Kindred spirits can be broken by politics

With politics brewing it seems we are in for nasty times. Anger, bitterness, and resentment will follow. In David McCullough’s book John Adams, he made me interested in Adams who was both passionate and intelligent with a story worth knowing. Insights about the friendships of Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin were worth the the time reading. These three men were the thought and soul of our independence. Their bond during the drafting and struggle for independence was very special indeed. 

Franklin the most flexible of the three died before politics drove a wedge between the friendship of Adams and Jefferson. Once kindred spirits they became bitter foes. Ideology took priority over friendship, They died on the same day 50 years later after their work on the Declaration of Independence. It is one of the best political documents of all time. Along with the Constitution I wish every american could read them or listen to an audio. 

I think most of us had classwork to pass a constitutional test in 8th grade. When it comes to historical documents or literature I agree with C. S. Lewis that I would rather read the document myself then have somebody explain it to me. Interpretation of others usually has a vested interest or motivation that underlies it. Reading a document that is 20 minutes to read is better than reading a 500 page explaination. 

Adams and Jefferson were first rate minds. Their friendship was genuine. What they did together was better than what they could do themselves. Politics and power can destroy the best of human relationships. Politics can enter into any human experience at work, church, or home. 

I think something was lost when politics destroyed the friendship of Adams and Jefferson. It seems it bothered them until the day of their deaths. Make no mistake about it politics is costly in human value and relationships. 

In the social media where you have friends of different political opinions, treat them with respect. Keep an open mind or least be willing to listen. I know I am cynical, but I am not sure politicians have my best interest nor do I think the media is looking out for me. It gives me pause before I articulate my two cents. Social media is a new beast for most of us. 

For me I prefer friendships over politics. Keep walking

P.S. John Adams was a walker, often for 10 miles or more even as an old man.

Can we accept who we are?

I was writing a devotional from my book "Walking with Jesus, a walker's view". I was thinking about gifted and ordinary people. They all begin the same way as babies. We have the idea of unlimited potential with each little one. That's a good idea but as we see life unfold most of us wind up ordinary.  What do you think?
"How God works with each of us includes weather we are ordinary or gifted. Every child can play the game of sports, but not every child is going to be a professional player. Every child hopefully goes to school, but not every child is a genius. Every child is beautifully and wonderfully made, but not every child will have stunning looks. We need to understand that God does not look at the ordinary the way we do. God loves ordinary people that is why he made so many of them."

"People often throw away the gifts that God gives and they live selfishly and even stupidly. But an ordinary person who walks with God whether we ever recognize it or not, we will find out in heaven God's value of that ordinary life." 

Can we accept who we are? Can we value ordinary?

When it comes to health a good debate is cool.

Everybody writing about the health scene wants people to read their article. Many times when you look at Health articles you see sensational headlines. When you check out the article the information may even suggest otherwise. But if you made a headline about that nobody would read it.
I came across an article in the Chicago tribune, Health watchdog sets the record straight on which studies to believe.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-hlth-0916-evaluating-health-news-20150910-story.html
http://www.healthnewsreview.org
I went to the website and I clicked on an article Half of Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes? Really? What does that mean?
I read the study and I looked at the articles from the Los Angeles times, webMD and NBC news. The articles weren't wrong but looking at the health news review I had an opportunity to look at a critical analysis of the study. Not all medical authorities agree that half of Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. The study according to medical people who disagree with the study suggest the study has expanded the definition of diabetes and pre diabetes. This would naturally increase the numbers.
Diabetes is a big enough, and along with heart disease and cancer are the top three killers we face. There is no doubt about it as we age weight becomes a bigger factor in our health. For many years we can carry the weight and still be healthy, but as we age this becomes more difficult.
I appreciate it looking at the study from two points of view. Neither view plays down the problem of diabetes, but I think it helps to understand the best ways to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
For me, it encourages me to continue to work on losing weight and keep up exercising. To start with a heart healthy diet is the first beginning strategy.
On health news review there is a four minute interview with the doctor with mayo clinic. Nothing beats being aware of your health numbers and following a personal plan with your doctor. Too many times we blow this off and do not follow the recommendations. Remember our three enemies, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. We need to pay attention to the big picture and get a few more years of independent living in return. Keep walking

Connecting the land and the Bible, a hobby of mine

Photo I took as we walked along the walls 1976
Jerusalem

Do you have hobbies? Maybe interests that seem to stay with you overtime. I like to share with you one of mine.
Ever since I took a Study tour in Israel in the summer of 1976, I have been fascinated with connecting the land of the Bible to the Bible and my walk with God. One of the layers of the inductive Bible study is just trying to get a sense of the first readers of the Bible. There you find the primary meaning and application. History, Geography, Archaeology and the locations themselves help unlock what the Bible teaches. When we bridging the time-gap to our own time will become easier.
Here are some web sites to follow if you like to travel back in time where the story of the Bible took place.
http://blog.bibleplaces.com
https://ferrelljenkins.wordpress.com
http://www.waynestiles.com
http://www.bibleplaces.com
http://www.lifeintheholyland.com
http://blog.ritmeyer.com
https://holylandphotos.wordpress.com
Keep walking