God's Best Wear White Sunglasses and Carry Bibles

I want to share this story of God's purpose and his presence that happened to me yesterday. It was an amazing manifestation of his Grace, Power and Love.

As many of you know and my thanks to all who have been praying dutifully for him, my father-in-law Hugh Brechtel (they weren't included in the divorce) got the terrible news late last week that he had a brain tumor. Tuesday morning he collapsed at home in Sequim and was rushed to the hospital in Port Angeles. They transferred him immediately to Swedish Hospital in Seattle for testing and possible surgery. He was scheduled for later in the week but yesterday early in the morning, they decided to do surgery at 10:00 AM.

I was on the ferry yesterday trying to get focused on work crossing from Kingston to Edmonds.  I was heading to the Food Galley to get some coffee hopeful it could clear the cobb webs lingering from my fitful nights sleep.  I was approaching a young man,  perhaps in his late twenties dressed in dark navy blue athletic sweats and wearing these awful all-white sunglasses... the first thought that came to my mind was "man I must be getting old, I would never wear those 'gay-boy' sunglasses". . . . then a voice and thought followed almost instantly "Judge not lest ye be judged" and I quickly admonished myself and asked forgiveness for my first impression as not being a very Christian thing to think about someone I know nothing about. In the first place I told myself, I should not judge anyone. In the second place, if he were Gay;  I should Love him as though he were my own brother, regardless of orientation.  As I got closer and passed him he took off his sunglasses and our eyes met for a second as he sat down preparing to read his Bible he had just laid down on the tabletop. A Bible? Oh, he's a believer. God just put a bold exclamation point for me on his scripture verse "Judge not lest ye be Judged"!

I continued on to the Galley for my coffee without giving it much more thought and sat down checking my watch and considering the fact that my father-in-law Hugh was in surgery at Swedish Hospital for a brain tumor at that moment. I was thinking about all the prayer I had given up and asked others for, and knew that God was in control, yet I was suddenly overcome with fear and dread for Hugh and family. The fact that I had devoted much prayer and also knowing that many were with me in prayer for Hugh and family was of no momentary comfort. Doubts and  fears of the unknown were chipping away at my faith.  Overcome by this angst I put my head into my hands for a minute and started to pray for reassurance, and fortification. I just felt so alone and empty and so too was my effort at prayer reflected similarly; it was empty and impotent. With my head still in my hands I asked for God to help me through my fears for Hugh and help me find some strength to help him, my ex-wife Marti, and Mom. Then, and I can't describe it fully... but a voice, and thought came to me. The verse just popped into my consciousness, like a light in the darkness guiding me through my doubt and despair as it came to me: For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20. I didn't even know at the time the chapter and verse. (I am terrible at remembering that stuff) Yet here was this verse, flashing before me like Christmas lights.  Just as suddenly my thoughts were broken by the crackle of the Ferry PA system announcing our imminent arrival to Edmonds and asking for our return to our vehicles.  This interrupted and ended my feeble effort for prayer.  Walking back to my vehicle I was again passing by that young man with the White Sunglasses and Bible. But then, I just stopped. Right then. Right there. I said to the young man that I had noticed his Bible and asked him if he was a believer? YES I AM! He said with unabashed gusto and pride. He told me his name was Aaron. I told him mine and that I too was a believer. Then I told him (as I struggled to check my emotions) about my father-in-law that was in Surgery for a brain tumor at this very moment. I told him this would seem an odd thing to ask of him,  but would he pray with me for Hugh as a brother in Christ? Of course! Aaron said, and he invited me to sit. We reached hands across the table. Aaron asked me to open and he would close. What a sight I imagine this was with busy people, and their busy lives,  rushing past us to get to their cars while two grown men,  oblivious to the world around them were connected and locked in fervent prayer. Two men who were complete strangers but a minute before. Two men that Love God. Two men brought together by an open Bible on a table. We prayed in earnest for God's comfort for Hugh, my ex-wife Marti, and my Mom-in-Law. I prayed for the tumor to be benign and to heal Hugh according to His will. We were too busy to worry about secular discomfort around us by our public display of our faith. I was a believer in need and he was a believer answering my call for help. I remember the eloquence and beauty of Aaron's Prayer especially one part with him  asking .....(as close to verbatim as I can recall)......

Lord: ' though the surgeons may not be followers of you, help them and guide their hands for your purpose using them as your instruments for Hugh's healing'. At the moment he said that, I had a peace and comfort of assurance that all would be well and that God would take care of Hugh and family. It is my hope that if anyone saw the event, rather than a negative reaction to it, I hope it brought positive witness to them in the spontaneous power of love, faith and the fellowship of Christ.

Aaron and I spoke briefly following our prayer and he told me a little bit about himself. He lives in Kingston. He is serving his country as a civilian contractor Physical Training instructor working for the U.S. Navy. He was traveling on the way to work in Everett when our paths crossed. He is engaged to be married and I congratulated him and extend the same to his lucky fiancé. He is a member of New Life Church, in Kitsap county and is a fine young man with an amazing heart, faith and wisdom beyond his years. Aaron gave me his phone number and asked me to let him know how things turned out with Hugh. Aaron was also the first person at the top of my text list when I left the Hospital several hours later after visiting a joking and joyful Hugh telling everyone the wonderful news of success with this glorious text!

Surgery was a big success, he should be fine, nearly certain tumor was benign, TY ALL FOR PRAYERS- God is Awesome!

Aarons text reply: Praise God! He IS awesome! So good to hear mike! Thanks for letting me know.

Our prayers lasted for only a minute, but I felt so much better sharing that prayer with another.  I felt the comfort of God and his Love manifest through a complete stranger named Aaron who God used to help lift me up, and help to heal Hugh. Aaron is not a stranger and he really never was; he is my brother in Christ. God directed me to him and placed him there in that time and place for his purpose. I know God worked through him in but a few minutes to teach me a lifetime lesson about earthly judgment, to bring faith to overcome my fears, and to bring healing and comfort to Hugh, Marti and those I Love. Meeting Aaron was a test for my commitment to God. I am so grateful for Aaron's blessing and to God for bringing me this new friend and giving me this Testament of God's Love and purpose through faith.

For me, this is the REASON for the Season. I just received the greatest Christmas gift I could hope and pray for; Hugh's successful surgery and the start of his complete and full healing. That is what Christmas is about. The Family. The Love. The gift. Mankind living and giving to others selflessly as Jesus would want us to do. Merry Christmas to Aaron and everyone. God Bless.

Update: 12/10/10 Hugh and Marti- Only a Day after successful major Brain Surgery. Looking good, and God is Great!

I would and could write more, but I have to go now. Besides, I can't see through these bleary eyes any longer as I write this. It must be my monitor is too bright and I need to go find and buy some really cool White Sunglasses. I think they probably have some at Big 5 Sporting Goods.  I am going to wear them proudly for God and to honor my new found friend,  Aaron.

Michael R. Bednarz

Rossi Loses Senate Battle but Crucial to Victory for Conservatism

See full text of Dino Rossi's Concession and Statement Below my Post.

 

God Bless you and your family Dino!  I am so disappointed that the citizens of this state did not appreciate and recognize what an incredibly valuable resource, asset, and human being you are or get to experience what an incredible Senator and advocate you would be for them. In this era of personal attack politics and deceit-in-advertising I guess it is just a fact of life and political reality now that this is JobOne to overcome as it gets in the way of the important issues. Your incredible work ethic and positive issue-based campaign effort was stunning. You went everywhere! From chucking axes at a logger-fest in Hoquiam (my personal favorite campaign video) to Colville you came, learned, and listened. From business executives in Bellevue to the poorest communities in the state, you went to find out what Washingtonians needed; ALL Washingtonians. In the few times over the years I have had the opportunity to talk with you I have been so impressed with your sincere interest and connection with “we the people.”  Your concern and empathy for our trials and tribulations as well as your hope and desire to help us achieve our desires and dreams is clearly foremost. Before you joined this race the outcome would have been quite obvious. Another Senate race, and yet another possible 10 or 20 pt. blowout. You made this a very competitive race about ideas and choices and an alternative path and future for America. You sir made it a real race. Yes we came up a tad short; but your message manifest by and carried for “We the People” did not.  Though you didn’t get a seat at the D.C. table;  your message and ours was victorious and their/hers was and are stopped.  In the greater war of ideas, issues, and governance your personal contribution and efforts in the battle on our behalf was crucial in the overall victory we gained in the greater War. Some may look at your loss as reflecting a rejection of the "National Mood" because our state didn't mirror the national results with a victory. I vehemently beg to differ! This state's population density in King County and and environs has been a guarantor of Liberalism and the guarantee for Statist success statewide. You have eroded and jeopardized that margin now in three statewide elections and served notice that overreaching, overspending,  and overriding all the good citizens of Washington is over. I am certain you laid a foundation for a GOP Governor in 2012, and YES, I will support you if you want that job. But, I digress..You served notice that there are voices outside of just King County and we will now with great thanks to you Mr. Rossi be heard. Today Patty Murray has gained a new found appreciation of what we want. Dino your concession statement and press release today epitomizes the class and goodwill that is reflected in the exceptional man that I have had the honor to have met, supported, and come to know.

For your efforts in this battle for the future of our State and Nation, you deserve a medal. I  on behalf of all the Liberty minded grateful citizens of Washington State and our Nation, do hereby award you a Political Medal of Honor (non-posthumous of course) for your sacrifice and essential contribution to the Victory achieved for your State and Nation on November 2nd, 2010.

Unfortunately, it appears that Washington is lagging behind the rest of America when it comes to their appetite for spending, pork, and entitlement mentality.We have a long way to go to get to the point where they understand that the more Government does for you; the more it can do to you.  A  friend of mine reflected this the day before the election. I asked him if he had gotten his ballot in for Dino. He told me “You know I am a Republican and I like Dino, but Patty has just brought us so much federal money to our state that I had to vote for her....”  I was stunned. I told him they said the same thing about Robert Byrd, and because of Legislators like Murray and Byrd, we have bridges in Alaska to nowhere, and freeways in the mountains of West Virginia that end at their state line with no road connecting them in the next state! I further explained that Dino wasn’t opposed to legitimate and responsible Government spending, just unregulated government payouts/payoffs via earmarks or politically driven, economically unsound Stimulus and Bloated budget-busting growth,  Programs or Spending worth doing should stand on it’s own merits and be passed after debate by up and down votes not as a political patronage to some supporter or Lobbyist, or for a quid pro quo settling a political debt to another Senator. Obviously, there is more work to do with Washington voters.

New DinoCrat- Work in progress!

I do have some hope for the future and  for our States electorate.  Dino you met just one of many brand-new DinoCrats at the Chimacum rally a week before the election. I introduced you to my good friend and neighbor Wim Sweerman of Quilcene. Wim was a life-long Democrat who has become fed up with his abandonment of his party by their Left turn.  Mr. Sweerman survived WWII as a child in his native Nazi-occupied Holland and he knows tyranny up close and personal. He immigrated with his beloved wife Tina to the United States and became a citizen over fifty years ago. They worked hard, raised a family and he has always been a loyal Democrat, until you Dino. You sir with your candidacy earned his vote and hopefully initiated his turn for Conservatism. He still considers himself a Democrat; as evidenced by his playful defiance in holding your Dino sign upside down at your rally, but hopefully by 2012 he will be holding all the GOP signs right side up and voting fully right as well!  You sir, earned his trust and vote when nobody else could from our party for more than 50 years. That is progress, and that is a Victory!

My other hope and solace for our states electors is that in this statewide race, you came so close, a color-keyed look at the map says it all. John Koster may still win and we picked up the two aforementioned seats in the U.S. House. I am also very pleased that a strong message was sent to the members of our State Government by voters taking back control of tax and spending issues with the 2/3 vote initiative and rejecting a State income tax crafted in a clear and brazen attempt and appeal to class warfare by big government soft-tyranny Statists. Also we cut into the margin of the Super-Majority in our State Legislature with some pick-ups.

Overall, I am buoyed and hopeful for the future. I know that there is much work to do in this state and in our great nation to bring back the prosperity, Liberty, fiscal responsibility and solutions facing this, the greatest Nation in the history of the World.

You are a good man Dino Rossi.  Thanks to you and your family for the great sacrifice you and they made in your effort. I will never forget the loving exchange of your winks as you spoke in Chimacum returning the beaming gaze of your beautiful daughter Jennifer as she joined you on the trail, sacrificing her own Birthday time to be with you as you battled for her and all of our children and grandchildren futures. You are a winner Dino.

Michael R. Bednarz

Rossi Statement On Washington State Senate Race

Bellevue, WA - U.S. Senate candidate Dino Rossi made the following statement regarding the Washington Senate race:

“This evening, I called Senator Murray to offer my congratulations on her re-election to the U.S. Senate.

“I ran for the Senate because I believe we need a basic course correction from where Washington, D.C. has been taking us and to make sure this country is as free, as strong and as prosperous in the future as it has been in the past to preserve the best of America for future generations.

“That was a message that found a very receptive audience all across this state, though not quite receptive enough.

“We’re sending at least one new person, maybe two, to Congress to represent Washington State.  We elected a host of new people to the state legislature -- all on the message of controlling spending and helping the private sector grow, saying no to government overreach and confronting some very difficult challenges in front of us.
You’ve heard me say during this campaign that the problems we face are too big for one political party.  They are, and I can say that with absolute certainty.

“It is my hope that the new House and Senate will address them seriously, responsibly, and in a bipartisan way.  I hope the President and Senate Democrats will join the new House majority to face these problems head on rather than leaving them for the next Congress or the next generation.

“My hope going forward is that our representatives in Washington, D.C. will be thinking about how an issue affects Bellevue, Bellingham or Bingen, not the D.C. Beltway.

“I hope they will be thinking about the small business owners struggling to stay open and the people that work there who are trying to pay their mortgage and feed their kids.  I hope the things that are done in D.C. make it easier for these folks, not harder.

The lesson I leave you with is one we learned as kids: we’re all in this together.  If Washington, D.C. doesn’t act to help the economy grow and solve this massive spending and debt, it’s going to hurt us all.  It won’t distinguish by political party.

Let me close with one more heartfelt thank you to the people of our state.  Thank you for letting me have an honest, straightforward discussion with you about our future.
 

“God bless you, our country, and this wonderful state we call home.”

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Democrat's Strategy for Victory to Ensure Conservative's Success

Obama at Laborfest speech in Milwaukee, WI- Photo by AP

I was watching Fox News this morning and almost every indicator for the Democrat Strategy for November is coming into sharp focus. A couple of weeks ago Harry Reid and Speaker Pelosi were in D.C. at a press conference echoing the same old message from years past. Ready? OK, here it is.... "BUSH BAD, WE GOOD. with a new twist... NO GO BACK TO BUSH. " (hey they have to keep it message simple for the willing dupes that voted Obama and Dem's in over years past right?) This was the same message robotically repeated by the AFL CIO Chief in Ohio when asked for comment about what is on Big Labor's radar for this Labor Day. So convinced are they in their dismally failed policies that they call for EVEN more of the same. More Stimulus spending, No tax relief for the Job creating segments of the economy, or for any other sound and economically PROVEN policy to reverse the ineffective and suicidal policies they have permanently grafted to themselves.

Unfortunately for Democrats and Liberals there are some new factors to consider in implementing their proven strategy one more time for another victory. All the folks during 2008 that were busy working and who were bombarded with a constant left-wing and Lamestream  media Anti-Bush message are awakened and enlightened. No longer will they consider the Democrat message about how awful the economy was under Bush and those evil Republican's when unemployment was at essentially a fully employed 4% range, or during times of 6-8% annual economic growth rate.  You see to most American's, even those that voted for Democrats in 2006 and 2008;  that looks pretty good to them about now. Voter's are sizing up the Liberal lies and past rhetoric for being indicative of their current level of veracity. This new Democratic "message" is falling on voters deaf ears. American's are now even still being sold and told about new terms from the Democrats in another effort to perplex and obfuscate the electorate as they are told about "jobless recovery" and other nonsensical words and terms that only Democratic failure can dream up.

So desperate are these Democrats for some voter recognition of  Democratic success or achievement and so unable to point to any of their own that Obama even brazenly co-opted and confiscated George Bush's credit and victory for ending the Iraq War last week before a national audience. Amazing! Obama, the very man that opposed the war and the successful Bush surge policy that Dubya had the political courage, skill, and conviction to employ;  withdraws troops on Bush's scheduled plan he and his team determined in 2007 and 08; more that a year before Obama ever took office. I guess for Democrat's this is considered courageous? Sorry, audacity is not courage. The American people know better, as evidenced by their reaction to his shameful and disgusting Oval Office speech where he attempted to usurp Bush's credit for winning a War that Obama and his Coalition of the Clueless worked frantically for this nation to lose; for their own political gain.

Here's the problem for Obama and his Coalition of the Clueless;  Americans now know what a bad economy looks like. They know the pain of what it FEELS like. They are taking the time and interest to learn the issues without relying on the Lamestream Media mouthpieces. They are even READING the bills passed by this "Coalition of the Clueless" that they admittedly haven't even read themselves. They see and feel the results of Obama and Democratic Leadership and policies with their very eyes; and they don't like it. They are angry. They are restless. They are sick and tired of being powerless. They are tired of being ignored and of having their Representatives voting with arrogance against their clear wishes and interests.  They are ready for their voices to heard and felt on Nov. 2nd, and they are ready for Real Change. The Democrat strategy to "Victory" in November has been chosen by the Coalition of the Clueless. Democratic leadership and their allies are out to sell their old tried and true message to lead them yet again to victory, but Americans aren't buying the message anymore and it's a recipe for victory all right; victory for Conservatism and for American's.


 Michael R. Bednarz




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