Thin Ice

Ok, so we can't walk on water but perhaps we can do the closest thing to that and walk on thin ice! 

That about sums up how many Christians live their faith in Christ, by walking on thin ice.  There are only two individuals that have been observed and recorded for walking on water: Christ Jesus, and for a step or two, the Apostle Peter.  Here is the context of that event:

Mat 14:24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
Mat 14:25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water.
Mat 14:26 When the disciples saw him, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost.
Mat 14:27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "It's all right," he said. "I am here! Don't be afraid."
Mat 14:28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water."
Mat 14:29 "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
Mat 14:30 But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
Mat 14:31 Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him. "You don't have much faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
Mat 14:32 And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Mat 14:33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.

Peter's short lived trust in Christ truly represents, in my opinion, how we also respond to Jesus' outstretched arms asking us to fear not and trust in Him to save us.  Our faith is strong as long as we are focused on Jesus but we are so very easily distraced by strong winds and heavy waves.

Much too often we rationalize that because we are not Jesus we cannot live a life emulating Him, but perhaps we can still approach His salvation by our works.  That is, although we can't walk on water we can do the closest thing to that and walk on thin ice!  Our rationalization is that ice is water and thin ice, versus solid thick ice, presents risks and options that we, not God, decide to follow to prove how much we are in control.  In other words, we can't walk on water but by walking on thin ice we can prove that we are following Jesus.

Thin ice represents the weaknesses of our faith.  When confronted with having to traverse across a span of thin ice, we judge the elements, the risks, the water's depth, the distance, our weight, a pace that would prevent us from putting too much weight in one place for any amount of time, and most of all we decide if the risks are worth the reward of reaching our destination.  Our destination is eternal salvation; the thin ice represents works (what we wrongly believe we must do to earn God's love); the risk is misjudging our works (sin), falling through the ice, drowning, thereby never reaching our destination.

What we need to do is to listen to what Jesus said to Peter. "It's all right" He said. "I am here! Don't be afraid."

Then, in faith, we should step onto the ice and walk to Jesus.  If we keep our focus on Him as we walk to our destination then the elements will fade away; the risks will not be a factor; the water will never be too deep or too cold; our pace will be in step with His; and He will carry our weight no matter how long it takes for us to realize that we have already reached our destination for our salvation is in Jesus and He is in us! 

Because, as the disciples finally exclaimed, Jesus really is the Son of God - REALLY!


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Cathy

February 25, 2010, marked the one-year anniversary of the passing of Catherine Ann (Pippig) Mills.  Cathy succumbed to small-cell cancer and left behind her husband Michael of  40 years.  It was Mike that, in my opinion, suffered the most not only during Cathy's struggles with the cancer but certainly also during this first year of her absence.  For those of you not familiar with Cathy and Mike, I encourage you to visit at a website Mike created in rememberance of Cathy. 

Just click on this hot link: http://cathy.mwmills.us/  

There are many memories and stories begging to be told about Cathy & Mike, and I'm sure that in due time they will be uncovered and presented in as many formats and occasions.  But for now, at this special moment, even years later, the story that still impresses me and continues to provide me with both comfort and confidence is about the strength of character and positive attitude that Cathy portrayed to the end of her time on this earth.

Imagine that you receive a phone call one day from a long-time friend that, due to life's circumstances, contact with over the decades was occasional at best.  Especially now since Patty & I moved back to California, and after several frustrating attempts to locate Cathy & Mike, a phone call from Cathy.  Wow, what a great surprise and how excited we were to hear from Cathy and Mike after all the time that had passed since we last spoke or visited with each other. 

Of course after a short opening discourse the usual question is posed by me to Cathy "... and how have you been?"

A strong, straight, unquivering, unemotional response from Cathy was "I have terminal cancer."

Whoa!  Did I hear that right?  My mind was numbed and silence prevailed.  What does one say to that?  "Sorry to hear that" certainly wasn't appropriate nor any other response that I might have considered at that moment.  Silence for sure but clarification and confirmation was certainly necessary so Cathy, again in a strong, straight, unquivering, unemotional manner, retold her life's story over the past few years fighting cancer.

Cathy & Mike called not only to let us know what was happening, but also to arrange for all of us to visit, perhaps for the last time with Cathy in the mix.  Plans were made, they were coming to visit, time would be spent together as friends, and somehow the subject of Cathy's future would be discussed.  That day came; we lunched and laughed; relived the past that we shared; spoke of our children and aging parents; and yes, Mike took us through a journey of medical miracles and mysteries and finally to the current situation where there were no recovery options left.  Time was all that they had left.

Time!  Precious time - a commodity that we all take for granted falsely assuming that there will always be more time to make up for lost or wasted time.  

But time is what Cathy and Mike shared with Patty and I.  Time that they could have spent otherwise but for a few precious hours the four of us shared time together - that is to say time that we "invested" together.  For that expression of love, Patty & I will always cherish this memory.

Throughout these few hours together, Cathy remained the pillar of positive attitude.  It is said that it's easier for the patient than it is for the onlookers, but I'm not sure if I would be able to pull that off as well as Cathy did.  Finally the time came for Cathy & Mike to leave, but there was this one question that I had to ask Cathy that was burning inside me and my opportunity to ask that question was diminishing fast.  You see, I could not let Cathy go without my knowing, and so, after a few lengthy and emotionally charged hugs and kisses; there standing by the car I finally asked her..."where do you find the strength that keeps you strong?"

Cathy's two word response was "My Faith". 

That is what I longed to hear, to know that she knew that death was not final and that she, as with the rest of us belivers in Christ Jesus, have faith in the forgiveness of our sins and can anticipate an eternity with our Creator.  With Christ, we all can approach our eventual end-times in a strong, straight, and unquivering manner with Cathy as one example for all of us to emulate. 

So now, as I reflect upon all of the above and consider how life continues to present itself moment by moment, I smile with a reflective heart and thank God for Him bringing Cathy & Mike into my life, even if for moments at a time.  But most of all, here today and going forward, I find myself stronger, straighter, and more unquivering in my faith - and I have Cathy to thank for showing me how it's done.


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Never Leave Home Without It

People don't always recognize my face, so whenever I go out, I carry my card....

Contrary to what you are probably thinking, I am not referencing a credit card as the old television commercial associated with the above statement referenced.  Instead I am talking about my Social Security card.  This card is much more important to you, and could do you more good, or harm, than any or all of your personal credit cards.

Credit cards can only serve you in four ways:
1. Let you obtain material stuff;
2. Get you a good, or bad, credit rating;
3. Get you in debt;
4. Allow you to get more credit cards.

However, the Social Security Account Number (SSAN) that is printed on your social security card is involved in almost every aspect of your life, including your financial relationships with your credit cards.  Therefore, you must protect your SSAN better than you protect your credit cards.

(Author's Disclaimer: Contrary to the implication above, it is recommended that one not carry your social security card with you in case of loss, but to secure the card in a safe location to help prevent Identity Theft)

Where this introducion leads is a frank discussion on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966, with a special focus on one of its supplements - The Privacy Act of 1974.  The relevance of theser two Acts upon the day-to-day operations of the business and private sectors is phenominal.  At stake are volumes of data on virtually every person, business, organization, and activity under the governing powers of the United States Government. 

But, of what importance or implication is this collected data to me, your every-day average John or Jane Doe?  Who cares?  Should anyone be concerned?

The answer will be revealed while also stressing concern in the areas of privacy and protection of every citizen's personal interests. 

Did you know that the FOIA requires that the records of U.S. Government agencies be made public upon request?  The underlying premise that drives the availability of data and for the surging public interest is based upon the simple notion is that the general public purchased this data through their taxes THEREFORE any data held by the U.S. Government actually belongs to the public.  These data include all books, papers, computer data, maps, photographs, and all other forms of information media.  The Acts exempt, however, nine classes of information related to national security, trade secrets / proprietary data, iivestigations,and other confidental matters such as military intelligence.

As stated in the introduction to the FOIA website ..."The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. FOIA carries a presumption of disclosure; the burden is on the government - not the public - to substantiate why information may not be released. Upon written request, agencies of the United States government are required to disclose those records, unless they can be lawfully withheld from disclosure under one of nine specific exemptions in the FOIA. This right of access is ultimately enforceable in federal court.

While discussing the Freedom of Information Act of 1966 and the Privacy Act of 1974 it is important to keep their individual objectives in perspective:

1. Information is collected and saved by countless Federal agencies on EVERYONE in the USA;
2. Anyone subject to the above can request and obtain copies of the information collected;
3. One can request corrections made on erroneous information;
4. One should exercise his / her rights to review this information on themselves or on other subjects.

Uncle Sam collects data from a myriad of sources, far too many to realistically list here but below is a sampling of methods / transactions employed by Uncle to:
a. obtain data on an individuals or organizations;
b. provide the impetus to collect data on its citizens.

purchase an airline ticket  travel abroad  register for the draft  file income tax  employment  special backgorund investigation  marriage license  traffic violation  call 911  federal aid for college tuition  passport  military service  birth certificate  finger printed  criminal investigation  register automobile  drivers license  obtain insurance  pilot license  FCC license  purchase or register a fire arm  collect unemployment  file a police report  purchase a house  own a business  file for bankruptcy  register to vote  respond to census  win lottery  apply for a social security card  attend public school  obtain a professional license  green card

One should be in awe as to the tremndous amounts of data existing within the government entities, and even though there are laws and protocols directing the collection, application, and protection of this information, one must still occasionally question ...

"who's minding the store?"

Just how much control do individuals have over the jurisdiction regarding the information kept on them?  Well, a simple test is to ask yourself...

"How often has Uncle Sam requested my permission to acquire or release data pertaining to me?"

Outside of our responding to the Census Bureau every ten years or with the annual ritual of filing 1040 forms, our government is pretty much left to its own accord to obtain and to interpret your personal data.

Please note this emphasis:  Your SSAN is private / confidental information that sould not be freely requested or disclosed without legal justification from the requesting party.

DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR SSAN JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ASKS FOR IT!

By law, one of the options Uncle Sam has in acquiring or releasing information on you is to ask for your approval - yes, to get your permission!  Again, you may ask the obvious... "How often have you seen this happen?"

Federal agencies are required to provide individuals with any information in files related on them and to provide a means to amend any errors.  Any agency withholding information (with exceptions) may be sued to show cause explaining why requested information is not disclosed.

Now, some may be slightly confused understanding the differences between the Freedom of Information Act of 1966 and the Privacy Act of 1974.  Basically their differences are based upon the specificity of the data itself.  To simplify, the Privacy Act concerns specific, detailed information on individuals whereas the FOIA covers just about everyting else.  Remember three points:

1. The Privacy Act can only be used by the individual  to obtain information colected on that individual;

2. Under the Privacy Act one must be explicit in defining the the data requested;

3. All else, reference the Freedom of Information Act.

To obtain any information, simply(?) ask for it from the appropriate agency!  Under Title 5, United States Code Service, every Federal agency must ... "establish procedures whereby an individual can be notified n response to his request of any system of records named by the individual which contains a record pertaining to him...."  That's clear as mud, right?

If all goes well and you are satisfied with both the contents and with the access to your information from any particular agency, then all is well and done.  However, should a disparity exist with either, you have a right to initiate a "suit for cause"!  Yes, one can sue Uncle Sam!  The Privacy Act states ..."[the agency] ... is subject to civil suit for any damages which occur as a result of willful or intentional action which violates any individual's rights under this Act."

Two of these referenced rights are (1) access to the data, and (2) ability to amend erroneous data.

In closing, and certainly after learning that your government probably knows more about you than your own mother and probably better than you know about yourself in many aspects; and after learning how you can access your information, there remains just one objective - to encourage you to to exercise your rights under these two Acts. For example, regarding your Social Security benefits, are you willing to gamble on your future financial security by waiting until you retire before discovering what benefits Uncle Sam has, or has not, in store for you?  Why not "drop-a-line" to the Internal Revenue Service, say "hello" and introduce yourself, and ask to review the information they have on you ... and then continue on a regular basis to "keep in touch".

It's the next best thing to being there!!

http://www.state.gov/m/a/ips/

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/foia.html