The Meaning of Unconditional Love

A few months ago I wrote an article about unconditional love. This lesson was learned from those who work with people on the outer edges of society every day. There was one counselor I met who impressed me beyond measure. He was truly the most “unjudgemental” person I ever met and no matter what kind of anxiety-prone issues came his way, he never-ever became flustered. During our discussion about “unconditional love” or “covenant love” there was learned an invaluable and priceless lesson by everyone and that is that God is merciful and kind and patient and everlasting. Although just and balanced and even, God’s love is unimaginable.

One example is how God can turn even the worst events around to become meaningful and even rewarding. When things are stolen from the faithful, God usually replaces the lost item for better than what was taken! God is especially gracious to those who are accused falsely or persecuted unjustly. The poor and disabled and minorities especially come to mind as those who may suffer unjustly.

You can find my article about “unconditional love” or God’s convenant love here: http://www.helium.com/items/1609872-unconditional-love

Why Do People Tell Lies?

While doing research on a personal project I came across some revelations which totally contradicted what people had been telling me earlier. This led me to do a little study on why do people lie? I came to understand that “feelings” play a big part in why someone would lie to another. You can find my top 10 list of why folks lie here WHY LIE?

Why Courage Is Just As Important As Wisdom

Wisdom is a treasured virtue. Years ago I read Steve Allen’s book “Dumbth” and was thoroughly entertained at the ridiculous examples he gave of reasoning by others. You may remember Steve Allen was the famous comedian and first guest host of the original “Tonight Show”. His witty sketches and brilliant talent were all the more appreciated when folks realized that he was a totally self-taught intellectual genius.

Not many people know that Steve Allen was also a prolific writer particularly of theological books later in life. He sent me two autographed copies of his works. What I have come to learn down through the years is that without courage, wisdom cannot be exercized. This is why I wrote a little piece on how courage is just as important as wisdom found hereCOURAGE & WISDOM

Senator John McCain’s book “Why Courage Matters” which is referenced in my article also illustrates the importance of courage as well as intelligence. When faced with the choice to either leave his POW camp due to the powerful position of his military father or stay with his comrades in Vietnam, McCain chose the brave choice over what might have been considered by others as the wise choice. In the long run, his decision showed great strength of character and unselfishness which were both brave and wise.

Elder Justice Act

The 111th Congress is back in session and working hard on health care issues. Among those should be serious consideration of the Elder Justice Act introduced by Orin Hatch (R-Utah) which would help prevent abuse and exploitation of our senior citizens. You can find more information about this proposed legislation by going here S795.

Reverse mortgages, morally hazardous insurance polices, changing of estate documents, deplorable nursing home care plus illegal phone solicitations of magazines and other products are just a few of the ways elders are being abused and exploited. AARP’s July/Aug Bulletin has a great article about this social justice issue too.

What Really Happens When We Die? Heaven, Hell or “Afterlife”

A highschool reunion (where close to a third of my class died during the Vietnam War) plus an interest in Michael Jackson’s funeral has fueled the fire for my latest article at Helium.com about what really happens after we die. Basically, it is a short piece about what we can logically deduce we will be taking with us into the afterlife and not necessarily the outcome. You can find it here: What Happens When We Die

Ever Wonder How God Judges?

Perhaps we are our own worst enemies, but all of us has an innate sense of balance, order, fairness and justice. Some may just be operating from selfish and single-minded motives. Only God could be our ultimate Judge because only God would know ultimate Truth by knowing, seeing and understanding everything. However, that does not preclude us from judging ourselves or by electing authorities both religious and secular public officials from acting as judges also. Find my article here: http://www.helium.com/items/1465203-god-as-judge

Progressive Churches

Churches are abandoning dated philosophies and moving into progressive ways of thinking to attract members. Here is my funny look at some of the forward-thinking ideas churches are using, the good and the bad.

Click Here for The Emerging Church

Travel Security Safeguards for Seniors

Seniors and disabled have special needs when traveling by air. Here is what you will need to know about airport security.

See more at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1678125/travel_security_safeguards_for_seniors.html

The Ethics of Behavioral Economics

Michael Grunwald’s Time Magazine article “Making Change,” describes Obama’s plan for change, but will it work?

See more at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1677016/the_ethics_of_behavioral_economics.html

The Media and Freedom of Speech

Should there be freedom of speech by the media? Yes, but not all speech is protected. Here is my latest on Freedom of Speech:

http://www.helium.com/items/1300782-should-the-media-have-freedom-of-speech

If high school students can be prosecuted for “bullying” in online blogs, TV commentators might want to also think about chilling it.