Thursday Thirteen #22

Ever have your mind blocked, and you can't get a clear picture of what you need to say? That is my predicament tonight, writing my 22nd Thursday Thirteen. So I decided to just talk about things on my mind.

Things I Have On My Mind

1. My son is coming down on Saturday to do a few things to my laptop. We have a wireless set up, and I want to be able to print to my printer from my laptop. I also want to be able to get things off my PC in another room, when it is on.
2. I've been thinking of buying a keyboard. I have looked at a few, but haven't really made up my mind whether to buy now or wait awhile.
   
3. My grandson is a senior in high school, about to head off to college. He is wanting to continue to play football in college. And, he has not decided where he will be going. He is a kicker, so a scholarship is probably out unless he makes it as a walk-on. I worry about how they will afford college.
4. We may be in for some bad weather, and our home gas tank is almost empty. We heat with electricity, but we use our gas logs here in our Den most of the time, and I am afraid we will run out of gas at the wrong time.
5. I need to get serious about doing some deep house cleaning. It has just not been at the top of my agenda, as I get older. Anyone identify?
6. I am wondering, with the chance of bad weather, if we will have our Ladies' Luncheon tomorrow at Olive Garden.
7. The temperature has been going up and down all night. One meteorologist says we will have bad weather - another one says it's probably unlikely. And, the chance of rain has gone up and down for tomorrow, but the radar map keeps showing us getting lots of heavy rain.
8. I need to clean closets again. Only thing, when I go through them, I hate to throw anything out!
9. I need to take my black pants suit to the cleaners. I keep forgetting.
10. I look forward to Spring in order to plant some flowers. I want to see some color in my yard.
11. I want to go out and do some photography, especially of birds. We haven't had that many in our yard this winter.
12. We now have sleet coming down in our yard. I hope it isn't bad in the morning for my kids to go to work and the teenagers to drive to school. They live farther NE than we do, and it is going to be worse than in the Central part of the state.
13. I made it through another Thursday Thirteen. I need to think up some more topics!

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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Legislation Proposed to Restrict Driving by Alabama teens

State Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, is chairman of the State Highway Safety Coordinating Committee. The committee is working on a package to reduce deaths among the youth of Alabama. The bill will not only target the driving of teens, but will also address drunk driving, seat belts, and driver without insurance.

The committee's other proposals would:

-rescind a law that bars police forces in towns with populations of less than 19,000 from patrolling interstate highway.

-prohibit those 18 and younger from using cell phones while driving.

-create a "super drunk" law providing higher penalties for people arrested for driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher. Alabama's drunken driving law currently applies at 0.08 percent blood alcohol level.

-clarify a gray area in state law to make sure drunken driving convictions more than five years old are admissible in court.

-toughen penalties for people caught driving without a license or insurance.

-increase the penalty for not wearing a seat belt from $25 to $50 and require adults in the back seat of vehicles to buckle up. Adults in back seats are not currently covered by the law.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Teens, Driving, Death, Drunk Driving, Law, Alabama

Meal just too much to handle

Many times we 'bite off more than we can chew'. And, even eagles do the same!

Customers in Juneau, Alaska had their power cut off for a short time when an eagle could hardly hold his find. He had found a deer's head in a landfill and knew he had found a good meal. But, in his haste to retreat to a safe place with his find of the day, he failed to clear the power lines, thus, dropping his meal, and was electrocuted.

The landfill has a program in place to discourage eagles, ravens and other birds from feeding, she said. But this eagle "got a hold of a little bit more than he could handle."

HT: Sprucegoose

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber

Technorati Tags: Eagle, Deer, Power Lines, Juneau, Alaska

Does the Holy Spirit feel at home in your temple?

When we are expecting guests, we are known to roll out the red carpet, so to speak. We spend ample time cleaning our house from top to bottom; everything has to be spotless and everything in it's own place. Our furniture has to pass the 'white glove' test. Our bathrooms have to be fit for a king! And, we usually get most of the food prepared ahead of time so we can spend time with our guests relaxing and enjoying their company.

Do we give God the same amount of attention? Do we prepare our 'temple' for His presence just as we prepare our earthly house for the anticipation of guests? Do we study the Word as we should? Do we pray as we should, or do we only pray occasionally, or when we need the Lord's help? I believe all of us are guilty at times for not keeping our temple prepared for the Holy Spirit. We skip prayers and worship too much.

Each of us,and I'm speaking to myself as well, should pray daily, giving attention to what God says to us. Many times we pray for something specifically, or ask God for guidance in some part of our lives. But, then we just go on our way, not giving Him the time to give us an answer to our prayers. In other words, we do not take time to listen to the Holy Spirit. How do you think your earthly guests would feel, if, when they arrived, you answered the door, and then proceeded to leave them standing and went into another room? Rude, right? They would feel very unwelcome. I wonder how many times the Holy Spirit has felt He was an unwelcome guest?

Linked at Church and State
Woman Honor Thyself

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Prayers>

Our children are being challenged

But it is not the kind of challenge you would think. In fact, it is not a good challenge at all. It's a challenge from an atheist for them to come out from under what they have been taught about God and deny His existence.

I had never heard of this until we were just watching John Kasich's show on Fox News, "Heartland". He had the owner of the blog "The Blasphemy Challenge", Brian Flemming, on his show, speaking about his reason for doing this. He says the kids were made to listen to all that untruth when they were young, and he wanted to let them know it was all a lie.

These children who are denying God are to make a video and put it on Youtube.com. But, first, they have to be sure they say in the video "I deny the Holy Spirit", in order to damn their soul to hell. This is in challenge of the following verse of scripture:

• Mark 3:29, "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:"
  

There's only one catch: We want your soul.

It's simple. You record a short message damning yourself to Hell, you upload it to YouTube, and then the Rational Response Squad will send you a free The God Who Wasn't There DVD. It's that easy.

John challenged Flemming to tell him the real reason he was trying to influence the kids that there is no God. He just kept saying they had been forced to believe in a non-existing God and he wanted give them the truth. Well, I have one thing to say: Fleming may wake up one day and realize he should have listened to the wise words of John Kasich, but it will probably be too late.

There is a site called Challenge Blasphemy, which is asking all Christians 'to unite and stand for Christ'. They are asking every Christian who can to make a video and put it on YouTube.com, proclaiming Christ as King. And, then they will place that video on the Challenge Blasphemy site.

• Matthew 10:32, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."
  

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Dumb Ox Daily News

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Teenager becomes first Youth Chaplain

Brian Baker, a 14 year old from Virginia has become the first Youth Chaplain for the Church of God. He felt the call to the ministry by God and began the training with other youth at the Church of God campground in Roanoke, Virginia.

Not only is Brian the first Youth Chaplain, he is also the youngest ever associate chaplain. He came with his parents to the training center and endured 27 hours of training and passed.

Brian is very active in his local church youth group. His ministry will include visiting members of his youth group who are sick or in the hospital. He will also be the chaplain for the Church's Royal Rangers group. He will be actively involved in supporting his youth as a Church of God Chaplain.

Brian is an 8th grader who is a straight A student. He attends a Christian school. He will have more training as needed. He will also go forth in his ministry with the blessings and prayers of his local church, World Outreach Worship Center Church of God in Newport News, Virginia. This young man is not only setting high standards for the Church of God youth, but the youth of the world.

Linked at Church and State
Conservative Cat
Don Surber

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This is the day the Lord has made

But how many of us actually are glad and rejoice in it (Psalm 118:24) without complaining? Do we get up in the morning and thank God for the ability to rise again, to breath the refreshing air, and have one more day in which to give him praise and thanks?

I would venture to say that most of us get out of bed 'on the wrong side'. In other words, we have not got all our rest out and we get up, going to the bathroom to wash our eyes and freshen up. We don't get up and say, 'thank you God I'm alive today', although we probably are thankful.But, we don't express it to the one that makes the next breath possible.

We go about our daily chores, complaining along the way of being tired, or that others never stop to help. We do things grudgingly, without ever smiling, because we feel we've been put out by others. Our jobs aren't satisfying because there are those that never do their part. They expect us to carry the load and never complain, while they get the 'free ride'.

But, we are still humans. And, humans have been known to complain, to get mad, be angry, protest, scream, and do things unbecoming to Christians. Oh, did I forget to say at the beginning I am speaking of Christians? Yes, Christians can sometimes be as difficult to live with or work with as sinners. Sometimes, you can't tell them apart. Sometimes the sinners may possess the right qualities while the Christian does everything against the Word of God. I suppose that is why Christians sometime get a bad name. We need to 'clean up our act'.

When we were saved, we were supposed to become new creatures; the old man was put away.(II Corn. 5:17) But, lots of times,that doesn't happen. The old man keeps creeping out. Some say Christians don't act that way, but they do. We have to make a change in our lives, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us. We can't change all by ourselves, but we surely have a lot do with it. That's called free will. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will not make us do anything, although you will feel the prodding in your Spirit, if only you listen.

Why don't we rethink our stand with Christ, and give Him more place in our lives. We need to rise in the morning, and, as we plant our feet on the floor, we need to start by thanking Him for the day and the breath He has given us. Thank Him for the blessings we are about to receive throughout the day. Ask Him to bless others throughout the day. When we begin to live more like the Word of God admonishes us to, our lives will take on a whole new meaning. We will feel more like rising and rejoicing that, truly this is a new day, and we will be glad in it!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Church and State
Pursuing Holiness

Technorati Tags: Christians, God, Holy Spirit, Rejoice, Blessings, Thanks

Thursday Thirteen #21

I have forgotten it was time for Thursday Thirteen many times lately until it's too late to put my TT up. Almost did the same thing today, and find there are already up to over 200 entries. So, today, mine will be about those things that I sometimes forget.

Things I sometimes forget

1. I make out my grocery list, and if my husband doesn't go with me and pick it up, most of the time I'm at the store without it. But, most of the time, I can visualize what I wrote on the list and come away with most of the groceries.
2. I forget to check our phone messages when we return from an outing. Sometimes, it might be a few days later when I pick up the phone just to check messages.
3. I forgot to plant my Fall pansies in my flower boxes outside. I had meant to do this all Fall, since they will last until the hottest part of summer, but never got around to it this year or last year.
4. My son says I forget to tell him about family matters, although I don't think I'm always guilty. I think his memory is going bad. :)
5. I forget the time at night, when I get busy on the Internet, until I am so sleepy, my eyes just won't stay open, and I wake up, finding my laptop still sitting on my lap!
6. I am constantly forgetting to make sure I have an umbrella in the car for that unexpected rain. They manage to be in the house or in the truck.
7. I forget to water my house plants, something I used to could remember very well. My daughter gave me a flower for Christmas and told me she had better not come and find it dying. I sat it on the kitchen table so I would remember to water it. So far, I've done that.
8. I forget to take my clothes to the cleaners until I need something that has not made it there yet. Which reminds me.........
9. I have forgotten to pick up my purse when eating out. Got nearly home once and realized my cell phone wasn't in the car - and neither was my purse which is where my phone would have been. Thank goodness the waitress saw it and put it under the counter for me.
10. Parked my car in large parking lots I was not familiar with (new malls) and forgot where it was and had to hunt it. You walk the parking lot, hoping nobody recognizes you and thinks you are crazy.
11. I forget to do the Church bulletin and find myself scrambling to get it done for the Sunday morning service.
12. I want to see a certain show on television and do not set it to record. Then, I forget what time or day it is on, and miss it.
13. And, I forget to do my Thursday Thirteen on time. But, here I am today!

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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Iran's President says Israel and US to be destroyed

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran met with Syria's prime minister on Tuesday. He said, in the meeting, that Israel and the United States will soon be destroyed.

"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad… assured that the United States and the Zionist regime of Israel will soon come to the end of their lives," the Iranian president was quoted as saying.

"Sparking discord among Muslims, especially between the Shiites and Sunnis, is a plot hatched by the Zionists and the US for dominating regional nations and looting their resources," Ahmadinejad added, according to the report.

Linked to Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Blue Star Chronicles

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Nothing like a side trip!

Alexandra Pelosi, documentary filmmaker and daughter of Nancy Pelosi, took a little 'side trip' to the red states, those who are conservative. She was making a film that takes a look at the evangelical movement in the United States.

Pelosi was interviewed by Diane Sawyer of Good Morning America on Monday morning. They discussed the now defrocked pastor of New Life Church, Ted Haggard, who was Pelosi's tour guide. Pelosi was under the impression that most evangelical Christians are 'holy roller Jesus freaks'. But, when she met Haggard, he didn't fit into that category.

I can understand that evangelicals are thought to be different but not as bad as they are thought to be. Just read the following transcript from the Good Morning America interview.

Sawyer: "You know, it's got to strike a lot of people who live in middle America, church going people, as very quaint that you have to come visit them to learn about them. Where did this begin? Did you feel you had to get a visa to a foreign country?"

Pelosi: [Laughs] "Well, I had made two political documentaries and I was trying to get away from politics. And growing up, they always said the two things you're not supposed to talk about in polite conversation is politics and religion. So, since I’d done politics, I thought it was a chance to go and explore religion."

"Visa to a foreign country?" Is Diana Sawyer so far removed from Christianity that she would suggest that we Christians are from another country or perhaps PLANET? Actually, Pelosi said she felt like she was on a 'sociological field trip'.

Despite her clumsy language, Pelosi actually stated she now understands the importance of religion and even suggested that if she had to make a choice in the culture wars, the daughter of liberal Speaker of the House would go with the conservatives:

Pelosi admitted that she was bothered by what happened to Haggard because he seemed so nice. She said she even came away with a respect for the evangelicals. She thinks they are organized and everybody could learn something from them. She went on to tell Sawyer that the church provided a strong foundation of values and she thought that was good for our teenagers today.

Sawyer: "So, this is a shift for you. You have a two week old son and you're going to make sure he goes to church?"

Pelosi: "Well, yeah. Yes. It’s important for me now. On a personal note, something I took away from this: It is important to expose your children to religion, any religion, whatever is important to you. Because otherwise they'll be called unchurched, and those are the ones who may later in life fall into more extreme religions."

Sawyer: "So you came away a changed person in some ways."

Pelosi: "Nothing like a road trip."

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pursuing Holiness
Dumb Ox Daily News

Technorati Tags: Alexandra Pelosi, Road Trip, Evangelicals, Ted Haggard, Christians, Christianity, Religion, Church, Jesus Freaks

Getting our house in order

I am normally a good housekeeper, but there are times when I let things go undone. In fact, lately, I have been sick, and things are not like they should be. I haven't felt like cleaning house, or even cooking. I have only done what was necessary in order to make it liveable around here. I am sure all women get that way at one time or another. When your body is out of energy, then it makes sense to sit down and rest.

But, there's another house that needs to be taken care of. Sunday, a lady at my church said God had been dealing with her to get her 'house' in order - not only her literal home, but her spiritual house. Too many times we pay attention to our earthly home, and forget about tending to the temple that houses the Holy Spirit. We let our bodies run down; we don't exercise to stay in shape, and most of the time we don't get the rest our body needs in order to be in top notch shape. It is easy to become complacent in our spiritual life when we are complacent in how we treat our body.

Remember Mary and Martha? Jesus came to town and Martha invited him to the house. She got busy cooking the meal, and working in the kitchen. She was worried, I am sure, that things would not be perfect for Jesus. She thought Mary should come and help, but Mary chose to sit before Jesus and listen to his every word. Martha wasn't happy with her choice, so she went to Jesus and told Him she thought that Mary should help her serve.

Jesus said, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

Sometimes we get things all turned around. We tend to things we think are necessary, but we don't tend to those things that God says are necessary. In getting our spiritual house in order, we need to learn to ask God what things we need to change in our lives. Is there any sin that needs repenting of?

Our spiritual house can be cleansed through heeding the Word. Psalm 119:9 There is nothing that God will not do for us. If you are having problems with what the world offers or your spiritual life in general, ask the Lord to help you. 1 John 4:4 say, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

Linked at Third World County
Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Spiritual House, Jesus, Martha, Mary,

Thursday Thirteen #20

13 Things I love to do

1. Computing/blogging - my husband says it is my 'love'. Not really true, although I do enjoy it tremendously.
2. Writing for my Website and my blog - I would love to write a book some day.
3. Working on the Website for my church.
4. Helping my grandchildren find things they need for homework on the Internet. My granddaughter just called to see if I could locate something for a research paper she hasn't been able to find.
5. Having lunch with my daughter when she's at work
6. Shopping with my daughter and granddaughter - on a day out.
7. Taking pictures of my grandchildren and using some on my Flickr account. I don't have all of them on there yet.
   
8. Crochet although I have not done too much lately. I enjoy making afghans.
9. Working on Genealogy at the Genealogy library of a local college with my friend.
10. Reviewing books for Active Christian Media.
11. Spending time with my husband - going out to eat, shopping, or just talking.
12. Playing the piano.
13. Going to church - working in church.

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!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

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The image in the mirror is deceiving

How many times have you looked into that bathroom mirror, only to find a face you didn't recognize staring back at you?

Seems over the years that mirror seems to be playing tricks! The face seems to change from day to day. At one time in your life, you actually thought it was your face you saw. Now you have your doubts that you ever saw your own face.

You were prepared to see a young, unwrinkled one with glowing hair, only to see a much-wrinkled face and white hair staring back. "This could not be my face", you thought. The mirror must be rigged!

Many of us have thought the same thing. But, after careful examination, we find that what we are seeing in that big mirror is indeed the face we call our own. Oh, it does not appear to be the face we envision in our on mind. In fact, our mind tells us that we really look much younger. Well, we do feel like we are younger, even though our body may look more like it belongs to the face in the mirror than than it does with what our mind thinks.

We could really freak out when we see that 'distorted image' in the mirror. But, remember the old saying, 'we are only as old as we feel'. What shows in the mirror and what others see, when they look at us, doesn't really tell the tale.

God gave us a body for the mind. He did not say the body would not age. II Corinthians 5:17 tells us that, if we are in Christ, then we are new creatures. But He tells us to 'be renewed in the spirit of your mind' (Ephesians 4:23). The Word of God renews our mind in Him. He wants us to follow after Him with our whole being, not taking up the habits of the world. When the Word gets planted deeply within our spirit, then we are able to conform more to His purpose for our lives. Renewing our mind in the Word is the key to transformation from the old man to the new man.

As your mind is renewed day to day, then that image in the mirror seems to take on a new 'face'. You can smile at that image, knowing that your faith in God has given you the promise of eternal life. Our bodies may wane in this life, but, if we continue to put our trust in the heavenly Father, and follow after His commandments, then we know one day we will have a new body - one that is incorruptible.

Linked at Conservative Cat
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Renaissance Blogger

Technorati Tags: Mirror, Face, Body, Mind, Renewed, Christ, God, Promises

Convicted Border Agents headed to prison in 24 hours

Two men, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, border agents, were just doing their job in trying to apprehend an illegal alien drug smuggler. In 24 hours, these two men will be leaving their families for 11 or 12 years in Federal Prison.

From Steve Elliott, President, Grassfire.org Alliance:

The only official word from the White House came through Spokesman Tony Snow last week who gave no indication that the President is considering taking action.

There is so much at stake here, first for these two agents and their families who have already paid such a high price, and secondly for our nation.

In the minds of millions of Americans, if these men go to jail this President will have sided with an illegal alien drug smuggler instead of the men and women who are literally standing on the wall protecting our nation's borders.

If you want to do something to try and help these men, you can go to the Grassfire.org and sign their petition. Also, you can call your state senators or the following numbers:

The White House 202-456-1414

Justice Department 202-514-2001

These men do not deserve what they are getting. They were sent to do a job, and, in doing so, they now face prison sentences. Where does our government stand: with keeping our country safe, or with the illegals, therefore taking away any authority the border guards have? You tell me.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Blue Star Chronicles
Planck's Constant OTA

Technorati Tags: Border Agents, Drug Smuggler, Prison, Federal Prison, President Bush, Petition

Today proclaimed Religious Freedom Day

Have you heard about this from the media?

Reprinted from the Whitehouse Website:

Religious Freedom Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Religious Freedom Day, we commemorate the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, and we celebrate the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom.

Across the centuries, people have come to America seeking to worship the Almighty freely. Today, our citizens profess many different faiths, and we welcome every religion. Yet people in many countries live without the freedom to worship as they choose and some face persecution for their beliefs. My Administration is working with our friends and allies around the globe to advance common values and spread the blessings of liberty to every corner of the world. Freedom is a gift from the Almighty, written in the heart and soul of every man, woman, and child, and we must continue to promote the importance of religious freedom at home and abroad.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2007, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities in their schools, places of worship, neighborhoods, and homes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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Is It Just Me?
Third World County

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What our Congress is doing

One more law.....

Senators introduce bill to restrict Internet, cable, and satellite radio recording

And, this isn't just the Democrats. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Joseph Biden (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Yesterday, Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) announced legislation that would prevent the FCC from creating exactly the same kind of technology mandates that the PERFORM Act would require. At the time, Sen. Sununu said that "misguided requirements distort the marketplace by forcing industry to adopt agency-blessed solutions rather than allow innovative and competitive approaches to develop."

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Cable, Internet, Satellite Radio, Recording, PERFORM Act

Young Christian convert in India thrown off train dies

Bansi Lal, just 18, a Hindu who converted to Christianity, was thrown off a train by unknown assailants. He was on his way back from a Pentecostal meeting. Lal had converted to Christianity 2 1/2 years ago. He has been threatened ever since, and his family did not approve.

After 3 days of intense pain, Lal died without being able to give his side of the story. The police are saying it was a simple case of suicide.

Too many factors lead however to believe that his death was but the latest example of religious persecution by Hindu extremists.

Christian leaders in the area are afraid that there would be further violence and retailation against Christians, so they are keeping a low profile and saying nothing about the incident.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Christianity, Hindu, Pentecostal, Hindu extremists, Death

Nifong removed from Duke case

A news conference was just held in Raleigh, NC by Attorney General Roy Cooper. AG Cooper said District Attorney Nifong was relieved from the Duke lacrosse case and his office would be taking over the case.

Facing ethics charges that could lead to his disbarment, beleaguered district attorney Mike Nifong had asked that a special prosecutor take over the case.

The AG could not say that the case would be resolved quickly or that the case would be dropped against the players. But, he did say that every piece of evidence would be looked at closely.

My feelings are that Nifong should be prosecuted for withholding information that would have cleared the boys even before they were indicted. But, evidentally, from all the information coming across the air waves, he was more interested in getting three more years in for retirement rather than dismissing a case that never should have happened. Perhaps he will have time to think while the Attorney General's office is pursuing him for the wrongs he has done handling this case. He has surely made three boys and their families suffer unnecessarily.

Linked at Conservative Cat
The Dumb Ox
Church and State

Technorati Tags: DA Nifong, Raleigh, NC, Duke University, Lacrosse, Special Prosecutor, AG Roy Cooper

Never too old

We've all heard the quote 'never too old'. But, most of us never think about what we will be doing at 100, since most of us won't be here to worry about it.

In Nigeria, though, the quote came alive when a pastor of 107 took his third wife. That doesn't seem too awfully unusual, since lots of people get remarried in old age. But, in this case, the bride is 77 years his junior!

Lagos - Samuel Akinbode Sadela, Nigeria's oldest preacher at 107, said he derived his strength from God after marrying a 30-year woman, said his church member on Sunday.

After the wedding, they quoted him as saying: "The Lord is my strength. I am very strong and energetic." Sadela, founder of Gospel Apostolic Church, had been on the pulpit for 75 years.

The pastor first got married in 1934, and this marriage lasted 21 years until his wife died. None of their seven children made it past infancy. The second marriage was in 1965, and lasted until his wife died in 2001. They had four children, but only 2 survived.

This really makes the verse of Matthew 19:26 ...'with God all things are possible' meaningful to many!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness

Technorati Tags: Marriage, Wedding, Nigeria, Oldest Preacher

My heart breaks

Listening to the stepfather of Shawn Hornbeck, at the press conference today. my heart just breaks for this family. Yes, he is home after four years of being separated from his family. He looks in good health and is in very good spirits. But, he has missed four years of his life with his family. He has not been in school since the day he left four years ago.

Having children of my own and five grandchildren makes me realize this could happen to any of us. There is not one family with children that is isolated from an incident like this. There is no way to know whether there is someone out there looking to steal a child from a family. The only thing we can do is to watch after our children as much as possible. The rest of us, as citizens, should take time to be more aware of our surroundings. Thank the Lord, in the case of Ben Ownby, another young man, age 15, was paying attention to details. And, without him, maybe both of these boys would still be missing.

The Hornbeck family set up a Shawn Hornbeck Foundation, looking for their son. And, the stepfather says that the efforts to find other lost children will continue. They are so grateful to have their son back! He says that America has changed. People have put on blinders, keep to themselves and mind their own business. In other words, we take care of self, and let others do the same. I suppose you can say this is the reason Shawn was missing for four years. But, again, we are thankful that no harm was done to Shawn and Ben; they are once again reunited with their loving families, unlike many other missing children that may never be found.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Church and State
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Press Conference, Shawn Hornbeck, Shawn Hornbeck Foundation

Two Happy Families Tonight in Missouri

William Ben Ownby got off the school bus Monday afternoon within walking distance of his home. And, he disappeared. An investigation has been going on since that afternoon. The 13 yr old's abduction was not witnessed, but another young boy got off the bus and realized Ben had disappeared. He noticed a rusty, beat up white truck making a hasty get away. Later, he told this to the authorities, which turned out to be the break in the case.

Today, there is not only one boy who had been abducted at home with his parents, but two. A truck fitting the description was seen at an apartment complex in Richmonds, MO, by officers who came to the complex to serve a warrant unrelated to the abduction.

When the police found Ben Ownby alive in the apartment of Michael Devlin, there sat another missing teenager who was abducted 4 years ago.

The second boy, Shawn Damian Hornbeck, 15, was last seen riding his bike on a the way to a friend's house in Richmond - in October, 2002. Richmond is town about 60 miles South of St. Louis.

Both boys have been returned to their families. They are overjoyed to be back with their parents. News has it that both boys are in good condition.

Michael J. Devlin, 41, was arrested and has been charged with one count of first-degree kidnapping, said Franklin County Prosecutor Robert Parks. Parks stated that more charges are likely and his bail had been set at $1 million.

Authorities in Utah sat that Devlin is listed in their state as a sex offender.

Linked at Conservative Cat
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123 Beta
Cao's Blog - Friday OTB

Technorati Tags: Kidnapping, Missouri, Ben Ownby, Shawn Hornbeck, Michael Devlin, Utah, Sex Offender

Nine Russian sisters sing the gospel

The Avtonomov sisters' parents accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in 1978 in a church in Russia. They raised their 9 daughters, ages 17-31, in a Christian home, which had an influence in their lives. They all became Christians.

All the girls attended the same children's school of arts. They learned to play several instruments, including the piano, violin, and accordion. They now travel with their parents to over 60 cities, singing at churches, revivals services, and special events. They now have 2 albums out in the Russian languages.

Their mission while traveling through out Russia and the Ukraine is to glorify the Lord through their singing ministry and to reach out to the unsaved through the lyrics of their songs.

Their sister Sveta has written more songs and they are ready to record their third album. But the only problem is their family does not have the money for the recording fees. They are looking for a sponser. They are asking for prayer for the family and for a Christian sponsor who loves music to help them continue recording the gospel on album through their singing.

You can hear samples of their music at their website.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: Music, Gospel, Avtonomov Sisters, Singing,Jesus Christ, Ministry, Russia

More dead birds

Monday, 63 birds were found on a street in Austin, Texas, causing the street to be closed.

The dead birds were found overnight along Congress Avenue, a major downtown thoroughfare. Police closed the route through downtown and two side streets, and a staging area was set up near the Capitol, with dozens of fire trucks, police cars and ambulances.

The dead birds included grackles, sparrows, and pigeons. They will be tested for signs of poison or viral disease, but it's believed there is no threat to humans. Bird flu is not expected to be found.

Now, Australia is speaking out about the death of thousands of song birds. The residents of Esperance say they are missing their 'dawn chorus' of song birds.

The main casualties are wattle birds, yellow-throated miners, new holland honeyeaters and singing honeyeaters, although some dead crows, hawks and pigeons have also been found.

The first report of deaths of these birds found in yards came three weeks ago. There have been many autopsies performed on the birds, but the cause of this phenomenon has not been discovered. But, the Department of Agriculture and Food has almost ruled out infectious process.

Michelle Crisp said she usually saw dozens of birds in her yard daily. But, in one day, she and a neighbor counted 80 dead birds in their yards. They have not seen any more birds since. But, the chief executive of Birds Australia says that, once the cause is found and fixed, the birds will begin to return.

Add to that the dead body of a scaly-breasted Munia found in the streets of Hong Kong on December 31, 2006. The Munia was found to be the first case of H5N1 avian influenza strain ever reported in Hong Kong this year.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Is It Just Me?
Third World County

Technorati Tags: Birds, Dead Birds, Austin, Australia, Hong Kong

We will all PAY

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Democrat from California, was elected new speaker of the house, since Democrats took control of Congress in the November election. She had said, during her campaign, she was against tax increases. Conservatives say her election will mean a rise in taxes. Minority leader John A. Boehner from Ohio put forth a motion that would prevented taxes being raised without a super majority of three-fifths vote, but it was voted down.

"American taxpayers need to hold on to their wallets because the new House rules concerning taxes are not worth the paper they're written on," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR).

"After spending an entire year on the campaign trail claiming she will not raise taxes, the first vote Nancy Pelosi brings to the floor for a vote as speaker will open the door to billions and billions of dollars of tax increases over the next two years," Mr. Norquist said.

So, watch for your wallet to be flatter due to tax increases by this Congress!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Is It Just Me?

Technorati Tags: Tax Increase, Democrats, Nancy Pelosi, Congress

Thursday Thirteen #19

13 Things I look forward to in 2007
I had a hard time thinking up 13 things tonight!

1. The 11th birthday of our daughter’s youngest son, Casey, which is today.
2. Our only granddaughter’s 17th birthday in March
3. My Mother’s 90th birthday on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day
4. Mother’s Day – May 13th
5. Graduation of our first grandson in May from High School.
6. Father’s Day – June 17th
7. My 43rd anniversary in July
8. Bus Tour to Branson, MO in either September or October
9. Thanksgiving
10. My husband’s birthday – November 22nd and youngest grandson’s 9th birthday – November 8th
11. My birthday – December 14th and oldest grandson’s 19th on Dec 4th, his brother’s 14th on December 11th (yes, we have many in December!)
12.My daughter’s birthday on December 28th. She was almost a Christmas baby!
13. Christmas – December 25th, the day we celebrate Jesus' birth.

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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The Minor Protection Act

Book Review
The Minor Protection Act
Author: Jodi Cowles
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Musterion Press
Division of VMI Publishers
Sisters, Oregon

“For some reason Jack felt he had no choice but to answer this man with the laser beam eyes. After a few false starts and throat clearing he softly began. The first words came out slowly, but suddenly he felt if he didn’t bear his soul now he would die. “I was wrong, what I did. I was all wrong.” Pg 176

Although The Minor Protection Act was written as a fiction novel and set in a future presidency, it could be something that might happen in our lifetime, given the blows Christianity has taken in the past. Jack argued a case in court that he thought dealt with matters that were tearing the country apart, causing violence and the rise of teen suicide, and teens to be violent toward themselves and others. The case was won, putting a young man in prison for his part supposedly in the ‘suicide’ of a young teenager.

With this win, Jack was summoned to see President Farmer, who, from my observation, had a problem with Christians raising their children to fear God. He felt that parents should be held accountable for their actions. So, with this, The Minor Protection Act was passed, but Jack soon came to realize the President did not have in mind what he had, when he agreed to it.

When children began to be taken from good families, people began to worry. One couple took it into their hands to do what they could to get Christian families with children out of the country before their families met the fate of being separated for years. They knew these children, especially the younger ones, would be indoctrinated with views against religion and God, in general. In other words, the government was saying these parents were raising terrorists, simply because they raised their children to obey the Word of God. So, if they shared it with other teens, then they were considered terrorists.

As the story continues, things begin to unravel, as Jack and others set out to prove the President had an agenda in passing this act. People begin to get fired, a death ensues because of lies, and the President’s future is in shambles, as is the future of The Minor Protection Act.

The author, Jodi Cowles, resides in Boise, Idaho. She has traveled in more than 30 countries. This is her first novel. And, I give it 5 points for believability! She hooked me!

My name is Barbara Sanders, wife, mother, and grandmother from Alabama. I review books for Active Christian Media.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Book Review, Jodi Cowles, Author