Well, well, well.
What a week!
Those of you who are exceedingly bright and regular readers will remember that I told you of the crash of the hard drive of our main on-air computer at the Christian radio station at which I work.
After that, there were 4,400+ audio and place-hold files that needed to be rebuilt.
I finally got that job completed Tuesday at about 9:00 am. Tuesday at 10:00 am, a dump truck got tangled up in the guy wires of a power pole and, instead of stopping or backing up or whatever would have remdied the situation, he kept on truckin' and snapped the pole.
3,500 people were without power for six hours, including the radio station.
During that time, the battery back-ups (called UPSes, but which I call DHLs - sort of a poor radio announcer's joke-or a radio announcer's poor joke, I don't know which) failed and all of the computers quit. While quited, they also mixed up data and dropped some.
So I have been busily trying to rebuild almost the whole thing all over again.
That's radio! Two 16 hour days in a row! And two more to go this week.
Someday its actually going to be as fun as it should!
If I survive, I will be back to regularly blogging.
If I don't survive, I'll see you over there.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Sunday Praise
Lord Jesus, your name is above every name. Your name is Creator. Your name is Power. Even the hosts of Heaven fall at your feet. You are worthy of being crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Let those of us who know you, who love you, who are called according to your purpose, who have been bought and paid for with a King's ransom make you absolute Lord of our lives. Come sit on our heart's throne in the seat of honor in our lives.
We praise you for your mercy. We praise you for your grace. We thank you for your unending mercy. We thank you for your saving grace.
Let those of every race, color, and nation on earth bow down before you and give you the honor you deserve. May we treat you better than we would treat any earthly royalty, any President, any head of state.
Precious Lord, we long to join the heavenly of heavenlies at your very feet. We long to sing your praises forever and forever. Throughout eternity we will sing the New Song you have prepared for us.
We yield ourselves to your will today and ask you to guide us away from our focus on our own troubles, our own desires, our own health, our own wealth, our own wants and to rather focus on you and only you.
May you reign in power and majesty in our hearts.
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
by Edward Perronet
All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Let those of us who know you, who love you, who are called according to your purpose, who have been bought and paid for with a King's ransom make you absolute Lord of our lives. Come sit on our heart's throne in the seat of honor in our lives.
We praise you for your mercy. We praise you for your grace. We thank you for your unending mercy. We thank you for your saving grace.
Let those of every race, color, and nation on earth bow down before you and give you the honor you deserve. May we treat you better than we would treat any earthly royalty, any President, any head of state.
Precious Lord, we long to join the heavenly of heavenlies at your very feet. We long to sing your praises forever and forever. Throughout eternity we will sing the New Song you have prepared for us.
We yield ourselves to your will today and ask you to guide us away from our focus on our own troubles, our own desires, our own health, our own wealth, our own wants and to rather focus on you and only you.
May you reign in power and majesty in our hearts.
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
by Edward Perronet
All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Rebekah
In place of my regular Saturday blog, I just want to ask everybody to be much in prayer for Rebekah. For the latest, you can go here: Rebekah's Page
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Just Justice
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
To establish:
to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
a : to make firm or stable
b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply
Justice:
a : the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
b : JUDGE
c : the administration of law; especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
After uniting the country, the next function of our government, according to The Constitution of the United States of America, is to establish justice.
Basically, to establish justice means to put into place a system whereby every citizen is afforded an opportunity to be treated equally under the law.
That means no matter who you are, no matter where you're from, no matter what your economic status, no matter what your skin color, no matter what your political or religious affiliation, you are entitled to equal treatment by the courts.
Often, though, it seems as though those who have plenty of money get plenty of justice, while those whose financial resources are slim get the short end of the judicial stick.
This is why it matters who is on the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is charged with the responsibility of making certain that laws made and laws implemented are in keeping with the rule book, The Constitution of the United States of America.
They can't change the rules (can they?), they can only ensure that the rule book is followed.
In the last 60 years, though, the Supreme Court has taken on the role of "moral activist."
Back in my college days we had a thing called "Bull Sessions." They were get togethers at which we discussed with great fervor the major issues of the day. (The fact that the initials of the term "Bull Sessions" stand for a less than complimentary phrase was not lost on participants.)
At these think-a-thons, we often came to the question, "Who gets to decide?" (I always volunteered that if they were really having trouble deciding they could come to me and I'd make the decision, but they never took me up on the offer.)
In our country, on matters that have not been previously decided by the "rule book," the various states are given the responsibility of deciding for themselves.
Certain people, however, believe that more and more power should be given to the federal government to decide.
This was the question of "states rights" that led to the Civil War, after which more and more power began to be relegated to the "centralized" government.
Over time, the Supreme Court has become more and more involved in the decision making process, until today is has become a proxy maker of law by decree.
Proponents of this approach seem fond of stating the the founders gave us a living, breathing document in The Constitution, that is subject to the whim of the Supreme Court's perception of the direction the society as a whole is moving.
The Constitution of the United States of America is a living, breathing document, but it breathes very slowly. If we play by the rules it lays out, it is very hard to change. It requires an amendment process that involves both lawmakers and the states, the latter of which must ratify any changes.
By speeding up the process, The Supreme Court has succeeded in setting itself up as a nine person dictatorship which gets to impose its will upon the rest of us.
That is FAR from what the establishers of this great nation intended.
The effect is that more attention is given to manipulating society than to making certain that the rule book is followed.
Thus the government has moved away from establishing justice and toward making injustice the law of the land.
Until we decide to speak up, get involved, and shout, "Enough is enough!," we will continue the downward judicial spiral that will ultimately lead to a police state, in which all of our freedoms will be confiscated. At that time, we will become a people of the government, by the government and for the government.
Personally, I think "...with liberty and justice for all." is a better course.
Addendum: Please continue to pray for little Rebekah. Go to Darlene's site at What Would Jesus Blog? , or Jeff's site at Think Sink , or one of the many others listed at the right for regular updates.
To establish:
to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
a : to make firm or stable
b : to introduce and cause to grow and multiply
Justice:
a : the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
b : JUDGE
c : the administration of law; especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
After uniting the country, the next function of our government, according to The Constitution of the United States of America, is to establish justice.
Basically, to establish justice means to put into place a system whereby every citizen is afforded an opportunity to be treated equally under the law.
That means no matter who you are, no matter where you're from, no matter what your economic status, no matter what your skin color, no matter what your political or religious affiliation, you are entitled to equal treatment by the courts.
Often, though, it seems as though those who have plenty of money get plenty of justice, while those whose financial resources are slim get the short end of the judicial stick.
This is why it matters who is on the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is charged with the responsibility of making certain that laws made and laws implemented are in keeping with the rule book, The Constitution of the United States of America.
They can't change the rules (can they?), they can only ensure that the rule book is followed.
In the last 60 years, though, the Supreme Court has taken on the role of "moral activist."
Back in my college days we had a thing called "Bull Sessions." They were get togethers at which we discussed with great fervor the major issues of the day. (The fact that the initials of the term "Bull Sessions" stand for a less than complimentary phrase was not lost on participants.)
At these think-a-thons, we often came to the question, "Who gets to decide?" (I always volunteered that if they were really having trouble deciding they could come to me and I'd make the decision, but they never took me up on the offer.)
In our country, on matters that have not been previously decided by the "rule book," the various states are given the responsibility of deciding for themselves.
Certain people, however, believe that more and more power should be given to the federal government to decide.
This was the question of "states rights" that led to the Civil War, after which more and more power began to be relegated to the "centralized" government.
Over time, the Supreme Court has become more and more involved in the decision making process, until today is has become a proxy maker of law by decree.
Proponents of this approach seem fond of stating the the founders gave us a living, breathing document in The Constitution, that is subject to the whim of the Supreme Court's perception of the direction the society as a whole is moving.
The Constitution of the United States of America is a living, breathing document, but it breathes very slowly. If we play by the rules it lays out, it is very hard to change. It requires an amendment process that involves both lawmakers and the states, the latter of which must ratify any changes.
By speeding up the process, The Supreme Court has succeeded in setting itself up as a nine person dictatorship which gets to impose its will upon the rest of us.
That is FAR from what the establishers of this great nation intended.
The effect is that more attention is given to manipulating society than to making certain that the rule book is followed.
Thus the government has moved away from establishing justice and toward making injustice the law of the land.
Until we decide to speak up, get involved, and shout, "Enough is enough!," we will continue the downward judicial spiral that will ultimately lead to a police state, in which all of our freedoms will be confiscated. At that time, we will become a people of the government, by the government and for the government.
Personally, I think "...with liberty and justice for all." is a better course.
Addendum: Please continue to pray for little Rebekah. Go to Darlene's site at What Would Jesus Blog? , or Jeff's site at Think Sink , or one of the many others listed at the right for regular updates.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
It Must Be the Season
Recently I told you about my hard drive crash on my home computer.
Monday night, the hard drive on our main on-air computer crashed.
There must be something going around.
Fortunately, we will have a new hard-drive installed by this afternoon (Wednesday), and no data was lost (we think).
Yesterday and today, I have had to run the station the old fashioned way: pick the music, play each song individually, talk live on the air, etc. Just like 20 years ago when I first broke into the radio station....I mean first broke into radio.
Well, back then we used these things called "records." You know, vinyls. The big things with the little hole in the middle.
We couldn't play those today if we wanted to. We don't even have a turn table!
I had to do two shifts, because Parker is back in school and no one else around here knows how to do a live program! That strikes me as so odd.
Anyway, it is very time consuming, intenst and requires great focus.
I'm tired, and will be glad when today is over and things are back to normal.
Maybe I will be, too (as if I have ever been normal).
God is in control!
Monday night, the hard drive on our main on-air computer crashed.
There must be something going around.
Fortunately, we will have a new hard-drive installed by this afternoon (Wednesday), and no data was lost (we think).
Yesterday and today, I have had to run the station the old fashioned way: pick the music, play each song individually, talk live on the air, etc. Just like 20 years ago when I first broke into the radio station....I mean first broke into radio.
Well, back then we used these things called "records." You know, vinyls. The big things with the little hole in the middle.
We couldn't play those today if we wanted to. We don't even have a turn table!
I had to do two shifts, because Parker is back in school and no one else around here knows how to do a live program! That strikes me as so odd.
Anyway, it is very time consuming, intenst and requires great focus.
I'm tired, and will be glad when today is over and things are back to normal.
Maybe I will be, too (as if I have ever been normal).
God is in control!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Yesterday's Bible Study Class
Let me begin by saying, "God is big. God is BIG. God is really, really B I G.
How big is God?
Isaiah 40:12 "Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span (of His hand), and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?"
With His "bigness" comes power. How much power?
We dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The devastation was phenominal! All of that and it took the splitting of only one atom.
Everything is made of molecules. They are too small to see. Many molecules require an electron microscope to be seen. Each of those molecules is made up of one or more, sometimes dozens or even hundreds of atoms.
Think how small an atom must be. And all of the power of that atomic bomb from just one atom.
Now imagine how many atoms there are in the entire universe. Ten billion to the ten billionth power would not be enough.
Imagine that they all exploded at once. How much power would that be?
God is more powerful than that.
God is all knowing. All of the knowledge that ever has been, is now, or ever will be all put together would not fill one of God's brain cells (if He had brain cells).
God is everywhere at once, not limited by time or space. That's how my boss wants me to be, but I have not mastered it yet.
Yesterday, in our church's Bible Study for Median Adults (I get to be in there because my wife is so young), our teacher asked for prayer requests. So we went around the room, each person naming someone who "needed prayer" (which I take to mean a request for God's intervention). This prompted me to ask some questions in my own mind, in view of the above descriptions of God.
If God is onipotent, omnicient and omnipresent, why, after naming each person who has need, do we THEN bow our heads and pray for them, usually repeating what had already been said?
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. " Matt 6:7 & 8.
My question is not about why we pray, it is about the form our prayers usually take.
Would it be a better idea to begin praying and open the "floor" for people to express the needs of which they have knowledge while we are praying?
I'm just asking, because I grew up doing it the other way, and have been doing it that way for 46 years.
I would be very interested in your brief answers (a few paragraphs, no doctoral theses, please) in the coment section.
You have an opinion about it, I'm sure, and if I have read y'all right you're not overly bashful about expressing your opinions. So have at it (remember: short and on topic).
My inquiring mind wants to know.
How big is God?
Isaiah 40:12 "Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span (of His hand), and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?"
With His "bigness" comes power. How much power?
We dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The devastation was phenominal! All of that and it took the splitting of only one atom.
Everything is made of molecules. They are too small to see. Many molecules require an electron microscope to be seen. Each of those molecules is made up of one or more, sometimes dozens or even hundreds of atoms.
Think how small an atom must be. And all of the power of that atomic bomb from just one atom.
Now imagine how many atoms there are in the entire universe. Ten billion to the ten billionth power would not be enough.
Imagine that they all exploded at once. How much power would that be?
God is more powerful than that.
God is all knowing. All of the knowledge that ever has been, is now, or ever will be all put together would not fill one of God's brain cells (if He had brain cells).
God is everywhere at once, not limited by time or space. That's how my boss wants me to be, but I have not mastered it yet.
Yesterday, in our church's Bible Study for Median Adults (I get to be in there because my wife is so young), our teacher asked for prayer requests. So we went around the room, each person naming someone who "needed prayer" (which I take to mean a request for God's intervention). This prompted me to ask some questions in my own mind, in view of the above descriptions of God.
If God is onipotent, omnicient and omnipresent, why, after naming each person who has need, do we THEN bow our heads and pray for them, usually repeating what had already been said?
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. " Matt 6:7 & 8.
My question is not about why we pray, it is about the form our prayers usually take.
Would it be a better idea to begin praying and open the "floor" for people to express the needs of which they have knowledge while we are praying?
I'm just asking, because I grew up doing it the other way, and have been doing it that way for 46 years.
I would be very interested in your brief answers (a few paragraphs, no doctoral theses, please) in the coment section.
You have an opinion about it, I'm sure, and if I have read y'all right you're not overly bashful about expressing your opinions. So have at it (remember: short and on topic).
My inquiring mind wants to know.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
SPECIAL PRAYER EDITION
My good friend, who was Best Man at my wedding, is back in the hospital.
Jeff, of Eighteen Wheels (Jeff G) broke his leg in a motocycle accident few years ago. He has been in and out of the hospital since. The last thing they did was remove the artificial implant and put in an antibiotic impregnated cement replacement.
The plan was to remove the cement implant and put the original one back in, after ridding it of its infection.
When the doctor put the original implant back in, he pushed it a little too far and cracked a bone in Jeff's ankle.
Please pray for Jeff's complete recovery.
Personally, I hope he emerges from this a wealthy man, but I just talked with him on the phone and he doesn't seem too enthusiastic about that.
Jeff, of Eighteen Wheels (Jeff G) broke his leg in a motocycle accident few years ago. He has been in and out of the hospital since. The last thing they did was remove the artificial implant and put in an antibiotic impregnated cement replacement.
The plan was to remove the cement implant and put the original one back in, after ridding it of its infection.
When the doctor put the original implant back in, he pushed it a little too far and cracked a bone in Jeff's ankle.
Please pray for Jeff's complete recovery.
Personally, I hope he emerges from this a wealthy man, but I just talked with him on the phone and he doesn't seem too enthusiastic about that.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Spambots Untied! Sub-title: Eat Spam!
Well, the "Evil Spambots" are out in force, according to Nettie at Mistress Tootie Belle (great poem, by the way).
I have been hit, as have many of you. I know, I've seen the stupid automated "sales" comments on many of your comment sites.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Becky, of The Faith Expedition for this tidbit of information: You can place a little gizmo on your comment site that requires commenters to simply type in a set of letters that are displayed right in front of their noses (nose?).
Go to SETTINGS, the click on the tab that says COMMENTS, then scroll down until you see SHOW WORD VERIFICATION ON COMMENTS and click YES. It's that easy!
Darlene has a picture of what it looks like at her site: What Would Jesus Blog? .
But you see, the spambots can't see the letters. They're automated. They ain't got no eyes!
This feature has been there all along, I just didn't know what it was for.
I have added the feature to my site. I reccomend that you do, too.
It only takes a half-second more to post a comment. Just type the letters you see into the little box provided and it will let you right in.
By the way, my buddy, Parker, did a little search on the latest round of Spambotters. It seems there are several different companies, all seemingly using the same company to send their spam for them. There's a guy who wants you to invest in trees, a fellow with a photo shop a couple of pretty vile ones and others.
Are there really people who repond positively to these things, saying, "I just gotta buy me some o' dat stock in trees?" (A few years ago, that would have been Woodstock---Ooo, sorry).
Hey! Have a nice Saturday and DOWN WITH SPAMBOTS!
I have been hit, as have many of you. I know, I've seen the stupid automated "sales" comments on many of your comment sites.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Becky, of The Faith Expedition for this tidbit of information: You can place a little gizmo on your comment site that requires commenters to simply type in a set of letters that are displayed right in front of their noses (nose?).
Go to SETTINGS, the click on the tab that says COMMENTS, then scroll down until you see SHOW WORD VERIFICATION ON COMMENTS and click YES. It's that easy!
Darlene has a picture of what it looks like at her site: What Would Jesus Blog? .
But you see, the spambots can't see the letters. They're automated. They ain't got no eyes!
This feature has been there all along, I just didn't know what it was for.
I have added the feature to my site. I reccomend that you do, too.
It only takes a half-second more to post a comment. Just type the letters you see into the little box provided and it will let you right in.
By the way, my buddy, Parker, did a little search on the latest round of Spambotters. It seems there are several different companies, all seemingly using the same company to send their spam for them. There's a guy who wants you to invest in trees, a fellow with a photo shop a couple of pretty vile ones and others.
Are there really people who repond positively to these things, saying, "I just gotta buy me some o' dat stock in trees?" (A few years ago, that would have been Woodstock---Ooo, sorry).
Hey! Have a nice Saturday and DOWN WITH SPAMBOTS!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Week in Review
One of my favorite things to do is to go to your blog and click on one of the links to another blog. Then I click on one of the links on that blog to yet another blog, etc., until I am several layers deep.
This activity exposes me to many new bloggers, some good, some---well let's just say they try. But I enjoy them all just for the experience of it.
I also find some I like well enough to want to visit regularly, so I put a link to them on my site.
Such was the case with The Cutting Edge. John is a new student at seminary. I looked over his past posts, and they were worth the reading.
Having lived in Washington State at one time, and having taught back packing and general outdoorsmanship to kids, I enjoy Mark's blog over at Washington Backpacker . And the picture of the angel grabs my attention over at Mike's, Ex Scientia, Veritas .
At Following God's Will , Steve reminds us to pray for little Rebekah. Several others did as well, and I found a link to "her site" where you can post your prayer if you like. HERE! Darlene, at What Would Jesus Blog? is concerned about her, too.
Jayleigh's hair may never be the same, but her heart's in the right place, as she, too, is concerned about Rebekah. Jayleigh's Grand Adventures
That' a BEEG saw, and a BEEG log of Eucalyptus. pl... At Sugarloaf Mountain, and at Sweeter than Ever , Live, Love, Laugh is itching to share with you as much as she can.
Danny and Akinola have both been writing about chips, but with a difference. Danny is at The Danny Sims Blog and Akinola can be found at Unveil .
I don't know how Jeff does it, but he actually got a personal response from Cindy Sheehan apologizing for her unseemly actions...NOT. See it all at Think Sink .
On Jeff Wright's Blog , you can read a real email from a good friend in Iraq.
Have you noticed the stupid comment spam that has been infusing itself on our blogs? Well, Becky over at The Faith Expedition has done something about it! Yea, Becky! Mistress Tootie Belle wonders about them, too.
Some blogs have those clocks, you know? Ron, of True Servants , wants to know who you are spending time with. Oh! don't forget, our resident time traveler, "Whaaaat" is still missing from Things That Make You Go Hmmm !
Scientology takes a hit! Read all about it at The Christian Viewpoint .
Steel Cowboy doesn't get to bike over to Mom's, and Carla does some serious reflecting at Reflections of the Times .
If you've been wondering about Martyn Lloyd-Jones' views on Faith and Politics (and who of us hasn't?), Random Responses has your answer, and, as usual, the Pyromaniac is all fired up, while the burning question: "Who are those Baptist and what have they been doing?" is expounded upon by Pastor Steve at Pastor Steve Weaver's Blog .
Love poetry? John writes some great stuff on his blog, Passion to Write , where he writes about "Lord of the Persecuted." He also has one of those clocks I talked about earlier. If good fast food is your pleasure you need to see Pass the Salt Please, where Kris tells you about his work.
"For every one demon that is tormenting you, there are two angels watching over you." Whoa! Find out about that when you read Not 1 Jot , and for sheer beauty, it is hard to beat Pia's blog, My Blog 2002 .
In the Mind of Marlar, Darren pokes fun at my state's level of intelligence, but the Lady of Grace, Suzii, is as gracious as ever. Good rain pic, too.
Denise, of Just Thinkin' , has trouble with her Ggggggs, while Jeremy minds his "Ps" and "Qs" of theology at Jeremy Weaver's Blog .
"From having ovarian cancer before we ever met and wondering if we would ever have children...", read about his miracle and love of his children in In His Image .
There's nothing fishy at His Footprints, My Heart, but at my sweet wonderful wife's blog, God's Most Wanted there certainly is. (Now, Dear, we'll have nun of that!)
Go say, "Hi," to Jimmy via God Even Loves Idiots Like Me, and read a warm hearted post at Faith In Florida , plus learn about tolerance and more at Eklektikos: A Contemporary Christian Blog .
My buddy, Jeff, recovering from leg surgery has a good post at Eighteen Wheels , and my other buddy and working cohort, Parker, who is moving as I write (and probably as you read), conducts a survey. Take part by going to Diary of an Insanityfarmer .
At Confirm the Work of Our Hands , Shelley tells about moon flowers.
We start Galations 5 with Jeremy's Comments on the Bible , and get some good movie reviews and previews through John at Anvil and Fire .
Well, here's proof positive that I read every one of your blogs. I don't always comment, but I'm always there. So be careful what you write about me.
God bless you all and have a GREAT weekend!
This activity exposes me to many new bloggers, some good, some---well let's just say they try. But I enjoy them all just for the experience of it.
I also find some I like well enough to want to visit regularly, so I put a link to them on my site.
Such was the case with The Cutting Edge. John is a new student at seminary. I looked over his past posts, and they were worth the reading.
Having lived in Washington State at one time, and having taught back packing and general outdoorsmanship to kids, I enjoy Mark's blog over at Washington Backpacker . And the picture of the angel grabs my attention over at Mike's, Ex Scientia, Veritas .
At Following God's Will , Steve reminds us to pray for little Rebekah. Several others did as well, and I found a link to "her site" where you can post your prayer if you like. HERE! Darlene, at What Would Jesus Blog? is concerned about her, too.
Jayleigh's hair may never be the same, but her heart's in the right place, as she, too, is concerned about Rebekah. Jayleigh's Grand Adventures
That' a BEEG saw, and a BEEG log of Eucalyptus. pl... At Sugarloaf Mountain, and at Sweeter than Ever , Live, Love, Laugh is itching to share with you as much as she can.
Danny and Akinola have both been writing about chips, but with a difference. Danny is at The Danny Sims Blog and Akinola can be found at Unveil .
I don't know how Jeff does it, but he actually got a personal response from Cindy Sheehan apologizing for her unseemly actions...NOT. See it all at Think Sink .
On Jeff Wright's Blog , you can read a real email from a good friend in Iraq.
Have you noticed the stupid comment spam that has been infusing itself on our blogs? Well, Becky over at The Faith Expedition has done something about it! Yea, Becky! Mistress Tootie Belle wonders about them, too.
Some blogs have those clocks, you know? Ron, of True Servants , wants to know who you are spending time with. Oh! don't forget, our resident time traveler, "Whaaaat" is still missing from Things That Make You Go Hmmm !
Scientology takes a hit! Read all about it at The Christian Viewpoint .
Steel Cowboy doesn't get to bike over to Mom's, and Carla does some serious reflecting at Reflections of the Times .
If you've been wondering about Martyn Lloyd-Jones' views on Faith and Politics (and who of us hasn't?), Random Responses has your answer, and, as usual, the Pyromaniac is all fired up, while the burning question: "Who are those Baptist and what have they been doing?" is expounded upon by Pastor Steve at Pastor Steve Weaver's Blog .
Love poetry? John writes some great stuff on his blog, Passion to Write , where he writes about "Lord of the Persecuted." He also has one of those clocks I talked about earlier. If good fast food is your pleasure you need to see Pass the Salt Please, where Kris tells you about his work.
"For every one demon that is tormenting you, there are two angels watching over you." Whoa! Find out about that when you read Not 1 Jot , and for sheer beauty, it is hard to beat Pia's blog, My Blog 2002 .
In the Mind of Marlar, Darren pokes fun at my state's level of intelligence, but the Lady of Grace, Suzii, is as gracious as ever. Good rain pic, too.
Denise, of Just Thinkin' , has trouble with her Ggggggs, while Jeremy minds his "Ps" and "Qs" of theology at Jeremy Weaver's Blog .
"From having ovarian cancer before we ever met and wondering if we would ever have children...", read about his miracle and love of his children in In His Image .
There's nothing fishy at His Footprints, My Heart, but at my sweet wonderful wife's blog, God's Most Wanted there certainly is. (Now, Dear, we'll have nun of that!)
Go say, "Hi," to Jimmy via God Even Loves Idiots Like Me, and read a warm hearted post at Faith In Florida , plus learn about tolerance and more at Eklektikos: A Contemporary Christian Blog .
My buddy, Jeff, recovering from leg surgery has a good post at Eighteen Wheels , and my other buddy and working cohort, Parker, who is moving as I write (and probably as you read), conducts a survey. Take part by going to Diary of an Insanityfarmer .
At Confirm the Work of Our Hands , Shelley tells about moon flowers.
We start Galations 5 with Jeremy's Comments on the Bible , and get some good movie reviews and previews through John at Anvil and Fire .
Well, here's proof positive that I read every one of your blogs. I don't always comment, but I'm always there. So be careful what you write about me.
God bless you all and have a GREAT weekend!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Of the United States
In last Thursday's post we examined "We, the people..." This week we will look at "...of the United States.
There are six functions of the federal government revealed in the preamble to The Constitution of the United States of America. The first of those is "...to form a more perfect union,..."
There are fifty states. At first there were only thirteen.
There have been nations that have accused The United States of America of being an imperialist nation. By any historical definition we are not, of course. To become a state, a political entity must ask to be let in. Then we must decide whether or not to let them in.
I suspect that it is much easier to get thirteen states to move together in one direction than it is fifty. The addition of more states is not something to be taken lightly.
On most other continents, the political entities are grouped into countries. Those countries may or may not be organized into states. Canada, for instance, divides itself into Provinces. So do some European countries.
If you are a country, you are sovereign. That means other countries cannot tell you how to run your affairs. Germany, for example, cannot tell France what to do. With the so-called European Union, things get a little blurred. France has refused to ratify the necessary EU documents, mostly because they want to keep their four day work week (as well as a few less important issues.)
In our country, we divide into states. Each state is, according to The Constitution of the United States of America, sovereign, except for a "few" functions left to the federal government.
Now, there is a strong tendency for those in power to seek more power. Thus the federal government has usurped more and more authority from the states. As they have done so, there has been a sort of "collective resentment" on the part of the states over losing their sovereignty. The result has been a rising DISUNITY.
Our very name tells us that we are to be a UNITED country. The first task of government revealed in the preamble is "...to form a more perfect union.
We should be becoming MORE united with time if, and only if, the federal government is doing its job.
Sadly, the opposite seems to be the case. We have conservatives vs. liberals; abortionist vs. right-to-lifers; for the war in Iraq vs. against the war in Iraq; and on and on it goes.
Why is this the case, and what can be done about it?
The real reason this came to be is that we became a nation of self-servers, the majority of whom had become disillusioned with their Christian heritage, and a nation of "new-comers" whose roots did not include the values of the majority of the people of the country to which they moved.
It is true that we have always been "a nation of immigrants." In the past, however, people who wanted to become citizens of the United states had to assimilate. They had to learn the language, they had to learn our ways (the old "When in Rome do as the Romans do"), and they brought with them a willingness to give to their new country.
Added to this issue is the problem of illegal aliens. As people illegally enter the country, they bring with them the old ways. Because they often fail to assimilate, they do not understand the mores and customs of this nation. In addition, our own attitudes toward them is inconsistent.
To their credit, illegal aliens also often bring with them, in many cases, a remarkable work ethic. Many of them are willing to do any kind of work to earn money to send or take back to their own country.
Two things we need to do about this issue: 1. Stop the influx of illegals entering the country (kudos to the Minute Men helping at the southern borders); 2. Teach the ones who are here how to go back to their countries and fill out the necessary documents to enter the country legally. They will go farther, faster if they do.
As to the issue of having become self-servers, this one is more insidious and dangerous.
As we moved away from the values of our founders, we began to elect presidents, senators and congressmen who had also moved away from those values. More and more the good of the country took a back seat to good of the individual.
Elected leaders "discovered" that they could pander to large groups of people in their areas of representation and thus ensure their re-election, which became the primary concern.
The solution to this problem is more difficult. Someone, somewhere must begin to elect men and women to office who have a servant's attitude, if not heart. Men and women who are committed to doing what is right, instead of what is expedient.
We must elect people who will lead, without being dictatorial, who will speak clearly, without parsing their words, who will understand the yearning for freedom that beats within the heart of every living soul.
We must find leaders who will lead us back to the principles laid out by the founders without taking us backward in achievement.
Most of all, we must find leaders who will dedicate themselves to uniting the country, no easy task!
Unity does not mean thinking alike. It means setting a common course. It means seeing each other as equals and learning how to behave thusly. Unity requires work, occasionally a yielding attitude and a desire to make this great experiment as a democratic republic work.
Lord, give us a government that will make it its goal to verify the words: The UNITED States of America.
There are six functions of the federal government revealed in the preamble to The Constitution of the United States of America. The first of those is "...to form a more perfect union,..."
There are fifty states. At first there were only thirteen.
There have been nations that have accused The United States of America of being an imperialist nation. By any historical definition we are not, of course. To become a state, a political entity must ask to be let in. Then we must decide whether or not to let them in.
I suspect that it is much easier to get thirteen states to move together in one direction than it is fifty. The addition of more states is not something to be taken lightly.
On most other continents, the political entities are grouped into countries. Those countries may or may not be organized into states. Canada, for instance, divides itself into Provinces. So do some European countries.
If you are a country, you are sovereign. That means other countries cannot tell you how to run your affairs. Germany, for example, cannot tell France what to do. With the so-called European Union, things get a little blurred. France has refused to ratify the necessary EU documents, mostly because they want to keep their four day work week (as well as a few less important issues.)
In our country, we divide into states. Each state is, according to The Constitution of the United States of America, sovereign, except for a "few" functions left to the federal government.
Now, there is a strong tendency for those in power to seek more power. Thus the federal government has usurped more and more authority from the states. As they have done so, there has been a sort of "collective resentment" on the part of the states over losing their sovereignty. The result has been a rising DISUNITY.
Our very name tells us that we are to be a UNITED country. The first task of government revealed in the preamble is "...to form a more perfect union.
We should be becoming MORE united with time if, and only if, the federal government is doing its job.
Sadly, the opposite seems to be the case. We have conservatives vs. liberals; abortionist vs. right-to-lifers; for the war in Iraq vs. against the war in Iraq; and on and on it goes.
Why is this the case, and what can be done about it?
The real reason this came to be is that we became a nation of self-servers, the majority of whom had become disillusioned with their Christian heritage, and a nation of "new-comers" whose roots did not include the values of the majority of the people of the country to which they moved.
It is true that we have always been "a nation of immigrants." In the past, however, people who wanted to become citizens of the United states had to assimilate. They had to learn the language, they had to learn our ways (the old "When in Rome do as the Romans do"), and they brought with them a willingness to give to their new country.
Added to this issue is the problem of illegal aliens. As people illegally enter the country, they bring with them the old ways. Because they often fail to assimilate, they do not understand the mores and customs of this nation. In addition, our own attitudes toward them is inconsistent.
To their credit, illegal aliens also often bring with them, in many cases, a remarkable work ethic. Many of them are willing to do any kind of work to earn money to send or take back to their own country.
Two things we need to do about this issue: 1. Stop the influx of illegals entering the country (kudos to the Minute Men helping at the southern borders); 2. Teach the ones who are here how to go back to their countries and fill out the necessary documents to enter the country legally. They will go farther, faster if they do.
As to the issue of having become self-servers, this one is more insidious and dangerous.
As we moved away from the values of our founders, we began to elect presidents, senators and congressmen who had also moved away from those values. More and more the good of the country took a back seat to good of the individual.
Elected leaders "discovered" that they could pander to large groups of people in their areas of representation and thus ensure their re-election, which became the primary concern.
The solution to this problem is more difficult. Someone, somewhere must begin to elect men and women to office who have a servant's attitude, if not heart. Men and women who are committed to doing what is right, instead of what is expedient.
We must elect people who will lead, without being dictatorial, who will speak clearly, without parsing their words, who will understand the yearning for freedom that beats within the heart of every living soul.
We must find leaders who will lead us back to the principles laid out by the founders without taking us backward in achievement.
Most of all, we must find leaders who will dedicate themselves to uniting the country, no easy task!
Unity does not mean thinking alike. It means setting a common course. It means seeing each other as equals and learning how to behave thusly. Unity requires work, occasionally a yielding attitude and a desire to make this great experiment as a democratic republic work.
Lord, give us a government that will make it its goal to verify the words: The UNITED States of America.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Who Is that Masked Woman?
I am a War Baby.
My father served thirty-one and a half years in the United States Air Force. He was not in combat, but was the Director of Communications for the South Atlantic corridor during World War II. We had many conversations about the war.
That war was waged on two fronts, the Western or European and the Eastern or Japanese. The stupid, but charismatic little dictator in Germany wanted to rid the world of Jews and ultimately of anyone who was not a white Arian. The Emperor of Japan wanted to destroy the United States, assimilate our economy and to reign over the whole world.
Hitler murdered people, majoring on Jews. He gassed them, used them in medical experiments and executed them in public. Hitler NEVER attacked the United States. He did attack our allies.
Under no little protest in our country, we entered the war against Germany and its allies.
The Japanese DID attack us directly. They bombed our men, women, ships and facilities at Pearle Harbor. When they captured Americans and held them as prisoners, they tortured them, used them in medical experiments and otherwise desecrated their humanity.
My father lost many friends who were in combat. He also lost brothers and a brother-in-law. Every one of them had a mother. Those mothers who were alive at the time mourned their deaths. But almost NONE of them assailed the United States government. If they did, the media did not report it, let alone focus on it.
There are remarkable similarities between our involvement in World War II and our involvement in Afganistan and Iraq.
Saddam did not attack us. He did attack our vital interests in Quait and he trained many who then did attack us, under the leadership of Osama.
We are now at war with the radical Muslims in Iraq who would like to be a part of another attack on the United States of America. We have kept them off balance enough that they have, so far, been unable to mount that attack.
The best they could do is to have bombed transportation interests in Great Brittain. That's bad enough, but we have not had to bear the brunt of those insidious atrocities ourselves, thanks to the resolve of President Bush and the dedication of the young men and women of our military.
In addition, we have enabled the Iraqi people to have a hope of establishing a country in which they can experience the freedom that is in the bosom of every living soul.
Now steps forward this protestor, Cindy Sheehan, who "wants an audience with President Bush." Actually, she wants ANOTHER audience with him. Her justification is supposedly that she lost a son in a war she does not support.
Well, la-dee-dah!
I am sorry for any parent who loses a family member in war. I am sorry that she lost a son in the war. He was very special. He loved this country and thought it fitting to engage in an activity that put his life on the line. He paid the "ultimate sacrifice."
But she is NOT special.
Along with criticizing the Bush Administration and the War in Iraq, Sheehan has been vocal in her attacks on foreign policy. In a letter, written on March 15, 2005, Sheehan claims that her son died, "for a PNAC Neo-Con agenda to benefit Israel." Sheehan further comments that her son joined the armed forces to "protect America, not Israel." Where did that come from? Sheehan has also said that in order to stop terrorism, "You get America out of Iraq and Israel out of Palestine and you'll stop the terrorism." (Taken from Wikipedia.com)
WRONG, Ms. Sheehan. They are not interested in stopping for any reason. Their own avowed agenda is to wipe out the West and its "infidels."
The media treats her like she is a patriot on the order of Patrick Henry or Paul Revere. In fact, she is a traitor.
Look at her history. Look at the organizations to which she belongs. Look at her behavior. Listen to her words.
If she is to be believed, she hates this country and what it has historically stood for. If she does not hate this country, then she is not to be believed. Either way, she is a BAD ACT! She hides behind a mask of concern, but she is really a kind of insurgent.
The willing media loves her. They focus on her. They give her air time. They "explain her postition, so we'll better understand her."
Why? Because they are poured out of the same mold.
I call on the media of this country to leave her alone! Stop glorifying her. You want to give credit to someone, give credit to her son.
By giving her so much press, you are demoralizing our troops and are participating in traitorous activity.
(As I sit here posting, I am watching yet ANOTHER report on this reprobate. And they are trying to make HER look good. They gave her and her "cause" almost two minutes of focus, while giving her detractors only about 31 seconds. In media that is a HUGE difference.)
I have yet to see you focus on the THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of relatives who have lost sons and daughters in this war and are PROUD of the sacrifice they made for their country.
Since there are more of them than there are of Cindy Sheehan's ilk, why can't you give them MORE air time than you give her? That would be fair.
Maybe I just answered my own question.
My father served thirty-one and a half years in the United States Air Force. He was not in combat, but was the Director of Communications for the South Atlantic corridor during World War II. We had many conversations about the war.
That war was waged on two fronts, the Western or European and the Eastern or Japanese. The stupid, but charismatic little dictator in Germany wanted to rid the world of Jews and ultimately of anyone who was not a white Arian. The Emperor of Japan wanted to destroy the United States, assimilate our economy and to reign over the whole world.
Hitler murdered people, majoring on Jews. He gassed them, used them in medical experiments and executed them in public. Hitler NEVER attacked the United States. He did attack our allies.
Under no little protest in our country, we entered the war against Germany and its allies.
The Japanese DID attack us directly. They bombed our men, women, ships and facilities at Pearle Harbor. When they captured Americans and held them as prisoners, they tortured them, used them in medical experiments and otherwise desecrated their humanity.
My father lost many friends who were in combat. He also lost brothers and a brother-in-law. Every one of them had a mother. Those mothers who were alive at the time mourned their deaths. But almost NONE of them assailed the United States government. If they did, the media did not report it, let alone focus on it.
There are remarkable similarities between our involvement in World War II and our involvement in Afganistan and Iraq.
Saddam did not attack us. He did attack our vital interests in Quait and he trained many who then did attack us, under the leadership of Osama.
We are now at war with the radical Muslims in Iraq who would like to be a part of another attack on the United States of America. We have kept them off balance enough that they have, so far, been unable to mount that attack.
The best they could do is to have bombed transportation interests in Great Brittain. That's bad enough, but we have not had to bear the brunt of those insidious atrocities ourselves, thanks to the resolve of President Bush and the dedication of the young men and women of our military.
In addition, we have enabled the Iraqi people to have a hope of establishing a country in which they can experience the freedom that is in the bosom of every living soul.
Now steps forward this protestor, Cindy Sheehan, who "wants an audience with President Bush." Actually, she wants ANOTHER audience with him. Her justification is supposedly that she lost a son in a war she does not support.
Well, la-dee-dah!
I am sorry for any parent who loses a family member in war. I am sorry that she lost a son in the war. He was very special. He loved this country and thought it fitting to engage in an activity that put his life on the line. He paid the "ultimate sacrifice."
But she is NOT special.
Along with criticizing the Bush Administration and the War in Iraq, Sheehan has been vocal in her attacks on foreign policy. In a letter, written on March 15, 2005, Sheehan claims that her son died, "for a PNAC Neo-Con agenda to benefit Israel." Sheehan further comments that her son joined the armed forces to "protect America, not Israel." Where did that come from? Sheehan has also said that in order to stop terrorism, "You get America out of Iraq and Israel out of Palestine and you'll stop the terrorism." (Taken from Wikipedia.com)
WRONG, Ms. Sheehan. They are not interested in stopping for any reason. Their own avowed agenda is to wipe out the West and its "infidels."
The media treats her like she is a patriot on the order of Patrick Henry or Paul Revere. In fact, she is a traitor.
Look at her history. Look at the organizations to which she belongs. Look at her behavior. Listen to her words.
If she is to be believed, she hates this country and what it has historically stood for. If she does not hate this country, then she is not to be believed. Either way, she is a BAD ACT! She hides behind a mask of concern, but she is really a kind of insurgent.
The willing media loves her. They focus on her. They give her air time. They "explain her postition, so we'll better understand her."
Why? Because they are poured out of the same mold.
I call on the media of this country to leave her alone! Stop glorifying her. You want to give credit to someone, give credit to her son.
By giving her so much press, you are demoralizing our troops and are participating in traitorous activity.
(As I sit here posting, I am watching yet ANOTHER report on this reprobate. And they are trying to make HER look good. They gave her and her "cause" almost two minutes of focus, while giving her detractors only about 31 seconds. In media that is a HUGE difference.)
I have yet to see you focus on the THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of relatives who have lost sons and daughters in this war and are PROUD of the sacrifice they made for their country.
Since there are more of them than there are of Cindy Sheehan's ilk, why can't you give them MORE air time than you give her? That would be fair.
Maybe I just answered my own question.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Oooops!
I wrote a post for today.
Then I read it.
I have deleted it.
I did not like it.
You would not have liked it.
My mother would not have liked it.
It did not get my real point across.
I will edit it.
I will probably re-post it later.
I promise to probably re-post it later.
Really.
OK?
Then I read it.
I have deleted it.
I did not like it.
You would not have liked it.
My mother would not have liked it.
It did not get my real point across.
I will edit it.
I will probably re-post it later.
I promise to probably re-post it later.
Really.
OK?
Sunday, August 14, 2005
The Blessings
Every good and precious gift comes from you. O Lord.
Help me today to focus on You and Your goodness. Help me focus on Your grace. Help me recognize Your great mercy. As I meditate on Your Word, let me break forth in songs prompted by Your Spirit. May I focus on Christ and His gift of redemption.
I Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
May this be a day of the celebration of Your victory for us! Lord, in whom is my hope, by Your love, mercy and grace we eagerly anticipate our arrival on Your Kingdom's shores. May we celebrate the one who saw fit to descend to our level when we were lost and who paid the awful cost of our salvation with His precious blood.
We are eternally indebted to your everlasting kindness. May we remember it every day. Wrap our wayward hearts in the fetters of Your love.
Take our hearts, and bind them to you so that we will stand in Your presence and praise Your name forever!
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Words by: Robert Robinson
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.
Help me today to focus on You and Your goodness. Help me focus on Your grace. Help me recognize Your great mercy. As I meditate on Your Word, let me break forth in songs prompted by Your Spirit. May I focus on Christ and His gift of redemption.
I Samuel 7:12 - Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
May this be a day of the celebration of Your victory for us! Lord, in whom is my hope, by Your love, mercy and grace we eagerly anticipate our arrival on Your Kingdom's shores. May we celebrate the one who saw fit to descend to our level when we were lost and who paid the awful cost of our salvation with His precious blood.
We are eternally indebted to your everlasting kindness. May we remember it every day. Wrap our wayward hearts in the fetters of Your love.
Take our hearts, and bind them to you so that we will stand in Your presence and praise Your name forever!
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Words by: Robert Robinson
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer; Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
I've Got You Under My Skin
My wife, whose blog you can see at "God's Most Wanted ," and I live in the same house. It is a convenient arrangement, for us, anyway.
Now the funny thing is, we both have computers and we both are bloggers.
Sometimes we are both blogging at the same time, she in the bedroom and I in "the office."
Although we are close enough to talk to each other, we often communicate through the comments in our respective or irrespective blogs.
"Did you read my comment?" she calls out from the bedroom.
"No," I speak loudly so she can hear me. "I’ll check it out."
So I do.
She has written, "Do you want to go to lunch?" "OK," I type. "We’ll meet in the living room."
And we do.
You know blogging has gotten under your skin, keeping company with a fungus I developed a few years ago, when you choose to type, rather than just speak.
There must be something "official" about blogging that makes it some kind of superior communication.
Hey, Babydoll, Do you want to go to the Mall?
I forgot to include the Pyromaniac in yesterday's post of significant blogs. Phil has become a labelite, so check it out.
And if you like the outdoors AND good writing, check out Washington Backpacker.
Now the funny thing is, we both have computers and we both are bloggers.
Sometimes we are both blogging at the same time, she in the bedroom and I in "the office."
Although we are close enough to talk to each other, we often communicate through the comments in our respective or irrespective blogs.
"Did you read my comment?" she calls out from the bedroom.
"No," I speak loudly so she can hear me. "I’ll check it out."
So I do.
She has written, "Do you want to go to lunch?" "OK," I type. "We’ll meet in the living room."
And we do.
You know blogging has gotten under your skin, keeping company with a fungus I developed a few years ago, when you choose to type, rather than just speak.
There must be something "official" about blogging that makes it some kind of superior communication.
Hey, Babydoll, Do you want to go to the Mall?
I forgot to include the Pyromaniac in yesterday's post of significant blogs. Phil has become a labelite, so check it out.
And if you like the outdoors AND good writing, check out Washington Backpacker.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Just Blogging in the Rain
Every afternoon in Southwest Florida it rains. It is raining now. I'm blogging now. So, I'm blogging in the rain. Not to be confuse with Fred Astair's song.
This being Friday and all, I though I would catch you up on what's going on in Bloggerville.
If you like Bible study, click on Jeremy Weaver's link (Comments on the Bible (Jeremy Weaver ) . You'll get a good study in Galations.
Confirm the Work of Our Hands is busy writing about writing, while Faith In Florida has to deal with both the Sub Nazi and the Jewelry Nazi.
Have you ever met a song thief? You can at Following God's Will . Trust me, Steve's still following God's Will.
Then there's Joe B. at God Even Loves Idiots Like Me . He seems to have crammed a little kid in a mail box. At about the same time, His Footprints, My Heart almost got Googlewhacked!
Jayleigh shows us a flying tractor at Jayleigh's Grand Adventures and Jeff exhorts us to make disciples for the Lord. That would be at Jeff Wright's Blog .
Jeremy is not satisfied with one blog, he needs two. He must have a lot to say, and a lot of time to say it. He says it all at Jeremy Weaver's Blog . Meanwhile, Denise is stormin' at Just Thinkin' .
Lady of Grace lost her post. Did she check at the Post Office? Marlar shares his mind relative to aging gracefully at Mind of Marlar . The Prophet can be found at Passion to Write (John) .
There's a good book recommendation over at Pastor Steve Weaver's Blog and Carla, who can be read at Reflections of the Times is overthinking.
If you are not a cat fan, mosey on over to the Steel Cowboy , and you will love the post about our protectors at Sweeter than Ever .
Danny Simms finally figures out who he is at The Danny Sims Blog, and Things That Make You Go Hmmm travels into the future.
Jeff H. continues to make his mark on the world of music, obviously competing with Steve, at Think Sink as Two Polished Pennys puts Frist first.
Darlene is back into swinging at What Would Jesus Blog? and last, but not least, my sweet wife wishes everybody a blessed day at God's Most Wanted .
As do I.
This being Friday and all, I though I would catch you up on what's going on in Bloggerville.
If you like Bible study, click on Jeremy Weaver's link (Comments on the Bible (Jeremy Weaver ) . You'll get a good study in Galations.
Confirm the Work of Our Hands is busy writing about writing, while Faith In Florida has to deal with both the Sub Nazi and the Jewelry Nazi.
Have you ever met a song thief? You can at Following God's Will . Trust me, Steve's still following God's Will.
Then there's Joe B. at God Even Loves Idiots Like Me . He seems to have crammed a little kid in a mail box. At about the same time, His Footprints, My Heart almost got Googlewhacked!
Jayleigh shows us a flying tractor at Jayleigh's Grand Adventures and Jeff exhorts us to make disciples for the Lord. That would be at Jeff Wright's Blog .
Jeremy is not satisfied with one blog, he needs two. He must have a lot to say, and a lot of time to say it. He says it all at Jeremy Weaver's Blog . Meanwhile, Denise is stormin' at Just Thinkin' .
Lady of Grace lost her post. Did she check at the Post Office? Marlar shares his mind relative to aging gracefully at Mind of Marlar . The Prophet can be found at Passion to Write (John) .
There's a good book recommendation over at Pastor Steve Weaver's Blog and Carla, who can be read at Reflections of the Times is overthinking.
If you are not a cat fan, mosey on over to the Steel Cowboy , and you will love the post about our protectors at Sweeter than Ever .
Danny Simms finally figures out who he is at The Danny Sims Blog, and Things That Make You Go Hmmm travels into the future.
Jeff H. continues to make his mark on the world of music, obviously competing with Steve, at Think Sink as Two Polished Pennys puts Frist first.
Darlene is back into swinging at What Would Jesus Blog? and last, but not least, my sweet wife wishes everybody a blessed day at God's Most Wanted .
As do I.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
"We" the People
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Of course you recognize that. If you live in the United States of America, you memorized the preamble to The Constitution of the United States of America when you were in elementary school.
What? You didn't memorize it? Why not? Could it be there is something contained therein that "they" (whoever "they" are) did not want you to know or remember? Perhaps it was just not considered very important.
The Constitution of the United States of America is the "rule book" by which we "play the game" of being citizens of this country. The preamble introduces the rest of the document. It actually explains why the Constitution was created. It defines the six areas of life in which the federal government is to be involved.
The words "We the People..." were carefully chosen by the band of men who drafted this magnificent instrument. Notice that the word "People" is capitalized. That was not an accident.
Those men "cussed and discussed" that word at length.
Ultimately it was decided that the principle of the peoples' involvement in the government was so important that it needed to be emphasized.
This new government was not to be run by a magistrate, or a group of lawmakers, or a group of lawyers, it was to be run by and its leaders responsible to the people. The writers knew that in order for this great governmental experiment to work, the citizens would have to be involved. They knew that if the people were NOT involved, the government would not work. (Therefore, if YOU are not involved, you are helping to ensure that the process will not work.)
In his speech at Gettysburg, known as the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln said, "...we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Lincoln recognized the importance of citizen involvement in this nation. (Did you also notice that he used the phrase "under God?" I guess he did not recognize the so-called "secular" nature of the government.)
Obviously, not all of the people of this fledgling country were present when The Constitution was being drafted. Instead, these men worked meticulously on the details, literally word-by-word. Then they presented it to the people (See? The people) for “ratification,” a process by which the people said, “Yes. This is good. We accept it.”
No other government in the history of mankind has ever been constructed like ours. There have been democracies, there have been republics and there have been variations thereon, but none has ever been quite like ours. We are unique.
It was a sunny day in Philadelphia in 1787, and the Constitutional convention had just finished its work. A woman, watching the esteemed gentlemen congratulate themselves, approached one of the young nation's leading statesmen, Ben Franklin. "Mr. Franklin, what kind of government have you given us?" she asked. "A Republic, madam," Franklin quickly answered. "If you can keep it."
Notice that he did not say, “If we can keep it.” Nor did he say, “If those in office can keep it.” He said, “…if you can keep it.”
The ball has been, is now and always will be in our court.
I think we should keep it.
Of course you recognize that. If you live in the United States of America, you memorized the preamble to The Constitution of the United States of America when you were in elementary school.
What? You didn't memorize it? Why not? Could it be there is something contained therein that "they" (whoever "they" are) did not want you to know or remember? Perhaps it was just not considered very important.
The Constitution of the United States of America is the "rule book" by which we "play the game" of being citizens of this country. The preamble introduces the rest of the document. It actually explains why the Constitution was created. It defines the six areas of life in which the federal government is to be involved.
The words "We the People..." were carefully chosen by the band of men who drafted this magnificent instrument. Notice that the word "People" is capitalized. That was not an accident.
Those men "cussed and discussed" that word at length.
Ultimately it was decided that the principle of the peoples' involvement in the government was so important that it needed to be emphasized.
This new government was not to be run by a magistrate, or a group of lawmakers, or a group of lawyers, it was to be run by and its leaders responsible to the people. The writers knew that in order for this great governmental experiment to work, the citizens would have to be involved. They knew that if the people were NOT involved, the government would not work. (Therefore, if YOU are not involved, you are helping to ensure that the process will not work.)
In his speech at Gettysburg, known as the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln said, "...we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Lincoln recognized the importance of citizen involvement in this nation. (Did you also notice that he used the phrase "under God?" I guess he did not recognize the so-called "secular" nature of the government.)
Obviously, not all of the people of this fledgling country were present when The Constitution was being drafted. Instead, these men worked meticulously on the details, literally word-by-word. Then they presented it to the people (See? The people) for “ratification,” a process by which the people said, “Yes. This is good. We accept it.”
No other government in the history of mankind has ever been constructed like ours. There have been democracies, there have been republics and there have been variations thereon, but none has ever been quite like ours. We are unique.
It was a sunny day in Philadelphia in 1787, and the Constitutional convention had just finished its work. A woman, watching the esteemed gentlemen congratulate themselves, approached one of the young nation's leading statesmen, Ben Franklin. "Mr. Franklin, what kind of government have you given us?" she asked. "A Republic, madam," Franklin quickly answered. "If you can keep it."
Notice that he did not say, “If we can keep it.” Nor did he say, “If those in office can keep it.” He said, “…if you can keep it.”
The ball has been, is now and always will be in our court.
I think we should keep it.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Almighty King
To you, O Lord, do we ascribe greatness, power, glory, majesty and splendor for all of the works of your hands.
It is you and you alone, O Lord, who reigns over the Kingdom, who is the Exalted Head over all and from whom all wealth and honor come.
It is from your hands, your strength and your power that we receive power.
To you, Incarnate Word, we bring our petitions and our prayers.
Holy Comforter, give witness in every heart to the One who gave Himself a ransom for us.
Make us ever aware of your sovereignty, O Lord. In all of eternity may we love and adore only you.
Come, Though Almighty King
Anonymous
Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy Name to sing, help us to praise!
Father all glorious, o’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend!
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy Word success,
Spirit of holiness, on us descend!
Come, holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour;
Thou Who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of pow’r!
To Thee, great One in Three,
Eternal praises be, hence, evermore;
Thy sov’reign majesty may we in glory see,
And to eternity love and adore!
It is you and you alone, O Lord, who reigns over the Kingdom, who is the Exalted Head over all and from whom all wealth and honor come.
It is from your hands, your strength and your power that we receive power.
To you, Incarnate Word, we bring our petitions and our prayers.
Holy Comforter, give witness in every heart to the One who gave Himself a ransom for us.
Make us ever aware of your sovereignty, O Lord. In all of eternity may we love and adore only you.
Come, Though Almighty King
Anonymous
Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy Name to sing, help us to praise!
Father all glorious, o’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend!
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy Word success,
Spirit of holiness, on us descend!
Come, holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour;
Thou Who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of pow’r!
To Thee, great One in Three,
Eternal praises be, hence, evermore;
Thy sov’reign majesty may we in glory see,
And to eternity love and adore!
Monday, August 08, 2005
If You Want to Know
I have some favorite blogs. They are at the right. In the"blogroll."
If I did not think they had something significant to offer, they would not be there. In fact, I have removed some for various reasons, and may remove some others.
This week I particularly recommend Parker's post for today on "Freedom and Slavery..." (Diary of an Insanity Farmer). I also suggest that you read "Jeremy Weaver's Blog" daily. "What Would Jesus Blog" is always a good read...very talented lady. Don't leave out "Think Sink." What a trip!
See. I knew if I started listing them I would be in trouble. Bloggers, rest asured...if you blog is at the right you are read every day. I love your blog. Really I do! Actually, I just like all of them. I even read the "Progressive Christian" blog, 'cause he makes me think and re-evaluate what I believe...not change it, just re-think it.
Any way, read away and increase your enjoyment for the day!
If I did not think they had something significant to offer, they would not be there. In fact, I have removed some for various reasons, and may remove some others.
This week I particularly recommend Parker's post for today on "Freedom and Slavery..." (Diary of an Insanity Farmer). I also suggest that you read "Jeremy Weaver's Blog" daily. "What Would Jesus Blog" is always a good read...very talented lady. Don't leave out "Think Sink." What a trip!
See. I knew if I started listing them I would be in trouble. Bloggers, rest asured...if you blog is at the right you are read every day. I love your blog. Really I do! Actually, I just like all of them. I even read the "Progressive Christian" blog, 'cause he makes me think and re-evaluate what I believe...not change it, just re-think it.
Any way, read away and increase your enjoyment for the day!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Awesome
Mighty God, you are more powerful than the sum total of all of the atoms that make up all of the planets, moons, stars, comets, quasars, and unknown elements of the universe.
Your right hand spans the very universe itself.
That universe shouts forth your Holy Name.
Yet, Lord God, you are merciful, loving and knowable. We sing your praises now and forever.
The prince of this world tries to hide you from us. The great sin of mankind finds your glory too dazzling to look upon.
All the members of Heaven proclaim your worthiness, your perfection, your power, your righteousness, your purity.
Triune God, we love you for your grace. We honor and revere your holy name.
Teach us how to praise you here on this earth, while we await the time when we will perfectly praise you in the unknowable eternity that is to come.
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Lyric by Reginald Heber
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Amen!
Your right hand spans the very universe itself.
That universe shouts forth your Holy Name.
Yet, Lord God, you are merciful, loving and knowable. We sing your praises now and forever.
The prince of this world tries to hide you from us. The great sin of mankind finds your glory too dazzling to look upon.
All the members of Heaven proclaim your worthiness, your perfection, your power, your righteousness, your purity.
Triune God, we love you for your grace. We honor and revere your holy name.
Teach us how to praise you here on this earth, while we await the time when we will perfectly praise you in the unknowable eternity that is to come.
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Lyric by Reginald Heber
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Amen!
Friday, August 05, 2005
Open Line Friday 08/08/05
New feature! Open line Friday!
What does it mean?
It means that I will pose and/or answer questions I have been asked, am being asked or will be asked. You may ask a question in the comments section as well. I will be sure to answer them in the comments section...or not.
Some of the questions will be things I have wondered about and you can answer in the comments section.
Questions are subject to examination and deletion by me, the Grand Control Freak of this blog.
Questions might be deleted if they are: obscene; unclear; too long; too bad; too good; I don't like them; I like them but am too lazy to answer them and any other arbitrary reason I choose. But I will probably answer some or all of them...maybe.
Was that clear? Good. Here we go with OPEN LINE FRIDAY!
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERS TO:
1. How many people did God use to lead His people out of Egypt?
2. How many people does God use to lead His people today?
3. To how many people did God speak audibly in the Old Testament and why?
4. To how many people did God speak audibly in the New Testament and why?
5. To how many people does God speak audibly today and why?
6. How should we react to people who hear the voice of God today?
7. When Jesus healed people, did He heal them immediately and completely or little-bylittle
over time?
8. Does this have any relevance to our expectations of healing today?
9. Does Jesus have the option of not healing people who comes to Him in faith believing that He
will heal them?
10. If He can choose not to heal, could it affect our faith in Him?
11. What Biblical model are there for a person standing in front of great crowds and invoking healing from God?
12. Is faith in Jesus and His finished work at the cross of Calvary and our belief in His Resurrection enough to effect our salvation, or is there something more necessary?
WOW! You didn't expect that, did you?
Hint: I have an answer of my own for each of those questions, but I'd like for you to answer them in your own mind (or in the comments section...but please be BRIEF). I'll give you my answers in upcoming posts.
Hey! I can hardly wait for another edition of OPEN LINE FRIDAY! Can you?
What does it mean?
It means that I will pose and/or answer questions I have been asked, am being asked or will be asked. You may ask a question in the comments section as well. I will be sure to answer them in the comments section...or not.
Some of the questions will be things I have wondered about and you can answer in the comments section.
Questions are subject to examination and deletion by me, the Grand Control Freak of this blog.
Questions might be deleted if they are: obscene; unclear; too long; too bad; too good; I don't like them; I like them but am too lazy to answer them and any other arbitrary reason I choose. But I will probably answer some or all of them...maybe.
Was that clear? Good. Here we go with OPEN LINE FRIDAY!
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERS TO:
1. How many people did God use to lead His people out of Egypt?
2. How many people does God use to lead His people today?
3. To how many people did God speak audibly in the Old Testament and why?
4. To how many people did God speak audibly in the New Testament and why?
5. To how many people does God speak audibly today and why?
6. How should we react to people who hear the voice of God today?
7. When Jesus healed people, did He heal them immediately and completely or little-bylittle
over time?
8. Does this have any relevance to our expectations of healing today?
9. Does Jesus have the option of not healing people who comes to Him in faith believing that He
will heal them?
10. If He can choose not to heal, could it affect our faith in Him?
11. What Biblical model are there for a person standing in front of great crowds and invoking healing from God?
12. Is faith in Jesus and His finished work at the cross of Calvary and our belief in His Resurrection enough to effect our salvation, or is there something more necessary?
WOW! You didn't expect that, did you?
Hint: I have an answer of my own for each of those questions, but I'd like for you to answer them in your own mind (or in the comments section...but please be BRIEF). I'll give you my answers in upcoming posts.
Hey! I can hardly wait for another edition of OPEN LINE FRIDAY! Can you?
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Rule Book - Part 1
It was the third quarter. The Dolphins (Hey! Give me a break! I'm from Miami!) were behind by six points. Dan Marino called the third down play in the huddle.
They lined up. It looked like a pass formation. The center snapped the ball. Marino dropped back.
Suddenly the whistle blew the play dead. From the sidelines ran in the Commissioner of Football him very self. "Stop the play!" he shouted. "Hold it! HOLD it! Nobody move! Freeze right where you are! New rule! New rule! As of now there will be no more forward passes allowed. Now when the whistle blows you must begin the play right where you left off...no new huddle, no nothing."
"But Paul," protested Marino, "The rules were made years ago and are outlined in the rule book. Forward passes are clearly allowed!"
"No matter! No matter! I am taking on the authority of changing the rules according to my own personal whim. Besides, the rule book is not static. It is a living, breathing document. That's what makes the game so great!"
"You can't just decide to take that authority for yourself." Dan was trying to contain his frustration. "You are supposed to oversee the league and see that the rules are properly applied. You can't just arbitrarily make changes in the middle of the game."
"Marino, the changes are made. Now get on with the play or you'll be singing 'Jailhouse Rock'."
The game was re-started with the team down-field, anticipating a pass. With the new rule, Dan had to try to run with the football.
The Dolphins lost the game.
Dan's ribs are expected to heal.
Author's note: The above vignette never happened in the game of football. But if you will substitute The Supreme Court for the Commissioner, The Constitution of the United States of America for the Rule Book, the Legislature for Dan Marino, and the people of the United States of America for the team, you will understand that this is exactly what has happened.
"We the people...." indeed.
They lined up. It looked like a pass formation. The center snapped the ball. Marino dropped back.
Suddenly the whistle blew the play dead. From the sidelines ran in the Commissioner of Football him very self. "Stop the play!" he shouted. "Hold it! HOLD it! Nobody move! Freeze right where you are! New rule! New rule! As of now there will be no more forward passes allowed. Now when the whistle blows you must begin the play right where you left off...no new huddle, no nothing."
"But Paul," protested Marino, "The rules were made years ago and are outlined in the rule book. Forward passes are clearly allowed!"
"No matter! No matter! I am taking on the authority of changing the rules according to my own personal whim. Besides, the rule book is not static. It is a living, breathing document. That's what makes the game so great!"
"You can't just decide to take that authority for yourself." Dan was trying to contain his frustration. "You are supposed to oversee the league and see that the rules are properly applied. You can't just arbitrarily make changes in the middle of the game."
"Marino, the changes are made. Now get on with the play or you'll be singing 'Jailhouse Rock'."
The game was re-started with the team down-field, anticipating a pass. With the new rule, Dan had to try to run with the football.
The Dolphins lost the game.
Dan's ribs are expected to heal.
Author's note: The above vignette never happened in the game of football. But if you will substitute The Supreme Court for the Commissioner, The Constitution of the United States of America for the Rule Book, the Legislature for Dan Marino, and the people of the United States of America for the team, you will understand that this is exactly what has happened.
"We the people...." indeed.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Baggage
Some years ago I served on our denominations State Board of Missions.
On a flight from Jacksonville to (I thought) Ft. Myers, we stopped in Orlando. There we droped off two bottles of milk. (They called these flights with frequent stops "the milk truck run.) Then we went on to Sarasota.
As we drew up to the gate at Sarasota, the stewardess (we did not have "flight attendants" in those days), got on the intercom and announced that those going on to Ft. Myers should deplane and get on flight 411 to finish our journey.
Four of us got off, went to the counter and asked which gate was for flight 411. "We have no flight 411," said the man behind the counter as our former plane taxied a way. "You should have stayed on the plane."
Oh-oh.
"The good news is I do have another flight to Ft. Myers leaving in about 15 minutes. There are three seats on it."
I think that was the bad news. There were four of us, remember?
We drew straws to see who would get to go to Ft. Myers. I lost.
I stayed in a motel paid for by the airline, but since my luggage did not deplane when I did, I had none of the things I would have like to have: no change of clothes, no shampoo, no shaving supplies, etc.
My luggage made it to Ft. Myers just fine.
We were reunited the next day.
Many people carry a lot of baggage, guilt baggage, moral baggage, addictive baggage, emotional baggage, spiritual baggage. When one invites them to come to Christ, they often want to dump the baggage first.
But if we are to come to salvation, we must come, baggage and all. We must come, especially, with the baggage of guilt, for you see, we ARE guilty.
The only way to rid ourselves of the baggage of guilt, is to have a good "lawyer" who can plead our case before God, that we might be found "not guilty."
1 John 2:1
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"
When we come as we are, baggage and all, God receives us upon the testimony of Christ that at Calvary, He paid the debt we owe.
Just as I am without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Just as I am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot. To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt. Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down. Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Come to Him. Come just as you are. Come without delay. Come today. Right now.
On a flight from Jacksonville to (I thought) Ft. Myers, we stopped in Orlando. There we droped off two bottles of milk. (They called these flights with frequent stops "the milk truck run.) Then we went on to Sarasota.
As we drew up to the gate at Sarasota, the stewardess (we did not have "flight attendants" in those days), got on the intercom and announced that those going on to Ft. Myers should deplane and get on flight 411 to finish our journey.
Four of us got off, went to the counter and asked which gate was for flight 411. "We have no flight 411," said the man behind the counter as our former plane taxied a way. "You should have stayed on the plane."
Oh-oh.
"The good news is I do have another flight to Ft. Myers leaving in about 15 minutes. There are three seats on it."
I think that was the bad news. There were four of us, remember?
We drew straws to see who would get to go to Ft. Myers. I lost.
I stayed in a motel paid for by the airline, but since my luggage did not deplane when I did, I had none of the things I would have like to have: no change of clothes, no shampoo, no shaving supplies, etc.
My luggage made it to Ft. Myers just fine.
We were reunited the next day.
Many people carry a lot of baggage, guilt baggage, moral baggage, addictive baggage, emotional baggage, spiritual baggage. When one invites them to come to Christ, they often want to dump the baggage first.
But if we are to come to salvation, we must come, baggage and all. We must come, especially, with the baggage of guilt, for you see, we ARE guilty.
The only way to rid ourselves of the baggage of guilt, is to have a good "lawyer" who can plead our case before God, that we might be found "not guilty."
1 John 2:1
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"
When we come as we are, baggage and all, God receives us upon the testimony of Christ that at Calvary, He paid the debt we owe.
Just as I am without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Just as I am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot. To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt. Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down. Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come. I come.
Come to Him. Come just as you are. Come without delay. Come today. Right now.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Crash!
I sat at my computer, which had been turned off because of severe thunderstorms in the area. I pushed the "ON" button.
Nothing.
Then the message
"Windows has detected an iminent crash of your hard disk. Back up your data and replace the disk."
"Back up my data? How can I do that? My computer won't boot up, you SOG (Son of Gates)!"
There are three guys I would like to punch out:
1. The guy who invented shrink-wrap for CDs.
2. The guy who wrote those cryptic Microsoft messages (Warning! This program has performed an illegal operation!). They make me think the police will be knocking down my door any moment. (This program has encountered a fatal error and will be shut down!). A fatal error? Oh no! Something or someone is going to die!
3. Bill gates and all the people who make their living producing the bane of all OSs, Windows!
Repairs were going to cost $350.00 for a new HD, backing up and restoring data, installing data on the new HD and the service call. Plus another $200.00 for Windows XP. Total $550.00
The old computer (4 years old) had an 80 Gig HD and 256 RAM and a Celeron(sp) processor.. For $100 more I could get a brand new computer with 200 Gig/500 RAM with an Athlon processor.
We opted for the new one.
So as soon as it all gets set up, I'll be back on "schedule!"
Nothing.
Then the message
"Windows has detected an iminent crash of your hard disk. Back up your data and replace the disk."
"Back up my data? How can I do that? My computer won't boot up, you SOG (Son of Gates)!"
There are three guys I would like to punch out:
1. The guy who invented shrink-wrap for CDs.
2. The guy who wrote those cryptic Microsoft messages (Warning! This program has performed an illegal operation!). They make me think the police will be knocking down my door any moment. (This program has encountered a fatal error and will be shut down!). A fatal error? Oh no! Something or someone is going to die!
3. Bill gates and all the people who make their living producing the bane of all OSs, Windows!
Repairs were going to cost $350.00 for a new HD, backing up and restoring data, installing data on the new HD and the service call. Plus another $200.00 for Windows XP. Total $550.00
The old computer (4 years old) had an 80 Gig HD and 256 RAM and a Celeron(sp) processor.. For $100 more I could get a brand new computer with 200 Gig/500 RAM with an Athlon processor.
We opted for the new one.
So as soon as it all gets set up, I'll be back on "schedule!"
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