How do you deal with “Shattered Peace”?

On March 26th, this is the terrible thing that happened….

After spending two hours cleaning up the hundreds of pieces of broken glass from inside my car, an amazing thing happened on the way to work that day. The same thing happened again the next day when I picked the car up from Safelite with new glass filling the hole.

The previous Sunday, Pastor Shawn's message was titled, "Known for Love: Love the City". This was a crucial verse from the message:

"And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace." - Jeremiah 29:7

I wouldn't be human if during the two hours, while I cleaned out my car, I didn't think about what caused us to move here in 2005. If I didn’t think about the violence we faced when we decided it was time to move away from the city. I started to think about what happened then in context of what happened yesterday. Even though it was nowhere near as bad, I thought, what if this leads to us moving away again. Further away.

Both of those times mentioned above, when I turned on the car to go, the same song was playing on Saint Louis' newest radio station, Boost 101.9 FM. It was Chris Tomlin's "God of this City". Only it wasn't. It was Chris' song, but being mixed into a rap song. After Chris finished singing, "Greater things have yet to come, And greater things are still to be done in this City," this "unknown to me" rapper was saying, "YEAH, That's what we praying for..." I'd NEVER heard this song before, I didn't even know who this rapper was the first time I heard it.

So, a couple hours later, I called Boost to find out who this artist was. The DJ told me his name was "Thi'sl", which I repeated as though he was saying a foreign word. Without prompting from me, he told me, "He's from Saint Louis."

I've been looking for the lyrics to the rap, but can't find them written out. Just a few "videos" of the song. And information about "Thi'sl", who apparently in 2011, started a blog about rebuilding Saint Louis: http://www.rebuildstl.blogspot.com/. He recorded "Greater City" in 2011 as part of kicking off his "REbuild: STL" project. Here's the song:

The first time I heard it, as I was driving my car with a broken window, away from my home. It slowly hit me as I realized what was on the radio. It was a moment, God was talking to me.

I prayed for my city. I prayed for the person or persons who intruded into my car.

The second time I heard it, as I was driving my car with a new window, I thought, there is no way this is just coincidence. Just like there is a reason I am living in Saint Louis, there was a reason I was hearing this song again, at just that moment.

Just like those hundreds of pieces of broken glass were replaced with one whole piece of new glass, God can take the thousands of broken souls in our city and replace them, make them whole again, and make them shiny and new....

On March 27th, THAT is the amazing thing that happened....

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:35

How do you read the Constitution of the United States?

When asked why certain things I would find to be socialist policies are allowed under the Constitution of the United States, most Liberal Progressives always cite either the "Commerce Clause" or the "Necessary and Proper Clause" of Article 1, Section 8. Tonight, I spoke to someone who claimed both of those clauses in defense of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” Social Security, Medicaid, and Public Education. This person happened to be a lawyer and wanted to cite case law to me.

This was my response:

Well, I'm not an attorney and I won't be citing any case law. I'm a simple man and a Soldier, who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.

Because of that oath, I take time on occasion to read the Constitution of the United States. I believe upon reading it that it was written for the common people of the United States, and doesn't require a lot of interpretation for what is hidden between the lines.

I'm also an architect, husband and father, avid reader of the Bible and a child of God. I consider myself one of the common people of the United States of America.

So, here is what I see:

The Commerce Clause: "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;"

Regulation of commerce is much different to the common man than directing you to buy something. Regulating something means you control how it is done when someone chooses to do it, but it doesn't mean you force them to do it. I also fail to see how this could apply to "Social Security. And Medicaid. And public education."

The Necessary and Proper Clause: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

The Laws must be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution powers which are actually delineated within the Constitution of the United States. According to a common man interpretation, Congress doesn't have the power to create "hoop-dee-do" Laws at will. The foregoing Powers fail to mention forcing an individual to purchase anything. They also fail to mention "Social Security. And Medicaid. And public education." Or Healthcare Insurance. "All other Powers vested by this Constitution" fail to mention those things either.

And then there is Amendment X: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

It seems pretty simple really. Well, until you involve those seeking power and attorneys; but I repeat myself. (Apologies to Mark Twain) I'll add that I doubt seriously anyone would have fought a war for independence from a single king only to establish a government with 545 potentates....

Election 2012: How Do I Get Informed?

I live in Missouri, so most of this information will be focused on my state. For my out of state friends though, some of the links might help you with Presidential and Congressional candidates. In this era, there really is no reason to arrive at your polling place uninformed on the candidates, judges, or ballot issues. So, do your research, get informed, and go vote on November 6th.

I have been finding many different websites for information. Some have better information on certain candidates, while some have better information on other candidates. I can't seem to find one site that is the best on all of the candidates, judges and issues. Although, the 97.1 FM Talk (Local STL Radio Station) site has great candidate lists for the Congressional offices in both the Senate and House, they only cover the two main party Presidential candidates. They also don't seem to have anything on judges or the propositions. No worries, though, I have found other websites which will provide you information for those.

A couple of weeks ago my pastor posted a short list of how to approach the process of informed voting. Shockingly, the first item on the list was something I had suggested on my Facebook wall only a few days prior. Stands to reason though, as that one thing is the only reasonable place to start. Here’s the list, with my additions:

Sample Ballot: When you are preparing to vote, it is best to start by finding your sample ballot, so you know on what issues and candidates you will be voting. Then you will not waste your time becoming overly informed on an issue or candidate who is not on your ballot. If you are registered to vote in Missouri, you can locate a "Sample Ballot" for your polling place at this website link. If you are not registered to vote in Missouri, I would suggest checking your state's Secretary of State website or conduct an internet search using your state's name followed by "sample ballot November 2012".

Study: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 Learn about the candidates, judges and ballot initiatives. Study the person. Find out as much as you can about who they are. Look at their past performance. Find out where they stand on the issues, especially the Constitutional ones if they are a candidate for federal office. This is where the links I have provided below are important. Please use them and share them. Share this blog post.

Pray: Seek God on each candidate, judge and ballot initiative. We are to seek Him continuously in prayer, including on how we vote. Our faith should be center to our lives and guide our votes. God’s Word says in Roman 13:1 - “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Since the candidates WILL BE appointed by God, then it is best to seek Him with regard to the wisdom behind each vote we cast.

If you’re like me, then you may even stay up late on Tuesday night attempting to keep score as the results come in. If so, then you will find an Election Day Scorecard at this link. If you have any questions regarding the links provided below or other election information, please don’t hesitate to ask me. And may the Best Men and Women Win!!!

Helpful Election Information Links:

League of Women Voters: Everyone can use this site, no matter which state you live in. You can build your ballot with their online voters' guide! Type in your address to see the races on your ballot. Candidates' positions can be compared side-by-side, and you may print out a "ballot" indicating your preferences as a reminder and take it with you to the polls on Election Day.

FM Talk 97.1's List of Candidates: President, All US House and Senate, All Missouri State offices and Illinois House and Senate office.

Missouri Secretary of State Candidate List: A comprehensive list of candidates on Missouri ballots, including Presidential Candidates, Congressional Candidates, State Office Candidates and Judges.

Missouri Judicial Elections: For all of you, like me, who never know what to do with the votes on judges - Now there is this website, which is very informative and well designed.

Missouri Secretary of State's State-wide Ballot Issues: A comprehensive list of state-wide only ballot issues, including State Constitutional Amendment 3, Proposition A, Proposition B, and Proposition E. This page includes the "Official Ballot Language" and the "Fair Ballot Language" (which tells you exactly what a "Yes" or "No" vote means) and links to the full text of each measure.

Overall of Missouri State Ballot information: Great Page, Lots of Information provided! Out of state friends can use the home page of this site to locate their state's ballot information.

ALL Missouri Ballot Measures: See the right hand side for a list of counties with measures on their ballot. Out of state friends can use the home page of this site to locate their state and find much of their ballot information.

Saint Louis County Ballot Issues: A list of St. Louis County specific ballot measures. For my friends who live in surrounding counties - You should be able to do a search on this same site for your county to find a list of the ballot measures for your county.

Please Share This Post!

When Do We See God at Work?

Yes, it has been a while. I apologize for being away so long. Sometimes in life other things have precedence and just take over. This is not a continuation of my financial situation series, but I do plan on sharing more of that story at some point. Since I have had such a long break from posting, I thought a brief change in topic would be in order as well. Today will be a heavier subject than personal finance...

Most who know me, know that I view most things in two extremes. There is rarely any gray. Life and Death: given the choice, most of us would prefer to talk about Life. Death is a heavy subject, one that is often avoided. At the other extreme, Life is a more pleasant subject. We typically equate Life with God, the Giver of Life. Can we consider for a moment seeing the presence of God, even in Death? Sometimes sharing the stories of how God works, even in the moments of our lives when we experience death, provides some of the great glimpses of the Hope that we live for each day.

On 10 November, I was changing my facebook profile picture to one of me in uniform. The next day was 11/11, Veterans Day in the United States. At first, I just changed it to a previous profile picture of me in uniform, one from my last promotion in 2009 (my blog profile picture above). Then a thought entered my mind, "No, use one from Iraq." As I was looking through my Iraqi Freedom pictures from 2003-2004, one in particular jumped out at me, along with another thought, "Use this one."

The next day, I had a facebook message, "Thank you for posting the picture of Denny, would love to see more if you have them." On what would be MSG White's last Veterans Day, I spent some time, searching, and pulled together an album of 27 photos from our time in Iraq. When I reflect on each of the moments during that 24 hour period, I am amazed at how God works through his Holy Spirit to prepare us for the inevitable.

Today, it is difficult for me to remember many specifics of our conversations while we were "over there", but on the day I learned of his passing, I reflected on one thing that was important. Through my years as a teenager and through college, I rarely was able to spend time with my real father. During our year-long deployment, sometimes MSG White would jokingly tell me that he was like my father, and he was right. During that time, we shared a two man tent at the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). Needless to say, we had plenty of time to build a father-son type rapport. At the rank of First Lieutenant, I was his Platoon Leader and he was my Senior Non-commissioned Officer. We were battle buddies and mostly inseparable. His steady demeanor and mentorship served me well while deployed. That year spent with MSG White was priceless, and I believe a fundamental work of God. In a mysterious way that only God can perform, it not only brought me closer to Denny, but further opened the door to rebuilding the relationship with my real father. For that, I will always remember Denny. I am proud to be able to say that I served with MSG Charles Dennis White and I am forever grateful for his service. I look forward to the day when I will see him again on the High Ground!

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." - John 15:13

Headquarters Support Company
389th Engineer Battalion Combat (Heavy)
Roll Call of Honor:

MSG White?

MSG Denny White?

MSG Charles Dennis White?

First Sergeant, MSG White is not present. He has fallen.

MSG Charles Dennis White (66) passed away peacefully on the morning of 17 November 2010 at his home in Springfield, MO. MSG White was not only a Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, but also served two tours in Vietnam with the Navy. He served proudly in Iraq as the Senior Non-commissioned Officer for the Maintenance Platoon, Headquarters Support Company, 389th EN BN CBT (H). He turned 59 while serving in Iraq, and could keep up with the best of them over there. He was very proud to still be serving his country. After returning home, he served six more months in the Army Reserve before retiring in November 2004 when he turned 60!

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”  - Psalm 91:14-16