Christine Smith's Blog

Colorado Government Forces Those in Love To Help Those Who Aren’t

I’ve never paid any attention to the cost of marriage licenses in my state of Colorado, but was only aware that marriage – like almost everything else – is yet another area the state intrudes into so they can take money from people.  Government uses all kids of reasons to justify such taxation and regulation, but all that aside, I was just totally appalled and disgusted at the depths they’ve gone to in Colorado.

While reading the daily newspaper, I came across a story about Colorado raising the costs of motor vehicle registration and marriage licenses.  As I scanned the article, I read that the current cost of a marriage license is $10, but as of July 1, 2009 it will be $30.  And to what can citizens owe this $20 hike? 

Seems the state will now force those in love to pay for those who aren’t.  That’s right.  That extra $20 taken from couples getting ready for their special day is to be put toward a government program called the Colorado Domestic Abuse Fund (it’s already on our CO individual tax forms to check off to make a contribution “to encourage the development and maintenance of domestic abuse programs by non-governmental agencies and units of local government.”).

I’m all for helping people in need, and the sad plight of those who’ve suffered battering/domestic abuse and their children is certainly a sympathetic one. But taxing couples as they prepare to be married is not the way to fund such programs.  In fact, it’s not only wrong (as other forms of licensing/taxation are), it’s downright insulting. It disgusted me to think that a couple preparing for what may be one of the happiest moments of their life are now forced to pay an extra $20 to pay for other people’s lives and their troubles and hardships.  How anyone can twist their mind to the degree to justify imposing such a fee on individuals preparing for marriage is beyond me – but then logic, rationality, and what is just isn’t what I associate with the mind of most politicians. 

Volunteering and contributing to organizations helping those in that situation should be a willing act – not one forced upon people entering into marriage.  Why should a couple in love, soon to be newlyweds, be forced to pay for agencies and programs which are helping domestic abuse victims? 

Of course, as a libertarian, I realize this is just one of many such examples of the legalized thievery of the state, but it was one that I’m surprised there hasn’t been more rejection of.  Maybe it’s because few want to oppose something that’s meant to help such victims, but I don’t care what the “cause” is, I do not believe anyone should be forced to pay for the care and provision of others.

It appears that the initial $10  is used toward government bureaucracy making those “vital statistics” and records to issue marriage licenses, but tacking on a $20 subsidy for domestic abuse is so obvious you’d think even people who accept government intrusion for the most part would oppose this blatant act of disrespect and disregard.

Government at all levels will take any reason, and any situation, and manipulate it into a way to take our money from us. This is just one more example, but it’s one that clearly is wrong and yet it’s not being opposed that I’m aware of.  The tripling of the marriage license fee went through as Colorado Senate Bill 09-068 and was signed into law by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.

So now couples are coerced into forking out $30, an additional $20 above the $10 previous fee, just because some bureaucrats in Denver decided to make them pay for domestic violence work. 

Now, I’m not surprised at this because I know government bureaucrats often come up with these ideas, other politicians sanction them, and the people passively accept.  Any reason to levy fees is game and they’ll keep extorting our money to to the degree most accept it…including intrusion into the most personal, joyful, and sacred moments of our lives.  It’s just sad.

Independence Day (Part 2)

Oppose the Tyranny Descending Upon Our Nation.

Your rights to “life, liberty and property” are being taken away at an alarmingly fast pace. Our liberties to ownership of property free and clear of government encroachment/taxation/and outright confiscation, to speak freely and protest, to sovereign control over our bodies and health, to unrestricted travel, to earn an income and run a business free from regulations/licensing and taxation, to habeas corpus, to firearm ownership, naming just a few are all being threatened or have already been taken from us. 

Already, in the past few years, I’ve spoken with acquaintances who are afraid of their own government.  Intimidated just enough that they stop being so vocal as they once were. Why?  Because it’s not theirs anymore.  Instead it is an oppressive out of control monster.  And with its might (including militarized forces operating domestically against American citizens such as the DEA and ATF), it intimidates – but only if you allow it that power over you. But now is not the time to be silent, in concern for our nation, now is the time to passionately denounce government infringements on liberty.

In the last paragraph of the Declaration, note the sovereignty of the states, “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States,” a matter the states are now beginning to return to and express in view of the federal government’s oppressive mandates upon them.

Among the facts of the grievances against George III found in the Declaration of Independence, we find these: “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” and “He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.” and “For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.“  Sound familiar?

To question and challenge the government is American. 

To expose any government encroachment of our liberty – our rights – and reject such usurpation is American.  It’s not enough to want liberty, you must take and endure the pains required just as those brave signers of The Declaration did.  One’s morality, religion, character, and one’s political philosophy are not a matter of a label, no matter how much one self identifies, but are determined by a pattern of behavior. 

The ideas we must vehemently share are not new.  Historically speaking, new, but for our nation they are the core we were founded upon.  They were our beginning, ensure our growth, and must be restored to save the beauty of a nation based on the principles espoused in The Declaration of Independence.  It’s not enough to call it a “birthday” of America or a celebration of freedom, merely saying such platitudes distances people from the importance of what those men did and the importance of what we must do now to secure and continue what they began. This, then, is the moral imperative of all who value freedom.

What better time to do so than during Independence Day celebrations?  This week provides an opportune time to choose any of the current issues which the government is overstepping the bounds placed upon it  (be it healthcare, the Cap and Trade/Waxman Markey bill (essentially a huge tax increase-contact your Senators), the President and House inappropriately expressing public support of what should be an Iranian affair, the stupid regulation of the tobacco industry, the monetary monopoly (educate others about Ron Paul’s HR 1207 and S 6055 to audit the Federal Reserve), Iraq/Afghanistan & Pakistan, and any number of intrusions into our civil liberties). 

Then read The Declaration of Independence word for word.  Reflect upon it.  And, while you’re at it, also read from other written words and oratories of our founders.  This will provide more than enough to craft some powerful Independence Day-themed letters- to-the-editor directly related to current events. 

And, as well all know as powerful as the written word is there’s something captivating about the spoken word. Call in to radio talk shows, and why not contact your fraternal organizations/clubs/etc. (who are likely planning events for the weekend) and offer to say a few words about the real meaning of The Fourth of July – about how those rights aren’t given by government, but by God…and how we must diligently keep government from moving from being the protector of those rights to the infringer. 

You’ll be meeting and socializing with people this weekend, bring yourself, your love of liberty, and a courage to share what you believe.  (Consider in gatherings with friends and groups adding an element of round table discussion about freedom and about the Declaration of Independence as it pertains to life today; give friends gift subscriptions to freedom publications you appreciate with a note calling it a Fourth of July gift – that would be a great idea for all ages including for youth; write and send (email or postal) letters to the editor and tie them into the Fourth of July; use your imagination – you know your community and your family- there are people who will listen to you in the unique way you can share with them.)

Let not those fireworks and sparklers be the only illumination this weekend; let your voice illumine other’s minds and hearts.  Focus not on what we oppose, but what we are for: individual liberty, economic freedom/free markets, a limited government domestically whose foreign policy is one of non-interventionism, a nation who as John Quincy Adams perfectly expressed, “is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all,” but the “champion and vindicator only of her own.”

Radio Dialogue – Independence Day (audio)

Today I had another excellent dialogue with Paul Molloy on his Freedom Works! radio show, heard on AM-station WTAN, covering “more than 3,000,000 people in and around” the Tampa Bay, Florida region.

Topic discussed: Independence Day. Now is the time for all who love liberty to challenge government infringements on our freedom.  Here’s how to commemorate The Declaration of Independence and celebrate July 4th’s real meaning. It was a great interview!

I invite you to listen (it is 16 minutes in length) – CLICK HERE.

Independence Day (Part 1)

“…All eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born ,with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them. ... ” – Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Roger C. Weightman , June 24, 1826, regarding Independence Day and having to decline an invitation to Washington DC for the 50th anniversary of The Declaration of the Independence

As John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

In honor of those brave souls, their courage, and their personal sacrifices to create this nation, Americans enjoy picnics, barbecues, parades, military salutes/displays, and of course, fireworks. Everyone does those things, conservatives-liberals-and libertarians alike. But do many give a whole lot of thought to the meaning of Independence Day?

Consider the last line of the Declaration of Independence: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

That is courage. It is an utmost commitment.

In a nation whose government usurps liberty left and right (no pun intended-but in retrospect it’s apropos), what are Americans celebrating with their food and festivities every July? Do they even think abut what liberty is? Can they recognize it when it’s gone? Better yet, can they recognize it and fight for it with all their being in the spirit those who founded this nation did? Can Americans honestly say they pledge their “Lives, our Fortunes and…sacred Honor” in support of all that the Declaration of Independence did, stands for, and means to us today?

Freedom is your birthright.

We’re celebrating liberation! Liberty! The rejection of empire and its tyranny.

This past weekend, I considered this as I framed a beautiful print of The Declaration of Independence for my office wall. Reading it word for word again, and scanning the signatures of these men, I was touched by their ability to so eloquently express the desire of the freedom loving man for liberty:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness...”

How powerful!

And how necessary to be read now by all.

Foremost, what does that first sentence declare?

We live in a time in which, unfortunately, our “leaders” are indeed developing that which the signers of The Declaration of Independence rejected George III for, “a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” Wisely, the Declaration cautions that before a long standing government be altered or abolished, that “prudence” be considered. But if the government continues with an end goal of “Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

Forethought, an element of prudence, clearly indicates that the path this nation is on now is the antithesis of what our founders envisioned.

Why we’ve even come to the point where training materials used by the Department of Defense teach personnel that “protests” are a “example of low-level terrorist activity,” (read details

From the perspective of the government who views passionate dissent as dangerous, this makes sense. After all, the term “terrorist” is always utilized by one side against another (who may very well view their side as freedom fighters/patriots and heroes). Objectively, our founding fathers would have been considered traitors or terrorists from the perspective of the British, but only viewed as such by those who they opposed, not by the British colonists here who rejected the tyranny they were subjected to. Remember these were individuals coming together to oppose the tyranny of their own government.

To have liberty we must reject empire.

The current government would like nothing more than for the majority of Americans to forget or adopt a terribly distorted idea of both The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. They effectively do this by diverting the attention of the American people to fearing alleged “enemies” and “threats” and all the while the biggest threat is internal – the government itself.

(Continued: Independence Day – Part 2

http://christinesmith.us/wordpress/2009/06/29/independence-day-part-2/)

Creating Great Accomplishments

Creating Great Accomplishments With Ideas, Joy, Passion &  Love of Truth

Staying focused on what is most important, keeping priorities in order, no matter the experiences an circumstances, requires love of oneself.

Courage, passion for what we believe, joy…all manifest when we are truly in the moment following our heart and the spiritual guidance which is there for us (if we only remember to listen).

Troubles, disappointments, and seeming obstacles are nothing when compared with the wellspring of potential and possibility within each of us.  It’s just that we sometimes forget…we forget the truth we know.  Being reminded by a poem, book, song, a kind word or sincere smile, a friend, about the things which really matter can help us realign ourselves on the path we’ve chosen.

Becoming fixated on anything which we perceive as negative will always be detrimental to the good we wish to achieve.  We are not loving ourself if we permit our emotionality to take over and ruminate on matters we have no control over.  Rather, changing our attention to that which we can do is always the way out of sadness and into happiness.

This is why I (usually) am quite motivated, uplifted, and enthused about matters in life.  For no matter the hardships and obstacles, I look for that which I can do which will to make things better.  Be it in my personal life, or even in regard to the world and all its political and social issues, I know there is a much needed place for each of us who believes in the power of ideas…the power of wonder…and the dreams they produce.  For dreams precede creation of great accomplishments.

In this world we are bombarded with negativity.  From morning to evening, the papers, magazines, television and online sites report “news” of suffering, tyranny, crime, corruption, and any number of other examples of the plight of mankind’s often hostile, uncaring, controlling activities.  If you combine all that with the personal struggles each of us uniquely are experiencing in our own lives, you come up with a pretty hard pill to swallow each day.

But the good news is that the world out there need not detract nor destroy your peace.  To permit any other human being (no matter how important to you), much less the world of human beings- strangers to you – and the societal problems they make, to disturb your thoughts, feelings and actions is living as if others matter more than yourself.

True, the more we care about those close to us and humanity in general, means we will experience pain.  Sometimes that’s from righteous indignation and empathy, other times from regret and remorse.  It may be on account of and for others, or may result from our own shortcomings or those of others toward us.  Actually, I think the more one is dedicated to freedom in their own life and want never to impose upon the freedom of others, the more sensitive they are to any wrongdoing whether one against themselves, others, or the wrong they may commit. Either way, it’s unpleasant.  Fixating on the “wrongness” or “hurtfulness” as we perceive it (correctly or incorrectly) is a mistake; Harshness and unkindness, to say the least, can result.  We then leave the moment and all its goodness.

When faced with anything we interpret as bad, disrespectful or unkind, to the extremes and all manner of corruption and evil, whether directed toward us or others, we can choose to look for the action we can take which may have a positive affect.  Allowing “bad” feelings to  stay within us leads to misinterpretations, assumptions, and subsequent wrong reactions.  Observing, from an objective stance, allows for clarity and decision making (if any decision need be made).  If not, we can be aware, but let it go so we can focus on our own lives.  If an action can be taken, we more effectively do it.

I’m good at applying this to the political word; I do not usually get emotionally upset by anything.  I may feel very deeply, but always seem to turn that into learning more and perhaps in doing so learning how I may be of help.  On the personal side, I’m more apt at ruminating and letting my imagination assume the worst possible scenarios of something I do not understand or am surprised by.  But, even then, it doesn’t last for long, as I too see that my life is perfectly unaffected by what anyone does or says to me or to others about me.  I am in control of each day.

I prefer to focus on the potential of this moment, this unique day and its opportunties to rejoice, learn, grow and share.Thus, I make the conscious choice to (as soon as I realize I’m making that mistake) to focus on the wonder, beauty, and good of all the blessings in my life (an easy thing to do, as I realize I am abundantly blessed, and that God is with me), and I choose to ponder ideas (and that inner devotion to truth) I can somehow, in some way, manifest today.  I turn to who I am without regard to who others are.  I realize that life is best lived without expectations. It’s always a misguided notion to spend time worrying about what others are doing.  But what you can control is what you are doing right now.

Working on me, so to speak, and my character and how I interact with others is the only thing, in relation to others, I should spend time on.  I may be perplexed an saddened sometimes, but never should my wondering or rejection of what I see lead me to becoming angry, numb, or anything else.  Rather, I dismiss that which is beyond my control, and return to this day-this moment-and the blessings in it…and the blessing I may be today if I only open my heart to focusing on that which I believe and dream can be for myself, and even as it relates to others.  Every day is a new one filled with potential for beauty, happiness, personal accomplishment, mental/spiritual /physical and emotional growth.  And through those, miraculously, I find I am not only joyful, but others I interact with may themselves be helped or encouraged (and vice versa).

Great accomplishments are personal.  Sometimes they become a blessing for many others.  But they begin inside the heart of dreamers who (more than not) let their passions, love of truth, and focus on positive possibilities guide them into creation.  Every great accomplishment, (think on the great literary works and beautiful musical compositions, the incredible scientific inventions, and the overcoming of oppression and tyranny throughout history), stems from the human spirit and its resilience, perseverance, and commitment to an idea.

Let that resilience, perseverance, and commitment to ideas guide you daily from any discouragement into enthusiasm…and into the creation of great accomplishments!

Iran – A Radio Dialogue (audio)

 Note:  The following articles were mentioned or pertain to discussion of topics in radio dialogue above. 
I highly recommend reading them:

Iran’s Election and US – Iranian Relations
- by Stephen Lendman  June 19, 2009)

Love

 It was about two weeks ago that my father placed new writings on his webpage #2, and in one of his entries I read this “The most important and significant individual in my life has been my beloved daughter, Christine.  I am very grateful she chose me to be her father.  It was a love miracle…for the first time I felt love from my heart for another human being, not just “understand” it with my mind…”

I pondered the distinction he made between “feeling” and “understanding” love.  It made sense to me.    

To “understand” love toward others is far different from “feeling” or experiencing love for another.    

Throughout my life, I have tried to show love to all…a love which is ever present…to friend or foe…acquaintance or stranger.  The “love” I speak of in that context is a brotherly love: a desire to do no harm, to have no malice, to be kind, to respect all other’s and their freedom as fellow human beings.  It is a “love” I understand with my mind and which I endeavor to express. It is the love of God through me for all His children and thereby all my brothers and sisters.

But it is not the love my father wrote of.  For the love he is speaking of is a feeling in one’s heart of both recognition and a deep appreciation for the beloved and who they truly are.  One is aware of its unique presence.

It is not reliant on circumstances.  It never condemns or judges.  It focuses not on one’s own or another’s past and the mistakes therein, but sees who an individual is now.  Current mistakes, foibles, and misunderstandings and the temporary conflicts they can lead to are not confused with the realization that such occurrences result merely from our being fallible human beings with the emotions (and emotional weaknesses) which can lead us to react rather than patiently respond.  Disagreements occur between human beings, communication sometimes seems difficult, and appearances then can be upsetting.

But no matter what, the truth remains that our love for this other individual is not dependent on their making us feel “good” or in anything they can provide or give to us, it is not dependent on them fulfilling any expectation for expectations are never present in true love.  Our love lies in our whole appreciation of the unique individual they are.  (Though through who they are, all the aspects of personality and values, we may find ourselves happy, content, inspired, or strengthened because of knowing such an individual.)

I read this quote a few days ago:

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen, from To Love and Be Loved.   

This allows for both to simultaneously teach and learn from each another.  Knowing each can make mistakes, yet also knowing each seeks to be in the truth, we choose to focus not on our shortcomings and weaknesses, but on the good we see so that we may encourage one another.

With no expectations and no assumptions, we choose to want to get to know who a person truly is.  Who they are is someone our spirit responds to and with whom we recognize a rapport and deep appreciation.

We see their heart – and if a love of truth is present – we respond to this- for this is the real person.  And such an individual, with love of truth within, lives in that way – seeking to grow – seeking to learn – and seeking to teach and share – and in the process their work on this earth is often a blessing to others in the unique way that only they can be.  And in this recognition and our own admiration and respect for such a person, we love who that person truly is and seek to help them do what they are led to do, and hope that we may in some part be of assistance and be a part of adding happiness to their life.  The other being happy becomes as one’s own happiness.  You look at them in appreciation and want only to be part of helping them fulfill the dreams they hold.  You pray for them to be strengthened, to be blessed, that they realize and be true to who they are, that they listen to God’s guidance, and for their protection.

True love seeks only to give, without thought of receiving.  It will never leave due to stress; it is not predicated on the situation or reciprocity.  It simply appreciates another, and seeks, to the degree the other is willing to receive, to give to the other that which may help them in their life.  It is a commitment within to furthering the other’s happiness.  It emanates from your heart and remains regardless of what the other person does or doesn’t do.

It is true love.  It is rare.  It is beautiful.
 
It may occur between any two individuals be they family, close friends, or spouses.
    
On this Father’s Day, I wish to express my awareness and my deep gratitude for my father’s feeling of love for me.  It has resulted in his commitment to my being happy, a respect for the life I choose, a supportive concern which has always been a blessing to me.  It has resulted in my becoming an individual who is true to herself, who seeks God’s will for my life, who values truth, and who is unafraid to be introspective.  He has shown me true love between individuals is possible.

I invite you to read the Father’s Day piece I wrote last year about him on Father’s Day, and to read the photo & prose tribute I wrote to him at Thanksgiving.  I am grateful he is my father. I love him.

Gun Control – A Radio Dialogue (audio)

Today I had another excellent dialogue with Paul Molloy on his Freedom Works! radio show, heard on AM-station WTAN, covering “more than 3,000,000 people in and around” the Tampa Bay, Florida region.

Topic discussed: Gun control.

I invite you to listen (it is 17 minutes in length) - CLICK HERE.

My Tree (with photos)

This is my tree. No matter what in life I experience, no matter my mood or feelings, no matter what, in tears or smiles, it always reflects me perfectly. It grows, buds, blooms, leaves change color, drop, goes bare…branches have on rare occasions broken in incredibly strong wind or under strain from ice…bends in storms…sings as its leaves move in the breeze…and always reflects me in every moment. It has been meaningful to me to observe this for many years.

The bright green photos were taken a few days ago…the bright yellow this past autumn…and with snow this past winter (or early springtime).

A Delightful Time

 This time of the year is delightful! 

I was reminded just how wondrous life is by the appearance a few days ago of a little bird who looked exactly like the type birds who grew up in a nest near my kitchen window last year.

This little one suddenly appeared, clutching onto the windowsill, landing on the deck posts, repeatedly exploring this wall and air vent (where the nest was last year).  Shortly thereafter I noticed this new bird reinforcing (actually much building!) a nest in the precise location of last year’s.  I realize I’m unable to say definitively, but I have a very strong feeling this little bird is one of those who hatched and grew up right here last year, and that she returned to her home, the nest she was raised in, to have her own family.  The type of bird is the same…and her behavior was that of one searching and finding and proceeding with the business she intended. 

How delightful!  As is every aspect of spring and nearing summer.  Color. Warmth. Contentment. Hummingbirds, flowers, deer (and more bear!), chipmunks, abundant greenery, blue skies and big fluffy clouds of white, afternoon thunderstorms followed by bright sunshine, clover, bees, gentle breezes on warm days, the creek running high, and the “cotton” of cottonwood trees drifting everywhere, these and so much more grace my days…and quiet nights of darkness, with the moon at times, to end each one. 
The long days are grand – providing cool mornings, sunny mid-days, frequent overcast in afternoon followed usually by bright sun yet again – hours to think, feel, read, write, share, ponder, and do all those things I love to do from my work which is most gratifying to playtime (exercise & recreation) or rest time in the sun or shade.  Even chores in and outside my home are happy to do.  I have such energy…and such peace.

Everything flows.  No sense of urgency, yet so much I get accomplished, with a smile staying upon my face almost all times, and a song or two being hummed, sung or moved to as well.  I am most happy.

The nest is now well-built, strong and sturdy.  I watch her as she works, from morning to early evening, her commitment, endurance and motivation are strong.  She is fulfilling her function, and she is happy.  She is free.

The way to live is as she: without worry, but with careful diligence to the priorities in your life, to then be in harmony and a part of this delightful experience of life. 

How Health Freedom Would Change American Life – A Radio Dialogue (audio)

Today, June 8, I had another excellent dialogue with Paul Molloy on his Freedom Works! radio show, heard on AM-station WTAN, covering “more than 3,000,000 people in and around” the Tampa Bay, Florida region.
 
We discussed: What would health freedom mean to Americans’ daily lives?  What if we got rid of all those government “health” and “safety” agencies – what would life be like without them? And what would happen if we ended all federal health/disease research?  What about parental rights in a society where government seeks more and more control over your children? 

I invite you to listen (it is 27 minutes in length) – CLICK HERE.

(Note: In addition to the radio dialogue above, I invite you to read my “What Does Health Freedom Mean?” blog entry published Saturday, June 6, 2009.)

The Book of Tobit

 Today I read the Book of Tobit – what a story of joy, family, trust, and obedience to and serving God!

Joy was what I was left appreciating after reading Tobit, for it so affirmed that true joy, true fulfillment in life, is a blessing bestowed by God, from God to us when we choose His will to be ours.  What blessings are in store, our mind can only begin to imagine. 

I appreciated Tobit’s’ wise advice to his son (advice for us all), the love of family – parents for children – children for parents – from a father and mother’s love of their son and his for them and of the father and daughter, the sadness and deep despair both of of Sarah and of Tobit, acts of kind respectful service and care to strangers, the hope and guidance of angel Raphael, love between husband and wife…and of course, the outcome of joy as love and healing came to all. 

The message of wisdom communicated and demonstrated by all is one of reassurance that despite appearances, despite sorrows suffered, if one seeks righteousness and to be in God’s will, He is with us always…always aware of what befalls us, the righteous desires of our heart and the despair we may suffer when we do not see nor understand…and He knows best what and when blessings to bestow. The faith Tobias and Sarah lived, as well as the faith of their parents, went not unnoticed, nor unrewarded, but in God’s perfect timing His pleasure with and knowledge of their heart was made known to them.  In this, we must all remind ourselves, that no matter the difficulties, we are never alone, never lost from His sight, and in this our spirit can be strong.  God wills us happiness and fulfillment, it is we who must live day in and day out in trust.  It is in seeking and following His will true joy is found.

It was a most happy story of those who lived lives in faith…in purity…and in praise for God.  If living in God’s will, we trust there is purpose, and in this we can courageously live.

In fact, I would describe The Book of Tobit, as a beautiful love story, a story of true appreciation, in so many ways: God toward us, we toward God, His advocates/angels toward God and us and we toward them, parent and child, and man and female.  I think it could be made into a wonderful film, as it demonstrates what I believe is the truth of our lives in relationship to God and in relationship to others.  We needn’t worry nor despair, though we wonder, we can rest knowing that living in God’s will is all that we need see and do.  It was uplifting and inspiring, a story of love of God and love of family.

The Book of Tobit brought to mind another scripture:”And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)

And it also made me think of the hymn/poem by William Cowper, God Moves in a Mysterious Way, from which I quote, “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform…Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head…”

I just feel so happy, and joyful, for having read The Book of Tobit today. 

What Health Freedom Means

(audio) Interview on California Radio Talk Show

(audio) My Radio Show Interview/Commentary- Health Care Reform or Health Care Freedom?