Mourning Losses and Giving Thanks

Yesterday, we went swimming in the Cascade Falls near Fall Creek Falls, TN. The weather was great and the water was refreshing. Sissy and Alissa swam with me; and Alissa adored the slide down the rock face into the water.

On the flip side, we are have a GREAT vacation. I have really enjoyed the time I've gotten to spend with my family. These memories will last forever. I am also very thankful for the restful morning schedule that allows me to spend time with the Lord on the deck with my Bible and a cup of coffee.

Matt and I had a great time on the golf course this morning. Stonehenge Golf Course is beautiful; and even though I'm a terrible golfer, I had a great time with my son-in-law.

God continues to bless me well beyond anything I deserve. I am so thankful to be able to serve Him. He has allowed me to place scriptures in several people's hands this week I know that His Word does not return void, and that it will accomplish the Lord's purposes in the lives it touches. Please pray for these that God has placed in my path.

Can God Use a Child?

A few days ago, I pulled out the riding lawn mower to cut the lawn. (Thanks for the gift, Greg!) Our granddaughter, Cassie, was here and wanted to ride along with me. I thought this was a great idea too; So I put her in the driver's seat, I sat on the back of the seat, and off we went! This was not a very comfortable ride for me, but I thought it would be great for our relationship and generally a lot of fun.

We started with the back yard which is not much more than converted woods with some grass. It has several pot holes, obstacles, trees and other challenges. Cassie screamed several times from the excitement which may have been coupled with fright, especially when we would cut a sharp corner or bank down the hill. It was clear that she was definitely getting a rush from the ride.

When we first started, I found that there were several times that Cassie exerted her will with the steering wheel. It was surprising what a little adrenaline could do to the strength of a three year-old. Unfortunately, she didn't have the same vantage point that I did. She couldn't see the obstacles and her maneuvers generally led to a rougher ride and caused us to miss the target. While she was wanting to help, many of her efforts actually inhibited our progress on the overall objective of getting the grass cut.

Eventually, Cassie learned to trust me more and to control the steering less. The ride got smoother, she was able to relax and enjoy herself more, and the job got accomplished quicker. We have had a couple of repeat performances and have always had a wonderful time. I believe that these simple pleasures will cherished by both of us for years to come.

Now how God used my three year-old granddaughter to teach me . . .

My Heavenly Father has placed me in the driver's seat and has allowed this rich fellowship so that His will is accomplished, but more importantly for my relationship with Him to be strengthened. The things that He wants accomplished on this earth would be simpler if He just did them Himself. But, this is the way God has chosen to work.

This life that He is guiding me through is filled with many obstacles. Often times, I try to take control, thinking that I know His will, only to find that it makes the ride rougher and can actually hinder God's plan. Sometimes I even try to take control simply because of my selfish desires. But as I have learned to know God, my trust in Him has grown. From the actions He takes, it's obvious that He has a much better vantage point and can steer me around the obstacles and dangers. Sometimes, the dangers must be taken on directly; but only as He directs for His purposes.

Oh Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Please help me to trust you completely and enjoy the life where you have placed me for your purposes. Help my relationship with you to grow and help me to cherish the times we have spent together until the time that we will be face to face.

Ban on Sex for Soldiers Lifted

Single Soldiers and civilians working for the U.S. military in Afghanistan can now have sex legally. So rather than encourage good and moral behavior, our government is now encouraging sin in this area too. Please pray for our soldiers . . . Things are not getting better. The whole article may be found in the Stars and Stripes.

My Redeemer Lives

Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt) and son (Rick Hoyt, b. 1962) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, pulls him in a special boat as they swim, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.

Thanks to his parents, who ignored the advice of doctors that he would live life in a persistent vegetative state, and Tufts University engineers, who recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence; at the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate, using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.

Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.

As of January 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 958 events, including 224 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 65 Marathons, including 25 Boston Marathons.[1] They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.

Their story is one of hope and encouragement, where others saw only sorrow and death. What vision Dick must have had for his son, and what a life he has provided. But don't let your minds rest there . . . As a child of the King, our Heavenly Father has done so much more for every Christian who ever lived. We were all dead . . . unable to help ourselves. We were unworthy, just as the enemy has said . . . we were not worth the effort and that only sorrow and pain would result from us. We would have remained dead . . . But Jesus, who loves us as no other could, has lifted us up . . . We are too weak to even walk on our own, but through Jesus we not only walk, but we run, we race, and we win! All we need to do is rely on Him and rest in His power. Indeed . . . I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. YES . . . JESUS, my redeemer lives!.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Easter 2008

God blessed us greatly . . . (I'm sensing a theme here, not trying to be redundant; it's just that God seems to keep piling on the blessings; so I would be remiss if I didn't pile on the praise . . . So PRAISE GOD!)

Anyway . . . God blessed us greatly during our Easter vacation. Keith, Mary, Sissy and Alissa drove from Millington to our home. Keith and Mary spent the night, the went ahead of us to Williamsburg. Alissa finally got to catch up with Cassie as they had a pajama party with Brenda and Sissy. (I got to sleep on my office floor.) After Saturday's egg hunt at Billy and Cindy's church and Easter service at our church, we headed to Williamsburg.

In Williamsburg I finally got in some "Papaw Time" with the girls while the big girls were shopping. We has a blast! All of us, including Keith and Mary, visited Jamestown. Sissy and I got in some good father-daughter roller-coaster time together! We had such a good trip. I thank God for blessing our family so much!

Here are a few pictures from the week.

Easter Photos - 2008

Terri Schiavo: My Sister's Regret

"Senator Obama said that his biggest regret was allowing Congress to try to help my sister. I wish I could ask Terri about her biggest regret, because as things turned out I’m certain that hers would have been that she was born in an America where life is no longer viewed as precious and worthy of protection."

March 31 marks the third anniversary of the death of Terri Schiavo. While Terri was indeed brain damaged, family members and friends still speak of meaningful interactions with her up to the point of her death. A death that was caused when our government would not protect her right to food and water. Terri starved to death and Senator Obama now speaks of his regret for allowing Congress to try to help her. God, help our country!

Reference:
Terri Schiavo: My Sister's Regret (Townhall.com)
Obama regrets intervening to save Terri Schiavo (WorldNetDaily)

Obama contends belief in Jesus Christ not necessary for salvation

Obama contends belief in Jesus Christ not necessary for salvation (OneNewsNow.com): "GREENSBORO, N.C. - Senator Barack Obama has told an audience that although he believes Christ died for his sins, those who reject that teaching can also be children of God."

(This is really sad, but a common belief today.)

Redskins New Head Coach: Jim Zorn

The Redskins announced their new head coach this weekend as Jim Zorn. I remember Zorn being an excellent quarterback around the time that I graduated high school. His favorite receiver of the day was Steve Largent.

I have always admired Joe Gibbs and his stand for Christ and was hoping that our new coach would also be an outspoken Christian man. Well I thank God for bringing Jim Zorn to Washington. In a testimony that he wrote in TheGoal.com: Jim Zorn, he states . . .

"My life with Christ has shown me that His truth is more important than my circumstances. God has said in His Word, the Bible, that I am a creation of His. I have value because He created me. My self worth is based solely upon what He has said. It is not based upon what a coach or a team thinks of me and my ability. There is a treasure in that thought because if my self worth is based on my circumstances, I must live like a slave to those circumstances. But if my self worth is based on what God has said, then I am free, free to live my life knowing that He has things under control, and that I can trust Him for guidance."

Jim Zorn who, according to Bible Belt Blogger, regularly put a Bible verse on his autograph, is also active with Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), who's vision is "To recruit and equip an army of coaches, professional athletes and their families to make a positive impact in the world for Jesus Christ."

I thank the Lord for His faithfulness and wish the best for our new coach and for the team. May the Lord get the glory!

Ron Paul Joins March for Life

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) was the only GOP presidential candidate to make an appearance at the 35th annual March for Life on Tuesday, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision giving women the right to abortion on demand. Ron Paul Joins March for Life ( CNSNews.com ) In other events of the day, Norma McCorvey endorsed the only true pro-life presidential candidate, Ron Paul, saying that "he has never wavered." Ron Paul endorsed by Jane Roe, yes, THAT Roe ( LA Times)

Ron Paul beats Rudy and Fred - AGAIN

"Ron Paul thumped two reputed Republican heavyweights in the Michigan primary -- former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani." -- Top of the Ticket : Los Angeles Times : Ron Paul, beats Rudy and Fred - AGAIN

So why am I a supporter of Ron Paul? Number one, Ron Paul is a Christian man. I should never vote to put someone who does not serve my Lord into power. It is wrong to attempt to put a server of Satan into power. I was reading, just this morning in Matthew where Jesus reminds us that "He who is not with Me is against Me."

For those who would recommend Mike Huckabee, I had to earnestly look into his record as governor of Arkansas. Not only did he move for taxpayers to pick up the bill for the children of illegal alien college funds, he NEVER did anything to stop one abortion. Both Huckabee and Paul have public records . . . Huckabee's shows no pro-life action, even though he was empowered . . . Ron Paul, however, introduced the Sanctity of Life Act four times.

This bill, which unfortunately always died in committee, declares that: (1) human life shall be deemed to exist from conception, without regard to race, sex, age, health, defect, or condition of dependency; and (2) the term "person" shall include all such human life. Recognizes that each state has authority to protect the lives of unborn children residing in the jurisdiction of that state .

It further amends the federal judicial code to remove Supreme Court and district court jurisdiction to review cases arising out of any statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or practice, or any act interpreting such a measure, on the grounds that such measure: (1) protects the rights of human persons between conception and birth; or (2) prohibits, limits, or regulates the performance of abortions or the provision of public funds, facilities, personnel, or other assistance for abortions.

If elected, Ron Paul will stop the killing of pre-born children. That is why I am praying for his success!

The Christmas Tree

Brenda and I wish the very best Christmas to you and your loved ones. We sincerely wish the best for each of you. May the Lord Jesus be honored in all our homes and hearts this Christmas season.

Work of Art

I just got this photo of my daughter's family and thought that it should be displayed prominently. So, here ya go . . .


Created with dumpr.net fun with your photos

Virginia GOP Abandons Loyalty Pledge

Praise the Lord! I can now vote for Ron Paul in the primary without making promises to support a pro-abortion candidate. The UPI has reported that the GOP in Virginia has abandoned loyalty pledge. Now, if we can just get a candidate, then president, who will do what is right . . . In the mean time, I'M PRAYING!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Sorry . . . I just couldn't resist . . .

Loyalty Oaths?

The Daily News Record and other news agencies have begun reporting that the Virginia GOP will be asking presidential primary voters to sign an oath that we will vote for the republican nominee next fall without exception.

This is TOTALLY MESSED UP! I am a conservative voter who loves my country in spite of some of the stupid things we do. In most of my local elections, I can usually find a republican candidate that I can support; but I haven't voted for a republican presidential candidate in years. This time, however, I would happily vote for Ron Paul and was planning on voting for him in the primary; but I cannot knowingly become a liar to vote for Ron Paul. I suppose I will show up at the polls and refuse to sign the oath . . . We will see if they will let me vote or not. (I think this is probably a ploy specifically to discourage Paul supporters, knowing that most who would vote for Paul are honest men and women.)

FWBBC Selects Gallatin for New Campus

Free Will Baptist Bible College (FWBBC) has selected a 66-acre site in Gallatin on which to build a new campus, according to Relocation Consultant Colonel Mark Johnson. The site is a short 26-minute drive from the college’s current campus on West End Avenue. College officials signed a contract on November 19. Because of a confidentiality clause, terms of the contract (including purchase price) cannot be disclosed until all required city approvals have been obtained and the contract has been finalized.

President Matt Pinson said, “The Board and administration could not be more pleased with the purchase arrangements. We believe that we received an excellent price from the owner for this prime property on which to relocate. The confidentiality clause will be lifted as soon as the contract has closed, and we will share more details with our constituency.”

Please continue to pray for the college. The news release may be read at . . . FWBBCSelectsNewCampusSite.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Thank God for the Veto Pen

While the reasons given for the veto are strictly about the money, I THANK GOD for hearing my prayer and giving President Bush the courage to veto H.R. 3043! Now lets pray that the money to pay for the abortions is removed before a new bill is sent back to the president. For additional details, check out . . . Bush Veto Sets Up Clash on Budget - washingtonpost.com

Federal Funding for Abortion

The following letter was sent to Mr. Bush this evening to ask for a veto of H.R. 3043, which uses our tax money to kill pre-born babies. Please consider a similar letter today. Email may be addressed to comments@whitehouse.gov.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

H.R. 3043, The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act has been forwarded for your signature. I humbly ask you to please veto this bill to save lives of innocent babies. This bill provides federal funding for organizations who promote and perform abortions, such as Planned Parenthood. It further uses my taxes to pay for abortions when the mother is a victim of rape. We need to help these women, not compound the problem by killing their children. I join Senator Sam Brownback who has also written you to "urge you to suspend funding in all future Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bills for organizations that promote abortion. While an amendment to this effect was not adopted in the U.S. Senate last month, we believe recent findings warrant such a suspension pending further investigation."

Please stand for life and veto this bill.

We will prayerfully ask the Lord to give strength to you to make this decision.

Sincerely,

Dock E. Hoilman
Stafford, VA

Pat Robertson Endorses Giuliani for President

Pat Robertson Endorses Giuliani for President

WOW . . . I'm practically speechless!

---

For this reason, I quote John, an acquaintance of mine who has stated the obvious . . .

Pat Robertson has stated

Quote:

In my opinion, abortion is murder. Once you begin to understand that the taking of an innocent life is murder, then that raises the bar from a 'constitutional right' to something that needs to be stopped.

So, how does PatRobertson suggest we stop this murder? Surprise! We vote for Rudy Giuliani, who defends freedom of choice to murder the innocent unborn.

Pat Robertson has stated that a 6 to 3 Supreme Court ruling to decriminalize sodomy

Quote:

"has opened the door to homosexual marriage, bigamy, legalized prostitution and even incest."

And how does Pat Robertson suggest we close the door to homosexual marriage? Surprise! We do so by voting for Rudy Giuliani who was very much part of establishing ‘civil unions”in NYC, aka homosexual marriage.

Pat Robertson has also stated with respect to easy access to divorce:

Quote:

I had interviewed a lady who was a sociologist who says "I am a lesbian," but she described homosexuality in this term, she said, "They are self-absorbed narcissists." I want you to put that down -- self-absorbed narcissists who are willing to destroy any institution so long as they can have affirmation of their lifestyle. You go back to the various laws that took away the difficulty of getting a divorce, and the people leading the charge were homosexuals, way back in the '70s. So we have no-fault divorce.

So how does Pat Robertson suggest we remedy no-fault divorce and strengthen the institution of marriage? Surprise! We strengthen the institution of marriage by electing to public office one who has repeatedly broken his marriage vows and engaged in no-fault divorce!

Bush: All religions pray to 'same God'

In a recent interview, President Bush reminded us of his lack of faith in our God and his belief in a world religion system. He stated, "Well, first of all, I believe in an Almighty God, and I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God. That's what I believe. I believe that Islam is a great religion that preaches peace."


O Lord, please provide a Christian president for us!