What's In A Name?

Well, more great news from our society these days as there is a dispute about whether Rick Warren should "invoke the name of Jesus" when he prays on Inauguration Day. Wow, where have we gone as a nation and, more importantly, where are we headed?

After I read the article (which is posted below) I began to think about the times in God's Word where the phrase "name of Jesus" is used.

Here are just a few:

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." - John 20:31

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" - Acts 2:38

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus" - I Cor. 6:11

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" - Phil. 2:10

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Col. 3:17

Now here's the article (Associated Press) -

Warren's inauguration prayer could draw more ire -

President-elect Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural invocation drew one kind of protest. Whether the evangelical pastor offers the prayer in the name of Jesus may draw another.

At George W. Bush's 2001 swearing-in, the Revs. Franklin Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell were criticized for invoking Christ. The distinctly Christian reference at a national civic event offended some, and even prompted a lawsuit.

Warren did not answer directly when asked whether he would dedicate his prayer to Jesus. In a statement Tuesday to The Associated Press, Warren would say only that, "I'm a Christian pastor so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray."

"Prayers are not to be sermons, speeches, position statements nor political posturing. They are humble, personal appeals to God," Warren wrote. His spokesman would not elaborate.

Evangelicals generally expect their clergymen to use Jesus' name whenever and wherever they lead prayer. Many conservative Christians say cultural sensitivity goes way too far if it requires religious leaders to hide their beliefs.
"If Rick Warren does not pray in Jesus' name, some folks are going to be very disappointed," Caldwell said in a recent phone interview. "Since he's evangelical, his own tribe, if you will, will have some angst if he does not do that."

Advocates for gay rights protested Obama's decision to give Warren a prominent role at the swearing-in. The California megachurch founder supported Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in his home state. Obama defended his choice, saying he wanted the event to reflect diverse views and insisting he remains a "fierce advocate" of equal rights for gays.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery, a United Methodist who is considered the dean of the civil rights movement, said he hasn't yet written the benediction for the Jan. 20 ceremony. But he said "whatever religion the person represents, I think he has a right to be true to his religion."

Caldwell, also a Methodist, said no one from the Bush team told him what to say in his 2001 and 2005 benedictions.

The Houston pastor said he had "no intention whatsoever of offending" people when he quoted from Philippians and delivered the 2001 prayer "in the name that's above all other names, Jesus the Christ." In 2005, he still prayed in Jesus' name, but added the line, "respecting persons of all faiths." In the 2008 election, Caldwell supported Obama.

Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, who was a presence at presidential inaugurations for several decades, said it's wrong to expect members of any faith to change how they pray in public.

"For a Christian, especially for an evangelical pastor, the Bible teaches us that we are to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. How can a minister pray any other way?" Franklin Graham said. "If you don't want someone to pray in Jesus' name, don't invite an evangelical minister."

Graham, who in 2001 stepped in for his ailing father, ended the invocation with, "We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit."

The lawsuit, which claimed that inaugural prayer was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion, failed in federal court. It had been filed by atheist Michael Newdow, who separately sued to remove the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.

Billy Graham, now 90, didn't say Jesus' name during presidential inaugurations, but made obvious references to Christ.

At Richard Nixon's 1969 swearing-in, Graham prayed "in the Name of the Prince of Peace who shed His blood on the Cross that men might have eternal life." In 1997, for Bill Clinton's inaugural, Graham prayed "in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Leaders of other traditions with experience in interfaith work said they respected Christians who felt strongly that they should pray in Christ's name.

But they argued that a request for some modification is reasonable for a presidential inauguration, considering it's an event representing all Americans.

Imam Yahya Hendi, a Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University who travels to Muslim countries on behalf of the State Department, said that at interfaith events, he refers to Allah, or God, as "almighty creator of us all."
Rabbi Burt Visotzky, a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the flagship institution of Conservative Judaism, said he invokes "God" for interfaith prayer.

"I know that for Christians, Jesus is part of their Trinity," said Visotzky, who has taught at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and at Protestant seminaries in the U.S. "For me as a Jew, hearing the name of a first-century rabbi isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's not my God."

Well, there you have it. More of the same "post-Christian" thinking. Hard to believe that we are seeing it and living in it. I fear for the future of a country that was born out of respect to the Almighty God and now doesn't want to offend anyone by mentioning His name.

Parties, Parties and more Parties

One of my favorite things about Christmas time, besides honoring the birth of our Savior, is to have special times of fellowship with friends and family. The family will come next week when we go to Shreveport to be with my hubby's family.

But over the last few weeks we have had the opportunity to host a few parties and fellowship with precious friends that the Lord has placed in our lives.

Here are a few pictures.

These first pictures were taken at our house with our Sunday School class. We had a great time and we have an awesome group of people in this class. It is an honor to serve alongside each of them in learning and growing in Christ.

The second set of pictures was taken at our annual Ornament Exchange. This is given by my daughters and me at our home. We had 17 people this year and had an absolute blast! It's all ladies and we have snack food and then exchange ornaments with each other. This is one of my favorite get-togethers of the season!!

Then, every year, I celebrate a special luncheon with two of my special friends - Kathy & Sheri. We have known each other for over 12 years and have been doing this Christmas luncheon for about 5 or 6. I am thankful for both of them and the advice, love, tears and wisdom they have shared with me over the years. I love you gals!











And one last party that I host is for my ESL (English as a Second Language) and Spanish classes. I do this at the Learning Center in Hartwell. This year I had 5 ESL students and 5 Spanish students. We had a great time and I am so thankful for the friendships I have made and the opportunity to teach. God has truly blessed me in getting to know all of these lovely people.

Don't Miss It!

This is a lovely article written by Teddy Allen for the Shreveport Times and sent to me by my brother-in-law. Wow, it's not only deep and meaningful and thought-provoking, it's, well... just don't miss it....

To miss a chance like that-

"Only God could have thought of giving us Christmas," the pilgrim told me.
"I no longer wonder why the world turns again every year to the Babe born in the innkeeper's cattle shed," he said. "A baby bundled tightly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Simple enough to be new every year, miraculous enough to be eternal, tender enough to be personal. Only God would have done it that way.
"No official proclamation. No fuss. No Madison Avenue ad campaign. If man had done it he would have made a great production. But God did it the way God does so many things in the world. The coming of dawn and the setting of sun are quiet things. Sleep needs no trumpets to announce it. Flowers bloom in silence. Falling snow makes no more sound than the cat's paw. And so it was with the coming of the Savior of the World. Just the whimper of a baby, asleep on the hay.
"That's just like God," the pilgrim said. "Bethlehem tells us that the loveliness in life is not in the things that we possess, the titles and checkbook balances and plaques on the wall. Bethlehem tells us that the loveliness in life is in our relationships. 'Come see the baby. Come spend time with us, and come spend time with the baby ...'
"That long ago Judean night when Heaven dipped down to Earth, there were no costly jewels, no golden streets, but instead a place where God was at home in a stable ... a place where shepherds were as welcome as wise men ... a place where, for a moment, nothing in Creation was more important than a donkey who bore on his back a suffering woman, a woman of God's favor, a woman who stepped into a barn on the brink of the Fullness of Time and into a place where a stable filled with animals was a temple fit for a King.
"That's so like God. To send His one and only son into a place humble, a place where voices joined in chorus with the first cry of a newborn. There is nothing in the world so new as Christmas, and nothing in the world so old.
"Bethlehem tells us that God is awake while most all the world sleeps. It was while the world lay in darkness that God chose to come down to Earth. He came into a world of darkness then, He comes into a world of darkness now. Isn't it comforting to know that in a time of darkness and despair, God is always awake, is alive and is still ruling the universe?
"Christmas asks us to follow the star, to look for the light and to listen for the baby. Where there is light, there can be no dark, and so it was into the night that the baby came. The gift in the manger reminds us that the joy and truth of Christmas can be recaptured. There is nothing in the world like a baby. The whole silly world stops when a baby is born. God, a baby at Bethlehem ..."
"The wonder of it all ...""There is nothing as tragic as missing something of great importance when there was no reason to have missed it at all. Such was the experience of those who missed the first Christmas and the experience of those who miss Christmas today. One of those was the innkeeper in Bethlehem. He should not have missed it, because he was so close to it. He missed the Greatest and the Most Important Birth in all of history, right in his own backyard. This child of prophecy, this baby sent to restore and to redeem, born right under his nose. But he was so preoccupied with business, with noise and crowds and himself that he missed the first Christmas in history. He had no room.
"What a tragedy, to miss a chance like that."

An Apron for Christmas

Now what woman doesn't want to look cute in the kitchen this Christmas? I found this great blog, Deliberate Hope, and she is starting an apron business. You need to go there and look over the cute ones she's got. They would make great gifts for your favorite cook or wanna be cook. So get over there and check them out!!

Merry Tossmas With Stuart Shepherd

Keeping Christ in Christmas

I am amazed at how our culture continues in it's downward shift and spiral against all things Christian.

Yesterday, I called 411 on my cell phone to get a number and the operator ended the call with "Happy Holidays". You know, we don't want to "offend" anyone.

A friend of ours recently posted a note on his Facebook page that his daughter works for a large bank and they were told via Corporate Office to remove any Christmas trees that they might have put up in the lobby. As my friend noted, to speak against another religion is considered "hate speech", but speaking against Christianity and all symbols of it, is politically correct.

Listen, I'm determined to keep Christ in Christmas. I hope you are, too.

Do you have any stories to share of how you see the message of Christmas being changed?

I received this email recently and I love it!

This is a Christmas Tree

This is a Christmas Tree

This is a Christmas Tree

These are NOT Holiday Trees
They are not Hanukkah bushes
They are not Allah plants
They are Christmas trees. Say it...
CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas Yes CHRISTmas -not Holiday
We are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday!!!

We are
Celebrating the Birth of
Jesus Christ!!!
So I would like to say to each and everyone of you
Have a Very Merry CHRISTMAS
and may GOD BLESS each and every one of you!!!

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

Well, it's not exactly shouting grounds, but it'll do. The democrats were not able to gain the supermajority this time! Saxby Chambliss won the run-off race in Georgia! YEAH!!

Balance of Power

Get out and VOTE - TODAY!

One of the beautiful things about our constitution and the purposes set forth therein by our founding fathers, was a balance of power. That meaning that one body could not have all the power and thereby weild too much authority in one direction possibly going against the common good.

That is why it is so important that we Georgians vote in this election for Saxby Chambliss. We do not need a filibuster-proof Congress right now. With the Democrats in full control of both houses, we need some balance.

So, with that being said - get out and VOTE!

This Is How the Government Came Up With the Bailout Plan

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Do not wait for Thanksgiving!!

Give thanks right now for your spouse, children, family and friends. Give them a hug. Tell them you love them. Do not waste the opportunity.

A golfer tells the story of going to the driving range, and watching the other golfers. He was amazed how many shots they wasted, as long as their basket of balls was full. But then he could identify the ones who were getting low. He could see them taking their time, focusing on the reason they were there. He watched, and wondered why we take things for granted when we believe we have them in abundance. Too often we place no value on anything until we are about to run out. None of us knows how many balls are in our basket. No one knows have many days we have left on this earth. But I do know I have been given this day. What I can do is to make sure each day given me is not wasted. Live this day for a purpose. Do not waste it, or take it for granted.

As we move into the Thanksgiving week, please give thanks for your family. And please remember there are those who have lost theirs. And as you lay your head down each night this week, think about the day that is about to end. I remember the words to a song that Amy Grant used to sing:

"You can thank the Father for the things that He has done.

Thank Him for the things He's yet to do.

And if you've found a love that's faithful, if you've found a love that's true,

Thank the Lord; He's been doubly good to you."

"Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for it is the stuff life is made of." --Benjamin Franklin

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time." --Ephesians 5:15-16

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!!

Turkey Time

True/False Test

I received this test today in my email box. It's an encouraging perspective on things regarding our nation. It really has me looking at where my true faith and allegiances lie. It's not in a man or any government - but only in God alone!!

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order – (1) the Kingdom of God , (2) America, not vice-versa.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not
the government, will still be our salvation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

Amen, Hallelujah - This stuff will preach!!

Encouraging Post

Well, I'm about over my "pout" and ready to accept things regarding the election and the future of our country. I am a very black and white kind of person and it's so easy for me to get caught up in what I see as injustice and not be willing to immediately make the decision to "walk by faith and not by sight". But I am thankful for a God that loves me just the way I am and knows my heart.

I received this email today from a friend of mine who lives in Virginia. She has a relative that went to Evangel College in Springfield, MO (one of the Assemblies of God schools) and sat under Professor Holsinger.

He is the author of the email and I found it very encouraging and edifying:

"I was up at 6 this morning. And you know what, the Sun came up as usual. God is apparently still in charge of His World.

America, (unlike so many other countries), had Founding Fathers and Mothers who built into our "Constitutional form" what we call checks and balances to prevent ALL power from ever being given to any entity by an implosive moment.

The current ,and more conservative and thoughtful Supreme Cout (that was strengthened by Bush appointments), and the inability of the Senate to approve laws too quickly or make impulsive change because of its rules does show the wisdom of our Founders. They not only set up 'checks & balances', but wisely stressed that our Rights do not come from government and the words and laws of politicians, but rather they come from God. That means that Americans have been taught to believe that only God could take them away -- not the government. It is a good emphasis.

God has given all men Freedom of Choice. That is an awesome privilege and also responsibility. Imagine, God giving us the right to make choices that He does not approve of ! But the other side of that privilege is that we must then live with the consequences of such decisions -- whether they were wise or foolish. That is awesome and scary.

BUT, God, (being ever merciful and compassionate), has given us in His Holy Word instruction that He can keep us form the worst of the consequences of our foolish decisions.

We all know the words of St. Paul that we should pray for rulers and God will then bring blessing to our nation. [We must keep in mind that God was talking about an evil and wicked ruler, Nero, put into office by the people. And, incidentally, the same thing happened in Israel when they foolishly wanted a king.] But PRAYER, ( God has told us), can alter the evil consequences of poor political choices.

So this is OUR Christian opportunity and guidance in history.

In perplexing moments, I frequently find God's encouragement and instruction in the great hymns of our Protestant piety. I took time this morning to read and affirm the truth of Martin Luther's great hymn (A Mighty Fortress) and also the encouraging words of "This is My Father's World" (written in the confusing times of the late 1800's). I read them and affirmed with their writers that 'even though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, we will not fear for God has willed His Truth to triumph through us' ; and that 'this is My Father's World, and though the wrong is oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.'

It is joyous and comforting to affirm God's truth.

So this is NOT a time for despair. We affirm God's great Truth with the millions of Christians throughout the ages that "God is the Ruler yet" and we PRAY as He told us to do 'for rulers that we might live peaceful lives' and then we KNOW and CAN AFFIRM that God is going to turn difficulties into good.

May all of us Christians here in America do what God has told us to do in regard to our political situations. We should affirm once again His Rulership of our Lives and of His World. We know that if we do this, He is going to Bless our Land and protect and guide our lives and those of our friends and families.

Despair is not a word in the Christian vocabulary.

Blessings on you. And may God Bless America and help our nation to continue to fulfill His Purposes in His World."

AMEN!!

The Votes Are In and.....Where Have All the Christians Gone?

Wow, I really can't believe it, but it happened. The most liberal senator in our land has become our 44th president.
I'll get over my shock and there will come a day soon when I will obey scripture and begin to pray for this man but....
Where have all the Christians gone?
The exact exit polls aren't tabulated yet, but according to statistics that were recently taken and what is already known, some 45% to 55% of people who call themselves evangelical Christians voted for Barack Obama.
I find this mind-boggling.
I'm not against this man, per se, but I am against all that he stands for and wants to enact in our country.
For example: What's going to happen to the definition of traditional marriage? What's going to happen to laws and interest groups geared towards the homosexual community? And, probably the most important consequence, what's going to happen to all those precious unborn babies who will never be allowed the freedom to take their first gasp of air?
President Obama said the first bill he would pass would be the Freedom of Choice bill, which would set us back a good 15 to 20 years in the Pro-Life strides we have made.
That means:
Abortion on demand - doctors can be fined and lose their license if they don't perform abortions, even if their conscience won't let them. What about freedom of choice for doctors?
Abortion to under-age girls - young girls will not have to have parental consent to get abortions
Partial-Birth Abortion - this will be allowed up into the 9th month, regardless.
This election truly grieves my heart - but what grieves me most is that this is a true reflection of how our great land is eroding and the values and faith that have made this country the greatest country on earth are slowly but surely being stripped away.
It's no one's fault - but our own.

1 More B4 11 04

Move Over Joe the Plumber - Enter Tito the Builder

Let's Spread the Wealth

I wish I had thought of doing this.....

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign the read 'Vote Obama, I need the money.' I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed--just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application. OR IS IT.........REDISTRIBUTION OF SOMEONE ELSE'S WEALTH IS A GREAT IDEA..............or just a fool's political game !!

Can My One Vote Really Make a Difference?

For You Dawg Fans

This is the coolest bumper sticker ever. I got this from my friend Colleen who volunteers for the Republican party here in Georgia.

Go Dawgs - Go McCain!!

Why This Black Man (Huntley Brown) Is Not Voting For Obama

I found this interesting and moving article written by a black man who happens to believe that being a Christian is how he determines his identity before the color of his skin.

This is a long article, but well worth the read. I would love your comments:

Why I Can’t Vote For Obama-
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it’s worth repeating..
First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.
Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.
I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can’t dictate the terms, He does because He is the leader. I can’t vote black because I am black, I have to vote Christian because that’s who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won’t be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.
In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, to name a few, wrong, economic concerns will soon not matter.
We need to follow Martin Luther King’s words, “Don’t judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I don’t know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.
His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007. NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)
To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.
There is a reason planned parenthood gives him a 100 % rating.There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill. There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion. There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.
Lets take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.
The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedure
1. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby’s leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)2. The baby’s leg is pulled out into the birth canal.3. The abortionist delivers the baby’s entire body, except for the head.4. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby’s skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.5. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child’s brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed. God help him.
There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law. Think about this: you can’t give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.
There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright’s church for 20 years. Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright’s sermons. I wonder why now? Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?
Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a:
1. Commitment to the White Community 2. Commitment to the White Family 3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic 4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community 5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions 6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System 7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?
Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama’s former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside. This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can’t be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.
A church can’t have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if its a white church or a black church it’s still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.
Obama’s former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: ‘Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him." Cone is the man Obama’s mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?
So what does all this mean for the nation?
In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.
Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 ‘Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.’
Then God says: 1 Samuel 1:18 ‘ When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.’ 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.’ 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, ‘Listen to them and give them a king.’
Here is what we know for sure.
God is not schizophrenic-
He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.
Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.
For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four supreme court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.
I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama’s positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends:
Since we know someone’s value system has to be placed on the nation,
1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.
2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings,
Huntley Brown

A Note From Mike Huckabee

Imagine Obama as President...

We are a few weeks from the elections and as of today, the poll numbers indicate we have our work cut out for us. Americans are angry. VERY ANGRY. The recent bailout controversy has only stirred the seething rage that is bubbling up among taxpayers.

The sad thing about voter anger is that it's misdirected. While there is plenty of blame and fault to go around for both parties, there really is hard evidence that John McCain tried in vain to get attention focused on the totally absurd lending practices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that are at the heart of the meltdown. Barack Obama is the second highest recipient of political cash from the big bosses of these entities, and one of his economic advisors Franklin Raines took over $90 million in bonuses from Fannie Mae. That's right---$90 MILLION. Do you really think that Barack Obama will lead "reform" of a system that his advisors have helped create?

His radical views on when life begins and his priority of protecting abortion rights over the right to life for the unborn are beyond most of even the most extreme leftists. His work with ACORN, a radical political organization is especially noteworthy in light of the fact that ACORN received over $760 million in "fees" from banks to help push people into "N.I.N.J.A. loans." (These are loans made to people with No Income; No Job; and No Assets, thus NINJA loans.)

Imagine Obama as President and Democrats holding majorities in the House and with a possible 60 vote margin Senate.

Goodbye, 2nd amendment rights.

Goodbye, protection for the unborn.

Goodbye, tax breaks.

Goodbye, diligence against state sponsored terrorism from rogue governments like Iran, North Korea, and others.

Goodbye, parental rights as a fundamental right to not be supplanted by the government.

Goodbye, holding traditional marriage as one man, one woman for life.

I'm not ready to accept that.I want you to join me in the final days to push for Republican candidates, starting with John McCain and Sarah Palin, down to those running for the state legislature to stand for something. Stand for life, for marriage, for the Fair Tax, for our 2nd amendment rights, Fight for the pre-eminent role of mothers and fathers in raising their children, for lower taxes, for controls on government spending, and Demand an end to the disgusting corruption of Washington that led to this massive economic meltdown.

Email or call your friends and family. Share with them what is at stake. Make a contribution to a favorite candidate or support my PAC with a contribution. Volunteer locally.

The stakes are real. The threat to our families growing.

Fighting to the end,
Mike Huckabee

Great Quote

I don't know who said it, but a friend shared this thought provoking quote with me recently,

"Faith that does not change your life, may not have saved your soul."

Sorry Folks, but I gotta RANT!!

Okay, as sick as I am of the politics and the pundits I do have to do a bit of "ranting" here.

I'm having a bit of difficulty understanding how people that call themselves Christians can turn around and say they're voting for a particular candidate.

Okay, before you "x" out of my blog, please hear me out. I'm not saying I question a person's heart or am judging someone's heart, that is a "God" matter. I don't claim to see into anyone's heart. But, the big question and one I need clarification on is this: if a person is believing in God and living for Jesus Christ and living according to the Scriptures, then how can said person vote for a candidate who does not believe in the sanctify of life and does not believe in marriage being defined as the union between one man and one woman and does believe that homosexuality is okay?

Forget about the other issues; economy, foreign affairs, the war, etc...

Listen folks, if we don't get this right, we won't have to worry about our economy. I believe God is going to judge this nation and judge it hard. We have strayed so far from what our founding fathers set in place for this country. We have strayed so far from God's Word and from living out that Word in our lives and our value systems. It is apalling. It is scary. It is a wake up call.

Anybody - Everybody - IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!!!

1 John 1:8-10 (New International Version)

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.

Gentle Reminders

Recently, while at church and praying during our "after service" worship time, I was just kind of sitting there and I guess I was sort of complaining and grumbling to the Lord about how bad I was feeling, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.... you get the picture.

Anyway, it was as if the Lord gently nudged my spirit and told me to look at the altar area. So, I lifted up my head and looked at the altar and guess what I saw?

All three of my children were at the altar and were worshipping the Lord. All three of them had either their hands raised or were in a bowed position before the Lord. The Lord then reminded me of how blessed I was and how I should be grateful to Him for the incredible things He has already done. I immediately snapped out of my "piteous stupor" and praised Him.

Isn't that how it is with us? We so quickly forget all He has done for us. The cry of my heart since my kids were born has been that they would grow up to love and serve our Father. It's so easy to get our eyes off of what God IS doing and start looking at what WE think should be happening.

It really was a wake up call for me. God is trying to teach this thick-headed, stubborn, servant of His just how much He has poured out His kindness and mercy to me already and how much He does on a daily basis.

His mercies are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness!!

Top Selling Shoes

These shoes are selling fast in stores in Louisiana and Texas right now.

Momentary Light Affliction

I happened upon this scripture today because I have had on my mind all day today and all day yesterday an excerpt from a verse, "momentary light affliction". I feel as if I've been experiencing a good bit of that lately.

I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say I've been struggling with some physical stuff and it was really starting to wear on me. It's been going on for well over six months now and I just was starting to get really (as my hubby says) "sick and tired of being sick and tired"!!

God has used several other blogs and several people to encourage me in this trying time. I've been anointed with oil by the elders in our church and have done all in my power that I could do.

I now feel as if I am on the upswing of whatever it has been, but God has been encouraging me and speaking to me in so many ways that He wants me to grow up in Him and become more like His precious Son. But, for some reason, when you don't feel well physically, it just seems to affect everything else. It does for me anyway. I guess the Lord wants me to get to the place where I'm totally reliant on Him regardless of my circumstances.

Can I tell you ~ I am nowhere near that point. I fail so miserably in this area; which, in itself, is almost discouraging. But, I do know He loves me and doesn't give up on me!!

The following passage of scripture is referring to the Apostle Paul in his journeys and the persecution that he was experiencing and suffering because of his sharing the Gospel. I do believe the message can be applied to any trial and suffering we are experiencing. My point is that whatever I suffer is very miniscule compared to what Jesus suffered or even what Paul suffered or any other martyr or persecuted Christian. Here I am complaining and having a pity party about what I'm suffering and people are losing their lives for the Gospel's sake every day. What's the message to me? Don't lose heart. It really is a very light affliction. It's also momentary compared to the eternal reward it will bring. "For the momentary light affliction is producing in me an eternal weight of glory far beyond comparison. "

So, anyway, here is the scripture passage that spoke to me today. It's 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

1Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
2but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.
6For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
8we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
10always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12So death works in us, but life in you.
13But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE," we also believe, therefore we also speak,
14knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
15For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Regardless of what you think of Sarah Palin, this is a must see!!

I love this cartoon. Enjoy ~

I Really Had to Call 911 Yesterday!!

So weird, but true. My last post was regarding calling 911. But, I was referring to Psalm 91:1; one of my favorite verses and one I have been hanging on to lately. I am needing to be in that 'secret place' on a consistent basis.

Anyway, yesterday, our oldest daughter calls me and says she's been in a wreck. Everything was okay, another car rear-ended her close to our house. She said they had tried to call the police and were "put on hold". That doesn't sound right, but I'm not surprised. Anyway, I did call 911, I don't think I've ever done that before. No, I take that back, when my son had a really low blood sugar about 4 years ago, I had to call 911.

So, anyway, have any of you ever had to call 911 before?

And, remember, we should all be calling on Psalm 91:1, the Most High, daily, and aren't you glad that when we call on the Lord, we're never put on hold~~AMEN!

If You Need Help, Call 911

Psalm 91:1:

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."


"In the secret, in the quiet place -
in the stillness, You are there,
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
only for You,
'cause I want to know you, Lord.

I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more.

I want to touch You,
I want to see Your face,
I want to know You more.

Great Post

Here's a great post that needs to be shared. This article was written by Fred McKinnon (Fred McKinnon is the Founder and Publisher of TheWorshipCommunity.Com. He's also the Worship Director for St. Simons Community Church) Here's the link. And, by the way, I still believe, too!!

"Dear Worship Community,

I write this article today from my home office and studio. Looking outside my windows I can see the rain and wind increasing from Tropical Storm Fay. Although she is located several hours south of our home I can see and feel her presence. As the sky grows darker and more ominous I can’t help but think of the storm we’ve encountered over the last twenty four hours in the world’s worshiping communities.

Breaking across the news, forums, blogs, and twitter we all became aware of a great disappointment involving Mike Guglielmucci, author of the smashing hit song, “Healer”. Many who are familiar with this song and Mike’s story would read this and immediately think “Mike has passed away. He lost his battle with cancer”.

Sadly, that is not the disappointment and sorrow that we embraced yesterday. On the contrary, we learned the terrible news that Mike Guglielmucci’s story of his terminal disease, his battle with cancer, and who knows what else …. was a lie. One of the original stories was published in this Australian news site.

So as worshipers, many of whom have promoted this song, the now-famous video testimony, and the recordings, we find ourselves tossing back and forth with waves of emotion including anger, grief, frustration, bitterness, pity … and the list goes on and on. Many of us have shown the video of this false testimony to our churches, our friends, and even our sick loved ones.

This comes on the heels of continued announcements of sin and moral failure from other well-known ministers including Todd Bentley of the “Lakeland Revival”.

How do we address the elevation of people and songs into the world’s view? More importantly - how do we handle it when these “vessels” break?
Events like these invoke such incredible emotions and questions. With today’s technology it’s not uncommon for a person, a song, a ministry, or an event to become world-famous within a few weeks. How do we handle the fame?
How do we address the elevation of people and songs into the world’s view? More importantly - how do we handle it when these “vessels” break?

The news came pouring into my inbox yesterday morning. I was scheduled to lead an hour of worship and prayer at my home church, St. Simons Community Church. I arrived for prayer, sat down at the keyboard, and looked across the congregation. With authentic disclosure I leaned into the mic and said, “I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to worship. I don’t want to sing. I’m frustrated. I’m disappointed and disillusioned”. Jumping into a super-spiritual time of worship would have been fake and fabricated - just as much as the story Mike Guglielmucci has told us. I gave a quick, 2-3 minute recap of the morning’s events and just sat back for prayer.

One of the men in the congregation spoke out and brought forth a reading from God’s Word that I believe is incredibly relevant to this situation.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, …

Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)

I love how “The Message” translation covers verses 18-19:

18 So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I’m going to keep that celebration going 19 because I know how it’s going to turn out.

Men and women of God, we must remember this truth. God has given us His light. We are to be His glory here in the earth. However, the all-wise God of the Universe chose to put Himself in us, a people who despite all the wonderful glory of God are “prone to wander” as the hymn writer of “Come Thou Fount” so poetically puts it.

Paul speaks to this in 2 Corinthians:

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all‑surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor. 4:7)

We are these earthen, clay vessels. The thing about earthen, clay vessels is that they are fragile. They can break. So when vessels break, how do we respond? Biblical discipline should be exercised through the local church. I’m grateful to see this is happening. The position of influence and honor should be removed. Restoration should begin. Healing should be sought. Prayer should be offered.

As I have pondered these events, I’m somewhat at peace by the reminder that none of this surprised God. He wasn’t caught off guard. As much as this sin and failure grieves Him and His Church, He is still in control.

We do not know the heart or motives of Mike Guglielmucci, Todd Bentley, or other ministers who have had their sins exposed on a worldwide level. We certainly must confess that we’re all capable of such sin. We must ask ourselves how the Church would respond if all of our secret sins, thoughts, motives, and selfish ambitions were exposed for the world to see.

With this in mind, we have to ask ourselves this question - does the breaking of the vessel disqualify what the vessel produced? Is the song tainted? Honestly, the true motive behind the creation of these lyrics and this beautiful, anthemic melody is still unknown. We cannot (and should not) accurately judge that at this time with our limited information. Still, aren’t these lyrics still true? Do they not express God’s redemption and healing grace? Do they not uplift and edify the sick, the weak and the weary?

Lastly, could it be that God will use any vessel (weak, strong, broken, tainted) to accomplish His will?
Lastly, could it be that God will use any vessel (weak, strong, broken, tainted) to accomplish His will? I believe we can go to Scripture and see God using the weak to confound the wise. He uses wicked Kings and rulers to further His plan. He uses prostitutes and yes, even donkeys. He uses you and me.

These actions, like Tropical Storm Fay, are sending out their effects. The rock has been thrown into the water, and the ripples are racing across time. How will we, the Church, respond? Despite our frustration, let’s allow the local church and those in authority over these “broken vessels” their freedom to exercise discipline. For the rest of us, let us pray. Pray earnestly for those affected. Pray that God will be glorified in the midst of failure. Pray that “in our weakness, He will be strong”. Pray for wisdom to those involved in the music industry that have supported this song. Pray for Planetshakers, Hillsongs, and for Integrity Music. Pray for the tens of thousands of Believers that will be discouraged by high profile, public failure.

I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You’re my Portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need
My Healer, You’re my Healer
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

As for me ….

I STILL BELIEVE."

More Pics

Our beautiful children, dinner on the beach hosted by our firm, view of the pool, view of the lobby from the entrance of the resort. It really was lovely!!

Busy Summer

Hello Everyone!!


Well, just wanted to post a bit just to let you know I am still out here in bloggerville.
Life's been busy, hot and dry in Georgia, and a bit lazy, at times. But here's a wrap up of July:

In case you haven't noticed, the Braves are terrible this year. The hits keep coming, not off the bat, but to the team, and we just need something new to happen next year. I don't know what though. (I am saddened by Skip Caray's death, what a great announcer - I will miss his voice.)

We had the wonderful privilege to spend a week at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This was a trip my hubby won through his firm. We all got to go and we had a blast. Hubby and 2 of the kids went scuba diving (not my thing), we went parasailing and got some great pics of that thanks to this new friend, went shopping in a local market at the end of the beach, relaxed by the pool and beach and ate food that we got tired of really quickly. Sorry, I don't mean to complain, but really, the food was not the highlight of the trip. But being there with the sights and sounds was well worth it. (BTW- the picture at the top is the beach and it really looked just like that!!)

My uncle passed away at the beginning of July, so I went to Tallahassee for the funeral. It was great seeing cousins and spending some time with my aunt. I am thankful that my uncle knew the Lord and is in Heaven.

I celebrated a birthday (no, I'm not telling which one) and our oldest daughter just turned 22!

I am ready for fall and ready for routine. School is getting ready to start for us. Our middle daughter will be starting an accelerated distance program that will get her a bachelor's in two years at about 1/4 of the cost of regular college. Our son will be going into ninth grade, for which I will be still be coaching him and making sure he's doing the work. He just got his acheivement tests back and did really well in all subjects - between 11th grade and college level, except in spelling, his weak area. But, I still love home-schooling and am so thankful we chose this route for our family.

Well, that's about it. Hope your summer has been exciting and adventurous. Here are some pics of our beach trip:

Coming in for a landing. Parasailing was very fun and my first time, actually a first for everyone in our family!!

Another Point to Ponder

"As long as you notice, and have to count the steps, you are not yet dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don't notice. Good reading becomes possible when you need not consciously think about eyes, or light, or print, or spelling. The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God. But every novelty prevents this. It fixes our attention on the service itself; and thinking about worship is a different thing from worshipping"...Tis mad idolatry that makes the service greater than the god." ~ C.S. Lewis

I Wish I Had Said That

Sorry if you've seen this quote and sorry I'm borrowing it from another friend's blog, but, it's too good not to share ~ so here it is:

"If you are willing to satisfy people with "good enough", you can make just about everybody happy. If you delight people and create change that lasts, you're going to offend those that hate change in all its forms. Your choice."

Now, that's powerful. Just who are you trying to please?

Education per I Corinthians 13

This is so good and reminds me of I Corinthians 13:

If I learn my ABC's, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language, I have not been educated.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic,but have not been instructed in God's wisdom, I have not been educated.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books - the Bible -and have no knowledge of its personal importance, I have not been educated.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart, I have not been educated.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One who orders our universe, I have not been educated.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, I have not been educated.

If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution,but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country, I have not been educated.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, I have not been educated.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, I have not been educated.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, I have not been educated.

If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me, I have not been educated.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ, I have not been educated.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify Him by fulfilling His purpose for me, then, and only then, have I been educated!

Carolyn Caines, Longview, WA

Beauty in the Weeds

Wow, life's been hectic lately. Lots going on and I know it's just summer and everything is cranking up. But, when do I get to slow down?

I'm a routine kind of person and when things aren't in the "routine" mode for me, I start to get a bit stressed out.

Here's a run-down:

Daughter #1 is in Savannah on an inner-city missions trip, Daughter #2 is in Mexico on a missions trip, Son is here at the house (I must say being a sweetheart and helping me out a lot).

Son and I drove to Atlanta the other day for a re-check with his eye surgeon. His eyelid has not lifted at all and so we are going to re-do the surgery in August. Disappointing, but the blessing is they are not charging us (Yay).

Hubby is recuperating from colon polyp surgery (I'll leave it at that - lest I give you "too much info.") So yesterday I spent the morning at the hospital with him, etc...

I feel I need to get back up to Virginia to see my mom (who's in a nursing home with late stage Alzheimers). Also, her only sibling, my uncle Fred, is dying with end stage cancer in Florida. I have felt the need to go see him, but so far, my schedule has not permitted. I am feeling very sad about this as I want to see him before he dies, but it's not looking real promising right now.

Spanish class, at one particular location, has been rough; my students are not coming to class (remember, it's summer) and they are not applying themselves and learning is harder and makes my job harder.

I am not sleeping at all at night right now (for whatever reason) maybe it's just because there's no routine, but it takes it's toll.

Anyway, in the midst of all that, I get this reminder from God the other day. As I am outside perusing the health of my new foundation plantings, which are in the midst of a huge drought, for which we have a watering ban,(are you feeling my stress?) my eyes are directed to one lone weed growing up in a heavily wooded area. Right there for all to see was the sweetest yellow bloom. It was definitely a weed because it had thorny stuff all over the stem area. But I felt the Holy Spirit's gentle reminder that I need to remember that even in the times when it feels like life is just about pulling weeds and staying the course and doing stuff that you just don't want to do, there is beauty.

Where Have All the Bloggers Gone?

So, I can tell it's summer and everyone's busy doing other stuff; as it should be. Me too! Lots to update on but LATER. But want to leave you with a quote:

"Life is the dressing room of eternity".

Ouch!

Well, I don't mean to keep talking about the Braves, but since we went to the game last night I have to decompress a bit...
I mean, we were beating the Phillies until the bottom of the 9th, 2 outs and Kelly drops a pop-up. How sickening is that? Then we go into the 10th and it looks like we're going to rally and we can't get the last guy home.
Anyway, being there was still great. We had great seats, eventhough they were really high up, it was kinda neat being able to see the shift.
My hubby made an interesting comment early on. It's hard to concentrate at a real game cuz there's just so much else going on. Although, that is part of the "experience" and "excitement" of being there, I do see what he means. People walking up and down the aisles with drinks, hot dogs, peanuts, etc... People talking on phones, people in front of you getting up and down...It can be distracting. Not to mention last night, especially, the humidity and heat, I felt like a wet dish rag early on.
My hubby said he would really rather watch the game at home on the big screen in high def. I think I might agree with him. (Don't tell him I said that, though) :)

Braves Tonight

I am excited about going to Turner Field tonight to see the Braves. They will be playing the Phillies, who are currently in first place. The Phillies are good and I know it's going to be tough but I hope they can pull it off. We've had some good at bats lately, so maybe, just maybe, we can do it.

There's just something extra fun about being at the park and taking in all the sights and sounds. It's pretty great and eventhough it's going to be HOT, I know we will enjoy it.

HOT?!?

Is it just my imagination, or is it a little hot for early June?

I hope this is no indication of what we have to look forward to.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Well, we had the fish-fry Friday night, it was yum!! I'm not a big fish eater or seafood lover, mainly because of the strong, fishy flavor, but my hubby's fish is the greatest.

I remember, as a kid, my dad would bring home what he called "rock fish" and I think it was really "rock bass" but he would prepare it with the skin still on and bones still in and it tasted so strong and "fishy" to me. I hated it-so that was my impression of cooked fish. Also, used to eat "fish sticks" at school and hated those, too. How many of you remember Mrs. Paul's fish sticks?

Anyway, hubby made a believer out of me early in marriage and would cook bass, bream and crappie (pronounced "croppy"- sorry southerners but "crappy" just doesn't sound right or nice ;)

Hubby's fish is always fileted and nice and mild tasting; of course, I douse it in catsup and horseradish and make my own version of cocktail sauce, but it's good. I think everyone enjoyed it.

The leadership meeting was great, lots of good information and praying for God's wisdom for our church as we find direction for the coming months and years for His priorities and purposes for us as a body.

Sunday was an awesome service; God was really moving in our church and you could feel the Holy Spirit, it was pretty THICK in there. Neat to see God moving and touching people both in Sunday School and church.

Had a meeting with our "focus group" for the leadership meeting on Sunday afternoon. Our group consists of our Pastor (Pastor Mel), hubby and me and another sister in the Lord, Adeline. So we just decided to have it at our house after church. So we ate together and then met. Good meeting, lots of great brainstorming accomplished and then afterwards, Pastor Mel was playing Wii bowling with my hubby, (picture at left of hubby teaching Pastor Mel how to use the controller). Pastor Mel had never played the Wii before and he beat my hubby the first time. I love our Pastor, he's just so down to earth and is just a great guy!! Neat to see him just kicking back ~

Then, last night had a counseling session with a couple and it was also very fruitful and we really accomplished some good things. Got some communication happening and really felt the Lord give direction there.

I can't talk about the weekend without commenting on the Braves playing as of late. I, along with every other follower, is trying to figure out what is going on when they're on the road? It's like two different teams. All I do know is that if they want to clinch a spot at the end, they're going to have to do better. I think they already KNOW this, but how do they DO it is the big question. We're going to see them Friday night with some church people - maybe I can sit down and talk with Bobby about it....

All in all, a great weekend and I am still so amazed, on a daily basis, of God's amazing love for people. We really have no clue, as humans, but I am starting to get just a glimpse of what He wants for us. He wants to love on us in church and then wants us to go and love others outside of the church walls and He wants us to serve others.

This is the perfect picture of Christ!

Movie Reviews and Fish Frys

Well, the title is a bit confusing I know... but these two are related....

Have any of you ever seen the movie "The Green Pastures"? It was made in 1936 and has an all black cast. Basically it is a spiritual musical that depicts several Old Testament stories as they might be imagined by a black Sunday School child during the Depression era. It's an all black vision of Heaven as a perpetual "fish-fry" (more on that in a minute) full of black angels and cherubs eating catfish, smoking 10-cent "see-gars" and where "De Lawd" presides over the tales of creation. My favorite part of the movie is where the Lord comes into where all the people are rejoicing at the riverside, he has cigar in mouth and he starts asking them in a musical lilt "have you been baptized?, have you been redeemed?", etc... And they sing back, "certainly, Lawd". After that goes on for a bit, he stops and looks at them all and says "Let the fish fry begin!" It's awesome and it's a great movie and if you haven't seen it, you need to. I think it's on DVD.

Anyway, regarding fish-frys, we are having a fish-fry at church tonight before a leadership meeting. My husband is a big fisherman and loves to serve people the fish he catches. So, tonight he will be doing the honors.

Let the fish-fry begin!

Busy Day, Busy Day, Busy, Busy, Busy Day

Do you ever get so busy that you just pass your husband/wife in the hallway or see your children maybe once or twice a week for a real conversation? Or, don't have the time in your schedule to sit down together as a family and eat a meal? This is something our family has been really struggling with lately.

May I say, I HATE IT!!

I love having time with my family and my husband and when it doesn't happen I begin to scream inside for change and it affects me in the deepest parts of my emotional being. I can't even explain it sometimes or put it into words, but it's a very real feeling.

For us, right now we're in a transition. Let me give you a shortened version: We moved from a smaller town (about 30 miles away) that basically has a slower lifestyle and it was much more convenient for us just to come home after work and just be together and hang out, whatever... We moved to an area closer to a really big city (not big like Atlanta, but pretty big - compared to where we were) because, A. we wanted to be closer to our church because we're really involved, B. daughter works at church and it would aid in her being more conveniently located and, C. it just seemed like the right thing to do and we found a house that we really loved.

I remember telling my husband that my one "fear" or "caution" in moving closer in would be that we would become "too involved" and less connected as a family. Does anyone out there understand what I'm saying??

Well, this was the topic of conversation for my hubby and I yesterday and we had a good long talk and a very big cry (both of us) about this very thing. Don't get me wrong: We LOVE our church , it's incredible and our pastor is so humble and we get fed and we love serving and on and on. We love our friendships, we love being able to run to the mall and get what's needed, we love our new house, we love it all. BUT - the biggest question is, how has it affected us as a family?? We are a close knit family and we value time together and we value character building within our family and time together and all of the things that family togetherness nurtures. So, now, we've got to work harder to maintain and re-position some of our priorities.

Yesterday, (Memorial Day - oddly enough, it was as if the Lord was saying, remember your original intentions) was a huge wake up call for us. And I don't really know what it all means but I do know some things will change. Because, what we really want in life is not found in things or other people or in DOING; what we value in life is found in the satisfaction of knowing who we are in Christ and in walking that out before our family and before other people and in serving and in BEING. And if we can't BE those people with our family then how can we go out and BE those people to others?

It starts with all of us being disciples. Jesus chose a small group of men to connect with, to pour Himself in to. I believe that is what the family is about. Although our culture tries to pull us away from that purpose, we have to come back to that very valuable place. The intimacy and connection that comes with family and the growth and accountability that it provides.

You may not understand this post; I'm not really sure that I understand it all. You may think it strange; that's okay, I guess I am a bit strange. But that doesn't matter. Because we know that our focus has shifted a bit from the most important.

I love the story in the Bible where the Lord comes to visit Mary and Martha. And Martha is busy in the kitchen doing all the stuff and Mary is just there at Jesus' feet. And Martha gets all hot and bothered that Mary's not helping. And then Jesus says to Martha, "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42) That's what it's really all about - choosing the better thing, choosing that which has eternal value.

That's what I'm talking about.