Summer has arrived in our neck of the woods. Bright sun. High temperatures and right now I’m looking at blue skies and a bit of wind – with promises of temperatures – in the shade – of 90 it will be closer to 100 in her garden.

It won’t be long before we have fresh vegetables from the garden to go along with our barbecuing the meat from Ken’s cow.

It is been a busy week as we have visited several different medical professionals and enriched the coffers of MCMC.

I am told our healing process is going fine, yes it is slow, but still I am making progress and that is the important thing.

I have my bottom plate back and to celebrate we are having barbecued steak for dinner - I can already taste it.

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Psalm 119:96-98  “ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.”  KJV

Meditation, I remember back in the 60s and early 70s when the “new age” brought all kinds of exciting changes; one of which was meditation.

Without trying to go into great detail, basically meditation was described as opening one’s mind to the universe. Becoming one with nature.

There were slight benefits and actually some of the side benefits were beneficial relaxation, being able to control oneself in situations that were trying but, it took God out of the equation of man’s thought process.

I can recall meditation was roundly and soundly condemned in our churches as being a substitution for God and glorification of what was considered universal energy. The idea was to become one of the universe.

What I found interesting however was I don’t recall one sermon or teachings on the biblical form of meditation.

Several years ago several years ago as I was studying the word of God came upon the word meditation.  Meditation for God’s people is focusing our mind on God, focusing our minds on His truths and promises in his Word.

As we contemplate, meditate, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, we develop a closer relationship with him.

The benefit to us is relaxation and as we apply His truths to our life, to our daily activities we find a piece, we find comfort, we find the strength that is not within but it is a melding of our soul and are being with Him.

Our strength comes from God and the beauty of that is when you understand that we are alone are incapable of true peace, true strength, and to power that comes from trusting in Him, trusting in His word.

The term new age has gone by the wayside, you rarely hear the term new age in this day and age. But some of the techniques that take us away from God, the trying teach us that there is an energy field for our spirit that is not controlled by God still exist and taught in today’s world.

Meditation like most things in this world is neutral as far as terminology is concerned. It is what one does with it, how a person applies meditation to their lives that makes a difference.

Are we trying to put ourselves in an altered state of consciousness for our own sake, or we trying to be in tune with the Holy Spirit allowing Him to guide our lives?

but I will meditate in thy precepts.

Lord, I am so thankful that we can grow closer to You, that we can become more in tune with your Spirit as we go about our daily lives.  We are not alone, but have your presence with us for eternity.

Later, Art (-:

Another very warm day in our neck of the woods, however, according to the forecast we won’t be seeing 90+ degrees.  Unfortunately that is in the shade, the garden will be quite a bit higher.

Things are quiet right now, cats are taking advantage of the weather outside, Blaze is sleeping in the bedroom, Carla is at work and I am writing with AllClassical in the background.

Will be starting Cardiac Rehab this week, a long meeting and then setting up the rehab times three times a week.  They have me keeping a daily diary of everything that passes my lips, to be turned in Tuesday.  It won’t be accurate, however, I had a tooth pulled a week ago, so my partial is in the ‘shop’ getting reconfigured – living on soup and very soft foods – not the eating I normally do.

Oh, well my menu, usually, is predictable for the most part so if they need it I can give them an idea of what that is – kinda.

Shoulder is responding to physical therapy and the therapists from both programs will coordinate so I don’t have any avoidable complications.

Carla has a long ways to go in her transplanting of her tomatoes, but they are looking healthy and pretty – she will be giving most away in a week or so, it allows her to fully enjoy that part of gardening and gives her the satisfaction of repeat ‘customers’ who want them every year.

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“James, earn this.  Earn it.”  Capt. John Miller, “Saving Private Ryan” as he lay dying, reminding Ryan of the great sacrifice men that followed Miller trying to locate him to send him home, had made, many had been killed in action.

“Every day I think about what you said to me, that day on the bridge.  I have tried to live my life the best that I could, I hope that was enough.  I hope that in at least in your eyes, I earned what all of you have done for me.”  Older Private Ryan at the grave of Capt. Miller.

“Tell me I have led a good life.  Tell me I am a good man.” Private Ryan to his wife at the grave.

“You are.”  Her reply.

Luke 3:16  John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

I so often take for granted the sacrifice of Christ at the Cross. 

If John The Baptist was not worthy of letting loose the latchet on Jesus’ shoes, how much more unworthy am I?

Yet, while we cannot be worthy to receive Christ’s salvation by any actions on our part:

Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We, as Christians, CAN walk as if we are worthy of that great gift of salvation bestowed on us by God through the Sacrifice of His Son.

Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

We should be asking ourselves, every day, whether we are showing the obedience of a worthy servant to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lord, may I never forget the compassion, love and mercy you displayed for me by your sacrifice.  May I live each day striving to be worthy of that gift.

Later, Art (-:

In our neck of the woods it is going to be very warm for the next few days.  We have already experienced the 90 degree weather in the garden, but quickly followed with lower temperatures, high winds and rain.

Carla is about ready to plant her tomatoes.  We are a good four to six week off our normal schedule for her efforts. 

We are thankful that the reservoirs all over Oregon are filled with water and the drought has been ‘officially’ declared over – at least for this year.

It is sad to see, however, other areas of the USA as well as other parts of the world are having extreme heat and fires that have caused havoc with the farmers and ranchers.

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“I thank Thee, my Creator and Lord, that Thou has given me this joy in The creation, this delight in the works of Thy hands; I have shown the excellency of Thy works onto man, so far as my finite mind was able to comprehend Thine infinity, if I have sad aught of Thy glory, graciously forgive it.”  Johannes Kepler

Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

As I have said, many times, I am in awe of the abilities of men and women that work with their hands.  Artisans that build buildings, vehicles, pathways through mountains and means to make life easier for themselves and others, fascinate me.

Science has come a long way learning more and more and inventing machines that can detect minute problems within our bodies.  People who have done things so that the rest of us can live a longer and more productive life.

Many inventions build upon the inventions and ingenuity of others as they adapt those plans to accomplish a new ‘creation’ that allows them to do a better job.

More and more man is realizing that animals and vegetation can teach them a lot and have used their unique abilities to perfect their machines or whatever they are working on.

Blueprints are made, materials are gathered together, plans are shown to those that will build and these men and women bring the blueprints and ideas to life. 

While others, like myself recognizing our limitations, watch these men and women and are in awe.  While others work alongside them overcoming obstacles and producing a finished product they are proud to say they worked on it.

So why do so many give respect for man’s abilities and use physics that remain constant; knowing that there are certain things that they can depend on to make their creation stable and solid so it performs at the highest level – not recognize that the greatest builder had a plan, He carried it out and the minutest detail is not forgotten and call it evolution.

We look at the intricacies of what God had created in this universe, in every single aspect of its existence, from the smallest insect to the largest animal and from the smallest plant to the giant sequoias – each has a uniqueness about it but all show the commonality of a planned creation.

Why do we not give credit for what has been done to the Creator? 

His hand can be readily seen, even in the simplest of things.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

That verse is not made for debate.  It is a declaration of who God is and what He has done.

I am so thankful that the God who created all things and gave man the ability to create out of those things items that allow us to live a more comfortable and healthy life, also created me and thought I was worth sending His Son into my life that I might be saved.

Later, Art (-:

I am deeply saddened and very concerned this morning.  The past two days I have watched news casts that make me wonder where we are really heading in teaching our children the realities of life.  It brings tears to my heart and eyes.

The first one was on the decision by a school district in Washington not to allow their band to travel to Victoria B.C.

The reason given was it wasn’t equitable to their students.  They may have some ‘undocumented’ illegal students “that might not be allowed to cross into Canada and they sure wouldn’t be allowed back into the States.”

So, a tradition of at least 20 years must be scrapped and those students who live in our country legally must set aside their dreams so someone else who is in this country illegally can feel better. 

Probably 90+ percent of the students that are illegal were brought over by their parents, and while I understand it isn’t their fault, neither is it the fault of the students that have looked forward to a special trip to be deprived of that experience.

And of course it isn’t just the fact they can’t go, it is the message that is being sent.

To me the message is:  “So, if I do something illegal, then I don’t have to worry, because I am going to be excused and I am going to be protected by authorities from the repercussions of those acts?” 

Yes, there are those that are applauding that decision. 

Now, we all are upset with the division in our country, the hate that is being spewed by both sides of the division. 

But, how is this going to make those feel that are being kept from ‘their’ enjoyment?  What makes these people think that there isn’t going to be resentment and repercussions in the future from that decision?

It is fuel for the fire.  And there isn’t anything to use to put it out because reasoning has gone out the window.  It will be left up the law enforcement to deal with these repercussions; and, of course, they are going to be chastised for doing their job.

Which brings me to the second news cast.

The second news cast was this morning; I watched a local news cast on a high school where the students don’t want police officers to come to their school any longer.  They feel “uncomfortable.”

When I worked for the City, I spent a lot of time in the schools, both on duty and off-duty.  I spoke with dozens if not hundreds of classes and students through the years.  I sat down and ate lunch with them, walked the halls and talked with them.

Were some of them uncomfortable, undoubtedly, but the reason I did this was to let them know Police Officers ARE their friends and can be counted on to help them in their distress.

Through the years I have had many of them tell me how much they appreciated my service.  They introduce me to their spouses and children as a friend.

When I was Sheriff we brought in the “DARE” program.  A deputy went into the schools and taught the dangers of drugs and the ways to avoid them – among other lessons.  He interacted and became friends with most of them.  He helped more than one deal with a home environment that was toxic.

He made lifelong friends with many of them.

My son was a Police Resource officer in his schools for several years.  I had the opportunity to visit the high school with him and saw the interaction and the respect that was given him by both students and teachers.

I know of one occasion that stands out to him.  He had several years of contact with one young lady who came to know him as a standup guy and someone she could trust to help her – she was a victim of incest and had been going through it for years. 

There were others, but this is one that showed him the value of his years of service to the schools.  Who knows what would have happened to that young lady had she continued to bury her fear and assaults because of that positive action she was taken out of that environment and given a chance to live life without fear or self-degradation.

He taught a class on leadership and took those students to state wide conferences. 

School Resource Officers are chosen because they can relate with the kids, because they have the personalities and ability to work with them and become a resource to them.

It is time the adults in this country start standing up and saying, “Enough is enough.  If you feel ‘uncomfortable’ that is not a bad thing.  If you can’t understand that this society does have rules and laws, you NEED to understand that before you get in trouble; and we aren’t going to let you duck behind, “I feel uncomfortable,” reason.

If you can’t interact with Police officers in this kind of environment, what are you going to do when real life hits you in the face and you have to deal with them in times of stress?

AND those times are coming!  Especially for those that think they can cry and get their way.

Like most Police Officers, Law Enforcement was my life work.  This was my ministry in life.  It wasn’t just enforcing the laws - making arrests, issuing tickets - but making our community safer and helping those in need.

The kids in our society NEED that positive interaction with Police Officers. 

They NEED to see they are human beings and sincerely care for their well-being.

Are we all perfect?  No.

Are those that are good officers perfect all the time?  No.

But the vast majorities take their job very seriously and are willing to lay down their lives to protect others – even those that feel “uncomfortable” around them.

There should be MORE, not less, officers in the schools of our communities.  That interaction is in the top five of the most important duties an officer has, interacting with the kids and the public in general.  Making contacts that will help those kids now and in the future is extremely important.

This is heart breaking and very discouraging to me.  

I fear for these kids, who are they going to turn to when they find out that they need help and that will not come from any other source than the police?

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“None of us can approach a serious study and consideration of the eternal nature and person of Jesus Christ without sensing and confessing our complete inadequacy in the face of the divine revelation.”  AW Tozer

2 Corinthians 3:5 “ Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”  KJV

It is times like these that I rely on these kinds of scriptures.

Comforting, reminding me that I am not alone, and no matter what I am feeling and going through God is going through it with me.

I take far too much on me and forget that God wants to take over for me – it is so hard to remember, and even once reminded, to let go and allow Him to carry me through.

But, that is on me, not on Him. 

I thank Him for His mercy and His love and that once I do release myself to Him, He helps me through it.

Lord, I so need to learn this lesson, and not go through minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and even years of frustrations that could have been rectified if I had let you do it.

Later, Art (-:

Well, now then, in our neck of the woods on Thursday and Friday we were in the mid-90’s in the garden – cooled down yesterday, but this week, for the most part will be warm, not ‘officially’ that high, but warm none the less.  Summer is a coming.  We celebrated with time, first time this year, on the grill - grilled steak and baked potato.

Doing okay.  Had a partially blocked artery that had to have stint put in it – don’t know why, but it was taking a while before I could feel better.  Although, Carla said my color was much better the next morning.

While having to struggle with the A-fib conditions my heart and arteries have been doing okay.  I was surprised with the partial blockage, but appears to be only the one with serious blockage and only one nother which is much less, that of course is good news.

Until this time, I have had good care at both MCMC and OHSU – but it was strange this time. 

Won’t go into full detail, but when they prescribed new medications one of the things I asked was should I be careful about what I am taking with it.  Nope.

Got home and found out only was I not to take Ibuprofen, but they added Tylenol to the list – interesting since elsewhere it is listed as to take instead of the other products – doc says it didn’t mean it when I asked.

The other thing I found interesting was, even after asking that question, I came home and read the multi-paged report that they said they went over with me – and found out that I wasn’t supposed to drink caffeine products for a few days.

Interesting since the nurse had brought me the breakfast I had ordered, which included coffee; and, as some pompous ‘teaching supervisor’ (who was quickly deflated when I pointed out some of his information was wrong) went over the process as I was drinking my second cup.

That is just a taste of what was going on.  But at least I wasn’t asked, this time, what I was doing there!

For the next 12 weeks, or so, I will be going through Cardiac Rehab along with my shoulder/arm rehab.  Fortunately both are in the same building and I was told they WILL coordinate their efforts.  Even that wasn’t handled well.

The nurse asked me how far from the hospital we were, I said about 10 minutes, and then realized he was talking about OHSU.  I said no we are about 2 hours away from here – and of course my address was clearly not in Portland.

So instead of ordering the Cardiac rehab through MCMC, he had me going to OHSU – three plus days a week.  I waited for a call then finally called here and was told the order couldn’t be done here since they ordered if for OHSU. 

They had to contact the doctor to get it set up here – took a couple of days.  Almost two weeks wasted.....

I am thankful for the majority of OHSU staff; they really are caring and thoughtful.  The nurses are absolutely top of the line, great positive personalities and have a great since of humor, that part was ‘enjoyable.’  A couple of them we knew from previous visits.

What is fun, for me, is that while they aren’t supposed to discuss religion – “I” can still do so and was given a few opportunities to share my faith.  There are interesting reactions.

Deed brought Mom and I to the hospital, she took Mom home that afternoon and then brought her back up the next day to retrieve me.  We really did appreciate that!!

She had to go to work that second night, after a 3-4 hour 225 +/- mile drive, so crashed upstairs for a couple of hours before having to leave for work, a 40 +/- minute drive plus 12 hour shift and then another almost two hour drive home.

Both Deed and Teresa have been fantastic assistants to both of us – great ladies.

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore.

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.                    

¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  KJV

Now, I may be wrong, but I don’t think there are any exclamation points in the KJV version of the Bible and I realize that when the KJV Bible was put together they used punctuation the original authors did not.

They didn’t change the meanings, they strived to be accurate in their translations, but they did divide by chapter and verse.

I ‘think’ these verses illustrate the importance and emphatic message of command from God – stressing that each verse was important.  Where I would use exclamation points, they set it up in separate sentences and verses.

It is not always easy.  I greatly admire those that go through terrible trials and do so with a smile on their face and uplifting comments to all around them.  They have learned the value of these and other such verses.

Instead of focusing on themselves they have chosen to trust in the Lord and truly be an example to those He sends to them.

It is another one of those, so many, things I fall far short of instead I get negative with my thoughts and comments.

Lord, help me to remember that no matter what situation I find myself in, you are there and will make me stronger as a servant for you.

Rejoicing evermore!

Praying without ceasing!                 

In everything giving thanks!

For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning ME!. 

Later, Art (-: