Top Ten!

Top Ten TSA Decisions of the Decade (Good or bad, right or wrong, will depend upon the reader’s perspective). Except for #4, I remain noncommittal, at least until the next book is written.

1. Leader’s Conference preceding Centennial Congress in Atlanta: Decision to flatten rank hierarchy and add alternative Lieutenant rank, after worldwide consultation of rank and file, and endorsement from the Leader’s Conference.

2. Decision to reverse the above decision without consultation and widespread feedback from the rank and file (as Cadet and Officer ranks continue to diminish in the Western world).

3. Decision of the Commissioner’s Conference (USA) to provide health benefits for extended family members, for the right reasons, and to get in step with the rest of the Western world, i.e. socialized medicine.

4. Decision to reverse the above decision for all of the right reasons explained in my book, “Lean Right, Love Left: Balancing the Body” (www.joenoland.com - Creations).

5. Decision of a Territorial Commander (Commissioner) in a substantial territory to resign from officership (including decision not to give an explanation), creating chaos, confusion, gossip and innuendo throughout the territory and beyond – unprecedented, at least in modern times.

6. Decision to reaccept said officer with another substantial command appointment, again without explanation, rekindling afresh the gossip and innuendo.

7. Decision to elect John Larsson as General, especially in light of the financial scandal in the United Kingdom Territory that occurred under his watch.

8. Decision of same General to select a black American (interracial couple) as his Chief of the Staff, again unprecedented.

9. Decision of the High Council not to elect a black American (interracial couple) as General (A close election).

10.Decision to extend selected leader’s beyond their previously mandated retirement dates, thus keeping decision-making in control of an aging (not post-modern) generation (Again, all good or bad, right or wrong, depending upon the reader’s perspective).

JN

PS If you haven't already, keep the chain letter below going. Thanks.

Martyred on Christmas Eve!

Just reflecting on the murder of Major Philip Wise on Christmas Eve and the story being upstaged in the media by Obama’s vacation in Hawaii (where we are right now), and the aborted terrorist act on the flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Had this been a slow news weekend, this story would have gained national, if not international attention because of its emotional ties to Christmas, The Salvation Army being synonymous with Christmas and the fact Wise was in the process of “Doing the Most Good!” – “Heart to God, and Hand to Man” – “Sharing is Caring.” Perhaps even assisting the family members of those who took his life – After the shooting, “The suspects were seen running toward a government-funding housing project” in the same community where the Major was known for his work with disadvantaged children.

It has occurred to me that we have the power of the Internet at our disposal and should use it to get the more important message behind this story out, overriding the boring, overrated, bad-news non-stories that are blocking it. For what its worth, here is my take. If so inclined, copy this News Flash and email it to your circle of friends as a chain letter, asking that the chain not be broken.

News Flash!
Salvation Army Major Martyred on Christmas Eve While “Doing the Most Good!”

Upstaged by an aborted terrorist attack on Flight 253, this story has not received the international media attention it deserves. Read about it at the following link: http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/dec/25/majors-shooting-tragedy-community-say-authorities/?latest

Poignant to this story is the following news clip: “The Wises had just adopted their children — ages 4, 6 and 8 — last year, Johnson said. The three were siblings who came from an abusive family. They were receiving counseling after their father’s death.” These children were witnesses to their new father’s shooting.

Further, after the shooting, “The suspects were seen running toward a government-funding housing project” in the same community where “the Major was known for his work with disadvantaged children.”

Sound familiar? It was all beginning to take shape on that Christmas Eve some two millenniums ago. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” “Crucify Him!” “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”

These are Words from Scripture describing the unfolding of Jesus’ journey on this planet, ending with an act of martyrdom. Isn't this what Philip Wises journey is all about? What is the message of Christmas? “Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men” – Good News! Fox News and CNN have missed this message in their reporting, with an emphasis on the bad news! Let’s make up where they have missed out. Send this News Flash to your circle of friends and ask them to keep the Love Chain going.

JN

Commissioner's WARdrobe 2010!

Check out all of the innovative, futuristic styles over at "WARdrobe: Army Apparel" on Facebook. Great Stuff and the wave of uniform wearing in the future!

JN

Our son, Guy, was married this December at the Pasadena Tab – a Christmas wedding. The groom and his groomsmen all wore kilts for the occasion, honoring his Scottish heritage. Pictured above are my two sons talking with Clint Howard (one of the groomsmen) just prior to the wedding. Clint is a prolific film actor and played Whobris, the Mayor’s aid, in “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” directed by his brother, Ron Howard.

This to say that I have posted a blog over at www.therubicon.org titled, “How The Greed Stole Christmas. Check it out if so inclined.

Also over at the www.armybarmy.com blog are listed the “Top Ten Salvation Army Stories of the Decade,” from Rick Munn’s perspective. Having been intricately involved in a number of those, from a leadership standpoint, I may have a differing POV.

For example, my viewpoint on the “Decadal leadership of 3 ‘British’ Generals” would have taken a different twist: “The curious absence of an American General” in this decade (or every decade but one, if you think about it) – also curious similarities to the Catholic Church, don’t you think? Having been part of two of those High Councils, I probably have some insights that most don’t. And when the timing is right, I plan to share them, including why the “the curious absence of American Generals” from my POV. I don’t think Crest Books will publish it, however.

This brings me to the “USA domestic partners healthcare issue,” which was totally misunderstood and taken out of context in most Army circles, and totally misrepresented in the media, including our own. Even the wording in this listing continues to get it wrong. We never used the term, “Domestic partners;” it was always, “Extended family members.” For me, the top ten listing would read: “The healthcare breaking of ‘The Golden Rule’ issue.” As you can tell, this misrepresentation continues to get my blood boiling.

As mentioned, I’ve written a somewhat controversial book on the subject, which, not so curiously, has not been promoted within the Army world. Nor has Crest Books approached me to make it one of their titles.

I could go on and on: International Congress, 9/11, Kroc gift, Commission on Officership (don’t get me started on this one), intricately involved in each, but perhaps with a Slightly Irregular take. Maybe one day, Lord willing.

JN

Spread the Word!

We have completed the shoot for “Camp Wattabunchaphun: Treasure Hunt,” quite successfully and miraculously in many ways I might add. Pictured above is a scene from the film. In addition to what is posted on our website, www.hallowedgroundproductions.com, a Facebook page has also been created. I would like to personally invite you to hit this LINK and become a fan.

We’re also looking for committed prayer partners. Become part of the Make-Believe Production Team, in this way, by contacting Suzanne at Suzanne@hallowedgroundproductions.com.

There is a great series on the subject of “Ordination,” appearing over at The Rubicon, good, thoughtful, insightful stuff important for every future leader to assess and digest. Included is my own tongue-in-cheek take on the matter. Incidentally, as a member of the General’s Advisory Council, I supported John Gowans as he attempted to flatten the hierarchy with a change in the rank structure, and introduction of “The Lieutenants” program, short lived as they were.

And by spreading the word, you will help us spread the Word!

JN

The Songbook

At first I was going to share my angst about the upcoming revision of the Songbook by putting a lot of creative energy into this post. Two whisperings in my soul occurred to stop me: 1) “There are more important things needed for your creative energy at this time” 2) “You’ve already put more than enough of that energy into a previous post over at The Rubicon titled, “Sacred Cows.” You can check it out if so inclined, and if you care to make comment, it will automatically be brought to the front again. It’s the “exclusive” part that really disturbs my soul: http://therubicon.org/?s=sacred+cows

JN