As I sat down, after the customary handshake, in the sturdy, yet not-so-comfortable chair, I began talking to the two ladies in room about this prompting I had (and continue to have for that matter) to seek public office.  I explained how I have been meeting with many others (132 as of today) in order to do my due diligence in what would be an extremely uphill battle, considering that I have not been active in any party over the years.  Our conversation ran to all areas of the political and religious spectrums from abortion to states rights to the climate to charitable giving.  Within 10 minutes, I knew that my libertarian-conservative leaning views differed from theirs; however, to their credit, they remained kind to me during our entire 70-minute conversation. It was my goal to glean as much information from them on why these two local party leaders believed they way they did.  While the details of our conversation will remain private, at no time did I feel like Daniel going into the Lions Den.  Call it courage.  Call it whatever you like.  I call it a tremendous learning experience…

… I felt like Daniel at other times though, especially when I was eating breakfast or lunch across the table from many people who are supposed to be on my side of the political spectrum.  Most of our conversations centered on my lack of involvement in the local party and how that lack of involvement would be a hindrance for me.  Hardly anyone seemed very interested in my views on the pension crisis in Pennsylvania or why there has been little activity in addressing the property tax burden in the Commonwealth. Instead of seeking office, I was repeatedly told to first volunteer at a polling place or help out at a party banquet.  Unfortunately, my 18 years of private sector business experience or my extensive community involvement pales into comparison to handing out political flyers.  Don’t get my wrong, the parties need volunteers in those areas and they are important in order to get the message out; however, I fail to see how those jobs are a prerequisite for running for an office in Lancaster County…

…what I love about Lancaster County is the farming community and its work ethic.  As I am driving through Elizabeth and Warwick Townships these days, many from the farming community are out in their fields preparing the soil for this year’s crops.  I have learned much from the farmers.  In order to realize a good yield in the fall, they begin by preparing their land before they plant their seeds.  After planting, the farmers must meticulously tend to their fields seemingly each day.  The sun may shine brilliantly during some days of the growing season, which allows for growth.  Still other days bring storms that may cause some damage to the field, which calls for mending.  Finally, when the first leaves begin to change color, the farmers begin their harvest, which will be only as good as their preparation in early spring and their attentiveness during the growing season…

…recently, I made a very difficult decision of leaving a position that I thoroughly enjoyed; but as a good friend of mine told me recently, “God is freeing up your time for something better.”  I’m in a growing season right now.   The seed has been planted. I am eagerly looking forward to this fall’s harvest.  The breadth of my harvest depends on how I cultivate everything this summer.  No matter what, I will be courageous when talking about my convictions and kind to everyone, even to those who do not agree with me.

Believe.Act.Serve, like He did.
Reedy is (getting) Ready

1.     If you love sports, then you will love this upcoming weekend:  NFL Draft, Kentucky Derby, NHL and NBA Playoffs, Major League Baseball, World Golf Match Play, NASCAR @ Talladega, and the much anticipated Mayweather/Pacquino fight.

2.     There are 7 states in the US that have no income tax.  How do they balance their budget? Here in PA, our governor wants to raise the income tax and local school boards are voting to increase the millage rates - once again- in their districts. Despite the increases in taxes, they still seem to have deficits.  There is spending problem in Harrisburg and not a revenue one.

 3.     Former Olympic Champion Bruce Jenner came out on Friday as a transgendered American.  Silly me, I thought that the LGTB folks would be saluting his bravery.  Nope, because he said that he is a conservative and is a member of the republican party.  I guess that LGBT citizens can’t like conservative principles, such as lower taxes, less government and individual liberties?

 4.     At the 2015 Women in the World Summit last week, Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton said that, “…deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed” so that women can have access to “reproductive health care.” Does she believe that my personal Christian beliefs need to change? And, tell me where in this country do hospitals or other care providers refuse to help pregnant women? 

5.     “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3

6.     Proponents of marriage between one man and one woman should refrain from calling it “traditional” marriage.  They should stand behind their belief that marriage is by definition one man and one woman.  The use of the word “traditional” gives the connotation that it is old, archaic and is in need of change.

7.     First it was megabytes.  Then came gigabytes and terabytes.  Now, the new term in the digital age, as the storage of data escalates, is “petabytes”, which is 1,048,576 gigabytes.  I can’t wait until we talk in “zettabytes” – 1,099,511,627,776 gigabytes.

8.     Yes, I’m a huge Disney fan.  My top five Disney princesses are (from #5-1):  Merida - Snow White – Cinderella – Ariel - Aurora.

9.     Take some time today to pray for: the 8 million people affected by the earthquake in Nepal; the violence to end in Baltimore; the Christians in the middle east that are getting killed for their faith; and, for your family that they remain safe in today’s world.

10.  This past Saturday, a student at Central Bucks West High School in nearby Doylestown set a new world record for solving the Rubik’s Cube.  His time?  5.25 seconds.  He shattered the previous record of 5.55 seconds that was set in 2013.  All I can say is “Wow! That’s Fast”.



Have a wonderful week everyone.  
Kindness & Courageous continues later this week.

Believe. Act. Serve, the way He did.
#Reedy is (getting) Ready

Any ten-year old boy growing up in a Christian home in the 1970s dreaded those fall weekends.  While those fall weekends occurred only once a year, most boys would have told you that they would have preferred to stay in school through the weekend, rather than attending those dreaded evangelistic services.  Beginning on Friday night and continuing on Saturday and then finally ending at the conclusion of the Sunday morning church service, these traveling inspirational road shows would showcase preachers who took turns presenting the Gospel in a way that, well, put the fear of God in those who filled the pews. “Repent, for the time is near” and other slogans of the hour echoed throughout sanctuaries. By the time Sunday morning rolled around, I am almost certain that most kids had enough of the shouting, the praying and the hymns; and I, sad to write, was one of those kids. 

As I settled into my front row balcony seat on Sunday, September 26, 1976, I was able to see most of the 100s of neatly dressed congregants sitting at attention, awaiting the latest fire and brimstone message of the weekend.  When the first key was pressed on the organ, I told myself under my breath, only two more hours – two more hours until this nightmare is over…

… something transformative happened at the height of this particular nightmare when the dreaded altar call was made. You remember the altar call, don’t you?  This is when the fiery preacher would ask those who want to admit publicly that they are a sinner and make them take the long journey to the front of the church to kneel and pray for forgiveness at the altar.  As the choir began singing beneath the raspy voiced preacher, and in amongst the "Jesus saves and you are going to hell" mini speeches, I began to feel this tug at my heart; a tug so very strong that it seemed futile to resist.  As if the preacher was speaking only to me, I answered his call to rise from my pew - in front of my friends- and make my way to the altar.  To this day, I remember leaving my seat and walking to the steps that led down to the first floor from the balcony.  With each step I took, my heart raced and pounded. My head swirled with thoughts of doubt about what I was doing.  I was scared.  What would people think?  Most importantly, what would my friends think of me who were with me on the balcony?  And what would the congregation think as I was admitting to being a bad little boy.  Undaunted, I kept walking…

…the walk from the back of the church to the front seemed like it took hours,  Being four foot nothing at the time, I felt swallowed up by the sea of adults.  Heads began to turn and point as I continued walking.  All the while, the preacher kept spewing his message to repent of your sins and follow Jesus.  By the time I made it halfway, I thought I must have been doing something wrong because no one else was in the aisle with me.  I was scared.  What was I doing?  Why am I admitting to a room full of people that I am sinner and someone who needs help? But my attention, somehow, remained focused on getting to the altar.  As the choir folded up their music, I reached the front.  Without hesitation, I kneeled on the burgundy pillow, folded my little hands, and began to pray a prayer of confession and one where I asked Jesus into my heart…

… little did I know that as I was walking down the aisle, a person with a huge heart saw me from his pew.  Inspired by the sight of this 10 year old boy’s courageous act in front of grown adults, he rose from his seat.  As my hands were folded and my head was bowed, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.  As I cried out in my mind asking for forgiveness, I felt the reassuring, kind arm of an older, senior gentleman, that I was doing the right thing...

….the thing is, this post was not meant to tell you my personal testimony, although you know it now.  It was meant to remind us, well mainly me, that being courageous in 2015 is often overlooked and sometimes not popular.  We see courageous people everyday and never think twice about it.  Some you pass by someone waiting for the bus to take them to work because they do not own a car – it takes courage to admit that they are not wealthy enough to own a car.  Some publically stand up against governmental policies – it takes courage to challenge the government when your believe that your rights are being violated.  Some struggle to fit in because of their race, gender or sexual orientation. Others go to work at a job they dislike only because they have a family to support.  Still others, are just 4th grade students who are trying to find their place in this world…

….in today’s world, I applaud those individuals who are courageous enough to stand up for their principles (not interests), support causes that may not be popular, challenge the establishment of both political parties, or make personal sacrifices for the betterment of others. The best support of someone’s courageousness is showing a simple act of kindness toward them, just like my grandpa Reedy did when he put his arms around me at that altar many years ago when I listened to my pounding heart…

…my heart is pounding for other reasons these days. The question for me is whether or not I will be courageous enough to listen to it. What is pounding in your heart today?  Are you courageous enough to follow it?  My challenge for you is to show some kindness to someone in your life that is being courageous – I am certain that they will appreciate the support. 

Believe.Act.Serve, like He did.
Reedy is (getting) Ready
#Team Tim

1.     It was great to see Lancaster County native Jim Furyk get his first PGA tour in win since 2010 yesterday.  In my book, he deserves to be in the Golf Hall of Fame.

2.     Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take the summer off in order to visit as many locations that have been showcased on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”?

3.     I am waiting for the day when someone sues an airline carrier because first class seats are bigger than the ones in coach.  Aren’t those bigger seats discriminatory against people who can’t afford to fly in first class and are forced to sit in smaller ones?  Shouldn’t everyone who flies be treated the same?  It's not fair.

4.     When Barak Obama ran against John McCain in 2008, the media said that the country needed someone young with new ideas and not someone who has been in Washington for a long time.  Now the media is saying that Hillary Clinton’s time in Washington, where she gained experience, is the reason that she deserves to be President even though if she becomes President, she will be older when Ronald Reagan became President.

5.     Lately, this Bible verse has been going through my mind, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and do not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

6.     I know it is only April, but I think I am safe in saying that the Philadelphia Phillies have been officially eliminated from the 2015 playoffs.

7.     The media’s knock against Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz?  They are all first term senators and lack the experience to be President. 

8.     My favorite cookie is: chocolate chip – oatmeal raisin in second.  Favorite pie: my wife’s apple, with blueberry crumb a close second.  Cake: cheesecake. 

9.     Today is a big day for our dog Bailey as she goes to the spa, where she will get a shampoo, haircut and have her nails done.  Ah, the life of a dog.  When she comes home, she will of course, take a nap in the sun.

10.  My favorite Disney character is Donald Duck because he is always misunderstood --- like me it seems lately.

Have a wonderful week everyone. 
Kindness & Courageous continues later this week.

Believe. Act. Serve, the way He did.
#Team Tim

The sidewalk gave off tremendous amounts of heat on that late summer day in northeast Philadelphia in 2014.  No one seemed to mind though because the joy, laughter and fun that everyone was having made them not even realize they were hot – or poor for that matter. My wife and two youngest daughters volunteered, along with countless others, to run kids games at a carnival at hosted by Urban Hope, which is a training center and community church who caters to their surrounding neighborhood. 

I was stationed at the goldfish toss.  Glass bowls were placed on concrete steps leading up to one of the buildings owned by Urban Hope.  For the better part of 4 hours, everyone who threw a Ping-Pong bowl was a winner.  Sometime during the afternoon, Jimmy (not his real name) won two goldfish.  After this 11 year old received his new pets, he asked if I would walk with him to his house – a mere block and half away – so that he could put his new friends into a fishbowl.  He wanted a man to walk with him because he needed to feel safe, even though it was broad daylight.  As we started on our short journey, my 8-year old daughter Gabbie joined me.  When we arrived at Jimmy’s house, Gabbie noticed how small his townhouse was compared to our house.  His front porch was a concrete slab.  The front windows were dingy.  The air conditioner, sticking out of a second floor bedroom, dripped condensation on us as we waited for him outside baking on the sidewalk.  As we walked back to the carnival, Jimmy talked about how he went door to door around his neighborhood inviting anyone who would answer the door to come to the free carnival. He also talked about how he is trying to lead his mom and her boyfriend to having a relationship with Jesus.  I told him that it took great courage to share his faith.  He just smiled. When we made our way back to the carnival, held on two crisscrossing streets, Jimmy took off toward the light blue cotton candy stand …

…the light blue frosted cupcakes were arranged neatly on a tray that only mom could arrange.  Close by, some girls were playing pin the horn on the narwhal.  While Gabbie’s birthday party in early March of this year was not held outdoors in a city street, it did, at times, resemble a carnival, considering the 14-second graders that were dancing around the room.  Balloons were strategically placed.  The Chick-fil-A nuggets looked delicious, even to the few adults who were in the room.  It was perfect.  Friends. Family. Food.  This party was what heaven probably looks like to an 8-year old girl.  After two hours since their arrival, Gabbie’s guests began to leave, each one having their goodie bag in hand.  Upon cleanup, we began to pack Gabbie’s unopened presents in the car for the drive home. At home, the presents were placed downstairs where they stayed for a month, undisturbed, until two weeks ago.  Along with her family, Gabbie and her unopened birthday presents made the one and half hour trip to Urban Hope in Philly, where they were to be given to children like Jimmy.  We were greeted at Urban Hope by one of the counselors and two children who attend their Kingdom Kids program.  Gabbie’s words to them went like this: “I want to give my presents to kids like me who don’t have a lot.”  After receiving the presents from Gabbie, one of the children thanked he for her act of kindness to people she doesn't even know…

...Gabbie also exhibited great courage in asking those coming to her birthday to buy presents for someone that they didn’t know.  Jimmy also showed kindness to his neighbors for extending an invitation to a carnival.  I’ve learned through these two stories that one can be courageous and kind at the same time.  It’s time that our politicians and others in leadership - from churches to service organizations - to start leading on principles rather than their interests.  If kids can lead by example, why can’t they?

Believe.Act.Serve-like He did.
Team Tim

1.     I had a wonderful time last evening watching Disney Night on Dancing with the Stars with Tina and the girls.

2.     My mom was released on Monday from the hospital and is now at a local nursing facility undergoing some intensive therapy due to her stroke.  She is making great strides.

3.     I tried on the Apple Watch Saturday at the Apple Store. It was sleek, remarkably light, and looked like it belonged on my wrist.  I’m waiting to get one though. 

4.     State politics number 1: I read where Gov. Wolf recently said that he doubts that a budget will be passed by June 30 of this year.  I love his positive attitude.

5.     Mrs. Clinton is officially running for President of the U.S.  I wish that the GOP contenders would ignore her and focus on their plans for America.  I vote for someone and their ideals and not just against someone.  #standwithrand

6.     This past week, I admit, was difficult for me personally as I continue to struggle with confidence in my abilities, my purpose and sensing God's direction for my life. 

7.     State politics number 2: So let’s say that the Gov. is successful in lowering property taxes in lieu of increasing other taxes.  What would prevent, in the future, of school boards just raising the millage rates?  Any property tax reduction will only prove to be temporary unless spending gets under control. 

8.     11 "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:11,12 

9.     Just because something is legal according to the government does not mean that it is moral…in other words, “Legality does not equal morality.”

10. Just because the majority says an issue is moral, it doesn’t suddenly make it moral. 

Believe. Act. and Serve, the way He did.
Team Tim

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”  - Mark Twain

Two weeks ago, my family and I went to see the Disney movie “Cinderella”.  On her deathbed, Cinderella’s mother told her daughter to live her life with kindness and courage.  While Cinderella had a difficult time of it living with her stepmother and stepsisters after her father died, she nonetheless served them with a kind, servant’s heart.  Moreover, she faced some harrowing situations with courage and confidence, never wavering from her mother’s last instructions to her. 

If you are a regular reader of my posts, you know that I write about life, politics and Christianity – and, I have flirted the notion of running for office at some point due to my deep desire to serve the public.  Over the last two years, I have met with over 130 different people regarding my entry into politics.  Those with ties to the local political establishment have given me zero chance at winning any office mainly because I have not “volunteered” for the local GOP. 

Our country is changing – politically and culturally – and the battle lines have been drawn between the conservatives, progressives, Christians, atheists, prolife, pro abortion, etc. I could go on and on.  Battle lines have even been drawn between those that should be on the same side, such as the GOP and the Tea Party.  What is lacking, for the most part between these adversaries, is that no one is kind toward their perceived enemies when voicing their opinion. Furthermore, some of the sides seem to have given up for fear of retaliation in the press, fear of being ridiculed on social media, or fear from threats of ruin from their opposition.

I have prayed and thought long and hard about writing in generalities about my political conversations, specifically what I learned about the process and what it takes to run for office here in Lancaster County. While some may say that hiding behind blog posts is not courageous, my contention is that putting my thoughts in writing is courageous because once I click the button “post”, my words will be free to be dissected by anyone and at anytime, now and in the future.

Running for office, serving the public, serving in churches or just being a Christian now-a-days takes two things: being kind to others and having the courage to stand for your principles and not your interests.  This series will talk about both.  I invite you on this journey beginning next Thursday and each Thursday thereafter.

Believe.Act.Serve
We’re Ready for Reedy

1.     My wife and daughter called me last Wednesday evening (I was away) to say that they couldn’t find our dog Bailey.  After 30 minutes of me panicking, writing texts and praying, my wife said, “April Fools.”

2.     It’s Masters week.  Tiger is back.  TV ratings will likely be high.  I’ll be watching.

3.     Sen. John McCain will announce today that he is running for his 6th term in 2016 because “there is a lot more to do”.  Obviously, he didn’t get it all done in his previous 5 terms.  I wonder if my Congressman, Joe Pitts, will be running for a 10th term in 2016 because he has a lot more to do as well.  

4.     One Shining Moment – always worth watching. 

5.     “Don’t look at somebody and say ‘that’s what I want to be’ because in reality, if you’re seeking self-approval or human approval you’re never gonna reach your goal. You can only reach it by God.” –Sadie Robertson, 17.

6.     Joel Burger recently proposed to his girlfriend named Ashley King.  If he takes her last name when they get married, his new name will be Joel Burger King. This is a true whopper of a story…ba duh bum.

7.     Books I’m reading right now: “Draw the Circle” by Mark Batterson; “The Conservatarian Manifesto” by Charles C W Cooke; “Beyond Band of Brothers – The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters”; “Our Lost Constitution” by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee.

8.     “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:12 NIV

9.     #StandWithRand

10. “Kindness and Courage” is the name of my next blog series that begins this Thursday and will appear every Thursday until its conclusion. My first post will give an overview of this series.

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We're Ready for Reedy
Believe.Act.Serve