I’m on a vacation day…and listening to one of my favorite radio guys…Hugh Hewitt. Today, Hugh lead off his show with announcement that the Reagan Library had released boxes of documents with John Roberts work at the White House Councils office. Hugh offered to let bloggers “adopt a box”…for the purpose of reviewing the contents and reporting back on what it contained. Took a break from cleaning…and here’s what I found in my adopted box.

Contents of this box is are two memo’s with John Robert’s review and approval of a Press Statement and Presidential Remarks about results from a Joint Study on Acid Rain commissioned by Canada and the US. Also included are the tracking and routing sheets that accompanied the drafts of the press statement and Presidential remarks.

1) Memo dated 3/17/86

To: David Chew – Staff Secretary and Deputy Assistant to the President
From: John Roberts
What: A review, response and approval of a Press Statement about a joint study with Canada and the US on Acid Rain.

Tracking sheet showing the routing of the statement
Sheet showing persons the statement was sent to for action (reading and providing any comments by 4:00 PM that same day) and FYI copies as well.

Draft of a White House Press Statement: Brief overview…the President and Prime Minister Mulroney had commissioned Drew Lewis and William Davis in Quebec City to conduct a thorough study on acid rain and to report their findings by 1/8/86.

After reviewing their report the President fully endorsed the Joint Report of the Special Envoys. The report states that acid rain is a serious environmental problem in both the US and Canada.

US had pioneered air pollution controls and since 1970 had spent approx. $75 billion dollars since the passage of the Clean Air Act to limit emissions of pollutants (precursors of acid rain). By 1990, estimate that $100 billion will have been spent. As a result the emissions have declined significantly.

Joint report notes that more needs to be done. Administration has already provided substantial supports. From 1981 to 1985, $2.2 billion has been allocated for research for clean coal utilization.

Administration will continue to pursue a program to develop innovative control technologies. 1986, $700 million dollars have been earmarked for clean coal research between 1986 and 1991. Additionally $800 million in join industry and government program to develop clean ways to burn coal. Will seek to provide future funding.

Departments and agencies to take following steps to implement recommendations:
Identify and assess cost effective, innovative approaches to reduce emissions leading to acid rain.

• Strengthen bilateral consultation and information exchanges with Canada.
• Conduct interagency review of relevant research. (Reviews actions already taken.)
• Concludes…that acid rain will be a continuing item on future summit meetings.

2) Memo dated 3/18/86

To: Ben Elliott – Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriter
From: John Roberts
What: A review, response and approval of Presidential remarks about a joint study with Canada and the US on Acid Rain.

Tracking sheet showing the routing of the statement
Sheet showing persons the statement was sent to for action (reading and providing any comments ASAP that same day) and FYI copies as well. Directed to give comments directly to Ben Elliott and copy correspondent Chew.

Brief Presidential statement on 3/18/86, at 3:00 PM (NBC/Elliott)

Similar to the above press release…only briefer…and not as detailed. The President speaking with Bill Davis and Drew Lewis present. The President gives a brief overview on the joint commissioned study. Acknowledges Davis and Lewis’ presence and commends them for their work and expresses appreciation for their balanced report.

Endorses the report and tells a press release will be forth coming shortly.

Acknowledges that acid rain will continue to be on the agenda. That scientific and economic problems remain to be resolved. Continued cooperation and good will between Canada and the US on this common problem will benefit future generations in both countries.

We all sing about grace, talk about it, and have heard sermons on it and even done Bible studies on grace. Many of us have heard the definition of grace as God extending unmerited favor towards us. While accurate and giving a multifaceted look at grace…I have found these to be wholly inadequate to understanding grace and experiencing it.

The place where I’ve found grace…is in the things that I probably wouldn’t have signed up for. Things like my mom having Alzheimer’s…and dealing with all the “stuff” that surrounds it. Or still being single at the age of 46…enduring the loss of loved ones…or going through times when friends and family are scarce. But it’s been precisely those times when God has revealed to me and supplied me with a living grace.

Sometimes that grace is in the form of a growing wisdom and understanding that comes from experiences, making mistakes and learning. Sometimes is comes in seeing God’s grace lived out in the lives of people before you…such as my beloved Pastor Chuck and his wife Linda. Sometimes it comes from seeing fear of death evaporate in a man drawing close to his Lord and Savior, as with my friend Hugo when he faced a seemly early death… (early from human perspective). Sometimes it comes when reflecting upon the death of a friend like Neil…and seeing the blessings of that person with new eyes. And vowing not to take for granted those currently in your life…and not wanting to miss anymore opportunities.

Sometime God presents those grace opportunities to you when he allows you to offer a kind word or dead to a hurting person. And God in turn pours out His grace to you…through the people and experiences he brings into your life. It may be a timely word of encouragement when you are discouraged and just plain having a bad day. Sometimes it’s a song on the radio that lifts your spirits…and stays with you throughout the day. It may be a Bible verse that you read…that you see with new eyes and an open heart.

Anyway…while I wouldn’t have signed up for these experiences they have taught me, shown me and proven to me God’s living grace…I am ever so grateful to have it. And frankly…I wouldn’t trade who and what I am now…and what I’ve learned…to be a little less bruised by life. Now don’t get me wrong…there is not a day that goes by in which I don’t pray for God to move his hand and remove or change these situations which have burdened my heart and soul.

But…in the midst I have found a living grace. A grace from God…that is more than adequate for all that I encounter.

Before I conclude…I must challenge myself and any readers…to make sure that we don’t miss those opportunities that God will lay before us…to extend God’s living grace to others we encounter. A living grace that helps us to bear the stormy seas that want to swamp and ultimately sink our tiny boat called life.

Thank you Maverick in Malaysia and Bonnie in Florida for visiting Susan’s Blog. Thanks for taking the time to read some postings…and especially for taking the time to comment. I greatly appreciate the feedback and getting to know people that are stopping by.

May God bless you this week…and you continue to be a blessing to others as well.

Be well…Susan

My favorite radio program…is Dennis Prager’s show. It is exceptional. Frequently Dennis will refer to his show as “Prager University”…and in some respects it truly is. Actually the wisdom and truth that comes on this show exceeds that which is found in most universities today.

My favorite hour of each week is the Happiness Hour. Topics vary from week to week…but they always center around some theme or topic having to do with happiness. Attitude…can things or experiences help contribute to your happiness…how others can impact your happiness…choosing to be happy, etc.

Last Friday’s show was particularly good. The topic was Who Is the Happiest Person You Know and Why? I didn’t have to think too long and hard to figure out that answer…and found myself chomping at the bit to send Dennis an e-mail in response to his questions. Below is the e-mail I sent Dennis in response.

Dear Dennis,

My favorite hour of the week is always…The Happiness Hour. This last weeks show in particular really touched me. Who is the happiest person you know and why?

Two people immediately came to mind…both of whom I know through work.

The first one is Dan Quinn. Dan knows that happiness is a choice…not that he’s lived a cushy life with no problems. But instead he chooses to be happy and everyday make a difference for good in the lives of people he encounters. He knows how much as an individual we can impact people…and he makes every effort to treat people like he’d want to be treated…and even better. He always has a good word or is doing a special deed to help someone. He has a great appreciation and is most grateful for the good people and things in his life that he has been blessed with.

Deanna Peterson is the second person who comes to mind. Deanna is so very special…and has a true joy for life. It’s somewhat part of her natural disposition. She’s always bright and cheery…and brightens peoples days. It’s hard to have a bad day around Deanna. She is always seeking to do special things to brighten someone’s day…and make them happy. She does so without expecting something back. When something bad happens…she chooses not to dwell on it…but lets it go and moves on to the next surprise that life has to offer. She rejoices in the beauty of every day and the blessings that it brings…if only you look at it with the right eyes.

I consider it a privilege to know both Dan and Deanna…they are exceptional people. Thank you Dennis for this show…it helped me to see happiness in a more personal way…in the people I know.

If you are not acquainted with Dennis…I encourage you to visit his website, listen to his radio show and read his articles. You will be challenged and grow in your thinking, reason and clarity.

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 8/7/05

The Servant as a Giver
Mark 10:45

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1. Genuine servants should give anonymously. (Matt 6:1-4)
2. Genuine servants should giver generously. (2 Tim 1:15-18, and 2 Cor 8:1-4)
3. Genuine servants should give voluntarily. (2 Cor 8:3-4, 9:7 and 1 Peter 5:2-7)
4. Genuine servants should give personally. (2 Tim 1:16-18 and 2 Cor 8:1-5)

We are always looking for an out…a way not to give…because we are selfish.

In Philippians 2:1-4, we learn that we are to put others first, ahead of ourselves. Do nothing out of selfish ambition…or empty conceit. Don’t let these control what you do. It can be counteracted by what we learn from the word of God. If we know we are prone to these things – selfishness, conceit and pride we need to come up with counter measures. We also need to understand our tendency…and then take action.

Chuck then used a number of sports analogies…most of which were baseball or football related…and went right over this girls head. However one point he made I did understand…we can’t get behind in the count. Instead we need to replace these tendencies with humility of mind. This is how we counteract selfishness and end conceit.

How? By regarding others as more important than yourself. If we do this, we will not fall prey to our selfish and prideful tendencies.

Do you look for ways to support, encourage and build others up? Humility is in the mind…an attitude…a preset attitude. Today I am going to care more about those around me. Put others first. With the Holy Spirit…living through us we learn to live out what is unnatural. Today…put others first.

Romans 12:10-13, 1 Cor 2:3-5, 2 Cor 3:5…don’t worry about judging the motives of others based on what they say. Why? Because when we do we are way off base. We are projecting. Changes our heart, causes us to be bitter. Instead we need to let God judge and deal with it.

Gal 5:13 – Serve one another in love. 1 these 2:7-8 & 5:11, encourage one another. Do people like being around you? Do people feel like something is missing when you are not around? Do you always have something good to say? Yet not compromising the truth…but instead speaking the truth in love. Are you missed? Do you contribute something positive and towards others? To their growth and walk with the Lord?

Where do you turn when you need God’s truth and help? Will people look to you as someone with that wisdom?

Do you encourage and build up others? Yet…you want to also be balanced. Must not come from a place in which you feel inferior. Not be intimidated by any man. Even now we can come boldly because we know God…Christ and Him crucified. Not inferior. It’s all about Jesus…and to Him alone will I bow.

Who is your hero? Is it Jesus? As a Christian…how could it not be Jesus?

How should a servant give? With anonymity…Matt 6:1-4. Let no one know what you are doing. No bragging, fanfare or recognition. We serve a mighty God. Give and He will reward at the proper time.

A former President commented about choosing cabinet appointees. I chose people who had a passion for anonymity. They want to come in and get the work done. Don’t care about recognition.

When we give and want to be recognized by men, we have already received our reward. Does it even compare to God’s reward? What he sees in secrete he will reward openly. A reflection of the hearts of men if they only get recognition. Ask yourself why do you give?

2 Cor 8:9…talks about giving. Every financial decision is a spiritual decision. 2 Cor 8:1-5…practice the art of unselfish giving. Seek to remain anonymous.

2 Tim 1:15-18. Onesiphorus was continually looking out for Paul in the prison systems…so he could give and minister to his needs. Searched hard…and was likely abused in the process. God will not forget him.

Give to others in the midst of our own needs. That is awesome and godly…what a servant is all about. God will keep working on us to conform us not the image of Christ.

2 Cor 8:3-4…gave freely of their own accord…looking out for the needs of one another. Don’t hall your baggage to this church. Let it go…let’s start fresh. Let’s trust that God will do a mighty work. Work if we are obedient, servant and willing giver. 2 Cor 9:7…thoughtful and cheerful giver.

How many people speak out when they are hurting? They don’t speak out…until we reach out to them and say I care about you. We are to bear one another’s burdens. Ministry is personal.

2 Cor 8:1-5…give yourself first to the Lord. First we need a heart transplant…be transformed.

We are never more like God than when we give.

Be sure to check out the online sermons…at Kindred Community Church. Available for download.

Psalm 68:35 – You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

We give praise to our great God and Savior for His sustaining power and strength that he has bestowed upon Chuck and Linda. This past week Chuck underwent 5 days of heavy duty chemo. Through it all, it was his desire to be obedient to God and preach His Word to a hungry congregation and a needy, dying world.

We thank God for enabling Chuck to continue to preach despite the heavy assault to his body from cancer and the equally taxing treatments. We are thankful to be witnesses to the continuous miracles God is doing in and through Chuck.

We are also thankful, give praise and are humbled by our Pastor, Chuck Obremski’s continued willingness and obedience to heed the call from his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 145:5-7

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Oh my…I found this incredible, awe inspiring picture on David Fisher’s blog at Pilgrim Scribblings. David says this photo is of the Carrizo plain in the Trembler Range, 50 miles west of Bakersfield, CA.

My eyes are transfixed on this magnificent beauty of God’s handiwork. At once it takes my breath away…and fills me with songs of praise for my Creator and Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is not my intent with this posting to be ugly or vulgar. But just as God has given me words of inspiration lately summarizing my beloved Pastor’s living example and God’s wonderful plan…so too I feel as if I am bubbling forth with words to describe an experience with an individual I’ve met. This time with an unfavorable impression.

Well arighty…I know this one is rather dark. Don’t mean to bring you down. One thing that I thank God for is gift discernment. I am very grateful for it…and I’m sure God has used it to spare me some pain over the years

As revolting as I found this individual to be…I know as a Christian that God can even reach out and touch this person and change him. That while I was repulsed…God still loves him. So I guess I’ll conclude this posting with a prayer God will reach out, touch this man’s heart…and bring him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That I’ll be able to stand back and see God do a great and mighty work in the life of a sinful man.

Yesterday’s service was so wonderful…a true gift from God. I think all who attended were filled to overflowing with joy and peace from our Savior. What a delight. Yet…we remain ever cognizant that each moment is a gift…we are not promised even the next minute.

Trust in God, our faith and praise must not be based in our outward circumstances. Our eyes must be focused on God and Him alone. God alone is our Foundation, our Rock…He alone will never change. Circumstances will change, our health will decline and people will fail us. If our focus is not on Jesus Christ…we will be like that wave tossed to and fro on the windy sea of life.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might!

Our hearts filled with joy,
Singing praise and thanksgiving
Loudly proclaiming the glories of our God

Each moment a treasure
A precious gift from above
Given to His own, from the Savior with love

One heart,
One mind,
One body in Christ

One Father,
One Savior,
One Spirit indwelling

Laughter and joy and peace fill this place
As He endlessly pours out
His marvelous grace

Susan Bunts – 8/8/05

Yesterday’s service was so wonderful…a true gift from God. I think all who attended were filled to overflowing with joy and peace from our Savior. What a delight. Yet…we remain ever cognizant that each moment is a gift…we are not promised even the next minute.

Trust in God, our faith and praise must not be based in our outward circumstances. Our eyes must be focused on God and Him alone. God alone is our Foundation, our Rock…He alone will never change. Circumstances will change, our health will decline and people will fail us. If our focus is not on Jesus Christ…we will be like that wave tossed to and fro on the windy sea of life.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might!

Jeremiah 10:6
No one is like you, O LORD;
you are great,
and your name is mighty in power

We give praise and thanksgiving to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. For His mercy and grace and for his sustaining strength and power poured out in abundance up our beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremksi.

God continues to open doors to Chuck and Linda…allowing them to proclaim the gospel message all who will listen. Chuck and Linda are walking obediently and selflessly…and choosing to serve God and praise him…even in the midst of their personal challenges.

God has answered our prayers in amazing ways…for which we are grateful. And we continue to keep our eyes fully trained Jesus…the author and perfecter of our faith. Our eyes on our Savior…not our circumstances.

Jesus…we give all praise, glory and honor to you!

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon on 7/31/05. My apologies for the tardiness in transcribing my notes. I personally found this sermon to be very convicting. I had the opportunity to re-listen to it this afternoon after today’s service. Just a reminder…for those who want to listen online or download the sermon…please go to Kindred Community Church’s website…and avail yourself of the abundance of materials.

To Serve with Love – Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1. To serve with love requires transparent humanity. (1 Cor 2:1-3)

• Weakness, Fear, Trembling

2. To serve with love requires genuine humility. (1 Cor 2:4-6)

• But, Demonstration, God’s Power

3. To serve with love requires absolute honesty. (2 Cor 4:1-2)

• Renounce, Truth

This teaching is in direct conflict with our natural desires. For even the Son of Man, Jesus, Son of God, our Savior…did not come to be served, but to given his life a ransom for many.

Servants and givers…this is Chuck’s desire for us as a church. Why is this rare? Because we are selfish. We come into the world a sinner, with a sin nature, we come into the world wanting to be served. Not too many givers. (Romans 8:28-29) God’s will for His people is that we will be conformed to the image of His Son. We are to become more and more like Jesus…become servants and givers.

The self test is to ask ourselves…what would Jesus do or say? How many of you have ever thought that it would be easier to walk like Jesus if you had lived when Jesus did?

Matthew 20:20-21 is the earlier version of the parents who want to elevate their children…for example today in sports. Matt 20:24…the others became indignant. Indignant …used here means an increasing willingness to come to physical blows. Matt 20:22-23…you don’t know what you are asking. God’s systems contradicts the world…it works different in God’s kingdom. Jesus responded…”This is not so among you.” You want greatness…serve!

Col 1:15-17…Jesus is first…first place in everything…Creator, Savior, He is the Head…Jesus alone. 3 John 1:9…is a picture of someone who loves to be first. You can’t love and be a servant if you want to be first.

Even in leadership you must have a servant’s heart and to be a giver. Lead by Biblical example.

Paul was a in a leadership position. Anyone that loved Jesus…he ran them over. He stood in hearty approval of the stoning of Stephen. He had the attitude that if you don’t see it my way…I’ll help you to see it my way. So what happened? Jesus happened.

After Jesus…he had a new nature. Saw the resurrected Savior and came to faith in Him. A servants heart. A bond servant…the lowest man on the totem pole. Knocked off his donkey and and knocked to the ground…looked up and saw Jesus. He realized this is the safest position to be in.

Some of us think more highly of ourselves than we out to …and it effecting our relationships. Chuck challenged each of us to be servants and not celebrities, givers…not takers, be gentle and humble…and not run people over to get what we want.

We need to be transparent humanity. Real, open and transparent, what you see is what you get. Chuck reminded us that it’s not about us…but all about Jesus. Come in weakness, knowing we are not perfect, and accepting our weakness and humanity.

Chuck desires that people see Jesus and His strength…in his own weakness and illness. He desires that all the credit goes to Jesus. He doesn’t want any credit that is due Christ.

Are your eyes on Jesus? Do you see and receive strength and power through Him? Are your eyes on Jesus…and Him alone?

We can see a demonstration of the power of God. Our faith must rest on God alone and His power. Why? Because man can not save anyone. John 13:1-14…we should be humble before God. He alone has the power to raise the dead, to forgive sin.

Know your place in the universe. Know that He is God…and you are not.

Quote from James Irwin…former astronaut. “I am a servant and not a celebrity. As I return to earth, I realize I am a servant, to share with others what I experienced, so that others might know the glory of God.”

We are to be absolutely honest with those with whom we share. We are to renounce those things that are not of God. We want to know…but don’t know all the answers. Chuck acknowledged that he doesn’t know all the reasons God has allowed him to have cancer. He knows that God has a purpose and a plan behind it. He doesn’t know…but he does accept it.

We are to be servants and givers. Real, open, honest and transparent.

“We have to respect that any nominee to the Supreme Court would have to defer any comments on any matters, which are either before the court or very likely to be before the court. This has been a procedure which has been followed in the past and is one which I think is based upon sound legal precedent.”

Ted Kennedy – 1967…commenting during the Thurgood Marshall Supreme Court Nomination

For those know me personally…you could have safely bet that I would never have a quote from Ted Kennedy that I agreed with…and won yourself a boat load of money. But just like a broken clock is right twice a day…Mr. Kennedy gets it right every now and again. Now I did have to go back 38 years ago to find one…but by golly Mr. Kennedy got this one right.

Ted…I’d encourage you to stick with your philosophy from 1967 during the upcoming John Roberts’ nomination. You got that one right…and you can once again.

Today I attended the funeral of my friend, Neil Parker. My boss, my mentor and friend…of about 17 years.

When I heard about Neil’s death…I knew that his funeral would be one of celebration. One of remembering and sharing about this lovely man of whom we were privileged to know. A wonderful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, American, Marine, officer, boss and friend who touched many, many lives.

Neil was a man of extraordinary character…who was able to live an ordinary life…and yet make every day special. He knew how to treat people right…and chose to do so, with each person he met. From a seemingly insignificant person…to one who received much acclaim…each one was important and worthy in Neil’s eyes. That’s because he looked at people through the eyes of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

So today we celebrated a wonderful man whom God gave to us for 71 years. We celebrated, rejoiced and were comforted that Neil had been called home and was united with Jesus his Savior.

Through our tears and grief we are able to rejoice, give praise to our God and loudly proclaim “It is well with my soul.”.