Don’t make Americanism something of the past

January 1st, 2017

“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. “

“In God We Trust.”

These words were written by our forefathers many years ago. These phrases are a part of our Americanism which separates us from the rest of the world. By God, we should not lose it. Furthermore, we do our daily monetary transactions “In God We Trust.” Why is the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer time taken out of our schools?

Our country was founded by three major principles: freedom, order and justice. As Americans we are free to do anything that is legal and follows an order. Then we have a justice system that at times seems unjust but is the best in the world. However, we are slowly losing many of our freedoms. The order and justice system is becoming more enforcing. A country that is too secure is a country with less freedom.

We wonder why politicians are pro-immigration. It is simply to buy votes. It has been done for decades. If we are the party that lets the borders down and has unlimited entry by hundreds and thousands of people from countries we are at war with, guess which party they vote for.

Employing a selective immigration would work. Those that can support themselves and a family for a minimum of two years; professionals, people who have a talent that there is a need for; bright students and people that are suffering a particular hardship. They must all be willing to work and legally apply for citizenship. If they fit the criteria, then welcome to the greatest country, “The Land of Opportunity.”  Let’s not sell America cheap.

Other countries in the world are very strict and careful about who immigrates into their country.  Countries such as Switzerland, Japan, China and Korea.  Many of these countries have been around longer than America.  Why don’t we look at these countries and implement what they do right? If these countries allow immigration, it is to fill a serious need. They must have financial means, and they do not let the people that may cause trouble filter into their country.

It is great that our country is known all over the world for being creative innovators and leaders in industry.  That did not happen overnight.  It took generations of talent, discernment, education, trial and error, sacrifice, government’s laissez faire policies and our ability to get along with our allies and other countries in trade and commerce.

Change and immigration is wonderful, but if you have owned or built a successful business, you know the right time to grow and when to pull back and slow things down.

Furthermore, if your new ideas and programs are not working, you know to reflect on your past.  Like they say “sometimes you just need to take two steps back to get a step ahead.”  If the screen door is not broken, then do not fix it. New ideas and innovations require more money out of your business, resources or bank. It may not be the right time. Timing is everything.  Success begins with going out and finding what your elite customers want and fulfilling their wants and needs.
It is time that we put God back into our country, government and business. Also, we should regulate our immigration, if we value America. We should place a high value and price tag on it.  Many have sacrificed, suffered and paid the ultimate price for America.

We need all of our politicians to act like sales managers. Get out of their offices and visit the people and businesses and find out what their wants and needs are – not just what their political party wants. Needless to say, politicians should be working for us, not vice versa.

Finally, let’s do not sell this “Greatest Country” cheap.   It has a higher price tag paid by many.

To be an American is something special!

Rick Clapp, President
Bay Group Media

In God We Trust?

January 1st, 2017

By Pastor Brad Heintz

As we begin a new year making New Year resolutions and even inaugurating a new president, a question comes to mind. Is it time to stop overlooking a few things? For example, do you ever see a penny on the ground and just walk by it because it is just a penny?  At face value it doesn’t seem worth much or does it? I used to think that a penny was only a penny until I heard a story that changed my mind completely. Here’s how the story goes:

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the upcoming weekend. The boss was wealthy with a fine home on the waterway and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well.  Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband’s employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so she was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. “How absurd,” Arlene thought to herself, “what need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?”

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before, she thought to herself, what was the point of this?  “Look at it,” he said, “read what it says.”

She read the words, “United States of America.”

“No, not that,” he exclaimed, “read further.”

She asked, “One cent?”

“No, keep reading,” he said.

Arlene then read, “In God we Trust?”

“Yes!” he said excitedly.

Arlene questioned with intrigue. He went on to explain, “And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it!  God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, and I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me. I am blessed that God is patient and pennies are plentiful!”

e

I was prayer walking recently through the streets of Seabrook, asking God to bless each household and to help heal our land. I was asking Him, what do you want us to do?  At that very moment I looked down and saw a penny!  On that penny was God’s answer.  He wants us to put our trust in Him as an individual, a household, a community and a country.
So the next time you are out and about and you see a penny… pick it up and may your response be to put your trust in Him. And then drop that penny in the mail to the elected leader of your choice. They may need the reminder as much as we do, “In God We Trust.”

Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, a vibrant family-style non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life.

Bay Area Houston Magazine