Journeying with Jesus

Journeying withJesusBY PASTOR RON GARNER

God, Guns and o, Lordy…

It is important for you to know this about me before we go any further. I am a veteran. I was deployed with the US Army First Division to the Balkans in 1995. I am not looking for a medal here, but just giving you background. I have owned and shot pistols, shotguns, and rifles since I was twelve. I was a member of the NRA. I come from a family that had a healthy respect for firearms and enjoyed shooting and hunting. I currently own a rifle and pistol. I don’t believe all guns should be banned. It is important that you know this, so you don’t write me off as a rabid anti-gun type. Okay, now that is out of the way, let me tell you, I do have an issue with guns. Here is my problem. Too many of us have convinced ourselves that our faith supports, even promotes, gun ownership and the rights to bear arms. Like the bumper sticker/ T-shirt I have seen countless times at Myrtle Beach or Gatlinburg, “God, Guns, and Glory!” Seriously? Do we really believe that Jesus, the One who taught us to “turn the other cheek” and to “forgive, so we will be forgiven” and told Peter to put down his sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, wants us armed to the teeth like a John Wick movie? Sure, if we want to defend our gun ownership, that is our right as an American citizen. But it really has nothing to do with being a citizen of the Kingdom of God. So, if you are a big gunrights advocate, please defend your position referring to the constitution, academic research or legal arguments, or logic. But whatever you do when it comes to this topic, please truly, for God’s sake, don’t drag our Christian faith into it. It is clear from the Scriptures Jesus never owned a sword, and I am convinced if he was physically with us today, he wouldn’t be fighting for the right to own an AR-15 or AK-47. So, what am I getting at with all this? First, trying to bolster our gun rights position by dragging God into it makes for bad theology and even worse testimony to non-Christians. Frankly, it is laughable in an unfunny kind of way. Second, gun violence is spiking. The highest it has been in decades. We hardly blink an eye now when we hear about mass shootings, because they occur almost daily. Whether you are a Jesus follower or not, this should keep us up at night. But if we have committed our lives to following Jesus, who lived a life of peace, perhaps we, first and foremost, should be at least open to sensible gun control measures. I confess, I enjoy shooting assault rifles at targets, but out of love for others, I am willing to give up that right if it might allow a husband to come home to his wife.

Yes, reloading is tedious, but I am willing to restrict extended magazines, if, by doing so, it will spare a mother so she can watch her children grow old. Sure, it might be more convenient to bring that hunting rifle home the same day we bought it, but I think it is worth the wait, if by doing so it means a father will live to give away his daughter at her wedding one day. As Jesus followers, loving our neighbor means perhaps at times we give up a right to prevent a terrible wrong.

And even if you disagree with everything else I wrote, can you at least stop wearing the T-shirts and peel off bumper stickers? If you are like me and own a gun, let’s be real.

It has nothing to do with God and certainly has nothing to do with His glory. I am just shooting straight with you.

The Truth

of Old Wives’ Tales

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

“No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past; the advice and menus of cooks present; the wisdom of cookbook writers.” ~ Laurie Colwin

We think someone with generations of experience must know more than we do; therefore, unconditional belief in advice can bring exponential good fortune. We witness family, friends, and strangers who secretly throw salt over their shoulder to ensure a cosmic balance in order to feel safer, happier, and, while wishing upon a star, healthier. Is it that simple? Psychologists note that our brain remembers and stores information. But after a time, the knowledge isn’t just stored; the old wives’ tales are believed (most of the time!).

JUST A FEW NOTABLE OLD WIVES’ TALES: Eating Chocolate Causes Acne: Wise parents suggested to their children that a high-sugar diet was connected to the arrival of pimples; yet, it takes a high quantity of foods on the glycemic index combined with increased levels of hormones and insulin to make this belief accurate. (Maybe the stash of chocolate was coveted by the parents who sought a reason for the kids to stay away!)

White Wine Can Remove a Red Wine Stain: Unfortunately, sugars within the wines will eventually create a significant problem. A clear liquid is correct, however. The best strategy is to blot the stain with a damp cloth before sprinkling it with baking soda. Using white distilled vinegar also helps.

Carrots improve Eyesight: Many a youngster ate carrots just in hopes he or she would develop x-ray vision like Superman! While the orange vegetable contains vitamins E and C and vital minerals, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zinc, it takes more than one serving to fulfill the desire for impeccable eye health.

Spilling Salt Brings Bad Luck: Be very careful with salt. Each fallen grain links to a tear you’ll shed in the future! So, quickly, toss it over your left shoulder to ward off the devil! He’s lurking there. With an unexpected toss, he’ll promptly flee. Carry an Acorn for Eternal Life: Almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and beneficial for overall health, while an acorn is the seed of a tree known for long life. Perhaps it’s a talisman of hope!

Eating an Apple Daily Keeps the Doctor Away: consumption of fruits and vegetables promotes daily health. Eating an apple certainly can’t hurt you. It helps digestion!

Spicy Food Causes Ulcers: Pointing the finger at a spicy meal is quite unfair! Eating chili peppers can boost metabolism levels, support immunity, thin the blood, prevent strokes, and reduce inflammation. So, what can a person blame for ulcers? Interestingly enough, frequent intake of over-the-counter medications, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Swallowed Gum Takes Seven Years to Digest: According to doctors, the body’s digestive acids cannot break down the gum base, although they will extract the sugars and preservatives. The gum can pass immediately. Swallowing an occasional piece of gum will not cause harm.

A Peeled Potato Absorbs Salt: Bad meals happen. Crafty solutions create interesting results. For example, an over-salted soup will absorb some water, if one adds a peeled potato. It may take five potatoes and an additional 30-minutes, and the promise isn’t necessarily a palatable soup.

Testing Eggs: In a bowl of water, allow an egg to settle at the bottom for a few seconds; then, observe what happens. Eggs that remain horizontal are fresh; however, if one end rises slightly, eat soon! Never consume an egg standing vertical or floating.

Sixty-four percent of people have tried a home remedy or an old-time belief for an ailment. It’s a means of support in times of discomfort to promote health and wellness. According to a poll, 49% of people believe in eating an apple a day, while 58% affirm carrots improve eyesight. Are they wrong? No. But many old wives’ tales have a “bite” of truth!

WBFJ