Priest and Friend Father Vern Smith Retires as Balm of Gilead

I have been invited to share a few prepared thoughts with you today on this landmark occasion.  Last night as I was going over my remarks my mind took me another direction that I want to share with you.  Then, I will deliver my previously prepared remarks.

John was a young man.  His home wasn’t the most supportive, and he always longed for that role model of integrity and substance.  Father Vern became this example and John took note for many years.  

John grew and married a bright and faithful lady to proudly call his wife.  John, always striving to be a strong and unwavering husband and father, gained the knowledge and employment to enter social work in helping troubled teens.  He became a great influence not only to countless young men and women but also to his four children.

His children grew - each with their varying trials and tribulations.  They all, save one, went on to provide productive and God-fearing families.  The one lost sheep will be found and brought back.  Many of John’s troubled teens entered college, served humanitarian missions, found purpose in Jesus Christ and found joy in service.  

This cascading effect began with the grace of God and the ministry of one man.  John is someone I made up, but represents many real people - even sitting in this hall - who’ve benefited from the ministry of Father Vern Smith.  No, his ministry does not end, but rather takes on a different form.  However, his ministry as you’ve come to know it lives on in how you build your own foundation, raise your households and improve the world around you using the example he has proven.  

My remarks of my endearment of Father Vern as the man are these:

Anciently, Balm of Gilead was a major tool for not only healing and relief but also for trade.  This natural substance derived from the tree or shrub beyond the Jordan.  It is this Balm of Gilead that I wish to associate with a good friend of mine who retires from his service as Priest and shepherd of the local St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Father Vern and I have known each other for many years.  Joined in common hopes and goals we witnessed a true miracle.  Together, with our respective faiths, enjoyed an afternoon of dinner and song a decade ago.  This landmark event manifested a "Balm of Gilead" toward the healing of so many hearts and minds.  Truly, many had reservations of this event, but it served to advocate a positive change in all of us that allowed love and understanding to abide within.  A scriptural passage that encored this event is, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, where two or three are gathered together in my name, behold, there will I be in the midst of them - even so am I in the midst of you."  Yes, the Lord was present there that day.  On a personal level this event helped to solidify the friendship Father Vern Smith and I have, and to enable its continuation on into the eternities.

I'd like to share my thoughts of how this man has affected my own life.  Like so many mine is a restless spirit.  Like a sponge I receive any opportunity of extended gestures of genuine friendship.  Father Vern has a golden handshake that surpasses his official office.  Most will engage in a handshake and quickly pull away.  Unfortunately that's where we've come to as a people.  I've always looked forward to shaking Father Vern's hand.  His has genuine concern and love at it's foundation.  In a realm of mortals dwindling in unbelief, such a simple act of a true handshake literally becomes a Balm of Gilead.  It becomes that ointment, that substance from far beyond the eye can see to soothe and heal the heart at that time.

That is just me - one lowly bystander in a long line waiting for such a spiritual balm.  Countless lives Father Vern Smith has affected through this simple act.  Think of the widow who grieves for her husband and has her faith strengthened and sustained by the concern and empathy of the clasped hand.  Imagine the parents who've lost a child and just need someone there with arms embraced.  Let us not forget the young man or woman struggling with moral issues who found guidance and direction in the counsel of Father Vern's service.  The poor and homeless have found the Balm of Gilead in his outreach and attention.  Many people have benefited from the service of this man sent of God to shepherd the flock at the appropriate appointed time.

The parishioners of St. Mary's each have their own remembrances of Father Vern's service to the greater Shenandoah and Hamburg areas.  Each of these stories will undoubtedly go into his book of accountability.  From this one Mormon friend of his, I volunteer that his sincerity and concern was my Balm of Gilead on many occasions.  It is my belief, that when the day comes, the Lord will say, "Well done - thou good and faithful servant."

Election Year of Choices Both Large and Personal

Has the time come that the third of the hosts of heaven... the fallen... have completely shed their masks of deception?  Perhaps all these thousands of years deception of the legions upon the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve were a false blueprint, a quiet and subtle road map, for mortals to emulate.  As the world around us crumbles politically, socially, religiously and most of all morally is it not evident, once the mask of deception is removed, that the house of the adversary reigns abundant?  In this, the last dispensation of the fullness of times, we must ask ourselves what strength we have within us.  By what power can we as the end root of our bloodlines stand with shield and sword in hand.

We used to revere and honor the Office of President of the United States.  No more do children proudly show their parents the assignment to show their hero - the President.  No more do children have security of heart as they are drilled at school on what to do if a shooter enters the school.  No more do we look forward to our leaders making wise decisions for the good of the people.  No more do our elected officials see as a visionary through the eyes of our Founding Fathers.  It is a shame that we now come to expect - AND ACCEPT - decisions of folly by those with delusions of grandeur and willful adoption by the public.

The divine hand on the checks and balances among the executive, legislative and judicial branches is losing grip by the pride of those entrusted to uphold them.  The Executive assumes power not given it.  The Legislative rarely votes and acts on true conscience, but overrides it along party lines.  The Judicial acts the same and is used through subterfuge of false prophecy by the other branches.  Planning future outcomes of measures and then plotting to make them so through judicial appointments.

The pursuit of legitimate happiness reigns in the hearts of fewer and fewer immigrants.  Legal prosperity through hard work and integrity with conscience seem so far away for those who cower daily in fear that they will be found.  All the while they take advantage of the amenities of authentic citizenship of the United States.  The dream is alive for so many but lacks among others in growing numbers.  The ability to immigrate and be accepted is a gift.  Yet, for those who do so averting the law, immigration becomes a curse and liability upon the people whom they now mingle.

We've denied our very design - man and woman - and the roles we've beforehand accepted to carry out.  No longer do we strive to perfect our design by endeavoring to align our spirits and control our passions, but instead pervert our design to adjust to our immediate desires.   We've explained and compromised that perversion by throwing our hand up and declaring it's just who we are.

One of the last breakdowns of humanity is the happily skewed view of human life.  Men and women hold themselves unaccountable for the divine gift of manifesting life in this world.  Pride and fear become the ingredients for the clouds of "perceived" clear conscience as they opt for abortion.  It matters not what stage of development the child is.  If one or more parent wants no part of it then the clouds of "perceived" clear conscience opens the ways for gleeful murder.

The proclamation of the family - those basic foundations each family procures as the teachings and arrangements for the raising of their family, are pushed aside in favor of entertainment and other derisions designed only to scar the young and the eternal relationship of husband and wife.  Even upholding religious teachings and values are seen as nonchalant and without substance.  No longer do we dress in our best as our ancestors did for church services, but arrive occasionally in convenient street clothes with our best still in our drawers.

Daily we live in fear of death as the threat of terrorism looms over even our young.  To the coward that hides their face and body in black they have already kissed the adversary and his hosts and willfully become possessed by the distorted in form.  Furthermore, we've lost faith, that evidence of that which is not seen but is true, that bona fide discipleship can keep the buffetings of Satan at bay.

We are surrounded by living examples of the work of imps.  Work that not long ago was disguised in the shadows.  Now the masquerade ball is over and the masks have come off.  The people have already accepted the work and have multiplied its spread among the living.

Yet, that divine spark is still there.  That still small voice still trumpets the heart.  Though the vast of us have all but shushed it to sleep it is still there.  It is that basic light of knowing good and evil that's adopted at birth among all the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve.  The scepter is there but it is our choice to reach and clasp it's handle.

The bright day is coming when the earth shall be as a sea of glass.  The mountains shall be rolled back into smooth landscape and the lands shall once again be brought back together.  The mountain shall be split for Israel to escape the wolves.  Thus, the next thousand years of unmeasured prosperity and knowledge will reign among the greater portion of us who've chosen to listen to that still small voice.

Will you and I be among them?

Just as our leaders have divided their conscience along party lines we need to choose which side we desire to be on.  If our heart desires the other side which is brighter with wider fields of view than it is worth the painstaking journey to align our lives with that model.

If the journey seems long and full of obstacles then you're probably on the right one.  The road less traveled is the road that will enrich you with experience and knowledge.  We each have our vices, myself especially, but we need to see the distorted works around us for what they are.  They are attempts of the miserable spirits to draw us from the light.  They want us.  They feed off our life which they've been denied by their rebellion in the presence of God the Almighty.

That battle that rivals all the wars and contentions combined on earth continues today.  It began with the rebellion in heaven and rolls on into the winding up scene.  It is our choices that define us.

The line is drawn on the board.  It is the pieces (us) which individually we place on one side or the other.

Amish Mennonite Teacher on My Road to Damascus

The story of Saul and the Road to Damascus deals much with procrastination.  We hold off believing in something until a dramatic event forces the hand.  We tempt God and seemingly hold him hostage until we are struck on our eyes so as to see the truth of what we procrastinated for.  Saul started out a great persecutor of believers until he experienced a dramatic event on the road to Damascus to correct his ways.  Thomas failed to believe in the Resurrection of Christ until the Lord himself invited him to handle his hands and side.  These men and most of us today retract from learning precept upon precept unto a firmer belief in something.  To hide our weakness we declare us strong and shout down those that do believe a certain doctrine or fact of life.  Who is the weaker one?

Lately I've been in my solitude of thought in contemplation of man's nature against his brother.  I've been on the road much of late and have little other company than myself.  On a jovial note it makes arguments awful one-sided.  Anyhow, just last week I've been struck with a significant occurrence to me.  Significant to me but for most quite passive and not so significant.

There is so much death and hate going on.  On the political scene as well as religious man pits his wit against man (for we no longer refer to the other as brother).  Ideology has placed targets on people and marks them for death.  It is easy to allow the canker of hate drown out the peace of compassion and brotherhood.  It can darken one's own thoughts.  When that happens hate is resistance free, and the spread of contempt of heart and intolerance knows no bounds.

On a lonely road in the middle of Iowa I was shown an act of brotherhood without judgement or assumptions.  I love diversity and those opportune moments to come in contact with the Amish or Mennonites.  I think most of us do.  The simplicity of their ways and just the deep contrast from modern living is appealing.  However, I believe it goes deeper.  I believe that seeing a group of people holding on to a foundation of principles and beliefs appeals to our subconscious.  It is a silent reminder that man can lose his way without a foundation to build on.

On a particular hot and sunny afternoon I was traveling Eastbound near Creston, Iowa on Highway 34.  In the distance I noticed on the gravel side of the oncoming road a horse-drawn carriage with an Amish gentleman at the helm.  With plenty of distance he lifted his hand high and with a smile waved at me until I passed.  It was clearly sincere.  It was clearly in acknowledgement that I was his fellow brother under God regardless of my driving a car and blaring "Hotel California" on my radio.  I was greatly affected and this led me to deep contemplation.

Many of the rest of us do happily acknowledge one another.  For drivers, most of us do not wave to another unless the other starts the process first.  Yet..... do we outstretch our arm and wave in pure fellowship?  I am guilty as well and would venture to say that for most, acknowledgement of our kindness on the road is limited to the extending of our fingers over the steering wheel.  When studying the two situations it is amazing the difference how each makes you feel.  Whether as the giver or receiver the greater the effort of kindness the more positive reinforcement of goodwill you'll feel.

My Road to Damascus was in hoping to see greater consideration and love brother-to-brother sister-to-sister.  It is long and continuous.  It is a life journey.  This teaching moment offered that "smack in the head" that it does still exist out there, and that it's the subtle acts of kindness that has that silent but greater affect on the future of man.

He may not be aware of the impact his simple efforts afforded me but that's the point of it all.  True greatness is something not actively sought after.  It is something to be exercised through thousands of simple means.  True greatness is seen by others through your conduct and not something to boast of the self.  I thank God for that Amish dude and will look for him every time I'm on that stretch of road...... my Road to Damascus.

Chevy Cruze Impala Malibu Spark Volt Traverse Camaro Corvette Equinox Trax

Chevrolet has an outstanding line of cars and trucks stemming from major and minor redesign for aerodynamics, comfort, performance and luxury.  I am a car salesman in the the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area.  If you are in need of a Chevy product, or Cadillac for that matter, drop me a line and I'll fix you up.  This is a brief post from the life of a car salesman of an experience I recently had.  I tend to commit things to memory better when I physically log it in as a journal entry.  So here we go!

There has been that "stigma" of the car salesman that has existed for decades.  It's been there for almost as long as the automobile has existed.  He's that high pressure dude that suckers you into things.  In my short time in this career I've learned that the opposite is true.  In fact, the life of a car salesman can be extremely rewarding.  There are those opportunities to interact with all different types of folks which is what I love to do.  One lady comes to mind which is the purpose of this brief post.

We'll call them "Allison" and "Todd."  They came in a couple weeks ago wanting to upgrade to a newer Chevy Impala.  Allison was very hesitant in this decision.  She was so attached emotionally to her current vehicle I thought she'd have to be surgically removed from it.  I took them on a test drive in a couple of new 2016 Impalas, but she was very particular of the colors and lack of chrome.  I believe that was mostly a subconscious reason to hold on to her old vehicle.  Anyhow, Todd and Allison eventually settled on a vehicle.  Todd was fine and jovial, but I feared Allison was headed for a complete breakdown.  I really felt sorry for her.  Her 2008 Chevy Impala was literally a part of her being.  Boy I felt bad!

Eventually we got them all set up and they did go ahead with the purchase.  I had wondered how she was acclimating to the change ever since.  Recently I had to go to their home to get a paper signed.  I got there right as she was coming home from work.  When she got out of her new Chevy Impala she had a huge grin on her face.  That grin literally never left throughout our meeting.  She loved her new 2016 Chevy Impala!  It was at that point I remembered why I entered this difficult profession.  It was to make people happy in one of their most important financial decisions of their life.  Next to buying a home it is one of the most impactful decisions to make.

That ends this brief post but I felt it a worthy experience not only to share but also to remember on record.  Allison!....... keep smiling! :)

Passing of Shenandoah Leaders and the Torch of Service

Former City Attorney Bob Norris and City Councilman Don Gibson of Shenandoah have passed away, each from long-suffered illness.  Though a double whammy for the city of Shenandoah it is a time to reflect on what they've left behind.  It would be inappropriate for me to speak of surviving family members.  Yet, our hearts and prayers are with them all.  As a city official and one well acquainted with both, I offer my thoughts and reflections at this time.

I've only known these two men since my commencement on the Shenandoah City Council.  I cannot comment on growing up with these two, but I can comment on how they've helped me grow up.

Bob Norris was a fascinating man.  His knowledge of law baffled me many times in our meetings.  Not only was he greatly knowledgeable, but he executed the law with compassion, empathy and objectivity.  I have a deeper appreciation though.  Twice I have been blessed to be in his company on trips to Tisovec, Slovakia.  As part of our Sister City project we strived to know and understand our partners across the waters.  Bob had a genuine love for the people.  He bonded with them especially with he and his wife's host family.  I was impressed on more than one occasion to witness the tears in his eyes as he felt the sorrows of their history and the uncertainty of their future.

Remembering those who have passed on is a verb and not something passive.  The verb is in actively instilling those characteristics that impressed you into your very being.  To you that keeps them alive and active in your soul.  From Bob I will endeavor to remember his humility, honesty and integrity.  I will reach out even more to succor the downtrodden and the weak.  Truly, I will miss Bob Norris.

I served on the Shenandoah City Council with Councilman Don Gibson.  In addition to that I served on the Water Committee with him.  He had a unique view of the world and the bureaucracy behind it.  I was always impressed that all of his votes and opinions revolved around the good of the people.  Even in the face of opposition he held his ground on many occasions.  With all the contention revolving around our progressing new water plant project Don held his ground multiple times.  From Don Gibson I'll remember and pursue courage to stand for what I feel is right.

Experiencing death can be heart-wrenching.  It pulls at the emotional strings for the family and friends left behind.  Yet, in those troubled hours it is important to exercise faith in a bright hope.  It is important to believe with a degree of happiness that they are now in the joyous company of family and friends who preceded them in death.  Our loss in life can only be their gain on the others side.

Now, without the pain of sickness they live with clarity of thought and renewed love and hope for mankind left behind.

Brussels Terror Attack US Leadership and the Turning Tide of Public Opinion

On this day in history the rodents of ISIS claims responsibility for the terror attacks on Brussels in Belgium.  This event, as with all other deadly terror activities like Paris and New York City, should sicken the very soul of every God-fearing human being with even an ounce of compassion and empathy.  It is bad enough we must witness the cowardice of these vermin, but to continually witness the cowardice of political leaders and campaigners is equally unsettling.  As we in the United States watch this political season need we say our very humanity is at stake?  Should not our potential leader be one who has the courage to lead the absolute eradication of the disease ISIS?  Have we not, by our ignorance and arrogance, not finally come to the understanding that destruction is at our door and most likely has slithered under and around that door?  Are we still going to claim two blind eyes to the threat to the pursuit of happiness?

Our current leader in this post will take on the title from the popular Harry Potter series, "He Who Must Not Be Named."  Other posts of mine have named him but as time rolls on I've found him unworthy of mention by name.  I find him unworthy of the post he holds, and one supposing to be capable of fighting this cancer as well as showing support and empathy in times of sorrow.  While the world burns this day in Belgium, He Who Must Not Be Named plays ball with the Cuban regime dedicated to oppression and the downfall of the United States.  They drink and be merry at a ball game and wave their arms like circling wolves devoid of compassion and understanding.  Truly these past two terms of Office exemplify the mires of apathy we are led to accept as the norm of the West.

I speak for myself in saying my heart and prayers extend to the Brussels attack victims.  I've got a connection if you will as four of our Latter-day Saints (Mormon) missionaries have been seriously injured.  Missionaries - whose primary duty is to provide service to anyone in need.  Their innocence is not less or greater than the others who have been injured or murdered.  Violence of this type really rips at the heart.

Now a final thought that may not be popular.  Yes, I now support Donald Trump for President of the United States.  I take a longer view when determining my support during a Presidential campaign season.  Yes, I believe it is vital to have someone who supports and speaks the language of the Constitution of the United States.  From that standpoint I support Ted Cruz.  However, I also look at the needs of the people in the current time.  Is not our country in such a degraded state that demands action?  I should say so!  Sanders' social beliefs counter every principle this country was founded on.  Hillary is just a bad choice all around.  I shouldn't need to dig into her repertoire.  Cruz is good but I don't believe his time is yet to be President.  Rallying action is not his strong suit though his intentions are honorable.  What's needed is action.

Yes, Donald Trump is loose with the tongue.  Even to an offensive degree for me.  However, I believe his qualities are needed at this time in the history of the United States and the world.  Our economy is in shambles and the failed Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare is to say the least - unsustainable.  I know this first hand.  Most every businessman has had failed endeavors.  That charge of bankruptcies against him holds no weight.  What makes him good economically is that he's learned to press on and succeed.  Aside and also in connection with his business experience, as a leader he does know that he doesn't know everything.  What he does know is how to surround himself with those who do know.  To create a team of actionable professionals is what's needed in this current political and social climate.

Sure, I may be wrong, but it's a whole lot better than the thought of the progress of Socialism or ultra-liberal Hillaryism.

Again, may the victims of the Brussels attack and their families find comfort and solace in their time of need.  May we, in turn, be blessed to act on individual inspiration on how we might best help them and the threat at large.  These sick dogs (ISIS and other like groups) need to be slated off the world.  Ask yourself who in this political season has the platform to bring the United States back to a leadership role and truly lead the unmatched charge against them?

Is it not time to do our part and recognize the threats abroad - even at our borders?

Eaton Dissolves 250 Jobs in Southwest Iowa Shenandoah

Recent news of the relinquishing of 250 jobs at the Eaton plant in Shenandoah, Iowa, has been met with great heartache and strain.  My heart goes out to all those affected.  In Shenandoah, those affected are vast in numbers - vast!  For those out there who have jobs let this be a reflective time for you to humble yourself in gratitude for the employment you have.  Let it remind you how fragile one's livelihood can be.  For the community of Shenandoah this news will be a prelude of very difficult times.  Yet, God-willing with the resilience of the people in Shen we will survive and claim the victory in the end.

Jobs Tendered Shakes Shenandoah

Let us all feel the pain right now.  Allow us the moment of grief whether we are employed at Eaton or not.  Let us claim this right to let it prick at the heart strings.

But......

An Eaton employee came into the store very early this morning.  I work overnight so I see him from time to time according to his shift change.  He was talking to me about this news and the reaction of many people in the room when it was announced.  Visibly he was distraught but he chose to keep his sights up.  He refused to let this obstacle get him down.  In his rightful view the "Plan" for the employees doesn't end with Eaton.  It goes on.  There will be a correction in all the lives but the opportunities are or will be out there.  For many this will unfortunately include relocating away from Shenandoah.  Many others will stay.  My conversation with this old friend was reassuring that the prospects can be bright though right now it seems so dim.  I've known him for many years since the days we worked together at Pella Corporation also in Shenandoah.  I hope his positive outlook will resound and be magnified to his coworkers.

Major Manufacturer Cuts Jobs in Shenandoah

Again, from your Councilman At Large I'd like to express my deepest regret for the downturn of Eaton at the Shenandoah location.  I am keenly aware that it affects not only you but your families, friends and beyond.  How can it not??  Eaton has been in Shen for 40 years or so give or take.  For many it has been seen as the lifeblood of Shenandoah.  This will have a significant economic affect on Shenandoah but I will not even entertain those thoughts.  When I took the Oath of Office my focus and passion has been on the individuals and families of Shenandoah.  Their welfare is and should be of utmost importance.  To me it supersedes other priorities of cold policy making.

It is the people that makes Shenandoah!

Personally, I am planning to make it a point of Fasting and Prayer on behalf of these employees.  I invite you to make a conscious vocal or silent appeal on Sunday, February 7th, that hearts may be comforted and that the way may be opened for all of them to obtain gainful employment.  Do so in your own special way.  Reach out in support and service to your neighbor that the yoke of burden can be shared.

This is not the time for negativity and pointing fingers.  Address each other with cheer and goodwill.  We are where we are and together we must find the way forward.

Remember February 7 or a day more appropriate for you.

Part ll - The People

I'd like to share a few more thoughts.  It's been a couple of days since I posted the first part of the major announcement of the 250 jobs being cut at the Eaton Corporation.  I'd like to delve a little more into the people that make up the Shenandoah plant.

I, personally, have had the privilege of working with many of the Shenandoah Eaton employees during my own tenure there as well as elsewhere and in the community.  This group of people are grateful to have been hired at a fine facility that produces ultra high quality tractor trailer transmissions.  They have strived to excel and magnify LEED manufacturing, ISO 9001 as well as huge steps in accident prevention.  I haven't worked at Eaton since 2002 but the same mindset of pride in workmanship remains as it did then - as it has for the past 45 years.  Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters make up this micro-community that has in many cases become generational employment.

It is for this reason that Shenandoah will survive.  It is for this reason that this family will overcome this obstacle and leap into new ventures and prosper.  Working at Eaton not only provided monetary means of creating lifestyles but it also formed and framed character and excellent work ethic.  This is the foundation of their future success.  Their involvement in the community of Shenandoah has helped further establish this town on the maps of unparalleled productivity, faith, family and prosperity.  This is why Shenandoah will rise stronger than ever before.