We teach boys to burn flags. . . properly.

I love the opportunity to teach and train boys to be men.
Boy Scouts of America gives me a great place to do just that.

In our little country of the USA, there are many conflicting voices; loud, shrill, quiet, calm, violent, or fearful. Undignified and some refined. All have their opinion about things like mayonnaise or mustard, pastels or earth tones, paper or plastic, stand or kneel, burn or dance, tear down or leave it be. I must make two confessions; I believe that not all opinions are equal and not all questions are valid. I hold strongly to the belief that there really are stupid questions in life, and your opinion, if it is trying to be forced on other people, better have something to back it up.

Any person in America has the right to believe or think anything. They even have the right to express themselves, and get together with other like-minded idiotic people of the same OR DIFFERENT mindset to talk about it. Isn't that what the 1st Amendment of the Constitution protects?

I do not want the government or anyone else telling me what I can or cannot teach as a Pastor within God's church and with God's people. That is the duty of  The Holy Scriptures and The Holy Spirit. Because I want to be protected, I will defend the right of a Muslim, Spiritualist, Wiccan, whoever, to worship in their own way. Even if I do not agree with them. I won't help them, but I will protect their right to do so. This is Freedom of Religion, protected under that same 1st Amendment of the Constitution.

So back to teaching boys. The 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States is really well seen and taught within the scouting movement. (We practice and teach the 2nd Amendment as well, but that is for another day.) We teach boys to fulfill their duty to God and their country, these two come up a lot together. We teach respect for other faiths. Within our own unit we have Christian, Muslim, Morman, Catholic, and None or the above. We also have a natural born Jordanian, English, and some kid from up the head of a hollow (pronounced "holler").

You know what the ironic thing is, these kids don't realize it. They don't know they are a hodge- podge of abnormality.

In teaching respect for the flag of the United States of America we cover the history, the care, storage, and presentation. We teach about wearing, using it for different purposes and flying the flag upside down (this is a sign of distress). We teach that people in America are free to burn the flag.

One of the boy will always ask the question, "Is it illegal to burn the flag?" we take the same 1st Amendment approach. A person has a constitutionally protected right to burn the flag out of anger, disagreement, protest, or just don't like the color blue. They have the right to jump up and down on it while screaming about their restricted rights. The very flag they hate, is a symbol of their protected right to do so.

Flag retirement done with a BSA Troop

As a side note, we also teach this; If someone is not an American citizen, they don't have to nor should they be expected to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. It's good to stand out of respect for flag that is protecting you, but you don't have to pledge allegiance. I wouldn't say the Canadian Pledge if I was there for something, but I would stand out of respect for that sovereign nation whose protection I am under at the time. Most all of this teaching time happens in the individual units, packs and dens.

Now back to our real goal of the teaching time. How to properly "burn", let's not use that word, "RETIRE" a flag from service. In this case, at a District event with several Boy Scout and Cub scout units from 3-4 counties.

There is a lot of confusion over how, when, where, and all the details about retiring a flag from service. There are ceremonies written and shared. There are different ways to prepare the flags; quarter them, separate the colors and the field of stars, keep it whole but folded in a square. However it is accomplished it is to be done with dignity. Respect is key to properly retiring a flag from service.

Boy Scouts standing vigil, protecting the fire and flags. Sept 2017

At our district event we had a large amount of flags. The red stripes alone filled 3 garbage bags, as did the White stripes. The blue starry fields filled two bags worth. Something strange happens during this type of ceremony. As a brief history is given of the flag and description of how they were being retired the entire camp is silent.

The Boy Scouts started with the White stripes and then formed a circle around the fire so as to protect it and those participating. The cub scouts followed their lead.

Then we went through the Red stripes with leaders and adults. The cub scouts, these boys who were 10 minutes earlier yelling and laughing, and jostling each other around watched each adult submitted their portion to the flames. This is not a quickly done ceremony. It takes a while for this to happen. I know strange, right.

The blue starry fields are held to last. These were for our military, First Responders, and children of military personnel. The entire group of over 250 people stood. As the first of the blue went into the fire the camp saluted. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited for these flags one last time as they waved in the air as flames. Once the pledge was finished everyone remained standing. They were not asked to stand. They were not told to stand. They were not expected to stand. Everyone stood in silence as Old Glory shown one last time.

The Blue Starry Fields being retired by current and former military personnel. Sept 2017

Everyone left in silence after the last piece was added. The older boys scouts remained and kept vigil over the fire as it died to embers and then dust. The next morning the grommets were collected from the ashes and buried in the woods so no part of the flag could be desecrated or disgraced in any way.

The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to stand or kneel in its presence.
The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to be silent or scream at it.
The Flag is a symbol of the protected right to respect or disgrace it.

The Flag also means I have a responsibility to teach the next generation. To teach the rights and liberties we Americans hold so dearly. To protect people of other faiths and nationality. To allow others to express their beliefs, protests, or ask stupid questions. To also teach the right to make an informed decision while at the same time showing respect to everyone. It doesn't mean we have to help them or encourage them, but respect their right to do so.

All of this happens by teaching boys to burn, sorry, RETIRE, the flag.

More than a Backpacking weekend

So, I have to admit, right off the bat, this is a little weird for me.

I'm going to give you the background and history of what I am linking to.

We look good after hiking 10 miles.

Elijah and I have wanted to go backpacking for a long time. Katie has been wanting me to have "THE TALK" (dun, dun, duuuuun) with Elijah for a long time. So she picked up the Passport 2 Purity weekend kit produced by Family Life Today. It is Dennis Rainey's ministry similar to Focus on the Family.

I decided the hike and the P2P program would go good together. We would get away for a weekend, get to go back packing, get in the woods, just be the two of us. The hike was humid, the mountains steep, the views incredible, the food awful, the blisters hot, the water fresh and cold, the sleep was hard. All of the good stuff that goes into a great hiking trip. I loved it. Even the 5 mile detour we took on the second day. I loved every step of it.

Elijah, well, he might of thought it was tough. I haven't challenged myself this way in a long time, physically or relationally. I pushed myself and came out on the other end of the trail with jello legs and felt incredible.

But let me back up.

Eating breakfast and listening to P2P

We were doing the Passport 2 Purity program. It is a really good product. It is funny at times when it needed to be. It also gets series. It went into a good amount of depth and left a lot of unnecessary stuff out. From a Christian father's point of view, I was relieved and thankful for how it was made. Before we went, I sent a message to Family Life Today and asked them to pray for us as we were doing their program that weekend. They assured me people would be praying the entire time we were out and to let them know how it went.

A few days afterwards I did. I thanked them for their prayers and for providing a good quality, memorable weekend for us. They asked me a couple of questions, which I answered and that was it. Well, until a lady contacted us named Mary. She said they shared our story with their staff and everyone wanted to know more about it, because as far as they knew nobody else had done it this way. So a few questions turned into an embarrassing interview and that interview turned into an interview with Elijah, and all of that turned into an article written about our backpacking weekend. Which is right here.

"More Than A Backpacking Weekend" on Family Life Today "The Family Room" ezine

Now it says it's written by me, but it was written by Mary based on our interview. (I wrote what you are reading now, she wrote that, there is a big difference in the quality and refinement.) It also includes a blurb about how the program is structured. Which I am totally fine with.

What Eastern Kentucky Looks like from Pine Mountain on a beautiful June day. 

Now to the dads and moms out there.

If you are unsure about how to have "THE TALK" (dun, dun, duuuuun) this is the way to do it. It is a really relaxing and safe way to have the talk (dun dun duuuuun). It gives a guideline of how to relate your thoughts and experiences within it. It has suggestions (which I kinda changed to match us and hiking). It has a whole parent pre-weekend guide and cd/mp3s to listen to. It has books so you can stay on topic. It has music and stories, and interviews, and all the stuff that makes a good quality resource. It has separate guy/ girl sessions. AND it isn't full of any "Christian Cheese", over spiritualization, disgusting pictures, or other things that have made tools like this terrible. Don't try to be a tight wad and just get the student journal. Buy the whole P2P Getaway Kit. It's worth it. You will be glad you did. You will have more fun and they will remember it better.

If you have questions, contact me. I would love to encourage you in this little adventure, however you choose to do it.

Until then, try to stay on the right trail. Climbing back up is a whole lot of unnecessary work.

Still trying to be worked into something useful,
Mitch

Possible Ramifications of the Supreme Court Decision on Homosexual Marriage

I've been thinking about the new homosexual marriage law handed down by the supreme court for a long time (knowing how our supreme court would rule). This is an especially close matter of concern, due to being a minister of the gospel and having the "privilege" to conduct the ceremony that unites a man and woman in the covenant of matrimony. 

I try to think down the natural progression of decisions, especially since I have made so many bad ones, and a lot of consequences came to mind. Some will begin now, others will be years down the road, but will point to this decision as the turning point.

1. Homosexual/ lesbian sexuality will now become mandatory discussions in sexual education in school. Sodomy and oral sex will be discussed in greater detail as "healthy and normal". 
2. Homosexual activities and interactions will be greatly increased in tv shows and movies with a younger rating attached.
3. Homosexual couples will gradually be more open in public.
4. Lawsuits against churches and religious organizations will sky rocket for "equal treatment".
5. The Church will further split between denominations and a greater divide will open, leading to less fellowship and cooperation between "progressive" and "conservative" interpretations.
6. Churches will spend lots of money protecting themselves and therefore have less to do ministry and less to help for others.
6b. Churches will loose their tax exempt status because they are willfully disobeying the law, therefore have less money to do ministry and help.
6c. People will be told they cannot be helped due to the tax and extra legal insurance, thus society will become less favorable toward the churches "responsibility to help the poor".
7. The Church will experience a "weeding" of people which may result in less attendance and activity.
7b. The Church will grow stronger in unity and devotion to God's word, a revival will occur. 
8. Fewer ministers will perform legal marriage ceremonies where they sign a state legal document/certificate of marriage.
9. Those who hold to the Word of God as authoritative will (are) called hate-filled, hypocritical, unloving, and will be heavily ostracized by the vocal of society.
10. The Church will continue and the Word of God will stand forever.

Through all of this, our number one concern as the church is to point people vertically to Jesus Christ. To hold out the Gospel as the Words of Life. To call people to repentance. Make sure we have our crap together so we are not a hinderance to the Gospel of Jesus. 

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life..." Philippians 2:14-15

Until His return, may you be bold and courageous in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. 

My 5 Favorite "Books" of the Bible ;-)

I was thinking the other day, "what are some things I have heard good christian people say that may or may not come from the Bible." You know the statements I'm talking about. You may be in a fairly heavy conversation and they might give a one-liner piece of advice that sounds pretty good at first. Something like, "God helps those who help themselves first" as justification for people taking action on a thought or decision. It sounds good, but what book of the Bible is that from?

Here are some of those quotes so you can mark them in your Bible and have them ready the next time someone asks for advice or help in an especially tough time. 


The Book of Assumptions 

• "God helps those who help themselves."
• "God will never give you more than you can bear."
• "This too shall pass."
• "This is my cross to bear." (In reference to trying to quit caffeine or dealing with stupid people.)
• WWJD?

Book of Annihilations 

• "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
• "What goes around comes around."
• "Our insurance won't allow it."
• "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
• "God just needed an extra special angel, so he took . . . "

1st Opinions

• "Pride goes before the fall." (This is definitely true, especially if you have ever watched a YouTube "fails" compilation
• "The Order of Service is as follows . . . "
• Thou shalt sing the "Doxology" upon the return of the offering plates.
• When communion in not on the Lord's Table, a giant King James Bible opened to the 23rd Psalm should be placed there.

2nd Opinions

• ". . . all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
• Y.O.L.O.!!
• Robert's Rules of Order
• There is an Aaamarcan and Christian flag on the stage.

Letter to the Hypocritians 

• "To thine own self be true."
• "Do unto others as to get the most you can."
• "I love Jesus, but I do drink a little bit."
• "The ends justify the means."

Scroll of the Socialonians 

• "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
• "Treat others the way they want to be treated."
• "Jesus was for social justice and equality."
•  "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”

I know I don't have all of the writings of the "Good Book" here, because there seems to be a few translations that may not have them all. Maybe you know a few other ones from some of these books. Or maybe you know the other books. 

Let me also say, not all of these are bad quotes, or even unbiblical in idea. Just having fun. Some of the quotes above are from Fredreick Neitzche, Eleanor Roosevelt, William Shakespeare, Aesop, and many others throughout history, including Bubba down the holler. 

On a series note. 

We do have to be careful of making somethings "scripture" when it is not scripture. Jesus said he is the "TRUTH" and life. That out of him only comes truth. His Word can be trusted because it came from God the Father. We also have to remember that the Holy Bible is inerrant as given by God. The Bible is not Opinion for us to decide to agree with or not. It isn't an assumption because it's the best we can come up with based on what we know. The Bible isn't about how to get the most out of this life and others. It isn't even about how to live with people, although a lot of it has to do with social interaction. 

The Bible is really about God. Who he is. How he works. What he thinks and says. The ways he loves us and wants to interact with us. Yes, the Bible says a lot about interacting with our fellow man, but ALWAYS in the context of either how God is acting toward us or how we are to act toward God. I try to love my neighbor because God loves my neighbor and me. I try to sacrificially love my wife because God sacrificially loves her and me. I try to train up my children in the way they should go because God is trying to train me up in the way I should go. 

At the very CORE of the Bible is God interacting with man. At the very heart of that Core is Jesus. Holding out the truth. Gently encouraging us to come to him and find peace. That he is the way to eternal life. He is the light we see everything by. Jesus is the Shepherd who leads us to what is needed. Christ is the resurrection and life, the first to raise from the dead, proving he has the power to raise us from the dead. 

Let's enjoy this crazy life in the light of Jesus. Then he will shed light on what is really sin and the redemption that follows. He will teach us the path of righteousness instead of the road to destruction. He will judge us from the throne of grace and not the toilet of public opinion. 

As believers, lets make sure we speak the TRUTH with GRACE, just as Jesus did.

Still being shaped by His grace, 
Mitch


(For those of you still looking through the Table of Contents for these books, they are right after "Abominations" and before "Democratians" and "Letter of the Republicians")