questions and answers

I go to the local gym in the morning to exercise. I've found it's probably the only consistent thing I do well to keep my body in shape as I love to eat and dieting is not as exciting or fun as being around all that equipment. Plus usually an hour and I'm done. I do like using the treadmills, and two televisions are on in front of the machines to pass the time. I don't watch tv news, except at the gym. I usually depend on the computer for my news and related information.

I know we're coming into the most heated season of politics in American, a presidential race. Even the most apathetic person cannot help seeing or hearing something of the election. It's everywhere. And we complain. But it's good-a reminder that this IS America. It is also a time when I find myself questioning where I belong in the process. I'm first of all a citizen of heaven, secondly, an American. I love my country. I long to know according to my belief system, what is service to country? I find my heart saddened when I feel lumped into a category because of my faith. Most Christians I know vote with their conscience, not with any denomination or political stripe, and for some, this is the right choice. Many struggle deeply with questions and issues. And I know many on both sides of the party fence who are strongly committed to loving God and loving their fellow citizens.

Ever since Jesus was asked whether his disciples should pay taxes to Caesar, the question remains...His answer was, Render unto Caear that which is his, and render to God that which is His. This question was posed in the movie Sargent York-a favorite of mine. In that case a soldier who knew the commandments was pondering whether to enter WWI. A fellow soldier tried to argue scripture to the positive, and the discussion just kept going in circles. A wise officer just had the soldier read the history of the formation of our country, and the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy. He decided to fight. Whatever the fight is for each of us as individuals, the thing is-get into the process. This is a country of the people after all.