When the Trumpet Sounds

Day 11 and 12

2010-05-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Our flight was delayed by 6 hours due to Icelandic volcanic ash. We ended up missing our connecting flight by 20 minutes... which in turn delayed us for an entire day to get home. However we were able to see some of Amsterdam. Neat town with great architecture but a bad vibe with all the immoral activities. Had a great dinner in town and no sleep as we waited around the aiport.
God continues to keep me open and willing to His plans!
Ran into Amy Aupperlee this morning, Day 12 while walking to my terminal. A fun treat God provided during a unrestful time. Flew home with an E3 team from Sudan.

Day 10

2010-05-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Didnt do much today. Went back to Karatu from camping, then drove to the airport. Our flight is delayed due to the volcanic ash.... so far we are delayed almost 6 hours with no certainty of the next flight from Amsterdam.
God is again making us rely on Him and trust His ways. longing for my bed. :)

side note: Lewis almost fell off the bus today. He was standing by the door when he bumped it and the door opened. He screamed like he honestly thought he was falling out of the bus. I have NEVER laughed so hard! My abs hurt and tears were flowing from both eyes. I continue to laugh everytime I'm reminded about his scream and face.

Thankful for new friends and the trip.
Suz- great testimony and encouragement for friends that have fallen away.
Carl and Lewis- didnt get to know them much but glad they made the trip.
John- a vetinarian, talks a lot but has a great heart.
Lydia- a vetinarian. more reserve but had a great devotional this week for us.
all the translators- whom I will see again one day.
Mike Talley- a great man of God with a passion for sharing the Gospel. He is a great leader and no doubt will have a crown with many jewels in heaven.

final trip numbers: 6,000+ heard the Gospel.
2,891 new believers!

a very successful trip!

Day 9

2010-05-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a simple day. We toured the crater and saw many animals. Water buffalo, a few lions, elephants, monkeys, hippos and a rhino, but no giraffes.
We had a great group discussion around a campfire. Many stars scattered throughout the sky.

Day 8

2010-05-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Writing this a day late, hopefully I remember all that happened. We worked with the Maasai again today around the crater as a group. We were able to visit two different villages. I was able to lead the group at the second village. Gos is good and I am thankful that He chose to use me! Many accepted salvation!
AN older man approached me smiling after I presented. He looked blind, but could see. His eyes were white. God immediately told me, I once was blind but now I see. It made me so thankful for stepping out and following Gods will.
At the first village we saw the Maasai warriors dance, which is, in reality, jumping. It was amazing to see how high they could jump.
I was also invited into another hut. THis one was bigger than most. It had four rooms and a fire pit inside that kept the house warm. The hut 'owner' told us about Maasai traditions and that he has a wife because he killed a lion. He was 28 at the time. They kill lions by wrapping their left arm with lost of cloth so the lion can bite their arm and not hurt them. Then while the lion is distracted, they stab the lion with their right arm. They said you must be very confident in this. haha! duh!
We camped tonight outside of the crater. It is massive and impressive. The vastness cannot be determined without being inside. WE saw zebras, elephants and many wild donkeys today. Our group is definitely growing and being used by God. We are all learning to trust in Him with all that happens. Not my will but His be done.

Day 7 (5/14/10)

2010-05-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

When Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed! I have come to realize that I lay all things aside for the sake of the Gospel. I feel free to leave if God calls. I have never felt this relief of burden before. Now I will wait to see if God calls or if He was seeing if I would be willing. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today we went back to the Maasai village. It was a slower day but again, our day was not according to our plans. We were stopped in a town for being in an unsafe vehicle. While the ticket situation was being worked out, we all dispersed to present the Gospel. There were 17 saved at this stop... and no ticket was given to the driver.
At the Maasai village we came upon a few groups and had many salvations at each stop. I am thankful yet again to be able to work with the Maasai!
Had a discussion with Suz in the car and Jeremy on the porch. Mainly about the willingness to go where God calls. Thankful for the friendships. Suz has an amazing story that helps me to contiue to strive for the lost sheep.

Day 6

2010-05-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

God is good. Amen! I was very blessed today by God. Having been disappointed the last few dyas with the lack of contact with kids, He provided many for me to witness to today. We went to the Maasai village (.com) which was exciting in itself and another answered prayer. They were very nice and receptive to us. One Maasai villager, Saikoni Lemug asked me to see his hut. I was very appreciateive for the offer.
We witnessed to 50 Maasai at this same village, our second village of the day, Miowambu. Most there are already Christians because our main Maasai pastor, Nicodemous, preaches at their church, which is two trees. There were 3 new believers that heard the story of Jesus for the very first time!
We then left and went to the market. Tehre were at least a 1,000 Maasai there trading and selling. WE split up and 'attacked' the market. God again blessed me with children. I was just starting a conversation with a man when 26 school children walked up. They all listened very intently and understood what they heard. The ALL accepted Christ as their Savior! Praise God!
Our share time tonight was great. Everyone is allowing God to work His plans and to keep our own our of the picture. We still do not have permission to witness inside of the crater but understand that Gods plan is much better than ours could ever be!
I am very thankful that I could work with the Maasai today. Going back tomorrow to share the Good News as well. I'm also excited that I was able to buy a Maasai knife today. Hoping it makes it back to the states in one piece.

Day 5

2010-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today during our morning devotional we decided that we will go see the Maasai Friday. We currently do not have permission because they are inside the crater. WE are praying that God removes these barriers for us. The Maasai have been on my heart since I heard about this trip.
After lunch we continued door to door evangelism. WE ran into Christians today but have had the chance to lead others to Christ as well.
God also blessed me by getting the chance to share Christ with 30 or so school children! These kids have made me smile all week. I'm probably the first white person they have ever seen.
We are expecting more tonight for church, including many kids. God has a plan... waiting to see what it is!
So its night now and the afternoon was disappointing. We did not evangelize and no one showed for our discipleship. Gods ways are greater than mine. His plan is perfect!
As for the Maasai, we still do not have permission to go into the crater but we all feel God is leading us in that direction. I've had the Maasai on my heart for some time now. God is good and can perform miracles.

Day 4

2010-05-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the muslim call to prayer. This was my first experience to hear this and such great encouragement to tell the Gospel to these lost souls! Praying God does great things today.
At lunch break, sitting in the local church. We have gone from house to house telling the Gospel. Most home are women and most have received Jesus Christ as their Savior! Some did not have time or were muslims with hesitations.
The day is now over and the afternoon was slow. Ron and I, along with our translators were able to present the Gospel to 24 nationals. 16 accepted! Our groups overall day was slow but we know we are here accomplishing Gods work. "Not our will but His be done!"

Day 3

2010-05-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Todays start was very simple and easy. We drove about three hours to Karatu. We stopped at an over look and saw a herd of wildabeast and several giraffes. When we left the hotel this morning, Mt. Kilimanjaro was mostly covered by clouds.
This afternoon we met our translators at a church outside of town. Joseph and Bwire will be working with Ron and me. We also found out today that our focus has changed some and we will not be working with many Maasai, but have seen and met some already.
During our gathering tonight with our translators were also roughly 100 other nationals who will be going and evangelizing as well. Some came in from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza. Most were excited to see us.
I heard my first African singing. It brought chills to me. They sang in such unison, praising God, with no instruments. It reminded me that every nation, tribe and tongue will all declare the name of Jesus! I can wait to hear them sing again.
simply - amazing.

Day 2 (5/9/10)

2010-05-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Amsterdam in their morning, our night. Our layover was quick, but our next plane was delayed for a mechanical failure. All was well for another nine hour flight. I was able to get some sleep on the plane this time.
When we landed in Kilimanjaro we all crammed into a bus and drove to a hotel for the night. Found out it might be hotel stays and no camping... this was all news to us. Hoping to stay out in the wild at least once.
Mike Talley presented the Gospel to some workers at the airport... not sure why we didnt tell others as well.
In the hotel now, laying in my bed starting this journal. Cant really sleep since its about 7:00 CST... looking forward to what God will do through us tomorrow.

Day 1

2010-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Flights were delayed and rerouted due to the Iclanic volcanic ash. Flight was long but overall pretty good. Not much contact with others being on a nine hour flight. Got an email address from the guy and girl next to me to exchange pictures of our trips. Hoping this could open the door for further discussion of our trip and the Gospel.

Good 'Ol George

2009-10-02T13:40:00.001-07:00

enough said...

1/4 of the Beatles

2009-08-21T14:53:00.001-07:00

OK, while not as good as 4 of 4... it was still a great experience to see Sir Paul McCartney in concert! I had to chance to see Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band and missed out... and have regretted not attending... so I made sure to catch this show!
Yesterday was probably the coolest song in concert... not sure why... he also paid tribute to John Lennon (who died the day before my birthday) and George Harrison...

until next time... Let it be!

Josh Hamilton

2009-08-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

John 8:7b
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone..."

J-Ham... he sinned... is this such a surprise? no. we all sin time and time again. This just proves that we constantly need Jesus.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The devil is constantly looking to make us stumble.

The great thing is... God forgives... and so should we.

Still a fan... of J-Ham!

Congressman Forbes

2009-06-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

Congressman Forbes presenting to Congress in Washington DC in regards to Barack Obama telling Turkey we (the United States of America) are NOT a Christian nation...

Thank you for standing up for America and what we were founded on Congressman Forbes!

IN GOD WE TRUST

2009 Opening Day

2009-04-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

This picture sums it all up!
God Bless America!

8 of the last 11

2009-03-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Duke Blue Devils for winning another ACC Tournament Title. This now makes 17 ACC Titles and 8 of the last 11 years!

1960, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1978, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009

Gotta See Movie!

2009-03-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

I watched this movie last night... (kinda cheesy acting) but the story line is great!

The movie shows us how to live out Ephesians 5:25-29:

"25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church."

I guess a movie recommendation from me means its a good one since I'm not into movies.

Check it out, its well worth your time!

The Power of Prayer and Strength of Jesus Christ

2009-02-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

If this isnt proof of the power of prayer and the strength gained from knowing Jesus Christ, I'm not sure what is: Tricia's blog

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Jimmy York 1975-2009

2009-02-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the York family. Jimmy was a great dad, husband, friend and son. He always had a smile and a great attitude!

God is good! Jimmy saw his son's first steps the same day he saw Jesus' face!

He will be truly missed. Thanks for all you were and did Jimmy!!

A page is turned...

2009-01-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

So, a page was turned in my lifes story. It was sad to see it go... but it was such a sweet time while it lasted! I cant complain about a thing... and am such a better person for having gone through that chapter in my life!! God blessed me and will continue to do so!

So 'cheers' to "Yesterday... "

Fun for "Just My Imagination..."

and for who is to come, "I Thank You In Advance"

all the while turning Boyz II Men...

2008-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

President George W. Bush gets flack for the war, the economy, mis-speaking, and on and on... It's stories like this that make you respect the man so much... and he's never once brought this to the public's attention, while they bash him relentlessly.

God Bless W.

Pheasant Hunt Drive 2008

2008-12-18T10:29:00.001-08:00

This could be painful... just thought I'd share my drive for the weekend... 7 hours... and I never leave the state... just glad I'm not going to El Paso or Brownsville!

Thanksgiving '08

2008-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Since I have readers from all over the world... ... ... I thought I'd post a recent picture from Thanksgiving... which in itself should let you know at least 1 thing that I'm so thankful for! :-)

Thanksgiving Memories

2008-11-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

Well… today I decided to think back about previous Thanksgivings… and immediately thought about the year I shot and killed my very own turkey, which my mom prepared for us to eat on Thanksgiving day. That’s the story… and here’s the picture:

Gobble gobble!

Zogby Poll

2008-11-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1642

"Just 2% of voters who supported Barack Obama on Election Day obtained perfect or near-perfect scores on a post election test which gauged their knowledge of statements and scandals associated with the presidential tickets during the campaign, a new Zogby International telephone poll shows."

Please reference previous blog.

DFW Mud Run 2008

2008-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

Pictures in reverse order... sorry.

After the race... flexing our plex! (96.3 KPLX) now thats old school!

Me coming out of the over/under... now thats muddy!

Photo Op (and a resting op too!) with Sara.

Yeah... Mike and Sara are in front... but look at Liz way in the back! ;-)

Before we started... make love to the camera!

Did I miss something?

2008-11-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Maybe I have a skewed view of BHO?

Or is the fact that his relationship with Bill Ayers, his 20 year membership of Trinity United Church of Christ (website has been scaled way back since BHO’s run for Presidency), his relationship with Rashid Khalidi not as bad as I think it is?

Or the fact that he agrees with killing innocent lives through abortion or wont condemn gay marriages or doesn’t agree with using the Bible as a guideline to lead America is not as bad as I think it is?

Did I miss something or are there 63,042,806 ignorant Americans?

This Great Nation, who’s motto is “In God We Trust” was founded upon Christianity… what have we done wrong to get where we are today?

Regardless of Democrat, Republican, Independent or Green being in office, no one President is perfect and cannot be more powerful than God. Regardless of a Democratic House of Representatives, Senate and President, my God is more Powerful than their trifecta will ever be!
Romans 13:
1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Concerts (to name a few)

2008-10-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ones that I've attended:
Aaron Watson
Alan Jackson
Anthony Evans
Asleep at the Wheel
B.B. King
Bebo Norman
Bellamy Brothers
Buddy Guy
By the Tree
Carlos Santana
Casting Crowns
Charlie Daniels Band
Charlie Robison
Chris Knight
Chris LeDoux
Coldplay
Colin Raye
Cory Morrow
Daryl Dodd
Eric Clapton
George Strait
James Taylor
Jason Boland
Jeff Beck
Jeff Berry Band
Jerry Jeff Walker
Jimmie Vaughn
Jo Dee Messina
Joe Walsh
Jon Wolfe
Kenny Chesney
Kenny G.
Kevin Fowler
Mark Chestnutt
Mercy Me
Pat Green
Peter Frampton
Randy Rogers
Randy Travis
Robert Cray
Robert Earl Keen
Roger Creager
Sir Paul McCartney
Tim McGraw
Third Day
Trent Wilmon
Vince Gill
Willie Nelson
ZZ Top

with many more to come!

Legend's Tributes....

2008-10-22T14:14:00.001-07:00

Back to more random pictures... from concrete autographs, to cheap metal signs, to eternal flames... just a few ways our heros are honored...

a sign for Lane Frost, world Champion Bull rider, born in Quanah, Texas.

Audie Murphy, Military Legend.

JFK's eternal flame...

John Wayne. Need I say more?

and Mickey Blue Eyes...

Famous Statement

2008-10-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

The most famous quote in all of football was provided for us by this guy, Jimmy Johnson!

"How 'bout them Cowboys?!"

Football season is upon us... and 'boy' isnt it great?!

Historic Pictures by yours truly

2008-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, just some random photos taken in Washington D.C. Just thought I'd share.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy's grave site with the eternal flame. The home above was Robert E. Lee's home. The reason the National Cemetary exists where it does is because they wanted to bury dead soldiers in his front yard since R.E.L. joined 'the south' during the Civil War. Robert E. Lee never returned to his home after the war.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall... with Flower. There are now 58,260 names listed on the wall.

The Washington Memorial. You cannot tell through this picture, but the memorial was put on hold half way through the construction. You can notice there is 2 different colors of stone about half way up. There was a lack of funds during the Civil War. This monument took 36 years to build.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The words written on the tomb say:

HERE RESTS IN

HONORED GLORY

AN AMERICAN

SOLDIER

KNOWN BUT TO GOD

The Watergate Hotel. Home of the Nixon scandal.

The White House, home of every President except for George Washington. It was not completed until he was out of office.

President Howard Taft's resting place. He is only 1 of 2 Presidents buried in Arlington National Cemetary. (The other is JFK).

President Abraham Lincoln's top hat.

Ford's Theatre, the place where Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth.

The tombstone of Audie L. Murphy, the most decorated soldier from World War II. (yes, a Texan).

Fishing...

2008-09-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

A past time... that needs to make a comeback... for me at least!
Going back to High School days for this one... Sand Bass and Hybrids on Cedar Creek Lake... anyone with a boat and an extra seat... call me up! (yes, that was my shirt.)

Liberal Media??? nah... never... right?

2008-09-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how Republicans ever make it into the White House. The media is soooo "two-faced" its rediculous! here are just a few examples.

TIME Magazine - Obama has been on the cover 7 (seven) times... to McCain's 2 (two).

Now that Sarah Palin is in the spot light as McCain's VP candidate, here is an article from Time Magazine. Time Magazine and John Kerry must walk around in 'flip flops'... they are so back and forth.

Geoff Will, a columnist for Seattle PI, wrote this article.

Sam Stein, for the Huffington Post, wrote this article slamming Palin.

Thomas Friedman, for the NY Times… surely the NY times wouldn’t bash a Republican… would he?

William Yardley, for the Liberal Times… oops. The Clinton Chronicle. I mean, the NY Times, wrote this article.

And the worst of them all... a woman... from baltimore... maybe she should stick to covering sports: Susan Reimer, a columnist for the Baltimore Sun, wrote this article.

You can say she has experience or you can say she doesn’t… look at this passage in Genesis. Joseph was sold by his own brothers into slavery, having done nothing wrong. Then Joseph was thrown into prison, running from Potiphars wife. Then he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, who then put Joseph 2nd in charge over all of his land. Joseph had the chance to repay those who did him wrong, his own brothers, but didn’t.

With all of the media bashing of Sarah Palin and the Republican party…looks like this could be the story of Joseph all over again. She starts out as nothing, getting slammed from all sides for doing no wrong and God gives her the way to work her way up to 2nd in charge. Let's see how she handles it from here.

TBD… Election in November.

Obama doesnt agree with the Bible.

2008-08-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Obama bashing the Bible... yes, the Bible.

Straight from the mouth of the man himself.

Condems the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus and mocks the Sermon on the Mount.

(FYI... the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Jesus himself.)

John and Sara, you just got my vote.

McCain's VP = Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

A good article on Mrs. Sarah Palin.

Highlights:

Strong Christian

Against Abortion

was chairwoman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

An Outdoorswoman

Opposes gay marriage

Lowlights:

No foreign policy experience

Young

McCain's VP... who will it be?

2008-08-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Speculation is increasingly centered on former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, although Connecticut Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman remains an option and remains in the final mix.

taken from:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12868.html

vote now!

Global Warming or another Al Gore invention?

2008-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Just to show a few (links):

MIT scientists baffled by global warming theory, contradicts scientific data...
First October snow since 1922 blankets London as global warming bill debated...
Switzerland sees most snow for October since records began...
Florida breaks 150 year record...
30 years of warming... gone! POOF!
Mendocino's coldest temperature since 1893
Pendleton, Oregon breaks 118 year cold record
Alaska glaciers grow in 2008
Coldest Winter ever for South Africa
Farmers Almanac suggests Global Cooling has started
Warmest Years on Record
Britain's harvest delayed
Scientist are now talking about 'Global Cooling'
Farmer's Almanac predicts a cold winter!
Mt Ruapehu is claiming the biggest snow base ever recorded for a New Zealand skifield
This year so far coolest for at least 5 years: WMO
A Global Warming Test
Sydney's coolest summer in 50 years
Airlines against Global Warming
Is Global Warming a real crisis?
The Weather Channel founder blasts global warming
Twelve-month long drop in world temperatures wipes out a century of warming
8 Arguments Against Global Warming

This is in no way arguing against going green... just against Al's made up lies.

Obama doesnt add up.

2008-08-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

This guy cant even take care of his family… why would he take care of our nation?!

His own flesh and blood; his brother:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2590614/Barack-Obamas-lost-brother-found-in-Kenya.html

but yet… he thinks the main moral failure with the USA is that we don’t take care of the poor? Does he care about the USA more than his own family?

Here he is in his own words, from his own website:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/poverty/

“I'm in this race for the same reason that I fought for jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago; for the same reason I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer; for the same reason that I fought for Illinois families for over a decade… That's why I'm running, Democrats — to keep the American Dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity, who still thirst for equality.”
— Barack Obama, Speech in Des Moines, IA, November 10, 2007

And this transcript from the liberals at CNN themselves:

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/17/se.01.html

“WARREN: OK, all right. Let's talk about personal life. The Bible says that integrity and love are the basis of leadership. This is a tough question. What would be, looking over your life -- everybody's got weaknesses. Nobody's perfect -- would be the greatest moral failure in your life? And what would be the greatest moral failure of America?

OBAMA: Well, in my own life I'd break it up in stages. I had a difficult youth. My father wasn't in the house. I've written about this. You know, there were times where I experimented with drugs. I drank in my teenage years. And what I traced this to is a certain selfishness on my part. I was so obsessed with me and, you know, the reasons that I might be dissatisfied that I couldn't focus on other people. And I think the process for me of growing up was to recognize that it's not about me. It's about --

WARREN: I like that. I like that.

OBAMA: Absolutely. So -- but look, you know, when I -- when I find myself taking the wrong step, I think a lot of times it's because I'm trying to protect myself instead of trying to do god's work.

WARREN: Fundamental selfishness.

OBAMA: So that I think is my own failure.

WARREN: What about America?

WARREN: I think America's greatest moral failure in my lifetime has been that we still don't abide by that basic precept in Matthew that whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me, and that notion of -- that basic principle applies to poverty. It applies to racism and sexism. It applies to, you know, not having -- not thinking about providing ladders of opportunity for people to get into the middle class. There's a pervasive sense, I think, that this country, as wealthy and powerful as we are, still don't spend enough time thinking about the least of us.”

My thoughts:

Should we help those in need – yes.
Should we bathe them and feed them every day of their life – no.
Should we give them opportunities to work - yes.
Should we help the lazy time and time again - no.

2 Thessalonians 3:8-10 (English Standard Version)
8”nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”

Soon, very soon this earth will be no more. We will no longer work or live on this earth. We will not be governed by human authority; Democrat, Republican or Independent. We will only have The One True King. Pain and suffering will no longer exist. Our earthly bodies will be no more and sin will no longer exist. But we still wait for that day, when the trumpet sounds.

CHRISTmas Time

2007-12-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

most of us get caught up in what the world has turned Christmas into...
making sure we have bought everyone presents, gifts, cards and more...
we have to go see family, high school friends, college friends, etc...
(watch the simple cartoon of Charlie Brown's Christmas)
all these are great things and fun times to spend with everyone...
but when it all comes down to it... THATS NOT THE POINT!!

So what is the point?
The 2nd Chapter of Luke says:
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

This was a simple entrance into the world. Jesus came in as a lowly baby that could not even stay in a hotel... but out with the animals. THIS is the reason for the season. Jesus is why we celebrate, because without HIM, we would not have eternal life...

I just hope that you are prepared for the next time that He comes to earth... when the trumpet sounds.

until then

2007-09-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

this pic is for my 2 adoring fans. C&J

a few years back
we were all together
now we do not live
in the same type of weather

one with kids
the other is married
and i'm still waiting
for my heart to be carried

last night i saw one
the other its been years
i guess that why
i still shed some tears :)

there will be one day
when we all meet again
dancing with Jesus
and partying 'til then.

golf

2007-07-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

the game is difficult, frustrating, fascinating, addictive, it has its ups and downs :) and yet... i cant seem to get away from playing the game...

i guess its the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of something happening that has never happened before.
i've played this game since 8th grade... i've had hundreds of birdies... some eagles... and yet... i've never had a hole-in-one...
one day... before i die...

this is one reason why i continue to play the game... waiting for that oh so glorious day... when i start and end a hole with the same shot!

waiting for that day is like waiting for Jesus to return... never knowing when that day will come... never knowing which 'course' i'll be on... when all worries will be cast aside... and the waiting will be no more!

the first one

2007-07-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

nothing here... just seeing what my first blog will look like.
so to make it interesting...

when christ returns... how will we all see him on his white horse when the world is round?

any ideas... let me know!