LA PAROLE

Love or Lust

2012-01-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

Love is patient - "Charity suffereth long..." 1 Cor. 13:4

Lust is always in a hurry - "Flee also youthful lusts..."
2 Tim. 2:22

See you have to run to get away from lust!

Measuring Stick

2012-01-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

The words that you speak are the measuring stick by which people are going to measure your life!

Hello Everyone

2011-12-29T02:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone-

Trying to get back into this whole blogging business!

Testing 1,2,3...

2010-04-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

I will be blogging again so I am just trying to update my page!

LAVISHLY LOVING

2009-02-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Definition:
to give unsparingly (v.); extremely generous or extravagant (adj.)
Synonyms:
shower, bestow
www.dictionary.com

It should be that we would lavish our love on Jesus.
When we enter into his presence we should show him extravagant praise.
He must be exalted to the highest level of our regard.
I shall abundantly shower Jesus with words of adoration.
After all, who would leave the generously abundant heaven,
to save a miserable wretch like me? A Master who knows how
to lavish his love on me!

Coach or Player?

2008-11-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach, once said, "The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." Do you need to be the coach or are you interested in being a winning player?

Are You Successful?

2008-11-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to measure success; not the least of which is the way your child describes you when talking to a friend.
- Unknown

I heard a minister once say, "If you want to know if you are being talked about, ask the children."

I hope that I am succesful, especially in the eyes of God and my children.

Love's Greatest Enemy

2008-11-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

Love's Greatest Natural Enemy

I heard the most fabulous message tonight by Nathan Hurst. This was his title. He preached that it isn't flesh, or the world, or even Satan. Everyone has to deal with this enemy. If we are not careful it affects our marriages, our relationships, even our spiritual lives.
Love's Greatest Natural Enemy--"TIME"!

The Human Spirit

2008-11-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

The greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to one's opportunities, and to make the most of one's resources.
- Vauvenargues

Two Simple Principles

2008-05-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it, put your whole soul into it -- every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.
- John D. Rockefeller III

This type of ambition comes when you quit doing something in your head and start loving it with your heart. Many people go to work and continue working a job because they know how to do it (in their mind), but do not love what they are doing (with their heart). When you find what you love doing, then it is easy to complete it. It is not simply a task but a passion.

May I make a recommendation--quit simply living for God, that is a task! Start loving him with your heart--that will be your passion, therefore it will have energy, ambition, and be born out of a natural ability. After all, we are made in HIS image! Put your whole soul into it!!!

Happy People Produce

2008-05-12T01:32:00.001-07:00

The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing.
- - William Ralph Inge

How true! We need to make something happen! Be productive! It is not because of boredom that people are not productive, but rather they are bored because they do not produce. Keep striving! You will eventually succeed.

Just Keep Smiling

2008-05-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work.
- Mother Teresa

Don't worry about what people think or say about you, just do your work honestly and forthrightly. Work so well that you don't mind signing your name to it!

I Defend Your Right

2008-05-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
Voltaire

I certainly do not agree with men like Jeremiah Wright and others who spew their hatred and anti-American "centrisms." I must however defend their right to speak. To deny people a right to voice their opinions is to deny them the very foundation on which this country was founded. I enjoy freedom of speech and employ it often. People may not like what I have to say but my constitutional right to say it remains free. You don't have to like the message but you must allow people their voice!

Freedom of speech stops, however, when the speaker crosses over into malicious rhetoric about killing and destroying people, or it includes defamation of character. This type of behavior should be eradicated. Whether it is preached from a pulpit, spoken in a political state house, or shouted from a street corner, hatred is NEVER acceptable!

I may not agree with what you say, but I WILL defend your right to say it as long it does not enter the area of willful and malicious intent!

Life's Lessons

2008-04-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Success is not to be measured by what one has but rather by what one leaves behind. If you do not leave behind wealth, but you have left children with a well-balanced life: children who love God and their fellow man, and entreat both with honor and respect: then you have succeeded.

Keep Pushing

2008-04-05T17:55:00.001-07:00

The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.
- Helen Keller

No matter how small and insignificant you feel, simply remember, you are doing more than you feel that you are doing. If everyone quit pushing, no matter how small the push, nothing would ever be accomplished. Few heroes ever changed the world, it is the small touch: a mother brushing the tears away from her child, the hug from a friend, a kiss from your lover. These small seemingly insignificant pushes or touches are what keeps people going.

YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD WITH JUST ONE SMALL PUSH AT A TIME! KEEP PUSHING!!

Goodness and Strength

2008-04-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.
- William Hazlitt

When we love, or at least have a strong friendship with someone, we are willing to forgive and continue our love with them. We can strongly disagree and not strain our love for one another because our love is not based on whether we agree or not. True love is based on our heart and mind. It is no wonder that the Bible states, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:30) Jana and I have had a lasting love simply because of our profound love for one another and our strength of mind to keep it that way--you can too!

Just a subscript: You can learn a lot more from listening than you can from talking. If you want to learn something about someone, take a seat, shut your mouth and don't argue back. You might be surprised how much alike that you really are! It is physically impossible to listen and speak at the same time!

Chance Of A Lifetime

2008-04-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

A day dawns, quite like other days; in it, a single hour comes, quite like other hours; but in that day and in that hour the chance of a lifetime faces us.
- Maltbie Babcock

Sometimes life gives us only one chance at something, and we will never get that chance again. In a single moment we can seize the chance of a lifetime and our lives are forever changed, or we can miss the opportunity and forever regret the missed chance. Every moment of every day, be aware of the chance that life affords you and apprehend that moment. It might be the one chance that you get to make a difference!

One Of Life's Important Lessons

2008-03-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

The most important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative, and the second disastrous.
- Margot Fonteyn

While I think that everyone should have a God measured amount of self-esteem, self-pride, and self-worth we must be careful not to take ourselves too seriously and think more of ourselves than we ought to think. The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans said it best, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) The Apostle James writes in chapter 1 verse 14 of his book, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."

While you may disagree that this quote and these verses of scripture do not intertwine, I respectfully ask you to reconsider them again. Most people who take themselves too serious think more highly of themselves than they ought.

Work hard so that when your name goes on what you completed people can see that you have done a good job, but don't brag too much about your work. Let others do that for you!

Trials Build Character

2008-02-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fibre of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.
- James Buckham

Temptations are brought about because of Satan or ones-self. The Bible says that, "God tempteth no man but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed." If you can overcome temptation then you will be stronger.

Facing Deficiencies

2008-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.
- Helen Keller

EVERYONE you will ever meet has a deficiency or a weakness. Some hide them better than others. When someone points out that deficiency in your life, acknowledge it, and face that giant. A wise man once pointed out to me that God allows our deficiencies to surface not to embarrass us or to cause us to give up, but more appropriately to allow us to fix them, so we can be more like Him. You don't have to be weak to have weaknesses, but do not let them have control.

Helen Keller knew about weaknesses and deficiencies, but overcame them and became a great orator, author, and developed several foundations. The order of the Southern Cross was conferred upon her because of her charitable work. It wasn't always this way. Up until the age of 2 years old, Helen was a perfectly normal child. Then at the age of two years old, she contracted a very high fever that left her both blind and dumb (speechless). She began to throw tantrums because of the frustration that she faced because that she was now unable to communicate. It wasn't until Anne Sullivan came and made her realize that these disabilities did not make her worthless. These deficiencies caused her to learn patience, allowing a new insight about the value of not letting weaknesses to overcome her.

Even if life starts out normal, and takes a terrible turn, we can make it! We need to be aware that trials come to make us strong. The Bible says, "Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world."

Courage and Strength

2008-01-26T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength.
- Anonymous

Next time you are faced with hard times, you should realize that the Bible says, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind." You have the power, through God, to push back anything that comes against you. The Church is being called to the strength and courage she knows. God wants to use us more now than ever before to bring about miracles, signs, and wonders. Push your fears aside and step into the courage and strength that God has provided for the Church, even if you are in the midst of most difficult times.

Within You

2008-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
- William Morrow

Truer words have never been spoken! If you have the fortitude you can face any storm or adversity with the utmost confidence. It isn't what you face that makes you! It's what you do with what you face that changes you! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world, according to God's Word. You have the greatest potential to be anything you want to be right inside you. You already possess the power. Use it! Become! Change your world! You have the power within!

There is a Time

2008-01-21T23:03:00.000-08:00

Charles Dickens began his book, “A Tale of Two Cities”, with these words:
“IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,”…

Mr. Dickens penned those words in regards to the year 1775; they express how he felt about that particular time.

We, like Dickens, are living in "the best of times," and "the worst of times." There has never been a better era in which to live, but the world has never been more wicked than it is now. It is your choice as to which side you will live in. Will you choose to live in "the epoch of belief" or the "epoch of incredulity?" The world and it's violent ugliness has created a time so bad that it is unprecedented in the history of the world. We are, however, living in the greatest, most powerful time the church has ever known.

Happy Busy People!

2008-01-18T14:51:00.001-08:00

"The happiest people are those who are too busy to notice whether they are or not."
-William Feather.

An idle mind is the devil's workshop! I have heard this comment for years and believe it to be true. No I am not talking about resting. Everyone needs rest sometime. When you just sit around however, your mind becomes a playground for mischief. I have often heard quoted, "If you want to get a job done, ask a busy person." These people often have a better outlook on life, and see life as a journey and not a destination. Hence, their whole life is consumed with keeping themselves occupied and making forward progress. We all derive satisfaction when a goal is accomplished and done well. This makes us happy. Therefore, most happy people are busy people.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Happiness is a Choice

2008-01-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

Our greatest happiness in life does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
- Thomas Jefferson

Happiness is a by-product of living well, and with a good conscience. Living well with a good conscience comes through living for God. Being happy is a choice. I can either be happy or miserable. When worries try to overwhelm us, and they will, we need to poitively make a choice to smile through the pain and laugh through the sorrow. I have made a choice that I will not go through life miserable.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

UNITY ≠ UNIFORMITY

2008-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Uniformity and unity are not at all the same thing. According to Random House Dictionary, 2006, uniformity and unity are as follows:

u·ni·form·i·ty /ˌyunəˈfɔrmɪti/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[yoo-nuh-fawr-mi-tee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state or quality of being uniform; overall sameness, homogeneity, or regularity: uniformity of style.
2. something uniform.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Origin: 1400–50; late ME uniformite < MF uniformite < LL ūnifōrmitās, equiv. to L ūnifōrm(is) uniform + -itās -ity]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

u·ni·ty /ˈyunɪti/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[yoo-ni-tee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being one; oneness.
2. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one.
3. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.

In short, uniformity is when all the parts are a cookie cutter copy of each other, whereas, unity is the homogenizing of parts into a whole.

Never will you find true uniformity among people because we are so vastly different depending on our background, environment, socioeconomic status, race, educational diversity, cultural diversification, etc...

Unity on the other hand is taking what we have and blending it together toward a common purpose and goal in order to achieve maximum success. My son is the bass singer for a group name "freeWAY" (formerly known as the WAY quartet). Each young man's voice is so uniquely different from the other; you wonder how could they possibly blend these four voices. It is really quite simple! Each man seeks to blend with the other and form one harmonious sound. Each one will get his chance to solo and show off his vocal talent and uniqueness, but for the homogeneity of the group, they choose to lay aside personal preferences for the sake of the whole.

With regard to the Bible, God has certain absolutes! No one ever crossed those without getting God's attention, oft times with consequences. With regard to these points, God expects conformity. No group will ever see eye to eye on all their convictions, however, biblical principles are not convictions, they are mandates. It is time we guard our own convictions but meld our spirits into a unity of the brethren. I heard a man once preach a message that we need to "Save the Bean Patch", referring to guarding our principles. I agree! Yet, we need to save the bean patch, even if our brother is not growing the same beans as I am! I shouldn't go around trying to pull out his beans because he is not growing the exact same variety as mine. Isn't his bean patch also important? I am in no way eluding to the compromise of God's message of Oneness, Holiness or Sanctification. Simply stated, even though we do not see eye to eye on every point, if our biblical message is the same, aren't we brethren, even without uniformity, but with unity?

Am I diluting what I believe by doing this? Absolutely not! On the contrary, I am "...endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace... until we all come to the unity of the faith..." Ephesians 4:3,13

I Can't Get Close Enough

2008-01-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

I reach out my hands to draw you in,
but I can't get close enough.

I see you in each smiling face,
tho I can't get close enough.

I whisper your name in the stillness of night,
still I can't get close enough.

I breathe you in with every flowery fragrance,
I can't get close enough.

My soul craves your touch,
I can't get close enough.

I kneel my knee at the wood,
again I can't get close enough.

Then you come and dwell within,
suddenly you are close enough.

Nature Speaks of God

2008-01-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

Howling winds caress mountain peaks

carving them into picturesque silhouettes--

Trees raise their branches in silent submission

to the heavens above them--

Rivers flow carving out their deep crevices

like tears flowing down a muddy face--

Vast valleys wind through the earth

searching for that pristine meadow--

Man finds his God by raising his hands

in deep contrition to his Creator.

What Are You Becoming?

2008-01-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

Majestic are the mountain peaks, but have you seen what they have to endure to be majestic? The Giant Redwood or the Sequoias have had to suffer the cruelest of storms to be as magnificent. The blooming desert has faced long harsh summers and unrelenting winters, yet bloom with the most insignificant amounts of water. The mighty rivers rush to the ocean but have you seen what they had to cut away to be mighty? Just remember, whenever you face your difficult moments in life, God is either trying to make you majestic, magnificent, beautiful, or mighty.

A Single Voice Above the Noise

2008-01-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

There is a single voice above the noise. When the world is whirling about and the constant banter of mundane sounds pound out their lyrics in our heads, is there a single voice above the noise? You can stand near the oceans' pounding surf or the crash of immense falls and still hear it. Yet, all the while, it is soft, gentle and calm. Do you hear it? Sshh, be still, do you hear it now? Yes, He is calling. He is the Single Voice Above the Noise.

I Am Bound To My Convictions

2008-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.
- Abraham Lincoln

You may not always win but you MUST be true to your convictions. In light of some recent developments in our organization, this even rings more true with me today. I would rather be with people who may not see it just exactly the way I do, but will respect my convictions, than to be with those who are simply bitter spirited. They portray one image and live another all the while rejecting those who don't quite measure up to what is portrayed. Webster defines this as hypocrisy!

2008-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

He can do more for others who has done most with himself.
- S.D. Gordon

It should be understood that before we are able to do much for those around us that we must prepare ourselves for the task. Too many people are quick to offer an opinion or assist in fixing a problem when they themselves have no discipline in their own lives. It is no wonder Jesus said, "He that is without sin, cast the first stone." We we fix ourselves then we will have no trouble in working with those who ask for our help.

Legacy

2008-01-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

The legacy you are leaving behind -- is it temporal or eternal?

According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary, legacy means:
1. Law. a gift of property, esp. personal property, as money, by will; a bequest.
2. anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor

Are you simply leaving possessions or are you leaving something more lasting?

Friendships

2008-01-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

The firmest friendships have been formed in mutual adversity, as iron is most strongly united by the fiercest flame.
- Charles Caleb Colton

When forging friendships make sure that you chose friends who will love you even when you are in the most difficult of times. Remember, a true friend loveth at all times!

Be Your Best!

2008-01-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Resolve this year to be the very best that you can be!

Fun that Matters?

2007-05-03T18:14:00.001-07:00

To love what you do and feel that it matters -- how could anything be more fun?
- Katherine Graham

Ever just long to have fun? You can if you will do something that you enjoy, and it has meaning. Not just silly mindless games but doing something that will make a difference. It may seem so small and insignificant but it will matter to someone, even if that someone is you! JUST HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Know Your Values

2007-05-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.
- Roy Disney

Only when your values are skewed in favor of your flesh do you make incorrect decisions! You will never be wrong when your heart is in the right place and you are guided by holy values! Do your best to base your decisions on Godly principles.

Obstacles?

2007-04-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
- Christopher Reeve

Here is a quote from one of my heros. This man was more incredible after his accident than before. He showed overwhelming grace and perseverence in spite of what life dealt him. I only hope that I can overcome the obstacles with only a portion of the poise with which he faced lifes challenges. Christopher Reeves was truly a man who stood tall among men though confined to a wheelchair. What a man-What a hero!

Relax a Little!

2007-04-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

The most important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative, and the second disastrous.
- Margot Fonteyn

I really like Margot's quote on this one. Lighten up on yourself occasionally and live life--it goes by way too fast! By taking yourself too seriously, you lose out on some of the fun spontaneous things in life that helps generate lifetime memories. BTW I have yet to read on someone's tombstone, "I wished I had worked more." Enjoy life! Do your work with all diligence but live life with reckless abandon!

Quote: B. D. Gulledge

2007-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

I used to sit on the banks with a raft and watch the water roll lazily by. One day I pushed my raft into the shallows of the water and found the water moved swifter than I thought. My raft was actually a boat. Then, after some time, I rowed my little boat into deeper water. There were great storms, mighty winds, tremendous waves, and sometimes I felt so alone. But I have noticed my little rowboat is now a mighty ship manned by my friends and loved ones; and beautiful calm seas, warm sunny days, and nights filled with comfortable dreams always double after a storm. Now, I could never go back and sit on the bank. In fact, I search for deeper water. Such is life when lived.
- B. D. Gulledge

Once you have experienced the wonderful and powerful things of life you will never want to return to the status quo! And so it is with God- once you have experienced the mighty and powerful, the average walk seems so lifeless.

Quote: Johann von Goethe

2007-04-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own.- Johann von Goethe

Creating A New Ending

2007-04-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. - Anonymous

Balance the Government's Budget

2007-04-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job.
I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government
distributes my taxes as they see fit. In order to get
that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test,
which I have no problem with. What I do have a problem
with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't
have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a
urine test to get a welfare check? I have to pass one to
earn it for them.

Please understand, I have no problem with helping people
get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a
problem with helping someone sit on their buttocks. Can you
imagine how much money the state would save if people had
to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check.
-Anonymous-

Incredible! I like this person's thinking. If we really did make those receiving public assistance take and give a clean urine sample in order to receive their checks we may be able to balance the budget. I am not against public assistance for those truly in need until they can get a job. I am tired, however, of paying dope using coach potatoes with my hard earned monies. Can I get an Amen! Done gone to preaching now. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Quit Standin' Around

2007-04-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.
- Vince Lombardi

We need to stop encouraging those who will never "do" but applaud those who have "done"! Maybe, then just maybe, those who aren't doing, will see the value of doing, and get something done. I have made up my mind that I am going to make a BIG deal of those who do rise to the challenge and achieve.

Power to Succeed

2007-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

The power to SUCCEED is in your hands. Failure happens only when YOU decide to let it go.

Quote from Carol Buchner

2007-04-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you make them feel.
- Carol Buchner

Wow, what a powerful and true statement!

A BIG THANK YOU

2007-04-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

As pastor of the greatest church in California, the Apostolic Gospel Church of Delano, I want to say THANK YOU to all those that attended Monday Night Prayer! Wow, it was great and powerful! Sincerely you are a great people! Happy Birthday Sis. Joy Atchison!

Surely NOT?!

2007-04-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Is it possible or even concievable that our next president could be either Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton? I'm neither prejudice nor a male chauvanist but I am worried if either of these politicians win the White House. Sen. Obama's lack of experience and Sen. Clinton's lack of intellecual expertise frankly has me worried. Look at Sen. Clinton's past attempt at reforming medical insurance-doesn't that show her creative ability? What a disaster! Then Sen. Obama can't tell if he is Christian or Muslim. If can't make up his mind about what his religion is, do you think he can make timely decisions about our government? Now where does that leave America if one of them get into office?

GOOD LIVING

2007-04-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

No pleasure philosophy, no sensuality, no place nor power, no material success can for a moment give such inner satisfaction as the sense of living for good purposes, for maintenance of integrity, for the preservation of self-approval.
- Minot Simons

People Are Born Evil

2007-04-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

Born within man is the inherent nature to be mean and cruel. The Bible shows that, "man was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did our mother conceive us." We don't teach children to lie and steal: it is in the inherent nature of people. We as parents must teach our children to suppress this desire, and teach them how to become good law-abiding citizens. It is imperative that children understand that the Law of Liberty comes only when one is totally sold out to God and under submission to His authority. When one turns away from God or no longer represses the spirit of man then it is easy to revert to the monster living inside each of us. It was not originally so, but the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden changed the entire complexion of what man was designed to be. Instead, it was at that moment that man became evil, causing Cain to kill Abel. If we are civilized it is only because we have learned to live that way from someone who has chosen to live a socially accepted lifestyle.

Pseudo Christians?

2007-01-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Have we become pseudo christians projecting our moral judgments and morality in the place of a true relationship with Jesus Christ? No, I am not throwing away separation from the world, but it seems that too many "christians" think that only good moral living will get them to heaven! What about our intimacy with Jesus? What about our private time with Him? We have become corporate christians meaning that we have left our prayer closets and resorted only to prayer at church. We leave Jesus standing on the corner wishing for more than just a casual kiss, while we walk away flaunting our morality to a world who wants more than just another phony pseudo christian. I wonder if Jesus has ever thought about divorcing individuals whose sole concern was with what they looked like and not what they thought about Him? We don't take the intimacy between a husband and a wife into the public so why should we think that our relationship with Jesus should only be for public display. He wants time alone with us so he can talk to us personally and be with us. I want to look holy, and be righteous; I want to uphold standards that set me apart from the world but that should never become my primary focus. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me." I think we should all develop a relationship with Jesus that includes more than just looking the part. Good moral living and looking the part is only part of the equation. A life with Christ that is based solely on good morals and good moral judgment will last no longer than a marriage that is solely based on a public display of affection. Develop a life of private time and intimacy with God and you will find that you enjoy being with Him. It won't be a hypocritical life either, because you will want to please Him!

Quote: Dr. Phil McGraw

2007-01-01T02:13:00.000-08:00

I like this quote from Dr. Phil!

SHAKE IT UP TO BREAK IT UP!!

Quote: William Jennings Bryan

2006-12-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.
- William Jennings Bryan

It's Gotta Be Right!

2006-12-28T22:10:00.000-08:00

My lovely wife and I were listening to the mixdown of her debut CD in order to assure the engineers that everything is okay. We were listening for any pitch problems, vocal issues, music miscues, or anything that might make the CD less than perfect (with a voice like hers that would be impossible). We found a few small issues but nothing major. We were paying close attention because "it's gotta be right." I suddenly began to think, "Am I as meticulous with my life as I am with her CD?" Our sign team, "Mach 1", from our church walked in shortly after we finished with my wife's CD. They are performing in Exeter tomorrow night and was wanting me to assist them in making it perfect, because "it's gotta be right." Once again driving the thought home even harder, that my life has got to be right. After all, "I'm not performing, for anyone but you (God)!" (A song recorded by Bryce on his debut CD).

2006-12-26T23:43:00.001-08:00

Every once in awhile one has to stop and recharge their batteries. Today was one of those days! My family and I simply enjoyed staying home and enjoying each other by playing games, listening to music, and me giving them massages. My little girl layed there on the massage table and said, "Daddy this feels so good can we do this tomorrow too?" How can you say "no" to something that sweet? So when the day is said and done tomorrow, guess what I'll be doing?

A time of reflection...

2006-12-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

I guess Christmas is a time of reflection and the conception of a New Year! In just a few days 2007 will be birthed. Many will begin with resolutions that they hope bring a fresh start. I trust that the resolution will include a fresh new start with the Christ of Christmas. A very Merry Christmas to all who read this blog and may each of you be blessed this New Year.