Gentle Readers,

For anyone fazed by healthcare reform histrionics, take heart. We’ve been here many times before. The real question is, for all the political, capitalistic, and social angst, what’s changed? According to medical economist J.D. Kleinke, who first arrived on the scene in 1989, only one big thing: now everybody gets to whine about the status quo on Facebook. He goes so far as to call the health care bills moving forward today “a violent endorsement of the status quo.”

I can’t say I disagree with his logic, but two women just gave me hope for this go-round. Kleinke points out that in 1989 we had a dysfunctional third-party payer insurance system based on fee-for-service. Some insurers, hospitals, doctors, drug companies, and even employers figured out how to game the system and make out like bandits.

Medicare was fore-casted to become insolvent, Medicaid programs were underfunded, and malpractice costs were supposedly bankrupting health care. Costs were skyrocketing along with the number of uninsured. Does all this sound familiar? Yet in 20 years, he says, all we can come up with is to fit more insured patients into our current mess and make it harder for insurers to kick them out. Each time the smallest of reforms is proposed (like adding prescription benefits to Medicare) entrenched US stakeholders rally mass hysteria, and the result is government funding of more corporate services.

That’s true, J.D., but times have changed; about that Face book phenomenon … In 1999, Rick Scott of Columbia HCA was finally exposed for defrauding the public throughout the decade. Total damage, $1.7 billion for Medicaid and Medicare overcharges. Today, Scott is exposed far more rapidly for defrauding the public in his “patients’ rights” campaign and the news speeds around social networks. Turns out he relies on insurance lobbyist Brian McManus, well known for his Astroturf front groups that promote efforts to increase insurer profits while defeating consumer protections. Apparently Scott supports robbing patients of their rights.

 As Christopher Hayes at The Nation says, “Having Scott lead the charge against health care reform is like tapping Bernie Madoff to campaign against tighter securities regulation.” But on to those two women who give me hope.

First, there’s Sarah Palin. On her Facebook page this weekend, she posted her “solution” to our healthcare mess, including taking away Medicare and forcing seniors to buy private insurance with vouchers.

So after all that Republican rhetoric about Democratic reform taking away seniors’ Medicare, Palin promotes it? Oops. Throw them to the wolves, Sarah, that’s sure to enhance your anti-reform credibility. I guess she didn’t know that $0.86 of every $1.00 spent on private Medicare Advantage plans don’t benefit plan members?

 We know she 'reads all the papers' so apparently they didn't cover that. Because of this private insurer-promoted idiocy, including the deceptive AHIP and BCBSA premium studies, public support for a public option increased this month. Yes, the majority of Americans (57%) now support it, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll conducted last week, and 51% favor it over a bipartisan bill. Perhaps because of the insurance studies, 56% also now support an individual mandate. Thankfully someone in Washington is listening to the majority. While all Harry Reid can say is "We’re leaning towards talking about a public option,"

Nancy Pelosi has a plan to pass a public option, and it’s alarmingly straightforward. She’s asking the CBO to score the updated House bill (currently $871 billion and counting), which covers more people than its Senate sibling without any public option. So she can show a bill containing a public option costs less than one without it, and offers more coverage. In other words, it’s sound policy. Brilliant! We’ll see if it works in the city that defies logic. But spread the word – perhaps we’ll see a non-violent endorsement of actual progressive healthcare change.

One man's opinion with a wife not covered by any insurance, but for the Grace of God that could be your loved one, or you!

 Denis

Gentle Reader,

To me it's not business it's personal. And should be to each child of God as we see suffering all around us. we need to reach out and help each other Not only of those in our church, or town. Our brother, Rev. Charles Hopkins points to the children who are lost, strayed or stolen.

Forgotten by the World but not by us! Weep for the Children.

How can we stand by and allow this to happen in this country? The Greatest country in the world and we don't protect our children? How great is that?

 I point out how that millions of working people (not just the poor) lack even the minimum in decent health care. Weep for the people, Child of God.

And now we discover that 49 million people IN AMERICA will good to bed hungry tonight! Every 3.6 seconds a person dies of hunger and 75 % of them are children! Weep for the children, Child of God.

The Spirit of God is crying tonight for each of us, especially those who say it's not my problem.

Teach me to love, this is my prayer

May the compassion of Thy heart I share;

Ready a cup of water to give,

May I unselfishly for others live.

Denis

...someone tells me "I'm a monkeys uncle" _C. Darwin

Gentle reader,

If all the world's a stage, then where is the audience? Reading Dr Denis blog evidently. A while back (I tell you when so you can read it for yourself in a minute) I got wound up and took a swipe at evolution [you know I get on a soapbox once in a while] an now several days latter we have Pat Robbertson a televanglist and now the Pope wading through my gene pool Today as I signed on to write such a blog that it would make "blog history" [translation: I'd had no idea what to write] What should jump out of the MSN front page but a long 3 or 4 pages about creation and evolution ! Why is it that everybody wants to believe in Evolution first the obvious is that you can't live long enough to prove it right or wrong!

[wait a minute Denis explain yourself]

Well if you say your pro choice why then do you want to put a murderer in jail, or a kidnapper or a rapist? Aren't they also pro choice? Yes, but it's not the same thing!

Denis: You mean you want me too believe that murder is a crime against humanity but abortion isn't? Did it ever occur to you that everyone who is in favor of abortion is alive today!

In conclusion let me quote that great man of wisdom:

Steven Wright on God, Origins, and Science

...with Spinach!

You can't bubbles with Spinach or how I learned about life through Karate! 

 

 Gentle Reader,

 

Did I ever tell you how I got into Karate?  Actually Korean (Tae Kwon Do) 

 

 I was the typical Geek, I think ithe term today is nerd in school with glasses and no confidence and of course there was the "Bully" Jack was his name and he used to pick on me (beat me up every day, just for fun).  Jump ahead about ten years and I am stationed in Korea. Remembering all the abuse I took as a teen  I began to learn Korean Karate (with Chuck Norris just down the road at another Korean Karate school called Moo Do Kwan while I learned Chung Do Kwan) . I even entered a tournament for Korean Black Belts I didn't like how I did but my instructor was pleased (I came in 3rd out of 156 Korean Black Belts) Now move ahead as I come home after the Viet Nam Conflict)  now a confident Black belt and what was the first think I was going to Do Gentle Reader?  Right!  Hello Jack It's payback Time!

 

 But when I found Jack slumped over a beer glass looking sad and 40 years older than when I saw him last. I felt sorry for Him. (I didn't know until much later that some of the kids who I went to high school with had told him I was back in town and looking for him) Jack was all blow and thought that he'd take up where he had left off. Until he was told that I was now a Black belt and  planing to settle the score. Then he fell apart He knew the jig was up and that he was about to get his first and last Karate lesson!

 

 You see that's the way the world settle things by beating up one another. But as always Gentle Reader, God had a better idea. I was moved to compassion (I really wanted to punch out lights and make him hurt as he had made me hurt the four years in school) But I saw not the cocky smart mouth teen but a washed up man old before his time. 

There is an old saying that goes like this "To fight with another is wrong - But to lose a fight over principles you deem honorable and right is worse"   

 

An so gentle reader we never had that fight, but I did fight and still at it fighting fot those who cannot stand up for them selves, the teens who are being pressured in school, the preborn who just want the same chance at life that you have. The Old  and the homless and the down and outers. In other words all of you who have been beaten up by the bullies in life.

And I'm not done yet!

 

Denis   

Denis O'Callaghan 6th Black [Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do ]

Denis and Marti ( Ireland) in  better times

Gentle Reader,
 I want to tell you about the person who is I  believe sent from God to help me along life's journey. Marti (my wife) she is 5' foot nothing and is bed fast She has an incurable illness that Doctors here in America know very little about. It's called Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS or CFS for short)  Or it could be MS ( Multiple sclerosis ) Now I understand when I begin a new paragraph many will leave (I rather expect that!) Most have little or no attention span [chalk that up to running out to the fridge for a snack during commercial times]

This CFIDS is a progressive illness that started when she was in college and left her at this point bed fast. Imagine the worst illness you can think of: terminal cancer or aids and that you only have weeks to live.

Now add every thing that allows you to get around, energy, zest of living. Imagine using up all your energy just trying to brush you teeth [which leaves you sick and unable to lift your head off the pillow for weeks on end. Or that just sitting up hurts so bad that you cry out in pain. Get the picture, Gentle Reader? 

 Now understand that there is no cure... no medicine... no help...  no doctors...no family... no friends... no one to comfort, to encourage you.  All your family and friends have forgotten all about you like a old half eaten spam sandwich that nobody wants! No insurance... no help from the safety net that we call government... Just nothing!!! Stress can bring on a flare up or excitement, or light or extremes of heat or cold. You body is at the mercy of this devastating disease.

 That's what Marti wakes up to every day ( and me with two wonderful dogs Paddy and Miss Chievous with Duffy the Sun Conure). All she has they provide, a sense of normalcy to an upside down world. Now I am not by any means a Saint (I am just a man) but God has given me this wonderful person to teach me about Grace. Even when she is in so much pain that tears run down her cheeks she encourages me. She can talk on the phone and does so to those who need encouragement. {where does this spirit come from Gentle Reader? )[IMHO] only could come from above!

There are over one million people just like Marti in this country. Who suffer similar condition [some not a severe ] check out this site for more information www.cfids.org or here www.nationalmssociety.org/

 The point is and the real story is that in spite of her condition, Marti prays for each of you each day . . . that you might come to realise your connection with one another within this grand blue ball that we call the "late great planet earth" She reminds me what a privilege we all have to care for one another to love each other and to be kind! Don't feel sorry for Marti just reach out and be kind to one another, have compassion for each other, and don't forget that  

 You are appreciated, you are valued, and you are loved.

Denis and Marti 

A gentle reminder that the most precious things are before you: your family, your faith, your love, your good health and your friends.

I'll cry if I want to!

Gentle reader,

"Prison"

Prison didn't keep Paul from his calling in Christ Jesus-- Neither can "prison" keep you from your calling.

Don't look at your prison-Instead, look at the calling on your life and do what God has placed in your hand to do toward that calling where you are at--so that you can say with Paul-

"None of these things move me." Acts 20.24 

 

And for the few of you left here are some tings to think about I issue you a challenge to really think about these things

Can you understand these things?

Grace is God's Salvation for the Sinner, Supply for the Saint.

Grace is God's Loving-Kindness for the Loveless, the Loathsome and the Lost

As Messiah Christ is related to Israel
As Head He is related to the Church, which is His body!

Do not confuse the bride (Israel) with the bridegroom (Christ the Head)
You are a member of the body of Christ Not the bride!

In Romans the believer is dead and risen with Christ

In Ephesians he is seated in the heavenlies in Christ

In Acts 19:10 we read And this continued by the space of two Years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." BUT in 2 Tim. 1:15 we read "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." Why was that?

(focus and try again)

 

Till next time, Love to you and your family,

 Denis

 

Mirrored tranquillity as mist settles over the upper lake at Glendalough

Lake Glendlough Co Wicklow (Ireland where else)

Gentle Reader,

Well Marti, my wife, was feeling better and we started our continuing Bible study I am teaching us through the Bible. We are at The books of Thessalonians .

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, (teaching for what true)for reproof, (convicting for what is false) for correction, ( for what is wrong) for instruction in righteousness,(for what is right) 2 Timothy 3:16.

As you look at the New Testament you will find that after the Gospels (which complete the Old Testament you have the Book of Acts (History ) Then the book of Romans (which is our Doctrinal and instructions book teaching about Justification and the cross) and its two commentaries Corinthians (Reproof-Practical failure not seeing the standing as having died and risen with Christ) and Galatians (a Book of Correction- Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans. "Leaven" in doctrine)

We have moved past the Book of Ephesians our 2nd Doctrinal and instruction book which teaches the Mystery of God (always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ "the body of Christ" Seated in heaven with Christ.

Of course than we have 2 Commentaries Philippians (which is a book of "reproof" Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in showing the "mind of Christ" and Colossians a book of "Correction" Doctrinal failure The failure of not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ. But you knew all of that didn't you Gentle Reader?

So as I was saying Thessalonians we just finished which is about heaven another book of doctrine (teaching ) and instruction No reproof, no correction all praise and thanksgiving A typical church

Where is heaven "Where Christ is there is heaven" Look around you Gentle Reader, Christ is in me and now you know why I talk about Grace so much. All Christians carry about the Spirit of the Living Christ with them and we are all connected on a level that only God can maintain. Too deep for you? Well gentle reader I haven't even scratch the surface What is heaven like? look at the picture and magnify that 10 to the ten millionth times ten million times. Ireland for me is just a taste of what heaven is like.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

For me Gentle Reader, Ireland is what heaven will be like! How about you? Where is your heaven?

Remember, Gentle Reader, that God has prepared a place for you!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Book of John Chapter 14)

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is Victory.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving
silence, that is victory.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is victory.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any regiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is victory.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is victory.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is victory.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is victory.

I believe in You Gentle reader, you are a victor and so am I (we are just not there yet).

Denis Your ticket has been paid for (oh no, don't thank me I 'm just here to deliver it to you)

Gentle reader,

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce.

"It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..." It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off the road and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."

Brian's Essay:

The Room In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files.. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.. Often there were many more cards than I expected.

Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.

 Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came.

I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card..

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said,

"It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours? IF THERE IS ONE POST THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, FOR THE CHRISTIAN OR NOT! 

 For Gentle reader, You are accepted, you are valued you are loved, By GOD AND BY ME!

 Denis 

"Be sure to look both ways! Little Gentle Reader!"

Gentle Reader,

Here is the truth about life in 30 seconds or less. So pay attention there is a test coming at the end. When I was about 18 as we were sitting at the table at diner time and my father was attempting to impart some wisdom to me and with all arrogance  that one has at 18 I boldly ask "If your so smart why aren't you rich?"  Gentle Reader, my father never said a word but went right on eating his dinner of cold  potatoes and leek soup. Now decades later, those words haunt me , mine and His, "But Denis. your father never said a word" you might be saying  But you might be wrong Gentle reader, "Those who will not learn must feel!" And I think back on my life and realize that I have felt more lessons than I have learned.

Why is that Gentle Reader, why do we have to feel life? Why can't we just learn life's lessons rather than  have a cartoon character like the Simpsons, or an old Rock star like Ozzy Osborne or even the latest diva Britney Spears tell us their opinion about life. Now don't get me wrong we can learn from their example what not to do (don't do drugs, don't go to Las Vegas to get married on a whim and the fact that no one thinks to say to these people real or imagined "Stop, look and listen, Stop what you doing, Look at the outcome! and Listen to what God may be saying to you! It's time to get real Gentle Reader, it's never too late to get back on track and become the person that God saw you to be before you were born. God loves you and me and has  (Still has) a wonderful plan for your life Just sit back stop  trying  to be someone your not! Be authentic be transparent  Look are where you are now are you happy or are you still kicking and screaming at life's lessons because you refuse to learn?

 Listen, to Someone who has true wisdom [Wisdom is looking at life from God's point of view]  

 By the way I just learned this so Gentle Reader there is still time for you too!

 Here a wee story that you may enjoy and enjoy your long weekend, BTW I still packing and moving want to help? Naw, I don't blame you a bit!

A Child Learns

If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance, and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world.
-unknown

Dennis 

"Come on Denis, how about I throw the ball and you fetch?"