Just a thought....

"CFL Africa"

2012-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,

Can you envision a place that is home to the highest AIDS population of any country on the planet, where one in five is HIV+ and more than 35 people die of AIDS every hour? It’s hard to fathom, but this horrific AIDS epidemic in South Africa has left behind 3-6 million orphans, most of whom now live in Squatter Camps, with millions already suffering the effects of parents who are sick and dying of AIDS.

I want to share with you a challenging ministry opportunity God has presented to me. During September 27, 2012 – October 9, 2012, I will be going to Durban, South Africa with a team from Mantle Ministries.

Our 13-day trip will focus mainly on partnering with Key of Hope Ministries (http://www.keyofhope.org/) and holding a Champions For Life Kids’ Camp for some of these kids who have been abandoned or orphaned, who have little hope for life and a future, by taking them away from their Squatter Villages to a Christian Camp in the mountains where we will be sharing the love of God with them in a family-style atmosphere with self-esteem building activities. Many of you are already aware of the wonderful testimonies from the CFL Camps we do here through Vision Hope (http://visionhope.org/), and now we have the opportunity to extend this ministry to Durban South Africa.

I'm excited about the opportunity and experiences that lie ahead. I hope you see the value in what we will accomplish. As you can imagine, a trip like this requires a huge commitment along with financial support from a number of people. I will need to raise between $3,500 and $4,000 for this trip. If you can support me in a financial way, I would be very grateful. And, most importantly, I need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God's leading in ministry in this country.
Without prayer, nothing will happen.

If you would like to be part of this mission through your financial support, you can send a check to: Mantle Ministries, 31700 Couchez, St. Clair Shores, MI 48082.

Please make your check payable to Mantle Ministries and write "CFL Africa" on the memo line. Also, please attach a small note with my name on it to indicate that the support will go to my expenses specifically. All contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt at the end of the tax year.

While money is important, it comes in a distant second to my need for your prayer support. Since prayer support is so important to the success of this mission, I would like to know if I can count on you in that area. Please pray daily for “CFL Africa”.

Because they need God’s love,

Liz Campbell

Joplin Continues to Tug at my Heart

2011-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

The tears stream as I write this post. I can't get Joplin, MO and it's people off my mind, and I am currently working on the details to make another trip there this weekend.

I can't tell you how incredible it is to have been a part of what God is doing in the aftermath of the tornado there. I feel such a bond with the people that live there, and with those that don't, but still come out to help the ones that do.

The needs are changing daily, but the needs are great as you can imagine. The Forest Park Baptist Church has converted what was their "Bus Barn" into what they have now dubbed "Mission Joplin". They are still asking that people hold off on giving clothing at this time as they don't have the warehouse space.

The items that are currently at the top of the list are:

Diapers
Toiletries
Ladies Feminine Products

Denture Cleanser

Denture Adhesive

Laundry Soap

Queen and King size sheets

Tents, cots & air mattresses

Dishes, pots and pans

Bug Spray

Towels

Cleaning Supplies

I will be dedicating my Check-In piece of luggage to bringing donated supplies. I know that the notice is short, but if you have an interest in giving and/or purchasing some of the above items, and can get them to me by Thursday afternoon, I will be glad to bring them down for you. Of course, limiting it to the smaller, lighter weight items will allow me to bring more and not exceed the luggage weight limits.

You can also order items online and have them shipped directly to the church if you so desire.

They are at:

	725 S Highview Ave, Joplin, MO 64801

Here is a taste of 'heart and soul' of the people who were affected as written by Steve Mertens from Forest Park:

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest…How blessed you will be. -Isaiah 32:18, 20

"Besides Heaven that God has prepared for His children, Isaiah is speaking here of a spiritual place that lies in the Christian’s heart, mind, and soul which comes from a confident strength in the relationship we have with Him.

These past two weeks I have noticed many people who have lost everything in the tornado, including their homes, have such a resolve and peace about them in spite of their surroundings. They meet needs of their neighbors, help clean debris, and are the first to volunteer to help people they have never met. That’s because they live in a “peaceful dwelling place” and an “undisturbed place of rest” that does not rely on a physical structure, but on a life that is constructed by a foundation of walking with Jesus every day; relying on Him to bring security in their lives. To these people, a home is not a physical place. It is an attitude of the heart and soul that accompanies them wherever they are and encourages all those with whom they come into contact."

Joplin, MO Disaster Relief - Day 3

2011-06-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Newspapers and Television reports can't begin to describe the devastation in Joplin. You have to walk it, see it, smell it and try to imagine what life in this community looked like before the storm. You have to wonder where these people will live, what they will drive and where they will work. Where will next year's graduating class from Joplin High go to school? You quickly begin to measure the disaster in so many other ways.

But, my purpose in blogging about this experience is not to give the sensational heart-breaker stories, but the "God stories" and the stories of hope and a future.

We arrived just in time to be teamed up with "Team 12" who was going out to take care of tree and debris removal. There were 1/2 dozen work orders that we set out to take care of, yet found that most of them were already taken care of by random volunteers. This was becoming commonplace around Joplin, as people continued to pour in from other states and communities to help. Volunteers came out of nowhere. Others drove the streets handing out water and food. You'd see T-shirts and license plates from all over, from all kinds of organizations.

Our first 'real' job this morning was to help a lady, whose house was not totally destroyed (although severely damaged), to pack up while the guys tarped the roof and shed.

Her front window blew into the living room and the only power source came from a generator on the front porch, but the mood was good and the blessings recognized.

It was soon decided that things were under control at this home and 1/2 of the team was then taken to the next stop which was at the home of a middle-aged couple who survived the tornado with their Grandson and dog huddled in the crawl space under the kitchen. Amazingly, this was the only part of the house that was left! We got to work hauling debris to the street because FEMA would haul everything from the curbs away for free, but anything left on the properties after that, would be hauled at the cost to the homeowner.

The crawl space of this home was just to the left of the steps

The couple here was fortunate enough not only to survive, but to also have insurance. They haven't decided if they will rebuild, or what they will do yet. They are taking one day at a time. The team will come back after lunch to finish the job and pray with them.

Story after story of survival and hope were emerging from the rubble on a daily, maybe even hourly, basis. The volunteers seemed tireless and eager to get back out after their meal breaks back at the church. We were quickly becoming a family, and bonds were formed quickly with almost everyone you talked to.

This was the church in action. The church was "being the church", and it was wonderful! I didn't even want to think about having to go home, but our time was up and we said our 'good-byes'.

This is what I am called to do! This is what life is really about - people, sharing the love of God, the gospel, and eternity.

Joplin, MO Disaster Relief - Day 2

2011-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Orientation for new volunteers with Samaritan's Purse would not begin until 1pm, so we were invited and encouraged to come early and join Forest Park Baptist Church for their worship service. We arrived to a packed house that had almost standing room only. We took a seat on the back wall and listened as the Pastor delivered a very simple, somber and basic message that at the same time was powerfully anointed. Here is a link to that message: http://joplin.fpbc.net/media/media_sermon_watch/the_heart_of_god?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

After service, we found out that the response for volunteers with Samaritan's Purse was so great that it would be a good idea to get our paperwork turned in by noon so we could make Orientation. (They were expecting about 200 volunteers on Saturday, but the number exceeded 800),

Once we were teamed up with a group, where Stephan led us in prayer, we set out to the site where we were encouraged to just love on people, and offer them whatever help they needed.

(To the left is Pastor John with Franklin Graham)

When we reached 'Ground Zero', we found it hard to wrap our minds around what we were seeing. For blocks, and in some places - miles, everything was totally leveled. Everything was mowed down. Houses, trees, cars - everything! It looked like a bomb had gone off.

The first family that we met, who's rental house was almost totally gone, told us that the 5 of them, along with 3 kids from the neighborhood who were visiting, and 4 dogs all survived huddled in the bathroom. They had pretty much scoured the area for the last week looking for salvageable and sentimental items, and we resolved to letting the rest go. They would be staying with family locally, but would need a place to live. A Pastor who was with us told them he had heard that the local radio station was giving out info on homes that were being donated or made available to families. They welcomed our prayers and thanked us for the offer to help.

The next home we stopped at already had a team working that had been given permission to help out, so we joined them to go through the last of the rubble for precious keepsakes. The home was owned by an 87 yr. old man who had been there around 57 yrs. His daughter was over the day of the storm and he had just enough time to throw her against an inside wall and try to shelter her before it hit and took nearly 1/2 of their home (the 2nd story was totally gone). They both survived with only minor scrapes and cuts. As he sat on his front porch which was still standing with the volunteers, he recounted the memories of life there, and was thankful to God for his life and family. Occasionally, a volunteer would find a picture or a piece of memorabilia and bring it to him which brought a brief smile. I was surprised to find a page torn out of a coloring book of Snow White that was in perfect condition and colored by his Great-Granddaughter Allie. It said, "I love you Grampa" on the bottom. I think this may have meant more to him than the thousands of dollars worth of Baseball Card Collections, and other collectibles that he spent his entire life compiling. We later heard that a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth was found several blocks away and brought to him.

This is now an 'outdoor' bathroom!

The last home we stopped at was owned by a lady named Josephine. A group of young people, who joined SP after working with Convoy of Hope earlier in the week, were already hard at work moving what was left of Josephine's furniture and belongings out to some pickups that would later haul it a few blocks over to a home that she and her husband recently purchased to fix up and rent out. Josephine was pretty feisty and was schooling our young men on church and prayer!

As we would walk the neighborhoods, and offering help, their were groups of volunteers and organizations who would drive around offering cold water and hot meals to the homeowners and volunteers. At one point, the Red Cross came through and gave us a meal.
It was amazing to see so many who were willing to come and bring the skills and talents, whatever they may be. We saw one man offering to fix flat tires for free in the parking lot of a Dillon's that was totaled. He had the equipment on a trailer to take the tires off the rims and repair them. One family was there with their van that had the windows blown out, but were getting a tire fixed. Another man was going around and sharpening chain saw blades. The list goes on and on of "Good Samaritan's". What a blessing to see and be a part of this!

Joplin, MO Disaster Relief - May 28, 2011 - Day 1

2011-05-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am totally amazed at how God provided for every aspect of this trip - down to even the minutest of details!

Let me back up. On Sunday, May 22, 2011 around 5:30 p.m. a multi-vortex tornado (now verified as an EF5) made a "direct hit" near 13th and Rangeline Road (a densely populated neighborhood and major thoroughfare) where several buildings - including a Walmart and St. John's Hospital - were toppled to the ground or totaled. The tornado was approximately 1 mile wide, and it tore a path 13 miles long, leveling almost everything in it's path and causing severe to moderate damage to the areas directly on either side.

On Monday, while I was at work, it was so heavy on my heart, that I wanted to go down there and help in whatever way I could. I immediately felt in my spirit that God was telling me, "You CAN go. There is no reason not to." The thought of it took my breath for a minute, but as I started to consider the possibility of changing a few plans, and cashing in that 'Vacation Fund' from the piggy bank, I started to get excited. At that moment, I made the decision to go, and believed that if God was in it, He would take care of the details. That first step opened up a floodgate of blessing and provision that was beyond what I could even ask or think. I began to search the Internet for a group to hook up with, and found that the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Team would be there and they were looking for volunteers. That was as far as I had to look, and within minutes most of the connections and details were taken care of. I even put the word out, and dared to ask some friends and family to help fill my back seat with supplies and goods for the tornado victims. They not only filled my car, but all the funds to pay for gas, meals, and even some lodging were taken care of. I was also looking for a travel companion, which came through just the night before I was ready to leave. Not only that, but a last minute text by my Daughter-in-law to a friend of hers in Springfield, gave us a place to stay while we were there! After all of this happened, I recalled a quote from Leonard Ravenhill who said, "If God be your partner, make your plans large!" (I'm sure going to remember that for next time!)
Shari and I left around 6pm on Friday, May 27th; stopped for about 5 hrs. of sleep, then arrived in Joplin, MO around 4pm on Saturday. We pulled up at the Forest Park Baptist Church which had quickly become a Headquarters for several Volunteer groups including Samaritan's Purse. They directed us to their property across the street where we could empty the car of all the donations, then park and go to work with them in their bus garage which was converted into a Drop-off Site/Store, where the victims could come and shop "free" for all the goods and supplies that they needed.

It was like a beehive where all the workers were simultaneously unpacking boxes, filling shelves and helping people to "shop" all at the same time!

It was so wonderful and amazing to see people from all over the country and community coming together to do anything and everything they could to help!

Spiritual Warfare/Spiritual Dreams

2010-06-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

May 30, 2010

On Saturday evening, I got home early because business was slow at the Restaurant. I unwound, and then went to sleep around 11:00. Then, at 12:30, my phone rang. It was a friend of mine who was doubled over in pain from some unknown. It sounded very bad, so I got up and went over there thinking I might have to take them to the Emergency Room (maybe appendicitis?). As soon as I got there, we started praying. I prayed & my friend agreed, all the while writhing in pain, and moving from one place to another. Some time passed and I continued to pray in the spirit. After about 1 ½ to 2 hrs., the pain subsided enough that they fell asleep. I stayed & continued to pray in the spirit until I decided to take a break & sleep a little myself. I slept lightly, but at one point, I must have gone deep enough to dream (it was actually more like a nightmare).

The dream started out with us in the room; there was a long couch against the wall. My friend was sleeping on one end; I was in the middle resting, and another friend was on the end, sitting on the arm of the couch. Then, the front door opened and shut; we all heard it and got up to investigate. To our surprise, there was a little, “elf-like” man scurrying past us and down the hallway toward the bathroom. We were all baffled at his appearance there, and my friend managed to corral him back out the front door. This little guy seemed more ‘annoying’ than threatening. After he was outside, I locked the door, and put the deadbolt and chain on. We all went back to our positions on the couch, and almost immediately, the little guy was back in the house. This time it felt a little creepy since the door was locked. Once again, we got him back outside where he immediately transformed into something that was unrecognizable and inanimate (non-living). I broke it into pieces with a shovel & went back into the house satisfied that it was destroyed.

Then, a third time, the door opened and this time a robot-like being came in. It seemed a little more threatening and I don’t remember much detail after that except that we managed to get it out of the house too, and I woke up after that.

Later that morning, I told my friend about the nightmare and they thought it was weird (no kidding!). I told them that what stood out about the whole thing was how “annoying” the little man was.

I went home, and later that morning, when I was at church, my thoughts turned back to the dream and immediately, the word “menacing” came to mind. I started to think the dream may have been spiritual or from the Lord to show us something about spiritual warfare, and that my friend’s pain and symptoms may have been related to a spiritual attack.

When evening rolled around, and we were at my house, I decided to look up the word “menacing” and here is what I found: Menace – 1. a possible danger; a threat. 2. a troublesome or “annoying” person (quotation marks mine). Menacing – Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments (i.e. ‘sinister storm clouds’; ‘his threatening behavior’; ‘the situation became ugly’).

Long story short – we ended the evening by taking up the armor & praying against any future attacks.

Now, after re-writing this (June 7, 2010), I am thinking that this is what the dream might mean:

The little elf-man - I think he represents the effectiveness of my friend’s prayers before I got there. The friend got him out of the house the first time, but he came back again and was a little more threatening. The second time he got in, we got him out together through the power of agreement. My destroying him/it with the shovel may have been representative of my continued prayer in the spirit for him. This leaves me a little unsure of what the third invasion/attack represents because the pain my friend was experiencing did not return and I don’t know if it should be a warning for future attacks or not.

I met with my Pastor about this, and he saw this as something that was a reminder not to be ignorant of the devil’s devices, and how he makes his way into our homes, lives and churches. He talked about the subtlety of the enemy, and how the first part of the dream, it didn’t look to be too bad, scary or threatening to have this guy in the house; but each time he returned it was worse. We also talked about the power of agreement and warfare prayer.

Eph. 6:12 “This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.” (God’s Word Version)

Your thoughts?

Yes, Drew..............death is a part of Life.

2010-04-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

In these last days/weeks of my Sister-in-Law Mary's life, I started to ponder how I might answer some of the questions that may come from my oldest grandson Drew (He's 3 1/2). Questions that a lot of adults quit asking a long time ago because they didn't like the answers.

Drew is being raised in the church, and he would be prone to asking something like, "Why don't we just pray and ask God to heal Aunt Mary?" So, I in turn would have to say, "We are praying for her, and we truly believe that God IS a healer." But, if she doesn't get healed..............., well, I think Marv answered that one for me last week when we were discussing it. He said something like this, "If God healed everyone, than no one would ever die, and there wouldn't be anyone in heaven with Him!" So, I guess that would be my answer to Drew. God IS a healer and God does heal, but not EVERYONE gets healed here on earth.

This took me deeper in thought to the point of, well, the beginning. God intended for us to live forever and to live together with Him like it was in the Garden. But, when sin entered the world, God could no longer stay here. We will still live forever, but now we have a choice to make. "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them." (Deut. 30:19-20)
For the believer, that 'land that He swore to give us' is our eternal home - heaven.

It also brought me to anticipate his next question, which might be something like, "Then if God wants us all to be with Him anyway, why do we have to live on earth in the first place?" And, my answer might be something like this, "Drew, God gives us the opportunity here on earth to practice loving others the way He loves us, and in most cases, that takes a LOT of practice! Aunt Mary showed a lot of love to a lot of people in the 50 or so short years she had here, and well, I guess her mission here on earth was complete, so God called her home.

It is with great sadness, but also joy that MaryAnn left us this morning to be with the Lord. We will miss you for now Mary, but we will see you soon! <3 Love you, Liz

All dogs go to Heaven? Hysterical !

2010-03-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Absolutely unreal that this actually happened!
These two churches face each other across a busy street.

...to be continued?

Job Opening

2010-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Alaskan Job Vacancy

Position: Surveyor

Salary: $200 per hour (tax-free)

Qualifications: Must be fast on your feet!

Isn't it comforting to know that when you are about to become a bear's breakfast your buddy is standing there taking photos?

Cry for me Argentina (Could history be repeating itself?) authored by "Vytautas" a 60-yr. old Father of 6

2010-03-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

In the early 20th century, Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world. While Great Britain 's maritime power and its far-flung empire had propelled it to a dominant position among the world's industrialized nations, only the United States challenged Argentina for the position of the world's second-most powerful economy.

It was blessed with abundant agriculture, vast swaths of rich farmland laced with navigable rivers and an accessible port system. Its level of industrialization was higher than many European countries: railroads, automobiles and telephones were commonplace.

In 1916, a new president was elected. Hipólito Irigoyen, formed a party called The Radicals under the banner of "fundamental change" with an appeal to the middle class. "Fundamental change," (Hmmmm! NOW WHERE DID I HEAR THAT?)

Among Irigoyen's changes: mandatory pension insurance, mandatory health insurance, and support for low-income housing construction to stimulate the economy. Put simply, the state assumed economic control of a vast swath of the country's operations and began assessing new payroll taxes to fund its efforts. (SOUND FAMILIAR?)

With an increasing flow of funds into these entitlement programs, the government's payouts soon became overly generous. Before long its outlays surpassed the value of the taxpayers' contributions. Put simply, it quickly became under-funded, much like our Social Security and Medicare programs.

The death knell for the Argentine economy, however, came with the election of Juan Perón. Perón had a fascist and corporatist upbringing; he and his charismatic wife aimed their populist rhetoric at the nation's rich.

(AGAIN SOUND FAMILIAR?)

This targeted group "swiftly expanded to cover most of the propertied middle classes, who became an enemy to be defeated and humiliated."

Under Perón, the size of government bureaucracies exploded through massive programs of social spending and by encouraging the growth of labor unions.

(ARE WE BEGINNING TO SEE THE LIGHT )

High taxes and economic mismanagement took their inevitable toll even after Perón had been driven from office. But his populist rhetoric and "contempt for economic realities" lived on. Argentina's federal government continued to spend far beyond its means.

(WE KNOW THAT CAN'T HAPPEN IN OUR COUNTRY, RIGHT? )

Hyperinflation exploded in 1989, the final stage of a process characterized by "industrial protectionism, redistribution of income based on increased wages, and growing state intervention in the economy..."

The Argentinean government's practice of printing money to pay off its public debts, crushed the economy. Inflation hit 3000%, reminiscent of the Weimar Republic . Food riots were rampant; stores were looted; the country descended into chaos.

And by 1994, Argentina 's public pensions -- the equivalent of Social Security -- had imploded. The payroll tax had increased from 5% to 26%, but it wasn't enough. In addition, Argentina had implemented a value-added tax (VAT), new income taxes, a personal tax on wealth, and additional revenues based upon the sale of public enterprises. These crushed the private sector, further damaging the economy.

(ONLY HAPPENS IN OTHER COUNTRIES, NOT OURS!)

A government-controlled "privatization" effort to rescue seniors' pensions was attempted. INSTEAD, by 2001, those funds had also been raided by the government, the monies replaced by Argentina 's defaulted government bonds. ( Hmmmmm! )

By 2002, "...government fiscal irresponsibility... induced a national economic crisis as severe as America 's Great Depression." (Nah, that won't happen again. Our Politicians are too smart)

We've seen this movie before. The politician's populist plans NEVER work, because power corrupts and government bankrupts everything it touches. For those that will listen, history shouts over and over that we cannot sustain the wild spending and government takeover of business, banking, health care, and continue to inflate unfunded entitlement programs! Like history tells us, it will be an utter and complete disaster!!!

Today's politicians are guilty of more than arrogant stupidity; they are enslaving future generations to poverty and misery. And they will be long gone when it all implodes. They will be as cold and dead as Juan Perón when your children and grandchildren must ultimately pay for the blind arrogance of politicians!

The author, Vytautas ,is a 60 year old dad of six small children.

He is interested in theology, home based businesses, self-sufficiency, and personal freedom.

THINK AMERICA! WE ARE ALLOWING POLITICIANS TO REPEAT THE FAILURES OF HISTORY!

PS... while working America cuts back... Congress just increased government expenditures by 12% in the "Omnibus" spending bill of nearly half a TRILLION!

Last year there was ONE person in the Dept. of Transportation making over $170,000!

This year that Dept. has 1690 people making over $170,000!

Is your company, or ANY company, doing that well?

AND, this bill has 5224 earmarks totaling $4,000,000,000!

The U.S. unfunded mandates including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the National Debt Now exceed 59 TRILLION DOLLARS.

History lesson over!

America, don't forget to vote in Nov. 2010!"

A Marathon

2010-01-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

On Day 3 of the fast, the lesson speaks of having our hearts prepared. When you think about it in terms of preparing for a race, it is easy to understand that there is a process of getting in shape before taking on a 5k or 10k race (hope for you runners I said that right!). Below is a portion of the scripture shared by Pastor Carl in the early morning prayer meeting today. The first part of it speaks of how God prepares us:

Hosea 6:1 "Come , and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn , and he will heal us; he hath smitten , and he will bind us up . 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up , and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know , if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."

...But the verse that stood out to me most (v.3), was a reminder to me that it is usually pretty easy in the beginning when we set out to do something inspired, or noble, or to please the Lord or improve on our lives; but it's the ".....if we follow on" part that is most difficult. It is also where the prize is, as in running a marathon.

Let us be the 'body prepared for the race' and press on to obtain the prize!

Back to Basics - January Fast - Day 2

2010-01-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

I guess during the January fast is as good time as any to get back on track with my Blog. Rough start, but destined to get better.

Our church has carved out a plan that is somewhat different than prior years, and I am very excited about it. Especially Pastor Bob's direction not to focus on an 'event' at the end of the fast i.e. Vision Sunday . This will be a tremendous help for many along the way to allow and anticipate God's direction daily.

I am not surprised to see that the first scriptures that are standing out to me are very 'Basic' for lack of a better word. Christianity 101 (more or less). Like I mentioned, I got off to a rather rough start, and when I came into work the scripture that was staring me in the face from my daily calendar was Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Then, as I was following the guide handed out by the church, I found that all the scripture references given were verses that I have known all my Christian walk - very basic. I know that the topic for Day 2 if supposed to be about being 'single-minded' and focused, but it all boils down to trust.

Hopefully, this is not preparation for some coming disaster, but rather God's infinite grace and mercy at work once again to strengthen my faith & relationship with Him!

Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss - Week 1, Day 6

2009-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Fat – the last major change to healthier eating.
First off, your body NEEDS fat to function properly.

But just like a lot of the other foods, we have to focus on the ‘better for you’ fats.

The basic consumption rule is:

More foods that are high in MONO and POLY UNSATURATED FATS aka “essential” fatty acids (like fish, nuts and healthy oils). These are essential for healthy hair, skin and joints, for lowery the risk of heart disease and other critical processes of the body.

Reduce the amount of SATURATED FATS (found in pork, red meat and dairy products).

Avoid foods that contain TRANS FATS including fried and breaded foods.

The Breakdown:

SATURATED FATS – found in animal fats are found to be linked to hypertension, heart disease, strokes, various forms of cancer and obesity.

The goal is to find protein sources that have far less of this than beef, pork, lamb or duck. The healthier alternatives, although ALL animal sources of protein contain saturated fat, would be turkey or chicken breast meat, and even buffalo meat. So, try some substitutes and modifications like using turkey sausage or taking the skin off the chicken to help trim the fat. Try to limit the grams to 10 or less.

TRANS FATS – maybe the worst thing that ever happened to our food supply. Why would they take healthy fats, alter their chemical structure through “hydrogenation”, and use it in our foods? Just to extend the shelf life! Well, they can run, but they can’t hide! Trans Fats by any other name (Hydrogenated oils, Partially hydrogenated oils, Fractionated oils, Vegetable shortening & Lard) are still Trans Fats! Once again, READ THE LABEL! It may say 0 Trans Fat, but if one of the ingredients above is listed above, try to avoid it.

Another rule of thumb: If it’s fried or breaded, it’s likely high in calories and contains Trans Fatty Acids. I know we said that we weren’t going to worry too much about calories, but eating TOO MUCH FAT, even from the good sources can sabotage your weight loss goals. 1 gram ea. Of protein or carbs = 4 calories, while 1 gram of fat = 9 calories. Try to limit the intake of added fat per meal to: 1 TBSP – mayonnaise, oil and high-fat dressing and sauces or 1 oz. cheese.

The healthier alternatives for cooking would be grape seed oil, safflower oil, avocado oil and macadamia oil.

For the table, try: Earth Balance or Smart Balance brands of butter.

And that’s the ‘skinny’ on fat!

Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss - Week 1, Day 5

2009-11-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

This may be the simplest day yet, and you may already be doing this, but - DRINK MORE WATER!

It could mean up to 5 lbs. of fat loss in 1 month!

Water helps to naturally suppress hunger, prevent water retention and bloating (oh, how we all love that feeling!), help muscle tissue work more efficiently to burn calories, rid your body of toxins, prevent and relieve constipation (another favorite, eh?), and increase the efficiency of your metabolism.

I know I already mentioned how amazing our bodies are, but when you consider how all the organs function and work together to keep us going, you couldn't possibly believe in anything other than God as our Creator!

Let's start with the kidneys, which need adequate water to function well. If they don't get sufficient amounts, then some of the workload gets dumped on the liver. The liver is one of the key organs for metabolizing fat. If the liver has to start doing the work of the kidneys, it's not going to be able to work as hard at burning the fat. So stop making your organs have to multitask - they weren't built for that!

If you are not already doing this, then try to work toward a goal of 12 8oz. glasses a day. (Yes, other beverages like coffee, iced tea, diet soda and other calorie-free beverages count, but none of them is as good as plain old water!). I personally am a big coffee drinker, so I have to make myself drink water in between. (I know, I know, but it's my only vice and I'm still working on it, O.K.?!) Besides, coffee acts more as a diuretic, and can actually dehydrate you.

I know we've already talked about the affects of sugar, so PLEASE try to stay away from regular soda! If you need a little incentive, how about 1 12oz. can = 10 tsp. of granulated sugar! AND, 1 single can of regular soda per day can make you gain 15 pounds of body weight per year!

Soda, "energy" drinks and sports drinks are basically sugar and water. And fruit juices (unless 100% juice and used as your carb) should be avoided too.

So..............be kind to your liver - drink water. Journal your water consumption along with your meals and snacks (you are still doing that - right?). If you choose an occasional substitute that must be sweet, select beverages sweetened with Splenda rather than Aspartame.

Oh, and one last thing (no, two): If you exercise during the day, then add one 8oz. glass of water for every 20 minutes of exercise.

And finally, don't get on the scale. (That's right - resist the urge!) You are more than likely burning fat and losing inches, but your body weight can fluctuate 1 to 4 lbs. daily. Be patient - you know you feel better! And besides, this is a "lifestyle", not a diet. You will be pleasantly surprised in a few weeks if you are making these changes and sticking with them! God bless!

Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss - Week 1, Day 4

2009-11-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

O.K., I warned you we were going to make some adjustments! But be honest, up until now there have not been any really hard changes - have there? All right, then! We're just going to take another step toward a healthier lifestyle.

It's time to start eating more healthy breads and sweets. We don't want to cut them out completely, just make some changes that make it possible to continue eating them in a way that will cause your body to lose rather than gain weight. Are you with me? Good!

Since we want to focus on the foods that accelerate fat burning and avoid those that slow things down, it will be necessary to start reading labels. In order to really get the metabolism going, we will do our best to avoid foods and beverages that have refined sugars (aka The Dirty Dozen), as well as white, enriched and bleached flours listed among the first four ingredients on the nutrition label (not counting those in parentheses). Nutrition labels list ingredients in order by amount. So if a product lists sugar or "high fructose corn syrup " as the first ingredient, then it has more sugar in it than anything else! We want to start looking for foods made with 100% whole grains and sweetened with no-calorie or less refined sweeteners.

Enemy #1 of fat loss is processed and refined carbohydrates - sugar and white flour are at the top of the list. Sugar, whether it is straight from the sugar bowl, or in the form of candy, soda, or baked goods may have started out in a 'whole' or 'natural' form, but has been refined to the point that all of its fiber and nutrition was stripped away and what is left goes straight to the bloodsteam and spikes your insulin level putting your body into fat storing mode. Unbelievable, I know! So here is a list of things we want to watch out for:

THE DIRTY DOZEN
1. Sugar (sucrose)
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
3. Brown Sugar
4. Dextrose
5. Maltose
6. Corn Syrup
7. Malt Syrup
8. Maple Syrup
9. Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol)
10. Matitol Syrup (Sugar Alcohol)
11. Modified Corn Starch
12. Corn Starch

Yea, I know! What's left? There are so many more choices out there now with low or no calorie alternatives like Splenda, Stevia or Neotame. And for baking, there are a lot more healthy substitutes like evaporated cane juice, whole fruit and fruit juices, raw or organic agave nectar, xylitol, brown rice syrup and Sucanat.

Now for the BREAD! The ingredients to watch out for are 'bleached, enriched or white flour'. Foods and bread made with 100% whole wheat flour and cereals made with whole grains are healthy, high in fiber, and aid in weight loss as well as the prevention of many diseases.
DON'T LET THE LABEL FOOL YOU! Just because it says 100% Whole Wheat on the front, doesn't mean it is healthy! Remember to check the first four ingredients. If it lists 'enriched flour' and/or 'corn syrup' there, than it probably has no whole grains and is LOADED with sugar!

Label reading may take a little getting used to, but you will soon become an expert "Label Detective", and will benefit in the long run. (Did I say "long run"? - Oh, we'll talk about that later! LOL!)

Before we wrap this up, I want to put out a little Disclaimer/Promo here: The basic information I am sharing with you here comes from Nutrition expert Robert Ferguson's "Food Lovers Fat Loss System", and I would highly recommend his weight loss regimin to anyone. What I have been sharing here is just a small part of what his program offers. All I am really looking to do is pass along some of the valuable health tips I have learned with a few friends.

Health, Nutrition & Weighloss - Week 1, Day 3

2009-11-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Time to talk about the importance of breakfast and portion sizes. Unless you want to be a Sumo Wrestler, who purposely skips breakfast to prevent their metabolism from getting into gear, than you will need to get in the habit of eating as soon as you get up.

Breakfast really is the MOST important meal! It's called Break - "fast" for a reason. If you just woke up from 8 hrs. of sleep, then your body has been in a fasting mode. Your metabolism has slowed down, and it needs a 'jump start'. It's O.K. if you are not a 'breakfast person'. A simple snack will do. Just EAT something!

I also want to reiterate that you MUST eat every 2 1/2 - 3 hours to prevent the 'hunger monster' from sabotaging your health and weightloss. If you let yourself get too hungry, you're almost guaranteed to overeat. Once you have stoked the furnace with breakfast, you need to keep it going.

Here are a few suggestions: A bowl of cereal like Kashi Heart to Heart or Trader Joe's Raisin Bran Clusters with low fat milk and berries on top; French toast made with wheat bread and sugar free syrup and a cup of berries on the side; a low fat blueberry muffin; or an egg sandwich with canadian bacon and low fat american cheese on a whole wheat english muffin.

PORTION SIZE. It may be hard to keep this brief, but here are the basics:
Meats, poultry and fish - the general rule is 3-5 oz. for women and 4-6 oz. for men. That's about the size of the palm of your hand (less if it is a 'fatty' meat like ground beef, ham, hot dogs, ribs, salmon,etc.). Eggs: 1 whole w/ 2 egg whites for women and 2 whole w/ 2 egg whites for men. (Eggbeaters/whites: 3-4 oz. women & 5-6 oz. men). Protein powder: 1 scoop.
"Limited carbs" - Bread = 2 slices, 1 english muffin, 1 bagel, 1 flour tortilla, 2 corn tortillas, 2 halves pita; Pasta = 1 c. for women, 1 1/4 c. for men (or the size of your fist); Potatoes = 1 c. for women, 1 1/4 c. for men; Rice & other grains = 1/2 c. for women and 2/3 c. for men (1/2 fist); Cakes, sweets & chocolate = 1/2 palm (look at the palm of your hand and cut it in half diagonally)

Just in case you are asking: "Can I REALLY have chocolate cake with my grilled chicken breast and asparagus?" The answer is 'YES'! Just remember portion size and decide if that will be enough to keep you satisfied until your snack 3 hrs. later.

Additional "Limited carbs": Melons (2 fists); high sugar fruits (cherries, grapes, passion fruit, pineapple, plantains & quince) 1 fist; Med. round fruits (apple, banana, mango, orange, peach, pear) = 1 med. women & 1 lg. men; Sm. round fruits (nectarines, plums, tangerines, kiwi) 2 med. for women & 3 med. for men; Dried fruits = 1/2 fist; Winter squash & onions 1 c. for women & 1 1/4 c. men (1 fist); Corn 1/2 c. women & 2/3 c. men (1/2 fist); Hot cereal 1 c. women & 1 1/4 c. men; Carb rich dairy (lowfat ice cream, lowfat or skim milk, lowfat yogurt) = 1 c. women & 1 1/4 c. men.

"Go for it Carbs" - Veggies (cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, cukes, mushrooms [button, crimini, white], radishes & sprouts) and Leafy greens (Bok Choi, cabbage, endive, lettuce radicchio, spinach & watercress) EAT ALL YOU WANT;

Tomatoes, squash & other veggies (artichokes, asparagus, bell peppers, brocolli, brussel sprouts, carrots, eggplant, green beans, leeks, mushrooms [portobello, shitake], okra rutabaga turnips) 1 c. women & 1 1/4 c. men (1 fist)

Berries & low sugar fruits (apricots, all berries, grapefruit, lemons, limes) 1 c. women & 1 1/4 c. men (1 fist);

Beans, peas & lentils 1/2 c. women & 2/3 c. men

Cooked greens (beet tops, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, turnip greens) 1 c. women & 1 1/4 c. men.

There! I think that is enough for you to 'absorb' for today! :)

Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss - Week 1, Day 2

2009-11-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Write it down! Yes, get a notebook or a journal or anything 'stationary' that you can write on. (Ha, I just realized where that word came from!)
It has been documented that if you keep a record of everything you eat and drink, you could lose 64% more weight than those who don't. Note the start time of your meal or snack and use as much detail about what and how much.

Now, let's talk about how these fantastic bodies process food (aka 'our Metabolism'):Our bodies will do one of two things with whatever we eat or drink. It will either burn it for energy or store it for later as body fat. That's it! In order to lose weight, we obviously want to do more burning than storing.

The best way to do that is to understand how to combine foods so they send less sugar into you bloodstream. This leads us to talking about carbohydrates. NO WAIT! I am NOT going to tell you that ALL carbs are bad! None of your favorite foods have to be off limits if you understand how to use them.

O.K., here's a little science lesson: ''Carbs" (whether they are from a baked potato, bread, pasta, a piece of chocolate cake - "yummy"! :P, or a piece of fruit) get converted to Glucose (sugar) which sends the message to your body to release insulin - a fat storing hormone. This really is amazing, because if our bodies didn't do that, it could damage our arteries - "Thank you, God for insulin!"

The good news: There is a way to eat these carbs where you can not only keep your body happy, but your taste buds too! We can 'optimize' our glycemic levels by keeping our insulin levels low throughout the day, thus preventing our bodies from going into the 'fat storing mode'.

Now, let's define the two kinds of carbs. We'll simply call them 'limited carbs' and 'go for it carbs'! How's that?! I already gave you a sample of the 'limited carbs' above, so here are some of the 'go for it carbs':
Leafy greens, high fiber veggies, berries & grapefruit, beans, peas & legumes. I will give you more on this later, but for now, let's talk about portion sizes and combination of these foods.
Of course, we need protein too, so we have to add a few of those here: Lean meats, poultry, fish/seafood, eggs, cottage cheese, protein powder and soy (yuck! Did I say soy? - O.K., to each his own!)

So, what's the formula? Common sense for starters! If you are looking at your plate, which is mounded with spagetti, meat sauce AND 8 meatballs, doused in parmesan with a big hunk of garlic bread on the side - well, we have to talk! Just to keep this short, look at your plate and imagine it divided into 3 sections. You have a protein, a 'limited carb' and a 'go for it carb'. There you go! Yes, it will mean deciding between the noodle and the bread, but personally, I don't usually put my spagetti sauce on bread! You REALLY want a piece of garlic toast? SAVE IT FOR YOUR SNACK (you might want to go light on the butter while you're at it!)

REMEMBER - snacking is IMPORTANT (I knew you would like that!), because it keeps your metabolism (your fat burning machine) going!

O.K., we'll talk more tomorrow - it's time for me to get away from this computer!

One last thing that might help you get started.

Here are some SNACK IDEAS (We are not going worry too much about calories for now, but here is a good guideline - Women 100-200 cal., Men 100-300 cal.):
1 small bag of chips
1 slice of bread/toast with peanut butter
1/2 turkey sandwich (o.k., the garlic toast if you really must have it!)
cheese and crackers
fruit
a chicken leg
leftovers from a meal (snack size portion please!)
Protein bar

Health, Nutrition & Weight Loss - Week 1, Day 1

2009-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds!

A lot of people have been noticing that I have lost a few pounds and look a little thinner, and have asked me what I've been doing. I can start by saying, "I AM NOT DIETING - I"M EATING!" That' right! No more dieting for me!

I have FINALLY found "balance"! And have decided to share what I have learned here with those who are interested.

Our bodies are amazing! They are MACHINES! No, they are more marvelous than that! We are 'fearfully and WONDERFULLY made"! And, we have to take care of these machines if we want to keep them running efficiently for the rest of our lives no matter how long that is.

I'm going to "promise" you, that if you make even SOME of these life changes that I am going to share here, you will notice the difference; but more than that, you will be amazed at how you can just 'tweek' and 'adjust' a few habits, and your body will thank you!

Here goes: Step 1 (Week 1, day 1) - EAT!
(I'm going to give you a minute to 'digest' that statement! LOL!)
That's right - I said EAT! EAT when you get up; EAT throughout the day; and EAT in the evening! You may have already heard this ("eat smaller meals, but eat more often"), but it works!

Here's the 'skinny'. (Oh, I crack myself up!). Our bodies NEED fuel just like your car needs gas. Plain and simple, when you don't eat, or when you skip meals, your body goes into starvation mode and begins to hoard everything you digest if you let it go too long without food. You need to "train" your body to trust that it's not going to starve.

So, here is your assignment. Starting tomorrow, eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. Try to eat within the first 1/2 hr. after getting up (yes, you can!), and continue until bedtime. That's right - the "No eating after 7:00pm" is a myth. If you are still going until midnight, your body still needs fuel! (Yes, common sense has to come into play here, but we'll talk more about that later!)

Here is a sample: 6am breakfast, 9am snack, 12pm lunch, 3pm snack, 6pm dinner, 9pm snack.

Not rocket science (well, maybe it is!), just the basics. Yes, there is more to it than that, but we're talking about changing some 'life-long' habits for some people. You don't do this overnight. You do it ONE STEP AT A TIME! We all know we didn't get this way overnight, and if we want LASTING results, we have to make it a lifestyle.

That's it for now! God bless!

Our Sin Affects Others (It started in the Garden, and the cycle continues)

2009-10-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

The negative affects from individual sins can resonate in ways that we cannot predict.

From the beginning of time (according to Genesis), sin has caused consequence, pain and even death. Adam and Eve had everything they could have ever needed including fellowship in the garden with God himself. Then sin entered, and brought heartache and consequences that continue to this day.

Yesterday, I was faced with the reality of how much my sins affected a friend 40 years ago.

We're always aware of when we are doing wrong, but rarely consider how it affects those around us. That's the sinful, selfish nature of man.

The truly awesome part of this story though is the restoration that came to both lives through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Healer & Redeemer!

He has promised to restore ALL that the cankerworm and locust have eaten; and to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose!

Obama's Nobel: The Last Thing He Needs

2009-10-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

A surprisingly unbiased News article by TIME/CNN

Obama's Nobel: The Last Thing He Needs

"Yes, Mr. President, we ARE a Christian Nation!"

2009-10-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony.

"Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean." William Bradford

“Almighty God, by your great mercy we have reached this land, which we now claim and establish for Thy eternal purposes. We ask thee to open hearts and enlighten the understanding of the peoples of these shores to comprehend the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The Mayflower Compact - 1620

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini 1620.

John Carver
William Bradford
Edward Winslow
William Brewster
Isaac Allerton
Miles Standish
John Alden
Samuel Fuller
Christopher Martin
William Mullins

William White
James Chilton
John Craxton
John Billington
Richard Warren
John Howland
Steven Hopkins
Edward Tilly
John Tilly
Francis Cook

Thomas Rogers
Thomas Tinker
John Rigdale
Edward Fuller
John Turner
Francis Eaton
Moses Fletcher
Digery Priest
Thomas Williams
Gilbert Winslow

Edmond Margeson
Peter Brown
Richard Bitteridge
Richard Clark
Richard Gardiner
John Allerton
Thomas English
Edward Doten
Edward Liester
John Goodman
George Soule

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhIfzURC9HU

A picture tells 1000 unreported News Stories!

2009-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is the "Angry Mob" that marched on Washington on 9-12-09 against Government controlled Health Care, excessive government spending, and Cap and Trade that Nancy Pelosi is afraid will turn violent.

(Also known as: Right-wing Extremists; Astroturf; Nazi's)

Out of an estimated crowd of 1.5 Million, 1 one was arrested.

Below is a crowd estimated to be between 300 and 1000 who were protesting against Capitalism in Pennsylvania at the G20 Summit. (Are these people American?)

There were 83 arrested.

Where is all this leading us as a nation?

At this rate, we will be an increasingly divided nation with an escalating risk of erupting violence as frustration grows; ethnic and cultural groups see themselves disempowered; and people seek outlets for the fear and anger they feel due to not being heard by their government and/or other ethnic and cultural groups.

There seems to be a fine line between exposing the truth, and sharing the facts and causing division. If I have in any way contributed to causing division, I ask forgiveness.

We have been called as reconcilers who have been given a ministry of reconciliation, not division (see 2 Cor. 5:18).

Summer at the end of Summer!

2009-09-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, a little play on words! Mom and I went down to Tennessee this past weekend to see Michael, Samie and Summer. We enjoyed a Sunday afternoon in Gatlinburg at the Ripley's Aquarium,....

....and then we stopped for dinner on the way back in Pigeon Forge at Bennetts - GOOD BBQ RIBS!

Summer is getting SO big - 9 months old already - So hard to believe!

I'm SO Blessed!

2009-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely positive that I have the BEST daughter in the world!!!! Got a cold, sore throat, runny eyes, yech! But.............then I got some Chicken Soup and some love, love, love!

Tea Party Express in Troy, MI

2009-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009 a crowd estimated to be 3-4 thousand people lined the street in front of City Hall in Troy and cheered as the Tea Party Express rolled in around 7pm.

The event was covered by Fox News (commentated by Griff Jenkins), CNN and WDIV Channel 4 locally.

The event was started with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a variety of music and several guest speakers (Attorney General Michael Cox, Deborah Johns and others)

The crowd was upbeat and civil (no Mobsters here!), and many signed the giant letter to the Government expressing their opposition to the wasteful spending. Overall it was a good sampling of 'regular folk' who want their message heard about Health Care, Cap & Trade, and taxes.

A History Lesson on Social Security

2009-09-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Our Social Security

Franklin Delano Roosevelt - 32nd President (D) -Term of Office March 4, 1933, to April 12, 1945, introduced Social Security (FICA) Program. He Promised:

1.) That participation in the Program would be Completely voluntary,

2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual Incomes into the Program,

3.) That the money the participants elected to put Into the Program would be deductible from Their income for tax purposes each year,

4.) That the money the participants put into the Independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the General operating fund, and therefore, would Only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program, and no other Government program, and

5.) That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income.

(Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month -- and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the Federalgovernment to 'Put Away' -- you may be interested in the following):

During Dwight D. Eisenhower's term (34th President - Republican - January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961), in 1958, the first year that a democratically-controlled Congress (not President Eisenhower) voted to remove funds from Social Security and put it into the General Fund for Congress to spend.

Congress' logic at that time was that there was so much money in Social Security Fund that it would never run out / be used up for the purpose it was intended / set aside for.

It was during Lyndon B. Johnson's term (36th President - Democrat,Term of Office: November 22,1963 to January 20, 1969) that the funds were taken from Independent 'Trust Fund' and put it into the General Fund so that Congress could spend it.

The Democratic party also eliminated the income tax Deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?

During the Clinton reign, (42nd. President -

Democrat - Term of Office: January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001), the Democratic Party, with Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. (Al Gore) [Vice President Term of Office: January 10, 1993 to January 20, 2001] casting the 'tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US, started taxing Social Security Annuities.

Here's the kicker!

James Earl Carter, JR. (Jimmy Carter) (39th President - Democrat, Term of Office: January 20, 1977 To January 20, 1981) and the Democratic Party started giving Annuity payments to immigrants.

Imigrants moved into this Country, and at age 65, began to receive Social Security payments even though they never paid a dime into it!

Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), they turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away!

To sum it up, here's a quote from our 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson (Democrat - Term of Office: January 20, 1777 to January 20, 1781):

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have".

Church Bulletins!

2009-08-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow..

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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..

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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.

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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

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Don't be Cast Down

2009-08-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

In my devotions this morning, I read something (by Marvin Williams) about sheep that I didn't know.

Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, and the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a “cast down” position. (The cast down sheep can also fall victim to predators if the shepherd does not take action, or more commonly known to us in Mattew 18:12-14 as, "He will leave the 99 and go after the one...")

When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium.

What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.

If you’ve been cast down for any reason, God is the only one who can help you get on your feet again. He will restore your confidence, joy, and strength.

"He restores my soul." (Ps. 23:3)

"Yes Drew, Gramma did try to keep this from happening."

2009-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

The caption under the picture read, "Health Care = Hot Topic. Warren resident Elizabeth Campbell speaks with U.S. Rep. Sander Levin at an event at the Roseville Senior Center Aug. 13.

What it left out was that she was OPPOSED to the Health Care Bill!

God's Message: "Don't let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don't let heroes brag of their exploits. Don't let the rich brag of their riches.
If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I'm God, and I act in loyal love. I do what's right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks." God's Decree. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)MSG

"Mr. President; Congressman; Senators, what will you tell your Grandchildren?"

The Brazen Truth

2009-08-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things I am grateful for today...

2009-08-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

1. Salvation and Grace
2. Trader Joe's
3. The Internet
4. Friends & family
5. Homemade Fruit/Protein Smoothies
6. Coffee
7. Life
8. Sunshine and 75 degrees
9. Freedom of Speech
10. Today

"Have no fear, Health Care is here!"

2009-08-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

So.....how did my meeting go you ask?

Well, as it turns out, ALL of my fears were unfounded! Yes, that's what I said. It appears that everything I spent hours researching, checking, and writing that I was able to ask about or mention in our meeting was "UNTRUE!"

Below is a copy of the notes I made for the meeting, (to which I knew would not all be addressed due to the fact that there were two of us in the meeting with him and we were allowed 15 minutes to express and have our concerns addressed.) So, along with my notes are the Congressman's replies in RED, as brief as they may be! My comments in blue.

Notes for mtg. with Sander Levin – Re: HR 3200 aka “The Health Care Bill

“Public Option” or “Co-op” – a Trojan Horse?

Insurance Companies can’t compete with government health care – they will eventually be put out of business. - "NOT TRUE!"
Competition will be driven out.
No incentive for employers to pay for private insurance.- "NOT TRUE!"
Instead of a 1018 pg. Bill that has half the country up in arms, maybe government should narrow the focus to:

Tort Reform – put limits on the liability claims and a cap on the rewards for damages."We had Tort Reform" - no further explanation given.
Portability – protect coverage when workers change or lose theirs jobs (this will take care of the problem with ‘Pre-existing conditions’). - no answer - this came last and time ran out on the meeting!
Allow it to cross State lines to force competition among private insurance companies. (Give us more control & more choices – forcing private plans to create better products, improve service and lower prices).

The problem goes much deeper than health care. It goes to the roots of our fundamental rights as Americans. It destroys our human rights (life & liberty). This health care plan is so far from reason – it’s not even manageable – it could even collapse our health care system altogether. When the government runs something, the price doesn't just increase – it multiplies!

Contrary to the position of many in government – There is no “right to health care”. We have a right to appeal to others when we are in need, but we have no right to demand that they help us. Charity is voluntary, and is not to be compelled by the State. Forced charity takes from one & gives to another. The giving of charitable help is to be done by individuals (and the organizations they may form).

The health care system isn't broken – the government is! It is already bankrupt - "NOT TRUE! ". Everyone agrees that health care needs reform, but it is still run a whole lot more efficiently than the government.- "NOT TRUE!" (i.e. “Cash for Clunkers” – it’s absurd that they are destroying capital -Governments consume wealth, they don’t produce it.)

A government run health care system would give the State greater authority as it would necessarily assume the power of life & death. Though it is true the Bill does not mention euthanasia - health care would be rationed- "NOT TRUE!! There is nothing about euthanasia in the Bill." (I did not mention euthanasia - see my notes above) There is no way around rationing. (see Dr. Ezekiel Emmanual's article (90)60137 that explores the ethical challenges of valuing an individual’s life in the context of allocating medical resources that are very scarce.)

Where are the Public Servants? Government is supposed to represent us, not rule over us! Their primary responsibility lies in protecting life, liberty, and property.

We want no further encroachments on our individual liberties and freedoms!

We do not want Socialism or Socialized medicine!

We want the continuation of our free enterprise system - "WE HAD FREE ENTERPRISE" - no further explanation given!

Well, that is where it ended.......................for now. I will follow up with these and the unaddressed items in a written letter to Mr. Levin, and carbon copies will go to Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin. Where it goes from there.......................God knows.

(I must say, my Boss, Chuck, had some very good questions, and some very REAL concerns related to being a Business Owner and the burdens being created by the government, but you will have to ask him if he was satisfied with any of the answers he received.)

Meeting with Congressman Levin

2009-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

When pondering what I would say when given my audience with the Congressman, I realized that my appt. comes after a long string of appts. over several days where a large percentage of the people will likely be expressing the same concerns about the Healthcare Bill as I might like to, which will give the Congressman opportunity to hone his answers & shoot down what he might consider to be lies and 'misinformation'.

Interestingly, in my research, I came upon a 1981 transcript from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in relation to Income under the Federal Tax Law (Lavin v. Marsh - 644 f.2d 1378) which states: "Persons dealing with the government are charged with knowing government statutes & regulations, and they assume the risk that government agents may exceed their authority and provide misinformation." See Federal Crop Insurance Corp. v. Merrill, 332 U.S. 380, 384-85, 68 S. Ct. 1, 3-4, 92 L. Ed. 10 (1947). Yes, this is all legal jargon that most of us do not even dare to try and understand, and as I stated above was in reference to tax law, nonetheless, interesting that the new buzz word - "misinformation" being used by those in the Obama Administration is the same word used in relation to government overstepping their bounds!

Something else I came across while preparing for this was a newspaper article from a local Pastor, David J. Bostrom who had the most sensible arguement against the Healthcare Bill that I have heard to date. The major points of his article are as follows:

"Health is an individual and family responsibility. No one should be under the illusion that if we get government healthcare that we'll be a healthier population. The biggest overall factor for good health comes down to individual & family decisions."

"There is no "right to healthcare". We have a right to appeal to others when we are in need, but we have no right to demand they help us."

"Charity is voluntary. The giving of charitable help is to be done by individuals (and organizations they may form). Charity is not to be compelled by the State. Forced charity takes from one & gives to another."

"The States primary responsibility lies in protecting life, liberty, and property."

"A government-run health care system would give the State greater authority as it would necessarily assume the power of life & death." (i.e. the provision of universal tax-funded abortions & involvement in the inevitable rationing of care.)

The bottom line is most people are satisfied & like their health insurance. And as for the bigger picture, regarding Healthcare, Cap and Trade, whatever, is that there is already TOO MUCH GOVERNMENT! Our government should not be dictating to us how our healthcare should be handled, or what kind of car we should drive, where we send our kids to school, or anything else.

We are still "One Nation under God (not Government) and it's time for them to take their HANDS OFF!

(My appointment has been moved to 4:45pm on Wednesday. If you are inclined to pray, I will need the wisdom of God!)

Impromptu face-to-face meeting with the Congressman

2009-08-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today, much to my surprise, I found myself literally face-to-face with Congressman Sander Levin.

I was made aware through a newly formed local group of concerned citizens that a Community Resource Fair, hosted by the City of Eastpointe, was going to be held this afternoon with the Congressman in attendance. I was informed in advance that this was NOT a Town Meeting, he would NOT be speaking to an audience, and he would NOT be taking any questions.
My purpose for going, and my intent, honestly, was not to show up and make a scene, but to be a silent "presence" in hopes of sending the single message that Americans are concerned with all that is going on in Government, and especially with the issues related to the Health Care Bill that is currently on the table.
When I arrived, I witnessed a small group of people outside the building, some with signs, some at a table handing out information about the new area Grass Roots Organization, a few Police Officers (just in case), and even some people with Duct Tape over their mouths with messages written on them like "Prez says 'shut up'" and "No Freedom of Speech".
Inside, there were a lot of people milling around in the Lobby, and then a sign-in table at the doorway of the fair. I promptly signed in, and walked around to see what was being offered at all the tables, stopped to chat with someone I recognized from the Grass Roots Mtg. I attended 2 weeks prior, and then it happened.............
.........The Congressman had been in a side room meeting with people, one at a time, who had signed up to talk with him, when he decided to take a break and get some Media coverage while 'greeting the people'. Before I could even gather my thoughts, Mr. Levin purposely turned to me, and asked me directly if I had any questions or concerns! (Have you ever had someone get so close to you that you felt they were invading your space?) Well, I found myself looking him square in the eyes, and the words, "Yes, I have questions and concerns" falling smoothly from my lips as if I had rehearsed it. I calmly expressed that I didn't want to see my tax dollars going to fund abortions, to which he replied, "anything else?", so I continued by sharing my concerns about health care to the elderly being limited due to the lack of money to implement this program. His reply to me was that it was not true, and that I shouldn't listen to "those people"; then told me that there was nothing about euthanasia in the Bill. Well, you could probably imagine the thoughts that starting racing through my head! I began to sense he was becoming irritated, and no-doubt sorry that he stopped to talk to me. I never mentioned euthanasia, but since he did, I said that this Bill would then likely set the stage for it, and may be a "slippery slope" to it. This is where he ended the 'interview' (as the whole time we were speaking, there was a C&G Reporter snapping pictures and afterward asking for my name and City of Residence).

I now have an appointment next week to sit down with Mr. Levin in his Office to talk more in depth. Please pray for me! Thank you!

Naptime at Gramma's House

2009-08-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kaylie's getting tired, but she doesn't want to lay down and sleep in here....

...or even on Gramma's bed with the big soft bear...

....but she eventually found a placed that suited her!

Night, night Kaylie!

The season to speak and pray...

2009-08-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-10)

I found myself feeling guilty for using my blog, emails and Facebook to voice my concerns about what is going on with some major issues and the leadership in this country; and I have even had a couple people tell me that they don't want me to send them this 'cr*p'. I would gladly stand corrected if that turned out to be the case, but my gut tells me that this country, and most of it's people will find out after the damage has been done that our freedoms and everything else we hold dear has been stripped away.

Yes, I like to have fun, share witty comments, post pictures of my Grandchildren and all sorts of other things just like everyone else, but this is a season to stand up and fight, so for now, and as long as God lays these things on my heart, I will not apologize.

I've quoted him before, and I will here:

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Grandma's Hands (an email worth sharing)

2009-07-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. 'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. 'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. 'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.' I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. -- Author Unknown

A Wonderful Daughter, Chimpanzees and freedom in Christ

2009-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

My daughter shared her testimony of how God has changed her life with the Youth Group last night. As a Mom, I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful daughter she is and how proud I am of her. Even more so, how exciting it is to see how God has been working in her life.

One of the points she made was how when she was young, she thought that being a Christian was like being in a prison and how she thought she was missing out on life because of it, only to discover that her choice to rebel and live life her own way was the real prison.

In my devotions this morning was a story about a man named Eugene Cussons who rescues chimpanzees who were orphaned by those in the business of bush-meat trade and taken from the wild only to be confined to live in spaces smaller than a prison cell. When he would first come to get them, he would often find them hostile and untrusting, and have to put them in an even smaller crate for transport, so they would put up quite a fight. They didn't know that he was going to take them back to "Chimp Eden" and give them a much better life.

On a much grander scale (in the words of Julie Ackerman); God's offer to liberate us from the slavery of sin is often met with resistance. When He rescued the children of Israel from Egypt, God took them through difficult places that caused them to doubt His good intentions.

On our journey of faith, there are times when the "feedom" of sin that we left behind is more appealing than the restrictions of faith that lie ahead. We must trust the protective boundaries found in God's Word as the only way to get to the place of ultimate freedom.

Obedience to God is the key to freedom.

Wing Appetizer

2009-06-04T17:44:00.001-07:00

Familiy Picnic Highlights

2009-05-24T18:40:00.001-07:00

Drew & Kellen at the Playscape (I mean Take-Out Window!)

There is always time for the slide!

Kaylie loves to jump...

...and Gracie loves the grass!

Did anyone else hear this comment?

2009-05-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

We all know that there were those for, and those opposed to the President speaking at Notre Dame's Commencement because of the abortion issue, but did anyone catch the quote after the quote?

Quote #1: "So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term."

Quote #2: (as reported on Channel 2 News) 'The president said he and other people of faith "can never know for sure what God wants, and that element of doubt should make them wary of too much self-righteousness."'

Are you serious? Please open the Bible on that Coffee Table Mr. President!

"Happy Anniversary!"

2009-05-16T08:56:00.001-07:00

I took advantage of a "Play-Date" I had scheduled with Drew & Kaylie.

While Jaimie went 'Mom-to-Mom' shopping, and Andy was off on a
golf weekend with the guys (BTW what a great gift to your hubby Jaimie!),
we got busy making a special surprise for their Anniversary.
Check it out:

Now, a special message from Drew (with a cameo appearance from Kaylie):

Foggy Phenom

2009-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

This was taken a couple weeks ago after a rain, when the ground/air temps were just right!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T17:16:00.001-07:00

It was a good day, with family, friends and food. Spent indoors and out. I'm starting to notice that I don't take enough pictures of the adults during these family gatherings. Do you think I am too partial when it comes to the Grandchildren? You adult children who made it into the shots will have to consider yourselves fortunate!

Our God is AMAZING!

2009-05-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is the stuff that holds us together - literally! God knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder!
This is called Laminin.
Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.
Laminins are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them we would literally fall apart!

Isn't it amazing that the glue that holds us together....ALL of us.... is in the shape of the cross?! And to know that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer!!!

Colossians 1:15-17 gives us a good image of that.
"He is the iamge of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things HOLD TOGETHER."

I am a "Dangerous - Rightwing Extemist", maybe even a 'Terrorist'....

2009-04-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

.....at least according to the Homeland Security report that came out just prior to the T.E.A. Parties which were held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

(Really, who in their right mind would trust this face?)

Here's a brief description of what happened:

Tens of thousands of protesters staged "TEA parties" around the country Wednesday to tap into the collective angst stirred up by a bad economy, government spending, and bailouts.
The "Taxed Enough Already" (TEA) rallies were directed at President Barack Obama's new administration on a symbolic day: the deadline to file income taxes. The tea parties were promoted by FreedomWorks, a conservative nonprofit advocacy group based in Washington and led by former Republican House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas, who is now a lobbyist. Organizers said the movement developed organically through online social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and through exposure on Fox News.

According to the AFA (American Family Association), "Hundreds of thousands attended approximately 3,000 rallies."

I attended a rally along with my Pastor and a few friends from work and church on the corner of 11 Mile Rd. and Harper in St. Clair Shores. I wasn't sure what kind of turnout there would be, and the organizers of this particular event anticipated about 50 people. I did not take an actual headcount, but would say that there was at least 200 in attendance; all in unity on the issues (none looking like they were from extremely "rich" neighborhoods as reported by certain media). We had about a 99% positive response from passersby.

And, here's a taste of what went on locally in Michigan by others who attended rallies in the area:

At the GP War Memorial. 300-400 people. "A large group of us lined the streets with posters and flags. Cars honked as they drove by. 1500 cars came thru the parking lot dropping off $1 for envelope, stamp and tea bag that would be mailed to DC."

"I thought that I would drive into downtown Plymouth to grab a coffee for the ride back to SCS to make the tea party in my town. As I tried to find a parking place in Plymouth to grab my road java, I could not find a single parking place. Come to find out there was a massive tea party going on in downtown Plymouth. Somebody said over a thousand people, so I stayed and participated in a very uplifting pro American experience I have ever witnessed. Thaddeus McCotter(R) the Rep from that district gave a incredible speech, the band played God Bless America, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. And yes, Channel 2 had news truck there, they even broadcast some video on the 10PM news."

In Lansing, Michigan, outside the state Capitol, another 4,000 people (reported by OneNewsNow.com)

These people all sound pretty "dangerous" to me!

As usual, there was either no news reporting at all on the event, or it was so blatenly negative that you wouldn't even know we all lived in the same country!

It was reported by Fox News the day after the event that a Whitehouse spokesperson, when asked for the President's response, stated "President Obama is not aware of any TEA Parties."

One particular report stood out to me,(and this just a sample of the many others out there):

CNN correspondent Susan Roesgen was interviewing a Chicago TEA party ("Taxed Enough Already") participant when she evidently did not approve of what he was saying about President Obama's tax policies, talked over him as he responded to her question, and began to editorialize.
Roesgen: "I think you get the general tenor of this [rally]. It's anti-government, anti-CNN -- since this is highly promoted by the right-wing conservative network Fox. And since I can't really hear much more -- and I think this is not really family viewing -- I'll toss it back to you, Kyra." (I bolded the statements that stood out to me as a 'slap in the face' to all participants)

Below is a link to view a copy of the report put out by the DHS:

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=490506

So, if you are for lower taxes and less spending, opposed to abortion, illegal immigration, homosexual marriage, a returning veteran from Iraq, and a host of other issues, your government considers you a potentional terrorist!

(Oh, just for the record, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to the Veterans!)

YOU WILL SEE ME AT FUTURE PROTESTS! Won't you join me?

Calling all Bloggers...............Help!

2009-04-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

A lot of people think I know a lot about computers,

and for the most part, I can hold my own;

but I am finding myself Blogspot challenged these past

few months. I see all these great backgrounds, and

videos on other sites, and I can't seem to get past an

error screen after copying background codes or

trying to download new backgrounds. I did find on

one site that their code would not work with

Internet Explorer, so does everyone but me have Firefox,

or is there some other way around it?

And video is another story!

Anyone up to the challenge of walking me through the process?

A Current-Day Tea Party - Will it make a difference?

2009-04-14T08:11:00.001-07:00

I found myself wondering this morning if getting involved in the April 15th (tomorrow) T.E.A. Party (Taxed Enough Already) would really make a difference.
Then, a well-known quote came to mind:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke). That thought was followed by, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," (Santayana's Aphorism on Repetitive Consequences)

Here's a brief review, for those who - like me - need a refresher:

The Boston Tea Party was the culmination of a long period of stress between England and the Colonies over taxation, and was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution (aka The American War of Independence). It was held in December, 1773, when about sixty men, disguised as Indians, boarded two vessels laden with tea, tore open the hatches, and threw 340 chests overboard, as a protest against the levy of taxes without the consent of the people. This ultimately resulted in the Declaration of Independence and the reshaping of our nation.

The deciding factor for me was God's Word for the day from

2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

So, I will be there. Even if it is just to stand off to the side and pray. What about you?

For more information about this nationwide event, go to: http://www.teapartyday.com/

Easter Blessings!

2009-04-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Blessing #1
Chris, Kaylah and Gracie join

us at church for Easter Service Blessing #2

Daddy's and Daughters

hanging out at Aunt Tina's

Blessing #3

A phone call from Mike

& Samie, and picture of

their Easter spread

(Summer's 1st Easter, but she couldn't wait for the feast!)

Blessing #4

Kherington's 1st Easter too!

Girl's Night out to see "Riverdance" at the Fox

2009-04-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

It was my Mom's Birthday on March 24th, so I wanted to find something that she would like. What better gift than a night out with her favorite girls? :)

Riverdance - On a stage bathed in the blues and greens of the Irish sea, in a Celtic-looking, rock-like setting worthy of Stonehenge, a thunderous battalion of Irish step dancers, furious fiddlers, and sonorous voices tell a story of ancient Celtic mythology and Irish history.

The first Act speaks of a primitive and powerful world, where the ancestors knew fear and joy and fire, worked wood and stone and water to make a place they could call home. The first peoples knew the world as a place of power; their songs and dances and stories are negotiations with elemental powers.

In Act 2, war, famine and slavery shattered the ancient bonds between people and place. Forced dislocations marked and altered the histories of the native peoples. As they came into history, they learned to guard what they valued, to accomodate themselves to others, to learn new ways of being themselves, to embrace new kinds of courage. Cast out and momentarily orphaned, they learned to belong to the world.

The only sad thing, in my opinion, is that God doesn't seem to be anywhere in the mix (in Riverdance I mean, not Irish history). Just a thought......

Haggadah

2009-04-09T03:07:00.000-07:00

I was invited last night to a Seder

where the story of Passover was told.

They had a Seder plate in the middle of each table,

along with a whisk to remove the leaven (sin),

a candle, the Matzoh, the bowl for washing the hands,

and the 4 cups (Sanctification, Deliverance, Redemption & Praise).

The Passover Seder Plate Hebrew: ke'ara (קערה) is

a special plate containing symbolic foods used by

Jews during the Passover Seder.

Each of the six items arranged on the plate

has special significance to the retelling of the story

of the exodus from Egypt, which is the focus of this ritual meal.

The ceremony lasted for about an hour and a half

and ended with a celebration dance.

I have always been interested in learning

of Old Testament practice relating to the coming

of the Messiah, and considered it a blessing

to be at this Christian held event.

Did you know that when each man took a lamb

for his family, that they had to keep it among

themselves (in the house, with the family)

for 4 days before they would sacrifice it?

And, did you know that

when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey,

He was there 4 days before He was crucified?

JESUS - The Lamb of God!

Amen

The Toddler Class

2009-04-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Since we only had two kids last Sunday,

we had a little extra time for...............

.........Worship - 2 yr-old style!

Of course, we did the lesson too! (see, here's proof!)

We even had a special "pop-in" visit!

I love those kids!

Stepping out in faith

2009-04-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

What does it mean?

God assigns the task - THEN He equips us.

It's the difference between: "If the Lord would give me wings, I would fly", and "If God bids me fly, I will trust Him for the wings".

One of my favorite scenes in the film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' is when Indian Jones is standing at the edge of deep, deep valley that seems to plunge down forever. On the other side of this valley is The Holy Grail - just what Indiana has spent his life searching for. But there appears no way across the valley. What can he do? Luckily for Mr Jones he has a parchment he can consult. On the parchment it shows an old faded drawing of a man seemingly walking on air. This must be a leap of faith, says Indiana. So he steps out into what seems like fresh air and finds a bridge waiting for him, and within a couple of steps the Holy Grail is in reach.

If God has given you a task or a special work that seems scary to do, it is your responsibility to step out and do it, and His to see you through.

When we sing: "Where You go, I go; what You say, I say; what you pray, I pray, God"... do we really mean it?

His word to us is: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". (Josh. 1:9)

(a paraphrase from Richard De Haan in Our Daily Bread)

Ask a direct question - get a direct answer!

2009-03-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

What happens when you get specific about your prayer request? Well, I can tell you what happened for me yesterday morning.

On my way to work, I was asking God to help me to restructure my life. Without getting into great detail, I think we can all relate to getting lax, sloppy, and lazy in our spiritual life and schedules. I went on to tell Him what He already knew about my life, and how I wanted it to have more purpose.

This is what I read on my "Verse-A-Day" Calendar when I got to work:

"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live."

OMG! Could it get any clearer than that?! This verse was from 1 Timothy 2:1-3 in the 'MSG'. I don't even know what version that is, but I'm sure I have read that verse at least 100 times in my years as a Christian.

Today it became clear to me.

He's the God of the Random

2009-03-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

Random - adj. of or characterizing a process of selection in which each item of a set has an equal probability of being chosen.

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning as I was wondering what my "Verse-a-day" Calendar that Kaylah gave me ("thank you Kaylah - I love it!") would say, and low and behold, today's verse - 'randomly' placed by Dayspring, ministered to the very situation that I was dealing with.

This 'happens' so often in my life that God will show me personally that He is there and cares about ME! - proving that nothing 'happens' by 'chance'; no such thing as 'kismet' or 'fate'; just a loving and real God who loves us and has our best interest at heart!

You've heard of "Crisis Intervention"? How about "Crisis Intercession"?

2009-03-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Call to Prayer (from Morningstar Ministries)
On Thursday, March 5th, one of the most significant court cases in America’s history took place. The California Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the overturning of the vote of the people last year to pass Proposition 8, which defines marriage between a man and a woman. The vote was not overturned YET, but still the California State Senate ruled against the peoples’ vote and asked the court to overthrow the defining of marriage as between a man and a woman. Senator Leno likened the people who voted for Prop 8 to the Germans who voted for the Nazi Regime.
During these past three months since President Obama’s election, the voices of rage against Judeo-Christian values and against the church have been emboldened to use inflammatory language and pass bills and laws that are anti-Christian in their very nature. When senators use such language, persecution is close at hand. We are in a desperate moment in American history. Everyone is pointing to the severe crisis of our economy, but it is only an indicator of a massive moral decline America has slid into. It is time to pray, humble ourselves, and rid ourselves of moral compromise in the Church. If the salt loses its savor, it is only good for being thrown out and trampled under the foot of man.Today we are calling the Church across the nation to pray. Take this moment and hear His call to humility, fasting and repentance. If we do this, God can deal with kings and judges like He haunted Nebuchadnezzar with dreams and removed Herod by the angel of the Lord. This hearing today will be followed by a 90-day period in which the court must make a decision. Pray for these judges that the hand of God will influence their minds and hearts, that the fear of the Lord would fall upon them, and that dreams would invade their world, their wives, their children, and their innermost thoughts. Pray that God would restrain principalities and powers that have mustered their forces of demons to seize this nation through this door in California. Pray for an unprecedented outpouring of the Spirit in California and America. Pray that God would raise up righteous leaders and bring down the unrighteous ones. Pray for the cleansing of sexual compromise and divorce in the church so that she can reclaim spiritual authority. Finally, pray that the love of God would be poured out on those struggling with homosexuality across this nation. Oh that the power of God, the power of the gospel, would be released again to free the captives!This is a moment in time that calls for crisis intercession.To resign to an inevitable collapse of society is sin, for throughout history God has moved with amazing power to change the courses of nations and overthrow the wrongdoers. Just look at Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel. This could be our Elijah moment.
(Side note:)President Obama has since vowed to reverse Bush's ruling on Stem Cell Research and will sign it into law on Monday. Folks, he is not wasting any time, should we? Just a thought....

Unconditional love...

2009-03-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

...I have really been considering what that means lately, and I can say with all honesty that I have barely even grazed the surface when it comes to applying that one! It is so human to want to hold back in this area, especially when you feel that someone is "undeserving" in some way, and even easier once the light shines on this area in my own heart to want to feel guilty for my shortcomings.

Then, this morning, in two completely different devotions, this same verse came up: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. —Hebrews 6:10 (He reminds us that everything and anything we have done in faith and love will one day be honored by God - amazing - God remembers the good we forget!)

"Lord, I earnestly desire to love others in the same way that You have consistently loved me. To really LOVE them, and not expect anything in return."

Road Trip

2009-03-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Jaimie and I, with kids in tow, took a trip down to

Tenessee to see Mike, Samie and Summer.

I was amazed at how well the kids did on

such a LONG drive!

Drew and Kaylie liked having breakfast

at the Hotel...

...and they got pretty comfortable in

their new digs away from home too!

Then they got to meet Uncle Mike and

their new cousin Summer Elaine.

Summer is so cute! And she has grown

so much since I saw her in December!

Mind Blog

2009-02-23T09:11:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's true. I have not kept up with my blogs! It's not that life hasn't been happening. In fact there have been a lot of things going on - you know - Grandchildren Birthdays, Tax time - all those usual excuses! Maybe I should blog on being BUSY! There is a lot to be said there - especially after an excellent teaching by Peg on Sunday morning - hope you were there!

I will catch up!

There is Barack, and then there is Barak!

2009-01-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

There is a man in the Bible who shares our president’s name. Barak was chosen by God to lead Israel at a time of serious military and economic crisis. (Hmmm, I see some similarities here!) The Canaanites were plotting an invasion, so Deborah—the prophet of the Lord at that time—called on Barak to defend Israel even though Jabin’s iron chariots far outnumbered Israel’s ragtag army.
Barak had an unusual response to Deborah’s request. He told her: “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judg. 4:8, NASB). This may sound like an admission of weakness, but Barak was no mama’s boy. He is actually listed as a hero of faith in the book of Hebrews (see Heb. 11:32). So why did he insist that Deborah accompany him?

Barak knew he could not be a successful leader without the Lord’s prophet by his side. He needed the counsel of God. He wanted the supernatural wisdom and favor that comes from honoring the Lord and His word.

Every leader in the Bible was measured by his or her reliance upon the one true God. The Bible gives us a long list of the kings of Israel, and each one either stood or fell depending on how he aligned himself with God and His true messengers. Those who honored God and listened to His prophets experienced economic prosperity and military victory; those who turned to idols and listened to false prophets failed miserably.

(taken from an article by J. Lee Grady of Charisma Magazine)

"If President Obama truly wants to make the most positive mark on American history, he cannot simply position a few token Christians on his stage while the prophets of Baal surround him."

We must pray that our new president will honor the God of our fathers and seek counsel from His prophets.

Today is "National Religious Freedom Day" - Jan.16th

2009-01-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that?

Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship." The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom.

Yesterday, President Bush gave his Farewell speach to the nation, and today made the following post:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of religion.
Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land's greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each other's humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation's noble tradition of religious freedom.
The United States also stands with religious dissidents and believers from around the globe who practice their faith peacefully. Freedom is not a grant of government or a right for Americans alone; it is the birthright of every man, woman, and child throughout the world. No human freedom is more fundamental than the right to worship in accordance with one's conscience.
Religious Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate our legacy of religious liberty, foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and renew commitments to ensure that every person on Earth can enjoy these basic human rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2009, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH

This would be an excellent day to thank our God for the freedoms we still have, and to lift up the persecuted church here and around the world - Just a thought!

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

2009-01-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

I went to the prayer meeting Tuesday morning with the spiritual state of our nation in the forefront of my mind, admitting that although appalled by the rising intolerance toward morality and godliness, I have done relatively nothing about it.

Then, as 'fate' would have it (just kidding guys - relax!), I received an article titled "Becoming a Reformer". Needless to say, this piqued my interest. It started off with this challenge:

It is time for “good men”--the church—to arise and let their voices be heard. The spirit of reformation must arise in God’s people and turn this nation back to righteousness and to God.

I won't bore you with a recap of what is going on, as we all have eyes and ears, so let's focus on the solution. A clear definition of right and wrong must be put in place. We have to reestablish our plumb line to use as a measuring rod.

(Maybe that will begin with Rick Warren being given a voice at the Presidential Inauguration. I don't think our focus should be on Rick Warren being dubbed 'the next Billy Graham', because that takes the focus off of the Lord Himself as the answer, but it's definitely a start.)

In the Old Testament, God made a promise to the Jews. As long as they obeyed Him, He would bless them as a nation. “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deut. 7:9, NKJV).
As believers, we cannot remain nonchalant. We must become new wineskins that have embraced the spirit of a reformer. Reformers are hearing the warning to awake! The destiny of our nation is waiting for them to arise and let their voices be heard. God will use men and women to release prophetic decrees that will snap the chains of death wherever God sends them.

True, we can't force a godless people to obey God, but can we obey Him? What is he calling you to do? Pray for Rick Warren as he delivers a speech and/or prayer in front of the millions who will be watching? Add a prayer meeting to your schedule? Intercede for our leaders? Call your Senator? Write a letter? I know I feel spanked, and I will have to re prioritize - how 'bout you?

Hey, what better time than now - January 1, 2009?

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord’”(Luke 4:18-19).
This is your acceptable, or as some translations say, “favorable,” year. Go forth in 2009 as a new wineskin! Be who you really are. Be anointed with the spirit of the reformer and change the world!

(excerpts taken from an article by Barbara Wentroble)

Babies, babies, and MORE babies!

2008-12-27T10:39:00.001-08:00

God has been so good to me! Here are the latest blessings!

First, I would like you to meet Summer Elaine. She was born on December 17th, weighing 7lbs.4oz., at 6:40pm and was 20 inches long.

Next, we have Kherington JuLynne who was born on December 23rd at 7:20pm. She also weighed 7lbs. 4oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long.

For those of you who are counting - that makes 6 Grandchildren in less than 2 1/2 years! Hey kids, what do you say we take some time out and enjoy?! (hey, hey - just kidding! The Lord's will be done!)

Hatred and Intolerance (not your typical Christmas Blog)

2008-12-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

What could cause a person to stomp on a magazine image of a political candidate and spew words of hatred toward them apparently just because they have a large family?

I wouldn't have believed that anyone was capable if I hadn't witnessed it with my own eyes and ears. To hear someone call another person a 'worthless baby-making machine', with no other explaination as to why they loathe them so much just boggles my mind!!

The most ironic part is that it is the Christian who is usually being accused of narrow-mindedness, hatred and intolerence. And, 'Freedom of Speech' seems to be an exclusive right to the far left only.

In this day and age - and especially during the Christmas Season when we are usually more sensitive to the people around us and looking for "Peace on Earth", this just shouldn't be so.

In the words of Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr. regarding the high level of anger in the homosexual community over president-elect Barack Obama's selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration next month, it "shows the nature of the culture war we are in." For a look at the reason for his comment, check out the article sent to me just yesterday.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=363354

And, for a reason WHY we are in such turmoil, check out the article sent to me the day before from Charisma Magazine:
http://charismamag.com/newsletters/propheticinsight/PropheticInsight12-23-08/propheticinsight.html

Summer is here............and we were there!

2008-12-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

My Mom and I took a trip down to Tennessee to surprise Mike with a visit since he became a Daddy. Look at our beautiful Summer!

So Mike, were you surprised? LOL!

"Gospel Bill" aka Willie George

2008-11-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was reminded, for the second time this week, about an old friend named "Gospel Bill".
You see, I got saved when I was 25 yrs. old - right after my 4th child was born and embarked on this new 'way of life' with my kids in tow. I was introduced to this new friend in my early years as a believer, and together we raised my kids the best I knew how in the Lord. Of course my relationship with Gospel Bill was through the miracle of television since he and his ministry were out in Oklahoma. Still, my kids quickly made friends with Bill, Nikodemus, Miss Lana, Barkameus, and the rest of the gang.

Here's a little bit of history:

Shortly after receiving Christ at a James Robison crusade in 1972, 17 year-old Willie George took his first steps into a ministry that has now touched the lives of millions. Beginning in a small west Texas town whose population was 1,100, serving as pastor to children and youth, he helped his uncle build a church of 500. Much of that growth resulted from a bus ministry where Pastor George would send buses as far as 75 miles one way to pick up children no one else was reaching. In 1979, Willie George Ministries was founded and began publishing Faith Roots School of the Bible curriculum. Additionally, the ministry travelled across America, taking his creative techniques for children's ministry to hundreds of churches. Willie George Ministries launched its television ministry in 1983 with The Gospel Bill Show.

This of course was just the small beginings for this ministry, but I will be forever grateful! So, THANK YOU Gospel Bill, for being willing to pave the road for my kids!

I have always held on to the scripture that says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6)

I know that God still has a place in their hearts, and I am starting to see them realize this need, and the needs of their own children for Him.

This one started at the dinner table last night...

2008-11-19T07:06:00.001-08:00

I really don't like having political discussions at the dinner table - and not too many other places for that matter, but things come up, and sometimes you just have to go there! I was challenged by a family member about the news programs I listen to and invited to believe "their truth" about what's REALLY going on in politics!
As much as I don't like disagreeing with or upsetting family that I love, I at least came away with a challenge to myself re: Why do I listen to news programs like Fox News, Hannity and Colmes, Glenn Beck, CBN, etc? And this is the discussion I had with myself:

Their reporting is less biased. They can discuss both the conservative and liberal viewpoints without getting off base from the standard beliefs and truths, and line up more closely with the truths of the Bible that I adhere to. They will report the facts that other networks want to sweep under the rug, regardless of how it will affect the ratings. (So eloquently referred to as "Media Malpractic" by the example site http://howobamagotelected.com/).
They are credible news stations/shows with Emcees who still know and understand what the Constitution of the United States says and means.

It seems for the last 50 years at least, the people of the United States have forgotten, or maybe allowed themselves to be swayed on what the Bill of Rights, and the First Amendment of the Constitution REALLY says. All we ever hear is “Separation of Church and State”, and frankly, I get tired of it! These words have been adopted by many countries like Russia, but have never been part of our Constitution.

In a nutshell, The First Amendment expressly prohibits the United States Congress from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or that “prohibit the free exercise of religion”.
Separation of church and state is a political and legal doctrine that government and religious institutions are to be kept separate and independent from each other. The term most often refers to the combination of two principles: secularity of government and freedom of religious exercise.

Please people – look it up!

(And, just a thought, hasn’t our government in a round-about way already “established” the religion of Secular Humanism by prohibiting God in our schools, and rejected the free excercise of religion - most specifically Christianity?)

What it boils down to is what we have been hearing in the Truth Project - ‘Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?’

What is the standard we use to measure? Do we have a base? Is it a moral base?

As Christians, we are to use the Word of God as our standard. The world wants to change the standard, but we are to hold fast to it.

What is shaping our beliefs? The news reports or the Truth?!

Obamavangelicals

2008-11-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

With the elections behind us, I have been trying to focus on the role God would have us fill as Christians in this time of crisis, with a Democratic majority led government. But it does force me to first examine what it means to be a Christian in a country where God is becoming more and more 'unpopular'. I have to ponder things like:

How did Barack Obama get the vote of so many "evangelicals"?

Could it be because the definition of 'evangelical' has changed? Have our beliefs been watered down or compormised, and we don't hold to the "Biblical Worldview" we once did?

What is the "Biblical Worldview"?

For several years, The Barna Group has been tracking how many people possess a "biblical worldview." The organization defines such a life perspective on the basis of several questions about religious beliefs. The definition requires someone to:

1. believe that absolute moral truth exists;
2. that the source of moral truth is the Bible;
3. that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches;
4. that eternal spiritual salvation cannot be earned;
5. that Jesus lived a sinless life on earth;
6. that every person has a responsibility to share their religious beliefs with others;
7. that Satan is a living force, not just a symbol of evil;
8. and that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful maker of the universe who still rules that creation today.

(I won't bore you with the statistics here, but I will tell you the numbers are frightfully low!)

So, do you hold a Biblical Worldview? What do you believe? Maybe it's time to ask ourselves some of these questions! Just a thought....

Whole Lotta Shakin - “If you’re not worried, you’re not paying attention”

2008-11-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you missed the 9 O'Clock Bible class with Bob W. you'll want to get the notes! He emailed them to me and gave me permission to share whatever I wanted from them in my blog.
He talked about how God is going to shake the earth taking his reference from (Hag 2:6-7), and why He is doing the shaking:
1.To bring the wealth of all nations into His house and that it would be filled with Glory (Hag 2:7)- [the wealth being God's people (Deu 32:9)], 2.To shake the wicked from the earth (Job 38:12-13), and 3.He is angry (Psa 18:7)

Then, what he shared at the end of the class was an excerpt from Dave Wilkerson's vision in 1973. Below is a brief synopsis from his book. Amazingly, it describes our present day situation to a tee!!

David Wilkerson – The Vision of 1973 – Five Calamities coming to the world:
a) Economic Confusion
(1) …an international crises of fear will develop (p 14)
(2) … we are going to witness the bankruptcies of some of this nations major and most popular corporations (p 15)
(3) I see tremendous difficulty arising for credit corporations (p 15)
(4) I see a flurry of near panic decisions being made by various government agencies – but these hasty efforts to shore up the economy will backfire.
(5) The president of the United States will make one, and possibly two national radio and TV appearances to assure the nation that all is well and that the best of economic times is just ahead. It will not work. People will distrust these statements, and their fears will lead to a revolution at the polls.
(6) The Auto industry is going to be hurt badly
b) Drastic Weather Changes & Earthquakes
c) A Flood of Filth
(1) Gross immorality on television and in movies
(2) Worldwide acceptance of homosexuality including acceptance by the worldly church.
d) Youth Rebellion
e) Persecution Madness
(1) Starting slowly at first but spreading throughout the United States, Canada and the rest of the world until it becomes a type of madness.
(2) The result of the persecution madness will be a politically invisible supernatural Church without spot or wrinkle.

What a message for Persecuted church Sunday! To date it is illegal to preach the gospel or read a Bible in 52 Countries, and according to statistics, there have been more people persecuted in the Twentieth Century than all the centuries combined since the beginning of man. You tell me, are we next to be jailed?....just a tought!

Barack Obama - The Change we..........DESERVE?

2008-11-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well, the votes are counted and the people of America have spoken.

The scripture that comes to mind first is:

"Blessed is the nation who's God is the Lord." (Ps. 33:12)

If we were to just let that sink in, it would be a good day.

Excerpt from yesterday's Our Daily Bread 11/4/08 'Choosing Our Leader':

Obviously, not everyone's choice can win, but every voter has a choice.
Unlike a political election in which the majority rules, each of us is given the opportunity to select our personal leader each day. In the spiritual election deep within our hearts, our choice will stand no matter what others may decide.
Joshua called the people together and told them, "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Everyone serves some kind of god. Whom will we choose to have rule in our hearts today? (by David McCasland)

It's that time of year again.....

2008-11-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to receive catalogs in the mail. Every trip to the mailbox ends with an armload of slick holiday catalogs. Each one claims to offer me something I need—immediately. “Don’t wait!” “Limited offer!” “Order now!”

The lure works. I open the pages to discover what I didn’t know I needed. Sure enough, I see things that suddenly seem essential, even though a few minutes earlier I didn’t know they existed. Manufacturers use catalog illustrations to create desire for their products.

In a way, Christians are God’s catalogs. We are His illustration to the world of what He has to offer. His work in our lives makes us a picture of qualities that people may not know they need or want until they see them at work in us.

(Well said, Julie Ackerman Link!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

What does the world see in us that they can’t live without?

Let's not get caught up but remember the real meaning of the season and reach out to others.

This was from my devos yesterday morning. If you would like to read it in it's entirity, you can go to http://rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/11/03/devotion.aspx

Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cells

2008-10-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Do you know the difference?

If you want to engage in intelligent conversation regarding Stem Cell Research, some very sound information can be optained at the site below. Just copy and paste the link to your browser.

http://www.stemcellresearchfacts.com/index.html

Woo Hoo!

2008-10-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG time since $25 would fill my gas tank!

Did you ever think we would be excited about paying $2.45 a gallon?

Why pray when you can worry?

2008-10-24T07:07:00.001-07:00

For more on the Christian's Response to the Financial Crisis, there is a good article written by the Publisher of Charisma Magazine, Steve Strang. Copy and paste the link below to your Web Browser to read it:

http://www.strangreport.com/2008/10/christian-response-to-financial-crisis.html

Gramma's Dilemna

2008-10-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you go from zero to six grandchildren in 2 1/2 yrs? After all, Christmas is coming!

The answer: MOM TO MOM SALES!

It is so hard not to go crazy here, but when you can buy 7 new or almost new outfits including a new Falls Creek winter coat all for only $24, how can you pass it up?

MOM 2 MOM has my vote!

Don't you just love the Internet?!

2008-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I mean you can find ANYTHING!

I remember one time being with a group of girlfriends in Shipshewanna where we had an authentic Amish meal in the home of one of the locals. The host was a story teller and proceeded to tell us some story about a farmer and a chicken. While he was telling the story, he was playing with a napkin (or maybe it was a towel); anyway, by the time he was done telling the story, he had folded the napkin in such a way that it looked like a chicken! Pretty funny (or maybe you had to have been there!)

Sooooooo, a few years later, when I was having a dinner for the friends who helped me move into my Condo, I remembered the story and wanted to dazzle my guests, and well, that's right - I went to the Internet, and guess what I found?!!
(Oh, you're so smart) I not only found the instructions on folding the napkin, but also the farmers story!

The Internet - a highway of knowledge indeed!

Is it back?............

2008-10-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last week mourning the passing of summer sandals and capris; frowning over having to turn my furnace pilot light on; and pouting over having to wear the fall jacket.

Now, low and behold - the Sun!

Warm temps ahead! Happy, happy, joy, joy! :) I see a weekend of skating and bikeriding coming on!

Yes, I love fall and even snow (sometimes), but don't you just sometimes want to see summer last forever?

...isn't LIFE the most important thing?

2008-10-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

Do you recall when I first stepped up on my soapbox over moral issues? (sure you do!)

Well, this was just sent to me today, and it's powerful! (Don't forget to turn on your speakers):

http://www.catholicvote.com/

We may all be from different denominations, but we all have the same moral responsibility, and I haven't seen anyone say it better yet. (Notice they don't tell them HOW to vote, but they sure do get their message across regarding their RESPONSIBILITY to vote.)

Wolf in sheep's clothing?

2008-10-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I got another one of those emails today claiming evidence that Obama is hiding the fact that he is Muslim. I am not one to forward emails without at least checking them out, and there was a reference to an article written in the Washington Post that does appear to back it up.
Here's my quandary, and I will pose a question to the reader: If you were Jewish, could you "accidently" slip and call your self Christian? Or, let's say you are Christian - would it be likely that you would "accidently" refer to yourself as Muslim? Let's see what Obama had to say - Heres the article:

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/07/obama-verbal-slip-fuels-his-critics/

Well, if you noticed at the end of the article, there was a link to go to the live interview where it looks like the statement was taken out of context - but you be the judge. The man's history and connections still scare me!

And, just for grins, as a Christian, would it take you nearly 20 yrs., or finally some pressure from the media for you to recognize that your 'Pastor' has had a long history of "inflammatory rhetoric," before you would finally seperate yourself from him and his church? Could it be that he was only 'using' the Christian church as a smokescreen? Just a thought......................or is it?

Back to Larry, Barry & Gary

2008-10-06T14:16:00.001-07:00

O.k., I've been asked when I will reveal the answer to this one, so here it is (even though I think you all made the 'obvious guess' seeing as how you didn't tell me how you arrived at your answers - but that's O.K., it's all in fun!)

What he essentially said to the waiter was: "If Larry ordered the same thing as Gary, I'll have steak." Since Larry ordered steak and Gary ordered fish, Harry does not get steak.

On the lighter side.....Photo challenge

2008-10-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

So I gave the three mothers of my grandchildren a challenge to take some photos of the babies at bathtime because Gramma needs pictures to put on the shelf in her newly decorated bathroom.
Here is the first................and, for now I have to say 'the only' entry so far.

Isn't little Gracie adorable?

Just one more thing.........

2008-10-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the current Administration always gets blamed for the present problems we are having in this country? Aren't any of us smarter than a 5th Grader?

Here is something that came in through the AFA (American Family Association):
In an Article published in the New York Times on Sept. 3, 1999 regarding Fannie Mae (the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages), it states that they were "under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people". And, goes on the warn that in "this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's."

Doesn't this sound like the current Administration is more correctly slated as the mess-fixer for lack of a better term?

And, why then are things like this not getting mentioned by the media who is supposedly all about reporting the facts?

And, hey, don't you love 'freedom of speech' when it's you that gets to express your opinion? Hee! Hee! Just a thought......

If you are interested in reading the article in it's entirity, here is the web address: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Can I just say something....?

2008-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I was with a family member the other night and there was a brief discussion on the political race (go figure!). This family member mentioned how they hated all the dirty politics going on (who doesn't), but right in that mix was a comment that they would not vote for someone based on their pro life/choice stance. Of course that started me thinking why I DO! After all, in God's eyes, isn't life the most important thing? The selfish "my body, my rights" thinking is stinking! And besides that, isn't Pro Life synonymous with Pro Conscience?
I know there is a lot going on in the world right now - especially in the financial realm, but this has only caused me to think more about God's Economy, and what He wants from us as His church. Most people, including many Christians, are unfamiliar with the application of the word economy in relation to God. If you are interested, there is a very good description of God's Economy on the following website:
http://www.godseconomy.org/index.html

Bottom Line:

We may not know what the future holds, but we can trust the One who holds the future!

Larry, Barry & Gary

2008-09-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

O.K., I hate riddles, but someone got me intrigued enough to find one and post it, so here it goes:

Harry went out to dinner with his friends Larry, Barry, and Gary. Harry sat across from Gary. At Gary's right, opposite Barry, sat Larry. When the waiter came for their orders, Larry and Barry ordered steak. Gary chose fish, and Harry (who likes to be difficult) ordered like this: "Unless the man at the left of the man opposite the man who ordered fish is not having what the man across from the man at the right of the man at my left is having, then I'll have what the man across from the man at the right of the man opposite me ordered. Otherwise, bring me the fettucine alfredo." Assuming "right" and "left" is from the viewpoint of the diners, what did Harry order?

Who is brave enough to take the challenge?

Obedience

2008-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does it seem like every message preached and every topic you study out in the Bible eventually leads back around to obedience?

When God was showing me about grace, and how much more it is than my finite mind could fathom, it came down to "the power to obey", or more specifically, "God’s empowering presence within to do what truth demands of us" (See the blog dated 9-17)

When Matt was speaking this morning on worship, it came down to obedience; and he was sharing about how much better obedience is than sacrifice. How interesting, as Matt made the observation, that when someone makes a sacrifice of some kind, they are highly revered in the church, but if a person is going along, just quietly doing what is right, it is rarely mentioned. – Just a thought!

Then, when Aaron Crider was speaking in the main service about Offenses, (what an awesome message! Get the CD!), he mentioned the story of Cain and Abel and how, if Cain had just been obedient to give God an acceptable sacrifice, it might have kept him from killing his brother.

So, obedience, why is it so hard for us to just obey? It started way back in the garden I guess, just like everything else. Adam and Eve were allowed to eat of anything they wanted in the garden – except for the fruit of one tree. And, you know the story; they disobeyed and forever changed their future and ours. Now, since we inherited the ‘sin nature’, we constantly have to fight against the flesh to do what is right.

But, back to grace – sweet grace! We can draw on that grace (that power), which we received through salvation, to lay down our lives and worship Him; to NOT take offenses; and to simply – OBEY!

Proverbs 31 Woman

2008-09-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to be the Proverbs 31 kind of woman in 2008?

For thousands of years, God-fearing women have looked to the noble, or virtuous(KJV),woman of Proverbs 31 as their ideal. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, probably had this role model of the virtuous woman in the forefront of her mind from
earliest childhood. Most Jewish women did, for this poem was traditionally recited in the Jewish home every week on the eve of the Sabbath.

But what about today’s woman? Of what value can this ancient poem be to the diverse, complex life-styles of women today? To the married, to the single, to the young, to the old, to those working outside the home or inside the home, to those women with children or without children? It is more relevant than you might at first expect.

When we examine this ancient biblical ideal of womanhood, we do not find the stereotyped housewife occupied with dirty dishes and laundry, her daily life dictated by the demands of her husband and her children. Nor do we find a hardened, overly ambitious career woman who leaves her family to fend for itself.

What we find is a strong, dignified, multitalented, caring woman who is an individual in her own right. This woman has money to invest, servants to look after and real estate to manage. She is her husband’s partner, and she is completely trusted with the responsibility for their lands, property and goods.

She has the business skills to buy and sell in the market, along with the heartfelt
sensitivity and compassion to care for and fulfill the needs of people who are less
fortunate. Cheerfully and energetically she tackles the challenges each day brings. Her husband and children love and respect her for her kind, generous and caring nature.

But with all her responsibilities, first and foremost, she looks to God. Her primary
concern is God’s will in her life. She is a woman after God’s own heart.

(You go Sarah Palin! - Just a thought!)

Amazing Grace!

2008-09-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

Do you ever think about grace? Do you really understand it? I thought I did! I’ve heard many teachings through the years, and read a lot of scripture. I’ve seen the word placed in an acronym – you know:
God’s
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense
I’ve heard it simply referred to as ‘God’s unmerited favor’, and have even thought of it as something God extends to us after we have blown it!

The grace of God. Webster defines it as ‘the influence or Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them’. Now we are getting close, but here is where it really hit me - I was reading John Bevere’s book Driven by Eternity when I came upon this heading “The TRUE Grace of God” (emphasis mine). What was revealed in the next few paragraphs is what I want to share.

The author starts off by telling us how we distort the message of grace (see the book of Jude) and tells us what grace is not. Have you ever heard this common statement? “I know I’m not living the way I should, but thank God for His grace.” Grace is NOT a big band-aid, nor is it God’s protection for our disobedient lifestyles, but rather God’s empowering presence within to do what truth demands of us. It empowers us to OBEY, and the evidence that we’ve truly received it is our godly lifestyle!
We leave such a huge gap if we just stop at “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved”. Remember, even the demons believed in Him!
The evidence of truly being saved by the grace of Jesus Christ is that we will have the lifestyle to prove it! (Read 1 John 2:3-6)
Friends, the goal is NOT TO SIN! We’ve got the power of God’s grace so we can set our sights on a life like Christ, for we are free from the control of the nature of disobedience.
Yes, IF we sin, we have an Advocate (1 John 2:1-2).

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably (Heb. 12:28 – emphasis – John Bevere’s)

Just a thought…………

Hey,...where am I?

2008-09-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

OMG, it's Blogsville!!!! I've heard of this place. They say once you go there, you may never return!!! YIKES! What am I going to do now?
I guess I'll have to start a blog.....................soon.