destinychurch

Government Dictating Conscience – A Dangerous Thing

When governments impose policy that supersedes conscience and mandates action, even when it violates personal beliefs, it invites the beginning of political democide. If you've never heard of "democide" – a term coined by political scientist R.J. Rummel, take a second and Google it. Then read the below article copied from npr.org – From the Christian Crusades a thousand years ago to the Chinese dictator Mao Zedong in the 20^th century, when government dictates beliefs and makes policy forcing people to violate their conscience, it is can be a very dangerous thing! Something to think about…

NPR New Release…

Obama To Overturn Bush 'Conscience' Rules

by Julie Rovner

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All Things Considered, February 27, 2009 · The Obama administration is moving to overturn a controversial Bush administration policy that allows health care workers to decline to provide or participate in any service that violates their beliefs.

This is the second abortion-related policy the new administration has tackled. Last month, the president reversed the so-called Mexico City policy, which has barred U.S. foreign assistance funds to international family planning organizations that perform or in any way promote abortion.

While the Mexico City policy was longstanding, this Bush regulation Obama officials are addressing was issued only in late 2008 and took effect on the former president's last day in office.

Supporters of the regulation say it was needed to clarify protections for health care workers who do not wish to participate in abortion or abortion-related activities.

"The lack of regulations resulted in confusion and a lack of awareness within the health care community, leaving health care personnel vulnerable to discrimination and forcing them to drop their specialties at a crucial time of health care scarcity," says Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.

But opponents say the regulation was written so broadly that it could allow workers to decline to participate in many other types of sensitive medical procedures — from blood transfusions to end-of-life care. And in parts of the country with few medical providers, those refusals could put patients at risk, those critics contend.

"That rule was so broad that even the cashier at Walgreens could refuse to provide medication for somebody if the cashier decided they have a religious objection," said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO).

The Department of Health and Human Services will begin the process to formally rescind the regulation next week, according to Obama administration sources. But it will also call for a 30-day public comment period.

"We believe that this is a complex issue that requires a thoughtful process where all voices can be heard," said an administration source who was not authorized to be quoted by name.

The source said that following the comment period, the administration could decide to simply repeal the Bush administration rule and take no further action. Or, it could issue a new rule to further clarify existing conscience protections that have long existed in federal law.

Abortion-rights groups say they're not alarmed by the new comment period.

"At the end of the day we're confident that the administration will continue to agree that current law is really adequate in the way that it balances the rights of patients and the rights of providers," said Marilyn Keefe, who heads the reproductive rights programs for the National Partnership for Women and Families.

But anti-abortion forces also think that's the likely outcome — which is probably not what the administration intended.

"The rules as written appropriately protect pro-life health care workers," said Stephen H. Aden, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, which is defending the regulation in several lawsuits that have been filed against it.

"There's no reason to reconsider them; no reason for revision." Reopening the regulation for additional comment, Aden said, is "an obvious attempt to serve special interests ... who are pushing for abortion and access to emergency contraception."

My Dog Ate It – No Really!

Now I love our little mammoth puppies, but as I searched the backyard looking for Renae's missing grocery money, I discovered that I also care a great deal about our missing friend, Mr. Benjamin Franklin. My face went flush when I saw part of the mutt-mutilated bill rolled up in mud…. Ahhh! Stupid dogs! I've heard of throwing money away, but this was enough to make me crazy… and DOG BEATING mad! Now if you are a card-carrying member of PETA, please do not read the rest of this post.

There were three distinct stages that followed the discovery of the Banged up Benjamin uncovered in my back yard.

The first stage "ANGER" – my initial thoughts went something like this…

- Hmm, God said He gave us dominion over animals, and well, I felt like beating the "dominion" out of a couple dogs. (Genesis 1:26)

- Let's see, at $12.50 per bag of dog food, I could recoup the loss in 8 weeks and let the little beasts live like King Nebuchadnezzar when he went mad and eat grass like wild beasts and cattle. (Daniel 4:31-32)

- Hey, I've been to a lot of countries and come to think of it, I've eaten dog before. And if need be, this would not be the first time I've had a canine cuisine. Where's the charcoal? (Eccl 9:11)

- I know, I'll make a sign and park on "sell-a-dog-row" (aka South Memorial on Saturdays) and auction each one of the pups at $50 buck each when the kids aren't looking. (2 Kings 4:7)

But then a few moments later and the second stage would set in - "Reality and Repentance" – I had to admit it was my own dumb fault for leaving the money out where the dogs could get to it. As I pondered and repented of the viciousness of my own thoughts, (still upset with both puppies) they climbed into my lap – hey, that's not fair, how am I suppose to hate you when you're being all cute like that?

- I know better than to leave stuff out where Diesel and Penny could get to it. They've cleared the counter of everything else – what made me think this would be different? It was my bad…

And of course the third stage "Mercy" – Lord, it's me again…

- This is where Renae once again gets to be the hero. Another trip in the back yard and ta-da, she had found another piece of the $100 puzzle (but let me clarify we did have to dig through "stuff"...Praise God!). We now had enough of the bill that the bank would swap out the damaged money and give this story a happy ending. So, Renae got the rest of her grocery money and the dogs got to live another day. All's well that ends well… though I can't help but to wonder if Renae encouraged the teller to wash their hands after swapping bills!

Be Careful What You Ask For

It's been on my heart to start getting up earlier to spend more time with the Lord – even get in a little exercise if possible. Last night, at the end of my prayers, I added a tag with something to that affect. This morning God saw to it that my prayers would be answered. Though I wouldn't call these two ministering angels, the Lord used the "mammoths" to get me up and get me going. And at 4 o'clock this morning - Ugh!

Diesel and Penny made sure I was up early for breakfast and sang, barked and danced until I took them for a walk. In my heart I can see my Savior smiling – "Another answered prayer…"

The neighbors have to think I'm nuts. Diesel's corrective command is "Hatcha" and Penny's is "Hey". Imagine me walking/training the colossal canines and praying through the neighborhood and occasionally popping their leash with a, "HATCHA, HATCHA, HEY – followed by that's a good boy/ that's a good girl!" At 4:30 in the morning – It surprises me no one called the police as I prayed in tongues while simultaneously training 70lbs worth of pups.

So where's the big dog "Kitty"… along the rest of the fam while I'm being all spiritual? Well, she (Kitty) along with Renae and the kids had different plans for this morning. :-)

Now the sun is coming up and God has again and "creatively" answered another prayer. But I can't help but look at the little giants in their kennel, or Kitty snuggled up next to Renae and think, "glad someone gets to sleep in…" then again it's not even 6:30am yet.

Proverbs 8:17 "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."

Bragging Rights

(Posted by Renae at a proud father’s request)

This morning after 2^nd service, Mikey and I had to rush to TCC for the awards ceremony for the Regional Science Fair.  We debated whether we should go or just plan on picking up his project after the fact. We were so hungry and were thinking lunch sounded better than sitting through the ceremony. We are SO glad that we made the choice to attend, as Mikey’s name was called three times! That’s right…his project on Gasoline vs. Ethanol received special recognition from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission,  2^nd Place in his category at Regional’s, and an invitation to the State Science Fair in March. Of course being a proud parent, I was keeping Mike (in Switzerland) updated via text, every time Mikey was called up.

All that time Mike and Mikey spent together in the Tahoe, driving in circles at the Tulsa Raceway paid off!  But even if he hadn’t advanced this far, I know they wouldn’t have traded that time together for anything.  Mikey’s only disappointment was that he didn’t get 1^st Place, because they received a cash prize of $100. He’s just too cute!

Thanks for letting us brag about our son!

 

Good Morning Destiny

"Good" and "Tired"

We've played, we've laughed, but most of all we've had wonderful opportunities watching God move. It's been an honor to speak and minister into the lives of people from Paris, Geneva, and Lausanne. What a privilege to be able to serve some of the missionaries we, as a church (Destiny Church), support "Pastor Mark McCord and Scott Mocha" and see first hand what God is doing in their lives. It really has been nothing short of sensational. God is good... and wow are we tired. 

One of my favorite moments was tonight as I watched Dr. Larry and Janny ministered to those who needed healing, Katie prayed over those who were believing for new or restored relationships, and Jaymz prayed for those who needed assurance of the hope and future they have in God. I can't wait to get my hands on the pictures of the services... it has been amazing!

Pull Your Head Out

Jayme "highly recommended" that I not post this picture. But as the guy who has had quite the tenure of playing practical jokes on others - I probably had this coming. I'm proud to support our ministry friend Scott Mocha. However, had he pulled a stunt like this as an "employee", I likely would have considered this grounds for termination.

Sent from my iPhone

Some Things Speak For Themselves

Talk about a poorly given sign - wow!

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Waking up in the Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are nothing short of spectacular. As Jaymz and I share a cup of espresso and do our best to try to get used to the time difference, I'm caught of guard by how grown up my little girl is and how much looks like her little mom. This place is incredible. The believers from a miriad of churches that we get to speak into their lives are also amazing. But, I have to admit, as spectacular as this place is, there is nothing that compares to being with all my beautiful family in Tulsa/BA. (And there is no church in the world like Destiny.)

A note to my son, Mikey: "Remember buddy, while I'm away you are the man of the house- keep your little mom safe and take great care of her like you always do. I'm proud of you."

Sent from my iPhone

Good to be with friends

It's really good to see Mocha and Pastor Mark McCord along with so many of our Swiss and French family in Christ.

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