The View from Here

The Crabb Family with Mike Bowling (That I Could Still Go Free)

2010-10-06T15:15:00.003-04:00

I remember listening to this song many years ago, when The Hinsons sang it. I loved to hear Kenny Hinson sing it, and just loved the song. I still do. Listen to the words as Mike Bowling sings it, and know "that you can still go free". Until the next time.

Daily and Vincent

2010-09-27T15:39:00.004-04:00

My son Grayson, age 5, loves Daily & Vincent and this is one of his favorite songs. I hope you enjoy it also.

"It's Never Too Late"

2010-04-19T00:16:00.004-04:00

I have just recently read a book entitled "It's Never Too Late", by Zachery Tims. Pastor Tims, tells about his life growing up in the "hood" and how deeply into sin he fell. But, he let's us know that "It's Never Too Late", for God loves us with a love we can't imagine.

How many of us have a "story" to tell, of how deep in sin we had fallen and how we one day learned-"It's Never Too Late". There was a time in my life I couldn't believe how far from God I had wandered. A time when I knew no peace, and found myself alone, with no one to turn to. I had fallen so far, and so deep in sin and struggled every day knowing how wrong I was.

Today, I'm thankful we have a God of mercy and grace, a God who never turned His back on me, even when I had drifted so far. I found the road home, and it took me back to Calvary and God's grace. If you have wandered down that same road I once walked on, and now find yourself far from God..."It's Never Too Late". Stop, and follow the road signs back to Calvary...God is waiting, with open arms, to welcome you home.

The video that follows my post, is from a church in my home town of Hayesville, NC. It is Pastor Chris Rumfelt singing a song that if you have drifted away from God, I believe you need to hear. Yes, it has a mountain or country sound, but listen to the words as Pastor Rumfelt sings this song. And remember, that same road does lead back home. Until next time.

Southeast Kentucky Mass Choir - "Way Down"

2010-04-16T14:03:00.003-04:00

The Top Selling Conservative Books of 2009

2010-04-15T23:23:00.002-04:00

These are the top 10 best selling conservative books of 2009, as based on hardback book sales. Mark Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny" came in first place, a book that I keep going back to and reading again. Until the next time.

1. Liberty and Tyranny
by Mark Levin

2. Arguing With Idiots
by Glenn Beck

3. Culture of Corruption
by Michelle Malkin

4. Catastrophe
by Dick Morris

5. Guilty
by Ann Coulter

6. In The President’s Secret Service
by Ron Kessler

7. A Slobbering Love Affair
by Bernard Goldberg

8. Losing Mum and Pup
by Christopher Buckley

9. Meltdown
by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

10. End The Fed
by Ron Paul

"Funeral Plans" - Jeremiah Yocum

2010-04-05T13:47:00.003-04:00

I liked this brother's music so much, I thought I would post another of his videos. A great song,with a tremendous message, and a church that is caught up in worship. How can you be still when you listen to this song, time to shout and lift Him up!
Until the next time.

"Didn't I Walk On The Water"

2010-04-03T01:02:00.002-04:00

National ID Card-Paving the Way

2010-04-01T19:11:00.006-04:00

The U.S. Senate is actively looking at a "national identification card". The idea being, if you are working in the U.S., then you will have to have this card which will be embedded with fingerprint and other vital information. Of course, it will be mandatory to possess this card if you want to work in the United States. "No card, No work". It is supposedly aimed at managing illegal immigration. The following comes from The Wall Street Journal 3-8-2010:

Lawmakers working to craft a new comprehensive immigration bill have settled on a way to prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants: a national biometric identification card all American workers would eventually be required to obtain.

Lawmakers working to craft a new comprehensive immigration bill are proposing a new national biometric ID card that would be required of all U.S. workers. WSJ's Laura Meckler explains the proposal and the objections from privacy advocates.
Under the potentially controversial plan still taking shape in the Senate, all legal U.S. workers, including citizens and immigrants, would be issued an ID card with embedded information, such as fingerprints, to tie the card to the worker.

As Americans we have always fought against this type of registration since it is viewed as an invasion of our privacy. This card may start, as the bill proposes, as only a permit to work...but, undoubtedly it will be used for tracking individual health, travel, purchases and whatever our government would deem necessary to know.
Could this card be paving the way for the "Mark of the Beast"?

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666". – Revelation 13:16-18

Can accepting a National ID Card be equated to taking the Mark of the Beast? First of all, the Word tells us that "all" people on the face of the earth will be required to have a "mark" placed on their hand or forehead.

Rev.13:16 He [the False Prophet] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Secondly, the mark as defined by the Word is "the name of the beast" or "the number of his name". Lastly, all the people of the earth will have to take this mark on the right hand or forehead, to be able to buy and sell.

The current proposal for a National ID Card, which will involve a citizen's health records, banking data, biometrics (prints or retina scan), religion, and other personal information, does not include placing a world ruler's name on the card. Nor is there any requirements to certify our allegiance to that world ruler. Most importantly, however, there is no current discussions in regards to placing this information on our right hand or forehead. Therefore, the National ID Card can not be the "Mark of the Beast", but it is paving the way for what is to come. It is a means to conditioning the citizens to receive a "chip", a "tattoo", and even the "Mark".

Michael Combs and "I'm Going Home"

2010-03-24T23:33:00.005-04:00

Tossing the Constitution.

2010-03-24T16:12:00.004-04:00

Cartoon found on Townhall.com.

A Picture of Hell

2010-03-23T23:22:00.007-04:00

In this our present generation, hardly anyone trembles at the Word of God, or even before God. We have become self-absorbed, a proud race, telling ourselves we don't need God. We no longer fear God, and in turn, have no respect for Him, glorying in our achievements and our own knowledge. We continue to bring God down to a more human level, an impersonal God.

We continue to turn from God, and from His Word. We allow ourselves to forget that "few will enter in", and for those that do not enter heaven, there is a place prepared for them. A place of final judgement and eternal home for the wicked and unsaved.

There is a difference between hell and the lake of fire. Hell is a place for the wicked dead, but the lake of fire is eternal, never-ending punishment. The wicked dead shall remain in hell, until the Great White Throne Judgement, when hell shall give up it's dead to be judged. Once judged, these wicked dead shall then be cast into the lake of fire.

The lake of fire will be filled with horrors that we can't imagine.

(1) Mt. 8:12 "But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

A place outside the realm of all light, a place outside any hope of light. Imagine a place where there will never be even a glimmer of light, never, only total and complete darkness. A darkness where the sun is unknown, where the moon and stars never shine, a darkness prepared that is beyond the reach of any light.

(2) Mt. 13:42, 49-50. "And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

I don't believe the physical pain that we can now experience, will compare to the pain of what those who miss heaven will be like. The mental pain alone will be unbearable, an insanity of which we can't imagine. An insanity that will be alive in each person, every day, for all of eternity. The "wailing" of minds living in a mental hell.

"...gnashing of teeth". I believe that this is speaks of the physical pain the lost will endure. Can you imagine the pain that will cause them to gnash their teeth? A pain so intense, so horrible, all they can do is gnash their teeth together. Filled with hopeless and rage, they grind their teeth on each other, suffering in the pain. Can you imagine an eternity of knowing you will never receive relief, that you are beyond hope?

(3) Mark 9:44. "Where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched".

It is here, that the horror of eternal punishment reaches an indescribable level. The words "the worm" means a maggot or grub which feeds on dead bodies. We are talking about tormented, dying bodies, now being invaded and eaten by worms that cannot die.

"...the fire is not quenched". A fire that is beyond anything known today by man. On earth, we only know of fires that consume, so they will go out when nothing is left to burn. Hell and the lake of fire are both unquenchable fires, fires that will never burn out or die. Fires that will burn for eternity, and burn at an indescribable temperature.

(4) Rev. 19:20. "...cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone".
Rev. 20:15. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Brimstone is defined as burning sulfur. A destructive chemical when it burns, and is terrible in its heat and terror. In its native form, sulfur is yellow, but it turns to red and them to black, as heat is applied. It boils at 445 degrees Fahrenheit, and comprises most of what is found in volcanoes. I don't think we can begin to imagine the horror of what this will be like.

Our generation must once more awaken to "thus saith the Lord", and turn back to God. Only in God, is there hope and only in Him will we find peace. It is time to once again, turn to a God that cannot fail. Until the next time.

"Inside the Gate"

2010-03-21T01:04:00.002-04:00

Inside the Gate, I will shout and I will sing. I can hardly wait. Have you ever thought, what you will do just inside the gate? When at last, you're finally home and you are standing there just inside the gate. In a land that will know no sorrow, no pain and no death. Can you imagine the celebration, as we step through the gate, what a time it will be...just inside the gate. I will shout and I will sing, just inside the gate. Until next time.

Judy Jacobs and "The Days of Elijah"

2010-03-18T23:14:00.004-04:00

Yeaaaaahhhh!!! No way to sit still and listen to this, no way. I love the song, and Judy Jacobs definitely sings it here. Wow!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, each time I listen to it. Until the next time.

Tommy Bates at the South Carolina State Campmeeting

2010-03-08T16:24:00.002-05:00

I have had the opportunity to see Pastor Bates on several occasions, and love to hear him sing and preach. If you should have the chance to see him, you should go listen to this dynamic Man of God. I hope you enjoy this short video, and are blessed.

Until the next time.

Don

The Journey Back

2009-10-18T21:45:00.002-04:00

After 6.5 months of being unemployed, I am finally returning to the workforce on 11-2-2009. I would have never dreamed that after having my position eliminated, it would have taken this long to find a new job. Countless resumes, phone calls, and attempts to obtain interviews seemed to have become a way of life for me. Today, I am thankful I am returning to work and that I have been blessed being offered a truly wonderful opportunity. God is faithful, and He has never let me down. He will always come through, maybe not in our time frame or when you and I might expect, but God will never fail us.

If you are one of the millions today who are unemployed, stand on your faith and on the promises in the Word. He is faithful. I know the ups and the downs, the emotions that sometimes rage within us, but don't give up. He is still a miracle working God, and when we feel like we've taken our last step...He is right there beside us. Never doubt that he is our "Provider". Until the next time.

Will Israel Stand Alone?

2009-10-01T15:49:00.002-04:00

In a recent opinion poll conducted in Israel, among Israeli citizens living there, the following question was asked. "If Israel were to go to war with Iran, do you believe that the current American administration would stand behind Israel?". The results of the poll revealed that only 4 % of those polled believed America would stand behind Israel. Only 4%. This number represents an extremely low confidence in America, if Israel should have to attack the nation of Iran.

Israel has for years been able to depend on the United States, as a friend and as an ally. They have from the time of President Harry Truman until the end of President George Bush's final term, had the support of our country. Israel has stated that with the new administration of Barack Obama, they have been advised the U.S. will not be as friendly to them. The current administration continues to discourage Israel from planning an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities at any time. Even though Iran openly admits building a nuclear weapon and its desire to wipe Israel from the face of the earth. Israel is very concerned about the President's Islamic roots, and his support of Islam to remain popular and his attempts to make the U.S. a more global community.

The clock for the country of Israel continues to count down, and time is running out. Iran continues to test missiles and progress toward obtaining nuclear weapons. Will Israel have to stand alone? Will the U.S. refuse aid Israel? Israel, as proven before, will attack if they feel they have no alternative to protecting their nation. Will they stand alone?

Apocalyptic Storm Brewing In The Middle East

2009-09-30T09:46:00.004-04:00

The West doesn't seem to have the determination to prevent Iran from obtaining the BOMB, and plainly speaking, it appears that war is coming. Israel, left with no alternatives, may feel compelled to launch a preemptive strike against Iran. This entire region could well go up in flames, as Iran continues to develop a nuclear weapon.

Joel C. Rosenberg provided the following points in an article for Bible Prophecy Today:

1. Iran has just been caught secretly building a 2nd uranium enrichment facility on a military base in the religious capital of Iran, a city known as Qom;
2. A growing number of Western military analysts say the design of this new facility — and its secrecy, and location — clearly indicates it was being built by Iran for the purpose of creating nuclear weapons;
3. Iran has thus been caught in its third lie since 2002 with regards to building secret nuclear development facilities in Natanz, Arak, and now Qom;
4. Ahmadinejad refused four times during his NBC News interview last week to rule out the building of nuclear weapons;
5. A.Q. Khan — the father of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development program – has just admitted selling advanced nuclear weapons blueprints years ago to Iran for millions of dollars;
6. The latest IAEA report indicates Iran has enough low-enriched uranium (LEU) to produce enough high-enriched uranium (HEU) by 2010 to produce two nuclear weapons;
7. Iran has just spent the weekend testing “its most advanced missiles” capable of reaching Israel;
8. Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began his speech to the U.N. by praying for Allah to hasten the coming of the Islamic Messiah, which according to his theology requires the destruction of Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it;
9. Ahmadinejad spoke more openly about his End of the World theology during his U.N. speech than ever before;
10. Ahmadinejad was asked for the first time by an American reporter to describe his relationship with the “Twelfth Imam” and admitted on camera that he is communicating with this mystical Shia messiah.

Israel has made it clear that they will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. Russia has stated Israel is ready now, and will attack.

Now is the time to act to halt the Iranian nuclear program, Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Senators over the weekend.

This message from Prime Minister Netanyahu, came a day after evidence was presented at the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburg, of a clandestine Iranian nuclear facility.
Israel believes Iran is a strategic threat due to its missle development, its nuclear programs, and Iran's continued references by Ahmadinejad to the destruction of Israel.

Canada Walking Out On Ahmadinejad At U.N.

2009-09-23T14:32:00.006-04:00

The nation of Germany has vowed that it will walk out on Mahmoud, if during his speech he should begin his typical Holocaust denial and gets into his Jew hatred rants. Germany is also encouraging other countries of the E.U. to do the same also. Canada, however, has even gone a step further.

Via the National Post:

Canada will boycott Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech at the United Nations on Wednesday, saying his outbursts about the Holocaust and Israel are “shameful.”

Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon will be at the world body to attend the opening of the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, but officials signal he and other members of the Canadian delegation will vacate the Canadian seats when the Islamic republic’s President approaches the podium.

Walking out of the chamber is seen as a strong diplomatic show of disgust at the UN — and since the chamber is generally packed on the first day of the annual summit, Canada’s empty seats will not go unnoticed.

One of the first speakers of the day will be U.S. President Barack Obama, who is making his debut address before the assembly.

“President Ahmadinejad’s repeated denial of the Holocaust and his anti-Israel comments run counter to the values of the UN General Assembly, and they’re shameful,” said one Canadian official.

“He uses his public appearances to provoke the international community, and that is why Canada’s seats will be empty.”

What about our U.S. delegation?? Does anyone really expect them to walk out? I don't think so. If they should, that would tend to make Mr. Obama's conditionless talks, (from his thinking), with Iran difficult. At least one North American member of the U.N. is standing up, it's a shame it couldn't be the U.S. Until the next time.

Homosexuality and The End Times

2009-09-22T19:00:00.002-04:00

In reading the Bible, we find that one of the reasons that God sent the flood as Judgment was partly due to people turning from God and turning to homosexuality. When this took place, God stepped in and all those people who did not follow what God had lain out for them, were swept away in the waters of the flood. I believe that what is important for us to remember here is this, Jesus said the same thing would take place again in the last generation. A generation that would turn aside from God and again, turn to homosexuality the way it was in the days of Noah.

The Bible is clear in speaking about the "sin" of homosexuality. There isn't any gray area when we examine what the Word says about this sin, and God's view of it. It doesn't mean we are to judge anyone, we are to love the sinner, but we must sound the alarm about the "sin". The Bible warns us about this issue of homosexuality and one thing is for sure, judgment is coming to this world again. If the homosexual community becomes upset because Christians are trying to witness to them, it isn't the Christian they are upset at. It is the Word, and what it says regarding the homosexual. One of the final signs of a world that is unrepentant is the sign of homosexuality (the days of Noah), and it is upon us and growing at a frightening pace. We as a people, are more and more being asked to accept it as a normal lifestyle. Even some denominations have agreed to allow homosexual members, and even practicing homosexuals as clergy.

There are those practicing homosexuality that proclaim men and women do not choose this life style. If I accept this, then I must accept God created them homosexual and yet, God tells us the homosexual will not enter heaven. This is against the very nature of God, and against everything He has said in His Word. The homosexual would say that God created me this way and there is nothing I can do about it. This is just what the enemy wants the homosexual to believe, and the truth is--it's a lie. For the devil is the father of lies. It is a spiritual condition, not a physical condition. No matter what our sin, if we turn from it and accept Christ, we are over comers.

Campmeeting Singing

2009-09-21T15:07:00.001-04:00

This week on two seperate occasions, I have been reminded of our mortality and that our life here is truly but a shadow. I'm thankful that we have a place prepared for us, where pain, sorrow and death will be unknown. In that place...there will be no sickness, only life. Until the next time.

The Race Card

2009-09-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

There is nothing that can stir things up more than a charge of "racism". Add a high profile leader (figure) behind that charge and the media goes into a frenzy. Joe Wilson's outburst last week continues to draw more attention, when we have individuals like former President Jimmy Carter now declaring that "racism" was behind the comment "You Lie". And unbelievably, that is exactly what Carter is saying: Wilson's two words of emotionalism--"Racism".

“I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he’s African American,” Carter told NBC yesterday (see video below).

President Carter's statement is of course typical for a liberal. Let's not answer the charge of Obama being a liar, let's call it a name "racism" and divert attention away from finding out the truth. Racism? Can we no longer make a statement or ask a question in this country. The Former House Speaker Newt Gingirch, who's fought several battles of his own, has said enough with the race card.

“I think it’s very destructive for America to suggest that we can’t criticize a president without it being a racial act,” Gingrich told FOX News this morning.

Should we respond to Carter's statements, or should we simply ignore it. I don't believe that we can just ignore it all. Most of all, we can not allow it to change the focus of did President Obama lie. Again, this is a tactic of the liberals to get the argument off President Obama (the real subject at hand), the expanding of government in areas where it is unconstitutional and the government encroaching deeper into our lives. If we allow the left to direct the debate away from these facts, then we allow them to control the debate. We must recognize what is being done, call them on it and refocus on the real reasons for the protest, refusing to be misdirected. It isn't about racism, it is about truth.

America and Persecution of Religion

2009-09-13T15:57:00.004-04:00

Has our nation at last gone mad? Today we see increasing lawsuits spreading across our country because someone didn't want to see or hear religious material. We have a President who tells the world that we are no longer a Christian nation, but a nation of ideas. Our faith is under constant bombardment, as the Church and Christianity experience persecution from all sides. Please read the following cases taken from
"Liberty Legal".

From Lynn Lucas Middle School in Houston, Texas

A school teacher threw away two students’ Truth for Youth Bibles and took the students to the principal’s office where she threatened to call CPS on their parents for permitting them to bring their Bibles. Later at the same school, different officials threw away students’ book covers showing the Ten Commandments, claiming the commandments were hate speech and could offend students.

From Balch Springs, Texas (Barton v. City of Balch Springs)

Senior citizens were told to stop their 20-year-old practices of praying before their meals, hearing an inspirational religious message, and singing gospel songs in their Senior Citizens Center because of a new city policy banning religion in public buildings. A lawsuit was filed to defend the seniors’ rights. The Department of Justice also opened an investigation. The seniors were also told that if they won their suit, their meals would be taken away since praying over government funded meals violates the “separation of church and state.”

From Viroqua, Wisconsin

Viroqua High School planned a diversity day which included sessions that presented the viewpoints of Hmong, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, African-Americans, homosexuals, Latinos, Buddhists, the physically disadvantaged, and the economically disadvantaged. A school official stated that the viewpoints of Christians and former homosexuals would be excluded. After being confronted with legal precedent showing such discrimination to be unconstitutional, the school decided to cancel the Diversity Day rather than include Christians’ and former homosexuals’ viewpoints.

From Bedford County, Virginia

A private landowner agreed to allow The Cowboy Church of Virginia to conduct services on his property. After a few months the landowner received a Notice of Violation, stating that his barn could not be used for religious services and that his property wasn’t zoned for religious meetings.

Shatkin, et al. v. University of Texas at Arlington
Two women represented by LLI attorneys filed suit against the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) for religious discrimination, after UTA denied all administrative appeals of such termination. The two women were fired from their jobs because they privately prayed after work for an absent co-worker.

Little, Joan. “City Schools Issue Rules About Students, Religion”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and legal documents
Elementary school student Raymond Raines was “caught” praying over his meal at his
elementary school. He was lifted from his seat and reprimanded in front of all the other students, then taken to the principal who ordered him to cease praying in school.

From Vancouver, Washington
Students tried to start a prayer club that would meet before school, but they encountered resistance from the vice principal. Since the school would not permit a club, the students decided to gather together as individuals in the cafeteria before school to pray, but they were sent outside by the vice principal after one Satanist student complained to school officials. After the students insisted on praying in the cafeteria, they were suspended.

Harper v. Poway Unified School District
In a public school, students were allowed a special day to celebrate homosexuality. A
Christian student wearing a T-shirt with an opposing view mentioning God, was banned from 9 wearing the shirt. The lower court ruled that the student's speech was not protected because it offended the "identity" of another person.

Conservative Books Hold Top Spots-NYT Bestsellers List

2009-09-08T15:11:00.007-04:00

Michelle Malkin and Mark Levin hold the #1 and #2 spots on the NYT Bestsellers List.
Malkin's "Culture of Corruption" and Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny" continue to hold their places at the top.

There appear to be signs indicating that a "shift" in political winds has occurred after President Obama's win last November. The evidence continues to increase supporting this "right wing shifting", as conservative book sales and conservative blogs continue to increase. The tea parties and the town hall meetings also point to a "shift" in the political winds of our nation.

In a recent Gallup poll, it was found that those who identify themselves as "conservatives" outnumbered liberals in every state. That change is reflected by the sale of conservative books rising and continuing to hold the top positions on the bestsellers list. There are no books by liberal authors on the NYT Bestsellers List.

Ben & Jerry's "Hubby Hubby"

2009-09-04T10:43:00.002-04:00

Ben & Jerry Ice Cream has temporarily (?) renamed the popular "Chubby Hubby" ice cream to "Hubby Hubby" to celebrate the start of legalized gay marriage in its home state of Vermont.

“The legalization of marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Vermont is certainly a step in the right direction, and something worth celebrating with peace, love - and plenty of ice cream,” Ben & Jerry’s CEO Walt Freese said in announcing the sugary switch.

A press release has stated that Ben & Jerry's has partnered with Freedom to Marry, a homosexual rights group, to "raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality...".

Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth about Homosexuality tells OneNewsNow that companies like Ben & Jerry’s neglect to talk about the dangers of the lifestyle.

“Besides the health aspects, there’s also the fact that homosexual behavior is opposed by God, and that’s something that we should take seriously,” he contends. “All homosexual behavior is sinful, and regardless of what liberals say or what Ben & Jerry’s puts on a tub of ice cream, that remains the case.”

“The left is really making a fool of itself when it comes to homosexuality. They talk about transparency, but they don’t want to tell anybody about the health risks of homosexual behavior,” he points out. “They claim to follow God and to be Christian, and yet they celebrate all the things that God opposes … abortion, homosexuality. This is just par for the course.”

Yet another sign of the times in which we live. Until the next time.

God Bless America?

2009-09-02T16:36:00.003-04:00

Will God continue to bless America? God has blessed our nation from its founding over 150 years ago, and today, I ask the simple question, "Will God continue to bless America?". It began in the early '60s, when God, Jesus and the Bible began to be driven from government, our courts and our schools. A nation so blessed by God, that today we find our president would stand and say that we are not a christian nation. America, will God continue to bless you?

*Small towns across our country have abandoned the practice of praying before town meetings.
*Bakersfield, CA.-A YMCA flyer promoting a basketball camp was not allowed to be used because it mentioned Christian principles.
*Colorado-An A&W Root Beer Restaurant ordered to take down Bible Scriptures from its sign out front, due to the phrases offending some customers.
*Our schools are changing to an all secular holiday calendar, with Christmas holiday becoming "Winter Break".
*Sparks, NV.-City Attorney removed the words "God Bless America" from the signs located around city hall.
*Grand Canyon-Plaques with Bible Scriptures forced to be removed due to complaints of the ACLU.
*Houston, TX.-A Bible that was enclosed in glass, and had been on display in front of the county courthouse for 47 years, had to be removed because it was offensive.
*North Carolina-A district judge stated that religious references including the oath which ends in "So Help Me God", must be removed--due to all court cases not being for Christians.
*Repeated attempts to remove "In God We Trust" from all our monies.
*Staggering rate of abortions that continue.

Will God continue to bless America? Is it possible, that God may begin to withdraw His protection from our nation? The Word tells us that we must heed His voice and keep His statutes which He has commanded. Not the word of Barack Obama, not the word of leading scholars, not the word of elected officials, but the Word of God. His Word. Deuteronomy tells us in the 28th chapter, that if we fail to listen and keep his Word, that curses shall come upon us. As the sins of our nation are manifold and many, so are the judgements of God. Will God continue to bless America, yes...but, only if America turns back to God. We need the Bible back, back in our schools, in our courts, in our politics, in our lives. If America is to continue to receive God's protection and blessings, our country has no choice, but to turn back to Him. Until the next time.

Tweens, Teens and Cell Phones

2009-08-31T00:12:00.003-04:00

If you or I should take any "tween" (age 8-12) and give them a rotary phone, I'm more than sure we would see this "what now" look suddenly appear on their faces. The "landline", as the rotary phone, continues to become a memory as our mobile phones are quickly replacing them across the nation. One of the things we are witnessing with this shift in usuage, is the fact that our children regularly use and are adept in using cell phones.

I am sure that along with the increase usuage in cell phones, that the cellular providers and manufacturers would love to exploit the vast domain of the "tween" market. Remembering that tween is defined as "8-12" years old. Are cell phones really necessary for our kids age 8-12? Where do we as parents draw the line when it comes to "our" kids having cell phones?

There was recently a very catchy marketing phrase, which was directed at parents saying, "...begin loosing the reins and let their kids travel unsupervised". I would have to quickly tell these marketing professionals they have the wrong "reasoning" for the purpose of a cell phone. I think we would all be foolish, to believe that providing a cell phone to a child (or a teen) will automatically provide a means for them taking care of themselves, when they were unable to do so before a cell phone. Shouldn't a child show responsibility in other areas, prior to being given a cell phone. We have a child that can't keep a room clean, but we believe they will be more responsible with a cell phone?

A major question to consider in providing a cell phone to our children would be, "How will it influence their social habits?" Will it be a good thing for them to be connected to friends 24/7, with little or no control? Cell phones are quickly becoming the norm and the "fashion", as we can see, I'm sure. Our kids, no doubt, will demand they too be hip like all their friends at school. As parents we will hear "everybody has one", "why can't I have one too?", or "I just want to be cool too". I am sure we all want our kids to fit in and feel like they too belong, but since when is school "primarily" a popularity contest?

Please note the following report found on "Ask Marian":

http://community.norton.com/t5/Ask-Marian/bg-p/askmarian

"A small study released today from research group AK Tweens shows that girls as young as 10 years old involved in sexting, the sending and receiving of sexual messages and photos, just as 20% of their older peers are known to do. In the report, which combines reporting of both racy text messages and the more serious issue of sexually explicit and nude imagery, 30% of the respondents have already engaged in the practice. It's enough to make us all want to grab cell phones and computers away from our children in response!"

How young is too young? There are no doubts that the social lives of our children will be affected by possessing a cell phone. The question is, for better or for worse? I believe as a parent, that I will continue to stand on the "no" vote, for my "tweens".

Until the next time.

American Heroes

2009-08-28T12:21:00.000-04:00

Will We Keep America Free?

2009-08-27T23:02:00.012-04:00

I believe we are living in a time that our individual freedoms, and our country's sovereignty, are under an intense attack.These freedoms are now in danger because of our federal elected officials, who continue to refuse to take action or insist on taking the wrong actions. The recent town hall meetings are examples of Americans who simply have had enough of these officials and their actions.

We, the American people, live in the greatest nation on earth. A nation of freedom, fought for and paid for by the blood of those who have gone before us and who continue to fight for it today. The price of our freedom has cost us greatly, and you only have to view Arlington to understand that cost. Today, however, I find we are at odds with our elected officials (leaders), over many issues. Issues of freedom and our sovereignty. We have elected officials who are out of control in spending, they continue to fail in securing our borders and preventing illegal immigration, they want more government expansion, more intrusion into our lives, greater regulations and more taxes, and its recent financial bailouts have driven our nation into trillions of dollars of debt. When I was a young boy, I watched a T.V. program entitled "Lost In Space". A regular weekly show about a family that when on a mission, became lost in space. The family's young son was named Will Robinson, and the family had a robot that had traveled into space with them. I have forgotten how many times I heard that robot cry out a warning to young Will, when he said "Danger, Will Robinson, Danger". Crying out to warn the young boy of impending danger, and trying to protect him. Today, America needs to hear the cry of- "Danger"!

There are many who want us to believe that the current administration have the "ideas" that will solve our country's economic issues. These ideas, however, of the Obama administration follow very closely to the ideas of Vladimir Lenin used in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Don't believe it, let's take a look. Lenin nationalized the banks in Russia, the railroads and of course-industry, there was food rationing, forced labor camps for the so-called "re-education" of the non-believer and eventually almost all private enterprise was outlawed. It wasn't long after Lenin's death, that Stalin in taking over Russia, created a state-run system of socialized health care and yes, an administration to "re-educate" the people. I believe there is every reason for us to believe that our own country, is now surely and slowly moving in this direction.

Daily, we hear about the Obama health care plan, and just as Stalin, he will try to impose a system of socialized medicine upon the American people. Let us not forget the White House wanting Americans to send in information on other Americans who disagreed with the health care plan. You tell me, what would have happened if former president Bush had issued that directive. The arrogance of the Obama administration amazes me. The current administration policies the president is seeking to implement, will place the small business owners under such crushing taxes that many will perish or simply give up. Danger!! Danger!! Although this isn't outright outlawing of private enterprise, its results will accomplish many of the original goals of the communists in Russia.

Our liberties and our freedoms are now at stake, and we as Americans must stand and fight for them. We must refuse to allow them to be trampled on and taken from us. The Founders of our nation, made it clear to us that the Government is to get their powers from the consent of those governed (we the people). The Founding Fathers also told us that when the government becomes destructive of these ends, it is not only our right, but it is our sacred duty to change the government. Next year, 2010, we will be able to vote and make a difference in many of our elected officials. We will have the opportunity then, to make changes and send a needed message to all our elected officials---"You are a servant of 'We the People'". We will have the opportunity to come together, to keep and restore our freedoms, our liberty and our sovereignty. Until the next time.

American Civic Literacy Quiz

2009-08-25T19:03:00.002-04:00

I discovered this quiz while doing some research for an upcoming blog posting. The average score of 2,508 Americans taking the quiz was only 49%. Our college educators only faired a little better scoring an average of 55%. Do you think you can score higher?

Here's the link:

http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx

Let me know how you did.

Until the next time.

Hoo Rah! Marine.

2009-08-24T10:14:00.003-04:00

The following is a video of Marine Corp Vet David William Hedrick during a townhall meeting with Brain Baird (D-Wash). It is a video that all Americans, especially those on the left and the media supporting them, should be required to view. Hoo Rah! Marine.

A Death Book For Veterans

2009-08-23T15:32:00.003-04:00

I, as an American and as a veteran, am sickened by a 52 page document entitled "Your Life, Your Choices" prepared for our veterans. It was first published in 1997 and later promoted throughout the VA's network of hospitals and nursing homes. The document was reviewed under the Bush Administration and the VA suspended its use. It has now, however, been brought back to life under the Obama Administration.

The document "Your Life, Your Choices" is a death book for our veterans, engaging in end of life counseling which the VA promoted as its preferred living will in its hospitals and nursing homes.
This document asks some appalling questions of our veterans:

"Have you ever heard anyone say 'If I'm a vegetable, pull the plug'?"

There are also what I would feel are guilt inducing statements such as:

"I can no longer contribute to my family's well being".
"I am a severe financial burden on my family".
"I am a severe emotional burden to my family".

"Your Life, Your choices" presents end-of-life choices which are directed are guiding the veterans to predetermined conclusions. There is even a worksheet included on page 21 which presents a list of various "scenarios" and then asks the veteran if his life would be worth living. Our veterans have done all our country has asked of them and more. They continue to serve, and defend our country. I have witnessed the horror of war and the scars left on our veterans. No one has the right to tell them they are a burden on society and that they should choose to just die. No one!

If our president is truly sincere in telling us that he is not trying to cut costs by pressuring the disabled to forgo needed critical care, let him step down to the VA and repel the "Your Life, Your Choices" for our true heroes. Until the next time.

Obama Health Care--Death and Dying

2009-08-21T14:24:00.002-04:00

Last week during a Healthcare Event at the White House, President Obama said something which should completely scare us back into reality, more especially if you should be a "senior citizen". The President suggested? that one way costs can be saved in health-care is to not spend money on procedures that "evidence shows [are] not necessarily going to improve care" for the sick and the dying. "Maybe you're better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller".

This is Obama "socialist" speak, and needs to be translated to be really understood. What the President was saying was that under his plan, some impersonal bureaucrat, evaluating solely on "costs" to the government health care system, will decide who lives and dies. This includes you, your mother, your father, other family members and friends. If you should need a transplant, a heart operation or expensive therapy for a chance at life, under Obama's plan a bureaucrat will determine its cost to the government. This bureaucrat will then perform a "cost/benefit" analysis, on extending your life. If you're too old, the choice will already have been made. This bureaucrat will follow the rules he is given in regards to "rationing".

A good example would be if you should be over 65 years old and required open heart surgery. You could be told that extending your life by 10-15 years with expensive surgery is not "worth it" to the "government health care program". Simply put, the operation would not be paid for and you would be left to die. Or you possibly could be placed on a "waiting list" (for an indefinite period of time), and die waiting on your scheduled surgery. One of the issues to be faced in a "government health care plan" will be the exploding costs of health care in this socialized paradise. Once this begins to happen, the bureaucrats will have to find ways to control the costs more and more. The cut off age for expensive treatments, surgeries, ect. will be lowered and then lowered again. It may begin at 70, but in attempts to control the rising costs the age will have to be lowered, to 65, then to 60, then to 55. Where will it stop? The more the health care costs explode, the lower the age will be. It will not be long before you and I are caught in the net, with our own lives at stake.

I know. Many of you are saying this could never happen here in America. There's no way that some unknown bureaucrat will make a decision if I should live or die. My friend, you had better think again. The countries of Canada and England have had socialized medicine for the past 30 years and that is what happens every day. They each have health care rationing in place, with that bureaucrat deciding who lives and who dies, who is treated and who is not. He will make the decision, not you.

In the Obama health care world, every day sick people who have been deemed undeserving of treatment, will DIE. It is a socialistic program, which Canada and England already are living under. It is our future, if Obama has his way. I sincerely hope this short posting awakens you to the threat we are facing. If you have been watching the Town Hall meetings, then I am sure you are aware there are many Americans refusing to take this laying down. No matter what we are called, or how we are threatened. Until the next time.

Back To My Roots

2009-08-16T23:13:00.002-04:00

I am posting Newfound Road's version of "I AM THE MAN THOMAS", because it truly takes me back to my roots. Sometimes, we need to remember who we are and where we are from, to understand what our direction should be. This bluegrass song reminds me of where it all began for me, and the impact my faith has had on my life. It reminds me of the One who never fails, and that even in the midst of our world today He is still in control. I love the sound of this group, and how they sing this song. I hope you too will be blessed by it and reminded of your "roots", and of "The Man" who gave His life that we could go free. Until the next time.

The Creation

2009-06-16T16:52:00.002-04:00

I can never listen to this without being overcome by the greatness and majesty of our God. This brother's voice is awesome, and the message is timeless. Take time to listen to "The Creation" and know that this same God, sits on His throne today. In the midst of all our turmoil, all the obstacles that we may face...fear not, for He is still God and He is God of all.

Sacred Ground-Arlington

2009-05-27T23:04:00.000-04:00

Our Honored Dead

2009-05-25T21:58:00.006-04:00

Today is a day of remembrance for all those who have given their lives in service to our country, Memorial Day. Once known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day pays honor to the U.S. men and women who died while in military service. In the beginning, it was enacted to pay honor to Union soldiers of the Civil War, but later after the World War it was to include casualties of any war or military action. This nation's liberty and freedom has (and continues to be) paid for by the blood of our honored dead. The men and women of the United States military.

Memorial Day is a time we should remember that, "Duty, Honor, and Country" are much more than mere words to those who wear the uniform. They are the code by which they live and die.
Memorial Day is a special day. A day that should be special to each and every one of us, and never forgotten. How can anyone walk through Arlington...and not leave a different person.

Recently, a man who carries the title of President of the United States visited the European continent, and made "apologies" for what he called "American arrogance". I submit to all of Europe that the apology came from the man, not the nation. It is obvious to me as a citizen, that Barack Obama has little respect or regard for the military. He seems to even be at a loss to which citizens of which country give him the power he carelessly wields. I believe more Americans are in opposition to his condescending behavior, than those who are approving it. This man and his wife may not be proud of America, but make no mistake, we the people "are"!

As an American, and as a veteran...I find Barack Obama's apologies for American arrogance to be "offensive" to me as a citizen and a veteran. Our country and its soldiers never fought and died on foreign soil out of arrogance. An arrogant man would not die for a cause called "freedom", they would however try to find ways to minimize the fight and death of honorable men. Perhaps men such as Barack Obama who have never worn the uniform do not understand. If you ask me, there is a vast difference in being a solider and being a community organizer.

A partial count of American soldiers buried in European cemeteries totals over 104,000. And, that is not all of them. Then we have Arlington and all of our military cemeteries around this country where our veterans are buried. Thousands of our people, fought and died for freedom and on European soil. Tell me...who is it that owes whom the apology? Could it be that the Europeans should apologize to Americans. In how many places was the blood of nation's youth shed for the Europeans? The man who calls himself President of the United States, has offended his nation and its people. There will be many of us, especially veterans, who will not forget his "apology". They tell me that a picture is able to speak a 1,000 words, then please allow the above pictures to speak for me. The first picture is a cemetery in Cambridge, England with over 3,000 Americans buried there. The next two pictures are of Arlington. Until the next time.

I Can Only Imagine

2009-05-22T23:27:00.002-04:00

Tonight, I have been sitting and listening to Ivan Parker as he sings the song "I Can Only Imagine". It is without a doubt one of my favorite songs, and every time I hear it...it touches me as deeply as it ever has. Have you ever just taken time and thought about how it will be in Heaven? If you have, then I know you also echo these words, "I Can Only Imagine".

I can only imagine what it will be like...when I walk by His side. To walk beside Him, and know that all sorrow, pain and death are gone. I can only imagine. To see my loved ones coming to meet us...and my daughter running to my arms. What will I see as I look on His face...I can only imagine. On bended knees before Him...what will my heart feel? With my heart filled with praise...will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine. When that day comes and I stand in Your Presence...I can only imagine. To stand in Your Glory...to forever worship You, I can only imagine.

When I think of Heaven and what awaits us there, how could I not want to go? It will be a place of beauty beyond compare and a land that knows no suffering. When I think about Jesus and home, "I can only imagine" how it will be. I can only imagine. Until the next time.

Kenny Hinson--Tribute

2009-05-18T14:19:00.003-04:00

I recently came across this tribute to Kenny Hinson and thought you all might enjoy it. I have often posted about Kenny and I know there are many of you who loved to hear him sing. I hope this video will bless you as it has me. There was, and only will be, one Kenny Hinson. Until the next time.

The Life of a Goal Achiever--John Goddard

2009-05-16T22:10:00.003-04:00

A couple of years ago, I came across an article about a gentleman named John Goddard. I was extremely impressed by this man's life and with his philosophy of life. There have been many articles written about him from Life Magazine to Reader's Digest, and currently Mr. Goddard has been featured in over 200 T.V. shows.

John Goddard, at the age of 15, sat down and created a list of 127 goals for his life. His life from that day forward, has been an amazing lifelong quest in achieving each and every one of them. The goals that John Goddard set for himself were not small and meager goals, by any means. His life's journey has included "retracing Marco Polo's route through the Middle East, Asia and China", "reading the Encyclopedia Britannica cover to cover", "climbing Mt. Everest", "explore the longest river in the world"--just to name a couple.

John's foremost goal was to explore the Nile River, the world's longest at 4,220 miles. He felt that the Nile was very important, especially due to its influence on the development of civilization for thousands of years. John Goddard became the first man to explore the total length of the Nile River and he did it on a kayak! During his journey on the Nile he met with thunderstorms, crocodiles, raging rapids and even water pirates. John Goddard successfully overcame each challenge he faced and completed one of his 127 life goals--exploring the Nile River.

John Goddard created his list of life goals in 1940, as a young man of 15. Throughout his life, he refused to give up and consistently strove to achieve all those 127 goals that he had listed. When at the age of 70 he was asked about age, Goddard replied, "age is only important in terms of wine and cheese...The man who taught me to hang glide was 76 at the time". I have often asked myself how long I will be able to continue working, being active and achieving the goals I have set for my life. How will I know when I should stop or if I should? John Goddard did not allow age to hold him back, he just kept charging forward.

I read about Ulrich Inderbinen, who died at the age of 103, and was the world's oldest mountain guide. Ulrich had been a lifelong resident of Zermett, which can be found in the shadow of the Matterhorn. He first began guiding in his 20's, for climbers and later for skiers. It was during the 1930's that Ulrich built his own home and for 70 years did without a car or a telephone. He served on Swiss Ski Patrols during World War II and when necessity required he labored as a carpenter, electrician and lumberjack. He was later able to support his family solely on being a guide. When Ulrich's time came, he left his life's work much the way he had climbed...one step at a time. Ulrich made his last climb shortly before his 90th birthday, the last of over 370 climbs up the Matterhorn. He later gave up guiding skiers at age 95, and mountain guiding at age 97. It is reported that he quit guiding when he realized "that he had taken 10 minutes longer than it should have" to descend a 13,600ft peak near his home. Ulrich lived for another 6 years afterwards.

John Goddard and Ulrich Inderbien both demonstrate that age is only a number. I'm sure each of these gentlemen would tell us to "wear out...not rust out", keep pressing on and never give up.

I'm including the list of goals that John Goddard created at age 15, so that you can see how "great" these goals truly are. The ones that have been completed are identified. Until next time...may the life of John Goddard encourage us---to be goal setters and "goal achievers".

John Goddard's "Life List"

EXPLORE
No.	Achieved	Goals	Comments
1		Nile River
2		Amazon River
3		Congo River
4		Colorado River
5		Yangtze River, China
6		Niger River
7		Orinoco River, Venezuela
8		Rio Coco, Nicaragua

STUDY PRIMITIVE
9		The Congo
10		New Guinea
11		Brazil
12		Borneo
13		The Sudan
14		Australia
15		Kenya
16		The Philippines
17		Tanzania
18		Ethiopia
19		Nigeria
20		Alaska

CLIMB
21		Mt. Everest
22		Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina
23		Mt. McKinley
24		Mt. Huascaran, Peru
25		Mt. Kilimanjaro
26		Mt. Ararat, Turkey
27		Mt. Kenya
28		Mt. Cook, New Zealand
29		Mt. Popocatepetl, Mexico
30		The Matterhorn
31		Mt. Rainier
32		Mt. Fuji
33		Mt. Vesuvius
34		Mt. Bromo, Java
35		Grand Tetons
36		Mt. Baldy, California
37		Carry out careers in medicine and exploration	(studied premed, treats illnesses among primitive tribes)
38		Visit every country in the world	(30 to go)
39		Study Navaho and Hopi Indians
40		Learn to fly a plane
41		Ride horse in Rose Parade

PHOTOGRAPH
42		Iguacu Falls, Brazil
43		Victoria Falls, Rhodesia	(Chased by a warthog in the process)
44		Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
45		Yosemite Falls
46		Niagara Falls
47		Retrace travels of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great

EXPLORE UNDERWATER
48		Coral reefs of Florida
49		Great Barrier Reef, Australia	(photographed a 300-pound clam)
50		Red Sea
51		Fiji Islands
52		The Bahamas
53		Explore Okefenokee Swamp and the Everglades

VISIT
54		North and South Poles
55		Great Wall of China
56		Panama and Suez Canals
57		Easter Island
58		The Galapagos Islands
59		Vatican City
60		The Taj Mahal
61		The Eiffel Tower
62		The Blue Grotto
63		The Tower of London
64		The Leaning Tower of Pisa
65		The Sacred Well of Chichen-Itza, Mexico
66		Climb Ayers Rock in Australia
67		Follow River Jordan from Sea of Galilee to Dead Sea

SWIM IN
68		Lake Victoria
69		Lake Superior
70		Lake Tanganyika
71		Lake Titicaca, S. America
72		Lake Nicaragua

ACCOMPLISH
73		Become an Eagle Scout
74		Dive in a submarine
75		Land on and take off from an aircraft carrier
76		Fly in a blimp, balloon and glider
77		Ride an elephant, camel, ostrich and bronco
78		Skin dive to 40 feet and hold breath two and a half minutes underwater
79		Catch a ten-pound lobster and a ten-inch abalone
80		Play flute and violin
81		Type 50 words a minute
82		Make a parachute jump
83		Learn water and snow skiing
84		Go on a church mission
85		Follow the John Muir trail
86		Study native medicines and bring back useful ones
87		Bag camera trophies of elephant, lion, rhino, cheetah, cape buffalo and whale
88		Learn to fence
89		Learn jujitsu
90		Teach a college course
91		Watch a cremation ceremony in Bali
92		Explore depths of the sea
93		Appear in a Tarzan movie
94		Own a horse, chimpanzee, cheetah, ocelot, and coyote	(yet to own a chimp or cheetah)
95		Become a ham radio operator
96		Build own telescope
97		Write a book	(About his Nile trip)
98		Publish an article in National Geographic Magazine
99		High jump five feet
100		Broad jump 15 feet
101		Run mile in five minutes
102		Weigh 175 pounds stripped	(he still does)
103		Perform 200 sit-ups and 20 pull-ups
104		Learn French, Spanish and Arabic
105		Study dragon lizards on Komodo Island	(Boat broke down within 20 miles of island)
106		Visit birthplace of Grandfather Sorenson in Denmark
107		Visit birthplace of Grandfather Goddard in England
108		Ship aboard a freighter as a seaman
109		Read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica	(Has read extensive parts in each volume)
110		Read the Bible from cover to cover
111		Read the works of Shakespeare, Plato, Aristotle, Dickens, Thoreau, Rousseau, Conrad, Hemingway, Twain, Burroughs, Talmage, Tolstoi, Longfellow, Keats, Poe, Bacon, Whittier, and Emerson	(not every work of each)
112		Become familiar with the compositions of Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Ibert, Mendelssohn, Lalo, Liszt, Rimski-Korsakov, Respighi, Rachmaninoff, Paganini, Stravinsky, Toch, Tschaikosvsky, Verdi
113		Become proficient in the use of a plane, motorcycle, tractor, surfboard, rifle, pistol, canoe, microscope, football, basketball, bow and arrow, lariat and boomerang
114		Compose music
115		Play Clair de Lune on the piano
116		Watch fire-walking ceremony	(In Bali and Surinam)
117		Milk a poisonous snake	(bitten by diamondback during photo session)
118		Light a match with .22 rifle
119		Visit a movie studio
120		Climb Cheops' pyramid
121		Become a member of the Explorer's Club and the Adventure's Club
122		Learn to play polo
123		Travel through the Grand Canyon on foot and by boat
124		Circumnavigate the globe	(four times)
125		Visit the moon	("Someday, if God wills")
126		Marry and have children	(has six children)
127		Live to see the 21st century

The Word and Who I Am

2009-05-07T22:33:00.005-04:00

When you read the Bible, do you ever wonder how the stories between its pages really apply to your life? How they are relevant to the circumstances or situations that you may be facing? I know that I have often heard the Bible called "just a book full of stories", "myths" and so on, but in truth the Word is much more than just a book of stories. It is our our manual, the manual, for living a life of success.

If there is an experience in life--the Bible is your road map and guide through it. It is more than just words in ink, placed on paper for us to read. Within its pages, flowing from Genesis through The Revelation, you will find the answers to every problem, challenge and circumstance that you will face. As you read the Word, meditating and digesting it, you will find that it will also begin to shape your "image". It is God's desire for us to live and function on Earth as He does in Heaven. The bible will provide you with the image of the living God, His character and His nature. The more that you read the Word, and meditate upon it, the more it will influence how you see yourself and the outcome of your life. Being able to know who you are "from the Word" and then taking action on what you learn, allows you to conform more and more to the image of God. In the book of James, 1:23-24, we are told about the person who reads the Word, but doesn't let it move him to take any action. It says, "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." There is no doubt, as we look into God's Word that we will discover who we truly are. If we allow the Word to speak to us, and meditate upon it, we will come to know our true identity.

In our lives, when challenges and circumstances come, we shouldn't bow down and submit to them believing things have to remain that way. It is during those tough times that we need to go to the Word and seek out how God wants us to respond. Pray, asking God to lead you into an understanding of the Word, so that you can understand how to apply it to what's going on in your life. Use the Word. Just remember, there were many people in the Bible who found themselves experiencing the same emotions, thoughts and circumstances that people are facing today. One of my favorite men from the Bible is David. David had a tremendous destiny before him, but just think of the trials, situations and circumstances he faced on the way to his destiny. In Psalms we hear David crying, pleading, praising and worshiping, finding himself in the lowest valleys and on the highest mountains. He experienced so much of what many people are facing today in their own lives. Yet, David declared in Psalm 119:105:

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

David knew that the Word would provide the guidance that he needed. That it would reveal who he really was and provide the strength to choose the right paths. It is no different for us today, the Word will still reveal our true self, while providing the strength and light we need. David could have allowed the circumstances of his life to stop him, prevent him from fulfilling his destiny...but, David understood who he was and David knew his God. We need to let the Word shape us, form us...molding our identity. Each day, we can face life and what it throws at us...because we will know who we are and we will know our God. Until the next time.

Here's A Miracle

2009-05-02T21:48:00.002-04:00

"I'm amazed that I'm standing here today, after all the trials that have come my way
Through it all The Lord has been so good to me
Now here I stand for all the world to see.

Here's a miracle right before your eyes
I was down so low, I thought that I'd never rise
But here's a miracle right before your eyes".

If it were not for God, where would I be. Just as the words of this song...in my life, I have been down so low, that I thought I'd never rise. There have been times I fought just to see the next day, struggling just to hang on. I've been in some pretty low places and known my share of pain...but, I'm still standing, a miracle for all the world to see. Thank God...for His grace and His mercy, but most of all--for His love.

America and Freedom

2009-05-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

I never really believed that in my lifetime that I would see our country in the state it is today. It seems that it continues to spiral toward socialism at a maddening speed, while so many simply stand by. I suppose, naively, I have clung to the belief that when it really came down to it, America would stand up. In fact, I have based my life and my family's life on that very belief. I can't accept that my fellow citizens will allow the destruction of our history, the betrayal of all our sacrifices in war and just stand by as we continue to speed toward socialism.

The reality is that you and I have allowed ourselves to be worn down for a final assault, a battle that has been raging for a while now. Our national moral has been beaten down to an all time low, while our colleges continue to drive "morality" from our youth as they teach right is wrong and wrong is right. The mindset that so many of our citizens have now adopted. It will only be by an enraged and unrelenting "people" that our fate may be changed. It will be those of us who have felt the pain of loss imposed on us by a president who is ready to take our freedoms. It will be us who choose to fight back with a strength unexpected, who will give our all in this ultimate fight for our freedom. It will be us, a people who refuse to simply roll over and give in, but instead who will rise and stand for what we believe.

The reality today is we will either survive as a free people, or perish defeated. The stakes are extremely high for all of us who are lovers of our country. I refuse to live as a slave, that just isn't an option for me. Obama surely seeks to lead our country to that state where we all will be slaves in his communist America. I pray that our country will survive and emerge in victory, free and strong. I do know that it will only be by God's grace and those of us who will continue to stand for freedom, that there is any hope. We must resist this administration's bullying and refuse to quit. How long will American patriots just stand by? We see corrupt officials demand that we pay our taxes, who have been placed in cabinet positions "having not even paid their own taxes". Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama...have we ever experienced such disgrace in our history as a country.

It has taken a long time, in fact hundreds of years now, but it seems our country continues its slide toward socialism. Patriots, constitutionalists, anti-abortionists, militia supporters, UN haters, gun rights activists are all now found on the lists for government action and many of us believe that "action" is now pending. We as a country have seen millions lose their retirement plans and savings, which were meant to provide peace of mind for those who had "worked" to provide for themselves. Who had "worked". Today, there are millions who have done nothing and yet reap the benefits being tossed out by Obama and his cohorts in government. It is time we draw the line in the sand, and clearly, openly identify the enemy. It is past time...and instead of standing by, waiting, we need to plainly point out the enemies we are facing. There are cities around our country who style themselves as "sanctuary cities", for illegal aliens. Politicians such as Jesse Jackson excuse these cities and turn their heads. We must face the issue of illegal immigration immediately and take control of our borders, if our country is to survive. Period. We must wage a war against the onslaught of illegal aliens that come to our country to violently take property, jobs, benefits and the possessions of the American people. I reject, as our nation must, the acceptance of sodomy, gay rights, gay marriage and gay acceptance of any type. We must identify and pursue at all costs maniacs who murder and molest our children, deal drugs, and provide for the pornography trade. There should be no safe place in our communities, and most certainly not under protection of the law, for any of them.

We have reached a time in our country, when we who still love freedom, join with one another to defend our great nation. A force that will refuse to give one inch to the invaders and those who have sold us out. The time is at hand, and the battle wages for the future of America. On which side will you be found? On bended knees, seeking God's guidance and for strength, I will continue to stand for the freedoms our forefathers have fought and died for. I will never disgrace the graves of our fallen by giving up. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, for our country has been bought by their blood and lives. The time is at hand...where will you stand.

Open Letter to Mr. Perez Hilton

2009-04-30T22:03:00.005-04:00

Good Evening Mr. Hilton.

I would like to apologize that I haven't responded sooner to your "encounter" with Miss California. I have been here in Tennessee with my beautiful wife, a woman who also is opposed to gay marriages. Just to set the record straight here in the beginning Perez, in Tennessee this is called "normal". You know...marriage between a man and a woman.

I'm sorry, and disgusted, to hear that you referred to Miss California with the "p-word", the "b-word" and one that I hear you are found of...the "c-word". All this because the young lady doesn't hold your view as her own. Do you get this upset when anyone disagrees with you Perez?
I am sorry to hear that you still find yourself to be the more tolerant in this dispute, come on now, I have listened to both of you speak. America has listened to both of you speak and I find it difficult to believe that you can be oblivious to the fact that Miss California's view is the majority view of America. Yours, however, is not. I know some other countries might possess your views, have you considered moving to one of these.

It is regretful that you were unable to keep your political opinions out of the Miss America Pagent. I am sorry that it seems gay men are unable to keep the subject of "gay marriage" out of any conversation or event. It bothers me that we as a people are simply afraid to talk about "gay marriages", because we don't want to upset people. Your smug arrogance and attacks I know will lead to only a minor "impact" against gay marriages in America, but I sure wish it would be major.

Miss California provided you with the answer from her heart, and stood on her faith. I loved the comment she made in regards to an "earthly crown" and a "heavenly crown". I, as many others, applaud her and support her for remaining true to her beliefs, even when it cost her the title of Miss America. You see, Perez, she knew before she answered what the outcome would be. Yet, even knowing she would lose the title, this young woman refused to give in and spoke the truth. Is it that hard for you to know that there are those who will refuse to roll over? As Miss California has recently said, we will be praying for you.

The View From Here

Angels In The Room

2009-04-28T23:03:00.002-04:00

This has to have become one of my favorite gospel songs. I love the message, and the way these ladies sing the song. I hope it blesses you as well.

He Will Carry The Load

2009-04-28T21:50:00.004-04:00

I am sure that we all, at one time or another, have faced that situation which seemed impossible to us at the time. In the midst of it, it just seemed there was no way out and the burden only grew heavier. If we are honest, we may even have felt totally hopeless, lost and not really knowing what to do. Have you ever felt alone in the middle of a really tough time? With people all around you, your family and your friends, yet you feel so alone...as the circumstances you face continue to beat away at you. Sometimes, we count it a victory to have just made it to the next day. It is in the these times, and these circumstances, we have to let go of the load we are trying to carry...and let God carry it for us.

The facts of our condition (circumstance) may look bad, but it is the the truth of God's Word that brings hope and deliverance. The facts are--we can't handle life's challenges all alone and God has never wanted us to. The God we serve loves us, more than you or I could ever know, and we have access to Him all the time. One of my favorite scriptures is found in Romans 8:38-39:

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. He will always be found loving us, and wanting to help us. It is us, who by choice, place a separation between us and God. Never allow the enemy to convince you that God doesn't love you or care about you. That is a lie of the Devil to deceive us. If the devil can steal our confidence in God, then he will lead us into feeling we are isolated from God's love. If we end up feeling like God doesn't love us, then our circumstances will be magnified as we begin to lose hope and life fills with chaos all around us. In this battleground, we will be more focused on the storms that are striking at us, than on the promises of God.

If we allow the pressures and stresses of life to influence our lives negatively, we will likely make decisions that will keep us bound in the "situation" we face. If you and I are to overcome, we must place our attention on the Word and the promises we have been given. In our lives, we will always be facing good and bad moments, days and circumstances. It is a reality of life and it will never change. If you are like me today, you may be facing one of those tough circumstances and deep down, wondering when God is going to show up. Sometimes, its tough and there's just no way around that. However, the Word tells us that nothing can separate us from God's love and knowing this, let's us know we don't fight our battles alone. I may not understand every detail of God's plan for me today, but I do know, that like the 3 Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace---there was a 4th man and they did not walk alone.

With total confidence in God, trusting in His Word, I will continue to stand on the promises that He has given us. I know that I can cast all my cares on Him, for He truly cares for me. It doesn't matter how "tough" it may seem in my "situation", I serve the God who cannot fail and the God who will never forsake or leave me. He knows just when to step in and help us when we need it the most. We don't have to carry the load alone. Until next time.

Grayson

2009-04-26T22:34:00.002-04:00

This is our son Grayson, a very active three year old, who steals hearts at every opportunity. Grayson was born prematurely, and weighed one pound six ounces. His mom and I spent three months beside him, in East Tennessee Children's Hospital, as we became very familiar with the NICU. Grayson fought many battles while in the hospital, and some of our days there were "hard", as he fought for his life. Today, he is living proof that God still works miracles and that He is still a healer. I am honored to be Grayson's dad...and though he is only three years old, he has already made me so proud of him. As you can see, he is an "awesome" young man...and as the doctors have told us, he is perfect in body and mind, totally healed. I just wanted to take time out tonight, and give God the honor and glory He deserves, for every time I look at my son....I see a living miracle. I love you son.

Biltmore Adventure

2009-04-25T09:25:00.009-04:00

My wife and I recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, and being from the mountains of N.C., I took her on a trip (adventure) to The Biltmore House and to a wonderful Cajun restaurant in Hendersonville, N.C. It had been several years since I had been to the Biltmore House, and I once again was overwhelmed by this stately mansion resting in mountains of North Carolina.

A few facts about The Biltmore House:
Constructed between 1888 and 1895, and is 175,000 sq feet in size.
It is the largest home in America.
The house and/or its gardens have been featured in 12 Hollywood films.
It has a 70,000 gallon swimming pool (located in the basement-totally enclosed).
It has more than 11 million bricks.
250 Rooms.
65 Fireplaces.
43 Bathrooms.
34 Bedrooms.
3 Kitchens.
The home contains over 4 acres of floor space.

Judi and I visited 57 rooms on our tour, and walked from the 1st floor level through the 4th floor, and our last stops were in the basement as we concluded the tour. It is difficult to describe the grandeur of the mansion in words, it is a tremendous testimony to the architect who designed the home. The library was probably my favorite room that I visited, all 2000 sq feet of it. It was an amazing room, with a tremendous fireplace and consisting of 2 levels of bookcases, requiring you to walk up a spiral staircase to reach the 2nd floor.

The swimming pool came in as a close second for me as my favorite room. It was constructed on the basement level, completely enclosed within the house. It is reported to hold 70,000 gallons of water...and from viewing it, I would have to say I can believe it. It was tiled from top to bottom, with wooden decking constructed around it. It was also heated, and had underwater lighting built in. Quite the advancements for the late 1800's.

It took us nearly 3 hours to complete the tour through the home, and see the 57 rooms that were open to the public. Just imagine, there are still almost 200 rooms that we don't get to see. After walking back outside, we began taking pictures of the home and the grounds...which are unbelievably landscaped. We spent over an hour walking through the gardens and taking pictures. They were beautiful and only added to the wonder of the home. With water fountains and statues throughout, you almost felt transported to another time and place, as you walked through them.

I would highly encourage you to visit the Biltmore House, in Asheville, N.C. and have a nice get away for a couple of days. There are several wonderful places to stay in the area, and I don't think you would ever regret your time spent at the Biltmore House and Estate. I am including some of our photos so you can see the majesty of this place. I hope you enjoy them. Until next time.

Relentless In Faith

2009-04-20T21:35:00.004-04:00

Through the years, I have faced many trials, battles and challenges...and I have learned that a walk with God, has to be a "walk of faith". Yes, I know, this often quoted phrase has been so overused and heard so much that it seems to have lost its effect and impact. Life, however, will continue to teach us...as obstacles and challenges present themselves to us, that we will be required to "walk in faith".

My latest "challenge" has been the loss of my job and the journey in finding a new one. I know that God never promised a life free of difficulties and problems, challenges and obstacles. It is when we face them that we must remind ourselves of what a mighty God we serve. It is easy to give in to the "blaming", "the excuses", and being a "victim", but as Dr. Oral Roberts once said, "that in all things just remember that God is making you". I have to keep reminding myself, there is a purpose and all I have to do is hold to God's hand as He leads me.

Shortly after losing my job, I began a fast and prayed seeking God's will for my life and in what direction He wanted me to go. In that time of fasting, over and over again, as I studied the Word...I was led to scriptures that promised God is a "deliverer". God has promised us that he will deliver us from all our troubles, if we will walk in faith and stand on His Word. I learned we must possess a belief that grabs the promises of God and "refuses" to let go. We must also be relentless in releasing the faith of God into our circumstances. My job loss is just one more opportunity for God to show Himself as a miracle working God. An opportunity for Him to show Himself as the God who delivers.

We will all face tests and trials, but it is only those who refuse to let go of what God has promised that will see the end of their faith. It is the one who is "relentless" who gets results in the Kingdom of God. The one who walks in faith, and refuses to let go. The word "relentless" denotes a sense of refusal to give up or quit. If we walk in faith, we will relentlessly refuse to give up on the promises of God. We are focused on the final outcome we seek---regardless of what we go through or have to face. I have continually reminded myself not to be swayed by how things may look or feel, but to believe manifestation is headed my way.

If we are to walk in faith, we must learn to never entertain doubt or unbelief in our minds. If we doubt then faith can not work. It is critical that we stand on God's Word, rejecting any and all thoughts that go against what we believe. The devil will try to defeat you with negative thinking, thoughts that will lead you away from the promises of God. It is in these times, that we should quote the Word back to him and free our minds from negativity. If we are walking in faith, we will fight doubt and unbelief the moment they enter our minds. We will speak the Word of God with boldness, authority and consistency. We will destroy the obstacles in our way, move the circumstances that confront us and cast the "mountain" to the sea...by standing on the Word, with relentless faith.

Tomorrow, I have my first face to face interview since losing my job. I have sent out many resumes, and contacted many friends to help in my job search. I have been blessed to obtain this interview within 2 weeks of losing my job. I also know that it has been God that opened up the door for me to interview. I have continued to believe God's Word for "deliverance", and I love the verse that says "I have never seen the righteous forsaken". I know that no matter what comes, God is with me and that He will lead me to the job that He has prepared for me. I will continue to relentlessly keep "walking in faith". Until the next time.

Through It All

2009-04-14T22:30:00.004-04:00

Through all my tears, my heartaches and pain...through it all, God has always been there for me. I have more than once stood and wondered about tomorrow, and what would come, but He has never left me. I may have grown weak, and yes, I may have failed Him...but, God has never forsaken me. Through it all, I know that I can trust in Him. Through it all.

Walking In Faith

2009-04-14T22:11:00.002-04:00

Today, I received a phone call letting me know that I have a "face-to-face" interview next Tuesday, for a new job. I have been out of work for 2 weeks today and it felt really good to get the call. The economy around us is suffering, with more and more employees being laid off or having their jobs eliminated, but I can tell you one thing for sure...God is still in control. Even if this isn't the job for me or it doesn't work out, I will continue to walk in faith knowing God will provide.

I was reading earlier tonight the account of the centurion who came to Jesus when his servant was dying. When Jesus told him that He would come to his house, the solider said "if you will only say the word" I know he (the servant) will be healed. The centurion believed all Jesus had to do was just "say" the word. Jesus responded to him and said "as you have believed", and Jesus healed the man's servant. I am walking in faith, believing the Word, and knowing that He will deliver me.

I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand

2009-04-11T17:18:00.002-04:00

A testimony for many of us who have learned, we can't do it on our own. Sometimes, we need to be reminded, our strength and victory rest in God. Thank God, He holds to our hand.

A Stepping Stone

2009-04-11T16:49:00.002-04:00

I have just returned from "Shooting Creek, NC", after spending a couple of days with my family there. My son and I went down on Thursday and returned earlier today. The drive down from here in Knoxville was relaxing for me, I love to just get out and take a drive. Grayson and I followed Highway 411 from Maryville, TN down to Hwy 64 in NC, to Murphy, NC and finally up through Hayesville, NC to my father's home in Shooting Creek. The drive gave me some time to think about things, and how I want to go forward with my job search.

I am continuing to stand on my faith, believing God will open the door to a new job for me. I have come to believe that this is a stepping stone for me, leaving one part of my life, to begin a new journey. Although I have the feelings of doubt and fear, anger and bitterness, that continue to want to rise up in me...I keep holding on to God's promises and refuse to give in. I have my down days, of course, like most of us do. There have been times I have felt totally overwhelmed, like the world was just crashing down all around me. But, then I remember I am not alone in this battle...He promised that He would never leave me nor forsake me. That "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world".

I am looking forward to a new and a better day. I know that God is leading me, and that He has never failed me. No matter what the circumstance, the situation, nor the problem...we can always know that God will deliver us from them all. He never promised we wouldn't walk through them, he only promised that He would deliver us. My job loss...in the natural was devastating, but in the spiritual...I will be stronger having walked through it, and will have one more testimony of how great God is. Until the next time, "keep on trusting in Him".

Job Loss--Trusting In Him

2009-04-03T00:33:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, at 10:00AM, without warning--my position as a plant manager was eliminated and I was sent home. I had been with the company for nine years, and though we as a company had slowed down quite a bit, I don't think I ever really felt they would eliminate the plant manager's position. Today, however, I realize as so many others have...we are all in position for a lay off or to have our jobs eliminated.

I am standing on my faith, believing that God has everything under control and this is a part of His plan for me. I believe His Word, and know that it is "spirit and life", and that it shall never pass away. After having blogged about "spiritual warfare" for the past few days, I now find myself in the midst of a battle and know that I must fight it in the spiritual realm to be able to win. If you are like me, and have found yourself laid off or have had your job eliminated, I would love to hear from you. I know that the enemies of fear, doubt, discouragement, worry and a host of others want to fill my heart and spirit, but I refuse to give place to them. I'm not saying it's easy, but I go the Rock and find my peace.

Spiritual Warfare--Tearing Down the Strongholds

2009-03-29T22:43:00.004-04:00

The majority of mental strongholds started with, or will begin with, some form of hurt or trauma. A person in a weaken state becomes easy prey for strongholds. The plan of Satan is to separate you...separate you from yourself and to separate you from God. He will use a hurt or a trauma to have you brokenhearted and to become fleshly, leading you into a place of separation.
Our strongholds are erected by our wounded souls trying to protect us...to keep pain and rejection out of our lives.

Hurt, pain and trauma broke our hearts.

We then began to indulge in sinful thinking.

We took part in sinful behavior.

We then defended our sinful thoughts and sinful living.

A stronghold is what our mind will use to defend sinful thinking against any opposition. We will use the hurts and traumas of our lives as reasons to defend the sinful life we live and the sinful way we think. The devil, ready any time of course, rushes in to reinforce our bitterness, jealousy, resentment, rejection, self-pity, ect. The devil knows exactly what hurt or trauma it will require to allow a stronghold to take hold. He knows what to do that will lead us to fortify those strongholds and to build new ones. Of course, his demons are drawn to strongholds and we must tear down and destroy any stronghold at once. We can not allow it to become stronger and stronger.

Christians don't set out to build strongholds, they build them piece by piece. The devil's armour is constructed of sinful reactions that we have chosen to indulge in.

Unforgiveness

Resentment

Judgement

Anger with sin

Hatred

Self-hatred

Violence

Elimination

Aggression

Murder

Fear

Pride

Witchcraft

It is now that a stronghold has been built, with bitterness lodged, rooted and protected in our minds. In Ephesians we are told to rid ourselves of "all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander...". Our greatest weapons are the Word, prayer and repenting before God. We must pray scriptures to tear down the strongholds rooted in our minds, praying that God will reveal each of them to us. We must declare the Word of God, waging war against the devil and his strongholds. It is our choice to live with Godly responses to hurt, pain and trauma. We must purify our hearts and our minds, from all sinful thinking and sinful lifestyles. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you".

Spiritual Warfare--Our Enemy

2009-03-28T23:44:00.002-04:00

In this spiritual war that we fight, there is no neutral ground. We are either with Jesus and against Satan, or against the Lord and with Satan. We will either fight for the Lord, or fight for Satan, there is no neutral ground. The war is being fought, which side can you be found on.

The enemy, our enemy, in this war is Satan, that old serpent the devil. If we are to identify him and recognize him we must understand the construction of his army, his armour, and those things that he covets. As the prince of the power of the air, Lucifer, he has at his command over thousands of rebellious angels [Ephesians 2:2, 6:10]. He as Beelzebub, the prince of demons, has millions of earthbound evil spirits at his command [Luke 11:24]. We are told in 2 Cor. 4:4 that he is the god of this present world and its system.

He is a thief, that has come but to steal, kill and destroy. The armour he wears is composed of the forces of sin and rebellion. These are manifested in many forms, such as sickness, drunkenness, poverty, fear, despair, divorce, mental anguish, and addictions. The devil seeks to have for himself the lives of the sinners, the backslid christian, all that lives and all the earth's resources. All of creation come into subjection to Satan when Adam fell allowing the devil to have control. Satan rules through a well-organized army of angelic princes, governors and generals. They war against us by hindering us in our prayers, and blocking the Holy Ghost from moving in our lives. As Beelzebub, his demonic forces try to possess, oppress and harass people to cause total destruction in their lives if they can. They will bring complications to any situation that they are allowed to. These forces accomplish their tasks by using fear, mental disorders, sickness, disease, confusion, addictions, and religious errors.

Our weapons are spiritual and not natural or carnal. If we are to war against spirits, then we must use spiritual weapons. The Word, the blood, praise, the Name, and our testimony are five weapons we possess in our spiritual arsenal. We must testify to what the Word says, apply the blood, use the mighty weapon of praise, and at the Name of Jesus every knee must bow. Every knee. We must prepare ourselves by staying vigilant in our prayer life, being sensitive to the Holy Ghost and study the Word. We are more than conquerors through Jesus, and the victory is already ours.

Spiritual Warfare--The Devil's Tactics

2009-03-25T22:25:00.002-04:00

If we are to be successful in Spiritual Warfare, and battling the enemy, it will be through the Holy Ghost anointing and the Word of God. This will be only means to victory for the believer. We must rely upon the Holy Ghost to lead us and to teach us, and anoint us to do battle.

If we are to engage the Devil, and be effective against him, we must learn the tactics he will use. Then you and I must learn how to counteract those tactics. Jesus demonstrated his mastery over the powers and forces of the enemy, by challenging the devil at every opportunity. We cannot allow ourselves to leave a door open for attacks and assaults by the enemy. The devil is cruel, wicked and powerful, but he is also a coward. He will run away at the sound of the name of Jesus, or when he hears the blood being plead. The devil is no match for the blood of the Lamb, he's already lost.
Just remember, we are not at his mercy, we can defeat him in Jesus' name.

Satan wants to destroy the work of the church. Period. His desire is to destroy people and deliver them into hell. Knowing his destiny, an eternity spent in the lake of fire, he wants to take as many of us with him as possible. The devil is willing to use any means to force people to listen to him and follow him, follow him into eternal punishment. We must be prepared to fight the enemy and wage war against him. It is a war, a war filled with many battles.

We need to realize that our war is not with other people, it is with Satan, who holds people captive. It doesn't matter how bad a person may be, they are only a "conduit" for spiritual war. We can't get our eyes on people when doing spiritual warfare, we must focus on the enemy of our soul. The devil will attempt to keep people in spiritual darkness, away from hearing the Word of God. For if one should hear the Word, they would then know truth and be able to stand against him. You and I, on our own, would be helpless to fight against the devil. We must lean on the Holy Ghost and allow Him to lead us into battle. Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Eastern Tennessee and The Anceint Hebrews

2009-03-24T14:24:00.005-04:00

In our history books, the "Yuchi" Indians have not been represented very well. This may be because of several reasons, one of which is that disease ravaged the tribe, after the Spanish made contact with them. The evidence tells us that the Spanish visited the Yuchi in what is now Eastern Tennessee. The tribe was known to have villages that extended from Florida to Illinois, and reaching from the coast of Carolina to the Mississippi River. It has been generally accepted that the Yuchi, settled throughout the Southeast, represented the original inhabitants of the area prior to the Iroquoian and Algonkian People. It is known that the Yuchi were of the Mound-building people and among the oldest known residents of the Southeast.

The Yuchi were a distinct tribe that were known for their insistence on "descent from the Sun", a religious belief that was a part of the Mound Building Sun Worship. They as a people, while living among other tribes, kept themselves distinct and remained separate. The language of the Yuchi, "Uchean", has never really been classified for certain. It does not resemble any of the known languages of the Americas. A practice of the Yuchi was to bury their dead laid out flat, and most often buried in wooden or stone lined pits. It is these cultural traits found among the tribe that separates them from their neighboring tribes.

There is some proof that there is at least some connection between the Yuchi and the ancient Hebrews. A similarity found in the religious practices of both people have led some to this conclusion. A more compelling proof is the "Bat Creek Stone" which was removed from a mound in Eastern Tennessee. The stone on its surface, has what has been interpreted as a Hebrew inscription. The stone was reportedly found under one of nine skeletons in a mound. Dr. Joseph D. Mahan Jr. of the Columbus, Ga. Museum of Arts and Crafts photographed the stone's inscription and sent it to Dr. Cyrus H. Gordon, professor of Mediterranean studies at Brandeis.

Dr. Mahan was convinced that there was a connection between the Indians of the Southeastern U.S. and the eastern Mediterranean people in ancient times.

Dr. Gordon, once he studied the inscription, discovered that five of its letters are in the writing style of Canaan, the "promised land" of the Israelites, located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. The fifth letter he stated, corresponds to the style of writing you would find on Hebrew coins of the Roman era. Gordan translated the inscription as "for the land of Judah". He goes on to say that the inscription attests to a "migration" of Jews.

There is compelling evidence that the Indians of Eastern Tennessee were visited by the Hebrew people. Just as this detail of the The Bat Creek Stone illustrates. We now know for certain that North America was visited by various cultures many years prior to Columbus. The ancient Hebrews are now believed to be a part of those people.

Spiritual Warfare--A Lifestyle

2009-03-22T21:44:00.002-04:00

In the modern day we are living, it is imperative that we learn that spiritual warfare is a "lifestyle" and not just an every now and then event of rebuking the enemy. The believer must be prepared spiritually at all times, ready to combat the enemy. The Bible tells us that our enemy is continually on the prowl seeking whom he may devour. The believer must be ever vigilant, maintaining a "warrior's awareness" of the unseen battle that continually rages around him. This understanding must become a natural part of the believer's life.
The spiritual warrior must be on guard, watching over his own mind and heart, as well as the world and the devil. It is not only a battle against the enemy, but also against our own sinful nature, which will desire what is contrary to God. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Cor. 10:4-5:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ".
The believer can not claim he is free from the "battle" with his sinful nature, just because he might not struggle with the "bigger" sins. We must bring every thought into captivity. There are many of us who continue to possess mind-sets which we know are not pleasing to God. Attitudes that prevent us from living as we should. These mind-sets and attitudes will allow the devil to get a foothold in our lives, and suddenly we are no longer where we should be spiritually. If at all possible, the devil will find ways to encourage and provoke the "sinful nature" in our lives. The enemy's goal is to have the believer consumed by sinful desires day and night. The book of Galatians, 5:19-21--list some of the acts that result from the "sinful nature":
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
The Word tells us that Adam and Eve were the first humans whom God created. In the beginning, their spiritual nature was completely and totally yielded unto God. It was their spirit which dominated and directed their soul and body, causing them to think and act in ways that were pleasing to God. However, Adam and Eve rejected God's Word and His authority, instead following Satan and his words. The result was spiritual death, and they became corrupt (sinful) and so then sin entered the world. With their souls and bodies no longer directed by the Spirit of God, Adam and Eve became dominated by the sinful nature and its desires and passions. The same is true of all people today, if they have not been born again.
In this age we live, Satan is well aware of people's weaknesses, and he continually tries to get them to disobey God, indulging in every kind of sin. We must be on guard against the enemy's attempts to lead us into sin. Spiritual warfare is needed to win not only the battles against the devil and the world, but against our own sinful nature. We are to be spiritually minded, occupied with what the Holy Spirit desires and not allow ourselves to be under the influence of the sinful nature. The final outcome for a spiritual warrior is "Victory", over the enemy and the sinful nature.

When Mercy Walked In

2009-03-16T22:23:00.003-04:00

There's no greater gift than God's mercy. I can still remember when "Mercy Walked In", and found me. Here are the lyrics to the song "Mercy Walked In", I pray they will bless you.

Mercy Walked In

I stood in the court room the judge turned my way
It looks like you’re guilty now what do you say
I spoke up your honor I have no defense
But that’s when Mercy walked in

Mercy walked in and pleaded my case
Called to the stand: God’s saving grace
The blood was presented that covered my sin
Forgiven when Mercy walked in

I stood there and wondered how could this be
Someone so guilty had just been set free
My chains were broken I felt born again
The moment that Mercy walked in

Mercy walked in and pleaded my case
Called to the stand: God’s saving grace
The blood was presented that covered my sin
Forgiven when Mercy walked in

Mistakes--God Turns Them Around

2009-03-15T22:23:00.004-04:00

Today, I want to speak a word of encouragement to all of "us" who have ever made a mistake. Can I tell you that in the midst of any circumstance or trouble, God understands...and He can turn it around. In fact, God can take a mistake and turn it into a "miracle". We all make mistakes. There is not one of us immune from them, and at one time or another, we have all made a wrong choice or simply messed up. In these times, I'm sure we have even felt like we were trapped, when the solution to problem would seem worse than the problem. And yes, those mistakes we make may lead to circumstances that seem awfully hard...but, remember--God can turn it around.

Maybe today, you find yourself having done the wrong thing, made the wrong choice, done something you knew you shouldn't do and now, you are feeling the consequences of what you have done. Consequences that are all around you. It doesn't matter what mistake you have made, or what tragedy has struck, God is well able to take your mistake, your awful circumstances and turn them around. In the hands of God, your mistakes will be changed into a "miracle". God is on your side, and you can not lose. He will take whatever mistake you have made, and...turn it around.

The apostle Paul, in Romans 8:28, says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose". Let me encourage you today, when I tell you that this verse tells us of God's ability to turn our "situations, circumstances and mistakes" around. "All things" include our failures, our shortcomings, our mistakes and our "mess ups". He will take them all and turn them around for good, if we will pray...love Him and seek to do what He wants us to do.

Today, know that God can turn any situation around---period. You must be totally convinced that He can take anything, any problem, any situation, any trial, and any mistake--and make it into a miracle. Know that He can "turn it around". You must also accept that God loves you unconditionally. Please know, that no matter what has come your way, that you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. You are an overcomer.

Take your mistakes to Him, surrender all...and watch God---"turn it around".

"I'm Free" by Lynda Randle

2009-03-11T23:20:00.002-04:00

May the words of this song bring the truth of being "free" alive in your spirit today. There are no more shackles, we are free.

Knowing God's Love

2009-03-11T22:21:00.003-04:00

One of the first songs I can remember hearing as a child began like this, "Jesus loves me, this I know". It was from an early age that I learned of God's love and how much he loved me. It's true even when you and I don't feel it. This love of God. How can I know for sure that God loves me? "Because the bible tells me so." John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

"For God so loved...". Can you imagine the love it took for God to send his son to the cross? God loved us enough that He gave up His only son. Is it sometimes hard for you to believe God has a special love just for you? God doesn't see you as you see yourself, whether its feeling unworthy, feeling guilty, addicted, weak or a multitude of other things. When God looks at you, He only sees a beloved child, covered with His grace and mercy. I know, its easy to say God loves you and you've probably heard it a hundred times before. The question is how can you make it real in your life, so real that you are changed. You can't. But, God can. God can change the way we think, and change our lives, but you must seek Him and desire Him. You must draw close to Him, and ask Him to lead you.

No matter how you may feel, just remember, you are the focus of God's attention. He longs to love you, to be your friend. If there was ever a man who wanted to lavish his bride with love, or his son with many gifts, God longs for you to have only the best. Even in the midst of our struggles, we should expect great things from our God. With our Lord, the impossibilities are only playthings. Rise up!

How wide is God's love? Wide enough--to reach the broken, the empty, the prostitute, the abused, the rich, the poor and yes, even wider still.

How long is God's love? Beyond our most secret hiding place, beyond our foolishness, beyond our mistakes, beyond our faults and farther still.

How deep is God's love? Deeper than any feeling of guilt, deeper than our shame, deeper than our hurts, deeper than our unworthiness, deeper than any fear and deeper still.

In the darkest hours of our lives, when we are at our lowest and feeling so far from God...look up! The enemy will seek to keep you looking down, bound to your feelings, but...look up! When the world around us trembles, fear not...look up! The enemy will try anything he can to keep you defeated and bound, every tactic that he can employ. One of the devil's favorite tactics is to surround us and cut off our supplies. If he can, he will get us out of the Word, and to the place we no longer pray. He will do all he can to keep us out of church. If you no longer pray, if you no longer study the Word and you have drifted out of church--be prepared. You have created an opening for the enemy to lay siege on your life. You must awaken yourself, rouse yourself from this state and refuse to let the devil draw you away from God.

If you find yourself today lost in feelings of unworthiness, emptiness, or bound by the tactics of the enemy...humble yourself, be honest about your struggles before God and ask the Lord to forgive you. Ask Him to help you learn to forgive yourself. Yield yourself to Him, for his purposes and allow Him to flood you with His love. And remember, "It's never too late".

Permagos-Satan's Throne

2009-03-08T21:13:00.003-04:00

I want to share some thoughts with you today about the country of Turkey and bible prophecy. I have posted earlier studies of why I believe the anti-christ will arise out of Turkey, today I want to talk about the city of Permagos. Permagos was one of the seven churches which Christ delivered seven special messages to in Revelation 2:12-17. The city of Permagos (Pergamum) today lies in the country of Turkey.

Let's go back to the time when Christ wrote the seven letters, to the seven churches, and capture a view of this city Pergamum. The city lay about 65 miles north of Smyrna, spread along the valley of the Caicus River. The city was not as commerically important as Ephesus or Smyrna, because of it's location and having no major roads passing through it. Pergamum did hold the official honor of being the provincial capital of Roman Asia. It was a city of great beauty and wealth, with a library of reaching almost 200,000 volumes. Pergamum was a city filled with temples to Dionysus, Athena, Asclepius and Demeter, the three temples to the emperor cult, a great altar to Zeus and its many palaces. The city had 2 dominant religions, the worship of Dionysus-the god of the royal kings (symbolized by a bull) and Asclepius-the god of healing (symbolized by the snake). It is said that the temples of Asclepius were filled with these serpents. A Greek traveller, Pausanias of Lydia, wrote of Asclepios as "sitting on a throne with...his...hand upon the head of a serpent". The serpent was in fact a totem of the god, but harmless varieties of these snakes had free run of the shrines. A christian living in this time, would have found himself confronted not only with cults, but by the symbol of satan--the snake, at every turn.

Pergamum was a city plagued with idolatry, statues and idols being widespread. The city celebrated a victory over the Celtic tribes by building an altar to Zeus, then a temple. It stood high upon the hill of Acropolis, and was visible to almost all the city and for miles away. The altar has been reported being 36m square with a height of 15m. (A meter is roughly 3 feet). This altar was engraved with the gods of Olympus battling giants who had snake-like tails. Again, the symbol of satan presents itself.

Pergamum is said to have exceeded all other cities at that time in wickedness. Its pagan inhabitants lived in luxury, but were steeped in great vice. It at this time, probably had in it more idols than any other place in Asia. In Rev. 2:13, Jesus said something very interesting in His Words to the Church at Pergamum (Pergamos). Jesus said, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."

Here, Jesus states that satan has a throne, in the city Pergamum. Satan had his throne set in a city where he felt most comfortable, where most of the citizens were worshipping him. If satan had a throne, in a city, then--would he not still have a throne, in a city, today. Satan is the god of this world, this we already know from scripture and surely today, he stills sits on a throne of some type. In my earlier studies, I linked the anti-christ to the country of Turkey. There is no doubt that in Permagos, there was a great evil and that satan ruled from there. I believe that this same evil exists today, and will be that which brings the anti-christ into power, as he is raised up in the end-times. I believe the city of Pergamos will play a vital role in the rise of the anti-christ as well. Until the next time--God Bless.

"He Dropped The Charges" (Tareva Henderson)

2009-03-04T23:09:00.004-05:00

I know that I often place videos of singing here on my blog, but I tend to believe that many times, a song can touch us when nothing else can. There are some songs that just reach out and minister to me in a way I can't explain. It feels like they were written, and are being sung just for me. I hope that one or more of the songs I post here on my blog, will find their way to your heart and minister to you in that time you need it the most.

Eliminating "Negativity"

2009-03-04T22:04:00.005-05:00

Is it possible for you and I to open a door for "negativity" into our lives? The answer is, as you may already know, yes. There are in fact, many doors, for negativity to enter our lives if we will allow it to have a place. We are all receptacles--influenced by what we hear, what we see, the people around us, the environment we live in, and the circumstances we encounter. All these influences are doors into our lives, allowing either the positive or the negative to enter in. What are you opening the door to in your life today?

If we give way to negativity, before long it will begin to consume our thoughts, then flow into our words and eventually begin filling our lives. We will find that the things we don't want in our lives, we are drawing in. If we doubt, then that doubt will build on more doubt. If we fear, it will build on more fear. Worry, of course, builds on more worry. It is these type things that will pull more and more negative things into our minds, our speech, and our lives. We must commit to eliminating the negative influences in our lives.

I believe the first step begins with our mind, having the mind of Christ and thinking God's way not the way of the "world". We must be painfully aware of the influences of the "world's" way in our daily lives. How are you being influenced by the world today? The world is filled with negativity and it surrounds us everywhere we go. We must think in God's way to overcome it. Our speech will reveal the thoughts of our minds, and how we are thinking. We must speak God's way--not the way of the world. Our lives will come in line with our thoughts and our words, what type of life are you living today?

We should never, ever, allow the negative opinions, thoughts or influences of others to lead us away from living a "positive" lifestyle. When you hear someone tell you that you "can't"--you should rise up and know that you "can", that you were created as winner. There's no argument or debate, you "can". We are easily influenced (infected) by the negativity of other people. It is amazing how quickly negative thoughts can spread from one person to another. Hearing and receiving the "negative" is the easy way, in choosing to live for God and choosing a "positive" life, you have entered a battle. It will take effort, and we can not afford to let others influence (infect) us with the "negative". We must become either strong enough to live this godly life, filled with the positive, or shut the door on those that speak negativity into our lives.

If we allow the negative influence of others into our lives, then we open our lives up to defeat. I believe we should never leave a door open for defeat, only for victory. If David, when facing the gaint Goliath, had listen to those around him--David would have run in fear. David's own brother spoke negativity into David's life, and the door had to be shut on his brother's doubt filled words.
Everyone thought David to be just a child unable to fight the gaint. Yes, David in the natural (the world) appeared to be unbelievably outmatched. It seemed there was no way this teenage boy could defeat Goliath the giant. But, you know, isn't that the way our battles, struggles and trials should look? It's because they do look this way, that we have the opportunity to let the world see us exercise our faith and see God move as our faith takes hold. David was in covenant with God, and he knew that God would deliver him, no matter what the "world" said. You and I are in a covenant relationship with God, never allow the negativity to lead you to defeat.

The Trap of Mediocrity

2009-03-02T22:01:00.003-05:00

The "Mediocre Life"...a safe, uneventful and ordinary life. A life in which we are attempting to do something, but of what quality. The world will tell you that a mediocre life is okay, that it is an average life and that there is nothing at all wrong with that. The average life. After all, aren't most people living an "average life". The world looks at us and asks us to choose...a life safe and ordinary or the exceptional life. The exceptional life filled with adventure and excellence. Which will you choose?

The problem with mediocrity is that we too easily become trapped. Once we settle for the mediocre, the average, it becomes easier to accept it in all areas of our lives. The life we have settled for isn't really a good or bad life, it is just an average life. It is a lower quality of life that has trapped our dreams, chained them and then locked them away. This life leaves us with no inspiration, as we find that we are "drifting"without direction or purpose. Inside, we can hear our purpose screaming out to not let go, to shake off the chains of the mediocre life and choose to live in excellence.

In choosing to live a life of excellence, we will embrace a life of freedom. It is deciding to do our best in all areas of our lives, in all things, large or small. It is a decision to free ourselves of fear and the burdens of past mistakes. This life of excellence is lived by choosing daily to live at our best, as we rise above the "mediocre" that surrounds us. "Life will pay you whatever amount you ask of it, if you demand enough of yourself to give only the very best". It is our decision to progress or remain in a life of mediocrity.

Dead in Medocrity or Alive in Excellence

2009-02-26T22:56:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed how often people will complain about their lives, but do nothing about it? You will find it all around us, people appearing to be content with "just getting by". Doing just enough, barely enough to stay afloat. They have become comfortable in their circumstance, and are satisfied with the ordinary. These people have chosen to live in mediocrity, a place of stagnation and death. It is these "just getting by" folks that run to gossip about and attempt to tear down, anyone, who strives and seeks for more in life. They become so excited when someone who is "trying" is knocked down. They find joy in making fun of other's dreams, and will do many things to hinder some one's desire for excellence.

If you are someone who refuses to live a life of "ordinary", "just getting by" and "mediocrity", then ignore those who would steal your dreams and begin to live a life excellence. You and I are barely able to know what we can accomplish and what capabilities we have. God has created us in victory, to live a life of fullness and one of fulfilling our potential. I don't believe that we have even begun to understand all that God has created us to be. If you and I are to have an impact, anywhere at anytime, on the world we live in--then we must set the bar as high as possible.

We should be pursuing life, with a can-do spirit and refusal to entertain failure. If we allow the cold fingers of mediocrity to touch us with unhappiness, illness, emptiness and failure, then we have stepped from "living in excellence" to "sitting dead in mediocrity". We must commit ourselves to achieving personal excellence, and modeling it for other plants. Never allow yourself
to give up or quit, stand your ground and do all you can do. Choose to live that life of excellence.

That's No Hill For A Climber

2009-02-24T23:01:00.004-05:00

That's no hill for a climber! It doesn't matter what the battle is, it's no battle for the child of God. We are destined to live in victory, over comers and winners. No matter how high the hill may seem to be...that's no hill for a climber. The battle for you and I was won at Calvary, and we are able today to claim that victory. Never allow yourself to focus on the "hill", keep your focus on the promises of God, knowing he will make a way.

That's No Hill For A Climber!!

God Uses Those Who Fail

2009-02-22T16:06:00.005-05:00

If you could talk to the majority of us, and we were open and honest with you, you would find that almost all of us have experienced many failures during our lives. How many of us are haunted by bad choices we have made, feeling guilty because of our shortcomings and failures. I have lived through enough to know that the world around us is filled with those who are broken, weak and hurting. I think we would be shocked to know just how "human" most of us really are.

Have you ever wondered if you were the only one going through what you were experiencing? Have you asked yourself if you were the only one who had to fight this same battle over and over? We all battle the same temptations, weaknesses and struggles as we live our lives. We all do, and we have all failed. Did you know that there isn't one person without "sin, failures or a past?" Even those that we respect so greatly, are not without sin, failures and a past in their lives. We all have them. The Bible tells us of our greatest heroes of faith, and it also tells us just how human they were. It tells us about how they struggled with sin, with bad choices, faults in their character and their weaknesses.

We find it much easier to talk about our "successes", than to open up about our failures. I suppose that's just the "human" part of us, fighting to protect ourselves. Not wanting anyone else to see our past, and know we have had our share of mistakes and failures. So, we talk about everything but those weaknesses and those sins, trying to push them deeper and deeper into our past. We just don't want people to see us that way, to learn we too are just of the "human" kind. Common flesh and bone. Why is it then, that we are so quick to want to write someone off, or judge them, when we find they have had personal struggles in their lives. You and I live in a real world, with real sin and people who are fighting real struggles. It may well be that you aren't struggling with overeating, drugs, alcohol, lying, stealing, cheating, gossiping or fornication. But how many of us are dealing with inner struggles such as depression or even thoughts of suicide. How many of us deal every day with failures, that no one knows about, and then struggle with the guilt that fills us.

I just want to in some way today, let you know, that in spite of what the "guilt" tells you or the devil tries to tell you, that God uses failures and will always forgive us and heal us. God knows us, the real us, with all our faults and struggles. We have to only ask for Him to forgive us, repent and rely on Him. God specializes in using the broken, the empty, the failures, the weak and the struggling. We are made in God's image and there is no way, God is close to being finished with us. If you fail, just go to Him and ask to be forgiven, knowing He is just to forgive. Never give up!
Never quit! You are worthy, and you are a winner with a calling of God. He wants to use us all, all of us even if we are broken, wounded, empty, tired, weak and human. God uses failures.

Some of the greatest men and women of faith, used by God, made some of the worst mistakes. I often look at what they achieved, but today instead of how great they were, let's be inspired by how human they were.

Moses stuttered.

Timothy had ulcers.

Hosea's wife was a prostitute.

Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.

Jacob was a liar.

David had an affair.

Solomon had too many women

Abraham was too old.

David was too young.

Peter was afraid of death.

Lazarus was dead.

John was self-righteous.

Paul was a murderer.

Moses was a murderer.

Jonah ran from God.

Miriam was a gossip.

Gideon and Thomas both doubted.

Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.

Elijah was a burn out.

John the Baptist had a mouth.

Martha was a worried.

Mary was lazy.

Samson had long hair.

Noah got drunk.

Days of Trials

2009-02-17T20:21:00.004-05:00

It is a fact that we will face difficult times and circumstances. None of us are exempt. The truth is we will each face trials--for they are a part of life. It doesn't matter how far or how fast we try to run, we can never outrun the trials of life. The Bible is very clear that we all will experience difficulty and tough circumstances.

James 1:2-4 — “My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; (3)
Knowing this, that the trying of your Faith works patience. (4) But let patience have her
perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

James tells us in this verse that it isn't a condition of "if" we will fall into divers temptations, but a condition of "when". He is telling us that it is a certainty. The believer is not exempt from facing trials, no matter how great his faith. Trials are a part of life that we all must encounter and James tells us why.

When trials come, it is important as believers, that we have the right attitude and mind-set. We must possess the belief that whatever God is allowing in our lives will work out for our good. The trial should never hold our focus. We should keep our eyes on God, knowing that He will produce something positive out of the trials we encounter. Often, there will be those who see themselves as a victim of the circumstance and fail to know that God is at work in their life. We may not be able to be excited about the trial, but we should be excited knowing we serve a God who will lead us out and into victory.

James uses the word "fall" in the above verse to tell us that most of our trials will be unforeseen. That we will not be aware of them, until we are in the "midst" of them. So, without warning, trials will come to us. There will those times we will face those circumstances and have no control over them. In these times, we should respond immediately with the attitude of "God is in control", period.

A Song For The One Searching In The Darkness

2009-02-15T00:42:00.005-05:00

What an anointed voice, what an awesome young man. Listen to this young man sing, feel the anointing flow out of him--as you let these words minister to you. If you are searching in the darkness, feeling lost and empty, this song is for you.

The Standard of Excellence

2009-02-14T22:17:00.002-05:00

If we are to become a person of excellence, then we first should know there is a price to be paid and secondly that a "standard of excellence" must be set. We must without exception, set that standard of excellence and then just do it. You and I can't go through our lives without direction, aimlessly wandering, and believe somehow we will finally end up successful. We must set the standard of excellence for our lives and seek to be all that we can be. The truth is that there are simply attitudes and actions that are unacceptable. Don't allow fear to keep you from setting the standard high; the higher the standard, the higher you will rise.

If we are to live up to our standard of excellence, it will require laying aside those bad habits, breaking free from the day to day ruts and leaving behind the predictable. We will be driven to step away from the mediocre life, seeking "excellence" in all the things we do. It's getting up at 5:00am each morning to exercise, read and pray. It is choosing an apple over candy, it is neatly folding our clothes, it is committing to read 25 books each year, it is developing a new attitude-an attitude of excellence. The lives we live today, are a direct result of our daily decisions to live in mediocrity or in excellence. It has been our choices which have led us to our current place in life. Our health, our relationships, our habits, our jobs...are results of our decisions to live a mediocre life or a life of excellence.

If we are to be successful, living with the highest standard of excellence, then we must make the choices that will lead us out of mediocrity. The standard of excellence we set will determine our rise out of mediocrity, and how much of our potential we will fulfill. What will you continue to accept in your life? Will you make the choices needed to break free and enter the extraordinary life. The life of excellence.

Kenny Hinson "He Will Calm The Troubled Waters"

2009-02-10T23:08:00.001-05:00

In the midst of every situation, every circumstance and in the "troubled waters" He will truly come and calm your soul.

Freedom -- It's Still Worth Fighting For.

2009-02-08T13:37:00.008-05:00

I have, for a while now, asked myself if Americans really do cherish freedom any longer? I'm sure that there are those who do, but I doubt that most Americans truly understand what freedom is. Especially the freedom that was envisioned and conceived by our Founding Fathers. Freedom is much more than owning a home, taking our yearly vacation, shopping where we choose, driving our own car, or all the other things we as Americans typically do.

The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights outline the freedoms on which our country was formed and built. The first and most sublime principle we are presented with is that freedom is a gift of God. God, the giver of life, is also He that gives liberty.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness . . ."

It is clearly stated by the founders of our nation that they believed, and formed America, on the the principle that God is the grantor of liberty. Not man. The Founding Fathers understood that the purpose of the government was "to secure these rights". That the government was to secure and protect the liberties and freedom that have been given to "man" by his creator. They never believed that it was the government that could grant freedom in any form.

If we were to stop and ask any "average" man or woman in our country today, "Where do you believe our rights come from?", what would they say? I believe that they and most all of our political leaders today would answer, "The government of course". Freedom, as they view it, is whatever the government tells them it is. Period. That's all these people know and understand. Let's just let the "government" tell us what are freedoms are, and that's what we will accept. Unfortunately, in America today, it seems that most Americans are quickly joining this group of people. We are living in the 21st Century, and as the descendants of those wise and brave people who carved out and crafted our nation, have no idea of what true freedom is and God help us, are lacking the courage to defend it.

Do we truly understand and know the meaning of "freedom"? Do you? You and I will spend the better part of our lives working and paying for our "homes". The great American dream, to own our own home and property. We are required to pay property tax during those years, and even after we have paid for our property, for the rest of our lives...we will continue to pay the property tax. If we fail to pay the tax, then they will come, confiscate our property and throw us out. In truth, none of us really own any property. The state can even tell us what we can and can't do with the property we supposedly own, we can't even manage and control our own land, land we have bought and paid for. As Americans, we tolerate these actions and still call ourselves "free". Do we really know what "freedom" means?

Think about it, just for a moment. Consider all the things we do, or even say, that is monitored by the State or the Government. If you own your own business, I'm sure you are very familiar with the many regulations, permits, taxes...that are required by the state and federal government for you to conduct business. Consider these other few examples:

Drive a car
Marriage
Purchase a gun
Purchase land
Build an addition on your home
Home school your children

How many agencies, how many pieces of paper...with us asking "please", do we have to go through before we can do any of these. Are we truly free? Are we? When will we as Americans stand up and say enough government is enough. When will we begin to vote out the politicians that only add to more government control of our lives, and keep voting until we elect those that know what "freedom" is truly about. I am sure that those on welfare, and those receiving any of a multitude of government handouts, will seldom complain...why should they. They are personally benefiting more, the more the government grows. Why would these people want to change anything at all. It is a free ride for them, and "freedom" is sacrificed for a "free meal".

Do we as Americans, today, truly and deeply cherish "freedom". Then I ask you, what are we going to do, to restore that freedom to our country? It is the lazy, and those unconcerned, that will lie in chains. I refuse to lie down, to give in, and to cease the struggle. America must awaken and arise to the challenge, for I believe God still will bless a nation, a people, who truly seek liberty and who will fight until they possess it. We may have to "pledge our lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" in order to obtain it; but as our forebears believed and were willing to fight-- so am I.

Choosing A Life of Excellence

2009-02-02T22:30:00.002-05:00

There are so many people today, who have the mindset that they were created to be just like everyone else around them. They go from day to day, going through the motions, because that's just how it is. It can never be any different, at least not for them. The same dead-end job, the same routine, day to day...life without a purpose, without a goal. These people are caught in the trap of mediocrity--where they fail to do anything to better themselves. They have accepted the lifestyle and find themselves living in the land of "its good enough" and settling for whatever life hands them.

We must consciously choose to live a life of excellence, and avoid the rut of mediocrity. To live the life of excellence we must be proactive, and take action daily. It becomes too easy for us to just fall into how things are and then begin to take life as it comes. Never allow yourself to settle for mediocrity, let me tell you--- you are better than that. You were created to live in victory and as a winner, not in the rut of mediocrity. The first step to overcome mediocrity is to decide that you will be a person of excellence, that you will excel. Today, decide that you will be better than average. Make the changes in your life that will propel you toward your goals and the life of excellence. Refuse to be passive about your choices and make those choices which will lead you to victory. In this modern day of "instant gratification" and "give it to me now", too many of us are living in the moment only. Our choices should be made that will better our future, not just our today.

"Not now, I'm too tired...I'll do it later".
"I can't do it now, my favorite TV program is on".
"I don't have the support..."
"You know I can't..."
"I would, but..."

If we are to live the life of excellence, to be victors, we have to lay down our excuses and take responsibility for our lives. For our choices and decisions. It is our duty to press on toward our goals, and leave the complaining to those who live the life of mediocrity. They will have an abundance of excuses as they fail to take responsibility for lack of action. It has become a habit to be lazy, and just continue to take life as it comes. Of course, when things don't go their way, they begin making their excuses and blaming someone else. They will blame the state, the government, the church, the schools, the taxes, the job, the family, anyone but themselves.

It is much easier to take a passive stand in life, choosing to ignore our responsibility. That choice though, only leads deeper into the life of mediocrity. The lack of being responsible locks people into a self-made prison, until they are able to accept responsibility and begin to move forward to ward a life of excellence. Making excuses and failing to take responsibility is the best way to remain stuck in mediocrity, maybe that's what you want out of life. I can tell you that there is more, much more. Decide today, to never settle for second best. There is a life of excellence awaiting you, a life of victory. Refuse to let it pass you by!

Tommy Emmanuel - An Attitude of Excellence

2009-01-31T16:41:00.002-05:00

Tommy Emmanuel is a tremendous example of a person of excellence. Listen to "Amazing Grace" as he does it on his guitar. He surely stands out from the crowd, and possesses the attitude of excellence. I hope you enjoy.

The Attitude of Excellence

2009-01-31T15:31:00.003-05:00

The attitude of excellence is a goal which we all should be striving to achieve. I am continually amazed at how easy it is for people to simply accept the status quo and no longer push themselves toward excellence. They possess average thoughts, with average attitudes and find themselves living an average life. I once read an example of man's potential written by Jim Rohn. Mr. Rohn told of how nature always "strives", for its all that nature knows. He asked the question "How tall will a tree grow?" The answer of course is as tall as it can, until it has reached its full potential. Mr. Rohn stated that man is the only creature that will stop short of its full potential, and quit striving. There is much more to life than the "status quo", and we should be striving to fulfill our potential of being all that we can be.

If we desire to have an attitude of excellence, we first of all, must decide to pursue excellence being totally committed. Everyday we will be given the opportunity to do things or make choices that will reveal excellence in our lives. We must choose every day to never allow the "status quo" to be who we are. If we have the attitude of excellence, we will work harder, go the extra mile, pay attention to detail and do whatever it takes to reach our goals.

The development of an attitude of excellence is greatly affected by those people we choose to associate with and spend our time with. If we desire excellence, we must be very cautious of all those we have in our lives. We should determine what we want to be in life, and then find others who are already there...and then read about them, talk with them and spend as much time with them as possible. It should be our sincere desire to cross paths with excellent people each and every day, and then be able to associate with them. Our own attitude will be a reflection of those people we associate with on a daily basis.

It is our responsibility to set the standard of excellence in our life and then do it. It is a fool's dream to believe we can go through life aimlessly and end up being successful. No, we must set the standard and the goals. There are simply some attitudes and actions that are unacceptable in our lives, and we must refuse to harbor them. We must set the standard high, and then expect to reach that level of success. You and I must determine and in our mind see what excellence is to us. Once we see that picture, we then must refuse to accept anything other than our standard of excellence. One if our goals should be to continue to stretch ourselves, fully knowing that we can always improve.

The life of excellence we lead is what our children see in each of us everyday. If we aren't living a life of excellence, then they see that as well. We should train our children to live a life of excellence, beginning early in their lives. They should learn how to properly fold their clothes, make up their beds, present proper manners, to maintain their personal appearance, to work hard and to never accept "average" as good enough. If we are able to set the standard and train them early, then they will have a much easier time in achieving excellence in their own lives. By setting the standard of acceptable and unacceptable behavior, we will easily know what to focus on. Some good examples, people with an attitude of excellence never: litter, gossip, leave poor tips, keep untidy rooms, dress sloppy, lie, deceive others, keep poorly clean cars, or perform poorly at work. Take pride in what you have. Your home may be small, but you can keep it clean, mow the lawn regularly, and keep the garage or porch cleared of junk. So what if your neighbors or even your friends don't bother to do what you do. Seek to be the one who stands out from the crowd, that person of excellence, the one who is faithful even in the little things.

We should strive to make excellent choices, even in the mundane and simple things. If we are shopping and drop something to the floor, be a person of excellence and place it back where it belongs. When eating out, as a person of excellence, let the waiter/waitress know you appreciate the service you have received...learn to always say "Thank you". These things may seem small, but it is in these type areas where the most compromises, excuses and justifications are made. Seek to be the one who stands out, be a person of excellence.

The pursuit of an attitude of excellence is challenging and will not happen overnight. We should begin with small areas of our lives, and then continue to grow, not allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed. It could be the way we keep the dishes picked up and washed, the way we fold our clothes, writing memos at work, regularly cleaning our cars, or the way we talk on the phone. What does any of this have to do with with the attitude of excellence? It has everything to do with it, for it will reveal if we have truly made the commitment and set the standard. It's unacceptable for someone of excellence to just throw their clothes everywhere, and not maintain them. Excellent people have clean cars, organized homes, and they take care of themselves in all areas. You must make it a goal to become excellent in all areas of your life, including the small and simple areas you might overlook.

We should possess a burning desire, a passion, for an attitude of excellence. We must make the changes to live this life of excellence. It is our responsibility. We should always face each day thinking of ways we can do things with more excellence. Everyday give life everything you have, don't accept mediocrity. Let your attitude of excellence be your trademark in life, as you are found committed to standing out from the crowd.

A Life of Excellence

2009-01-30T23:06:00.002-05:00

I have found that "excellence" is not so much what we do, but how we do it. It is a journey filled with decision, a decision to living a life of "excellence", or to simply settle for the "average" life. How will you live your life?

The important thing is to commit to living a life of excellence. Commit to rising above the "this is good enough" crowd, and strive for living the "best" life. We should commit to excellence in whatever we do, each and every day. Don't wash your car, just because you have to. Wash your car with the attitude that is the most important thing you could be doing. Wash your car because you are committed to a life of excellence, in all you do. Maybe we tend to believe that performing a job for its own sake is just fine, but if we are to live a life of excellence, our attitude must change.

Living a life of excellence means we should never allow ourselves to "settle for less". We should possess the attitude of "anything is possible", and refuse to settle for less than the goals we have set. We must demand personal excellence from ourselves no matter what the goal, or what we do. It often becomes easy to fall into a mind-set of drudgery, and doing things halfheartedly. Doing those things with less than our best efforts and our full attention. Refuse this mind-set of "good enough", and make the decision to be the best "you" that you possibly can. Each day, focus on striving to be better than the day before, reaching for excellence in all that you do.

Always ask yourself the simple question, "What would a person of excellence do?". If you are washing your car, mowing the lawn, cleaning your home, eating out, or doing any other tasks...ask your yourself "What would a person of excellence do?". It has become a habit for me now, when I eat out to:

Place the dirty dishes together.
Place all the silverware on the dishes.
Collect my napkins, straws, etc. and place them on the dishes.
Wipe off the table before leaving.

Why? Because, I believe that the manner in which I leave my table is a direct reflection of "me".
I want my table to reflect that I am a person of excellence.

Always strive to live the life of excellence, in all that you do. In giving the best, we will receive the best.

Obtaining Personal Excellence

2009-01-28T23:15:00.002-05:00

I believe that in pursuit of "personal excellence", the ideas held by the U.S. Olympic Committee will lead us in the right direction. There are five...

Vision - Begin with the end in mind. Think of the final goal that you want to achieve. Create a visual mind picture of what you will look like, feel like, and sound like when you reach your goal. Close your eyes and remember your "vision" as often as you can. It will keep you motivated when things get tough.

Commitment - Don't let yourself be distracted by things that keep you from accomplishing your goal. Invest your time and energy in what you want MOST, not what you want at the moment.

Focus - Translate the "vision" you imagine for yourself into a reasonable plan that identifies the things you must do to achieve success.

Discipline - Pay attention to what you need to be doing and that you do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. You take responsibility and keep promises to yourself and others. No excuses.

Persistence - When things get tough, just keep doing your best. Keep picturing the vision of yourself having reached your goal. Don't give up! Get out there, follow your plans the best you can, and you will succeed. You can count on it!
"The enemy of the best is the good", we should always be striving for excellence and in all things asking ourselves the simple question, "What would a person of excellence do?".

I Will Never Surrender

2009-01-24T23:31:00.003-05:00

Air Force Major George Day was a 41 year old veteran of war and combat, in World War II and Korea, and on an August morning in 1967 he was in his third war flying one more mission. This mission seemed like all the others, until an enemy rocket slammed into his aircraft destroying it. It was then that Major Day's nightmare began, a nightmare that would last for the next six years of his life.

When ejecting from his aircraft, Major Day's body was slammed into the fuselage, breaking his arm in three places and damaging his left knee. Falling away from the debris around him, his parachute opened and on reaching the ground he was immediately captured and then severely beaten by the enemy. For the next two days, Major Day was tortured and spent most of that time hanging upside down by ropes. At last, an enemy medic crudely tried to set his broken arm, and the torture let up slightly. His injuries were judged so severe and his left knee so swollen that his captors felt Day was incapable of escaping. They loosely bound him, placing him in a cave for three days. Only, Day did escape. He was barefoot and injured, but he traveled south for two days. Day's feet were repeatedly cut by rocks and battle debris, but he refused to stop. He kept moving south. All around him, he could hear the sounds of the enemy and their dogs as they pursued him, day and night.

Major Day, with great will, for two days kept pushing himself. On the second night of his escape, he was unable to go on without rest. He found refuge, a place to hide, under a bush. In a sleep that would come and go, the night was suddenly shattered by a nearby explosion. The explosion was so close to him, that Major Day's body was thrown into the air, rupturing his eardrums and sinuses. Shrapnel had cut into his right leg, leaving large, open wounds. For two more days, vomiting blood and disoriented, he remained in the brush unable to move on. Finally, he began his movement toward the south and to what he believed would be his freedom.

Major Day traveled for what was several days, living on small meals of berries, and two frogs swallowed alive. He after having traveled for over a week, finally reached the Ben Hai River. The Ben Hai River marked the boundary of the Demilitarized Zone. Still having to hide from the enemy patrols during the day, he left his hiding place in the jungle at night and using a bamboo log floated across the river. (Don't forget the extent of his injuries already received). Major Day avoided the enemy patrols for another week, and came close to attracting the attention of American helicopters and aircraft. Wounded, weak and struggling he with an unbelievable strength continued south hoping now to meet an American patrol.

It was between the 12th to 15th day of having escaped that Major Day began to hear nearby sounds of American helicopters and artillery fire. Under the cover of night, he continued on until he had the basecamp in sight. Major Day knew if he approached the camp at night, that the American forces might easily mistake him for the enemy. So he lay down in the jungle to wait for the coming dawn. It was shortly before the sun rose, that Major Day looked up to see a North Vietnamese soldier pointing his gun at him. Unwilling to surrender, he attempted to escape yet once more, and was shot in his left hand and leg. Major Day was recaptured a day and a half later, and was returned to his original prison camp.

Major Day was refused medical treatment for his wounds and injuries, and soon the wounds were infected. He was continually tortured for two days, without any rest, before the enemy at last believed they had broken this man's will. The Major had answered their questions, but he had given false information to them. Though he appeared a broken man on the outside, the man on the inside was still standing tall. Day, physically was a wreck, and was transferred two months later north to the "Hoa Lo" prison camp. In Hoa Lo, his torture was continued by the enemy. The conditions here were barbaric, with American prisoners being tortured and humiliated year after year. In February of 1971, there were several American prisoners who gathered for a religious service, which was forbidden. It wasn't long before the enemy guards, enraged, rushed into the room with rifles pointed at the prisoners. There was one American who quickly stood to his feet, though ragged, battered and beaten, he was unbroken. This American was Major George Day. He while staring into the barrels of the enemy rifles began to sing "The Star Spangled Banner", the American National Anthem. Another prisoner beside him rose to his feet, Commander James B. Stockdale, the ranking American in the prisoner camp. Commander Stockdale joined Major Day in singing the song. Quickly the other prisoners around them joined in the singing, and then from throughout the camp could be heard the voices of other prisoners singing with them.

Five years later, Major George Day was awarded this nation's highest honor-The United States Congressional Medal of Honor, for the above actions. Please note the following which was a part of Major Day's Citation:

"Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."

I wonder if we still possess this type of character, and if we as Americans would be willing to pay this price if called upon. Major Day is without any doubt an American Hero. Do we have heroes like him left today? If once again, war should come, what will we find in the hearts and souls of our people. Will we too, refuse to surrender and fight no matter the cost, for this freedom we have. Let's keep America free.

Ragged Old Flag

2009-01-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

RAGGED OLD FLAG

I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it.

He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down.
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag."

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it writing _Oh Say Can You See_.
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams."

"And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag."

"On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp and low by the time it was through.
She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam."

"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused."

"And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.
And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more."

"So we raise her up every morning,
Take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground
And we fold her up right.
On second thought I DO like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag."

Written by Johnny Casht

America's Battle Cry

2009-01-21T22:28:00.006-05:00

Has there ever been a time in your life, when you heard someone speak so passionately that the speech moved you to action. In the early American Colonies, Patrick Henry, even as a young man had that type of influence when he spoke. He was a natural leader and a brilliant speaker, who believed very strongly in individual rights and independence from the British government.
In the year 1763, Patrick Henry astonished a courtroom audience with an eloquent defense based on the idea of natural rights. A political theory that stated humans are born with "certain inalienable" rights, this theory of course is central to our Declaration of Independence.

Patrick Henry was without a doubt one of America's greatest "Founding Fathers". He is believed by many to be the most famous orator of the American Revolution. In 1760, Patrick Henry was admitted to the bar, he also served in the following:
Virginia Patriot Convention
First Continental Congress
Virginia House of Burgesses
The Virginia Legislature
The Virginia Ratification Convention
Virginia's First Governor

Serving as the first governor of Virginia and in the state legislation, Patrick Henry continued to have a profound impact on the developing nation. He worked to have the first ten amendments (Bill of Rights) added to the Constitution. These rights guarantee certain freedoms, such as our freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Can you imagine our country without these rights today?

On March 23, 1775 in Richmond, Virginia at St. John's Church, Patrick Henry delivered his most famous speech. It was a fiery speech that served as the catalyst for the stand taken by the American patriots at Lexington and Concord--where the fight for our independence began. Patrick Henry was instrumental in giving the call that cried for Freedom.

In that historic speech, Patrick Henry cried out, "What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" I would ask that you take time to compare the spirit of Henry, with the spirit of the American people today. Tell me what it is that we hear from the majority of our fellow citizens today. What is the clarion call of America in this day that we live.

Our "battle cry" has become one of "Give me security". How much will we surrender, to believe that we have that "security"? It seems apparent that today, most of us are willing to have life and peace at the cost of chains and slavery. Just give me "security". America's war cry of "liberty or death" has become a "cry of surrender", as we continue to accept the loss of more of our constitutional liberties. When did we forget our history and our heritage? Why did we decide that security is more valuable than liberty? Have we lost our love for freedom and our loyalty to our Constitution?

We continue to dishonor our forefathers, and all those who came before us, who fought for our way of life and the freedoms we possess. Shame on us, shame on all of us. How can we forget? Is it that easy to step into a cage, and still believe we are free.

George Washington
"The thing that separates the American Christian from every other person on earth is the fact that he would rather die on his feet than live on his knees."

Samuel Adams
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home and leave us in peace. We seek not your council, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

Benjamin Franklin
"They that would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Once again, let us together sound the cry throughout this land, "Give me liberty or give me death"! Keep America free.

Alamo Courage

2009-01-19T23:07:00.003-05:00

It was one of the greatest examples of courage and "self-sacrifice" in our country's history, on that day of March 6, 1836. The defense of the Alamo. The 186 men of the Alamo, for more than 13 days, stood against an army of 4,000 seasoned warriors and refused to give up. Colonel Travis, realizing that no help would be coming from the outside and knowing that the army of Santa Anna would soon overrun the Alamo, addressed the heroes of the Alamo. He told them that their fate was to die for the cause of Liberty and for the freedom of Texas. Travis made clear their only choice would be in how they would die, and he then outlined three procedures for them:
First, they could rush the enemy, killing only a few but be massacred in a hand to hand fight with the enemy.
Second, they could surrender, which would lead to all their deaths by the Mexicans.
Third, they could remain in the Alamo and fight, defending it to the last man was dead and give the Texas army more time.

The 186 men of the Alamo chose the third procedure, facing certain death. The siege of the Alamo came to an end on the dawn of March 6, when it's heroes were all put to the sword. These great men had been given several opportunities to leave, yet they chose to remain, to fight and die. I wonder how these "heroes" must appear to this generation of Americans. It is easy to forget, that Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and Will Travis were real men with lives, families, hopes and dreams. Does this generation of spoiled Americans remember the cost? The men of the Alamo were real men, flesh and bone, just as you and I. There was, however, a difference in them I believe. They believed in Liberty so much, that their personal comforts and safety came second. They believed in Freedom and sacrificed their lives for it. Heroes.

Early on in the siege of the Alamo, Col. Travis penned these words to the people of Texas: "The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword...I have answered the demand with a cannon shot and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat...Victory or Death!" I would ask that you remember that Col. William Travis was only 23 years old, and that he had a small baby at home. Yet, he declared "Victory or Death", I will not surrender or retreat. The words of a young American hero in the face of death. I wonder how our young Americans today view William Travis and his sacrifice. Would they too, stand in the face of death and refuse to surrender or retreat.

In reading this simple account of the Alamo, remember that William Travis and these brave men didn't have organizations such as the ACLU telling them that they were intolerant and too narrow minded, with all these ideas and beliefs of patriotism and honor. There were no newspapers, magazines, anchormen or talk show hosts painting them as a group of wild and crazy extremists. They had never been taught in school that their forefathers and founders of the nation were just a bunch of losers. The men of the Alamo simply believed that America was great, "the land of the free". It was a part of them, instilled in them, that God was with them and would bless them. In the hearts of these 186 men, they knew that if their families and future generations were to remain free, they would have to fight to the end.

The courage and commitment of the men of the Alamo can never be forgotten. In a supreme act of devotion, they gave their lives that others could live free. In the lens of our country today, by current standards, the heroes of the Alamo seem foolish. They, after all, had no chance to win. Today, as we watch our "gutless, cowardly" political and religious leaders continue to compromise and give in to what is deemed politically correct--remember the men of the Alamo. In your own heart, make the commitment to stand for freedom and the principles this nation was founded upon. Refuse to surrender to compromise and being politically correct, hold our leaders accountable to the same standards and principles. Let the sound be heard throughout the land "Remember The Alamo".

This Day Choose-Health or Disease

2009-01-14T21:46:00.003-05:00

One of my posts, just a short time ago, was titled "The Body Toxic". In that posting I talked about our bodies and how they can become toxic, and then listed several symptoms which could indicate that our systems were in fact toxic. I have, since that posting, found myself studying and digging more and more into the "toxicity" of our bodies, and how we are effected by those toxins. It has been this study, that ultimately led me into other studies involving our health.

I have heard that the medical profession has been trained for "sick care" and not for "health care". A study, which was conducted at the Yale/New Haven Hospital, stated that 2,000,000 Americans find themselves hospitalized each year for "adverse reactions" from the side effects of drugs. These hospitalizations result in over 300,000 deaths. Can you imagine? Over 300,000 deaths from the side effects of "prescribed drugs"! These numbers do not include any deaths from unnecessary operations, necessary operations or other procedures administered by health professionals. It would almost seem, that more doctors, more surgeries, more drugs and more procedures have led to more disease and more death.

I would like for you to consider a Bible verse, from the book of I Corinthians:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God (your body), and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God (allow or place anything harmful in it), him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
(I Corinthians 3:16-17)

I would also like for you to read the following verse, from the book of Hosea:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6)

I have to believe it is our own lack of knowledge that has led us to sickness, and suffering when we did not have to. The majority of us have paid very poor attention to what we have allowed to enter our bodies. In this world there are only 2 systems operating. The first, of course, is the system of the world (drugs, surgeries, procedures) and the other is God's system of health (bringing total health by proper nutrition and the cleansing of the body). The truth today, is that over 97% of the people follow a very poor plan for feeding and caring for their bodies. Then once sickness and/or disease comes, they wonder how it has happened. The daily ingestion of toxins defiles our bodies, and later defiles our blood where they arrive. If you and I allow our bodies to be polluted by poor habits of eating and lifestyle, then our bodies will reap the "poor" results of those choices. Often, those results are destructive to our bodies.

Once we find that we have a sickness or a disease (the poor results), we rush to our doctors believing that surely they can prescribe a "drug" that will destroy the disease or alleviate the sickness. After all, the mindset of our medical professionals is - kill the virus, kill the bacteria, kill the disease, and kill the tumor. Did you know that you can't kill a "microbe" without killing a part of you along with it? I have read that medical students are really only taught 2 methods of treating disease. Method 1- you cut it out. Method 2- you destroy it with drugs, chemo or radiation. And, if one drug doesn't work---let's keep on trying, there are hundreds out there, surely one will work. While, all the time, most often they are only treating the "symptoms" and not the disease.

There is a very positive and effective method that has been found to prevent and reverse degenerative diseases. We must establish and support health by feeding our built-in and self-healing systems. In a healthy cellular environment, with a healthy immune system, the disease cannot survive. Again, we return to what we introduce or allow into our bodies. Does it support the bodies systems, or does it weaken them. In our bodies, it is either health or disease which will rule. Which is ruling your body today?

I don't know about you, but I believe that it is time that I commit to living the healthy lifestyle I know God would approve of. A lifestyle that will promote healing in my body, and allow me to live a full and long life, filled with vitality and energy. I welcome your comments, and until the next time, God Bless.

Bluegrass Entertainers of the Year

2009-01-12T22:56:00.002-05:00

These two gentlemen, are taking the Bluegrass scene by storm. If you happen to like this video, check out Mountain Sounds and Mountain Echoes for more of their music. Dailey and Vincent.
Until the next time.

Libya Cries Out for Arabs To Attack Israel

2009-01-12T21:46:00.006-05:00

Thousands of protesters rally against Israel

By OMAR SINAN, Associated Press Writer Omar Sinan, Associated Press Writer – Fri Jan 9, 2:54 pm ET

CAIRO, Egypt – An estimated 50,000 people protested in the Egyptian coastal city of Alexandria after Friday prayers, joining thousands of people in more than a dozen cities in the Middle East and elsewhere rallying against the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The protests coincided with a call from Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi for Arab countries to allow their citizens to fight the Israelis in Gaza — the strongest such push by an Arab leader since Israel began its operation against the militant Palestinian group Hamas two weeks ago.

"I call on the Arabs to open the gate for volunteers to fight with the Palestinians," Libya's official news agency JANA quoted Gadhafi as saying.

The protesters who thronged the streets of Alexandria berated Egypt for not opening its border with Gaza, chanting "Shame on Egypt." Egypt has allowed a trickle of wounded Palestinians to enter the country but has resisted demands to grant more of Gaza's 1.4 million citizens entry.

The leader of Friday prayers in the Iranian capital of Tehran also criticized Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak for not opening the country's border with Gaza.

"Are you a servant of Israel?" said Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati before thousands of Iranians took to the streets chanting "Death to Israel" and "Death to America."

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Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi has issued the strongest call by an Arab leader for other nations to join the fight against the nation of Israel. Across the world, and certainly within the Middle East, nation after nation is rising up condemning Israel and demanding they withdraw from Gaza. It will bear watching, how Gadhfi will position Libya as the conflict in Gaza continues.

Kenny Hinson

2009-01-08T22:43:00.002-05:00

I grew up listening to the sounds of Bluegrass, Country and Gospel music, though not necessarily in that order. I can remember listening for hours to a Gospel group called "The Hinsons", and man did I love to hear Kenny Hinson sing. Kenny had that unique voice, that could just draw you in. Kenny Hinson died in 1995, too soon and too young, from cancer. All these years later, and I still love to sit down and listen to his recordings as he sings. Kenny Hinson has to be my all time favorite Gospel singer, and as you listen to the videos below, I hope you too can say "One of God's greatest gifts, the voice of Kenny Hinson".

God bless, until the next time. Take time out to hear this man sing.

Kenny Hinson singing "The Lighthouse"

2009-01-08T22:37:00.004-05:00

Turkey and an Islamic Allliance?

2009-01-06T22:08:00.006-05:00

The Jerusalem Post, posted the following article on 1-5-2209:

Israel: Erdogan's words 'unacceptable'

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's toxic comments Sunday that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip would lead to punishment from Allah and Israel's "self-destruction" drew a protest from the Foreign Ministry, which told Turkey's ambassador to Israel that these words were "unacceptable" among friendly nations.

Erdogan, speaking at a municipal election campaign rally in Anatolia, said Israel was "perpetrating inhuman actions which would bring it to self-destruction. Allah will sooner or later punish those who transgress the rights of innocents."

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It wasn't very long ago, that I posted my belief that the leader of the forces who would come against Israel in the end times would be "Turkey", and that the Anti-Christ would be of that same country. No, I'm not saying that Erdogan is the Anti-Christ, but I would suggest that you view the recent events in the Middle East and Turkey's role in these events. Erdogan has in fact played the part of a "peace mediator" between Israel and Syria, but as you can see from The Post's article above, he has revealed himself.

Erdogan in stating that Allah will punish Israel, testifies of his strong Islamic beliefs. The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejah has stated that the "Four countries of Iran, Turkey, Syria and Iraq" have always held continuous talks. He went on to say that the economic, cultural, political, security, joint investment, campaign against terrorism and organized crime issues make it necessary for the "four" countries to act harmoniously with each other. Ahmadinejah in speaking of the Turkey-Iran relationship made the following statement "Iran and Turkey have deep-rooted, historic ties and we regard Turkey's progress as our own country's progress, being sure that the people of Turkey have the same feeling about Iran." I am sure you can see the "relationship" that exists between these two countries. Iran's President even made yet another statement which allows us to see a glimpse inside the plans of Turkey and Iran, "The two countries wish to expand ties as far and wide and possible and their officials, too, are obliged to abide by their nations' demands. We trust both the Turkish nation and the Turkish Government, we like them, and we like them very much." Prophetically, I can't help but believe we are seeing prophecy fulfilled and again, signs that point toward the soon coming attack of Israel.

It is interesting to note that the four nations of Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq are now working together politically, culturally and economically...as partners. Could these four countries now be forming an Islamic Alliance that will come against the nation of Israel? We know that the nation of Iran seeks the destruction of Israel, desiring to see it "wiped from the face of the earth". Iraq's history tells us of their hatred for Israel, as does Syria's. Today, we are also able to discern Turkey's intent as well. I would ask that you keep a close watch on the country of Turkey and it's involvement in any regards to the nation of Israel, as well as it's continuing relationships with Iran, Syria and Iraq. Until the next time. I welcome your comments.

Shooting Creek, North Carolina

2009-01-05T22:30:00.004-05:00

I have always said, that growing up in mountains of Western North Carolina and later leaving, I never fully appreciated the wonder and beauty until I was no longer a part of it. Now, every time I return home to visit my family, the mountains become more and more special with each trip. The bottom picture above, is the community of Shooting Creek, where I grew up. My family still lives there, as they have for many years, as does the younger generation now growing up there.

If you should ever have the opportunity, and you're passing near by, take time to travel down Hwy 64 through Shooting Creek, N.C. I'm sure you will enjoy the trip, and have a "memory" of a place filled, still, with the wonder of God's creative hand. Who knows, we just might run into each other.

The Body Toxic

2009-01-02T22:12:00.003-05:00

Did you know that one of the major causes for diseases in our bodies is the slow accumulation of toxins in our body, coupled with poor nutrition? I have always been aware of toxins, but I don't think I was ever fully aware of just how much this build up could be and is affecting our bodies.

I have learned that these toxins will settle where our cells are the weakest. It is then that the cell membranes are coated with accumulated waste matter, unable to breathe the way they should and eventually die. It is the proper elimination of these toxins and waste, while we supply our bodies with proper nutrition that will help keep us healthy. Truthfully, I have learned that most of us are overfed, but very poorly nourished. We, for some reason, continue to eat foods of no value, drink contaminated drinks, continually consume empty calories while swallowing artificial sweeteners, pesticides, herbicides and a host of other poisons.

I suppose its because that no one dies from the first potato chip or soft drink, that anyone would ever associate their physical or mental problems with what they have ate, drank, smoked or breathed for years of their lives. It is then very easy to "take a pill" when we get sick from our "pattern of living", totally oblivious or not caring about the side effects of the drugs.

The blood is said to either be a "River of Life" or a "River of Disease", it has to be one of the two. The Bible tells us that "The life of the flesh is in the blood"--Lev.17:11. A statement warning us of just how important the "blood" is to our bodies. It is the blood that delivers the needed substances for our cells to survive. I have become painfully aware, that whatever we breathe, ingest, or what touches us topically will end up in the bloodstream. Our blood will deliver to our cells the nutrients we need or the toxins we don't need. Each of us, you and I, have a weak system, or organ, where these toxins will tend to migrate to and take up residence.

You and I are continually exposed to so many toxins, found in the air we breathe, the water we drink and of course, in the foods we eat. I have found that there are over 10,000 chemicals utilized in food processing, and many of these can and do remain in our bodies for years. Day in and day out, our systems are pounded with these toxins (poisons), until they have an adverse effect these systems of our bodies. Our immune system will eventually suffer, allowing these poisons into our bloodstream where they are manifested in a variety of symptoms.

I am including a list below of common signs to a "toxic body". I hope it will help you understand the devastating effect toxins are having on our bodies. No, I am not a doctor, but I am someone who believes if we find truth, we shouldn't run from it--but, that we should face it, while we learn and grow from it. I believe that there is much truth in the effect toxins are having our bodies, and its far past time we took action to become healthier. God bless, until the next time. I welcome your comments.

Signs of A Toxic Body

1. Chronic fatigue and lack of energy even after sleeping through the night.
2. Inability to get quality sleep.
3. Restlessness and agitation during the day and night.
4. Sudden onset of weight gain and noticeably slower metabolism.
5. Allergic reactions to things you were never allergic to before.
6. More intense seasonal allergies.
7. More intense allergies to pets, dust, pollen, etc.
8. Sudden onset of chemical sensitivities.
9. Intense cravings to constantly eat without ever feeling satisfied.
10. Constipation (don’t go to the bathroom at least 2-3 times per day).
11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
12. Acid reflux.
13. Poor digestion.
14. Bad breath.
15. Persistent bad gas.
16. Body odor.
17. Poor circulation.
18. Muscle pains and joint aches.
19. Chronic back pain, sciatica and leg pain.
20. Brain fog and lack of mental alertness.
21. Poor memory.
22. Swollen lymph nodes.
23. Frequent headaches.
24. Irritability.
25. Yellowing of eyes.
26. Rashes and skin problems (i.e. acne, rosacea, eczema, brown spots, etc.).
27. Depression.
28. Pre-mature aging.

29. Brittle bones and soft teeth.
30. Vision impairment.
31. Fibromyalgia.
32. Cancer.

Ships of My Navy Career

2008-12-25T22:32:00.012-05:00

I often go back in time, remembering my days of traveling around the world with the US Navy, on the ships I was given the opportunity to serve aboard. I served aboard 5 ships and left the Navy with 12 years at sea, out of my 15 years of service. I spent a lot of time on ships as you can see. I find myself missing the travel, the countries I visited, the cultures I experienced and the lifestyle of living in the military. I have many times said, the greatest man I have ever met was while I was serving in the US Navy, and that is still true today. He was a great influence on my life, and helped form the man I am today.

I am posting some pictures of the ships I served aboard and traveled the oceans on. I served on two destroyers, and three aircraft carriers. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

The ships in order (from the top down):

1. The USS Enterprise CVN-65
2. The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
3. The USS Forrestal CVA-59
4. The USS Charles F. Adams DDG-2
5. The USS Dyess DD-880

Illegal or Foreign Nationals?

2008-12-25T21:34:00.009-05:00

I would like to share the following article which can be found on WorldNetDaily.com. I came across it doing some research and found myself not wanting to believe a member of our judicial system could actually do this. I stand by the fact that the word "illegal" means that there has been a violation of a law. Anyone entering this country, in violation of our laws, therefore would be termed an "illegal" immigrant. If this term is found to be insensitive, then perhaps these "illegals" should not have violated our laws in the first place. Laws which were established for a purpose, and laws which many have abided by to become citizens of our country.

One of the terms being sought for use is "foreign nationals". Of course they are indeed foreign nationals, but if they have entered the U.S. illegally, they still are "illegal immigrants". Again, I say the term is correct and proper. It really isn't the correctness of the term we are dealing with here, it is the "bias" we are seeing by the judge who wants the term removed. I completely agree with the writer of the below article, why not just call a drug dealer an "undocumented pharmacist". I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of of this type of "junk". And, yes...I do mean "junk". I welcome your comments.

DON'T THINK SO!

Court: Quit saying 'illegal aliens'
But critics say, 'Let's call drug dealers undocumented pharmacists'

Posted: November 08, 2008
12:40 am Eastern
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor stirred up a hornet's nest by endorsing a demand from the Hispanic Bar Association to censor words and phrases such as "illegal aliens" and "illegal immigrants" and substitute "foreign nationals" in court documents.

Then, when a blog at Judicial Watch reported on the instructions, court officials threatened to sue the government-watchdog organization, prompting its release of a statement defending the story.

The original report said the chief justice had agreed to forward to judges the Hispanic Bar's demands to alter the language in court opinions and documents.

Judicial Watch said, "In a strongly worded letter to the chief justice, Los Abogados' [Hispanic Bar Association] president says attaching an illegal status to a person establishes a brand of contemptibility, creates the appearance of anti-immigrant prejudice and tarnishes the image of courts as a place where disputes may be fairly resolved."

The letter, according to Judicial Watch, criticized the state's high court for using the term "illegals" in at least two opinions and the term "illegal aliens" in dozens of others.

Judicial Watch said the letter concludes with a list of acceptable and unacceptable terms relating to illegal immigration. Among the terms the group wants banned are "immigration crisis,' "immigration epidemic,' "open borders advocates", "anchor babies" and "invaders."

Acceptable terms are "foreign nationals," "unauthorized workers" and "human rights advocates," Judicial Watch said.

The report almost immediately was followed with a response from the court, Judicial Watch reported.

"The Arizona Supreme Court has threatened to sue Judicial Watch for revealing that its chief justice agreed to enforce a Hispanic Bar Association demand to ban the terms 'illegal' and 'aliens' in all of the state’s courtrooms," the organization said in a statement late today.

"In a threatening phone call to Judicial Watch today, a spokesperson for Arizona's Supreme Court denied that Chief Justice McGregor had banned anything and accused Judicial Watch of 'slander.' Judicial Watch, however, stands by its story," the organization said.

The letter, to which Judicial Watch provided a link, said McGregor took several steps to notify judges of the concerns raised by the bar association.

She confirmed she had provided copies of the demands to judges and concluded, "If Judge Song Ong has not already done so, I request that the Commissionon on Minorities in the Judiciary consider whether any further distribution of your request would be helpful."

The request from the Hispanic Bar Association, signed by Los Abogados President Lizzette Alameda Zubey and president-elect Salvador Ongaro, said it wanted McGregor to communicate "these points to all judges and court employees in Arizona so that none of these hurtful terms are used in Arizona court documents or proceedings again.

"Putting this in greater perspective, even a convicted murderer is never referred to as an 'illegal' because of that conviction," the bar association letter said.

"Those that use the terms as an instrument of hate know that it insults and incenses those that oppose their views," said the letter, which cited several court document uses of the terms.

"We believe it essential to ongoing public dialogue to eliminate hate speech in all forms and to strip away all vestiges of perceived bias," the group said.

It said acceptable terms are "undocumented immigrants," "foreign nationals," "persons without legal immigration status," "unauthorized workers" and "alleged or suspected undocumented immigrants."

However, the association said "illegals," "illegal aliens," "aliens," "resident or non-resident aliens," "illegal immigrants," "scratchbacks or wetbacks," "armies of immigrants," "invaders," "reconquistadores" and "anchor babies" should be banned.

On the Judicial Watch forums page the arguments included the technical.

"Yes, the concept of citizen implies that it can be legal or illegal, based upon the laws that confer citizenship in any particular jurisdiction. If members of a Supreme Court do not understand this, we are in a lot of trouble as a nation. God help us," wrote Gianni.

Others exhibited less patience with the request.

"If the Hispanic Bar likes that, then let's call drug dealers undocumented pharmacists, and home robbery suspects physical property adjusters," said the commenter. "I know a moron when I hear one."

They also got personal, "She must have gotten her law degree out of a box of Cracker Jacks," said another. "Calling an ILLEGAL ALIEN an 'undocumented immigrant,' 'unauthorized worker,' 'or 'human rights advocate' not only is non descriptive of the individual, it is the same as calling a burglar an 'unwanted house guest.' Get real!"

"How about felonious foreigner," suggested another.

Have We Lost The Will?

2008-12-21T13:40:00.003-05:00

Have we as a nation finally lost the will to be free? Have we lost the will to defend our country and remain a sovereign nation? How much will we give up, how much will we sacrifice, before its too late? What is the fate of our nation, if President-Elect Obama awards amnesty to over 20 million illegal immigrants?

I have often wondered, if instead of calling it illegal immigration, we shouldn't be calling it a "foreign invasion". The ramifications of this invasion are just as dramatic and destructive as any "terrorist" act. This invasion is spreading across our country at such a rapid rate, its hard to comprehend just how it can be happening. I live here in the beautiful mountains of Eastern Tennessee, and here are some statistics regarding Tennessee:

1. Between the years of 2000 - 20004 the Hispanic population of 3 counties grew by over 70%.
2. In Robertson county it grew by over 95%!
3. In 7 other Tennessee counties, it grew by over 45%.

The state of Tennessee is not a "border state", but what is taking place here in Tennessee is happening all across America. At an alarming rate. Consider the costs (as I have blogged about earlier) associated with this invasion.

These numbers were released in 2006, so today, they are even more. The costs to American taxpayers:

1. Education $22.5 Billion
2. Bi-lingual Education $3.3 Billion
3. SSI $2.9 Billion
4. Social Security $24.8 Billion
5. Housing $2.6 Billion
6. Criminal Justice $2.6 Billion
7. Americans Losing Jobs $10.8 Billion
8. Food Stamps $7.0 Billion
9. Health Care $1.4 Billion

The greatest threat I believe, is the potential for terrorist activity that this massive invasion brings. How many of these "illegals" have criminal records when they enter the U.S., and how many are currently wanted for criminal charges? How many of these "illegal invaders" have been trained and then brought across our border for the purpose of attacking our people and our nation? No one knows, no one. Mr. Obama doesn't have any idea, nor does any of his chosen few. We do know, however, that a significant majority of our prison population is composed of these illegals. Consider for a moment, with all the illegals already residing in America, with criminal records...how hard would it be for a foreign power to recruit and train them for terrorist activities. Not very hard at all, this of course, does not include those I have already mentioned that were recruited prior to entry into our country.

Have we lost the will to be free? When will stand up and say "enough is enough"? When will we demand of our leaders that action, true action, be taken to keep us free and to keep us safe? Secure our borders, now. Take action regarding all illegal immigrants, and forget giving them amnesty, only a ride to the border. I welcome your comments.

What's next?

2008-12-18T22:59:00.004-05:00

The Jacksonville News reported on December 16th, that a 9 year old girl in Clay County, had been accused of selling drugs. The drugs this young lady was accused of selling...were Vitamin C drops. The young girl's father is demanding answers as to how his daughter could be accused of selling drugs and now be facing possible punishment for handing out a Vitamin C drop.

The young forth grader during an interview, stated that her teacher had accused her of selling drugs in school. "She saw me with the cough drops out and I guess she saw me give it to one of my friends, and then like, 'Oh, I see this good business going on around you". The young girl then stated, that the teacher told her that she was selling drugs in school. The alleged drugs were the Halls Defense Vitamin C drops, which the girl's father had given her while she was getting over a cold. The father has yet to receive a letter or notification from the school in regards to the incident.

It is amazing that we have finally reached a place in our country, that a 9 year can actually be accused of selling drugs when it's a Vitamin C drop. How far will we go, before we realize we need to use a little "common sense". Vitamin C? Come on now, Vitamin C? What will be next? Chocolate? After all, it does have caffeine in its makeup, a known drug. Will we soon her of a child being accused of selling drugs, only to hear its a chocolate bar. I suppose there is also a section somewhere in the Patriot Act that states if a 9 year old is caught giving, trading or selling a Vitamin C drop, they are to be considered the enemy. It is easy for me to understand why so many of us are quickly becoming more and more disillusioned with the laws of our land. Where have all the sensible people gone? I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Israel's "Robo-Snipers" and Protecting Her Borders

2008-12-15T23:30:00.004-05:00

Israeli "Auto Kill Zone" Towers

Connected via fiber optics to a remote operator station
and a command-and-control center, each machine
gun-mounted station serves as a type of robotic sniper,
capable of enforcing a nearly 1,500-meter-deep no-go zone.

The United States, has been for a while now, trying to install a string of sensor-laden "sentry" towers along the U.S.-Mexico border. The purpose of the towers, of course, would be to detect illicit entry into the U.S. The attempt, thus far, has only achieved limited success. Israel, however, has constructed their own set of towers to guard their borders, and these towers include automatic guns.

The Israeli towers are basically what may be called a "remote weapons station", which are installed atop these towers. This tactic creates a predetermined set of "automated kill zones" by being able to network together remotely controlled machine guns, sensors and even drones. These towers will be positioned at intervals along the border covering the predetermined zones. The towers will be protected and secured by alarms, sensors and steel doors.

The U.S. has attempted to install a "virtual fence" along a 28 mile stretch on the Texas-Mexico border, but has been able to do so. Why can we not learn from our ally and apply their technology to securing our borders? After all, Israel will use their towers for the same purpose the U.S. would be using the "virtual fence" along our borders. I welcome your comments and your thoughts.

Ohio Sherriff Refuses to Process Heartless Evictions

2008-12-11T22:45:00.005-05:00

FOX 28

December 11, 2008

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — A sheriff in southwest Ohio has ordered deputies to ignore eviction orders when people have nowhere else to live.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones says evictions in winter weather and during an economic recession are heartless and those cases should be sent back to the courts and resolved some other way.

Jones on Tuesday ordered deputies to ensure that people have shelter before they’re forced out of their homes. He also sent a letter to Gov. Ted Strickland asking him to issue a state order to stop forced evictions for at least the winter months.

The sheriff could face court action if a bank or landlord challenges his refusal to honor a court-ordered eviction. Jones says he will face any consequences of his order.

Today, as I was reading some of my favorite news sites, I found this article about Sheriff Richard Jones up in Ohio. I was immediately intrigued by this man's willingness to take a stand on this issue,knowing that he may be prosecuted for failure to serve the evictions.

This is a case I believe will be worth watching, as it continues to evolve. Sheriff Jones has made it very clear that he will not place families on the street, in the cold of winter, with no place to go.
Sheriff Jones made the following statement during a recent interview:

“It doesn’t cost much for me to be compassionate, and I’m not going to cause somebody to die because I wasn’t compassionate,” Jones said."

Sheriff Jones, in his letter to the governor, went on to say:

"I am concerned that these people will not be able to find shelter and someone will die," the letter says. "This would be the equivalent of receiving the death penalty for being behind on your payments.

"In the meantime, if we discover that those being set out have no place to go and risk freezing and starving to death, I will refuse to serve this order and send the paperwork back to the courts," Jones wrote.

Sheriff Jones made it clear in his statements that his intent was not to break the law, but to find those families being evicted somewhere to go, before they were kicked out on the street. He stated that if his office should receive an eviction notice and it is discovered that the residents do not have shelter available for them and their children, that he would return the case to the courts until alternative housing could be found.

I believe here stands a Patriot, and a leader with a heart. This Sheriff, at the risk of being prosecuted, has taken a stand to make a difference. A difference, I know in the lives of many people who are now being evicted. I understand that the banks and mortgage companies need to be paid, but Sheriff Jones is saying "let's be humane" in the way we are going about doing this. I applaud Sheriff Jones as he continues to stand, and as he will allow the people to "judge him by his actions". I welcome your comments and thoughts.

Turkey and the Throne of the Antichrist

2008-12-09T22:40:00.002-05:00

I ended my last post, by stating that I believe the Antichrist will come from the modern country of Turkey. I know that there are many arguments for believing that the Antichrist will arise out of a restored "Roman Empire", or that he will emerge from Syria, but today I will try to present my reasons for believing he will come from Turkey.

The prophet in the book of Ezekiel gives us a list of ten countries which will come against and attack Israel in the future. These ten countries shall comprise the Antichrist's Empire. We find in the 38th Chapter of Ezekiel, that the prophet addresses the Antichrist by the name of "Gog". In a land that then was known as "Magog", this name "Gog" referred to the ruler(s) of that land. Ezekiel, in Chapter 38, specifies the countries which will be led by "Gog" and attack Israel.

These are the nations that will comprise the forces of the Antichrist:
Magog
Meschech
Tubal
Persia
Cush
Put
Gomer
Beth Togormah
and "many nations with you".

I find it interesting, that out of the eight nations listed, that seven of them are found in the book of Genesis as being the descendants of Noah and his sons. We know that bible scholars have been able to trace Noah's sons to certain locations and to a certain people in our modern world. Nations which you will see are primarily Islamic countries.

Meshek and Tubal

It is generally believed that these people lived south, of what today are known as the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. We know that today these nations would be Turkey, and parts of what are Southern Russia and Northern Iran.

Magog

The location of "Magog" has been, and is currently still debated by many people. Some believe that "Magog" is to be found in what is now Southern Russia, while others believe it is what is Syria or Turkey. There are ancient writings that tell us it is made up of Azerbajian, Afghanistan, Turkestan, Chechnya, Turkey, Iran and Dagestan. "Magog" in the book of Ezekiel is known as the "chief" of "Meshek and Tubal", and knowing that "Meshek and Tubal" were primarily in Turkey, it would follow that "Magog" most likely would be located in Turkey also. This would allow "Magog" to be able to rule over these two countries. We know from the scripture, that the Antichrist (Gog) shall come out of "Magog", which I believe to be Turkey.

Persia

It is no mystery that Persia has been identified as Iran. In fact, many Iranians, as well as a host of other people, still refer to Iran as Persia. We know that Iran is a nation of Muslims, and is a major player in the end time events.

Cush

"...and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolate waste from Migdol to Aswan , as far as the border of Cush."
Ezekiel 29:9-10

As the above scripture tells us, Cush was often related to the country of Egypt in the Bible. Many times scholars simply translated "Cush" as being Ethiopia, though I'm not sure that is a correct interpretation. We do know that this country was a country that bordered Egypt, and that the prophet Isaiah spoke of the rivers of Cush. So, we must look for a country that borders Egypt and is a country of many rivers. As we look at a map of the Middle East, we see only one country that fits this description, the country of Sudan. We find that out of Sudan, flow five rivers which feed the Nile River of Egypt. Sudan is also an Islamic country.

Put

We learn from the Bible, that Put is a area that is west of Egypt. The modern day country that is west of Egypt is Libya. This location has been generally accepted by most scholars, but some still include the nations of Algeria, Morocco and Tunis. Once more, we are able to see that these too are Islamic nations.

Gomer

It was known in the ancient times that Gomer was Gimarrai, located in the north of Asia Minor. This area was also known as Cappadocia, which today is "central Turkey". Again, we have a country which is Islamic.

Togarmah

We know that Togarmah was descended from Noah and within Assyrian records was know as "Tilgarimmu". In what was called Anatolia, Tilgarimmu was a city state. This area of Anatolia is the modern Turkey, at or near what is the Syrian border. This therefore, would be the southeastern part of Turkey. Once more, we find that of the eight countries listed to attack Israel, another one is found in the modern day country of Turkey. We are able to see that five out of the eight countries are to be found in modern day Turkey. The other countries listed, being Libya, Sudan and Iran, with Turkey, surround the nation of Israel. The Islamic forces of the Antichrist cover Israel on every side.

The world of Islam awaits the one they call the "Mahdi", their leader and messiah. I believe that this man of sin, will be the Antichrist and shall arise out of the country of Turkey. The bible tells us that "satan's throne" resided in what is now Turkey, once more I believe satan will rule from this throne through the one known as the Antichrist. A Muslim, and the leader of the nations that will attack Israel.