Our world extends beyond this country's borders. The United States of America has enjoyed a rich history of success. We lead the world in many categories although economic rivals gain ground every day.

All around the world, deep into the farthest reaches, everyone loves America...or hates it.

In reality, I suspect the ones who hate us really just yearn to be like us: they wear American clothes, talk on cell phones and drink Coke. But true Americanism is becoming rare.

Refer, I think, to the preamble to the constitition for the essense of Americanism:

" We the people of the United States,

in order to form a more perfect union,

establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility,

provide for the common defense,

promote the general welfare,

and secure the blessings of liberty

to ourselves and our posterity,

do ordain and establish this constitution for

The United States of America."

You see, it really is and has always been...by the people. By the people and for the people; that's who the politicians work for, that's who the police work for, and that's what each one of us works for. It's the common good, and prosperity for our progeny.

The Civil Compliance Network was founded to confront apathy to this Americanism. The values once described as "fundamental and almost required" to be an American have become an endangered species, and it's the old timers that remember it best. For those of us with parents from "the greatest generation" as Tom Brokaw tells it, we know what it is to hold these principles up to the mirror every day: our parents did it. They yelled at us to shape up and shunned the oncoming future of America with it's MTV and WalMarts.

Pretty soon, being American didn't mean the same thing anymore. Too many people were tuning out to it, Veteran's Day parades had waning attendance.

Well this is a warning to those who still can't see the fabric of the US: Everyone should be expected of a minimum of behavior standards.

At the very least, you'll keep your pants up around your waist.

At the very least, you will honor your parents and love your neighbors.

We look out for each other, but who want's a criminal looking out for them?

Nobody, not even criminals.

So don't be a thug, because Civ Comp is ready to check that.

When you've had it with lowering standards...

extremists of any stripe...

and the just-plain-wrong attitude that leads to political correctness.

Become a CivComp Steward.

Get active in your community, give something back if you can.

Lead by example: what was important before still is.

We are all Americans, but the best are called

All-Americans.

Religious Currency

I have seen and heard an escalating chorus against the faithful in our country. The United States was formed oh, so long ago on a solid foundation of Christian ethics and moral practices. Now, that morality has eroded from the fabric of our nation. We are, by generation, nowhere near as morally sound by and large as our preceeding generation. A greater sense of restraint, decorum and honor was everywhere- including our urban areas, although desperation forces it's own hand.

In recent days our ferocious media attempts to create a feeding frenzy on salacious reports whenever they emanate from our churches and it's leaders- the latest... an inquisition on corruption within massive churches and the millions they get in contributions.

And in my friend's typical fashion, Griff reminded me of the essence of faith. That it's belief in Him that will guide the path you'll take.

-Katykarter





November 9, 2007

The Power of Imposition

J.A.Griffin

I agreed with Mike Gallagher when he said “we can never stop human exploitation”, and in the same sentence I’ll add “we can never truly determine if it exists in the ministry”

now hang on before you spew…

What I am saying is this…you and I know that there is corruption at ALL levels... the human agency is capable of great feats of manipulation. However, considering the “Christian” ministries, the Christian doctrine commands the Church to “spread the gospel throughout the world”,

“…to all the nations…to the corners of the earth”.

This is a command, not an option. As a Christian, you are to “share” the Gospel whenever possible; get the message out there is principally what Jesus said.

Sooooooooo…

These doctoral guidelines leave absolutely no opportunity for dispute by the state or any other entity for that matter. Whether corruption exists or not in some ministries, their Holy Doctrine instructs them to do business as they see fit as long as they are “spreading the Gospel.”

Now I am not standing up for anyone, in fact, I suspect persecution of religion will be a growing movement in the days to come, and will become more visible, evident…especially Christian…Why? Christianity and its doctrine imposes the greatest responsibility on us, it asks us to follow our doctrine to the letter, check ourselves, go out of our way…”love your neighbor”, “bless those who persecute you?”

seriously? YES, seriously.
That's why Christianity will be the least popular gig going.

But in retrospect, I would hate to get up in the morning and have the task of spreading anything to the corners of the earth! Think about how much that would cost for a minute…and again I am not sticking up for anyone, just conceding to the enormous financial impediments these ministries face to get the job done and to continue getting it done on paper.

The monetary value of these ministries is of no consequence to me really, I guess because I believe in God and Jesus and I have experienced Christianity in its pedant form, and it tells me that there are a lot of folks out there looking for answers... looking for help. People that just need to hear a voice that says “someone cares about what you are going through” So I send my dollar, I listen steadfastly and then.. I pray.

And if I feel good about it , I do it again.

"I asked the man whose 9 yr. old son was dying of cancer if he cared that the preacher drove a fancy sports car, he replied 'No, as long as it gets him to the hospital on time'.

There is hope in God… when times are tough and we can’t do it ourselves , we go to God. When we feel helpless… We find comfort and peace there.

God and everything about God is very mysterious, hence the need for faith. If my neighbor found peace and comfort in the midst of his battles by sending a dollar and praying with a stranger over the phone, good for him. I believe that lives are turned around and people have experienced miracles due to these ministries.

Corruption will exist in every form and at every level, but the Gospel in ageless, the Word of God is alive and it speaks to us given the opportunity, the same opportunity these ministries provide, but on a grand scale.

Let us spend more time being thankful for the good, rather than always leaning on the bad. “Gratitude is the Holy Grail of Happiness” try being thankful more often and you will find that you are happy more often… I dare you.

Imagine if we went to Him when things were not so tough... that is real faith!