Catholics and Mormons as the 300 Spartans Against Persians

It may not be appropriate talking about wartime stuff during the Christmas season.  Yes, I said “Christ”mas for all misguided who are easily offended.  Oh, as a sidenote did you know that the feeling of being offended was one of the precursors to the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah??  I’ll leave that for another time.  I’d like to express a few thoughts regarding a recent invitation from my very good friend Father Vern of St. Mary’s Catholic Church to their Christmas social.  

Odd names are popular for new babies these days.  If you’d like to name him or her Phalanx, well, that would indeed be out of the ordinary.  A phalanx is a wartime formation of men.  They produce a formidable force by obtaining common step with each other.  They have a common purpose and skilled tactics.  Moving forward, together in strength becomes their creed.  With different likes and dislike along with family environments they come together in strategic cadence for their survival and the protection of their nation.  This is the crux of my thought.

For several years our friendship has deepened.  Fond sentiments between the Catholics and Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have warmed not only here in the outbacks of Iowa, but also in Salt Lake City and around the world.  Catholics and Mormons have come together in common causes whether it be in defense of traditional marriage and family, or in response to crisis and in the succoring the poor and the needy.  Truly a miracle this is in our modern, tumultuous prideful times.

Invitation to Catholic Mardi Gras

As I’ve preached many times, this is key in healing this world and conquering the head of Satan, the father of contention, and even his modern minions referred to as ISIS or ISIL.  It is, to rent the walls of personal pride in earnest desire to become a new creature in Christ.  This essential physical and spiritual act of faith and hope is manifest in the often painful outreach across the aisles (and pews as it may be) in love and as one as a global children of our Father in Heaven.  It is good will!  It is not the hateful “Allah is greater!” but rather “let’s walk together and come unto Christ with full clear conscience as we ultimately prostrate ourselves on bended knee.  It is, to realize the full reality of the nature of faith, hope and charity and to qualify as co-heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:16-17).

Good Friday at St. Mary's

My wife and I have been invited to several Catholic functions over the years and I admit that through humility I’ve come to recognize them as another family.  Yes, one can have multiple families such as blood, church (even more than one as is proven in our case) and even community and nation.  I am very grateful, my wife included, to be greeted each time and welcomed by our Catholic neighbors.  They are family oriented as we Latter-day saints are.  Equally they cherish family and faithfulness.  I’ve noticed their social functions are well organized.  Truly, much can be learned from one another.  

Parish Hall Dedication

We are slowly becoming as a phalanx of Spartans against what seems to be incredible odds of the Persians.  The battle of today is as the Battle of Thermopylae with only 300 Spartans.  Yet, because we understand the doctrine of common faith and cause in numbers we know we’ll succeed in crushing the serpent’s head.  Jesus Christ taught this doctrine as he healed the man with palsy.  In one small verse it curiously states that he saw (perceived) “their” faith in the room and proceeded to address and heal the man (Mark 2:5).  Yes, He is the Master with power to heal.  Yet, curious it should mention “their” faith in the room…

Fasting Among Catholics and Mormons

May we continue to be one this Christmas and at all times of the year.  May we lift and uplift one another and come unto Christ.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Elks Curing Metaphysical Hunger Through Service

Recently, members of our community of Shenandoah, Iowa, had the opportunity to assist in the 23rd Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Shenandoah Elks Lodge.  It was quite a feast with many in attendance.  It was made possible through donations of time, talent and means.  For those who volunteered their effort it was a gesture of goodwill so others may have the full liberty to express gratitude in feast and fellowship.  For me it was an honor to serve the community in what capacities I took on.  Primarily my efforts remained at the beverage area.  This was a good place for me as it afforded a great experience and further insight into "thanks giving" and also filling that metaphysical hunger through service.  I'd like to thank a young lady of no more than probably seven years of age.  I'll just call her Heidi for purposes of anonymity.

Whether it be a corporation, government entity, religious organization or even a club, when you have people eager and willing to serve, the mission of that entity finds the power of accomplishment.  This Thanksgiving Dinner was no different.  "Heidi" had the benevolent task of assisting patrons to their table by carrying their beverage cup or even their plate of food if they needed the help.  Overwhelmingly, most declined the offer but thanked her nonetheless.  Yet, there were those who shared the blessing of service and allowed her to carry out that end of the mission.  It had a deep impact on me as I watched the process unfold.  Truly, a spirit of goodwill reigned within those walls as a very young lady would carry the cup of someone wanting to participate in gratitude at a Thanksgiving feast.

....But why was this simple act so significant?

It brought my mind to a prophecy in Amos 8:11:

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:"

Though this is not a particularly "religious" article per se, but I would say that the famine is in all good things including service as well as the Word.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta spent her life in the service of others.  She is credited with stating that with all the physical hunger and suffering that she has tried to alleviate in the world, spiritual hunger is the most devastating and widespread.  That lack of spiritual strength was a greater hunger in this modern day.

"....my cup runneth over." Psalms 23:5
Hopefully all of us have come across those moments when we are filled spiritually by some experience.  To truly say "... my cup runneth over" requires a humbling of spirit and renting of pride.  Only then can one see with new eyes.  I hope that spirit of service is what people saw in Heidi.  Though she carried the cup for them, with new eyes they'd see that their "cup runneth over."  Being of such young age I don't expect Heidi to know the depth of the service she rendered to the people.  Yet for me and hopefully everyone else it was an inspired lesson to be learned.

Again, I reiterate what I've said in my previous article.  There is no greater power or favor that we can muster than through the kind acts of selfless service.  We've come to a point where we are being stripped to the bone of our liberties, security and even trust.  Now more than ever we ought to engage in acts of selfless service.  Most of us cannot seem to find the power to "fill our cup."  However, the path is right before us.  Being mindful of our neighbor, his happiness, and then acting upon inspiration to minister to his welfare allows your own cup to be filled with purpose as you become a tool in filling his cup.

There is power in service!  Who knows?  Perhaps one of those patrons were subtly inspired by Heidi's act that they later reached out to a neighbor in need.  Perhaps in the 1 or 2 people who read this may feel the influence of Heidi's service and feel compelled to visit the sick and weary this afternoon.  It could be that someone is stressed over some very important issues which they can't seem to solve.  Yet, through seeing Heidi's acts of service, are softened to the point of seeing other perspectives and possibilities - solutions to their own obstacles.

Obviously it seems that I've magnified Heidi's service at the Shenandoah Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge.  Some would say to a ridiculous degree.  However...... prove me wrong.  Like so many other communities here in the United States and around the world Shenandoah has it's own set of difficulties and problems.  There are obstacles to overcome on the community level as well as individual with domestic issues.  I so testify that the key is in selfless service.  The key is in what separates us from the beasts of the field.  The key is in openly choosing to become that new creature.  It is in choosing to serve your neighbor that his cup and his joy runneth over.

Thank you "Heidi" for your service to the community of Shenandoah, Iowa.  Heidi was one of two or three others with this task.  Thanks to all of them and everyone else who volunteered their service.  It was truly an inspiration and a timeless lesson to be learned.

Paris Attack Mark of ISIS Cowardice Offers Strategic Hope

Unworthy of even the acronym of terror, the famed ISIS group has claimed the Paris attacks of Friday the 13th as their prize.  Additional statements and Twitter tweets suggest the best blood is soon to come - American blood.  The global threat from cloaked cowards have been upon us for some time now.  What is the solution?  Is there a solution?  What is the damaging affect on the rising generation?

I believe there is an answer.

You can never be fully or too prepared for grave hardships that can befall upon a nation.  The Paris attacks were the deadliest since World War ll.  Go back to the events of that war.  Think of the Holocaust and the twisted minds that sealed those acts in the chapters of human history.  We've come a long way and paid a heavy price for the freedoms we have today.  Still, we lag behind in solutions to problems and the applying the true applications of liberty into our daily lives.  Truly, a change from within is required to continually realize liberty unto happiness.

As you and I sit in front of the computer or television and lament the heinous acts that have taken place in Paris, what are we now prepared to do to maintain not only freedom but also hope.  As adults hope wanes with not much thought put into it.  However, think of our children......... Hope is what drives them into brighter futures.  Hope is what forms their character as they raise their own families.  If terrorist attacks diminish the hope and heart of those with age then imagine what this is doing to the young.  How does their impressionable hearts receive daily doses of death?

We are getting hurricane force winds right in our face and we aren't even holding our arms up in protection.  These blatant acts of horror, which can only be best described as deliberate infarctions against humanity by diseased wild mad animals, are the clearest examples of good vs evil.  When a man is beheaded practically in real time on your screen is that not evil??  When a man is burned alive or tortured in a manner for all the world to see is that not evil??  Agreeably heavy hearts tend to lack hope and the power to act decisively in response to evil forces.  However, I trust that every sentient conscientious human being has that degree of anxiety in the heart and wants to act in some manner.

Attacks from those who fear showing their faces should never happen, but we must learn from them and learn to act decisively both for the protection of the people and for the preservation of liberty unto happiness for the self.

I believe I have the answer though it will never be popular with media.  Obviously, building up the military machine is essential every bit as much as protecting the borders for any nation.  Having said that I'll leave that alone because any further ideas down this road are obvious and clear.  I want to get into the "less" obvious solution that I believe has infinitely more power to it and lasting affect.

What is it that took us to the Moon?  After Pearl Harbor what led us to victory in the Pacific?  What leads men to greatness as they grace our shores as immigrants with new hope and new ideas?  What is it that leads you to cup a child's cheek when he or she is suffering?  By what power does a community rally to support a child with cancer?  What resolve protects the sanctity of a funeral of a fallen soldier?

All these things and all things that have built true greatness of a nation involved something unseen - an idea of hope.  Technology obviously aided in taking us to the Moon, but it would've all been for naught had it not been for the faith in the hope that it could be achieved.  Pearl Harbor stripped us of security but it was the faith and hope in the nature of the Stars and Stripes that girded up our loins and led us to victory.  If we didn't have that unseen empathy we would never have it in us to console a sick child.  There is power in numbers as time and time again it is demonstrated in communities that rally in support of one of it's own.

The answer, aside from the national military, is in positive reinforcement from the individual level on up.  Selfless service allows one or many to draw upon powers that rest in hope.  Selfless service allows one to see new perspectives and inner strength to add to their environment.  I believe that it is through that change of heart, and by extension the change in a nation, that we'll realize a power strong enough to keep adverse forces at bay.  Sure, we'll still be hit from time to time, but as "new" creatures of hope we'll know how to deal with these situations.  We'll know how to properly support our troops and various tools we have that fight against those that delight in such dark days as the Paris attacks of Friday the 13th.

In the realm of selfless service I advocate the first full week in December as Selfless Service week.  Make it your own test.  Commit yourself to serving your neighbor and see how you feel at the end of that week.  If you have complaints or concerns about your City's projects then commit to selfless service and see if you have any new contributory ideas or perspectives to offer.  If you have a family member in serious need then commit to selfless service and see what powers have been invoked on their behalf.  By further connecting to your fellow man you'll find a common communion of energy with them.  You will care!  When you engage in the service of another your thoughts of your own problems tend to be put aside for a while.  When you get back to them you'll find that either they've been solved or you'll know how to find the solutions for them.

There's no need to carry the yoke terrorist attacks or other local or personal problems to the point of no hope or foresight of happiness.  We are all in this together, and in drawing upon our acts for the betterment of the temporal and spiritual welfare of one another, we'll find that unseen power that eventually placed that shoe print on the Moon after the landmark edict, "The Eagle has landed."

Join me the first week of December for Selfless Service week!  Do it in support and remembrance of Paris.  Do it in support and remembrance of Iraq and Afghanistan.  Do it in support of the Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 that was brought down by terrorists.  Do it in support and remembrance for thousands of lives lost and affected from the 9/11 attacks on the East Coast.  Do it in support and remembrance of lives lost and affected from the Holocaust.  Do it in support and remembrance of the daily struggles in Israel from terrorist activity.

Most of all do it for yourself that you may find the power to help others yet maintain a brightness of hope in yourself, your family, your community, your nation and even the entire human family.

Take the Selfless Service week as a challenge!  Dare to prove me wrong.  If you have positive experiences from it then I strongly encourage making that monthly opportunity to reinvest in your neighbor that your energies may be properly balanced and not always turned inward.  Let's support our fighting men and women in uniform that they may be guided knowing of our affection for them.  Let us do our part as civilians to uplift and strengthen our neighbors and communities that we may invoke a positive favor strong enough to protect us in times of deep trial.

CNBC Fail Amazing 2016 Presidential Election Moderator Questions

The CNBC Republican Presidential Debate held in Boulder earned a magnificent 12 bonehead points against the moderators.  This polling seems to be bipartisan across the United States.  The questions posed by the CNBC moderators were embarrassing to say the least.  Strictly coming from a red-blooded American that is.  In a country where we are supposed to expect more professionalism and objective cognitive processes from advanced college graduates, it is evident we have stooped far lower than Chicago even has hope for crime free streets with exorbitant gun regulations.  So....... America..... what say you in matters of our future?

Ever been peed on by your infant child when you changed his/her diaper.  That "glorious" feeling is how I'd feel if I were to post or even link to the Debate questions.  It is of no use and only makes you feel dirtier even after scrubbing your hands and arms.  I keep an open mind so I have no favorites as of November 2015.  I do, however, think that a serious u-turn on a Los Angeles freeway would be close in catastrophic terms to voting for Hillary Clinton or even Bernie Sanders.  I believe I've entered my mid-life crisis and I'm starting to come to grips that I really need to get my eyes checked, but I can clearly still discern those two candidates.  I understand the train wreck we're headed to in this country, but either of these two would be like putting Swiss cheese on the track.  Not only would it mock the trains but would probably exacerbate the situation.  As far as the CNBC Republican Presidential Debate is concern, several of the candidates were very clear and eloquent in rebuking the moderators for their incompetence.

So...................... what questions would you ask?

Here are the 6 questions I would ask candidates of both parties.  In addition, I would offer 5 minutes to answer each question with the option of reserving any unused time to rebuke any other candidate's remarks at the end of the debate.  Interfering, stopping or commenting during another candidate's time is grounds for immediate removal from the debate.  Boy, I'm such an $^&!@^$#

1. What is your plan for economical development in the United States?
2. What policies do you plan to implement to ensure the sovereignty of the United States including economic, national boundaries and also cyber-security sovereignty?
3. What is your foreign policy approach in an increasingly dangerous world?
4. Outside the realm of executive action how do you plan to promote to fruition bipartisan support for bills worthy of the United States Congress?
5. In your opinion, does the Office of President of the United States have an obligation as a moral leader as well as in matters economic and even as Commander in Chief?
6. How will you ensure the protected privileges and rights of religious organizations to fully exercise their beliefs without encroachment by Washington?

It is my responsibility to rebuke and summon to penance the media and others who blatantly mock their own profession by being extremely biased.  It doesn't matter if it is for ratings, political manipulation or just to make a name for themselves.  They all put to shame the intelligence of every American.

Shenandoah IA 2015 Council Election Green Bio

Aaron M. Green, 42, works at Hy-Vee Foods in Shenandoah.  He is married of 23 years and has 2 left of 3 children still at home.  He is an incumbant running again for the Shenandoah City Council in 2015.  

For three years I’ve been telling myself and others that I would not be running for a second term on the City Council.  I’ve never believed in career politics, but rather to do your part and then to humbly stand aside.  Earlier this year I’ve been doing some difficult soul searching in my decision-making process to run or not run.  The answer actually came from the New Testament.  Peter and John were arrested by the Sadducees, priests and the temple captain.  They were beaten and threatened before the council.  At the counsel of Gamaliel it was agreed to let them go.  

In Acts 5:41 it states that Peter and John left rejoicing that they were found worthy to suffer in Christ’s name.  Now, obviously I’m lower than dust and don’t even come close to the stature or faith of John or Peter but it did get me thinking.  Christ is the source of all truth, so I asked myself if my intent and true conviction to serve the people of Shenandoah was still as pure as it was the first time I ran for Councilman At Large.  If it was then I should rejoice in the face of the adverse reactions of the past three years.  Long story short, my intentions are still true to serve this people according to my conscience.  Therefore, there isn’t a legitimate reason not to run for office.  It is still my passion to encourage and ensure the Shenandoah residents to pursue the true nature of liberty.  I happily do this with my arm at the square at the swearing in.

The greatest achievement that I’ve brought to Shenandoah via the City Council is, without a doubt, the suggestion and inclusion into the regular Council meeting agenda the opportunity to express a positive comment.  There is so much good that takes place in Shenandoah!  When we utilize this opportunity properly it can harmonize the Council’s decisions for the betterment of the residents.  Positive comments can help set the tone of the meeting as we attempt to keep the negativity at bay.  

In conclusion I am very disappointed that I will not be challenged on the ballot.  That may seem like an odd comment coming from one who is running for an election.  However, I know there are better people out there who heard the inner call to serve but have chosen not to seek and elected office.  For these people I love them, and hope they will advance other avenues to serve the people, that it may prepare them to run for an elected office down the road.  

The platform of this second term is two-fold; 1, Shenandoah to continue and magnify being a city of conscience and, 2, To let the water flow.  

I plan to initiate opportunities for the people to exercise their time and talents for the betterment of their fellow residents.  I believe this is part of the obligation to the moral trust that we as elected officials have been given.  To provide such opportunities.  For the second part of the platform obviously we need to get this new water plant up and running.  It was supposed to be completed this past March and we are now looking conservatively at late 2016 for completion.  We have been plagued with setbacks and problems.  It does no good to look backwards and complain.  We are where we are and we must work through this in order to produce a water plant that we can be proud of.  Though there is probably very little legal recourse we can take at this juncture to rectify certain problems, I believe we as the City of Shenandoah still possess the greatest weapon in our arsenal.  

Stay tuned on what you can do to help.

Rod Serling Twilight Zone The Shelter is Great Food for Thought

I love old television episodes of various genres.  The original Twilight Zone is one of them.  Recently I saw one episode that actually has a lot of food for thought in it.  It is called 'The Shelter.'  It struck a cord with me because it illustrates a growing trend of ill preparation for, and at the sacrifice of, the future for the emotionally perceived needs and wants of the here and now.

'The Shelter' takes place at a suburban residence just outside of New York City.  It is a birthday party for a doctor who had a strange obsession with preparedness.  The party is complete with family and friends all with fond feelings and happy faces.  In particular, his preparation included building a bomb shelter in the basement of his home.  How stupid and dumb, right?  Low and behold, only as Rod Serling can do it, a mysterious raid is publicly announced and people are urged to seek shelter.  What happens next was truly food for thought for all modern day man.
Watch Twilight Zone 'The Shelter'
The doctor and his family immediately brought down necessities to the bomb shelter.  This consisted of water, radio, his doctor's bag and other items to sustain life.  As they were headed down the stairs a knock on the door sounded.  It was one of his close neighbor friends who sought shelter for his family in the doctor's bomb shelter.  An argument broke out because the doctor was adamant that the shelter is only designed for three people and that he cannot take any more.  This basic scenario continued.

All the close friends and their families soon came over and in a violent manner began to threaten to break the door down.  Among them though started tensions as they all pinned their family's lives as more important than the other's.  As they continued to pursue the protective cover of the doctor's they were told through the door that they were warned but wouldn't listen.  If only they prioritized and had fewer parties and frivolous pursuits.  No sooner did they break down the door another public announcement was given that it was a false raid.  It was only harmless satellites overhead.

The moral of the story is to contemplate how firm is our foundation of the lives we've built.  Are our friendships strong through thick and thin?  In our personal lives are we shoring up future happiness by preparing for hard times?  Hard times doesn't have to mean bombs or wars.  What about the loss of job?  What about injury or sudden illness?  What about fires?  What if your son with a family lost his job.  Will you let his children suffer?

True happiness will never lie in the here and now.  It dwells in preparing for the future in all aspects that life may be sustained in order to pursue continued happiness.

These people thought the doctor's pursuits were trivial.  Yet, at a critical moment what was considered a lifetime friendship turned out to be convenience only for the moment.  Once a friend - can instantly turn to foe for those who are weak and ill prioritized.

I highly recommend Rod Serling's Twilight Zone original episode of 'The Shelter' for an intriguing true look at the psyche of the willing, and unwilling, mind.

Boston Marathon Verified for Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon

It's official!  The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon in Southwest Iowa is Boston Marathon certified!  Competitive runners, new and seasoned, numbering 450, give or take, will be celebrating September 12th, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon's new status as being Boston Marathon verified.  Thanks to the decision of the USA Track and Field Road Running Technical Council, this 26 mile marathon gives a renewed prestige and vigor to Southwest Iowa, particularly for Imogene and Shenandoah.

This trail is truly unique, as is the opportunity to have such a profound organized event take place on it.  It is a privilege to host runners from around the world as they consider it an honor to trek it.  To many, and now officially, completion of this marathon will be another feather in their hat relative to even the famed Boston Marathon.
All Proceeds to Wabash Trace Marathon
Recognition like these afford communities the opportunity to reflect and reinvest in new traditions and focus of pride.  As the Wabash Trace Marathon winds down to the finish line in Shenandoah, Iowa, runners enter a promising city with people ready to welcome them.  I would challenge all Shenandoah residents to view this new "blue ribbon" for the Wabash Trace as being Boston Marathon certified and consider your future participation in the event.  This doesn't mean you have to be a runner, but there are a host of functions you can donate your time to in order to make the marathon as great a success as it can be.

I'm not a good salesman or advocate, but in this case I will express my encouragement to embrace the Wabash Nature Trail and the marathon that takes place on it.

It is hardly my nature to engage in fitness with a positive and motivated mood.  Yet, for the past few years I have been active in fitness whether it be lifting weights or cardio workout.  For quite some time now I've been running the Wabash Trace after my time at the Shenandoah Community Fitness Center.  I run the length from the old depot in Shenandoah to Highway 59 and back.  It's probably a little over 4 miles round trip.  Still, I admire the determination of even the newest to the fitness world.  Where I lack they tend to succeed, but at least it gives something to strive for.  Anyhow, I've found the Wabash Trace very therapeutic not only for the body but also for the mind as well.  That silent quality is what makes this area and marathon different in a special way.

Take it as a promise from me that if you endeavor to walk or run the Wabash Trace with a small degree of open mind, you'll find nature's remedies for whatever ails you.  The promise don't apply where the body is concerned except for good exercise, but the Trace is a great place to go and hash things out from within.  Heck, its a good reason to enter the marathon if for no other reason than peace of mind!

Here are a few things I've noted along this small stretch of the Wabash Trace during my morning runs in solitude:

• Right outside of Shenandoah you have this stretch where there's no trees on either side.  Though sometimes windy, it is a great nature scene to view soybean and corn crops just a few feet away.  
• Also at the end of this small stretch you get a gentle cool "tunnel" breeze as you enter the highly wooded part of the Trace.  This comes as the air is compressed through the "tunnel" made by the greenery on both sides.
• It's weird.  Right before you hit the first bridge (small tributary to the Nishnabotna River) there is a brief open spot that makes me feel like someone is right behind me.  I don't know how, but your shadow is magnified right there and it makes it seem like someone is following you.  Needless to say it is a good motivator to - go faster!
• The Nishnabotna River bridge is the capstone of the trek!  It is very scenic and refreshing.  It has been a great source for inspiration and a great "halfway point" on my journey.  As pictured above the bridge is nicely built.
• Beyond the river to the north there is another very brief spot where you can clearly hear highway traffic from a distance.  Perhaps it is how the trees there are situated.  I don't know, but that peculiar clarity isn't evident even as you draw closer to the highway.  

These were just some of my thoughts on the Wabash Trace.  If you are considering entering the marathon I would highly suggest it.  You won't regret it.  Furthermore, I would encourage people in the area to donate your time to its success or at least come out and wish the runners well.  Positive reinforcement is helpful in all fashions.