Very, very well said. This exclusivity is keeping so many good Americans away from serving Christ. It kept me away for a long time.

Great post and these items certainly go both ways. The other day I was at a UMC church where the pastor proclaimed from the pulpit using James that all those who didn't support a single payer health care system weren't caring for the poor. He wasn't open to other solutions, or proclaiming the command to love and care for the poor but rather his personal persuasion. We must stick to scripture and let the radical love of Jesus be a light to the world.

Thank you, Mike, for speaking out about this. I recently read words on a facebook exchange from a person I used to respect and admire that accused our president of being the anti-christ. Such hatred and ignorance does more damage to Christianity than anything else. Jesus must be so disappointed in us!

I saw a protestor holding up a sign that said, "Healthcare for everyone is not Christian". I don't know what bible he reads, but my understanding of Jesus is that he would want the poorest of us to be treated as well as the richest. I don't pretend to know what his views would be on specific healthcare bills or plans but championing the poor was what Jesus was about.

Hey Mike, I'm looking forward to the CTW Conference. I was listening to podcast of your "Laughlines" sermon today while working out at the YMCA in Urbana. The message on JOY was great, but your sharing about your early relationship with Carolyn was delightful -- truly "laugh-out loud" funny, and brought joy to me (and I'm sure many others). God bless you brother.

I was dissapointed that the UMC was highly suggesting that churches preach single payer propaganda from the pulpit. I don't know that Jesus ever said "demand that Caesar confiscate money and give it to the poor" That was our job, not up to us to get the government to take money or resources from those who were unwilling. I criticize the right for politics from the pulpit as well. We have a situation now where any criticism of the current President brings charges of racism (and a few other isms) as well as having your intelligence seriously questioned, usually in a loud, condescending voice. Thanksgiving in America is going to be interesting in 2009 at our relatives homes and probably in our churches.

It is not racist to disagree with the president. It is racist however to hold up a sign of our president dressed as an african witch doctor. We have never in this country had so little reguard for the office of the president that we hekkle during a speach to the joint session of congress, until that office is held by a black man. That is racist. You can disagree with someones policies without attacking someone as a person, that is unchristian in nature. I'm proud of the UMC for representing Jesus true cause which is feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and I believe he would want us to cure the sick, whether they can pay us or not.

The political race between Barack and Hillary was especially interesting. During the Clinton administration, the president was viewed by the black community as a hero. However, when Obama entered the presidential race, that group swiftly moved its allegiance to him. That move left the Clinton’s with one less political constituency and the fighting began. The Clinton’s tried every dirty trick to rock his world including the race card in South Carolina but obviously, nothing worked. The only race I can remember that may have been just as disgusting was Kennedy against Carter back in 1980. Those two men genuinely hated each other up until the time of Kennedy’s death.

You are very right I think Brad. It seems many speak a message of non-partisanship while actually promoting very specific ideals (doctrines). The President may be a professed Christian. He may not be the anti-christ as apparently some have propagated. He may be one of the most sincere people on the planet. It really comes down to why this country was founded with the principles it was founded with. It was meant to hamper corruption as much as possible while still allowing individual freedom without tyranny. One thing I've noticed in my studies of early socialism is that it always starts out as an expression of concern for citizens and a proposed solution. The next thing you know, you're sitting in a waiting room for multiple hours getting questionable care unless that is you have large quantities of money or you're part of the government. That's a way to clear out the gene pool & the sick. Either way, our faith is in God. It's perfectly biblical to accept all into the Body of Christ but we are equally as accountable for teaching them truth which includes that now unfashionable & unpopular word, "doctrine."
What's odd is that there are so many historical examples of the multiple different types of healthcare plans as well as political stances of various countries and it seems even with all of that, we still don't seem to have enough vision to see where certain policies take us, then we are easily influenced one way or the other about it usually because of fear, but if we just study a bit and ask Christ to guide us, we can come to a reasonably sane conclusion about what may be going on in situations which is usually somewhat complex to sort out. It's important to be aware of the different perspectives. It lessens the chances of deception & helps us know how & what to pray or do politically if so led.

I often read your Blog Mike but I don't comment all that often anymore because if I haven't been in the word then i know it's my ole opionated self thats talking without being first sifted through the word and that won't do anything but stir the pot. This past election DID seem intense. I voted for our current president mainly because of one, very one sided reason, my son was in the army and I was hoping he wouldn't go to war. Now he's preparing to go to Afganistan. I don't regret my vote however, I was very close to voting the other way. I liked both candidates and looking back, in the end I don't think it mattered who I voted for, Jake would still be going. I don't think either would be a perfect president, and neither side embodied "everything" I agreed with or stood for. I voted from the prejudice of my own personal circumstances. When it comes to my faith however I try very hard to read and understand to the best I can objectively, what God is trying to tell me. I fear ever becoming a Pharisee. I really do. Politically, I truthfully can say I didn't agree with the last president on many issues, I did faithfully pray for him and that's what I feel I am called to continue to do. I lost the friendship of a couple who I had been friends with for years during an election, years ago, when I asked them not to send me anymore political emails and I made the mistake of adding that I didn't think they could be positive what those e-mails contained were true.

Amen Suzanne. We won't have the wisdom to decided what's right if we don't stay in the word also. It would help if each side didn't demonize the other. We actually want the same things...just disagree on how to deal with it. Bottom line is no politician is going to save this country...only Jesus can do that. We need to lift up Jesus in word and deed, so that people's hearts change...that will do more to change this country than anything...changing them from the inside out so they love what God loves.

I understand the signage was innapropriate. However, the media picks one out-there sign, and loudly declares that since there is one person who carries a sign like that, anyone who has even the slightest disa
greement with an Obama policy is a racist. Before anyone carried any signs, sincere people who questioned the monstrosity that is HR3200 were demonized, in full Saul Alinsky mode. Now with the shoe on the other foot, anti-war, anti-Bush demonstartors were given the benefit of the doubt, and the media conveniently did not show all of the "Bush is Hitler""Bush is a terrorist""Bush blew up he WTC". Those are a few ofg the kinder signs (you can find pages of photos of really disgusting signs, some one even a picture of Bush with a bullet in his head) that were taken at anti-war and anti-globalist demonstrations. With everything I have been called on various message boards for even questioning government run health care (I must be mentally challenged, duped into campaigning against my own interests by some evil insurance company, or I must want poor people dying in the street). In fact, I am at this point unwilling to listen to anything a liberal has to say, because insulting me,calling me names and condescending to me makes me completely unwilling to consider a word you have to say. If it happens from a UMC pulpit, I will wslk out. I know, afgter all, aren't they just trying to give me cradle to grave security? Except for the fact it always comes with a steep price. Again, did Jesus say "demand that Caesar confiscate money at the point of a gun (which is what we do when we use the police power of the state to enforce our ideas of "social justice") and give it to the poor. That was our job. Jesus healed the sick, he didn't demand Caesar take someone else's money to pay for a doctor. The UMC Church and Society committee believes "health care is a right". Problem is, this "right", unlike those guaranteed by the constitution, obligates others to give up money or labor, enforced by the police power of the state. If it's a "right" than I am entitled to as much health care as I could ever want.

As Pastor Mike reminded us in his blog a few months ago, John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, developed the principles of “holy conferencing” (Colossians 3:12-16a, 17) to remind us that we as Christians are to confer together for the sake of peace and truth, always recognizing the sacred within one another--no matter which side of a political or policy aisle we represent. Whether it be on this blog, at church this weekend, or in our homes over Thanksgiving, my hope is that we will listen patiently, speak respectfully, and disagree without demonizing, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead in all things. Holy conferencing, not name-calling, is our best hope for discerning together the intent of God.

In terms of those who have accepted Christ, God's word tells us that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, & we should consider that two cannot walk together lest they be agreed. Of course we know this isn't talking about trivial opinion-type stuff, but there is such a thing as God's opinion and it's more than just opinion. It's truth. There's a difference. Let's not deceive ourselves into thinking we can support & maintain anti-biblical doctrine within the church & it's not a big deal to God. We have to find out God's opinion and then get into agreement with it. He doesn't care if what our favorite color is or where we vacation or what style music we like or don't, what our favorite exercise is, how we decorate our yard, what day we honor Him with or whether we do have a particular day, etc., etc., etc. Some of the issues facing the conferencing of the Church are quite serious & God does have an opinion about it. While I respect John Wesley & his contribution, I feel that the bilble supercedes his ideas. Conferring is biblical. It's not a new concept. I think about how the apostles were still arguing over stuff for many years after they were commissioned. Paul was forever founding a church and by the time he made rounds a couple of years later, people he left in charge had let people in charge who were harming the flock by allowing things to go on with no intervention from overseers.

Be well informed of "radical Christian inclusivism." It is a serious threat to the gospel of Christ. It's different than inclusivism, but can be sold as the real thing, but is like Aids to the Body of Christ. Our relationship to Christ and one another takes precedence over the worlds politics which are destined to be ultimately ineffective. We know this. Why are we fighting over political ideologies instead of as someone said above building one another up in the spirit. The president has to answer for himself. It's not like he didn't have enough time to read God'd word when he was sitting in a pulpit for 20 years. The republicans blew it long ago and got greedy & dropped the ball. We reap what we sow, the world's no different.

So which political party has God as a member? I am told, of course, God is a right-wing Republican and also that he is a left-wing Democrat. People who say "I (or my group) believe every last word of the Bible exactly as written, down to crossing the last t and dotting the last i and only reading the authorized KJV, which fell from the sky in it's final form with all the verse numberings and footnotes already in place, have very sharp differences among themselves. So who is right? Is it truly the job of Christians to accept sub-standard health care for ourselves and our fa,ilies so everyone else can have the same sub-standard, government care. I don't know. More...

This back and forth is what turns people who are unchurched away from the church. The truth is I may interpret the bible one way and believe with all of my heart, mind and soul that it is the 100% truth. My neighbor and fellow churchgoer can interpret it another way that doesn't fit with my interpretation and believe he/she is right 100%. The truth is that neither one of us know for sure what God's way is. This is why I believe that it is so important to be openminded. I think we should all pray for Gods guidence to know which path is right and open our minds because it may not be what we thought. I have had firm beliefs one way and through prayer I have been led to an opposing conclusion. We need to pray with open minds and remember that we are all Christians trying to do what is right. Let's not demonize those whose oppions are not our own,(I'm as guilty of this as anyone) let's pray with them and be willing to accept it if we are led in a different direction than we wanted to go.

One of the things I love the most about grace is that we're accepted where we are. Being free to love and having relationship with God & access to his very throne through Christ. I remember when I first accepted Christ, there were many things I believed about Gods Word that I don't see the same way now. Ginghamsburg church accepts & encourages all who are seeking answers to some of lifes most difficult questions.

It all goes back to having the ability to hate the sin (another topic for another day...it seems as though we are letting people define sin instead of God) and not the sinner and in turn loving others as much as we love ourselves despite political and religious differences. It takes spiritual and emotional maturity to act this way because whether left or right there are a lot of people that just don't like themselves and you can see it in the way they protect their political and religious points of view.

Also we are living in a media-hyped age where talk show hosts are making millions of dollars because we spend way too much time looking to them for the answers instead of Jesus.

I can't believe you went political again on your blog Mike but as you say you have the gift of irritation.

I am looking forward to reading your new book and hopefully gaining an even closer understanding and walk with Jesus.

It’s written about a narrow gate. Unless I’m misinterpreting, to bring together inclusive/exclusive while maintaining consistency with the bible enters conflict. Warren says “you don’t have to change your beliefs for us to work with you.” In fact he says “when limits are imposed, most of the pool is eliminated.” Being inclusive is noble however, “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Oh what a tangled web we (could) weave…..

I loved what you had to say, Mike. In fact, I thought "what a nice place that church must be, maybe I should visit." Then I read the comments. I guess no church or congregation is able to move past this type of hostility. At least I've not found one. I sometimes think that Jesus Christ himself would struggle in most modern churches.

After reading this blog I was curious so I looked at your bulletin for this week and found a "financial report."

That description of success seems to again, come back to numbers. I read a quote, " The virtue of any institution is not so much in it's doctrines or organization, rather it's virtue resides in the quality of person it produces."(Francis Frangipane) Bottom line is God is looking for likeness to His Son, and if we have that we will love what He loves, and love truth. That seems to help me avoid confusion or performance mentality.

Thank you for the comment, Harry. Financial reports allow people to stay updated on the cost against revenue of mission. The church is like any household in that you can't (shouldn't) exceed income in monthly/yearly expenditures. Recording the income in the bulletin not only informs of need but holds church leaders to a measure of accountability. A church budget is no indicator of success, especially when large sums of money are wasted in self-focused maintenance purposes.
Ginghamsburg produces an extensive bi-annual report that lists mission measurables against budgeted expenditures.

I was moved by the honesty in what you wrote in the blog. I was there when plans were being made for the acreage. I really didn't have the education, knowledge or statistics to voice an opinion. I just knew I was supposed to be there. I'm sure the motive was a good one of wanting to bless God's people by offering so much for them & those learning the truth.

Getting Heaven into the world will get Heaven in to people & vise versa I think. They kinda go hand-in-hand. I do not begrudge your need for money or for the need to report it. I just would like for you to have more of that money to spend on the mission of the church because it's important to you. I will pray that God would bless you in your effort to find ways to use more of the money you receive for mission. It certainly builds a case for being debt-free. Pray for me that God would do more to bring about the things He has placed in my heart for His people & for the world. I know He has perfect timing but my heart is grieving for us & the Earth. Blessings. Selah

In all I said, I didn't say how I measure greatness. I think greatness is making an impact for God's Kingdom that is real which includes a variety of things from teaching to directing the parking area to stackin' chairs. Living a life of integrity & knowing Christ.

You know, Christ had 120 who He knew would multiply to what we see today. So greatness is also realizing that even when it seems our impact is minimal, the long-term effect may be far greater than we know. And we may not have to die to see it like He did. But that was His role & His time. Shalom

Resources whether plentiful or scarce should be used to full potential. Putting things in perspective, maintenance and utility costs at organizations differ due to size/scope/scale and mission. (Not just religious) This is not bad; it’s required based on magnitude of goal compared to organizations. Mission can be described as growing market share for a product or reaching out to those pushed to the margin. In either situation, organizations who spend poorly, fail.

An economist will describe the goal of business like this; get bigger and bigger until the government stops you….

I don’t think it’s proper to measure success based on brick and mortar. A truer measure is what has been accomplished with what one had.

Norman Borlaug brought agricultural innovation to the developing world and helped to foster in the green revolution - he died last weekend. He was credited with saving over a billion lives through the fruits of his work. We could measure greatness against the accomplishments of Norman Borlaug.

Winston Churchill said the price of greatness is responsibility.

Have a productive day.

Hey Mike, Great point. the church(n.) needs to get off it's assets and become the Church(v.). The Fort is a prime example of mission work with in the limits of a 20 minute drive. I have to remember that my Lord's travels were generally within a 30 mile radius. "Yet even greater things than these will you do in my name." and wham! your touching people in Tijuana, Jamaica, New Orleans, and Darfur. The key is "in my name", keep it focused on His glory and His purpose. Then with a servants' attitude can we bring a smile to God's face.

My wife and I recently participated in one of the "Project Neighborhood" clean-ups at the Fort. At first, we didn't know what to expect, but as the day went on I saw a change in my wife (who I might add had never mowed a yard in her life before this day) and myself...it felt great to be able to help so many people in just a few hours of work. We met some great people at the Fort and were moved by God's abilities. My wife and I are looking forward to working at the Fort again very soon!

I believe what your saying is true, but think the root is not that the church isn't serving enough, but according to Jesus prayer, the world will believe when the "church" loves each other. I think what shows our lack of credibility more than anything,in the "do and say" problem, is the fact that Christian denominations can not get along and love one another. How can we love unbelievers righteously, when we won't love each other. When the world sees us loving and caring for one another, they will believe that Jesus was real. (John 17:21)Otherwise, I think the picture they get, as we serve the "less fortunate" is a bunch of do gooders. There are plenty of philanthropic unbelievers out there. I don't think I can tell the difference.Let's be the answer to Jesus prayer, and I think the world will say, yeah...that's for real.

It seems churches don't really want to change for the most part because someone a few hundred years ago said some things that were then written down to policy & never really analyzed beyond that. It's true for multiple denominations. Getting to the heart of the matter isn't popular & offending isn't either. So I guess considering the sensitivity of our nature, we should think of ways to address the denominational distinctive problems in such a way that people can hear what we are saying & are willing to hear what God is saying. I don't think many are.We all like to talk about being radical though not that some are but I dare say the percentage is quite low. Still, it's a message of grace, right. I guess we have to have something to talk about. As long as we speak within perimeters I suppose. Christ did say we would judge the world, not the other way around. We say "Please consider Christ", & the choice is theirs. We get honest, then we have something to offer.

Share our Strength is an organization chartered to end child hunger in America. This year in July, the company I work for organized a day of service to work with SOS sorting food and clothing as well as working in local Toledo neighborhoods for those in need. Our entire organization shut down operations that day and devoted our time working in shelters to help meet the needs of the local chapter. We also donated $175,000 last year to this organization from company profits. It was a very fulfilling day.

I was very happy that I was able to find someone to all of the odd jobs around my Mom-n-Laws home that needed done. I took care of the medical updates & ordering stuff they needed for Winter prep. It was difficult but very rewarding. Now my Dad-n-Law has a hospital bed in-house with all the bedding they needed & a visiting physician. It's so much better for them & they live in a poor neighborhood & were having difficulty getting things done because of their age. It does feel good to know that I was able to help them because of what I learned from God's Word. I used to do more non-family service, but as of late, family has many needs. I redid my own bathroom. It's a hard job. I bet the one above looks better than mine. God bless all your efforts to make a difference for the kingdom of Christ. Happy anniversary Carolyn & Mike.

Mission trips are life changing. I would rather spend a week on a mission trip than take a vacation. I have been on three mission trips with people from Ginghamsburg, every time I come back changed. This past mission trip God has blessed me so much, someday I will explain more. When we give our time and energy to God he will bless us. There is NO excuse for people not to do God's mission.

My name is Hudson Slater. Me and my wife have been resarching ways to help in the Darfur crisis for many months now. We are looking to go to Sudan in the near future to help and share the gospel with the people. We are open to all options, either going with an organization or on our own. If there are any opportunities with your organization or if you would be able to geve some advice on how to get there it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do.

Let us not forget that we already have the massive Medicaid program and the extensive S-CHIP programs to serve the healthcare needs of the truly poor in America. Many of those uninsured you speak of are too wealthy to qualify for these programs. It's not an ideal situation, but it's not as if we've been indifferent to the poor. To the contrary, we've been exceedingly generous as a country.

There is an absolute need for some sort of reform... There needs to be changes in the current medicaid and medicare systems. Possibly re-evaluating the eligibility requirements. As the cost of living and the value of the dollar seem to be going in opposite directions, the numbers need to change. We do not need to change what is not broken in the system but mend what is. Government run healthcare for all citizens will cost us all trememdously in the future. In quality, timeliness, and even lost income while waiting for treatment. It scares me that people are not looking at the "big picture"... When do supposed "quick fixes" ever seem to work out in the long run. I pray that our government leaders take their time and use great discernment to help decide what is right for ALL Americans. From the poorest of the poor to the richest of the rich. We are ALL God's children.

I am a nurese. I am very proud that no one is turned away from the hospital I work at. Everyone receives treatment no matter the ability to pay. We end up wrighting a lot of the cost off. Their needs to be some kind of program to provide basic medical care to everyone, but I am not sure the goverment needs to run the program. Nursing has taught me that life is presious at any stage.

Mike I do not have a solution for the healthcare problem but I agree we christians need to lead the way with this issue. I will continue to think about this and pray about it. If I come up with anything I will get back to you.

Now, for the story of single moms. You touched a soft spot with me. I was a single mom for 12 years with no family at all and sometimes had no food and only 1 vacation in all that time. I learned how to be resourceful and not to waste. Recently, I was actually talking about and planning on starting a group for single moms that is totally practical. I want a group of moms that will meet (I have not thought of all the details yet) together and be there for each other. Whatever the need was we would try to meet it, first within the group and then outside of the group with the list of resources and people I would come up with. If Mom A needed to take child A to the hospital in the middle of the night she would call person A. If Mom A had no food she would call person A in the group and they would share their food. Do I make sence? I know first hand the struggle and the needs of single moms. Sometimes, they just need someone they can call up and cry on their shoulder. They need a break from the kids. I was thinking of meeting at my house as I have a daycare and the kids could play in the daycare while we cook the meal. I do not think GUM offers anything like this as I checked the minstries, however I could be wrong. If there is a group that covers practical everyday living needs then I would join and help. I would want a list of people in the church that would be willing to use their skills and gift to help out as well. If somone needed her electrical fixed then I call guy A up and send him over to help. I can see this being a great need in todays culture and we the church (Yes, that a verb) need to be there. I can't tell you how much I struggled and did without in my single parent days and I do NOT want anyone else to have that burden.

You can honor Christ and help the poor without implementing single payer, government run healthcare. Our taxes can go to market based approaches, by openning up inter state competition, and giving tax credits and rebates to the needy to buy health insurance. God asks us to be a steward of our money. I believe a steward does not pour their money down the hole of government run programs.

While I agree there is Medicaid and similiar programs in this country, it simply doesn't cover the needs of alot of Americans. There are many who slip through the cracks. They aren't "wealthy" and just struggle to make ends try to meet. Many are just a paycheck away from ruin. I have known people that make $5 a month to much for Medicaid. Yet, it is impossible to pay their rent/mortgage, living expenses and insurance as well. So they suffer toothaches, illnesses and the health of their entire family. IN turn this keaves them with serious problems that may have been lessened with preventative care. Trying to get into a "free" clinic for emergency dental care is a joke! I don't know the solution to this problem, but I do not believe socialized medicine is. I worry that man will be judging who lives and who is not worthy to live which goes against all I believe in. This blog is very pertinent as many are suffering and I feel without a Christ like solution, this will only get worse.

As citizens we need to encourage our representatives to enact legislation that will enable private insurance companies to compete and offer lower cost individual catastrophic policies; and enable geographic collectives to create groups so that the insurance will be associated with the individual, not their employer or government. There are additional regulations that would be needed to ensure available coverage but this is not the main thought for this response.

As followers of Jesus we need to move beyond the just send money mindset. The Great Society was a collectively compassionate idea executed by the wrong entity. Compassionate people rejected the requirement to serve and voted to send money instead. The Government has to be egalitarian and therefore cannot be flexible enough to react as situations require. On a recent newscast a speaker recalled that some of the first hospitals were the result of Christians being involved in the actual care within their communities. With legislation enacted to allow private organizations operate the body of believers need once again to involve themselves meeting the needs of others.

Our healthcare and the professionals within that industry have become the best in the world. My father was diagnosed with a cancer on his esophagus recently. Twenty years ago it would have been lights out. Today, without surgery, the cancer is being treated successfully and a full recovery is expected. He just turned seventy nine on 8/8.

I was reading an article last week about obesity. Sixty percent of us are clinically obese. I’d like to see a study on how much we’d save on healthcare for every pound on average we lost as a nation. Now that would be a glorious thing don’t you think?

We do need healthcare reform but the government should not be the provider. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are all projected to be bankrupt in the future. Less responsibility should be given to the government, not more. We also need to take personal responsibility for our own health. Eventually, we’ll be at sixty five percent, then seventy percent obese. This human condition is not sustainable.

What program that the government has been involved has been done without a lot of waste and a lot of money spent for nothing......as far as I know NOTHING. People need to wake up and realize that the government is NOT their SugarDaddy and will never one.

What does God's health care plan look like? How did He care for the sick and the poor? I think as Christians we shouldn't set up a system so anyone can afford health care coverage. Shouldn't we be healing them?

It's very depressing to hear so much misinformation and lies regarding the issue of health care in the United States. The idea that there has never been a government program that is successful is, quite frankly, ludicrous. Medicare is a much more efficient program than private insurance, costs less than private insurance, and has an 88% approval rating from those who are on it. It's bizarre how so many Christians support the military (which is, in fact, a government program) and yet care so little about supporting health care coverage for all our sisters and brothers.

And yes, we should be healers. But as important as our individual efforts may be, God calls nations to justice. We must fight for true justice, not just act charitably.

Health Care starts with self care. That means learning to say "no" to foods that will damage us and to production of foods using chemicals and additives and packaging that will damage us. That means choosing to exercise and eat what we need rather than what we want or what "feeds" an emotion. Government has shown us they cannot manage their own house since we have to work till August to help them with their unbalanced budget (while we have to maintain our own budget after they take most of our hard earned income). I too am a single mom earning $9 an hour and paying $400 month for insurance that has a $2900 deductible! I plan on using it for "catastrophies" which I pray I will never have! Our system needs much repair but the government has shown itself incapable of managing it's own house and I don't want it telling me how to manage my health or anything else. There are so many simple, inexpensive ways to get and stay healthy and to heal from illness and disease apart from alopathic medicine (which is not to say we don't need it but that we won't need to pop an aspirin or run to the emergency room for simple things we can treat easily and economcally at home.

I love this blog. Everyone is so respectful.

The issue of Health Care Reform seems so huge and insurmountable. This could be debated for decades and I alone could write a booklet full of my opinions. I am not an expert nor do I have facts and figures but I have made an observation or two through life experience.

It is apparent to me that right now the first thing we can proactively do is focus on changing attitudes rather than systems. Look at how the ethos of our society has changed about smoking in the last twenty years. It started with our children when they were in kindergarten and now that they are full grown, the majority of people in America don't smoke. It is no longer acceptable. So why should it be any different when it comes to being responsible for our health? Isn't that how Jesus did it? Lead by example. I am a member of the Body of Christ, my heart became convicted, I reached out for help, and together through the Holy Spirit we overcame smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction and now I am making the transition to a Vegan diet.

God has convicted my heart so that this doesn't even seem like a sacrifice. So I can carry this out to those around me like a ripple in a pond.

Pastor Mike's journey to a healthy lifestyle started the change in my thinking that lead to the change in my attitude which lead to the conviction of my heart. Yes it took time but it happened. So that's how we can do our part to fix the problem. Remove the need for so much health care in the first place and attract others to our healthy lifestyle.

Boy am I learning quite a lot about this whole Health insurance issue. All my life my siblings and I have been under Medicaid program or covered by the Government because our father was in the military. But once divorces happened and mom became a single mother again...Medicard was our insurance...well at least for just for us. But then i moved to Ohio at 15 to live with two awesome hardworking below middle class parents. And this summer at 19 i have finally realized all that they have had to sacrifice to help me to become a health productive individual. Well when my mom told me that next year when i hit 20 i will have to be dropped from the health insurance because it was beginning to be too much for them to handle. With the whole job shortage issue and medical problems and mortgage payments..etc. it's just too much. Then i realized who that i will become apart of that % of Americans with NO Health Insurance! It's freaking Scary! I don't know the first thing about how to find a good one...or even try to make decent payments. It's just not possible with my college budget! Soo trust me folks...as much as it sucks for everyone else...I would be extremely grateful if the Gov. tried to help me pay health insurance. I mean...I'm sure it is way more complicated than i realize...and more expensive for tax payers...which i am apart of now; but what else am i....a broke college student gonna do if i have to go to the hospital...or doc.

As a christian and a citizen of The United States I believe it is my responsibility to be informed and to make my voice heard based on the rights our founding fathers of this great nation gave to us. I believe that we need more people of faith, values and morals to be a part of the process, write our congressman and let them know how we would like them to proceed in this matter. We should make informed decisions, this particular bill could change life as we know it. And more than ever we need to pray for our leaders to make the right choices for our future. In the meantime we are here to be the hands and feet of Jesus and we should help our communities with our talents that God has equipped us with. As a nurse I intend to help out on my day off at a clinic for the ones in need. I would also like to encourage everyone to attend one of the following meetings;

As a community service, the Dayton Tea Party,
in cooperation with its local Liberty Groups in your area, is sponsoring a series of three forums on the proposed Health Care Legislation.

Admittance is free of charge.

Date: Tuesday Aug. 25
Time: 7:30 - 9:15PM
Location: Hance Pavilion (corner of Forest Ave & Lindsey St.) in Piqua

Date: Wednesday Aug. 26
Time: 7:00 - 8:30PM
Location: Presidential Banquet Center (4548 Presidential Way) in Kettering

Date: Thursday Aug.

I have heard people refer to this proposed legislation as "throwing out the baby with the bathwater". I think that's a pretty good description. There is too much good about the health care system that we have to overhaul it in this way. I think the changes should be made one at a time, slowly, with input from medical professionals.

Believe it or not, doctors themselves have lots of great ideas about how to improve things, but getting legislators to go along with them is next to impossible. Take tort reform, for example... imagine how much free care a doctor could provide if he didn't have to pay over $100,000 per year for malpractice insurance!

And how about rewarding doctors for their work in free clinics by allowing them a tax deduction for their time? If a grocery store were to give away free food to the poor, they could use it as a tax deduction, but doctors can't deduct the services they provide, which is in reality the product that they sell to earn a living. Wouldn't that encourage more volunteers?

I think those 2 ideas alone would help a great deal! And we have lots more, if only someone would listen.

I love the idea of private citizens being the principal providers of charitable care, without government intervention. Local people know about local problems.

I am not usually one to speak up in this matter. I am blessed to have great health insurance to help care for my family. however I noticed something at my doctor's office that I liked. A note on the wall told pharmaceutical companies that they would not accept any food or gifts from them but medicine(that they give away to patients in need). I had also noted that a friend whom is a nurse in another doctor's office stated that the pharmaceutical companies bought them lunch and gave them freebies almost every day. Imagine that happening accross the US. How many millions in medical dollars are being wasted everyday just by that practice alone? It is mind boggling. The expenditures of those companies has to be driving up the cost of health care.

The cut-and-paste invitation to a partisan event seems a tad out of place in an otherwise harmonious and well-spoken body of comments.

Just sayin'.

When I was coming up. At least during the time I lived with my Mother, we were on welfare because my Mom was not well enough to work. We got around $325 per month in food stamps & around $250 in money for rent. It was very difficult to make it. Many things I didn't understand & no one really explained or talked about anything that was happening. I do know that we had healthcare because we were on welfare. My Mom would never take us to the doctor unless it was an absolute emergency though because she feared doctors. That wasn't the states fault. I for one would've gotten fairly good medical care. I always thought it was odd that a person could get medical & dental care on welfare, etc., but if a single Mom worked, she couldn't get at least a partial pay for care. Maybe there is something like that. I'm not up on all of that, but Samaritan Health Insurance is one group that has insurance, but it still is too expensive for some. Child support is one thing that is helps if it's followed through on. My brother never got any support from his father, and no one did anything about it. My Mom was too ill to do anything so we went without. What is the answer. I guess it's complicated, but I don't think the government really wants to make policy that is truly effective. Or maybe they just don't work. Restrictions on big business. Restrictions & fines for couples who have children & don't follow through.

I appreciate all contributions including yours Jennifer. Town hall meetings have let our leaders know folks are paying attention. That is significant. The irony; those who shout down leaders at town hall meetings are the same folks who wait in line daily at those fast food eateries. Diet and exercise are the key to good health in most cases. The vast majority of us do not get it and never will.

I would like to add that the healthcare forum is not a partisan event, The panel members are respected leaders, medical professinals along with a state repreentative (possibly Mike Turner) in and from our area that are there to give an honest answer about how this reform would affect business in this area and their prospective on how it would in turn affect our lives and healthcare. The Dayton Tea Party is a non-partisan Group, hope to see you there!

I don't understand everything about the New Health care plan, there are things that will impact me in a negative way for instance cutting the Flex Spending so it doesn't cover over the counter meds, but at the same time the way that has a positive affect is to save the government over 8 mil a year. With the national deficit what it is, that is a price I'm willing to pay. This health care plan has it's flaws but at least back to former President Carter it seems like we've been trying to reform the health care system. It's time to do something. Regarding the town hall meetings, i think the concept is really really good but when I saw the pictures at one town meeting, of several people holding pictures of our president made up to look like Adolf Hitler, I tuned completely out to anything they had to say. It seemed to me those folks had another agenda and it mirrored bigotry and hatred close enough in my mind that it didn't matter what they had to say from the minute I saw that visual. Probably just a penny's worth from me. :)

I believe everyone is entitiled to affordable,and quality health insurance. I see so called town hall meeting where people intimidate with guns, and shouting down everyone who is for health care reform. This is not political issue, but a moral one. Insurance co. are spending billons of dollars trying to kill health care reform,and at the same time denying claims that would save pepoles lives. I don't think you can put a price on a persons health, or life."He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matt. 25:45)

Pamela Nedostup: I am so grateful for your comments. For years, I have had anxiety over women & the care they receive as many more are single. I knew somehow they could support one another & probably do quite well at helping one another. Sharing rent, working opposite shifts while the other one takes care of the kids, these are just a few ideas for helping one another in one of the most difficult struggles a person can face. Thank you for responding to such an important topic & being willing to do something about it. I am truly thankful.

I actually got on today to try to escape the healthcare debate.After listening to a video sermon, I thought I would read the blogs. I see no one who addressed the 18,000 people a year who die w/o healthcare insurance. I see no one who talked about middleclass families who go bankrupt from medical emergencies. I did not see anyone address the behavior of shouting and mocking of disabled in townhalls. Even Pastor Slaughter called these meetings emotional...well all I see is lack of compassion. I see no dignified debate at these meetings. Well, people are watching.....it doesn't look like the light of the world. It looks cold, hard, and , ugly. So maybe Christ said " I know these sinners are suffering, they need salvation...someone will have to sacrifice, but i"m not sure it's fair to ask me to bleed."

I have been following this debate, and for the poster who was complaining about town hall protests, please note that for everyone who carries an over-the-top sign opposing the reform package, there are many [MODERATOR COMMENT: Listed examples of inflammatory sign text were removed from this blog comment] insults the left like to use against those they consider intellectually and morally inferior.

As for the "moral isue" only being able to be solved by giving Caesar all of our health care, I couldn't disagree more. That's the UMC's Church and Society's take, we have a moral obligation to give up our care, turn the mayo clinic into a dirty VA hospital, and pay (and demand our unborn great grandchildren)pay sky-high taxes that will kill the incentive to even bother working. When you tell me the "compassionate" IRS will be enforcing insurance mandates, and I will have to prove to a beauracrat that I had adequate insurance (including a lot of coverage I don't need, such as pregnancy coverage when there is zero percent chance I, as a 52 year old male, will ever use it, or substance abuse counseling, when I don't abuse substances). I really don't believe that charity happens at the point of a gun. You can tell me all day long I don't give enough and you probably have a point, but telling me that because I don't give enough you are going to use the police power of the state, including the potential of taxing 100% of my income, draining my bank account, and putting me in prison, to take what "rightfully" belongs to someone else.

I'm so sorry to hear about Luka, Mike. How special that he made it to the mountains one last time. My thoughts are with you and Carolyn.

I am so sorry to hear about Luka. He was a lucky dog to have your family as his loved ones.

That was a great blog post. I am so sad that I didn't get to say bye to Luka, but am so thankful Ellie was able to meet him! I really hope our dogs greet us in heaven...it would be a great addition to everything there. Luka was with us through many seasons, like you said, and that is part of what makes losing him so hard. Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Ellie can't wait to see her Papa! :)

My wife and I are big dog-lovers just like you and Carolyn. It's so hard to find the words to express what these amazing creations of God mean to you. They are truly "man's best friend". Our thoughts are with your family.

I agree. Wow, what we have to look forward to!

Mike and Carolyn,
I am so saddened to hear of Luka's passing. Dogs are such loyal, intuitive partners for us. A wise friend, who understood my love for dogs, once told me, "Be prepared to have your heart broken about a half-dozen times." I am thinking about you both and will share a book with you when you return.

Yes I agree the animals will be in heaven and they will live forever just like us. We just won't have to give them a bath, and they will lay with the coyotes. I am a dog lover and I know the hurt when they die. I look at the hurt in your heart as a good thing. It means that the person or animal in your life meant alot to you. My dad's father past away and he did not shed a tear, as there was no memory of love. You have a loving memory of Luka. My heart goes out to your family.

I am so sorry to hear about Luka. I have the opportunity to meet him on several occasions. He was such a gentleman. I just know that dogs and other pets will be in Heaven because Heaven is paradise and paradise wouldn't be complete without them. I am a dog lover and I strongly believe that we have a lot to learn from them - they are the epitome of eternal hope (especially at meal time at my house).

I thoughts and prayers are with you and Carolyn at this time.

Mike & Carolyn,

So sorry to hear about the passing of Luka. We lost our dog,Sam, a beagle who was 16 1/2 yrs. old last Dec. I was heartbroken. Dogs love you unconditionally no matter what you look like or what mood you're in.It reminds me of how God loves us unconditionally.Pets are a special gift from God. My prayers are with you at this sad time.

So sorry for your loss of Luka. As a fellow pet-lover/owner I know well the joys and sorrows of our pets and am sad for you. I sure hope they greet us in heaven. God told us that He created us in His image and since He created the animals first, I imagine He is a pet lover! Thanks for the reminder of the many ways our God has loved us so dearly.

dogs do not go to heaven when they die...they wait outside the gate until (hopefully) we get there

Often times, Oliver is the only friend I have – seems like it anyway. Sorry for the loss and I hope you’re able to find another loyal companion. They really round out the family….

Dear Mike and Carolyn, I am so sorry and saddened about Luka. I understand the pain of losing a beloved pet,especially so suddenly. I know you will be comforted by the much loved life you gave him.

I am so sorry that you have suffered the sudden tragedy of losing a member of your family; your beloved Luka. I will pray for you all as the tears of grief wash over you. I learned a long time ago that the depth of our grief is directly proportional to the heights of our love.

My Dexter taught me how to love and be loved unconditionally for the first time in my life. I was blessed to have gotten him when he was three months old and to enjoy his love for fifteen years.
God Bless you

When I was 12, my dog began to have a struggle with his hind legs & began to walk oddly. Over the course of a short time, he became increasingly paralyzed beginning with his hind legs. I didn't understand any of the canine diseases & we were very poor & my Mom didn't take him to the vet. He lay in the room where I watched tv. He lay against the wall & got to where he wasn't moving anymore. He was still alive & my Mom brought some food & water though he couldn't eat. When he was dead, she put him in a plastic bag & placed him carefully in the garbage. I was numb for the whole thing. When I was an adult, I broke down over it, and understood the dynamics of what went on and why he died. The pain is indescribable & I am sorry for your loss.

Dear Mike and Carolyn ....so sorry to hear about Luka. We went thru this in January when our beloved Allie passed away after an illness. She was 17 1/2 and I had had her since she was only 5 months old. Dogs play such a wonderful part in our families and we are blessed to have them. I believe God had a sense of humor when he created a dog with all of its quirks, unconditional love, companionship, acceptance, and pure joy of life that He gave them! It is often an example to us on how to appreciate the most simple things in life!