Katrina Relief: Join the Blog for Relief Day

From Daddypundit, I learned about the effort to Blog for Relief for those who were devastated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These people and their communities are going to need help for a long time to come.

Pick a charity from those listed at Instapundit, and then add your blog to those blogging for relief at The Truth Laid Bear registration page. Or, you can add your choice of charities, if yours is not listed.

I am blogging for the American Red Cross. You can visit their web site, or donate by calling 1 800 HELP NOW.

|Technorati tags| flood aid,Hurricane Katrina

AP: Air Force Discourages Public Prayer

Public prayer will be discouraged at official functions by the new guidelines drawn up by the Air Force. A draft was obtained by AP, which directs chaplains to "respect the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs."

The guidelines were drawn up after allegations that evangelical Christians have so much influence at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, that "anti- Semitism and other forms of religious harassment have become pervasive." According to the draft, the guidelines will apply to the entire Air Force.

Appeasing seems to be the reason for this draft, because I cannot see an evangelical Christian being hostile or prejudiced against jews, or discriminating against them. The draft doesn't ban prayer completely, but cautions the Air Force members to be tolerate of other's beliefs. No abuse will be tolerated against any Air Force member who has a different religion, or no religion at all. Although this sounds good on the outside, it seems Christianity is once again getting 'the door'.

|Technorati tags|prayer,Anti-Semitism,Christianity,Air Force

Convoy of Hope Moves In As Katrina Moves On

Katrina has left a path of devastation through the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Many have lost everything but the clothes on their back. They will never be able to go back to 'their home', because their home is no longer standing. It has to be very heart-breaking to lose all your worldly possessions. But, we thank the Lord for all those lives that have been saved. Possessions can be bought; lives cannot be.

Convoy of Hope from the Assembly of God is moving in to bring supplies: 27 loads of ice, water, food, and other necessary items for survival. They will meet in Natchez, LA. They know there is devastation everywhere, and are able to set up where the need is worse.

Several Florida-based radio and television news groups have contacted Convoy of Hope, wanting to help the organization that helped them sort through hurricane aftermath. They all share the same theme, “You were there for us, now we want to be there for you.”

Convoy of Hope relies on donations from corporations, businesses, and private citizens. A donation can be made online on the web site.

|Technorati tags| Katrina,hurricane,relief,hope

Coffee - A Health Drink?

CNET.com had an article this morning that Slashdot was reporting a story that a study shows coffee might have health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer.

Steve Connor, Science Editor at The Independent reports that coffee was found to be high in health-giving antioxidants. Fruit and vegetables have been known to have great antioxidants, but the study shows coffee beat out cranberries, apples, and tomatoes.

"Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close," said Professor Vinson, whose study was described at the weekend to the American Chemical Society in Washington.

The study found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee appeared to provide similar levels of antioxidants.

Professor Vinson said we should drink coffee in moderation, only one or two cups a day. And, we should never ignore the benefits of fresh vegetables and fruits. Most Americans never eat enough of these foods.

Dates has been shown to have the highest amount of antioxidants, but we don't eat enough to produce enough antioxidants. Red grapes and cranberries also produce high numbers of antioxidants.

The British Coffee Association thinks that the study confirms that 4 or 5 cups of coffee a day is perfectly safe and has health benefits. But, coffee has it's risks. It can raise the blood pressure in people already susceptible to high blood pressure, can cause heartburn and indigestion, and also reduce fertility in a woman wanting to conceive.

|Technorati tags| coffee,health,antioxidants,

Katrina Comes To Shore With Fury

Katrina was expected to hit New Orleans full force. But, instead, it went a little east, hitting the outer edges and the shores of Mississippi and Alabama. But, even though it didn't hit New Orleans directly, New Orleans is experiencing lots of damage and flooding from levees which have loosed the water into the city, which is already below sea level. And, the pumps aren't working quickly enough to remove the water.

In Mississippi, the devastation is unbelievable! Mississippi's governor says the death toll could be between 50 and 80 in the coastal areas.

The mayor of Biloxi, Miss., said, "This is our tsunami." Rescue teams are preparing to head into neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina to search for survivors and the dead.

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco said she fears the loss of life won't be limited. She said 200 people have been rescued in boats from rooftops, attics and other locations around the New Orleans area. She said rescuers are sawing through roofs to get to people in attics, and other stranded residents have been swimming to rescue boats.

Thousands of people took refuge in the Superdome of New Orleans. Now, they are wanting out, but unable to get out, due to the conditions in the city. But, they say the bathrooms are dirty, the roof is leaking, and their food is running out. But one woman put it all in perspective:

She said if the facility hadn't been opened, there would have been "a lot of people floating down the river."

Georgia has been hit hard with heavy rain, high winds, and tornadoes. At least 3 counties has lots of damaged homes, due to storms.

Alabama has state wide power outages, but my family was spared any damage or power outage. But, as I told someone this morning, 'but by the grace of God, there go I'. All of us, who escaped the damage of the hurricane/storm owe it all to the mercy and grace of our Lord.

|Technorati tags| Katrina,storms,Weather,Hurricane,

Trackback and Pingback Supported by CNET News.com

For those of us who did not know, this is a great find! You can now ping a particular story on CNET News that you mention in your blog post. You will find a Trackback button in the tool section of most stories.

Read the linking policy and link appropriately to CNET News.com. When you ping them, with your reference post, then you are given a link on the appropriate page.

God's Grace

I just read an article on the blog, Words Behind Me, about God’s grace. A bird had flown into her living room window. She was afraid it might be dead, or perhaps eaten by an animal, so she prayed for God to have mercy. Later, she got up and checked on it, and discovered the bird was sitting on its tiny legs, and, as she watched, it flew away. Such a thrill to know that God protected the little bird, and showed grace.

Today, the hurricane Katrina is reeking havoc on shore in Louisiana and Mississippi. A levee has broken on Lake Ponchatrain in New Orleans, flooding the city south of the lake. Power is gone, and the pumps are failing in New Orleans. But, still, you see the hand of God once again stretching out to help them, keeping their worse fears from happening, in that the hurricane did not make a direct hit on the city, which is below sea level.

Grace, as stated in the dictionary, is a temporary immunity or exemption: a reprieve. Several times this weekend, I’ve referred to a ‘reprieve’. Someone I know had gone back on God, into drugs, and God showed him a vision of hell. He says he has, yet again, turned his life around. His Mother said, “I pray so.” She is afraid for him, if he goes back on God one more time. And, I said,”He has another reprieve”. God is a merciful God, but I do believe, one day, He may get tired of people disobeying his commands and doing ‘their thing’. After knowing the wonders of God’s mercy and grace, becoming a born-again Christian, how could you get entangled in the sin world again, knowing how detrimental it can be?

In II Corinthians 12:9, God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” How often the devil comes to call and God shows up once again with His mighty power and Grace!

Linked to TMH's Bacon Bits

Prayer For Those In Katrina's Path

I could not add another thing to Jollyblogger's post on prayer for the people in the path of Katrina. It certainly could be a devastating experience for those people in it's path. But, as he said, God is there with you, experiencing this along with you. And, we are all praying for the safety of those who could not get out.

Our best friends here have two children and their families in the path of this hurricane. The daughter is a nurse and could not leave, so her family has stayed at home, too. So, this is a very tense time for our friends.

Modest Fashions For Teenagers

I surfed over to Challies.com tonight, and in his Sunday ramblings, he was talking about the lingerie tops girls are now wearing for blouses. So, I got to looking around the Internet and found a very interesting article at Concerned Women for America. Martha Kleder wrote a piece called 'Fighting Back: Teens Demand Modest Clothing.'

After reading Tim's post about the lacy, lingerie tops, this statement from Martha's article stood out:

Classmate Brittney Phelps, 17, agreed, saying, "It's disturbing to see girls sitting with their underwear showing and all their fat hanging out."

It is very encouraging to find teenagers wanting to get away from the sleazy clothing trend set by Brittany Spears and MTV. Andrea Stephens, Beauty Editor for Focus on the Family's magazine BRIO, has been writing about this subject and directing breakout sessions on fashions. You can be trendy and honor God at the same time, without being sleazy.

"Real style comes from within," writes Stephens. "Build your self-esteem (and your wardrobe) on God's opinion. And remember, the best-dressed girl is always wearing a smile."

|Technorati tags|fashion,clothing,teenagers

Casey in heaven "calls Bush idiot"

So now Cindy Sheehan is hearing from her son in heaven?

Cindy quotes slain son in afterlife, says 'tens of thousands of angels' back her

Cindy also reflected on the days immediately after Casey's birth, noting, "I looked in his eyes and it looked like he could tell what I was thinking. That's very disarming when you have like a week-old baby looking at you, and you know he knows what you're thinking.

We all know a baby one week old has no idea what you are thinking. And according to an article I just read, he will not focus on you until about 4-8 weeks of age.

A momentous occasion during the early weeks of life is your baby's first smile. Although you'll often see a happy look on your newborn's face, an infant generally doesn't focus on your face and smile right at you until after the first month, usually by the eighth week.

This woman needs help! Hopefully, most people aren't taking her seriously. She need our prayers. And, she needs to get out of Crawford, TX,and go home. Unfortunately, she has the right to freedom of speech. But, I think she's went beyond her freedoms.

Two Arrested in U.S. Computer Worm Probe

Two young men, a Moroccan and a Turk, were arrested in their respective countries. They are believed to have been the ones who unleashed the worm Zotob. One wrote the code that stopped many U.S. businesses, and the other one paid him to do it. These two are suspected to be the ones that unleashed the Mytob worm that first appeared in February.

Those machines most vulnerable are ones running Windows 2000. A protective patch can be found on the Microsoft website, as well as instructions on how to clean an infected machine.

Zotob and its variations can attack a computer without needing to open any software, so some users would be infected without knowing it.

|Technorati tags|worm,Computers

What Story Are You Telling?

Ed, over at Eternal Revolution, wrote, “Our actions are our stories, regardless of what we tell.” How true! I’ve heard all my life that ‘action speaks louder than words.’

We, as Christians, should be the example of Jesus in this world. The church, which is made up of a body of believers, should be about showing Jesus to the unsaved world, getting out and introducing Him by showing His light within us. But, as Ed said, too many churches are about building better buildings, having the best ‘programs’, and just having a bigger crowd each week.

The Word says, “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23) Getting the people in- the poor, the destitute, the lonely, the brokenhearted, the lost – should be the top priority in our church, and to us, as believers. Bring them in, teach them the Word, and make disciples of them, so they can go back out into the world and bring others into His house. But, most have lost the zeal to do this, and are happy to come in, once a week, sit on the pew, and go home. Is Jesus happy with this?

A great article to read is Body Language: Clothing ourselves and others.

|Technorati tags|Christians,Believers,Church

Christian Carnival #84 Is Up

Christian Carnival #84 is being hosted at Wallo World this week. There are some great entries, so go over and check out Bill's Barebones Edition of the Carnival.

A couple of ones I love are: Praying Without Ceasing at Sharing Spirit, and a real eye-opener you will not want to miss - Pickin' A Fight at Another Man's Meat.

Only One Way To Salvation II

An article in Agape Press says a new poll taken says that there is a growing rejection among Evangelicals that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

There is no room in my mind to doubt the plan of salvation, when you read the words of Jesus in John 4:16:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Yet, a poll recently taken by Newsweek/BeliefNet states that there are other ways to get to heaven, other than through the blood of Jesus Christ. The question was asked:

"Can a good person who isn't of your religious faith go to heaven or attain salvation, or not?"

Of 1,004 people asked, 68% of Evangelical Christians, 83% of Non-Evangelical Protestants, 91% of Catholics, and 73% of Non-Christians said yes. Belief spokesman Steven Waldman says:

Evangelicals are among the most churchgoing and religiously attentive people in the United States," Waldman writes, "and one of the ideas they're most likely to hear from the minister at church on a given Sunday is that the path to salvation is through Jesus."

In light of that, how -- he asks -- could so many Americans toss aside such a central element of theology?

Tags:Salvation,Evangelical,Christianity,Christian

John Robert's Attitude

The people who don't like Roberts and would rather not see him elected to the Supreme Court are getting very desperate. With nothing else to attack, they've jumped on his 'attitude' at the age of 17!

Roberts has been criticized for his humorous commentary and opinions written in the margins of reports during his years with the Reagan administration.That hasn't set the world on fire to stop the nomination, so 'let's attack the attitude' of a Catholic attending an all-boys' school.

Kids joke, folks. We old folks even crack a joke or two, at times. What if he did write that he'd rather be in a class learning certain things without 'a blonde giggling and blushing behind me.' He's right; that's what girls do (not just blondes) when they are embarrassed in class. I was one; I know. I'm of the old school, too. Girls can study better without boys in the class, and boys can learn more without the distraction of the opposite sex. That's just a fact of life. Has something to do with growing up - maturity.

Quoting from Kathleen Parker's post about Bruce Reed's comments last week:

Such blasphemy has caused a tiny tempest among some who see sinister applications in today's Supreme Court. Bruce Reed, writing last week for the online magazine Slate, managed to infer from Roberts' brief flirtation with adolescent journalism that whatever his views on Roe v. Wade today, "he would never have voted for it in the first place."

"Anyone who dismissed all women as giggling blondes in 1972 certainly wouldn't have found a right to privacy in the Constitution in 1973."

I hate to admit that my opinions have changed over the years. Needless to say, I'm sure that John Robert's opinions have, too. But, how in the world can you get from a 17 year old's comments about wanting to study without blondes in the class that he wouldn't view the Constitution as it was written, and have an opinion based solely on the Consititution rather than what he would want it to mean?

It is a sad day when a nominee for the Supreme Court can't have humor in his life. Is he supposed to be the sour pod in the basket of peas? Maybe those opposed to him can't stand that smile on his face!

Is Your House Really Yours?

How would you react, if the government sent soldiers to your door and told you to be out within a certain time, or they'd remove you? What would you do, if they said this is no longer your home - it will be given to someone else? You don't have a sayso in the matter; it's being done to appease others. And, perhaps you've lived there all your life, love your country and your home, your neighbors, but yet, you are being forced to abandon them all?

This is what has happened this past week in the Gaza strip. They were made to leave and most left with only a few of their possessions. And, now, the Israeli bulldozers level Gaza homes, making way for apartments to be built for the Palestinians. Hurts me to the core of my being, knowing families are being forced out of their homes for others to take over. Reminds me of the Eminent domain process here in America. Folks, none of us are safe anymore!

Clouds of cement dust loomed over the Gaza settlements of Nissanit, Dugit, Peat Sadeh and Ganei Tal in the first large-scale demolitions since the Israeli pullout began six days ago, adding an air of finality to the pullout by making it obvious the settlers can never go back.

What is worse, Israeli soldiers are being forced to do something that most of them are having a hard time with. They have been seen crying or hugging the people they are evacuating.

If we are helping do this over in Israel, who is to say it won't happen here in America?

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the two sides agreed that "Gaza will not be first and last." The Palestinians want to create a state comprising theGaza Strip ,all of the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

A senior U.S. envoy said during a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas that Israeli's pullout would boost the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan that envisions Palestinian statehood.

Who is your 'next door neighbor' (not speaking literally), and what are they wanting to do to your section of the country? What business is wanting to take over your home and property to farther their 'cause'? What part of your state is going to be annexed into another county, in order to help with their taxes? It's coming, people, so you better be ready. Even those who live in the country side are not free from these things! The cities and towns are 'moving out' our way!

Tags: Gaza strip
Israel,

From A Woman's Point of View

My husband and I both were in our early 20’s, when we married. Up until then, I had lived with my parents, and worked. When I was single, and dating my husband, it was the best time of my life – then.

Now, I love being married, because I love companionship, knowing someone will always be there for me, whether I’m home or maybe on a trip. I often take bus tours with my elderly Mom, and my husband doesn’t mind at all. He’s a workaholic and never runs out of anything to do – whether it’s in the yard, on the car, or trucks. He owns his own big truck, and does most of the work himself, so he’s always busy, doing something. I make him meals, when I'm going to be gone a few days. But, most of the time, when I return 3 or 4 days later, hardly any of it has been eaten. He’ll just make a sandwich for dinner,or perhaps go out to eat, on the way home in the evening.

Me, on the other hand – when I’m alone, I do eat less. I can get up in the morning, sit in front of the computer, if that’s what I’m going to do,and perhaps not eat for hours. My husband eats lots more than me – not that he over eats. But, he says, when you do manual work, you have to have more food. So, he’s eating in between meals, something I never do, unless he is here. He retired early, and stayed home for 6 years, and when he got hungry, he thought I needed to eat with him. Needless to say, I put on weight – he didn’t.

I miss my husband, when I’m gone and I’m so happy to get back to him, and my own bed and pillow! Nothing like snuggling beside your husband/wife at night!

I sing a lot, when I’m alone, and I also read more. But, my one downfall is the computer. My husband probably thinks I love it more than I do him. But, that’s not so – I can’t sleep with my computer, can’t talk to it – OH, I can fuss, when it’s not working correctly, but it doesn’t talk back.

Like Tim, over at Challies.com, I’d also probably be depressed, if I had to live the single life again. I don’t know how women OR men can live by themselves, after having been married before – especially, if they loved their spouse.

Who Speaks For Casey Sheehan?

We have heard lots from Casey Sheehan's mother this summer. As David Gelernter says in his article, the message of Casey was "I love my country".

And his mother's message? The FrontPage website noted her comments to a reporter. "The biggest terrorist is George W. Bush." And: "We are waging nuclear war in Iraq, we have contaminated the entire country." And most important: "America has been killing people on this continent since it started. This country is not worth dying for."

Casey's sister, Carly said, "That's all he wanted to do was serve God and his country his whole life." Cindy's cry of 'this country is not worth dying for', seems to be drowning out the message of her son, Casey - 'I love my country'.

One Life Down - Eight To Go!

You've heard the old saying that cats have nine lives. Well, it could be true, considering this cat came through a very 'fiery' experience!

Seems the lucky kitty had climbed a 40 foot pole after a bird's nest, but got into the electric wires instead, setting himself aflame, and putting out the lights at the nearby firehouse. When the firefighters put out the flames, they found the kitty, where he had fallen from the pole. They took him to the vet, and he's going to make a full recovery. Seems he only had a hairy tale - in that he lost it all from head to toe!

Trackback

I didn't have a clue as to what 'Trackback' meant, until I began to investigate. I found Blogspot didn't have this capability.But, when I read this week's Christian Carnival, I found a post that gave me the courage to try and set it up on my blog. I was a little apprehensive, since I knew of at least one blogger who lost comments,when he put it on his blog.

I decided to go the course, do it manually. And, here I am; trackback is here, and I didn't lose a comment! Thanks to Wayne Leman at Better Bibles Blog.

Devil In The Mix of Things

Have you ever gone to do something, and it seems that all goes wrong?

Today, I was going to finish the mountain of mowing in our yard that I had started yesterday. I am a dutiful wife (smiles) - when my husband works long hours, I try and get the lawn mowed. Well, today, I got almost done with one section of the front yard, when the lawnmower just cut off on me! I got down to look and see if a pine cone had gotten stuck in the blades, causing it to not turn. Well, wasn't a cone, but the belt to the blades was hanging out on the ground, chopped to pieces. I even discovered the outer part of the belt on the ground.

The devil knows just how to attack, and when. He is up on his 'duties' more than we are 'up' on the Word. We need to speak the Word, when we are attacked. A minister running us a revival reminded us of Matthew 21:21, in which we are instructed to 'speak to the mountain'. We have gotten so into our own ways, we forget the Word is truth, and it is powerful, when used as the Lord intended. Jesus spoke to the fig tree, and it withered away. And, His Word tells us that 'greater works shall you do, for I go unto my Father'. (John 14:12). Do we believe what the Lord says, or what our mind or others tell us?

Enter Contest at Challies.com

Travel Warning

This is not a travel warning as we generally know it here in the states, which is usually a weather warning. But, it's a travel warning for us not to go to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. This warning today supersedes the warning issued April 7, 2005.

All Government personnel have restrictions places on them traveling in the west bank. Also, American citizens should heed the warning, going into these places, because of threats put on our lives. In other words, stay out!

The U.S. Government has received information indicating that American interests within Israel could be the focus of terrorist attacks

All American citizens should exercise caution, stay out of crowded areas, such as malls, restaurants, clubs, and all public transportation. Also, take extra precaution, if traveling in Jerusalem, because of threats of planned attacks, especially in the downtown areas. Take extreme caution, if traveling to these areas; better still, stay out.

Tags: Jerusalem,Terrorists,Israel

The " Passing Out Game"

To me, a game means participation with other players. But, the new rage among some teenagers is the 'passing out game', or 'choking game', which requires only yourself. It's no game; it can be the path to death. And, many young people have lost their lives to this dangerous 'game', just for a quick high. But, it cuts off the needed oxygen supply to the brain, causing damage or possible death.

The parents of one teenager, Carol and Tim Wilson, are speaking out about the death of their 15 year old daughter. They don't want other parents to have to go through the tragic and unnecessary death of a child as they did last week.

Read the information at Connect With Kids on the 'passing out game' and things parents should know.

Choking Game

Linda Chavez Speaks Out on Cindy Sheehan

Worth the read: Mom deserves sympathies; her agenda doesn't.

A Moment of Grace

One of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount says:

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The lady, who was hit by a turkey thrown through her windshield and required extensive surgery to reconstruct her face, showed mercy to the young man, when she met him in court. This young man was one of 5 other teenagers out having a good time, and got into trouble. But, he showed remorse for what he had done, and asked her forgiveness. She took him into her arms, hugged him, and forgave him. She told him she wanted him to make the best of his life that it could be.

Read The Issue of forgiveness in the Sermon on the Mount.

Crazy World We Live In!

A laptop is on my 'wish list'. But, I plan on buying one the conventional way! Others could see themselves getting a used one for $50, just a drop in the bucket of the $999 - $1299 the Apple iBook would cost now. So, there was a stampede of 5,500 people to buy only 1,000 of those 4 year old laptops that a school system in Virginia was selling.

I have heard of many such sales, even at discount stores, where they would put possibly 50 television sets on sale, and hundreds of people would rush down at a ridiculous hour, to be first in line. And, those in the front usually get trampled on. Not on your life, would I even chance such a thing. I value life more than I value the low cost of something that might be on sale later, anyway! I'll pay a higher price and keep my sanity - maybe even my life!

Tags: Computers,Laptops,Apple,iBook

Heaven Is Richer Tonight

Daily, I checked on fellow blogger, Pastor Dwayne Harms, at Dwayne's Journey. Dwayne was told he had renal cancer, and under went an operation to remove the kidney and tumor on August 3. Today, that battle ended, and he went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Dwayne showed such courage through his presence on the blog, and continued to post until he had to go into the hospital. At that time, his wife, Janet, kept everyone abreast on what was going on with Dwayne. The last post before today, I sensed Dwayne's realizing God was calling him home, but I didn't want to face that. I had become accustomed to reading updates and praying for his healing. But, when Janet so aptly titled today's entry, Journey's End, I knew he was safely on the other side, waiting for the rest of us!

Keep Janet and her children in your prayers.

Only One Way to Salvation

Patrick Henry College let an employee go, when he tried to promote the idea that baptism is necessary for salvation. A judge ordered him to stop disparaging the college over their stance that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ.

Baptist evangelist Voddie Baucham, Jr., says PHC should be lauded for its commitment to an uncompromisingly biblical worldview throughout the school.

Baucham, a home-schooling Dad, who will be sending his children off to college, says there aren't many schools who are uncompromising on their stance on the historical facts of Christian faith and committed to academic excellence. That puts this college up higher on his list.

Letting Go Of Your Past

Many people bring lots of baggage into their Christian life, when they are saved and born again. They don't know how to become a 'new creature in Christ', as the Bible tells us.

Michael Bradley gives some great advice on fully surrendering your life to God, after you are saved, and letting God help you clean up your life and dump the baggage. Letting go is an individual choice. God will not force you to do anything beyond your choices; you are a free agent. But, if you will let Him, He will show you the way to a happier life, in Him.

Our Greatest Need

According to this morning's Quotemeal from Heartlight Ministries -

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.

-- Max Lucado

Pool of Siloam

The Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man, is believed to have been found. According to BP News, a Southern Bapist archeologist, Steven Ortiz, believes that it is authentic.

It seems, while repairing a sewer line, two steps were found. As they dug farther, more steps were found. Hershel Shanks, editor of Bibical Archeology Review, said there were 3 short segments, with 5 steps each. Archeologists now believe the pool, believed to be the same pool where Jesus told the blind man to wash his eyes, is at least 225 feet wide, much larger than the pool where tourists now visit, which was believed to have been built on the original site.

Oliver North on "Hanoi" Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is once again exercising her right to protest. But, she's once again chosen the wrong thing to protest about. In Oliver North's article at Townhall.com, "Vegetable oil and tours of duty", he gives us an insight on what she is planning to do, and where he thinks she should go and the people she should meet, in order to make her tour less offensive (or perhaps a lesson in humility).

Fonda claims that she met veterans, while having a signing for her autobiography, encouraged her to 'break her silence'. But, where are these veterans? Will she ever name them?

Religionjournal.com puts it this way:

Jane Fonda "is out looking for another publicity fix" for "a low-quality book" she's "trying to peddle."

HT: Right Equals Right - Colonel North, You Rock, Sir!

Exploiting the Dead

Cindy Sheehan has captured headlines in the paper and on television lately, since she has camped out on the doorstep to President Bush's ranch in Crawford, TX. In the above article at Frontpage Magazine, Ben Johnson gives you a different view of Mrs. Sheehan.

Also, Angry In The Great White North has the answer to where her husband is at this time.

Let Us Pray

Is it just me, or do I see a renewed interest in prayer? The Wednesday night Bible study was on prayer. I've been reading a great blog lately, and ran across his post, Talking to God, tonight.

Today, I got an email from someone, wanting to discuss his/her take on what prayer really is, after reading a devotional where I had referenced verses. I was informed by this person that "our "problem" is that our world is not on one accord". I quickly decided this person didn't understand about prayer. Our world will never be 'in one accord', because the world does not know our God!

The verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 was explained that the writer meant 'if we as a collective body (meaning everyone on this planet) would come together and truly want good for everyone, then will the universal forces line up and have no choice but to yield good.'

How misguided are people reading the Word, or perhaps hearing the Word through others, becoming today? Have they not been taught that 'my people', when God is speaking, means those that follow after Him, and Him alone, not the god or gods of this world? How can we become united with people who don't even believe in God?

God says to 'pray without ceasing'. He tells us to 'pray for the peace of Israel.' I see no where in those two verses where we are told to 'unite together' and pray. We can pray individually, or collectively. There is scripture where we are told to pray for one another, but it's not a command that we always become a 'unit' to pray.

Tags: Prayer,Bible

Jennings Mourners Vowing To Quit Smoking

Peter Jennings' death has prompted others to try and stop smoking. Peter was very candid with his audience about his smoking habits. President and Ceo of the American Lung Association, John Kirkwood, said that "Mr. Jennings' death is a reminder to me that we must continue to be vigilant and we will persevere in our effort to help the many of Americans living with lung disease and those who still smoke cigarettes."

The American Cancer Society estimates that 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to tobacco use. A stunning 87 percent of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco use, according to statistics compiled by the Cancer Society.

Tags: Smoking,Tobacco,Cancer

The Last Appointment

I went to a cousin’s funeral today. It was his last appointment, the one appointment we all have, unless the Lord returns in our lifetime.

I reflect on something the Leathersmith, who had come to my house just this morning, said: “as we grow older, we more easily identify with the person and death. We visualize ourselves or a loved one or friend in the place of that person, and it makes us realize that none of us are immortal.”

Often, at a viewing, my eyes will fill with tears, because I realize that it could be one of my own – mother, husband, child, or brother. I know life gets shorter, as we grow older, and the appointment is closer each day. But, really, none of us were promised tomorrow. Our next breath could be our last.

II Peter 1:10 says …..”brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: “

I want to make sure my ‘calendar’ is up to date, that my appointment doesn’t slip up on me unexpectedly, like the bridegroom’s return did for the five foolish virgins, who had not kept their lamps trimmed. How sad, not to be ready for that last duty in life.

Death

Michael Schiavo's At It Again

According to TBO.com News, Michael Schiavo is poised to sue caregivers of his late wife, Terri.

Tag:Schiavo

What's In It For Starbucks?

If you are addicted to Starbucks coffee, you have a very expensive addiction. Meghan Kleppner of Worldnet Daily has been an 'addict' of Starbucks for year, but said, it was 'a habit easily broken'.

A cup of coffee might cost your $4. And, it doesn't take too many of those cups of coffee for the amount spent to skyrocket. And, Meghan got her 'fill' of Starbucks when she ran across an e-alert from a California organzation telling her that her money was being spent on things of which she disapproved - Pride Week. But, that's not the end of it. There were two volunteers on the staff of San Diego's Gay Pride organization that has been exposed as registered sex offenders. And, this placed innocent children in the "middle of sexually explicit material. After careful investigation, she didn't find it too hard to put down that coffee cup.

"We're committed to supporting things that matter to our employees and our customers."

Since Megan considered herself a 'customer', and she didn't support their beliefs, she decided to stop drinking Starbucks. As for me and my husband, we tried their coffee once, and it's nothing to 'write home about'. We'll stick with our regular coffee beans, and grind our own!

Tags:Starbucks,Coffee

Colorado Spammer to Pay $7 Million

Tired of the spam filling your inbox? Well, Microsoft went after a business considered to be one of the largest spammers, Opt In Real Big, an Internet firm.

"This is an exciting settlement for us because it accomplishes our goal of sending a message to senders of illegal spam that there are real consequences for their conduct," Kornblum said.

Tags:Spam,news,Microsoft

America's Public Schools

The Christian Law Association posed the question, "What is going on in America's Public schools?"

When I was in school, we had Bible reading. Each morning, in High School, a student gave a reading of scripture or devotional over the intercom at the beginning of the school day. It was expected, and I never heard one person state that it was wrong, or that they objected to the readings.

In 1963, the Bible was taken out of the schools. My children grew up without the chance of hearing the Bible being read to start their day, and I regret that. But, now, some schools are beginning to offer electives in Bible literature. There has been a renewed interest in the Bible being taught in schools. One school district in South Carolina, Lowcountry, is going to offer the Bible as a literature elective.

Most schools are reluctant to teach the Bible in any form because they are afraid of a lawsuit. But, the Supreme Court, which banned devotionals, has said:

“The Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities.”

In California schools, although Christianity is mentioned in the text books, it's with critical tones. Judisam and Christanity are brushed over, while Islam is taught as the true religion. Extra credits are even given for students to learn parts of the Koran.

We need to pray that more schools become more aware of what the law really says, and begin to give the students a chance to once again have the Bible in school. It may not be able to be presented in a morning devotional, but it will be a beginning, and get more students involved in what the Bible says.

Christianity

FCC Becoming Pro-Family?

The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. There have been changes in the FCC makeup with the appointment of conservative Kevin Martin as FCC Chairman. Pro-family activist Penny Nance has also been hired as special adviser.

“We as parents know instinctively that simply viewing pornography of any kind can be damaging to children.”

Pat Truman of the Family Research Council believes President Bush will be the deciding factor on the future of the FCC. If he appoints pro-family members to the commission, the indecency rulings coming up may break for the family. Let's hope so!
Family

In God We Trust

American Family Association has launched a campaign to get a poster of the offical United States motto into every classroom.

It is our hope that this poster will be a reminder of the historical centrality of God in the life of our republic.

On This Date

On August 8, 1974, Richard Nixon, the first President every to quit, gave his resignation. This was the aftermath of the bitter battle for the last two years over the Watergate scandal.

Heaven Help Us

Bill O'Reilly is right; Heaven help us! The world has become a place for terrorists to run rampant. Countries will not unite to stop them. We are not safe anywhere we go, and that's how the terrorists want us to feel - looking over your back!

It is not going to get any better, either. Christianity is being pushed aside so others will not be 'offended'. But, people aren't offended at Christians, but at the Word of God. They do not want to be shown another way, when they are comfortable in what they are doing. Thus, our country is going down hill, and fast.

The Ten Commandments were put in the Bible for us to obey. Yet, there has been a move to remove them from any secular place. It is as though those commandments are no longer valid. But, no matter how people want to ignore them or the Bible, God's Word is not going away! Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today,and forever. (Heb 13:8) And Matthew 5:18 says ' Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.' So, those wanting the Word to just vanish can forget it.

Until the people want to see a change, and really mean it, we are in an uphill battle. I believe this is one of those things that comes only by 'prayer and fasting' - Matthew 17:21.

Christianity

Peter Jennings Dies At of 67

Peter Jennings has been sole anchor for ABC World News Tonight since 1983, when Frank Reynolds died of cancer. On April 5, 2005, Peter announced that he had lung cancer. He went immediately into chemotherapy. But, tonight, he lost his battle.

We extend our sympathies to his wife and children.

Peter Jennings

Quiz: What Is Your Model Of The Church

I took the quiz and here is my answer:

You scored as Herald Model. Your model of the church is Herald. The organization of the church is much less important than the urgency of announcing the Good News of salvation to all the world. The Holy Spirit moves the individual to belief in Jesus Christ and to do the will of the Father by sharing this message with others. As with other models, the narrowness of this model could be supplemented by drawing on other models. Herald Model 95% Sacrament model 72% Mystical Communion Model 56% Servant Model 45% Institutional Model 28% What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com

Church

Discovery Leaves For Earth

Discovery and it's crew set off for home today. The astronauts are set to complete their 13 day mission land in Florida on Monday. They were the first space crew to return to space since the 2003 Columbia tragedy.

The Discovery crew said their last good byes to the astronaut and cosmonaut who live aboard the international space station, flew one last time around the station, and headed for home.

Author Sees Prophecy in News

To William Koenig, evangelical Christian author and White House correspondent, juxtaposition of events catastrophic events and pressure on Israel are related and show God at work

Prophecy

Biblical Advice For Bloggers

Checking out blogs listed on other sites, I found this great article over at Under The Acacias.

Lizzie Borden: Was She Guilty?

On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were axed to death in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie was the daughter of Andrew by another marriage, and accused of the ax murders. She was later acquitted.

At Crime Library, you can read the full story, and form your own opinion, as to her guilt or innocence.

Christian Carnival LXXXI

Dunmoose The Ageless is hosting the Christian Carnival LXXXI this week. Go over and check out all the great entries.

In fact, this was my first entry, and I was surprised to see myself there! Who would have thought that 'Getting Micro-Chipped' would have made the Carnival!

Microchips

Prayer Needed For a Fellow Blogger

Dwayne Harms, pastor from Canada, over at Dwayne's Journey, will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to remove a kidney and tumor. He has renal cancer. He has been in the hospital for over a week, and his wife, Janet, has been keeping everyone updated on his condition. Pray for the surgeons as they undertake this task, that their hands are guided by the Lord!

And, also pray for Janet and her family. She lost her Mother yesterday. So, all of this together has to be a great burden on them.

Abortionists Baptize Aborted Babies!

Yes, you are reading right! I never thought I'd read such a thing. But, surfing over to The Dawn Patrol, there was an article on this very thing! I could not believe what I was reading. In other words, 'abort your baby, don't feel bad, because we will give it a good sending off.'

George Tiller, MD, from Wichita, Kansas, dealing in late abortion care, was one doctor sited in this article. So, I went over to investigate. Here's what I found:

Many patients request a remembrance of their baby to take home with them. The following lists items and services that some of our previous patients have found helpful in their emotional recovery. Everyone approaches this experience with their own unique emotional, spiritual, and cultural background. There is not right way or wrong way, just "your way". Once the process of healing has begun, you may want to consider a token of the precious time you and your baby had together. All of these features of our program will be discusssed with you while you are with us:

• Viewing your baby after delivery
• Holding your baby after delivery
• Photographs of your baby
• Baptism of your baby, with or without a certificate
• Footprints and handprints of your baby
• Certificate of premature miscarriage
• Cremation
• An urn for ashes
• Arrangement of burial in either Wichita or your home state
• Arrangement of amniocentesis/autopsy
• Medical photographsand x-rays for your health care professional

It's all there for the woman who wants an abortion and doesn't want the baby. Why would a woman, if she doesn't feel bad about getting an abortion, want any remembrance around afterwards, of a baby she did NOT want?

A Great read: Child of Sorrow...Child of Peace

abortion

Asking For Forgiveness And Forgiving

Opening up our heart to others sometimes is very hard. Asking forgiveness is not always as easy as it seems. God, at times, has to work through us, reminding us that we may have done something to offend someone, and, therefore, we need to ask forgiveness.

It is always heart warming to run across a post by someone who bears his/her soul, and isn't afraid to say they erred - 'please forgive me, if I offended you.' Today, I ran across that post. I believe this person will indeed get peace from the Lord through those words. I could sense the sincerity with which this person wrote.

The Bible speaks of all of us needing forgiveness and needing to forgive others. It gives us a clear conscience, and right-standing with God. We need to be open to change, when it comes from God.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.