Tommy Emmanuel - An Attitude of Excellence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

Turkey and an Islamic Allliance?

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

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

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.