Pastor D. James Kennedy suffers heart attack

Dr. Kennedy, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, suffered a heart attack. He was transported from his home to a local hospital Thursday night, where he was in serious condition, although he was becoming more alert and responsive on Friday.

Kennedy came to Coral Ridge in 1959 and had only 45 members. Today, the church has 10,000 members, and televises to 40,000 cities across the US and in 200 countries.

Rev. O'Neal Dozier, pastor of Worldwide Christian Center in Pompano Beach, FL, says Pastor Kennedy has an uncompromising view of the Bible and social activism among Christians which makes him a great role model.

"I pray we don't lose Dr. Kennedy," Dozier said. "He is the one everyone looks to on leading the fight. No one has put it on the line like Dr. Kennedy has."

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Pastor James Kennedy, Coral Ridge, Heart Attack

Ford's Gift to us all

President Gerald Ford became vice president by the resignation of Spiro Agnew, President Nixon's vice president. And, he became president of the US by the resignation of President Nixon. This means he wasn't elected by the people of the US to either job; yet, he was loved by most, and considered a good president.

But, I could add nothing to what has been written over at Is It Just Me? - Ford's Gift To Us All.

Linked at Is It Just Me?
Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: President Ford, Gift

Blogging on Christmas

I hope each of you had a wonderful, blessed Christmas. I know we really have. We spent the afternoon with our children and their families at my Mother's. My brothers and I cooked all the food and took it in, since our Mother is almost 90. We knew she didn't need the burden of doing anything.

Everyone had a wonderful time together. My family then came to our house for our family Christmas gift giving. Everyone left loaded down, and happy. And, I'm sitting here, sort of happy I never got around to putting up my tree this year. My husband pulled an old fiber optic tree made for the middle of a table out of storage, and sat it on our living room coffee table. The kids got a big kick out of that. My daughter could not believe she came to my house and I didn't have up a tree! But, I haven't felt my best this week, with sinus problems, and now I have laryngitis. I sure do hope this clears up, because I don't want to ring in the new year with this!

Technorati Tags: Christmas,Blogging, Holidays

Christmas is on it's way

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.


Bible Story of Jesus' Birth

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The night before the Eve of Christmas

Christmas has been on our minds for weeks, perhaps months. And, here we are on the threshold of that wonderful day. And, what does it find us all doing?

I have to admit I love Christmas. But, this year, I don’t even have my Christmas tree up, and it’s only a little over 24 hours until Christmas morning. The gifts for the family are bought, but they are all still in the shopping bags, just waiting to be wrapped. I just have not felt like getting to the task of wrapping all those gifts. And, there are a million and one other things I need to do – clean house, cook, and I do not feel like doing any of that.

Have you ever looked forward to a time, and, then, as it approaches, what you had planned doesn’t seem all that important anymore? Christmas should be the happiest time in our lives; yet, we spend days, weeks, even months sometime in order to see what we can buy for others that will make them happy. And, now that those gifts are bought, we realize this is not what really makes us happy. Oh, we love to see the looks on the children’s faces when they open their gifts. And, it makes us happy to be able to surprise them. But, even those there is an element of happiness in gift-giving at Christmas, it is not the ultimate happiness that man has waiting for him.

Can you imagine yourself with a wife about to give birth, and be without a place to stay? Can you imagine the stress put on Joseph when he found out about Mary’s situation – what he must have thought and gone through during that time?

Christmas is the time of year we set aside to celebrate that eventful day thousands of years ago, in a stable in Bethlehem, without the conveniences we now have – no running water, no soft bed, or niceties for the newborn baby boy. There, alone, Mary and Joseph welcomed the little baby boy into the world. But, the world did not know this baby would soon become the Saviour for this world. I wonder, had they known, would they made room in the Inn for Joseph and Mary? Or, would the world have turned their backs on this family, just as lots of the world have today turned their backs on that soon-coming King?

As Christmas approaches, take time to celebrate the reason for this season – the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were fortunate to be chosen to be the earthly parents for the child who would soon become their Saviour, as well. What a privilege for that couple to know that God had personally chosen to send His only Begotten Son to earth through Mary. Oh, I am sure it presented many problems for not only Joseph, but for Mary, as well.

• Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

• Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

• Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Linked at Random Yak
Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christmas Carnival,

Nifong drops rape charges; others stand

Seems Nifong finally decided he didn't have enough evidence to prosecute the three lacrosse players with rape.

"The victim in this case indicated that, while she initially believed that she had been vaginally penetrated by a male sex organ ... she cannot at this time testify with certainty" that it occurred, Nifong wrote. Since such penetration is one of the elements the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a prosecution of a charge of first-degree forcible rape, "the State is unable to meet its burden of proof with respect to this offense," he continued.

When is the legal community going to realize they have a joke for a District Attorney in Durham? No, absolutely NO DNA linked either of the three boys charged with the rape of this accuser. In fact, it didn't even link her boyfriend! He has known this all along, but proceeded to charge these boys and ruin their lives forever. It doesn't matter that he has now 'decided' to drop this charge; it will always remain in the minds of people and most will always either wonder if they are indeed guilty or simply believe they are. And, on top of that, he's keeping the charges of kidnapping and other sexual offenses. And, Nifong has to know this accuser is lying, and these boys are innocent.

This is a travesty that never should have taken place. I believe, as others do, that Nifong saw a way of furthering his career and getting re-elected, which he did. He kept the truth away from everyone until he was re-elected. And, now that it's almost time for the trial to take place months later, he 'decides' to drop the rape charges. Why not drop them all? Why not confess you know these boys are innocent? Why not charge the accuser for lying?

Better still, why is Nifong not being charged for misconduct in the prosecution of these boys? The accuser has constantly changed her story. She had sex with 3 different men, but NOT these 3 men from Duke University. DNA proved that. And, as with this charge, the state will be unable to prove any of the other charges. Yet, this man proceeds to prosecute. Can you say "waste of taxpapers money"?

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Nifong, Lacrosse players, Prosecution, Duke University, Rape

The Train-of-Thought Writing Method

Book Review
The Train of Thought Writing Method
Author: Kathi Macias
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Bloomington, Indiana

Ánd that’s how you create three-dimensional characters who will make your train’s observation car the highlight of your journey, and also diminish your chances of hearing your readers whine, “Are we there yet?” pg 69

I love trains! The one train ride I remember most was a trip from Atlanta, Georgia, back to my hometown, on Christmas night, of all nights, during a heavy rain.

And, so this book with the subject of trains for a writing method really intrigued me. The author takes you from ‘laying the track’ for the book, to the ‘cow catcher’. She explains this as the way a writer hooks the reader for the rest of the story. If the story doesn’t have a good start, then the reader will not want to go any farther.

From the ‘cow catcher’, to the locomotive, through the boxcars, she leads you into the ‘couplers’. We know that, with a real train, the couplers join the cars to one another. Without them, the train would not be complete. So, in writing, the ‘couplers’ are the parts of the story that join different parts together, and they keep the reader interested in what is going to happen next.

Next, comes the observation car. If you’ve ever been to Look Out Mountain, you know they have an observation center where you can look through a telescope and see other states. You ‘observe’ what is going on around you. When you are reading, you want to be caught up in the story. You want to feel like you are there, that you can just know what is going to happen next.

But, the caboose is what is most important. Nobody wants to read a great story only to get to the end, and be let down. A good story can be ruined by ending abruptly, not giving a satisfactory ending. One should always leave the reader with a sense of satisfaction. All stories must end, whether it is with a ‘living happily ever after’ ending or riding off into the sunset, as many westerns that I saw ended.

This is a great book for all prospective writers. Following the idea of the ‘train-of-thought’ writing method is a great way to keep your story on the right track.

The author, Kathi Macias, is a mother/grandmother from Homeland, CA. She is a former newspaper columnist and string reporter. She has authored or co-authored fifteen books.

My name is Barbara Sanders, a wife/mother/grandmother from Alabama. I review books for Active Christian Media. And, I give this book five stars. In fact, I will be reading it again, since I would love to write a book some day!

Technorati Tags:

Book Review, Author,Kathi Macias

Men and Wedding rings (or not!)

Seems Betsy Hart, writing over at Political Mavens, is upset that all married men do not wear a ring. Seems she's been in social scenes where men have talked with her, and she noticed they weren't wearing a ring. And, she says that 90% of the time they are married.

Betsy said she was tired of hearing about men who lost their ring finger in the shop or got their finger caught in the fence while playing soccer. Well, I'm here to tell Betsy those things do happen. My deceased brother-in-law worked for a big company where he had to jump into railroad cars to check product. One night, when he jumped, he got his ring caught, and, had it not been for another man who came to his rescue, he would have lost his finger. So, his wife had him take his ring off.

My own husband wore his ring without fail, in fact, never taking it off but once in 41 years. We had been married 4 years, and he had it on, working under the hood of our car, and burned his finger through the ring. It stayed off until his finger healed. But, about a year ago, he jumped down into the bed of his big dump truck, and almost lost a finger because he caught his ring. I had him take it off, and it occupies a place on my key ring. He had it in his pocket, but I was afraid he would lose it.

I'm not one to look at a man who doesn't have on a ring and assume he is single. My Daddy never wore a ring. I think a man should act married, if he is indeed married. And, if he does mention his wife, who is missing at the time, and then proceeds to act unmarried, then he suffers the consequences of his actions! I see nothing wrong with a single woman talking to a married man, but the married man should never cross the line!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirates Cove

Technorati Tags: Marriage, Wedding Ring

Hope dims as body of one mountain climber found

The body of one of the three missing Mount Hood climbers was found today in a cave near where the signal was sent from a cell phone. The identify of the man has not been released, but possibly is that of Kelly James, the man who made a phone call from a cave. His fellow climbers had left him in search for help.

There has been no communication from any of the three climbers since the phone call made on December 10th. And, the climber was found without a sleeping bag, suggesting he had gotten lost and had dug himself in to survive.

Linked at Is It Just Me?
Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags:Mount Hood, Mountain Climbers, Cave,

Persecution and Murdering of Christians

Persecution of Christians is nothing new. Jesus' Apostles underwent much persecution and death. John was put into boiling oil at Jersualem. He was not harmed, but was exiled to the Island of Patmose, and later died.Peter was speared to death. Paul was hung upside down, at his request. And, others died for the cause. Today, there is still persecution going on among Christians.

Many of the first Christians, who are called Apostles and Disciples were persecuted and brutally murdered. Lord Jesus' name sake they gladly suffered it until their death. For us Christians, we don't mind to suffer persecution and death on His behalf. If we suffer, we will not be ashamed; but glorify God. Suffering persecution is a gift. And we are sure that we will be having an eternal happiness with our Lord in heaven.

In India, Pastor Paul Ciniraj Mohamed said he was threatened on the telephone by a man who claimed to be a leader of an Islamic militant group. He said the man was screaming at him, telling him to count down the days until the death of him and his family.

Dr. Shameema Badru, one of the strong believer in Jesus from Islam seriously injured. Gunmen entered the home of Dr. Shameema and shot her at pointblank range. She got four bullets, which damaged vital organs like the kidney, liver and caused other major internal injuries. She is now fighting for her life in the hospital. Dr. Shameema is a mother of four, lost her husband Abdul Majeed Dar, who was the President of the dar Foundation was shot on November 28, 2003 at Srinagar by unidentified militants.

Read more at Salem Voice Ministries.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: India, Christians, Persecution, Church, Jesus

Thursday Thirteen #18

Thirteen Blogs I read

1. Life is a Buffet - Polly Boyette. She is the author of a great book "Life is a Buffet - So Save Room for Dessert"
2. Neil's Notes - Pastor Neil from Florida
3. Thinking Christian - Tom Gilson
4. Sprucegoose - Bruce Harpel
5. Cerulean Sanctum - Dan Edelen
6. Active Christian Media - Stacy Harp - You can become a reviewer of books at ACM.
7. Jolly Blogger - David Wayne
8. JackLewis.net
9. LaShawn Barber's Corner
10. Pursuing Holiness
11. Is It Just Me?
12. In The Outer
13. A Chelsea Morning Barb has some great recipes among her blogging articles. You will enjoy this blog!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thursday Thirteen Participants

1. Mikala 2. Chupieandjsmama 3. Norma 4. rashenbo 5. Susan Helene Gottfried 6. Amy

7. erica 8. Mitch 9. delightfulduchess 10. Michelle at Scribbit 11. Debby 12. DKRaymer

13. Judy 14. nadnuts aka wideimagination 15. amy 16. kristarella

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The peace of Christmas

To some, Christmas is just a holiday where you give and receive gifts - the more, the merrier. But, Christmas time can bring peace amid all the hard times, a peace that you cannot receive from a gift.

I've been paying close attention to Christmas cards we have received this year. Out of the 7 we have received so far, 4 of them mention Jesus and a contain a Bible verse. One has Seasons Greetings on the front; another one a snow man; another one a child in the snow. None of those mention anything about Jesus. I made sure the ones I bought this year are all about the reason for the season - Jesus. How can I, a Christian, expect non-Christians to consider these cards, if I don't buy and send them myself?

I searched the Internet for other articles on the peace of Christmas. Here are a few of them I came up with:

• The Peace of Christmas - Jane Chastain - December 25, 2003
• New Peace at Christmas
• Can we spread true peace at Christmas? - Virginia Saldanha - India 2003
• Prince of Peace at Christmas - Poem - Marilyn Ferguson @2003
• Finding peace at Christmas - Steve & Claudia Goodman

And, from the bloggers:

• Peace on earth?
  
• The First Christmas Present You Should Buy
• There's more to Christmas than hustle, bustle of day - Posted by Tina Porter of uuMomma
• The Gift that lasts

There are so many more great articles out on the Internet and on individual blogs. You only have to do a search in google or any other search engine to find them.

May each of you find peace this Christmas.

Linked at Conservative Cat
The Random Yak

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Peace, Christmas Cards, Holiday,

Birthday concert to honor Princess Di

A concert has been announced that will mark the 10th anniversary of Princess Di's death. Her sons, William and Harry, are organizing the event.It will be held on July 1, which would have been her 46th birthday. The concert will be held at Wembley Stadium.

The following acts have been confirmed:

• Elton John
  
• Duran Duran
• Bryan Ferry
• Pharrell Williams
• Joss Stone
• Andrew Lloyd Webber
• English National Ballet

Proceeds from the concert will go to a number of charities that were supported by the princess during her life, and to two of the princes' own charities, Centrepoint and Sentebale.

Tickets for the event will go on sale Wednesday. Those that will be in attendance include the senior royals, including the stepmother of William and Harry.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirate's Cove

Technorati Tags: Princess Diana, Wembley Stadium, Concert, Elton John, Duran Duran

Dickens' Christmas day letter for sale at US Auction house

Thomas Powell once wrote a bogus biography of Charles Dickens and it appeared in the New York Herald. But, William Jerden, a British Journalist made the mistake of reprinting the biography in the Literary Journal. This didn't set too well with Dickens, so he fired off a letter to Jerden.

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," Dickens wrote. "As you reprint the extraordinary lies of the New York Herald, perhaps you may like to know something more of their authority.

"I therefore send you for your own perusal (for I must not anticipate the defence to the ingenious Mr Powell's American actions for libel) a few small passages in the life of the distinguished 'literary gentleman from England', who is in question."

Thomas Powell was a known forger and embezzler who escaped from prison in England by pleading insanity. He fled to New York and began trading on those literary figures he knew from England.

The Christmas letter is now up for auction at R&R Auctions in Amherst, New Hampshire, and bidding ends on Wednesday.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Wake up America
Mark My Words
Third World County

Technorati Tags: Charles Dickens, Christmas, England

Happy holidays or merry Christmas

When I was a child, I never would have thought I'd see the day when it was offensive to anyone to wish them "Merry Christmas". And, I linked "Happy holidays" with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years combined. But, it never took away from Merry Christmas. Christmas was always a time of sharing with family and friends, Christmas plays at church, and giving of gifts on Christmas morning. We were always taught it was a holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus.

Back then, you enjoyed Thanksgiving, and then came Christmas, followed by the New Years celebration. Children looked forward to having the time off from school at Christmas, and then returning to school after the first of the new year. Nowadays, the advertisements for Christmas starts long before Thanksgiving, along with the decorations in the stores. I overheard a woman in a store yesterday, when a woman was looking for a Christmas item she couldn't find, say to her that "people start buying those in July." Stores put appealing merchandise out early to get the early shoppers - but for the money. Holiday shoppers try to get a quick start on their buying for Christmas. But, why in July? Isn't that rushing things a little bit?

By the time the Christmas season finally arrives, you are worn out! I really haven't gotten in the mood for Christmas yet, and it is the 9th day of December. In fact, I haven't bought a Christmas gift. And, I probably won't buy too many. We will probably give money in a card, and let the grandkids and our kids buy whatever they desire. That way, we don't have to rush out and buy just to get a gift that they may or may not like or need. And, it's one less gift that has to be returned after Christmas.

But, I digress. Around here, we say Merry Christmas. We haven't come in contact with anyone who seems offended to hear you say that. If I hear someone say "Happy holidays", I'll answer with "you have a Merry Christmas." After all, the reason for the season is Christ, and when you take him out of Christmas you are left with mas. And, on another note, I just found the meaning of MAS in the Financial Dictionary - The Language of Money. It stands for Monetary Authority of Singapore How ironic that the 'holiday' is linked with money in the last 3 letters of the name. We tend to think that we have to buy, buy, and buy some more in order to have a happy Christmas.

We've made the day more of a secular holiday through political correctness by omitting the salutation of "Merry Christmas" in exchange for "Happy holidays", as though anything of monetary value can make us happy. Oh, it can, but only for a time. It's like the Stretch toys that were popular when my son was young, during the 70's. He had to have the Stretch Armstrong, which was very popular. But, there was a Stretch Monster, very green, and ugly. Patrick Crispen, of TOURBUS, mentioned in this week's newsletter, that he had asked for the toy, but his parents bought him a children's citizens band radio base station. He had a friend who got the Stretch Monster, but didn't want it. So, they swapped. He went on to say it kept his attention for one day. He said it was the worse decision of his life. Money cannot buy us happiness. But, when you have Christ in your life (thus, the reason for Christmas), you can be poor and still be happy and at peace.

Linked at Random Yak
Conservative Cat
Assorted Babble

Technorati Tags: Merry Christmas, Season, Happy Holidays, Thanksgiving, New Years, Christ

1,000 Christmas trees shipped to soldiers in Iraq

Soldiers in Iraq may not be able to be home for this Christmas, but trees are being shipped to them in order for them to have a 'little of home' on Christmas day.

For the second year, DHL and the March Authority kicked off its Trees for the Troops program Friday at the shipping facility at March Air Reserve Base. A shipment of 250 Christmas trees was loaded onto a cargo plane bound for Baghdad -- along with 750 more trees that will be picked up in New York City. In three days, the trees will be distributed to troops stationed throughout Iraq.

Rosalie and Manuel Arganda have one son, David, in Iraq and another one to be deployed next month. But, they are used to being away from them at Christmas. So, this year, they are also sending boxes with coffee, pens, papers, and his favorite Tootsie roll pop candy. And, his cousins added cookies and DVD's.

David's mother said that, before he left, he told them not to worry, because if he didn't come back, he would see them in heaven. Rosalie wears a pin with both her sons pictures. She says she trusts God that all will be alright.

On Friday, a governor's representative, local elected officials, March Air Reserve officers and DHL executives thanked the troops serving in the Middle East and said this holiday shipment would help the military remember their home while serving in dangerous conditions

Linked at Conservative Cat
Church and State
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Christmas Trees, Soldiers, Iraq

Christian Ministry saves teen from forced Islam conversion

A young teenager, Azra Bibi, from Pakistan was a Christian about to be forced to convert to Islam by her employee and then married off to a Muslim. Her Mother had been tortured and brutally murdered on the same job, where both had worked in order to feed the family.

Pakistan is a Muslim country. And, Azra and her Mother were often persecuted simply for being Christians. Now, Azra is being assisted by a local pastor and donations from US Christians, and soon will have her own place to stay, and the debts she was going to have to pay of her Mother's are now paid.

"The brick kiln owner had plans to force Azra to convert to Islam with the intention of marrying her off. But God had other plans," the VOM report said. "With the help of a courageous local pastor and support from Christians in the U.S., Azra was miraculously rescued with her debts paid."

VOM said plans now are under way to provide training and a place to live "for this courageous young Christian girl who stood firm in her faith through such difficult trials."

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Pakistan, Christian, Muslim

Getting in the mood for Christmas

I love the Christmas season! It is just a time of great jubilation, both in being with family and gift giving, but also in knowing it is the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus.

I love to drive through the streets, taking in all the scenery around Christmas time. So many go all out in decorating their homes. And, I love the Christmas shopping, in all the bustle of the crowds, and watching the children beg Mom and Dad for a certain toy. But, decorating gets me in the mood quicker than anything.

Today, I was at our church with the pastor’s wife and another woman, decorating for Christmas. We put up a beautiful tree in the foyer, and lots of bows and greenery up on the doors and throughout the church. But, the one thing that was most gorgeous was the manger arrangement my pastor’s wife put on the table in front of the podium in the sanctuary. We originally sat the manger up in the foyer, but this year, she decided to do it differently. When she finished, it looked as though it was supposed to be there. It gave a meaning to our decorating for Christmas. It was not just from a human desire that we decorate, but to make the house of God beautiful at this time of year. I believe we should do for God above and beyond what we do for ourselves.

When you finish decorating the house or church at Christmas, and turn on those lights, it just seems to get you more in the mood for Christmas. And, today we also listened to Christmas music put out by a local quartet. They are a Christian band, which made it much more meaningful – a group of young people in their mid-thirties or younger. And, the music tone just set the mood for us to decorate, even though we did grow tired after lots of standing!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Random Yak-Christmas Alliance 2006

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christmas Music, Christ Jesus

Keeping Christ in Christmas

Well, it is almost time for Christmas again. Seems it comes earlier every year. Or, is it, that the time just passes off more quickly as our years roll by?

You can tell when seasons change, especially the Christmas season. The stores begin to put out their most gorgeous decorations, light up the Christmas trees, and start advertising Christmas sales. Oh, it's not in December, either! I've seen the advertisements out as early as July, and the lights and decorations are always out before Thanksgiving now. One holiday is never over before another one is on the way - in the buying world.

Speaking of Christmas, it has almost become extinct in some places. Many stores are on the politically correct roll, and have removed Christmas from their advertising. In fact, many use 'Happy Holidays', instead. Politically correctness is also the means of losing sells during this season. People have begun to boycotting stores that take Christmas and Christ out of the season. So, we've seen several big stores get the message and incorporate Christmas back into the holiday. Sells mean more to them than Christmas, so they are willing to appease those of us who believe that Christ is the reason for the season, and put Him back in. The love of the almighty dollar has changed many people over time.

The true Christmas card is also hard to find. It's all about the 'holidays', not Christ. It's all in the presents one is buying, not in the love of God, and reaching out and touching those most unfortunate souls that don't know Him as Savior. Most stores are playing Christmas carols; just not those associated with God. In other words, the season is here; Christ is being left behind. As Marvin Read says in his column, “It's less about prophet and more about profit.”

But, just so we don't forget, Christ is the reason for the Christian season. Christ was born over 2000 years ago, sent to earth by the Father, as His only begotten Son. Through His virgin birth, we were given the chance to regain our rightful citizenship in the Kingdom of God. We are born into this sinful world that holds everything for us. But, without that 'passport' called salvation, we will never make it to that Kingdom, and never experience the true love of God. We will also never enter into the eternal rest all of those who are reborn will obtain.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pursuing Holiness
The Random Yak - Christmas Alliance 2006

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christ, Holidays, Season, God

Pastor reaches out to the 'unchurched'

In today's world, you might think that most people have either grown up going to church, are going to church, or have been to church sometime in their lives. But, there are a number of people who have never gone to church, simply because they weren't taught as a small child. Then, there are others who just decided it was no longer necessary to go to church any longer, or perhaps were hurt in a church. So, there is truly a reason to want to go after those who simply do not attend a church for different reasons.

Marcus Johnson, a 30 year old single minister from Greensboro, NC, is one of those ministers who feels a need to go after those unchurched people. So, he has started a church called 'Hungry Church'. The name may sound a little different for a church, but it is right for those that have a hunger that hasn't been filled.

Johnson wants Hungry to be engaging and approachable, like the time he used the popular 1970s sitcom "Good Times" as the basis for a monthlong Bible study.

As he sees it, Hungry won't compete with other churches. "Our competition," he said, "is every other place people could be, such as the movies, the driving range ... or the football game."

Johnson said over the years he would see places that would make a good church, but not him. He was happy where he was. But, he kept getting those visions of people hungry for God, worshipping God. And, one day, he realized the vision was for him. He shared his plans with three people who agreed to be elders of the new church - three who were desperately needed in starting a new church. They are making decisions together in things that have to do with running a church, such as choosing a podium (too expensive?), or how do you collect the offerings? And, he is not afraid of failing.

"If something doesn't go the way you thought it was going to go, it's realistic to mourn ... dust yourself off and get back up, get counsel," he said. "God may be saying do it again, or he may give you the missing piece and say, 'This is how you should have done it.'

"Failure is one of the destinations on the way to success."

Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness
Third World County

Technorati Tags: Church, Unchurched, God, Worship

Children crossing US border by themselves

Parents from Mexico, who are already in America, are afraid to go back for their children left behind because of the higher security in place. So, they hire coyotes to bring their children up to the border and try to get them across without detection. These families pay any where from $3,000 to $5,000 for each child.

These children face 2,000 miles of rough ground, scorpions, and sexual abuse, at times, when they are taken to the border by these coyotes. They are given fake or sometimes stolen documents. And, when they are caught by the Border patrol, they are returned to where they came from. Often, these children have no idea of how long the trip will be, or even where there families are in the United States.

"They gave me the crossing card of a girl who looked like me, but I got very nervous," said Lupita Valencia, 14, from central Colima state, who had been sent for by her parents who live in Seattle.

"The inspectors realized I wasn't the card holder and sent me back" she added.

This seems to be a desperate means for the families to reunite. And, it should never have happened. If we had a more secure border, then perhaps most of the deaths that happen every year would never have to happen. President Bush has ordered 6,000 National Guard to the borders, and this has really tightened up security.

The coyotes have been known to just leave the children to fend for themselves when they sense they will be caught. More than 400 children have died over the past year. Most of those were from heat exhaustion or drowning. Desert temperatures in Arizona will rise to 120 degrees in the summer and freezing in the winter. It is believed that this situation is here to stay with all the build up of security at the border crossings.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Is It Just Me?

Technorati Tags: Border, Border Patrol, Mexico, America, Arizona, Children, Arizona

Sickness hits world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas cruise ship has been hit with the stomach virus. 338 passengers and 46 of the crew came down sick.

Freedom of the Seas made its debut in May. It is the largest cruise ship at about 160,000 tonnes and has among its amenities a wave pool for surfers and an ice rink.

The company said all were treated with over-the-counter medication and responded well. But,just last month, Carnival Corp had over 700 passengers to fall sick on their cruise ship, Liberty, on their way from Italy to Florida.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: cruise ship, Royal Caribbean, Passengers, Stomach Virus

Christian Carnival 150 is up

The newest edition of the Christian Carnival is up at Brain Cramps for God. He calls it the Holiday Fruit Basket Edition. There are many good articles to read, so go over and check them out.

Technorati Tags: Christian Carnival

Is marriage on the way out?

For someone who has been married for over forty two years, I think marriage is alive and well. But, as one looks around, you sometimes wonder if that is really so. There are so many divorces, even among Christians. "Until death do us part" has no meaning any longer, it seems. The attitude is 'if we don't jive,then we will just divorce. And, many never even legalize their union; they just merely co-habit. These are certainly not good for onlookers who question marriage for themselves.

Birds of the Air has a great blog on 'Marriage at it's end?'. He spoke about how many states have 'no-fault divorce' where it's easy to get out of an unwanted marriage. He also talks about Christians who do nothing to help the state of marriage. They will identify themselves as Christians, and still shack up and divorce, therefore, laying aside the Word of God on these matters. This is a bad message going to the secular public.

To me, marriage is a union between a man and woman, committed to each other. If they have children, they then set the example for those children to live by. It sends the message that marriage is a great thing to those children, and to be desired, rather than just shacking up. Too many have lost their focus in their marriages, getting divorces without realizing the after effects on the children, as well as the one left behind. If a marriage is interrupted when children are home, don't fool yourself and think your children won't be effected. Some will go through life wondering if they were the reason for the divorce. It is hard for children to comprehend about adult relationships, and see themselves as the cause, even though they are told it is not so.

I do not think that marriage is on the way out, because it is sanctioned by God. He tells us in His Word to marry and 'multiply'. And, multiplying can only be done through a man and woman. Marriage is also to be only between a man and woman, although society today is trying to change God's law, and say that marriage should not be seen as just between a man and woman. They find ways to have children - with man and man or woman and woman. This is not a healthy marriage, no matter what society says. There would never be any question in people's minds, if that were so, because we would have no reason to question it. But, I digress to the Word: Leviticus 20:13.

The world may look at things differently than Christians. Their definition of marriage can be different, as well as their belief that different ways are a sin. Cohabitation is shown on television, and homosexuality is flooding the mainstream, as well. As more and more 'come out of the closet', marriage will be more and more subjected to the ands, ifs, whys, and buts. But, that never will change the Word. It will never take away the right of a child to have both a father and mother. And, it most certainly will never change my thought on marriage, that it is sanctioned by God, and between a man and woman. And, I thank God for my husband who also thinks the way I do. We both came from a home where our parents were together as long as 56 & 67 years before the death of a spouse. May our marriage last as long!

Linked to Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirate's Cove Tuesday Linkfest

Technorati Tags: Marriage, Divorce, God

His Promise to God

Trouble or sickness comes our way every day. But, it's the way we handle these things that make us who we are. And, today, David Sumrell is alive to tell all about his promise to God, when he was faced with cancer which was about to take his life.

Sumrell was told he had melanoma cancer which had spread throughout his body and to his brain, and he was too sick to take chemotherapy. But, he gave thanks to God, when he heard the news, and was ready to get down to business. He asked God to let him write 3 books in his honor, and, if God was ready for him to die, then he was ready.

Today, Sumrell has not only carried through with his commitment to God with the 3 books, he is now free of cancer without taking medication.

CBN has asked David to allow them to do his story on national television, and has just verified the medical information. It is a tremendous honor for David to be able to share his story, and how the demand for his books is ever increasing.

Technorati Tags: Christian, God, Promise, Melanoma, cancer

An Afternoon With Cody

Book Review
An Afternoon with Cody
Author: Rex Forrest Johnson
Publisher: Pine Hill Press
Sioux Falls, SD

"He had a lot to say. I was becoming a very interested listener." page 21

What started out to be an ordinary trip to get an interview for sports columnist Walter Withers turned out to be a life-changing event. His trip to Minneapolis was detoured to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a long way from his destination. He was stranded in an unfamiliar airport, surrounded by lots of people, waiting to go on another interview closer to Sioux Falls. But this airport would gain him a friend and a new outlook on life.

During the 7 or more hours Withers was in the airport, he saw many passengers come and go. But, those 7 hours would change his life forever. Cody Brill was a very intelligent man who had been around a long time, experienced many things in life, including the life-changing experience that he was about to share with Withers. Withers had no clue as to why this guy was in the airport, nor that Cody actually knew the man to whom his employer had sent him to interview this time.

The author did a great job in bringing the reader into the airport along with these two men. You sense the atmosphere in the room, the attention Withers gives to Cody, and the excitement with which Cody explains every little detail. When the long talk is over, Cody has done his job in explaining spiritual things to Withers, and he is a completely changed man. His character has changed from secular ways to the way of loving and forgiving.

My name is Barbara Sanders, wife, mother and grandmother. I am a homemaker, who enjoys computing and reviewing books. This copy of 'An Afternoon with Cody' was given to me by Active Christian Media for review. I give the book 5 stars.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Book Review, An Afternnoon With Cody, Author, Rex Forrest Johnson

With God, all things are possible

Too many times, we think that something is not possible. And, that is cutting God out of the process, because scripture says 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). And, to say anything else is not true.

As Christians, we understand that God is

• Omnipotent - has unlimited power or authority;
  
• Omnipresent - present every where simultaneously;
  
• Omniscient - He is all knowing.

But, if you aren't taught these things, you have no understanding of what our God is like. And, that's the way of the Muslims. But, God has a way of showing just how powerful He really is, showing His presence when He isn't seen, and how much He really knows, when others think they know it all. More and more Muslims are beginning to respond to the gospel.

Throughout the nearly 1,400 year history of Islam, Muslims have resisted the Christian gospel. Many Christians tried to reach them with the good news with little success.

But according to many reports from the Middle East and around the world, that history is changing.

"I see many, many Arabic-speaking people turning to Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior,” said Nizar Shaheen, host of Light for the Nations, a Christian program seen throughout the Muslim world. "It's happening all over the Arab world. It's happening in North Africa. It's happening in the Middle East. It's happening in the Gulf countries. It's happening in Europe and Canada and the United States-in the Arabic-speaking world. Everywhere, people are accepting Jesus."

"What's happening nowadays in the Muslim world has never happened before," said Father Zakaria Henein, an Egyptian Coptic priest is one of the foremost evangelists to the Muslim world. He says a cross-section of Muslims are accepting Jesus Christ. "Young and old, educated and not educated, males and females, even those who are fanatic."

We often put God in a box, and think He will only do what we want Him to do, or what we 'think' He can or will do. But, often, we are proven wrong. God is able to do 'exceedingly, abundantly, above anything we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20).

"There is an end-time phenomenon that is happening through dreams and visions," said Christine Darg, author of The Jesus Visions: Signs and Wonders in the Muslim World. “He is going into the Muslim world and revealing, particularly, the last 24 hours of His life-how He died on the cross, which Islam does not teach-how He was raised from the dead, which Islam also does not teach –and how He is the Son of God, risen in power."

"We receive lots of letters about people who have had dreams about the Lord, visions, even miracles,” Shaheen said. “When they watch the program, they say yes, we had a dream or a vision, and they accept Jesus as Lord."

God will have His church ready when He comes. When we see those that do not believe in our God coming to Him, and facing persecution and often death, one realizes that He is indeed a powerful God, and there is nothing He can't do.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Woman Honor Thyself
Pursuing Holiness

Technorati Tags: God, Muslims, Jesus Christ, Gospel,
Visions, Dreams

Out of touch

I just read Greg Crosby's article over at JWR, entitled "Not my world". Oh, how I identify with everything he is saying!

I walk in the malls, or walk down the streets, and I wonder what has happened to people to make them want to dress like bums! I want to say, 'men (boys), pull up your pants. I don't want to see your undies or MORE! Put on a decent, fitting shirt. And, please, oh, please, learn to WALK!' And, to the women (girls), 'Do you not want to look decent anymore? Why do you wear clothes meant for teenagers, women? And, teenagers, why do you want to show your body parts, that should be covered, to the world? And, why do you think these pants with holes are so cute, or that wearing those tight-fitting, midriff-showing shirts are so appealing?"

People need to get a grip on life! I miss seeing people dressed nicely. I often feel like I'm out of place, when I am dressed in clothes that fit, that look decent, and do not show body parts meant only for my eyes, or the eyes of my spouse! Honestly! Clothes manufacturers have gotten the craze these days. They have forgotten there are people out there, namely the older generation that likes to becovered, that wants to look more our age in the things we wear, and are not hip on wanting to be stylish in today's terms. I want women's slacks to go back to the waist. I want women's blouses, shirts, sweaters, etc, to get longer, and some of them looser. Middle-aged and older women do not look good in clothes meant for teenagers. And, I dare say, teenagers do not look good in most of today's clothes made for them.

Boycotts are called for all different things. Perhaps it's time, we people who want to be able to buy decent-looking clothes, should boycott the industry. Do you think it would make a difference? Perhaps not, since today's parents are allowing their teenagers to dress in the provocative clothing that is being put in every store. Until parents put a handle on the buying of such clothing, the clothing industry will keep producing. And, while they keep producing, we will continue to have to look at the bare midriffs, the 'behinds', flabby bellies, and more, of those folks who are willing to compromise their looks for fashion. As for me, I'll continue to 'be out of touch' with today's fashion, wear clothing that fits my body and my age,and continue to look for those clothiers that do think about the older generations. I know there must still be some out there!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Cao's Blog - Friday OTB
Woman Honor Thyself

Technorati Tags: Clothes, Fashion,

Persecution is coming to your church

You read that title and thought, 'no way, not my church.' But, look at what is happening around the world today. We never thought other things would happen here, either. We never expected the 9/11 attacks, but it came. They promise us more of the same, and worse.

We never thought prayer would be taken out of the schools, but it came by the way of one woman - not one tried to stop her. And, now, Christian clubs are having a hard time surviving in the schools. And, one day, someone will rise up and make such a fuss, they will fall by the wayside completely.

The church is now faced with the threat of hate crimes - a church will be unable to preach against the abominations spoken about in the Bible. Of course - God didn't speak the word homosexual in the Bible. But, whose eyes are blind, when they read the words " If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:" ? ( Leviticus 20:13)

Persecution is coming to your church, and it might be sooner than you think. Take heed to what the Lord says- "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Bill Haymin has written a great article in the American Chronicle, entitled 'The Soon Coming Sufferings of the Church in America'. Drop by and read it; it's a great and enlightening article.

Technorati Tags: Persecution, Church, America, Bible

Thursday Thirteen #17

Thirteen Things about Thanksgiving

1. Thanksgiving, for me, starts the year of holidays, even though it's in November.
   
2. I love to get together with my family.
3. I love holiday meals! There is always so many great things to choose from to eat.
4. I love sweet potato pies. I have cooked four for tomorrow.
5. My oldest grandson loves my dressing, so I always make him a pan to take home.
6. My potato salad is always requested. And, if any is left, my son always has to take some home with him. This year, we are having Thanksgiving at his home, so he will probably keep what is left.
7. Thanksgiving is a great time of fellowship.
8. Thanksgiving seems to be the start of the best of holidays. Then, comes Christmas!
9. I love Fall and the beautiful colors,which seem to go with Thanksgiving.
10. My husband's birthday always comes close to Thanksgiving - it was today. And, my birthday is only 3 weeks away.
11. Thanksgiving usually means turkey. But, we always cook a ham, too. I usually only cook a turkey breast, since we love only the white meat. But, my daughter's family loves the whole bird.
12. We always eat too much! I guess holidays are famous for having too much food to choose from.
13. One more day to thank God for all His Blessings!

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Remembering Abraham Lincoln

My grandson, who will be 13 on December 11th, has always admired Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It is a shame that youngsters are not challenged to learn more about the Presidents of the US and have good head knowledge of each. It excites me to hear him talk about Lincoln, and I do encourage him to keep reading other information about the President.

Thanks to Don Surber for blogging on Lincoln today in his post 143 years ago today. Exactly 143 years ago today, Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. I remember having to learn the Gettysburg Address when I was in high school. I wonder how many of our high schoolers could quote any of these words today.

Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Lincoln won the Republican nomination for President first in 1860. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declared the freedom of the slaves within the Confederacy.

Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that 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."

This brings to mind what is going on in the world today - the war in Iraq. So many are calling for the soldiers to jump ship before the country is stable. i wonder what Lincoln would have to say, were he here today, and President. Would his words still ring true today? I certainly think they would.

The spirit that guided him was clearly that of his Second Inaugural Address, now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.:

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "

Linked to Conservative Cat
Is It Just Me?
The Uncooperative Blogger
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Abraham lincoln, Gettysburg Address, President, Republican

Is there honesty in the House?

On January 2, 2007, there will be a new Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi, Democrat from California, will assume the duties of outgoing speaker Republican Dennis J. Hastert. And, she says she is going to try and make this a working Congress; bi-partisan, if you will. Time will only tell if the Democrats can make good on their promise to be a better governing body than the Republicans.

For 6 years, all we have heard is how the Republicans are ruining our American way of life, no matter how the outlook is on things. Our economy is so much better, and it seems we are living in the best of the times. But, I doubt that it will ever pass the lips of a Democrat that we are having such a good time. The Republican administration has been accused of every thing that has gone wrong or will go wrong in the future. Yet, we have heard no real ways the Democrats will fix things that the Republicans has supposedly messed up.

The President passed a bill to build a security fence between Mexico and the United States. But, will there be money appropriated to build the fence? Or, will there be a hold out, since it was done by Bush?

Hopefully, this Congress, led by Speaker Pelosi, will stop and put their thinking caps on, and realize that there are people out here that will be affected by every decision they make. It doesn’t matter if the decisions have to do with illegal immigration and building of the fence or the Iraqi war, or a number of other things, people outside of the Congress will have to deal with the decisions of the Congress. But, Congress must also remember, whatever decisions they make will be met with either approval or disapproval from Republicans and the President. If Pelosi does try to co-operate with the ones on the other aisle (Republicans), then perhaps some things can be accomplished the next two years. But, she will be met with resistance, if she doesn’t play her cards right.

Ken Hughes says:

Let’s pray the new congress realizes they’re the servants not the masters and act accordingly.

And, I certainly agree with that!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Church and State - Weekend Open Trackback
The Right Nation
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, Congress, Democrats

T.G.I.F.

I know you are thinking, why is she posting T.G.I.F.? We are all glad it's Friday. But, that is not the reason. Those initials have other connotations. In other words, 'things are not always what they seem'.

T.G.I.F., in this instance, means, 'Thank God, I'm forgiven'. When God forgives you of your sins, they are removed 'as far as the east is from the west' and He no longer remembers them, unlike man. Satan will continue to bombard you with how you can't truly be a Christian, because of your 'past trangressions'. And when, he does, remind him that the blood of Jesus has covered every sin; they are no longer there on your record. You are the 'forgiven of God' and you are blessed!

So, make this a thankful Friday. Give thanks to the Father that He has forgiven you, that you are walking in the light of His Truth, and you are blessed on this beautiful Friday.

Psalms 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Technorati Tags: Friday, Thankful, God, Father, Truth

The Gardener - Alpha and Omega

I am a country girl, born and raised in a small town. I grew up with gardening, milking cows, raising pigs and chickens, and other duties that we were given. We had a little land, but not considered ‘a farm’. But, I knew what a real farm was, because I often worked in the afternoons or weekends for farmers who needed workers to hoe or gather their crops. Sometimes we were given some of those vegetables to take home with us.

Gardening is a hard task, at best. If you don’t have big tools, you often are give out, legs aching, when you finish the task of cleaning the land, plowing the garden spot, and then planting the crops. Afterwards, when the crop comes up, and weeds tend to raise their nasty heads, the work has really begun. You have to work hard in order to make a crop of vegetables, and not have them starved out by those pesky weeds.

But, I know a Gardener who once took the dust of the ground and made man – not a mere vegetable, although He is also behind all those seeds and plants we now put in the ground to become tomorrow’s food. He then breathed life into that man, and made him a living soul.

God is the Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end) Gardener. There is none like Him. He has all the resources to make the most magnificent garden in the Universe. Think back to the Garden eastward of Eden. He put in every tree imaginable, good for food, and also put in the tree of life. But, He also put in the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Then, he placed that man, Adam, along with his helpmate, Eve, among those beautiful plants, to help keep that garden. And, that’s where the story takes a rough turn: Adam and Eve partook of the tree that God had given Adam instructions to stay away from, and they were thrown out of that beautiful, safe, and luxurious garden made by the ultimate Gardener.

Although, man has had to pay for those mistakes, God is still a gracious God. He allows us to make our own way. He expects and wants us to follow His ways for our life, but we get sidetracked at times, and go about it the wrong way. But, He is still there, after our heart, prodding and plowing with His Word, speaking to our hearts in a manner we should not be able to resist, although many do. No matter what we decide, whether to let the Gardener do His work in ‘our garden’ or go astray, He is still the Gardener of the past, the present, and the future. You can choose to let Him plant in you a garden of good fruit, or you can hoe the weeds in yours. It is your choice.

HT: The Evangelical Ecologist – Knowing the Gardener
Farm graphic by Sandy's Place

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Gardener, God, Eden, Alpha and Omega

Extreme Record Keeper

Be sure, whatever you do, good or bad, there is one who knows all. I know you have heard the saying, 'no man is an island unto himself.' How true this is, considering the God of the Universe has an all-seeing eye, and a ear that hears, no matter how quiet you are or how low you whisper.

This was true in the case of Florica, who was being held in a communist prison. She had seen women leave the prison, never to be heard from again. She had no idea if they were free, or perhaps they were killed. She probably knew her day would come soon. But, she held on to the thought that whatever God's will for her life was, she would resign herself to accept it. Being human and a woman, surely she thought they would put her to death. But, she still held on to her hope in God.

Her name was finally called by the major. He made sure that she knew he realized 'her god' had made no interventions for her release. He also made it known to her that he was more powerful than her god. He told her that, in a communist society, no god is needed. I can imagine what Florica was thinking! But, she told him that she realized he was powerful, and perhaps had good records on her. She said:

"But God keeps records, to. Neither one of us would have life without him. So whether he keeps me here or sets me free, I'll accept that as best for me."

Three days later, Florica was released.

Romans 3:19...that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

From 'Extreme Devotions' by The Voice of the Martyrs..pg 250

Technorati Tags: Communist Prison , Syria, God, Intervention,
Freedom,

Purpose Driven Terror? Rick Warren's Syrian Trip an outrage

Christian Newswire has an article about Pastor Rick Warren's trip to Syria. Apparently, the Syrian News Agency is giving glowing reports of what Warren had to say while in Syria.

Seems his meeting with the Syrian Mufti gave him the impression that there is true co-existence between Muslims and Christians in Syria. He says the United States government has distorted the Syrian image before the world. And, apparently, Warren is buying this.

Pastor Warren expressed admiration of Syria and the coexistence he saw between Muslims and Christians, stressing that he will convey this image to his church and country."

Rick Warren also is quoted as saying that 80 percent of the American people oppose what the Administration is doing in Iraq. We at VCY America Radio Network are appalled and angered that Rick Warren is praising a nation that has long supported international terrorism and that desires the utter destruction of Israel. The U.S. State Department reports that Syria--along with Iran--gives the Lebanese militia Hezbollah "substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid." The State Department also has documented that Iranian arms destined for Hezbollah pass through Syria on an ongoing basis. Syria has also let Hezbollah operate in Lebanon and attack Israel, the results of which were seen in the July, 2006 violence between Hezbollah and Israel in which many lost their lives. Experts further believe that Syria is the source of the weapons and insurgents that are taking the lives of Iraqi and American soldiers on a nearly daily basis in Iraq.

Contact: Ingrid Schlueter, Crosstalk Radio Talk Show, VCY America Radio Network, 414-881-5852

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Technorati Tags: Syria, Rick Warren, Muslims, Christians, America

The Puppeteer begins pulling the puppet strings

It is almost a given that Nancy Pelosi will become Speaker of the House. And, for majority whip, the second highest position in the House Democratic leadership, she is backing Jack Murtha over Maryland moderate, Steny Hoyer. She is already showing her authority before taking over the office.

Barney Frank, Massachusetts Rep., said he thought she was making a mistake.

Pelosi loyalists worried that backing a loser early on would hurt her authority down the road, and project an image of a divided party.

She sat out to down play her support for Murtha the past few days. But, others say she is very serious; she is certainly going all out to back Murtha. She has already made 40 calls to incoming freshman, on Murtha's behalf. She's drumming support!

And that will make a real difference. One senior Democratic House member who was leaning toward Hoyer told TIME her vote was entirely dependent on the seriousness of Pelosi's interest in the race. Told that Pelosi was calling around in support of Murtha, the member said her vote was Pelosi's to claim: "The Speaker usually gets what the Speaker wants." Magnified across scores of calls, that kind of attitude could spell trouble for Hoyer.

So, the strings are being pulled, and they are answering. Her lieutenants are now in full support of the Murtha candidacy and they feel confident that he will win out over Hoyer. Some believe this is a gamble on Pelosi's part. If he wins, she has made a strong statement. But, he could also spell trouble, considering his ties with the 1980's Abscam affair (investigated but never charged).

A full blown ethics scandal would be a disaster for the Democrats as they enter their moment in the sun. And if Murtha loses, it's doubly bad for Pelosi. Not only would she have picked sides and lost, but she will have gone down fighting.

Linked to Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Blue Star Chronicles

Technorati Tags: Politics, Nancy Pelosi, Democrats, Speaker of the House, John Murtha, Congress

Tuesday Roundup posts

These are some great posts this morning; well worth your reading! Learn about your congress.

1. Sister Toljah - Dems want to identify pork sponsors
   
2. Flopping Aces - Pelosi doing her part to fill that swamp
3. Jacksonville.com - Democratic Congress - Can they change?

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Congress, Democrats

Marine Corporal given highest honor

The highest honor that can be paid a fallen hero was given to Cpl. Jason Dunham to Scio, NY. He would have been 25 years old yesterday - the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps.

The Medal of Honor will go posthumously to Cpl. Jason Dunham of Scio, N.Y., who would have been 25 years old yesterday - the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps.

"You might say that he was born to be a Marine," Bush said in announcing the award at the dedication of the new National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va.

Dunham was searching a car when the guy took him by the throat. When Dunham kneed him, the guy dropped the grenade. Cpl. Dunham took his helmet and placed it over a thrown grenade and then threw his own body over the helmet to shield his own buddies from the impact of the explosion. He died 10 days later at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Marines, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor