clearly caring

Second Quarter 2010Volume 30 / Number 2

Clearly CaringChristian Life Resources

Also... Is it Time to Go Home? 2

What’s So New about Love?Robert Fleischmann

4 “They Shoot Horses...”Mark Braun

6 Making the Most of TimeTim Snyder

8

Carrying Burdens – An Alternative to Suicide

HHome

Edition

Clearly Caring – Home editionChristian Life Resources

Carrying Burdens – An Alternative to SuicideSecond Quarter 2010 Volume 30 / Number 2

Page 14 Glossary of Terms Related to End-of- Life Issues

In This IssueIncreasingly, states and countries are moving towards the legalization of assisted suicide. Promoted as “death with dignity,”

it preys upon the sinful obsessions of control, autonomy and narcissism. This issue will explore the Christian alternative to protect life by showing love, pleasing God and carrying burdens.

Coming Next Issue

Ethicists call this the post-modern age which rejects consistent values, honors the individual and promotes the toleration of all viewpoints – even those clearly contrary to the will of God. The next

issue will focus on the merits of unchang-ing values as prescribed in Scripture.

To see previous issues of Clearly Caring go to: www.ClearlyCaring.com

Christian Life Resources, Inc., 3070 Helsan Drive, Richfield, WI 53076-9582Phone: (800) 729-9535 Email: [email protected]

Websites: www.ClearlyCaring.com and www.ChristianLifeResources.com

Rev. Mark Braun

Page 6

“They Shoot Horses...”

Page 17 Use this Envelope... You Can Reach More People

Page 16 Changes

Values – Something to Hold On To

Lynn Klammer

Page 12

Is it Time to Go Home?

Tim Snyder

Page 8

Making the Most of Time

Page 21 Affiliate News Page 22 News & Views

Paul Snamiska

Page 18

Managing the Tough Decisions

Pastor Robert Fleischmann

Page 4

What’s So New about Love?

Linda Lawrence

Page 10

The ShepherdRestores a Soul

Page 20 Q&A

4 SECOND QuaRTER 2010C L E A R LY C A R I N G 5C L E A R LY C A R I N GSECOND QuaRTER 2010

C o m m e n ta ry

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)This familiar account often takes a central place in our Maundy Thursday worship services. after washing the feet of His disciples in a dramatic display of humility, Jesus dismisses Judas, knowing his actions will begin the process of events that will lead to tremendous physical suffering. and now Jesus issues a “new command.”

How many of you were struck that the command really did not sound so new?

Old Testament DirectivesGod gave the Law through Moses 2,000 years earlier, a portion of which is stated: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18) and “And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19).

The theme of “love” is echoed throughout the Old Testament. Proverbs says that love

covers a multitude of sins (Proverbs 10:12), and it keeps the tongue from gossiping (Proverbs 17:9).

Gospel DirectivesPrior to the events of Maundy Thursday, the directive to love was often echoed. Jesus used it to summarize the Law and the prophets (Mark 12:30-31). He commanded believers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). When Jesus described the final judgment, love was evident in the lives of those who are saved (Matthew 25:34-40).

So What’s New?all of this “love talk” prior to Maundy Thursday prompts us to ask, “So, what’s new about that? How could Jesus call it a ‘new command’ when it has been repeated for thousands of years?”

Martin Luther said the command to love is new every time it is spoken because it never grows old. It is a foundational command on which all commands of Scripture are based. as such it is a command certainly worthy of repetition.

What’s So New about Love?by Pastor Robert Fleischmann

4 SECOND QuaRTER 2010 5C L E A R LY C A R I N G SECOND QuaRTER 2010SECOND QuaRTER 2010

Love also faces great challenges in our world. as we see the nature of people steering further and further away from God, wickedness increases. We are told, in fact, the “love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).

A Change of PerspectivePracticing love has been a lifestyle intertwined with the true nature of worship from the very beginning of time. What had happened, however, was that the influences of sin eroded worship and the culture. Sacrifices and practices to point to God’s loving solution to sin became not acts of love or worship but deeds of work righteousness. In time even the religious leaders were blinded to their loveless practices.

By the time Jesus walked the earth the situation had become deplorable. Experts of the law asked who might be the neighbor they were to love. Pharisees boasted in the synagogue as they self-righteously compared themselves to the tax collectors of their time. Religious leaders were quick to throw the first stone of condemnation and point out the plank in the eyes of others, all without seeing their own sin.

Even Jesus’ own disciples didn’t get it. Jesus would explain the plan of salvation, but it didn’t sink in. They denied Him, lamented the loss, were confused by the mission and just plain didn’t understand this “new command” to love.

A Different Kind of LoveThe love spoken by Jesus was more than affection, the tight-knit nature of family, or the loyalty of good friends. The apostle Paul spoke of this special kind of love in this way: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).

The kind of love that comes as a “new” command is the unconditional and sacrificial commitment to others without the need or expectation that it will be returned. Jesus died for sinners – not only those who disappoint Him on a daily basis with more sin – but He also cried out for the forgiveness of those who were killing Him!

When we learn to understand this kind of love and practice this kind of commitment, it shapes our approach with the dying, the

struggling, the unborn and the needy. We love, care and sacrifice not because it is easy, it is fun or we are rewarded for it. We do this because we know what it means to be the object of this kind of love.

as our society grows colder in its love, the disabled and aging face increased danger. They become burdens not to be “loved” but to be dispensed with. Hitler’s associates referred to them as “useless eaters.” In a world that venerates productivity and progress, those who require care and resources are deemed too burdensome.

Love is All About God and Othersall of us need to reflect on the “new command” we have been given. Despite the world’s programming to look out for ourselves, the heart of the “new command” is that it is all about others. We think of others more than ourselves and show them the same concern as we do ourselves.

Yes, that means at times we must sacrifice. We must give up a worldly treasure here and there in order to care for others. and in the process, as one walks closer with the Lord while showing love to others, God incredibly makes everything work out for our good.

Care for a disabled or dying loved one strains us in many ways. It sometimes interferes with our own battle plan for life. Yet, respecting God’s gift of life by practicing sacrificial love telegraphs to the world you have a hope that exceeds beyond what this world can offer. God cares for those who care for others. While it may seem like an endurance test it is in fact an instrument God uses to strengthen us and communicate a hope that others can see. Perhaps someone may ask you how you do it and why you do it. That is when you can tell them about what Jesus did for us (1 Peter 3:15).

Rev. Robert Fleischmann is the national Director of Christian Life resources. He speaks throughout north america on the Biblical approach to various life and family issues and counsels people with God’s Word in correct decision-making.

Martin Luther said the command to love is new every time it is spoken

because it never grows old.

“ “


a L L t H I n G S S P I r I t U a L

True Confessions: Forty years ago I took a first date to see the movie, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?”Based on a 1930s novel, the movie was technically well done and received nine academy award nominations, but it was depressing from its opening scene to its disturbing conclusion. Gloria (played by Jane Fonda) meets Robert (Michael Sarrazin) after both have failed to get parts in a Hollywood movie. She talks him into being her partner in a dance marathon contest, a grueling competition stretching over several weeks, in which couples danced for hour-long stints relieved with ten-minute breaks. Robert was a drifter; Gloria, a cynical, wounded soul who repeatedly says she wishes she were dead. after the couple drops out of the competition, Gloria tells Robert she wants to kill herself, but when she points a gun at herself, she cannot pull the trigger. Desperate, she asks Robert, “Help me.” Robert remembers that when he was young, his grandfather had shot the beloved family horse, which had broken its leg. He obliges and shoots Gloria. Questioned by the police about the motive for his action, Robert responds, “They shoot horses, don’t they?”

The movie effectively destroyed the mood of a first date, but it also raised the euthanasia issue in a crude yet provocative way. If it is compassionate to put animals out of their misery, why not human beings?

In 1969, the year “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” was released, “euthanasia” was an unfamiliar term and “mercy killing” a little-known concept. Yet already in 1952 the Euthanasia Society of america had petitioned the Human Rights Commission of the united Nations to declare the right to die a basic human freedom for people dying of incurable disease. In 1973 the american Hospital association adopted the “Patient’s Bill of Rights,” which recognized terminally-ill patients’ prerogative to refuse medical treatment. Three years later California Gov. Edmund G. Brown signed the California Natural Death act, making his the first state to grant terminally-ill patients the right to authorize withdrawal of life-sustaining medical treatment when death was considered imminent.

In 1988 the unitarian universalist association of Congregations became the first religious body to affirm the right to die. In 1990, Detroit doctor Jack Kevorkian participated in the first of many doctor-assisted suicides. Growing interest in the right-to-die movement became apparent in public opinion surveys, and the Hemlock Society, a grassroots euthanasia group, reported its membership at more than 50,000. In 1994, Oregon’s “Death with Dignity” act passed, making it the first state in u.S. history to permit physician-assisted suicide. Washington and Montana have since followed that lead.

“THEY SHOOT HORSES...”

by Rev. Mark Braun


Debates on voluntary and involuntary euthanasia, mercy killing and terminal sedation continue, but public support for euthanasia remains unclear. a recent Gallup Poll reported that 75% of americans supported it but also noted wide differences in opinion across generational, ethnic and religious lines.

Robert’s shocking answer, “They shoot horses, don’t they?” implied that he was acting from an ethic of compassion. Isn’t it more merciful to end hopeless or pain-filled lives than to force people in such straits to go on living? But Brian Pollard, retired anesthetist and palliative care physician, has called such termination of life “a form of abandonment.” Compassion, he notes, derives from Latin and means “to suffer with.” In reference to dying patients, it translates as walking the rest of life’s journey beside them, offering comfort and support at every stage. To end their lives, Pollard contends, is an act of abandonment, not compassion. It does not address the best interests of the patient but is often done because the journey is too difficult on the others.

and is it legitimate to argue that because they shoot horses, people too should be granted the “mercy” of having their suffering

arbitrarily terminated? Such logic assumes the essential similarity between the lives of horses and human beings, but Christianity (and not only Christianity) has proclaimed the unique nature of men and women – created originally in God’s image, unique objects of God’s preserving love and care, morally responsible to him, and graciously redeemed by the Lord Jesus for a life of service and an eternity of joy at His side.

Facing pain, suffering and death in ourselves and in others is the price of being human beings living in a fallen world. While this fact is biologically inevitable, there is nothing fixed about how we will respond to it. If life has no particular meaning when all is going well, what can life mean when things go wrong or when life becomes difficult? Our convictions about the value of life provide the clearest and most powerful witness to questions regarding the end of life.

Rev. Mark Braun is a Professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College in milwaukee, WI and a member of the Christian Life resources’ Board of Directors.

by Rev. Mark Braun

W175 N11163 Stonewood Drive Germantown, WI 53002

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t H e t I e t H at B I n D S

It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, and the temperature is in the upper sixties. Spring in Wisconsin can be unpredictable. Today’s taste of summer might be followed by a reminder that winter is still visible in the rear view mirror. How will I make the most of this fine spring day? I could dust off the clubs and sneak in a round of golf. Today

also happens to be the home opener for the local Major League team. Too bad I didn’t plan ahead and get tickets for the game.Making the most of our time becomes an art form in this hectic and fast-paced world: perhaps more science than art as we formulate the best plan for using our time efficiently. We struggle with to-do lists that demand more hours than we have to give. The media reminds us of our

Making the Most of Timeby Tim Snyder


dilemma by reporting on the epidemic sleep deprivation that afflicts our busy nation. One unexpected curveball (my mind is still on baseball) and the whole schedule falls apart. How will I make the most of today? Good question.

Making Proper Use of Time to Reflect God’s GloryWhat motivates us as we make the most of God’s gift of time? after all, what we make time for says something about who we are. Does our use of time reflect the fact that we are God’s very own? The apostle Paul reminds us that “we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:13,14). Our stewardship of time is an opportunity to do what is good.

When a family member faces the end of life it places a daunting demand on our schedule. How will we meet the challenge? The world has a solution to the problem, and it can sound pretty good – yet sounding good doesn’t make it good. The world’s solution sounds like this: it’s not only good, it’s also loving to hasten life’s end and alleviate physical suffering. The fact that it can solve some of our time problems is an added benefit. What could be wrong with that? Plenty. This line of thought is characterized as a “slippery slope” – and for good reason. It’s not a place where God’s very own want to be.

Caring for Others in an Unbelieving WorldGod’s will in end-of-life matters does not make sense to the unbelieving world. This should come as no surprise. after all, the message of the cross that we hold so dear is foolishness to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 1:18). The message of the cross guides us as we face the end of life. The situation at hand is a blessing for both the caregiver and the one being cared for. a Christian’s faith is strengthened in all of life’s trials – even in the grief we suffer at life’s end. “These [trials] have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though

refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). Did you catch the connection with the passage from Titus? We wait for the blessed hope. We wait for Jesus to be revealed. During that time God’s very own do what is good and, as a result, praise, glory and honor are given to the One who gave His life for us. Christ is not glorified when our actions are contrary to His word. Neither is Christ glorified by inaction when we choose not to show love and concern for those around us.

Feelings of guilt may gnaw at us because we fail to make the most of the time during a family member’s last days. True comfort comes in knowing that all our failings were paid for at the cross. For Jesus’ sake we are forgiven for sins of inaction or decisions that were not in keeping with God’s will for life. We are not God’s own because of what we have done for Him, but because of what Christ has done for us. True comfort indeed!

Recognizing God’s Sovereignty Over LifeHow will you make the most of the time a loved one has remaining? at the outset I spoke of the wonderful opportunity that a fine spring day presents to us. The opportunity we see in an end-of-life situation is also wonderful. Through the tears we care for a loved one and testify to God’s will for life. We protect and preserve God’s gift of life using the resources and means He has given. We recognize and yield to God’s sovereignty over life when He decides to call our loved one home. as God’s very own we make the most of the time, eager to do what is good. To God be the glory!

Our stewardship of time is an opportunity to do what is good.“ “

WEBSITE RESOURCES aT www.ChristianLifeResources.com

Where Did the Time Go? - A Look at Family Caregiving (Search Shortcut # 8283)

Heaven Talk: A Parent’s Discussion About Death With Their Child (Search Shortcut # 6846)

Tim Snyder is the Director of media Services and research & Develop-ment at Christian Life resources.


L aW r e n C e S e r I e S

Linda Lawrence is retired and resides with her husband, Carl, in Corvallis, or.

The Shepherd Restores a Soul

by Linda Lawrence

Editor’s Note: This is the sixth and final installment in a series of articles written by ms. Linda Lawrence that addresses the challenges and blessings in caring for an aging parent.

My mother was like a lost lamb, struggling with alzheimer’s but trusting the Lord to be her Shepherd.

My parents lived in the desert of Nevada while my sister and I live surrounded by green pastures and nearby pools of water. When Dad died, my sister and I brought Mom to live with us in Oregon.

about a year after Mom came she told me she prayed she would be healed of alzheimer’s. I thought about the many unhappy memories of Mom’s and Dad’s life together and how Mom was now more at peace than she had been for years. I wondered, “Could alzheimer’s be her Shepherd’s comforting rod and staff?”

“Mom,” I said, “you have some very painful memories. Do you think it’s possible that God is using this disease to take away some of those memories? Haven’t many of them already faded?”

“I never thought of that,” she said hesitantly.

“and, you know,” I reminded her, “if you didn’t have alzheimer’s, you probably would not be living with us here in beautiful, green Oregon. You would still be in Nevada – alone with the wind and sand. Does that really seem better?”

“No!” she gasped. “I love living here. I’m not going to pray for healing any more!”

The Lord did not heal her of the disease, but as He was restoring her soul, He prepared a table for her in the presence of the enemy alzheimer’s. She sensed His anointing and her cup overflowed with song.

Mom sang her whole life. When she lived with us she was able to sing with the OK Chorale – a group of “Older Kids” who loved to sing at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She sang with them until she could no longer read music or learn new songs. However, her singing never stopped as her Shepherd led her down paths of righteousness – for His name’s sake. When she could no longer express herself coherently, she could still remember the words of hymns. Her caregivers and fellow residents in the nursing home often told me how Mom’s outbursts of singing gave them joy.

On November 8, 2009, my mother walked out on the other side of the valley of the shadow of death, still fearing no evil, her soul restored. During each stage of Mom’s life she knew the Lord was her Shepherd, because she did not want for anything of eternal worth.

Surely, goodness and mercy followed her all the days of her life, and she now dwells in the house of the Lord forever.


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e U t H a n a S I a

Is it Time to Go Home?

Have you ever just wanted to go home? When the concert went on too long or the movie completely bored you, didn’t you just want to head straight home?That thought, “I just want to go home,” has crossed my mind over the years. and although the word “home” is primarily used to define a physical structure or location, the word certainly conveys an emotional sentiment as well.

“Oh, let’s just stay home tonight,” my husband has been known to say after an exhausting week of running here and there.

“If you two don’t stop fighting this instant, I’m going to turn this car around and take you home!” Sound familiar to you parents who have been pushed to the edge of endurance for the thousandth time?

What parent hasn’t heard his sick child whimper in the early morning hours, “Can I stay home from school today?”

“Home” is safety, security, love and yes, even discipline. It’s not just a place but a state of being – a reaching for something beyond ourselves, where peace and acceptance await us at journey’s end. Perhaps that’s why heaven is often referred to as “home.”

In my profession as a psychologist, I’ve worked with many seriously-ill patients.

I’ve often heard these clients compare death with home (“I just want to go home now” – as if it’s been a long, tiring day at work, and now it’s time to rest). My response is often, “It’s not time to go home yet. There’s still work to be done.”

Many times the thought of “going home” may seem to be the answer to whatever is bothering us. It’s simple and safe just to go to a place of security – but much harder to stay, fight, and endure. It’s difficult to put our trust in Him who knows what’s best and still harder to relinquish control and let God’s will unfold.

Does the Bible teach us to choose our end... or does it repeatedly stress to put ourselves in His hands? are we called to be instruments of His will... or our own?

When thinking about “home” and what it means, remember that it’s not an escape but a reward... not an ending but a beginning. Like going home after a long day, home is a place to rest and rejuvenate. It’s a continu-ation rather than a final step in life’s journey.

Is it time to go home? Only God can say.

Lynn Klammer is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator and author. She is a member of St. John’s ev. Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, michigan.

by Lynn Klammer


Saturday, November 13, 2010St. Paul Lutheran Church

Slinger, Wisconsin

“Your hand will guide me, your righthand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:10)

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Christian Ethics: The only value system in which motive rooted in the Christian faith is the first determinant of right and wrong.

Christian Medical/Ethical Decision Making: a way of approach-ing tough decisions with the question: Is God still holding out the gift of life, or is He taking it away? Christian ethics rejects deci-sions made on the basis of the question: Do I like the life God is giving me?

Christian Self-Image: How a Christian sees himself through faith: an evaluation of self-worth based, not on position, appear- ance race or wealth, but on the righteousness of Christ which God has assigned to us.

Divine Autonomy: God has absolute authority over all things. as it relates to life issues, God reserves for Himself alone the right to begin and end life.

Euthanasia: The active or passive, voluntary or involuntary, application or

withdrawal of medical treatment in an effort to hasten death: murder.

• Active Euthanasia: The termination of life by direct intervention.

• Passive Euthanasia: Hastening death by the withdrawal of life- sustaining treatment. This can range from taking a terminally-ill patient off a respirator, to denying him food and water when such care has not been deemed futile.

• Voluntary Euthanasia: The killing of a patient in accordance with his or her wishes. This is broader than suicide because it involves a second party in bringing about the death.

• Involuntary Euthanasia: The killing of an incompetent or coma- tose patient without his or her consent, justified as merciful or humane.

Futility: a determination that care or treatment is not providing the benefit it is intended to provide.

Imminent Death Care: The application or withdrawal of medical treatment or care deemed futile with the acknowledgment that God is taking a soul to Himself.

Imminent: Two doctors agree that, regardless of the application or withdrawal of medical treatment, death is likely to occur within hours or days.

Quality of Life: Humanistic view of self worth based on worldly, subjective factors which asks, “am I getting out of life what I want?”

Quantity of Life: The Christian view of self worth based on acknowledging life, whatever its quality, to be a quantitative and absolute valued gift from God.

Time of Grace: The length of time God lovingly gives each person to come to faith in Jesus Christ and to share that faith with others.

H a P P e n I n G n oW !

Glossaryof Terms Related to End-of-Life Issues


CLR’s Position Statement on Euthanasia:

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Beginning in 2010 things changed a little with Clearly Caring. The familiar educational centerpiece of the Christian Life Resources ministry is now published in two versions. The Home Edition, which is what this is, will continue to be sent to all who have supported the ministry of Christian Life Resources. The articles are steered to be a little more hard-hitting and to-the-point. This audience is understood to be those who are already moved by the love of Christ to reflect that love to others.

You are an audience hungering for solid food to help you better distinguish between good and evil and to better understand what all you can do to love others.

Simultaneously with this Home Edition, we began publication of a Parish Edition. It also is a four-color issue of Clearly Caring, but it is smaller in size – like a worship service bulletin. It includes eight – rather than 24 – pages. The articles are tailored for those who are relatively new to the issues and challenges of life but are focused more on the basics. The articles aren’t tied to a point in time. The periodical can, in fact, become a useful pamphlet years later.

The Parish Edition is designed for congregations to continue to order, free of charge, for distribution to all of their members. It

Changesa note from Christian Life Resources

Second Quarter 2010Volume 30 / Number 2


Also... Is it Time to Go Home? Page 12

What’s So New about Love?Robert Fleischmann

4 “They Shoot Horses...”Mark Braun

6 Making the Most of TimeTim Snyder

8

Carrying Burdens – An Alternative to Suicide

HHome

Edition

Clearly Caring – Home Edition

Clearly Caring – Parish Edition

8 HEAVEN BOUNDC l e a r ly C a r i n g - pa r i S H e D i T i O n 1 First QUArtEr 2010C l e a r ly C a r i n g 2 HEAVEN BOUNDC l e a r ly C a r i n g - pa r i S H e D i T i O n 3 First QUArtEr 2010C l e a r ly C a r i n g


Heaven Bound

PParishEdition

Two of the most familiar Bible passages read at a Christian’s funeral are:Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (psalm 23:4)I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; (Job 19:25,26)

God’s promises of the savior were fulfilled. Jesus was born, lived the perfect life and paid the ultimate price to earn our salvation from the sins that would destroy us. today, when a Christian reads about death in the New testament, it shows the historical reality that the savior had come. We are told:

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers,

afraid of Death? Don’t Be!

stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)

When the Apostle John received his incredible revelation of what life was like in heaven he was given this remarkable description:

These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (revelation 7:14-17)

Yet, does the thought of death still rattle your nerves? One of my sainted seminary professors once said, “sometimes i think about dying and i am scared to death and other times i can hardly wait.”

that’s life in this “veil of tears.” the Apostle Paul said, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

in considering the death of a fellow Christian or the prospect of your own death, cling to the promises of Jesus who said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2).

Still afraid? – Don’t Be!

the descriptive words about heaven remain familiar to those of us who have sat in church or attended a funeral. We know about its beauty and perfection. We even know that heaven is waiting for us because of what Jesus did. the problem is that we can’t seem to shake

our fears, doubts and apprehensions.

Face your fears.

some people, tormented by their sins, feel unworthy. Life in a sinful world has indoctrinated us to believe that in the end we still must earn it ourselves. We look back on our life, knowing it was just not perfect enough. Our professions of faith were never bold enough. We can’t shake those memories of the times we shamed God with our own sinfulness.

take the truth, and expel the lies. Yes, you and i are unworthy of heaven. Left to ourselves our sinfulness makes it impossible to stand in God’s presence. God’s words to Moses are clear, “No one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). the Apostle Paul stated it just as clearly, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (romans 3:23).

As Paul considered his own life of sin he said, “So I find this law at work: ‘When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!’” (romans 7:21-25)

“thanks be to God.” We are not saved because of our natural goodness. rather, despite our sins – even those really terrible ones that haunt us – God saved us through Jesus Christ. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

there will always be something about this world that may cause us to question and doubt. that is too bad, really. think about the needless worry, the wasted tears and the disabling sorrow we experience when we forget that we are merely strangers here and that heaven is our home. Stop doubting and believe.

Just as CLr offers “food for the soul” in bite-sized insights about Christian living, we also offer “food for the body” with recipe favorites. Enjoy this issue’s selection.

DaniSH pUFF

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup butter

2 t. cold water

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup butter

1 cup water

1 tsp. almond flavoring

3 eggs

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Measure 1 cup of flour into bowl and cut in ½ cup butter. sprinkle with 2 t. water and mix with fork. round into ball; divide dough in half. Pat into 2 strips, 12” x 3” and place 3” apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Mix second ½ cup butter and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. remove from heat and add flavoring. Beat in 1 cup of flour, stirring quickly to prevent lumping. When smooth, add one egg at a time – beating well after each addition until smooth. Divide in half and spread one half evenly over each piece of pastry. Bake about 60 minutes. (Puff has tendency to shrink while cooling, leaving a custardy portion in center.)

Cool and frost with a confectioner’s sugar icing and sprinkle with sliced almonds, if desired.

VAriAtiON: Place fresh blueberries on top of dough and cover with custard mixture before baking.

recipes

Congregation ResourcesLife Sunday Materials: CLR offers you the personal help and materials to guide you through difficult issues. among our resources, we provide Life Observance Sunday materials that support your efforts in conducting a Celebration of Life event. a Life Observance Sunday is a wonderful way to promote and celebrate life in your congregation! available at: www.ChristianLifeResources.com

Clearly Caring – Parish Edition: Described above. available at: www.ClearlyCaring.com

Pro-Life Bulletin Covers: CLR offers its series of pro-life bulletin covers for purchase. These beautiful covers are available in various sizes and can be customized with your church’s information. available at:www.FamilyTG.com

If you are interested in any of the above materials, please call 800-729-9535 to request them or visit the websites listed above.

provides more of the “milk” of life and family issues, nurturing the readers to grow to the “solid food” found in the Home Edition.

If your congregation does not provide a copy of Clearly Caring to every member, encourage your pastor or congregation leaders to order the Parish Edition of Clearly Caring for distribution to every member.


Use this Envelope...You Can Reach More PeopleWhen you provide a gift in this envelope it is used to tell more people about life and family issues from the perspective of God’s Word. Please participate in this special Clearly Caring Campaign to raise funds to provide nearly 200,000 people with a future issue of Clearly Caring – Home Edition or our special Clearly Caring – Parish Edition. With the success of this special campaign, 200,000 more readers will learn about God’s gift of life.

You have already read the articles, and you know their value. Now, consider how you can reach others with this message.

Some people can give a generous gift, some can give only a little and some cannot give at all. Based on your past generosity, an average gift of $18.35/donor would meet our goal. If you can do more, please do so; if you can only give a smaller amount, it is still greatly appreciated because each gift truly helps.

It is likely you can’t talk to 200,000 people at once or may feel you don’t have the gift to communicate to others about these challenging life and family issues. But through the pages of Clearly Caring, your concern for others reaches them. Your gift provides the message – Clearly Caring carries the message – and God blesses the message.

Please, make a difference in the lives of others. Support this special campaign to reach more people with the message of LIFE.



Julie rushed to the hospital after hearing about her Dad’s stroke. Upon her arrival, Julie was greeted by David, the social worker, who immediately escorted her into a private room. David gave Julie a full update about her father’s condition and then said, “Your Dad doesn’t have a medical directive, and we need to make some decisions. Can you help us with some of these issues?”No one wants to be in Julie’s situation. We prefer to think that we won’t be confronted with these complicated end-of-life issues. This situation can become even worse when we do not know a loved one’s wishes regarding life-prolonging treatments. Should consent be given for a feeding tube? What about authorizing a resuscitation order? What about a nursing home? Is hospice a viable option?

Sound complicated? It doesn’t need to! Three key issues should be addressed when dealing with end-of-life discussions:

1. AvoidanceNo one relishes the idea of talking about death and dying with a family member. Is there really ever a “good time” to talk about such dire issues? Let’s face it: these topics are generally avoided until a loved one is faced with a serious medical emergency. In most cases, people just hope they will never have to deal with these issues, deciding they will only answer such questions when they are actually confronted with them. Yet talking about end-of-life issues is vitally important and should not be avoided.

Remember, these discussions are meant to share each others’ thoughts about death and dying, not answer all the specific hypothetical questions. In general, parents should initiate the talks. Be sure to discuss any fears that family members might have, such as issues of suffering or being left alone. Take this slowly and open the door for continued discussions. after the initial conversation, it can be easier to revisit the topic and talk more candidly about additional concerns.

2. EmotionalismTimes of emergency are also times of heightened emotions. It is wise to take time to discuss end-of-life decisions before a crisis occurs. Talking before a medical crisis can help you and your loved ones prepare for any difficult decision that might need to be made – one which might otherwise be clouded by emotion.

Parents are familiar with caring for their children but don’t want their children caring for them. Parents might fear becoming a burden, and children don’t want to see their folks become incapacitated. Everyone has a fear of extensive pain and the dying process. Those concerns and a lack of proper communication between parties can cause confusion, conflict or an all-out incapacity to make sound decisions. although the emotional aspect of these end-of-life situations cannot be avoided, it is imperative to begin the advanced planning process with loved ones when they are healthy. You can also talk with your pastor or call CLR to receive clear and godly information as you work through the decision-making process.

Managing the Tough Decisionsby Paul Snamiska


3. Purposea third issue to consider is the balance between glorifying God and acting on the behalf of a loved one. These do not have to be in conflict with each other, yet they often are.

To keep a clear understanding of one’s purpose in these situations, remember these two points: [1] God alone has authority over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6); and [2] we are responsible for providing care for others (Genesis 9:5,6; Luke 10). as long as God decides that life should continue, we do not have the right to intentionally take that life. When God decides to take a life, we are not responsible for prolonging the dying process.

To help in addressing these three issues, CLR developed a unique medical directive. Our directive, called a Power of Attorney for Health Care – Christian Version, is a legal document that also includes an important Christian witness component. It is suggested you order one of these documents, fill it out and then share copies with your loved ones. When you provide a copy of this directive to your family

members, you have the opportunity to also discuss your wishes and overcome the avoidance issue. If, at some point, you are declared incompetent, your family can rely on your medical directive to guide their decision-making in order to work through any difficult issues that might arise – when emotions are particularly heightened.

above all, your medical directive becomes a wonderful witness of your Christian faith and shows your confidence in God’s decisions regarding your health and life. What a great blessing for your family as you remind them of your confidence that “I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:14,15).

You can download a free copy of our medical directive from our website at www.ChristianLifeResources.com, or purchase the entire packet by calling 800-478-2719.

Mr. Paul Snamiska is the Program administrator at Christian Life resources.


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q & a

MEDICAL DIRECTIVESQ: Why is it important to have a medical directive statement?

a: We at CLR recommend every adult sign a medical directive statement regardless of his or her current health situation or age.

The first benefit of such a statement is that it allows a person to provide direction for medical care in the event he or she is no longer able to make such decisions. understandably, these directions must be somewhat general, because it is impossible to predict what malady will be faced.

The second benefit is that it allows a person to designate a health care agent to make decisions when the stated wishes of the document are too vague for the circumstance.

If you do not have a statement a patient’s family often must guess about the kind of care the patient would want. If family members disagree among themselves the situation becomes complicated, conten- tious and sometimes can only be settled by an ethics committee or through legal action.

END-OF-LIFE DECISIONSQ: It’s been five years now since the death of Terri Schiavo. Shouldn’t we just leave this in the past?

a: Few cases created more emotional response than the Terri Schiavo story. It seemed that everyone placed themselves in Terri’s situation and shared their opinion regarding treatment wishes if they were placed in a similar situation.

The facts of Terri’s life can be written as historical record, but our emotions can’t be tucked away as easily. Schiavo’s very name creates an emotional response, so each anniversary of the woman’s death gives us cause to wrestle with not only the ethical dilemma but our own emotions regarding end-of-life care.

Rather than spend time in continued debate regarding Terri Schiavo, CLR prefers to encourage families to act in a pro-active manner and avoid similar ethical battles. It serves little purpose to argue about the treatment of Terri if families don’t apply these lessons for their own medical decisions. Here are several things you can do immediately:

• Think about the medical care you would want if you became incapacitated;

• Share your thoughts with your loved ones;

• Create a medical directive (CLR provides a Christian version at www.ChristianLifeResources.com);

• Don’t wait until you are “old” to begin this process.

No one can promise that your family won’t endure some tough end-of-life decisions, but those situations can be managed more effectively when families clearly communi-cate their wishes and remain faithful to the principles of God’s Word.

Do you have a question you need answered?

Send your questions to:

Christian Life resources3070 Helsan DriveRichfield, WI 53076

or email [email protected]

We care about you and want to answer every question you have in a timely manner. However, due to heavy mail volume, we may be unable to respond quickly, so please be patient. your question, with an answer from Christian Life resources, may appear in an upcoming issue of Clearly Caring magazine.

Questions & answers


a F F I L I at e n e W S

as part of our commitment in the support of our pregnancy counseling centers, CLR continues to sponsor a new round of training events that will be held throughout the Midwest. One of those events was held on april 24 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Westland, Michigan. Volunteers from each of our Michigan centers were invited to attend this special event which was offered at no cost.

The featured speaker, Tanya Gerhard (MSW, LCSW), returned from the first series of events and used the opportunity to share her vast knowledge and experience as a Christian therapist. She provided practical tips for the counselors and hotliners who routinely work with people looking for help. Tanya’s approach during these latest training series was to expand on the information she previously shared by equipping our center workers with even more useful information and techniques. In addition, Mr. Paul Snamiska, CLR’s program administrator, used part of the day to train and encourage the attendees in giving a Christian witness to those who visit one of our centers.

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding, times of the day involved role-playing scenarios – as a way to help each person feel more comfortable in his/her ability to work with clients. Those exercises also allowed the partici-pants to practice the newly-learned techniques from earlier in the day.

The over-all goals of the CLR-sponsored training events include:

• Improving the overall counseling abilities of our volunteers;

• Encouraging a deeper commitment in giving a Christian witness to every visitor;

• Training new volunteers who wish to become involved in this ministry; and,

• Fostering improved networking among volunteers from various centers.

Watch for announcements regarding future training events in your community.

If you want to learn more about the work of our pregnancy counseling/life resource centers, or would like to receive some valuable training for this work, plan to attend one of these training events.

Each of our centers is always looking for more volunteers, and your help would certainly be welcomed and appreciated. In most cases, you can set your own schedule, volunteer at times that are convenient for you, and receive the proper training and support to help you feel comfortable and encouraged.

We all know that there are many temptations in the world, and abortion is promoted as an easy solution to the “problem” of unwanted pregnancy. Without the dedicated volunteers who serve in our centers, thousands of women each year might wrongly conclude that abortion is their best option. When adding to the fact that 20% of our visitors are not Christian, it can quickly be understood this vital outreach ministry continues to make a significant impact.

These training events are another way in which CLR offers support for the work of our local pregnancy counseling/life resource centers. To learn more about this ministry, contact Paul Snamiska at [email protected] or by phone at 800-729-9535. He would be eager to hear from you!

CENTER TRAINING


Major Breakthrough Shows Reversal of Human Stem Cell agingPublished data proves that any adult cell can be turned into a completely rejuvenated stem cell, demonstrating that the aging of human cells can be reversed. The article released in the March 2010 journal, Regenerative Medicine, could have significant implications in the development of new classes of cell-based therapies targeting age-related degenerative disease.

SOURCE: 3/16/10 – BioTime Press Release Minority Births Expected to Surpass White Births in u.S.a u.S. population study shows births to minority women soon could surpass births to white women. Demographers report minorities accounted for 48 percent of all births in the nation in the 12 months ending July 2008. The 50 percent “tipping point” could occur this year and almost certainly will be reached within two years, they said.

SOURCE: 3/16/10 – Medical News Today

Same-Sex Marriage Begins in Washington, D.C.The u.S. Supreme Court denied an emergency appeal to prevent the District of Columbia’s same-sex marriage law from taking effect. The refusal to intervene meant same-sex couples could marry beginning March 9. Washington, D.C. became the sixth u.S. jurisdiction to allow same-sex marriage joining the states of Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

SOURCE: 3/2/10 - CitizenLink

Supreme Court Showdown Expected on Nebraska Fetal Pain Lawa first-of-its-kind pro-life bill signed into law in Nebraska in april that bans abortions at or after 20 weeks could likely take years before it goes into effect. With an expected court injunction, the law might end up as the subject of the next Supreme Court abortion battle which directly challenges the issue of “viability,” a key tenet of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

SOURCE: 4/18/10 - Washington Examiner

Report Shows 36 assisted Suicide Deaths in Washington StateThe first annual report released in early March by the Washington State Department of Health indicates at least 36 individuals obtained lethal drugs to end their lives in the nine months the new law went into effect. a total of 63 lethal prescriptions were written by doctors.

SOURCE: 3/4/10 – Washington State Department of Health 2009 Death with Dignity act Report

Federal Court Rules Defective Sperm Cannot Form Basis for Products Liability SuitThe 3rd u.S. Circuit Court of appeals has ruled genetic defects in sperm from a sperm bank cannot be the basis for a products liability lawsuit, citing an allowance of such a claim would be tantamount to recognizing a claim of “wrongful life.” The judges upheld a June 2009 lower court decision to reject the claims brought by a mother and her daughter who has a mutations disorder. The woman claimed the child’s defects were directly connected to the donor.

SOURCE: 4/6/10 – Law.com

u.S. Teen Birth Rate Falls in 2008 a new government report by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics shows a decline in the number of u.S. teen births between 2007 and 2008. The rate among adolescents fell two percent: to 41.5 births per 1,000 teenagers aged 15-19 years. The longstanding downward teen childbearing trend – which ran between 1991 and 2005 – was interrupted when, for two consecutive years, the birth rate increased. Pro-life advocates credit abstinence-only programs for the decline.

SOURCES: 4/6/10 – CDC Release; 4/6/10 – LifeNews.com


News & Views


Researcher Changes Stance, Finds abortion-Breast Cancer Linka National Cancer Institute researcher – who previously concluded the connection between abortion and breast cancer as implausible – has now changed her position. Louise Brinton initially determined an abortion-breast cancer link did not exist. In an april 2009 study co-authored by Briton, she refutes the earlier research by finding an association of women under the age of 40 with a history of abortion and triple-negative breast cancer.

SOURCE: 3/8/10 – BP News

assisted Suicide Members Plead Not GuiltyFour members of the assisted suicide group, Final Exit Network – indicted by a Georgia grand jury on charges that they helped a cancer-stricken man kill himself – pleaded not guilty. They also asked that the state law used to prosecute them be stricken from the books. John Celmer, 58, died last year of asphyxiation using helium tanks and a plastic hood (known as an “exit bag”) allegedly supplied by the network members.

SOURCE: 3/9/10 – Nightingale alliance

Scott Roeder Receives Maximum Sentence in Death of Late-Term abortion ProviderOn april 1, a Kansas judge handed Scott Roeder the maximum term in the shooting death of George Tiller, the late-term abortion provider gunned down in May 2009. Roeder, 52, must serve 50 years in prison before he can be considered for parole. a jury convicted Roeder last January after a 37-minute deliberation.

SOURCE: 4/6/10 – LifeSiteNews.com

Three-Parent Cloning Raises Ethical ConcernsBritish scientists have announced revolutionary research indicating the creation of “three parent” cloned human embryos. The technique uses DNa from two women and a man in order to create viable embryos free of mitochondrial disease. The process swaps out genetically-diseased DNa with healthy material. Scientists predict the birth of these “designer” babies within three years. Some pro-life groups and bioethics experts immediately condemned the published research, citing ethical concerns involving the genetic engineering of human life.

SOURCES: 4/15/10 - FRCBlog.com; 4/19/10 - LifeSiteNews.com

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Clearly Caring – Home EditionTHE OFFICIaL PuBLICaTION OF CHRISTIaN LIFE RESOuRCES, INC. (Published 4 times per year)

Publisher: Christian Life Resources, Inc.3070 Helsan DriveRichfield, WI 53076-9582(800) 729-9535email: [email protected]: www.ClearlyCaring.com www.ChristianLifeResources.comISSN:1549-2508

Copyright © 2010 Christian Life Resources all rights reserved. unless otherwise noted as restricted, permission is granted to reprint articles from Clearly Caring – Home Edition with credit line indicating source, issue, and author if indicated.

To place paid advertising in Clearly Caring – Home Edition please contact the Editor or visit our website at www.ClearlyCaring.com/?advertise.php for rate information.

Directors–Christian Life Resources:Rev. aaron Mueller (Chairman) Shepherd of the Hills Ev. Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ

Prof. Mark Braun (Vice Chairman) Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI

Mr. Daniel Nommensen (Secretary) Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Service, Milwaukee, WI

Mr. Scott Menke (Treasurer) University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Racine, WI

Mr. Glenn Blank St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Slinger, WI

Dr. Thomas Luetzow Medical Associates, Ixonia, WI

Rev. Paul Prange WELS Ministerial Education, Milwaukee, WI

Mr. Daniel Thiel St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Muskego, WI

New Beginnings – A Home for Mothers, a separate legal entity affiliated with CLR, supports single mothers in a residential setting who have decided to carry their babies to term while teaching them how to include Jesus in their lives.

The Christians Concerned for Life Foundation is a separate legal entity affiliated with CLR, established to sponsor special life and family affirming projects that reflect Biblical principles in protecting human life and ministering to souls.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNaTIONaL VERSION®NIV®.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. used in permission of Zondervan. all rights reserved.

OUR MISSIONThe mission of Christian Life Resources (CLR) is to use life

and family issues as bridges to convey the love of God and to share the message of salvation through Christ.

Sent weekly, LifeWire informs you with brief, yet current, news bites impacting your family on the life-issues front. Go to www.ChristianLifeResources.com to get started. and don’t just sign up – make sure to read it when it arrives in your email inbox!

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