(TUE) Update to M&P article

TUE (8:53 am) M&P update.

SAT (12:44,48; 1:35,42; 2:35 pm) Adding CTC[2] Updated, Zeroing Traffic Deaths Policy. Par. additions "FURTHER" & "ON SPEED AGAIN", one statement addition/update.

________CTC Corner[1]

ISSUE AFTER ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIPS

Philippians 4:5 “Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.”

Hebrews 13:4a “Let marriage be honorable among all...”

MARRIED LIFE. For true Christians generally, God’s word throughout encourages married life.[For those struggling with such a view of marriage, the paragraph headed “OTHER SITUATIONS” below may contain some helpful information.] While the apostle Paul once recommended singleness, he was then speaking to original anointed Christians with the heavenly calling, to become “as angels” in the heavens above. Even at that, marriage while on earth was still an option. For God’s eternal universal purpose, clearly marriage may be considered a gift—to share life’s experiences with a beloved married companion. Who will be your partner, as we clean up our planet, and welcome our ancestors back to life on earth? Who will this partner be if afterward, God wishes you to start a family, even elsewhere in the universe? Supposing there is nothing interfering with the typical romantic feelings experienced by men and women, we might ask: What of one nearing marriageable age—a young man or a young woman?

YOUNG MEN. Considering a restored standard of marriage for most every person, trusting God to help one find a suitable partner, or to help two near marriage to take that step, how might we view the growth process in preparation for this potentially joyful relationship? A young man who is able to work to support himself, upon reaching a marriageable and responsible age, might choose to leave his parents’ home and begin to find and manage a home of his own. He could certainly have begun preparing for such a step years before, with the help of parents and others. All such men should learn how to manage their own home, as they will need to do this well in the caring of a wife and children. If he has not yet found a suitable wife, or a woman that is yet ready to take the step of marriage, how might he proceed? If he has a well-paying job that can support him alone and the paying of taxes for a single person, he may choose this course, while looking for the one to become his wife. However, many young men find it a challenge to rent a place or even pay mortgage on a home early in their working careers.

PARTNERSHIPS. What if two such men, perhaps already friends, neither yet having a marriage relationship, could take a stance as partners—let’s now call them “Growth Term Partners.” One could take the lead in finding and paying for the home, being the primary owner or renter, while both work and contribute financially to the home and various expenses and needs that come up. Both are learning or practicing skills necessary for the management of a home that will be essential to begin a marriage and family. Neither one should practice laziness or shirk responsibility. Both should contribute almost equally for the benefit of one another, learning to be considerate of others as if having a family of one’s own. Why not allow such G.T. Partners to receive a tax credit similar to that of married folk, as these men are seeking and readying themselves for this relationship? And if they qualify, why not allow these responsible men even, if they wish, to consider fostering a child who is without loving parents, preferably a young boy, as long as one of the two men take primary responsibility for the child, and continue looking for a suitable wife, as a mother to the precious child? It should probably be the owner of the home, or primary renter, that be the responsible caregiver and provider for the child, but both should qualify to provide responsible care for the child in this partnership. Once again, a tax credit should be provided as in a family situation.

YOUNG WOMEN. What about a young woman, who herself has reached a marriageable and responsible age, and yet has not found a suitable partner? Why must she be burdened with the care and management of a home, that most young men are already preparing themselves for? Why shouldn’t the young woman remain, if possible, with her parents at their home, while perhaps finding suitable work, also practicing the skills that will be beneficial in support of her husband and children, when she finds him, with God’s blessing? With work, she may contribute to the parents’ expenses while hopefully having something to save for her own family’s needs in the future. This arrangement would prevent unnecessary burdens and expenses on the would-be new family, once she finds a suitable marriage partner! She may have been able to save up more for the family, that otherwise may have been lost to rent or mortgage costs. What does a new family do with two homes, two mortgages, or two rented properties—how much work goes into selling one of them, selling and/or consolidating furniture and other items accumulated in each home? Of course, this must be done in the case of those already on their own, and it may be considered a task helping the two to work out any differences fairly and agreeably between them. However, if the young woman can be free from such unnecessary burdens, how much more easily will be the transition to married life! Perhaps depending on her work situation, she may or may not be considered a dependent for tax purposes, the parents possibly receiving a tax credit to make up for the added expenses associated with her stay. Either way, this would appear to be the most beneficial situation for a young woman looking to marry. Evidently, “Philip the evangelizer” was able to support his four virgin daughters, even as they shared with him in the Christian ministry. (Acts 21:8-9). There are many examples throughout the Scriptures of women remaining at home until marriage—if this is possible in a given situation, we’ve seen many advantages to this. (Genesis 24; 29).

A PRECIOUS CHILD. Considering the foregoing, might there be adequate young families to care for a child who may have been born to a mother that is unwed and is not yet adequately prepared to raise him or her, if there are no relatives in a position to accept this responsibility either? Even if the child was conceived in rape or incest, is he or she not still a precious life? Certainly every precaution should be taken to prevent such a situation, but in the case that it does occur, how does God feel about any child conceived in or out of wedlock, according to His inspired word? Even God’s servant David wrote about his pre-birth self, in Psalm 139.

Notice verses 13-16: “13 For you produced my kidneys; You kept me screened off in my mother’s womb.14 I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know this very well.15 My bones were not hidden from you When I was made in secret, When I was woven in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.”

EVEN “AS AN EMBRYO.” David refers to his time in the womb of his mother, and even as an embryo, before any body parts even existed! It was still David, who would go on to become King of Israel! There is another Bible passage, in the Mosaic Law, that reveals God’s view of an unborn child. This is found at Exodus 21:22-23:

“22 “If men should struggle with each other and they hurt a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but no fatality results, the offender must pay the damages imposed on him by the husband of the woman; and he must pay it through the judges. 23 But if a fatality does occur, then you must give life for life”

GOD’S VIEW OF THE UNBORN. Yes, the unborn child was considered a life to God, such that if it was harmed before birth, the one causing the harm was even to die, if the child died as a result, according to the principle of eye for an eye, and in this case, life for a life. The purpose of such a strong penalty is so that those knowing the Law would AVOID becoming guilty of such things, so as NOT to receive such a harsh outcome. But as mentioned this reveals God’s view of the unborn child—just as much a life or a person as the one causing harm to a pregnant woman. Many women have suffered emotional pain after going through an abortion procedure—why not rather have this precious child, and give it up for adoption if the mother or a relative is yet unready to care for him or her? Yes, God did increase the pain of pregnancy after sin entered the human family, but it wasn’t done so as to prevent a woman from giving birth—with the proper diet and nourishment, and possibly certain exercises if needed, the experience needn't be overly difficult or painful. Carrying a child to birth can be a tremendous bonding experience, even talking to or reading to the child before birth. And that increase of pain may well be ending, as the start of God’s Kingdom nears! Also, it is quite likely that many aborted children will be "resurrected," having their birth process renewed, by God and Christ in the new world, that they may see the light of day and the love of their parents, if possible, having renewed appreciation for this gift of life! Let’s consider God’s gift of life sacred and precious, and do what we reasonably can to protect it!

ANOTHER ISSUE. Recall that Marriage is to be "honorable before all." (Hebrews 13:4). Have some unwed mothers shied away from marriage to the father of their yet unborn child due to concerns regarding the health of their relationship, or some sort of entrapment? Of course, where love begins, it may continue and grow with the blessing of the God of love. Both should be respectful of God's word the Holy Bible, which can provide a basis for excellent instruction to help make an engagement and marriage a true success! While God hates a divorce, and so should we, one should be open to making a success of a relationship, as long as it is realized a marriage can end in God's sight if truly necessary, as Scripturally it is not only physical fornication or immorality that may provide a basis for divorce, but also spiritual fornication--one proving to place other persons or things as of higher authority than God himself, and ignoring His standards of living. While God wishes us to be understanding, merciful, and loyal to Him and one's mate in seeking together to be faithful to God and each other, those somehow ignoring God should turn to Him for help, repenting over past error and seeking instruction to gain greater divine wisdom and love for the family that God may yet bless them to maintain. The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, is one place where sound, reliable instruction may be found, as well as counsel on marriage found in Ephesians chapter 5.

OTHER SITUATIONS. Now, of course not everyone is in the same position as the young men and women mentioned previously. Many are happily married, and have families of their own. Of course, those with more experience in life and a strong Christian faith would also be suited to accept foster children, if their hearts were ready for such a gift. And why wouldn’t two older men, unmarried, qualify as G.T. Partners as well, having even more experience in life, each looking for a married partner, and also perhaps qualifying to care for a foster child, presumably male, if desired? Also, as God’s Kingdom progresses, His power will certainly be available upon the human family, manifested in various ways. For example, the negative effects from certain drugs and chemicals could be relieved. He can, for instance, either help persons with gender issues to better align with their current or acquired gender, or where appropriate restore persons to the original gender God made them to be, with the proper feelings suitable for them, as “male and female He [God] created them.” (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4). Recall that humans are not just spirits—we are physiological creatures, affected by various chemical processes and substances, some of which could create imbalances or disturbances if left unchecked. Some petroleum and plastics molecules, for instance, mimic hormones such as estrogens. As discussed previously in another article, one such substance, a pesticide called Atrazine, has been used on some 75% or more of corn crops in the U.S., and can cause male frogs to turn female! Just what effect could it be having on humans? There are other chemicals and even birth-related drugs which no doubt have had a similar effect on many, either impacting the birth in ways God never intended or influencing growth from a tender age. Jesus spoke of a time of “re-creation.” (Matthew 19:28). So why wouldn’t Jehovoe God be able to restore precious humans to the condition He intended them to be in for their genuine happiness and satisfaction in life? And let the Kingdom investigate to find alternatives to things that would contribute to “ruining the earth.”

FELLOW-FEELING. One of the cases mentioned calls for great consideration and understanding--what if God truly made you from conception to be a female, but without realizing the danger, a parent, not realizing scientific research can at times be incomplete, accepted use of a drug that was believed to innocently cause a male birth, when in actuality it brought about a child that had an unfair struggle between two genders, or perhaps a real struggle of another sort? What if, just as quoted previously, from Genesis 1:27, "God [really] made them male and female" truly, not intending for this to be changed by even a well-meaning doctor? Further, what if God Himself was to intervene, and bring about the truly transgender change that made possible finally the relief that this dear child or even adult has needed to truly be at peace with him- or herself and others? Could we not all be supportive of the amazing ability of our Great God, Jehovoe, or His Son Jesus above, and be grateful for this person, who may finally be able to have the personality he or she has struggled to have, in line with truth and true feelings and emotions, to experience the peace of God like perhaps never before? May we aim to be carefully considerate of such matters, even as it may occur within our own family or among dear friends of our own!

CONCLUSION

GENUINE HAPPINESS. With God’s unfolding eternal purpose in view, brought about through His Kingdom, He doubtless intends many, if not all persons, to be happily married, sharing life’s experiences with a beloved partner. Thus the exhortation to “let marriage be honorable among all...” (Hebrews 13:4). God and Christ are also reasonable and understanding of various factors inhibiting the proper feelings of some men and women toward one another, and can correct such matters. May even young men and women be blessed by God to prepare for married life, and then to find that suitable marriage partner, delighting in the joys associated with that precious bond of union. May all others likewise appreciate this gift of God, and come to bring their lives into harmony with God’s loving purpose for humans, that we may look forward to genuine happiness, in a new world of peace and righteousness, by God’s divine standards!

____CTC[2]

Isaiah 25:8a "He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces."

Isaiah 11:9 "They will not cause any harm Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea."

BLESSINGS FROM GOD. Surely, the blessings promised under God's Kingdom are wondrous and numerous. But without the proper mindset concerning the timing of God's Kingdom, we may never be able to rid ourselves of reckless behavior, disease, and death. Jehovah, through His beloved Son and chosen kingly representative, is to oversee God's promised rewards, as policies issuing from this source, the true source having God's blessing, will be able to accomplish God's will. God's will is that people be saved from any life-threatening disaster, particularly saved from adverse judgement, by supporting His Kingdom's laws and instructions based on God's word, including of course governmental laws also blessed by God. 1Timothy 2:3-4 spell out God's will for humans in these words: "This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God,4 whose will is that people everywhere should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." Do we not want to see an end to sickness, aging physically beyond the proper age of a truly healthy life, and the death that God intends to "swallow up"? He's promised a resurrection of our dear loved ones, to welcome them back even to a cleansed earth, blessed by God. (Acts 24:15). It is God's government alone that can bring this about--let's welcome this change directed by God through His Son, having faith in the ransom provision of this one's sacrifice, a thankful trust in this one for everlasting life!

PRACTICAL STEPS. One vital change along these lines we must give attention to is the matter of careful driving, looking out for the lives of others and our own while behind the wheel. While it's important to think along the lines of having God's blessing on our activities, we must also take practical steps to help ensure we can live God's way and care for the lives of one another. One very important aspect of this policy is in PLANNING TIME for making good, safe, careful decisions when the lives of others may be at risk. Such situations may be quite often when operating a motor vehicle. Pedestrians may be at every corner for some drivers, so it's paramount to manage your time wisely if you want to be somewhere on time. While you should thus always plan time, even an extra 5 minutes for those few-second hesitations to ensure safety, there should also be allowances, even if there are penalties, for arriving late to a destination, if it was in the interests of not risking lives. How much would it matter if someone was seriously wounded or even killed in the process of getting somewhere "on time"? The wisest course all the way around is to take a short time to carefully ascertain how long it really should take to get somewhere, then add a few minutes at least for completely safe driving, for unexpected stops like buses and trains, and even being somewhere a few minutes before last second, so as not to feel rushed and to be considerate of the time of others you may be meeting with.

FURTHER. Along the same lines of practical assistance, there are many mishaps taking place due to lack of awareness of vehicle/travel integrity. While inspection methods vary state to state, often yearly inspections are mandatory. However, there are some things on vehicles that can seriously go awry well inside a year's time. A recommendation to require smaller but vital checks at every oil change, usually every 3-6 months, could be another tremendous step forward in reducing roadway accidents. Many oil-change shops are currently doing at least a few safety checks already! It may be that a 14-point check could solve this issue, with most inspection stations I believe able to agree on TEN checks that would suitably apply to nearly every vehicle, with another more specific FOUR checks tailored to the type, make or model. I'm proposing work begin in earnest on determining these 10, and specific fours, with careful consideration as to whether these numbers are appropriate or could be improved. Also, recommendations for a few simple things drivers may check more often at home or on the level surface of a gas station might also lessen travel issues.

OVERLY TIRED, ETC. Another area needing attention is avoiding driving while overly tired, or under the influence of excess alcohol and other substances. You should find, or have help to find, certain things that can make a real difference in how you are feeling if it is a matter such as tiredness. There may be many things that can perk you up, perhaps just a cup, to keep you perky for your trip. Aim to always have such things on hand if this has become a real issue currently. If you need to pull over somewhere for a brief nap when you have no other alternative, this should be permitted in the interests of safety for all! Also, as mentioned in my separate drunk driving policy, there have been found certain alcoholic beverages made from bad yeast/fungal strains that have caused people to do things such as drive without any consideration to consequences. Sometimes the extent of this effect is far more than normal alcoholic influence. This needs to be corrected swiftly--reports of such incidents should be carefully investigated to ascertain the real cause, considering the past behavior of the person in these matters as well. Beverage makers should not be quick to dismiss complaints about such things, especially if this is a recurring issue.

CROSSWALKS, SCOOT SPEED. Also, crosswalk lights should be reviewed, especially where there have been incidents occurring. I would make a recommendation that another crosslight symbol be included--that of a SCOOT speed crossing. While the normal WALK speed should be maintained, there are instances where only a faster paced jog or scoot across the street would make possible a crossing when the walk timing would not work. In some instances, showing the number of seconds remaining is very helpful, but see if the double to triple the walking speed as SCOOT might not also be possible. Then, check everything in the crosswalk patterns, because there have been times when a pedestrian believes it is safe to cross, when cars are still able to move into their path. There needs to be some laws clarification, crosslight changes, signage or other interventions to prevent misunderstandings about crossing safety! Laws clarification should include fairer laws about when crossing streets apart from crosswalks is acceptable--with clearing both ways behind foreseeable traffic at lights, for instance. One more thing--let's make sure we can see our pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists, with adequate reflectors and fluorescent or neon colors of some sort--please beware of wearing dark colors at night!

HIGHWAY SPEEDS. This policy cannot be complete without explaining the need for the right speed. Do we really want high speed crashes to result in tragic deaths of our dear friends, loved ones, or neighbors? It seems we rarely hear the numbers, but what if you found that in 2020 traffic fatalities topped 35,000, including pedestrians and bikers? These are not just injuries, but actual deaths from accidents. Even when the numbers drop, it's hard to think of it per month. So many of our cars and other vehicles on the road currently were not designed for the speeds we would like to be able to drive on the highway, unless there is so little traffic perhaps in some far out areas. It is the speed that has been causing crashes to result in pinning people in, behind the steering wheel, protruding further than it should. There needs to be greater distance, at least another 12 inches, between the engine compartment and the driver, to allow a crash, with current safety measures such as belts and airbags, to prevent loss of life at the greater speeds we've wanted to go. With proper measures taken, we could actually increase some lanes to 80 mph! But with current vehicles, there has been abundant proof that traffic crash deaths can only be eliminated with current vehicle design by using the limit of 55/56 mph. By stating it as 56, we are then able to drive in good conscience at 55.00-55.99 without any violation of the limit. I recommend that the law be made to allow an occasional rise to about 60 when building speed to 55, as long as it is without intention and quickly drops back to the max of 55 as is possible.

ARRIVING SAFELY. Still, I believe there may be circumstances where one could allow passing up to 60 mph for no more than about 9-10 seconds, to avoid unsafely travelling right beside another car when it can be avoided. The lawful times should be recognized, however, to avoid travelling such a speed excessively. That speed should only be to remedy an unsafe situation where necessary. If it has been shown or demonstrated that some current vehicle models are not needing additional space between the engine compartment and the driver, it may be that some lanes such as HOV lanes could be repurposed to permit higher speeds than 56. For life to be considered precious for all of us, why not let the media tell us the statistics, as they are compiled, perhaps month to month, that we may have reassurance in our determination to eliminate all traffic deaths that should not be occurring as they have been. As we hear the numbers drop, and grow in faith in having the right laws in place, and stop the senseless losses of life, we can be encouraged to allow that extra time to arrive at our destinations safely and in good conscience, rejoicing in our travels to be among family, friends, coworkers, and the like, in the peaceful new world of God's making!

ON SPEED AGAIN. Another crucial aspect of the issue of travelling speed arises on two-way roads already with limits around 55 mph. Accidents occurring with traffic oncoming can seriously amplify the risk of tragedy to all those involved, for much the same reasons as described earlier. On larger highways the speed reduction will allow for fewer accidents causing spinouts and multiple vehicle collisions. On other roadways, the full limit of 55.999/56 may be permissable with a clear road ahead, but must be reduced as oncoming traffic is in view, to a reasonable limit of 45.999/46 gradually, but with at least a light tap/hold on the brake pedal to alert any rear driver(s) to your intentions. As soon as the oncoming traffic has passed, the full speed limit under proper road conditions may be resumed. Also, if you're sure that a vehicle in front of you has a non-working brake light, I recommend a special horn tap to alert the driver, so that it may be resolved as soon as possible. It may be that a brief switch to hazard lights can fairly serve as an alternative until brake lights are repaired. The horn tap I recommend is an initial alerting tap that is heard, followed by two shorter/lesser taps. Then, two short taps in response by the front driver may indicate an understood thank-you by himr. By implementing these changes, thousands of lives per year will be saved. Once again, by receiving reports of dropping numbers of traffic collisions and especially deaths, might not all be encouraged to allow that extra time for safe and happy travels, perhaps making increased use of travel time for good conversations and/or careful sources of listening enjoyment or instruction? With proper care, safe travel times need not hamper our lifestyle, but rather spare ourselves and others needless grief and sorrow.

GOD'S PROMISE! May we once again reflect on God's promise of Revelation 21, where God promises that He will figuratively pitch tent with mankind, and He will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more, neither mourning in grief, outcry, nor pain be anymore. These things WILL pass away. Then God guarantees that He is making all things new, and that these words are faithful and true. (Revelation 21:3-5). God desires that we all rejoice in whatever measures He knows we need to take for Him to make true all His promises, including His desire to "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces!" (Isaiah 25:8). The time is upon us, to recognize where we are in the stream of time, and stop missing out on what God is bringing about. Let's not kick the can down the road much longer, but rather acknowledge God's Kingdom in the ways that we now should, so as to experience the promised blessings just as God now wishes that we do! His mighty holy spirit can certainly help one and all to make needed changes in their lives, to bring them in full harmony with God's loving will for mankind, in agreement with His word, bound up in Jesus.