday you are probably aware it wasn't likely the 25 of December and therefore, to avoid missing it we should probably celebrate every day. If you celebrate the day as a day to "give" we should probably have an attitude of "giving" every day.
I regularly hear we should remember every day that Christ will come to our hearts and reside. I know. My first reaction was "Yes, of COURSE!" My second reaction was "I wonder if we have any Little Debbies left." My third reaction was "Wait a minute, what did the question mean and what did I mean?" (You might guess I strongly desire clarity.)
Jesus. In me. Every day. No, an xray of me won't show an image of Him. But what others see me DO could show Him.
As a manager, it happens:
- when I talk to a staff member about a behavioral problem-
- when I talk to a difficult patient
- when I make a policy decision
- when I make a charging, pricing, coding, or compliance decision
- when I have to deal with a difficult peer on an issue that may not have a win-win solution.
Was someone able to quietly say "oh, that is what Jesus is like?"
Of course if to you Christmas revolves around the new leather jacket you wanted and did or didn't get, I guess Christmas is over until next year this time.
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