A Florist who refused to be hired to provide flowers at a  Same Sex Marriage  is being compared to when blacks were denied seating arrangements  at restaurants . The link to racism has been used over and over again in the media and by political advocates .

Tax payer dollars are now being targeted to bring the Florist to court .Usually in a case like this the party files a clam with the Human Rights Commission . Our Liberal AG jumped in without hesitation to make this a case heard around our state and country.

What is hurtful for all concerned is  the Florist had served this customer over the years .  The two hugged each other as friends after the discussion took place , the plaintiff obviously hurt and the defendant not exactly joyous at hurting a customer . The Florist has served homosexuals and even has had homosexuals working for their business.  Christianity and the three major religions of the world all hold the Marriage Relationship as a special God Made Covenant between one man and one woman.  .  It is concerning that to be faith full to such basic  religious beliefs one has to break the law it appears in Washington State or actually not be in certain businesses.  Other occupations such as a massage therapist who have to go to their clients homes or places of business have some flexibility in our laws to use their own judgment if they do not wish to participate in certain business transactions , if in fact doing so would cause  discomfort .  Believing you are participating and mocking a God Given Covenant should perhaps be considered.

http://www.fpiw.org/

Introduced to Protect Arlene’s Flowers/Religious Freedom

Next Thursday marks the 62^nd National Day of Prayer.  People across America will be joining their hearts in prayer as they seek God’s guidance for our beloved country. One looks at the bleak forecast for the future of America and wonders, “What can I do?” The answer is:  We can pray! Humanly speaking, our situation is hopeless.  Man has chosen his own path in direct violation to Scripture and it will end in disaster.  However, God has not forsaken us.  He has provided a way. “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”   II Chronicles 7:14 Please take the opportunity to repent for America and humbly seek God’s mercy for a nation gone astray. Members of the North Kitsap Community will be meeting in the Pearson Fellowship Hall at Gateway Fellowship to observe this special day.  Josh Hinman, West Sound director of Youth for Christ, will be speaking about the needs of youth and families.  The US Marine Corps will present the colors; musicians from North Kitsap Baptist Church will lead worship; local pastors will pray for the needs of our community and nation; participants will be invited to form small prayer circles; an offering will be taken for the NK Coffee Oasis ministry.  Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there! For more information about the National Day of Prayer, go to www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Olympic View Assembly Of God   7 PM

Silverdale

http://www.faithfellowshipchurch.net/

http://olympicview.org/

Faith Fellowship and Georgia House were in the news on Resurrection Sunday .  The Saturday before I got an email from my church , Olympic View Assembly of God asking us if  we could help Pastor Randy Wagner , his Congregation and other volunteers to do a make over of Georgia House .

Been thinking of our changing culture , how it has caused many Christians I know including myself feel as though our country is slipping away . But  Religion in politics has had  a harmful effect on our culture from my view . Rome was quite ruthless and intolerant in its years before Christianity took hold Sexual immorality was everywhere , Rome  was tolerant of most belief systems while promoting a culture of indulgence  and corruption .

Christians did not take the stand of my God is better then yours, or that I am a better person because of my religion . Force legislation and causing life time politcal enemies in the process. They promoted a culture of loving their neighbor and loving God . It caught on .

Faith Fellowship reminded us of this last Sunday . Single moms , women who are hurting , made bad decisions or made right ones but had bumps in the road , just needing a safe place , Love , a helping hand is what Georgia House is all about .

That is the Christian message , that is what our Lord did on the Cross , He forgave us , and told us to forgive others . Politics brings solutions , but it also brings life time enemies .  Christ brings forgiveness and a new start .

The best pro life message I have seen has not been political , it has been those who have received the Love and Forgiveness of Christ and sharing that with others . Mentoring them and  helping them to follow the Cross .

The following is a recent letter by the husband of Senator Rolfes.

Stop the unfair attacks on our family’s religion | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

This letter was  written due to series of letters addressing the religiosity of the Senator from the 23^rd District , Christine Rolfes and also support for her supporting abortion legislation. It dealt with her support for abortion rights and  the mandating of medical coverage in this state if the same policy covered maternity care .  Something already provided in this state , but under scrutiny because of the new Affordable Care Act coming into effect.

Historically attacking political politicians because of their religion in no new occurrence unfortunately in our country. In this case the husband of the Senator wrote a letter to the editor defending his wife , something I am sure all of us can identify with regardless of the position we hold on abortion.

From history we find that Thomas Jefferson was attacked for his religious beliefs when he ran for President against John Adams in 1800. He was stated to not go to church, does he belong to the Christian faith. Even Abigail Adams joined in the mud slinging and accused him of being a deist.

“Can the  placing at the head of of the nation two characters known to be deists be productive of order,peace, and happiness?” A friend of  Thomas Jefferson wrote a circulated pamphlet stating the charge of deism was false and malicious.  It spoke to his belief in Christianity.

The concern of religious beliefs of those who represent us  seem a part of our history as is the concern we keep it separate from the political use of it promoting one belief over another in law.

As  government becomes  more  intertwined in our daily decision process or takes away that process  is concerning . The Free exercise of religion  is not only pertaining to  those with in four walls of a building .  An exception was sought in this mandatory abortion coverage that was disregarded  .

It is no different if it a Deist, Christian  legislative action promoting those beliefs, or if it a Humanistic secular view. A legislative action stopping the free conscience and beliefs of others to particpate in medical coverage without supportinga  specfic forced monetary support for abortion  .

Allowing an excemption was the least that should have been done , the attacking of a personal belief was something  that should not have been done .

.

Violence Against Women Act (Which Split Evangelicals) Headed for Reapproval

Melissa Steffan

Elections often invite passion and strong disagreement .With a media doing its job providing sunlight and fair reporting , those passions can be checked . They are stopped before they become avenues for character assassinations and divisive paths that destroy our communities .The past couple of years we have seen a group of individuals hide behind an anonymous group name called Character Counts.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Character-Counts-Defeat-James-Olsen/151724084858594?ref=ts&fref=ts

They attempt  to  hide behind a veil  of anonymity in order to violate the hope of open and honest debate built into our democratic system . The organization Character Counts found on Face book originally claimed a non partisan status. In the beginning its claim was to stop a candidate for the 23^rd District James Olsen and expose his miss conduct..

I have contacted democratic candidates all denying any connection with the group. The comments from this group often attacked other candidates and issues. The attacks were all on Republican candidates. The non partisan aspect is no longer advertised and the group has grown. In the Prosecutors Race  the Republican Challenger was personally vilified for just knowing James Olsen,. Donors to James Olsen’s candidacy were openly mocked . The ridicule even went to wives of candidates on line. For instance one Character Counts member called the wife of candidate James Olsen a dog . Tea Party members were linked to sexual graphic images. 

Through out blogs members of the group have come out in vitriolic attempts to intimidate and ridicule any and all opposition . The complications behind anonymous sucker punching being allowed to continue like this abuse common decency . Once behind their computers this group become zealots for their cause . Embarrass James Olsen and all who disagree with any means necessary. We have seen this in the past targeting Democratic Commissioner Chris Endresen when she was a commissioner with an anonymous web page, political aspirations hold no specific side  that is better to the possibility of miss conduct  when unchecked .

Originally I was going to name names , give a long list of quotes of over the line quotations from their Anonymous Face Book Account and throughout the media in Kitsap County. Attempt to defend the honor of the community members they vilified, some friends of mine . Quote their religious mocking of different Faith groups from Mormons to Catholics . The names and quotes I got personally directed toward myself for attempting to stand up to them . I have been contacted three times personally by my private email and personal Face book Account . Once being told to stop or else. Not sure what else meant ? All three times intimidation was attempted to silence their apparent justified attempts to bring the James Olsen down or criticize their methods. This cyber bullying should not have been ignored or turned a blind eye to for this long by the Kitsap media . Leaving these issues to partisan and anonymous groups divide communities after the election s are over.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Character-Counts-Defeat-James-Olsen/151724084858594?ref=ts&fref=ts

by Robert Struble, Jr. on Sep 20, 2012 in Contraception & Abortion, Featured, Law & Justice

Michael Ferman

It is said that Planned Parenthood usually wins in court.  But not always.  Last month, thanks to a display of courage by Michael Ferman, abortion “rights” did not, for once, trump all other considerations.

Ferman, age 34, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a former student of mine.  I have known him and his family for many years, and I believe the remarkable event in which he played the primary role deserves to be aired.  A few weeks after the trial recounted below, Mike began his year as a postulant residing at the Franciscan Friary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Mike’s trial was for 2nd degree trespassing, at most a few feet onto Planned Parenthood property in Kitsap County WA (due west of Seattle).  The trespassing charges concerned Mike’s having advanced onto the grass at the outer edge of the PP parking lot.  PP has for years been peeved by our picketing their abortion mill.  They singled out Mike as particularly irksome because of his long-term dedication and sometimes solo vigils at the perimeter of their property.

As Glenn Stockton who coordinates pro-life action at the PP facility describes Mike:  “All of us in the Kitsap County pro-life community have witnessed Michael Ferman’s zealous activities of spreading the truth to the uninformed regarding the ongoing slaughter of the unborn in Kitsap County.  Instead of being criticized for his peaceful actions on behalf of the “least of these,” our unborn brothers and sisters, his actions should be emulated.”

No wonder PP jumped at their opportunity and called 911 as Mike was counseling a woman to spare her baby.  When the responding police officer asked if they wanted to press charges, the PP person in charge answered unhesitatingly in the affirmative.

The legal process neared its final phase in August with consultation between the Deputy Prosecutor, Ms. Lael Carlson and Mike’s court appointed defense attorney, Jenease LaCross.  Under a plea bargain arrangement negotiated by the two attorneys, Mike was to receive a $200 fine, plus a year’s probation under deferred sentence provisions.  After a year’s “good conduct,” Mike would be allowed to change his plea to not guilty. The court would then dismiss all charges.

Ms. LaCross, suggested to Mike – not quite imperatively – that he take the offer, as it was the best she could possibly get for him.  Otherwise, said she, Mike risked up to 90 days in jail if convicted by the jury, although she suspected ten days of home confinement with an ankle bracelet was more likely.

During pre-trial consultation, LaCross downplayed my own reference to the possibility of jury nullification.  It was an old principle, she admitted; but defense attorneys were forbidden by the standards of the bar to suggest to jurors that they could simply disregard the law in favor of fairness and justice.  LaCross pointed out that even if a few stalwarts did create a hung jury, the mistrial would not prevent the prosecutor from retrying the case.

Mike consulted with me, his mother, two other friends, and his lawyer.  He was torn between principle and pragmatism, between what he called “the best option versus the easiest.”  If he took the offer, his plan was to work off the $200 fine with community service as he had done in the past with traffic tickets.

I suggested that before deciding he might watch the PP video of the incident.  LaCross got access to it; and after viewing the video, which showed him on the grass adjacent to the parking lot, Mike decided to go with a jury trial.  “I’ve done nothing wrong,” was his bottom line.

The jury pool of 26 citizens selected by lot were already in the courthouse, waiting in a holding-room.  Before they were even seated for the jury selection process, I discovered that in Judge Marilyn G. Paja of the Kitsap County District Court we were dealing with a dreary bureaucrat.  Mike told me later about being put off by the atmosphere of “play acting,” with machine-like communication consisting of memorized stock phrases in lieu of natural human interaction.

For example after I identified myself to Judge Paja and offered to show my press pass, I got into a procedural dispute over what direction I should face once the jury entered the room.  The concern, announced Her Honor, was that one of the jurors might be able to read what was on my computer screen.  I offered to sit sideways toward the front of the room, but she cited safety concerns for lawyers traversing the 3 or 4 foot wide passageway between us.  I offered to sit in the rear of the room with my screen facing the back wall, but after wrangling over the issue of electrical outlet location, she called in a staff technician regarding safety concerns if I used an extension chord.  Finally, Judge Paja issued her ruling.  As soon as the jurors arrived I would have to go battery power only.

I’m guessing that the delay cost taxpayers in excess of $100 worth of time spent to resolve the logistics of this “problem.” It would have been so easy to settle with a little human flexibility.  Aristotle noted long ago that man is the most adaptable of animals.  It struck me as yet another example – slight but typical in postmodern society – of how human will is bound and the intellect dulled by mindless bureaucratic regulations.

Once the jury arrived, Judge Paja began reiterating pat formulas over and over, ad nauseum, so as to weary any juror, not to mention the defendant and his attorney.  Included was Judge Paja’s repeated instruction to the jury pool to follow only the law, not personal opinions of what was fair or just, or whether the charge was vindictive and picayunish.  Thus did she program the jury to be bureaucratic, rather than – God forbid!–– act as a populist mediator between the government and the citizen.

Soon, Deputy Prosecutor, Ms. Carlson, took the floor and began questioning the jury pool.  How, she asked, would they define trespassing?  “Crossing a boundary,” someone proposed.  “Almost like breaking and entering,” said another.

Carlson began probing the jury pool about how to define trespassing.  Responses ranged from entering a house without permission, entering the yard, or stepping on property outside of the public right of way.  Exceptions, they thought, would include the Postman delivering mail, Boy Scouts selling popcorn, and religious solicitors, like Seventh Day Adventist missionaries knocking on the door.  It was opined that the latter could become trespassing if a respectful retreat was not forthcoming after being asked to leave.

During voir dire proceedings, one prospective juror identified herself as currently a Planned Parenthood worker.  She indicated that she considered protestors upsetting for many reasons, and admitted to uncertainty as to her ability to be fair and impartial.  Another prospective juror was a former protestor himself on unidentified issues(s).  He suggested that it was like politics where voters should “step back from” their own spiritual training, and decide issues “objectively.”  (Hmm, ?#!)  Another juror voiced her disdain for using the court system to extend pro-life protests to a wider audience.  Still another woman formerly involved with Planned Parenthood expressed doubts about her ability to be fair to both sides.

After selection of six jurors (not twelve), the Prosecutor proposed to call a Mr. Denis as a witness.  Denis is a former owner of the building before PP acquired it.  For the past three years he has worked as a maintenance man there, and also as director of security.

Judge Paja first had Mr. Denis interrogated by the two attorneys, with the jury absent.  The Prosecutor sought to admit his testimony as to the location of the property line.  Denis’ information, it turned out, was based on what his predecessor on the job had told him.  Ms. LaCross, objected that the testimony was therefore hearsay.  It should not be heard by the jury, she argued.

On day two of the trial, Judge Paja sustained LaCross’ objection, and ruled that the testimony by Mr. Denis was hearsay, was too uncertain, and was therefore inadmissible.  Next Prosecutor Carlson tried to bring forward maps, hurriedly secured from the Assessor’s office across the street.  Since they were uncertified copies, they were also ruled inadmissible.

At this point, Carlson seemed utterly at a loss how to proceed, and Judge Paja told her, in what struck me as a motherly way, “I can’t tell you what to do.”  The Prosecutor then announced that she could not go forward.  On behalf of the Prosecutor’s office, Carlson asked that the charge be dismissed without prejudice.  Judge Paja signed the order clearing Mike shortly before noon, August 21st.

In a huddle just outside the courtroom, six or seven gloomy PP employees and supporters were overheard lamenting the result.  They were discussing how in future the boundaries should be ascertained officially and clearly marked.  On the sidewalk outside the courthouse, quite a different group gathered for prayer.  A half-dozen of us stood and offered up a Glory Be.  Thus did right prevail, and Planned Parenthood suffer a well-deserved humiliation.

Impressed with his exercise of the cardinal virtue of Fortitude, I interviewed Mike Ferman a day after the trial.  I asked about the stress he had felt.  Even the interrogation by his own attorney produced anxiety, he said.  He elaborated on how stressful it can be to introspect, and to second guess yourself.  Going to Confession would be a case in point, he said.  Another source of stress for Mike was grappling with the dissonance between the law of man and the law of God.  Also stressful was the effort to resolve the tension between zeal and prudence.

Mike did indicate, I’m heartened to say, that he was influenced by my words encouraging him to take the high road of principle, even as his attorney was pushing him in the pragmatic direction.  Mike said he saw it as somewhat similar to the difference between an “A” and a “C” on a term paper.  “Why settle for mediocrity, he asked.”

Mike stated that we have a duty to become activists, especially when circumstances, like his own unmarried state, put Christians in a better position to take more risk.  He argued that the Gospel does not call for us to be cowards.  We need to be bold; God will take care of us, Mike said. “You’ll never be a saint by being a coward.”

He added that the fear of publicly engaging such a controversial issue has to be overcome, “because it is necessary to stand up for the weakest among us,” and assist the women and young girls being lured into the mill of murder.  Whether they go to Planned Parenthood for abortions, or for condoms, pills or other contraceptive assists, no one should do business with that vile establishment, Mike insisted.

In conclusion, kudos to Mike for resisting the impulse to choose the course that was safer and easier.  As he said later, the plea bargain offer was tempting, because $200 was not a lot of money and it was a pretty safe choice.  It was “probably the percentage play,” or the easiest, and the “smart move” legally.  Instead he chose the high road, “yielded to the Grace of God,” and hazarded the peril of 90 days in jail; also the considerable stress that would have entailed.

Admiral John Paul Jones (1747-1792)

Applicable here is the venerable maxim of the American Admiral, John Paul Jones: “he who will not risk, cannot win.”*

_____ * John Paul Jones, letter to Armand de Kersaint, 1791.  “The rules of conduct, the maxims of action, and the tactical instincts that serve to gain small victories may always be expanded into the winning of great ones with suitable opportunity; because in human affairs the sources of success are ever to be found in the fountains of quick resolve and swift stroke; and it seems to be a law inflexible and inexorable that he who will not risk cannot win.”