Happy New Year 2009

We are ringing in a New Year in just an hour or so. Hopefully, this year will be one in which our expectations are met, lives are changed for the better, and life is all-around great! We have gone through some hard times during 2008, with the economy being very low, many people losing their jobs because of companies either closing or having to cut back. There are so many people just barely hanging on and waiting for better times to come their way. Perhaps this year will bring them a better outlook on life.

Remember that God is ready to listen to you when you call upon Him for your need. In His Word, it says "Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." So, don't give up; there is an answer for you.

We wish each of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year 2009.

Technorati Tags: Happy New Year

Peace of Mind

We all want to make sure our family is well protected if something should happen to us. One of the main ways to make sure our family is taken care of is to have mortgage insurance.

NAA Life is your mortgage protection center. They offer a variety of plans to meet your budget and your needs for insurance. The largest debt that most families have is the mortgage for their home. The mortgage protection insurance is a special life insurance that will pay off your mortgage debt if you should die.

If you were in a fatal car accident, it would probably put your family in a hardship if you didn’t have the appropriate insurance to ease their pain. The mortgage protection insurance will help ease the financial burden your family could face. If you put a custom mortgage protection plan in place before your death, whether it is from cancer, heart attack, stroke, injury, or death, your family will not lose their home.

Financial burdens can be hard on a family who has just lost a loved one. Term life insurance pays a cash benefit to your family in case of your death. This can assure them that they can pay the bills and even pay the funeral expenses. You can get a free quote through NAA Life for a cheap term life insurance that will not break your budget, yet have your family fully protected.

Technorati Tags: Mortgage Insurance, Life Insurance, NAA Life

Two Buckets

I read a very interesting comment today online. It talked about the two buckets in life. One if the bucket of blessings and the other is all the things we deem as being unfair to us.

We complain about all sorts of things: the weather, sickness, life in general, our kids, our spouse, our jobs – you get the picture! We seldom gear our minds to focus on all the blessings that God has given to us.

I am sure, if we were to sit down and count our blessings, they far out number those things in the other bucket of life. To be living is a blessing. So many are dying on the streets or in the war as I type.

We complain about our jobs. At least, those of us working have a job! There are countless thousands who do not have a job and nothing in sight for them. Many are being laid off of their jobs now and it could be a long time before they ever get another job with the economy the way it is.

We live in a fairly free country where life is good, although many times we complain about it. We are able to eat, even if we are homeless, if we find a shelter geared to the homeless. Many shelters provide sleeping and eating arrangements for these people.

We have freedom of religion and I have a great church that I enjoy. I love the members and the pastor and his wife. Lots of third world countries don’t allow you to worship as you please. For this, we in the US should be very thankful!

We may not be numbered among the very rich, but we are rich, nevertheless! We have our health, a house to live in that is paid for, a car to drive, children and grandchildren who are healthy and who have never been in trouble.

I am more than rich in that I know Christ as my personal Savior. That is the more important blessing any of us can have in our bucket of blessings! I pray that blessing is indeed in your bucket for the coming new year

Technorati Tags: Buckets, Blessings, Life

Limousine Services

AA Transportation provides reliable limousine service for most of New England. The company is your best choice for all occasion transportation. They cover wedding parties, prom limos, and also limos for company parties.

The Limo Service is based in Shrewsberry, Massachusetts. AA Transportation also has four facilities located in Central Massachusetts. They provide limo service, contact service, and charter service for New England including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

AA Transportation has a large fleet of limousines including a Cadillac Escalade Limousine, an activity coach, and a Lincoln stretch limousine. For those young people who love adventure, they have the Hummer Limo for their prom outings. There is nothing more exciting than for those High School teenagers to go to their first Prom in a Hummer Limo. If you plan to take a group of people on a tour, check out their Party Bus Rentals.

Safety is AA Transportation’s number one priority. You can travel with them with confidence, knowing you are in the best of hands. Every driver is CORI checked, and given random drug and alcohol tests. Your night out does not have to be spent worrying if you are going to have a good time. Each trip with them should be a night to remember, whether it a birthday, anniversary, or a company outing. They make it special just for you.

Technorati Tags: AA Transportation, Limousine Service, New England

She shall be called Woman

God created Adam and then caused him to go into a deep sleep. He removed one of Adam’s ribs and formed a woman, later named Eve.

Genesis 2:23, "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."

While reading that scripture tonight, it reminded me of my deceased father-in-law. I often smile when I think about this. But, I never heard him call my mother-in-law anything but ‘the woman’ when he was talking to someone about her. . He would say, ‘tell the woman someone wants her’, or the woman will have to do so and so’. I often wondered how he came about calling her that. Perhaps he read what Adam had said and took it to heart. She was 9 days short of 18 and he lacked 3 ½ months being 17 when they married. They lived together for 66 ½ years until she died. I believe they had a happy marriage and it never bothered her to be referred to as ‘the woman’. It still brings a smile to my face!

Technorati Tags: Woman, Adam, Eve, God

LA Police Gear

LA Police Gear carries the top brands in police gear. They are the official home of Operation Tactical Apparel by LA Police Gear, Inc. They are also a full line dealer of the 5.11 Tactical Series. You can buy any two of these 5.11 items and free shipping, free return shipping and a free hat with a coupon code they provide.

LA Police Gear also carries a great line of Surefire Flashlights, batteries, holsters for the flashlights, and conversion kits. Surefire Flashlights manufactures powerful and reliable illumination tools. You cannot go wrong when you purchase any Surefire item.

While you are shopping, don’t forget to check out the closeouts. There are only limited quantities and the items are on a first come first serve basis.


Technorati Tags: LA Police Gear, Surefire

Ending the year 2008

There are only three days left in 2008. I know many of us feel like the days, weeks, and months have just flown by. I remember, when I was younger, it seemed Christmas would never get here. Time just hung in space. Now, since I'm older, it seems time passes by entirely too quickly. It seems the summer has just ended and yet, the New Year is about to begin.

Our only granddaughter finished High School in May. She started to work in June and will start college next month. Our son and his wife had their second child, another son, who was born in July. He had to have surgery in November and did great. His brother turned 10 in November, too. Both of our daughter's younger sons play soccer. The youngest played for the Premier traveling team in the fall, then he started playing basketball. The older one is playing inside soccer this Winter. He is also on the Varsity Soccer team at school. They will be playing in the Spring. They have both been here since Christmas, but the younger one had to go home today to be at basketball practice the next two days.

And, today, I had a first! We have had a 3 Wheeler since our daughter was 12. She turned 38 today. Well, the little boys Daddy bought them a 4 Wheeler last summer and it is here in our basement. The chain keeps coming off. The older son was up on the hills riding this afternoon and the chain came off. Now, I've never ridden on the 4 Wheeler and didn't want to, although I love the 3 Wheeler. It is bigger and easier to handle for me. But, there was nobody here to help him get it back to the basement. So, he asked me to come help him. He got the 3 Wheeler and chained it to the front of the 4 Wheeler and off we went. It was scary, not having control of the vehicle you are on! It wouldn't stop quick enough and I was either running beside him, trying to not hit him, or hitting him. And I broke the cover over the back light on the 3 Wheeler by hitting him when I couldn't stop. But, thank goodness we made it down across all those hills, bumps, and between the trees without having a wreck. I know he thinks his Nanny is a poor driver. He kept saying, 'don't get scared', but he's not my age, and he doesn't have a 'bionic' hip! I broke my hip 7 years ago and have a complete hip replacement and I had thought I didn't really want to try that. But I'm glad it's back in the basement and they won't have to go after it when my husband gets home tonight.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful and prosperous year in 2008. And may the Lord bless you with a wonderful life during 2009. Keep Him in your plans and He will surely do that.

Technorati Tags: 2008, New Year, 2009, God

Ski Camp

Skiing is a great sport. And National Alpine Ski Camp is the place to send your children for training. They have some of the best coaches you will find anywhere. There is a 6 to 1 ratio with students to coaches. This ensures that every athlete learned effectively. And, they also will tailor a ski training program for an individual according to their needs. They supervise all campers 24/7, so you never have to worry about your children.

The NASC is a ski camp where you can train to ski and race during the morning. Then, in the afternoon, they have many things to do that are fun. Some of these activities are volleyball, mini golf, tennis, white water rafting, and croquet. So your child will never be bored at this camp.

After all the work out during the day, they are served a great meal and meet with their coach for an analysis. After all the play, they get a good night’s rest in a condo on the golf course. This is in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

There are still openings for the summer camp. You can register your child for summer camp online, or call their toll-free number. There is a deposit that is required for all registrations.


Technorati Tags: Ski Camp, Mt Hood National Forest

Two Days after Christmas

It is now Saturday and we are still eating left overs. I have to admit I am upset because the potato salad didn't last long enough. But the story of that is the fact my son always has to have some to take home. He took more home this year than usual, although his wife doesn't eat it. Then, he came by and ate lunch with us today!

Two of my daughter's sons stayed over with us Christmas night. They are still here but may be going home in the morning. They have been busy playing basketball and riding the three wheeler and four wheeler. There are mountains of red mud that the contractors for the bingo hall had built behind our house and these boys have had a ball riding up and down those mountains and through the red mud! I have been busy washing blue jeans and jackets, trying to get them clean for them to ride again! Thank goodness it's in the 70's here today or they'd be ruining another hoodie! I had a time getting red mud out of one of their grey jackets. The youngest son got a new Alabama hoodie and he had worn it out there and it was splattered with mud. I just knew it wouldn't come out, but, thank goodness it did!

I have been lazy the past two days, only doing what I had to do. I've cooked a little (waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage for supper last night and waffles this morning for the boys), but the rest of the time, it's been leftovers or hot dogs. Tonight, it will be left overs again. I even have some left over chili that I could serve up.

I really need to wash my hair since my beautician didn't work yesterday, but I've been too lazy to do it today. I hate to have to fix it myself anymore. If my beautician ever quits, I don't know what I will do. My grandson also love for her to cut his hair, but she's not in the shop this weekend, so he's missed the chance to get it cut. He has to be home before 3PM Monday for basketball practice, and she doesn't work again until Tuesday. So that's out for him.

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Leftovers

Shoes for the larger foot

Many women have a hard time finding a shoe that fits their foot since they wear a larger shoe than normally carried in a store. I am one of those women that wears Size 12 womens shoes. And I have also had to resort to buying shoes online. Not only women who wear traditional sizes, but also those women, who wear larger sizes, can find a good selection of shoes at Samanta.

Samanta shoes provide style and comfort in their shoes. They have boots, shoes for special occasions, and sandals. These come in wide and narrow sizes. Samanta also provides fitting assistance if you need it.

Samanta offers free shipping both ways by UPS so you can try their shoes on in the comfort of your own home. Your order should arrive at your home within 3-5 days. They also provide you with a pre-paid return label in case you need to return the shoes to the store for any reason.

Samanta also ships international. A purchase of two pair of shoes is required on these orders to save the customer shipping charges. Customers are required to pay the custom and duties on the shoes. They also ship UPS unless otherwise asked. Samanta also makes available international wholesale opportunities in order to provide larger sized shoes in other countries where they might not otherwise be available.

You may want to sign up for their announcements and special offers by email. While there, grab the code to receive $50 off your first purchase of shoes. This is a great offer!

Technorati Tags: Samanta, Shoes

Merry Christmas

This is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And, I am not politically correct, so I wish you 'Merry Christmas'. May God bless each of you and your families this Christmas with health and happiness. It is not about what we get from everyone, but the way we view life through Jesus. Too many think Christmas is all about gift-giving. I love to give gifts to my kids and grandkids, but that is only a part of this season. The main thing is to remember that God sent His Son that we might live a life without bondage, free in Him, and on the road to eternity with Him and His Son, Jesus. I pray each of you know Him as your personal Saviour this Christmas.

Can Morality be legislated?

No matter how much we would love to see good morals exhibited by everyone on the planet, it will never happen. God gave us free will to do whatever we wanted to do, and many take it to the extreme.

Pornography has a big hold on many of our citizens. But, making it a crime has not made a dent in the number of people who still seek out pornography. Being a Christian does not ensure that a person is free of the addiction to porn. But we Christians need to love those that are addicted, pray for them, and trust God to heal them of the addiction.

Morality can be legislated, but the hearts of men cannot be. Adultery would continue to be practiced regardless of how many laws our government passed. It’s just in man’s secular nature to do things he feels are right for him, regardless of how much it hurts others, or even how wrong it might be by law. A real alcoholic will find some way to drink even if it is unlawful. Many counties in our state are ‘dry counties’, meaning liquor is not sold in any form in those counties. Probably as many people are drinking in those counties as in those counties that are ‘wet’. They just buy it in a wet county and take it over the county line.

The heart of man can only be changed by an inward change through the blood of Jesus. In other words, unless a man’s heart is changed, immorality will continue to reign in his/her heart.

Technorati Tags: Morality, Morality

Home City Real Estate Broker

If you are looking for Austin TX Real Estate, then Home City is the place to go. They have some of the most experienced and knowledgeable Realtors in the business. Home City makes it easy to find Austin Real Estate by supplying you with aerial photographs and virtual tours online, regardless of who the agent happens to be.

You can also list your present home for sale. Home City knows how to market your house to make it more apt to sell. And they will also help you get your house ready to sell. They will tell you what improvements to do in order to help your house bring a better price. They teach you to make sure the outside as well as the inside is kept in top-notch shape. Curb appeal is very important when putting your house on the market.

Technorati Tags: Home City, Real Estate, Austin, Texas

'Twas The Month before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday!*

Snapbomb

There are many out there in cyberspace hunting ways to make money on the Internet. Whether it is taking surveys, or writing, we all can find a place that best suits our needs. In my quest for different ways to make money, I ran across a very nice place called Snapbomb that features blog advertising. This is the best way for an advertiser to get their products before a large number of people.

Snapbomb seems to be one of the better places where you find blog marketing. After you join Snapbomb, they will monitor your site to see how much it is worth. When they finish monitoring, then Snapbomb lets you know how much each opportunity will pay you. It takes about 24 hours for the process to work, and then you are given your first opportunity to make money.

Just like with other moneymaking sites, the advertisers will pay you for reviewing their products, press releases, or the services they render. But one of the things to remember when writing is to put buzzwords in your blog post. This way others can find your posts and generate more traffic to the advertiser. You benefit by making money and the company makes money from people who visit their sites. Also, Snapbomb makes it easy to find opportunities to write about that interest you and fits right in with the content on your personal blog.

Technorati Tags: Snapbomb, Advertising, Blog marketing, Buzz

The Truth

While reading the Olive Tree Ministries newsletter today, I came across a great truth which I am putting here on my blog:

The Bible still has all the answers, the Holy Spirit is still active, God will still inhabit the praises of His people, there will still be room at the cross, and Jesus will still return sooner rather than later to the holy city of Jerusalem. There is coming a perfect government -- a Theocracy, under the headship of the King of kings.

So, look up fellow Christians. "There's a God Somewhere" as a favorite song says. He's within you, but he's also coming back for you, and perhaps 'sooner rather than later' as Jan Markell says in her newsletter.

Technorati Tags: Bible, God, Holy Spirit, Christians

Night Vision

If you are interested in anything for night vision such as binoculars, goggles, scopes, or cameras, you should visit OpticsPlanet.com. This is a great online superstore with a great selection of night vision products. They sell night vision devices from some of the best night vision suppliers including Bushnell Night Vision, Yukon Night Vision, and Night Owl Optics Night Vision.

Regardless of your need for night vision products, Optics Planet has it. If you are a nature lover, hunter, security personnel, or perhaps in law enforcement, there are night vision items that you will like. They are also a DOD and DHS military night vision equipment supplier of US-made ITT night vision cameras, along with products from other night vision companies, to the US Military. Optics Planet has a large variety of military and tactical gear. Check out their full list of military supplies.

You can find all their night vision products by price, brand, type, or generation. Optics Planet also wants their customers to be well-formed, so they have added a product review page to their site. Be sure to visit their Night Vision Reviews and check them out by brand. Check out their night vision forum for questions you might have. But, if you cannot find the answer there, Optics Planet has night vision experts on staff that will be able to answer your questions.

Technorati Tags: Night Vision

Motivation for shopping

I know women love to shop! Some of us love to 'shop 'til we drop', something I did quite frequently when I was younger. As I've grown 'more mature', I have decided I can do without a day of shopping. I go and look for the things I have gone for and then go home. If I don't find them in a reasonable amount of time, then I go home. I'm not able to keep shopping until the stores close like I once could.

What motivates you to go shopping? Is it the constant crying of your children wanting something new like a computer game or Playstation game? Is it your husband wanting some new clothes? Or, do you just want to go out and do something besides house cleaning or working on the job?

Once, I would go shopping on the drop of a pin. If there was something that we needed, I'd gladly go shopping, even with the kids. Now, though, it's the hardest thing for me to get up, get ready, and just take off shopping. I often put it off until it's almost too late in the day to even be going out. Maybe that's my way of not shopping and spending too much. I have been known, though, to shop all day and to not bring home a thing. Maybe that's the kind of shopping our husbands like so we don't spend more than our budget will allow.

I haven't been motivated to even want to go Christmas shopping yet. I do have Saturday planned for a day of Christmas shopping with my daughter. We did this last year the day before Thanksgiving, but it wasn't possible this year with her and her daughter both working that day. So we are doing it Saturday but I don't know if any of her kids will be with her,though. I do know we'll be making a mad dash through Penneys, considering my husband just told me today they are having to sales on Saturday and the first one starts at 6 AM. I wasn't prepared for that. But we only have two Saturdays before Christmas and I want to get my shopping done. And I also need my daughter to help me shop for her kids.


Technorati Tags: Shopping, Christmas

Web Hosting Review Site

There are many things to consider when trying to decide upon your final Website Hosting company. First of all, you need to decide what function your site will serve. Are you a business needing a place for just for your products? Or, do you need the ability to connect with your employees through the Web?

Other things to consider are the price of hosting and do they have problems with their servers staying up. A business online is only as good as their hosting company. A company chances losing business if a perspective customer cannot get the site on their computer when they first try.

If you are looking for the best web hosting company, check out different web hosting companies at WebHostingReport.com. This will help you decide on the one that best fits your needs. When choosing a good web-hosting company, make sure their privacy policies match the privacy you need so security will not be breached for your customers

Technorati Tags: Web Hosting

Freedom

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

Ronald Reagan

Here in the United States we are privileged to enjoy the freedom afforded us by our citizenship. But freedom isn't free. So many have laid down their lives for us to be able to say we live in a free nation.

But the one who paid the ultimate price for our freedom was Jesus Christ. He came to earth as the only begotten Son of God in order that each of us might be saved and have eternal life. And, when we make the choice to serve God, then we will know freedom like we have never known freedom before.

Technorati Tags: Freedom,Ronald Reagan, Jesus Christ

Sunglasses for everyone

If you are looking for a nice pair of sunglasses, you need go no farther than OpticsPlanet.com. They have sunglasses to please everyone, whether you need designer glasses, or just a pair of safety glasses. You will be sure to find the right pair that suits your personality and style.

Among the designer glasses, you will find those made especially for sports including golf, and tennis. They have top-of-the-line sunglasses including Ray-Ban, Julbo, Bolle, and Ralph.

If you need help in purchasing the correct pair of sunglasses for your need, you will find OpticsPlanet’s How to buy sunglasses guide. The main things to look for when buying a pair of fashion sunglasses is the fit, the frame and lens features, and whether you want a sports-specific pair of sunglasses.

There is a specific return policy at OpticsPlanet. You can return merchandise within 30 days for a full return or exchange, less shipping charges. If the merchandise is not defective, it must be returned in new condition (unopened, unused, untested, and resalable). When returning a product, you need to wrap it securely to prevent damage, insure it for the full value, and with shipping charges prepaid.

Whatever your need, you can be assured that the glasses are guaranteed 100% new. And, for all orders over $29.95, there is free ground shipping. OpticsPlanet.com has secure online ordering. They also guarantee every credit card purchase you make will be safe.

Support the troops - Send a card

Xerox is running a program called "Let's say thanks" in support of all our troops overseas. You can visit the Xerox website and choose a card that will be printed. You include your name, city, and state and pick a message to be printed in the card. The designs of the cards have all been drawn by school children. They are sent to troops all over the world who are fighting for our freedom in the United States. And, they are mailed by Xerox free!

Your card will make some soldier happy to know that we in the US are very supportive all they do in support of our country.

Christmas Holiday Promotion by Nikon

The Nikon Hunting Christmas Promotion brings the hunter in your family some great deals this Christmas season. When you make a purchase from a wide range of binoculars, Nikon ProGear will give you a $25 or $50 gift card.

The presentation of Nikon’s Ultimate Hunting Package by Lee and Tiffany Lakosky includes a ProStaff Riflescope, which is waterproof, shock proof, and fog proof. The package also includes a ProStaff 550 Rangefinder, and a DVD that will help you master the Nikon BDC reticle. It will show you simple techniques to make your long-range shooting successful.

This Christmas season, why not make that special someone in your life happy by checking out this great Nikon promotion.

The season of love

I call the Christmas Season "the Season of Love"...because God so loved the world he sent his only begotten Son - 'The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us' John 1:14 .

We all love this time of the year, but maybe for different reasons:

We love to buy gifts for our family. We love this cold weather, the experience of snow for the first time. We love the SPIRIT that feels the air through all the holiday music playing everywhere. We LOVE God.

Where do you fit in among those reasons above? Me? I've felt myself become aware of others, their needs, their hurts, fears, joys, anticipations....but do they have love? Do WE have love in our hearts as God wants us to have. We don't have to buy expensive gifts to make others love us. We don't have to go out of our way to have an expensive Christmas, trying to outshine the 'Joneses'.

We only need to show love among our fellow men, the way our God showed us love so many years ago, sending his SON into the world that we might be saved. That's the greatest love that could ever be - by HIS GRACE we can have a new life with him.

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

To read more of more of my devotions, visit Barbara's Entourage

Technorati Tags: Devotions, Christmas, Love

Give custom Visa gift cards for Christmas

Are you looking for something special to give this Christmas? Why not visit Giftcard Lab and make a custom gift card for that special someone? You can design your own personal gift card by uploading an image of your choice.

A Visa gift card can be used anywhere, not just a specialty store. It can be used for gifts, groceries, gas, among other things.

Visa gift cards are also great gifts for employers to give to their employees. No need to go shopping for gifts; just give a Visa gift card.

Nothing like the Christmas Spirit

What does it take to get you into the Christmas spirit? After Thanksgiving, just start playing the Christmas songs, show a good Christmas movie on television, or let me stroll through the mall and see all the beautiful decorations. It never fails; I'm in the Christmas spirit.

It seems that, with every year that passes, receiving Christmas gifts is less on my mind. Instead, I always want to figure out what gift would please each of those on my Christmas list. It thrills me to be able to buy something that a kids wants and see his eyes light up when he opens the gift. It is so nice to hear, "YES", exclaiming the thrill the gift brought to that child.

I'm ready to put up my Christmas decorations this year. It has been many years since I put them up this early. I usually do that a week or two before Christmas. But I think I'll break that mold and start another one this year. I usually leave my decorations up later than most, considering I take them down when I feel like it. There is never any rush around here.

Actually, I think we need to be in the Christmas spirit all year long. We celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas. But Christ is with us every day of our lives, living within us, if we are Christians and obey His Holy Word. With His spirit within us, we should be happy, joyful, loving, and most of all, thankful that God sent His Son to redeem us from our sins, and to give us the gift of eternal life with Him. This should have us in the Christmas spirit every day!

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Christ, Christmas Spirit

Happy Thanksgiving

AllPosters.com

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us

Give Thanks,
Give Thanks,
Give Thanks.

Give Thanks by Don Moen on YouTube.com.

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving, Don Moen

The stumbling block of compromise

God is not pleased when we compromise His Word to make ‘church’ politically correct. He doesn’t care how many people are in the building. He is only interested that each of those in the building is upholding the standards set by Him. He isn’t happy with pastors who compromise in order to gain membership. He wants repentance back in the church, and a people who aren’t ashamed to say “I am a child of God”, people who live by the commandments rather than picking and choosing what they believe and live by.

So many churches have had problems in the past. There have been eviction, bailout, and foreclosure. Many churches have had pastors to divorce. Others have strayed away from the true meaning of God’s Word. Something changed in their presentation of the Truth to the people. In other words they met on the road of compromise – changing the Word to please others, or simply denying the Truth. Either way, God isn’t pleased. God says to ‘preach the word; be instant in season, out of season’ (II Timothy 3:4). He never tells us to change it to meet our needs or wants or to appease others. But he does say that there will come a time when people will not endure sound doctrine, but they will seek for those preachers who will please their ‘itching ears’. Some want to say they are Christians but live like they want to live. Others want their lifestyle approved when the Bible says that it is wrong.

Compromise of the Word can kill a church or perhaps the people within it. Many things can become a stumbling block to a non-Christian, a young convert, or a seasoned Christian. But, when one compromises the Word of God, this places a true stumbling block in their path. The church building will linger on, but the heart of the church (the Christians who are the true Church) will die out when they aren’t fed the Truth of the Word.

Eyeglass frames for the holidays!

It’s that time again. The holidays are upon us. And what one thing do we need more than any other to enjoy the holidays – good eyes! And, if you wear eyeglasses, then perhaps you would enjoy a new pair for Christmas. Zenni Optical has some very nice Holiday frames.

There is a pair of frames that will meet the needs of almost anyone. Zenni Optical has frames from which to choose. They have rimless, half rims, or full rims . They also have decorative frames for women that are very nice. The frames I would prefer are stainless steel design temples with half-rim frame. I chose the ones above, but in pink and white. You can choose between frames made of stainless steel, memory titanium, metal, plastic or acetate. They have a variety of each from which to choose. They have a wide range of prices with something to meet the budget of every one.

You can order online with your doctor’s eyeglass prescription. The form is on the web site in which to enter all the information necessary for them to make your eyeglasses. Their certified technicians check each order carefully to check for accuracy. They want their customers to be satisfied. However, their guarantee states, that if you are dissatisfied for any reason with your eyeglasses and send them back within 4 weeks, you will get a 50% refund. If you are returning them for a warranty reason, they ask that you send them back within 30 days, also. If you need help for anything, they list their email address and a phone number where they can be reached.

Coffee and Ministry

Coffee is a drink that Americans love. You see so many different coffee houses that open up with their own brand of coffee and customers flock to them to get that special coffee, be it a regular cup of coffee or Espresso based coffee drinks.

Shadrach, Meshach & ABeanToGo Inc. is the gourmet coffee company Kirk Walker founded in Goodrich, Mich. He fell in love with coffee at the age of 14. The Lord had given him the name for his coffee company years ago, and then brought it back to his memory in 2003. He had a business to fail, so he started his coffee company.

Walker's coffee is in 13 states, Christian stores, and church bookstores all over the nation. And, Walker and his wife, Amy, opened a cafe of their own in Goodrich last Spring. They now have the opportunity to drink coffee with their customers and pray for them.

HT: FaithNews Network

Technorati Tags: Coffee, Ministry, Kirk Walker, Goodrich, Michigan

Thirty years ago today

The Jonestown Massacre took place. On this day in 1978, followers of Jim Jones, head of People's Temple, were given a poisoned liquid to drink. Most drank it willingly, following their leader, others were forced, and some were shot. But, in all, there were 912 people who met their untimely death that day.

I remember seeing the pictures on television when this took place. It was unbelievable how so many people could have been taken in by this cult leader. It was like a scene out of a movie; only thing, this was real! Jim Jones had taken about 1,000 of his members to New Guyana after negative reports began to surface. Family members were upset about things going on and there was talk of an investigation.

California Congressman Leo J. Ryan heard lots of these complaints and decided to go check out the situation in New Guyana. This turned out to be an unwise move. He met with Jim Jones, but upon getting to the airstrip to leave, he and his party were ambushed by people sent there by Jim Jones to kill them. Congressman Ryan and 4 others of his party were killed on November 18th, and others escaped into the jungle.

USA Today ran a story in January 1999 called Jonestown Massacre: The Unrevealed Story. Terri Buford, Jim Jones' mistress and his second in hand, was a survivor of the massacre. She told about the ways that Jones used to get these dedicated followers: mind control and brainwashing techniques, in order to gain power, which was his main objective.

The testimony of Rev. Jim Jones' mistress opens a Pandora's box of sex, lies, drugs, politics, and murder.

There is so much information within the USA Today article written by Jeff A. Schnepper, that I had never heard. You may want to read the entire story to find out all the corrupt practices that were going on in California. It is sickening to know how someone like Jones can actually 'own' politicians because of their inability to keep themselves clean and above the ability to be blackmailed because of extra marital affairs. But, apparently, he was devious enough to know the way to get them to do what he wanted; otherwise, they would be thrown to the wolves.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Jonestown Massacre, USA Today, Jim Jones, New Guyana, California, Politicians

Furniture Clearance Sales

To find some great buys on Home Furniture visit Max Furniture online. They have some great buys on all different rooms of furniture including a great line of Bathroom Vanities.

Max Furniture is running some great sales on selected Bedroom and Dining Room Furniture, with most slashed half price. And, in addition to the usual rooms of furniture, they also have out door and game room furniture. Another great item is the entertainment center. These include corner cabinets, Armoire’s, both full size and compact centers, and TV carts. They have a great selection of high-end furniture including leather sofas and chair outfits, and wicker and cast iron furniture. Max Furniture also has some nice accent pieces for your home including stools, curio cabinets and beautiful clocks.

Max Furniture has the right furniture for every child in your home. They have bedroom suites for both boys and girls. For those children who love bunk beds, they have a beautiful selection. They also have young adult furniture for the teenagers.

Max Furniture has been in business a long time. They guarantee that the furniture will be delivered directly to your door in good shape. With all of their years of selling furniture and meeting needs of their customers, they should be able to meet all your home décor needs. And, they also have free shipping on bedroom and dining room suites.

What is truth and where do you find it?

This morning I read a post about "What is truth?"

Today, more than ever before, I am seeing the truth of this. The postmodern generation is picking and choosing what truth they wish to believe.

Never before have I seen the need for people, especially the younger generation, to find out what is truth and where to find it. During the election, there seemed to be so many that took the candidates at their word and never did any research on any thing they said. It was very easy for me to find out information and it would have been for all who really wanted to know the truth.

In today's world, it seems it's perfectly fine to follow in the footsteps of those that say they have the 'truth', and never follow up to see if they are actually telling the truth. They get you in their clutches, and then you find out what they are really about.

As Christians, we know that the Lord said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". And, he also said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Why aren't our young people as well as some adults not wanting to know the truth? Why do we follow after people that we know aren't truthful and do not have our well-being at the forefront of their endeavors?

As Diane said at Crossroads, we need to talk to the younger generation about the truth, God's truth. They need to find out from more experienced people how easily it is to follow 'our truth' and lose our way. So much hurt could be avoided if they could understand that God is the only one with the real truth. Only He can keep them from a life of misery simply because they chose to follow their own way.

Technorati Tag: Truth

Some great reading

Little Red Riding Hood by James Finn Garner

• From Politically Correct Bedtime Stories
  

• 
  
  

The Tyranny of the Spineless and the Ignorant by Steve Cowan

Obama Wins - American Loses

Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas is almost here. Most of us will be having friends and family over for a holiday get-together. If you are in the party mood for Christmas, then Celebrations.com is the place to go. They have all kinds of ideas from decorating your home, setting your table with Christmas decorations, to topping your tree. Ideas for Christmas Decorations for your favorite party can be found at Celebrations.com.

If your family enjoys games, then why not play Christmas Bingo at your party. You have the regular Bingo cards, but you substitute the numbers with a picture of something that relates to the Christmas season. You can go online to Dltk-cards.com to print out cards for the occasion if you aren’t in the mood to make your own. You play the game just as you would the regular game of Bingo. You can have the winner each time to holler out “Merry Christmas” to add to the fun. Many will, out of habit, say Bingo.

If there are children in your family that will be attending, then why not prepare a separate party table for them. Make it a Candy Cane Christmas party. You can prepare a candy cane buffet by using candy cane cookie cutters to make small sandwiches for the children out of peanut butter and jelly or perhaps ham and cheese. You could have candy cane cookies for dessert, served with a glass of milk and candy cane stir sticks.

Daily Nugget

Psalms 118:8, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Here in America -

Timely Quotes

You can fool too many of the people too much of the time. - James Thurber (1894-1961)

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure. - Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Thank you, Veterans

God Bless America . . . . Bless Our Troops!

To all the brave men and women who have faithfully served this nation, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. So many have given their lives, others their limbs, to protect those of us here in the United States of America. Our freedom has depended upon these men and women and they should never be forgotten.

My husband served four years in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served with the Air Force Air Rescue unit in Vietnam part of the time. I have other friends who have and are serving in the military today. Also a very close neighbor lost her only son during the Vietnam War. It is for these and all the others who have served we say 'Thank you'. May God bless each of you and may God bless the parents of those who have lost a child due to war or otherwise, who are serving in the military today.

Veterans Day at Entourages.com

Technorati Tags: Veterans, Troops, Veterans Day

We have a duty

VOTE

And that duty is to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 4th! If we don't vote, then we don't have the right to complain about who is elected President. So get out and do your civic duty and vote. But please do the research and know what you are voting for when you cast your ballot. There are so many things at stake here like freedom of speech. If the 'Fair Doctrine' is implemented once again, then the Conservative talk show hosts will be off the air and you will not be listening to the 'other side' of the story. Also, taxes are going up regardless of what is being said on one side of the aisle. So be sure you know the true facts before casting that important vote.

Help keep AMERICA FREE!!

Technorati Tags: America, VOTE, Freedom

Quote of the Day

Men must be governed by God, or they will be ruled by tyrants.
Penn, William

The Master's Touch

Today, we are 4 days from the 2008 election for President of the United States. Many have already gone out and voted early, not waiting for the final day to vote. Many people were advised to go vote by one candidate so they would be sure to get their vote in. It was as though there was a rush to make sure the voters didn’t have time to change their minds before they voted.

Many have taken the polls to mean that the Presidency has already been decided. This angers me. There are millions of Americans who have not voted in this election. And most will not vote until Tuesday. It is upsetting to hear the airwaves filled with ‘it’s over’, on the attempt to discourage conservatives from voting. Friends, it isn’t over until the last vote has been cast. And, then, it might not be over. Remember the ‘hanging chad’ episode in Florida? Hopefully, it won’t go that far this year, but already we have heard of lots of fraud in the voting process.

But there is one thing that keeps up the hopes of those of us backing the ‘underdog’. And that is that the Master is in control of the situation. His will for this country will be done. It could be with either candidate. I believe He wants this country to prosper. But, this nation has done so much to heap retribution upon us. We have thrown Him almost out of society, aborted millions of babies that were not wanted, forgotten the old people and the widows, and now others are calling one candidate ‘their Messiah’. How much can the Lord take before he dishes out the punishment that we surely deserve?

In His Word, he says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8) We need to pray and repent and seek His face before we go out and vote. We need to know what God’s Word says about different things that are being said in the campaigns, what each stands for, and to know that we are aligned with the Word of God so we are closer to His thoughts and His ways. After all, His Words says we have the mind of Christ. (I Corn 2:16) And, when we do that, we will have done what God wants us to do – get closer to Him. Then, perhaps His will shall be our desire.

Link: The Upcoming Election
A Plea to Christians

Technorati Tags" Master, God, Christ, Election, President, Vote

Word for today

Psalms 119:105, "NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

With the world watching us as our election draws near, we need to be reading and adhering to the Word of God. If we read His Word with the anticipation of listening to Him, the Holy Spirit will enlighten us. I believe we, as Christians, can make a difference if we vote the Word. By that, I mean listening to the Lord as he speaks to us through His Holy Word. God may not call out the name of the candidate for which you need to vote. But if you read with anticipation of learning His will for our lives and our country, you will chose to vote for the one who will most closely meet the requirements. I pray we each make the correct choice.

Technorati Tags: Word, God, Will of God, Vote, Election

The real Sarah Palin

The first time I had ever heard of Governor Sarah Palin was back in April of this year. She had just given birth to her new baby,Trig, and they told the story of him having been born with Downs Syndrome. That fact stuck in my mind and I was reminded of it when Senator McCain tapped her for his vice-president running mate.

When I saw Senator McCain introduce her to the public, I was again struck at her ability to reach the heart of America. I said she was electrifying and I thought, 'now, she is one of us'. She seemed to speak on a level where everyone listening could understand. Some took that to mean, and even voiced their opinion, that she was not too bright, hadn't gone to the 'right' schools. In other words, she wasn't a graduate of an elite school, and although she was the Governor of our largest state, she wasn't prepared for the vice-presidency. They used the fact that she would be next in line for the Presidency. Some forgot the fact that Obama wasn't even ready to be the next President; yet, there he is, having been on the campaign trail longer than he had been in the Senate! There seemed to be a double standard for the candidates.

Sarah Palin has really electrified the people coming out to her rallies. She has drawn thousands in every rally by herself. People realize the change she brought to Alaska and they want that kind of change in the entire United States. They want someone who will stand up for them and take on their case, not someone who will adhere to their own opinions to what this country needs.

Gov. Palin is a person who has the ability to mix family with work and do justice to each of them. You can tell by looking at the faces of her children and listen to her husband talk. They are a normal family and just happen to have a wife and mother who is gifted. I see no reason to disqualify her simply because she has five children. Some want to send women back home to keep them barefoot and pregnant 'where they belong'. I happen to be a woman who thinks there are women suited to being homemakers and there are others who are more suited for both. They have the ability to have the right mix of family and work. And Sarah Palin seems to be one of those woman. Plus, she has an understanding husband who enjoys seeing her succeed. He is also comfortable in being a house daddy and takes care of the children when he has to and doesn't seem to mind it in the least. And she also has a very supportive family living there near her home, able to help in a short notice.

When I heard her speak at the convention, I had this feeling that she was just the person for 'such a time as this'. As the weeks went on, I heard others talk about how she electrified the people she spoke to and they spoke of her also being the person for 'such a time as this'. She seems to have not noticed that others have downed her so and just keeps right on the campaign trail, speaking to those who follow her rallies. She is drawing in more to her rallies than most of the others. Her appeal is on the level with the working people, with the Moms who identify with her, with the average person who will vote in this election. She keeps a smile on her face regardless of what she faces, even with the hard questions put to her by the bias media. She hasn't stopped when she was told she needed to go back home and raise her children. Even some conservative talkers such as Peggy Noonan, Kathleen Parker, among a few, have not stopped her from going on her merry way, and doing her job in this campaign. It hasn't stopped those who first fell in love with her from listening to her speeches or even praying for her.

Some just do not get it! Sarah Palin is REAL! She is one of us - a woman who really cares for her country and will not let anyone stop her from doing the best she can to bring the right change to our country. The change that she and McCain want to bring back to America is to have the people of this great country again being able to run their lives, not the federal government! I pray that they get the chance to show America that they are truly 'for the Country' and have the best interest of the people in mind.

Technorati Tags: Sarah Palin, Governor, McCain, America, Campaign, Republican

Put your trust in the Lord

This is certainly a time in the history of America that has most people scared. They don't know which way to turn. The economy looks bad and we have a Presidential election about to be held in a couple weeks. The truth is being misrepresented and the true facts are not getting out. Most of this is simply because the media is one-sided and refuses to give both candidates equal time or vetting. So it is a time for worry.

But worry is of the devil. It is one of the main things wrong with the church today. Rather than resisting the devil and telling him to flee, we start worrying. We forget there is a GOD big enough and able to take care of anything, period! He tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that his thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not his ways. Yet, we seldom just turn everything over to him and let him handle the 'circumstances' that we see that aren't aligned up just the way we would like them to be.

• Psalms 4:5, "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."

He tells us to put our trust in Him. He doesn't tell us to put it in man. Man can't do for us what God can. He can only make empty promises, most of which are never kept. He can't give us peace amidst the storm, life where the doctor says there is no cure, or give us hope when there seems to be none. But, God can do all this.

• Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

The Word says all things are possible with God. We need to begin to have greater expectations, to expect that God means what He says and He will do what He says. But we need to seek the Kingdom of God first (Matthew 6:33) and make sure we are in line with the Word of God. Proverbs 3:5 says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to lean not to our own understanding. If we could remember that one challenge, our life might be so much different. Trust in the Lord, let Him do the worrying (I really don't think He worries because He knows our end), and have the patience of Job!

Technorati Tags: Trust, Lord, God, Power, Righteousness

When problems arise

All of us find ourselves in situations we never wanted to be. Many times the problems are so terrible that we have a hard time coping with them. That is what has happened to us here at my house. There was property beside and behind us that we had tried to buy a couple times - only 5 1/2 acres. Well, the people wouldn't sell it to us. But money reared it's head and it was sold to a group of men that have businesses we don't like. We have been told lies for over two months about what was going in that property. A big excavating, building company came in yesterday, hung their signs and started clearing it out. Finally, one of the guys told my husband when he asked, that they were building a Bingo hall there. You can imagine our reaction, considering the parking lot is going to be right behind our house. We have only 60 feet from the corner of our house to the end of our property on the back although we own lots of land. But there is a 55 yard spot that we had tried to buy to keep anything like this from happening. They tell us they are leaving about 15 feet of trees for a buffer zone and then will put up a 10 foot lattice fence for privacy, not that it makes us feel any better. And, on the front, I pray they will put one there facing the end of our house considering that you can see right into our garage from that view!

Well, I've been praying and passing around a prayer request that God would stop this building before it gets started. The builders told my husband this morning that it would only take them six weeks to finish the job if the weather held up. Well, I've been really upset over this, but tonight God reminded me of a song: Leave it there

Here's the chorus:

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When we begin to go through these problems in our lives, we quickly wonder what WE can do. Our first thought should be, what can God do - what WILL GOD do? He will do whatsoever we let Him Do, easy as that! We so often bind his hands when he would be so happy to help his child. I'm trying my best to just give this all over to the Lord. I've prayed and asked God to remove this building, not to let it be built, no matter what it took. But now I know He will do whatsoever He feels is right for the situation. I have to leave it all in his hands and trust that he knows what is best in this situation. So I've taken my burden to the Lord and I'm going to leave it there and not obsess over the outcome. Have you ever been in a situation like this where you were so worried that it was hard to turn it over to the Lord? I'm reminded of the following verse:

Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

Technorati Tags: Problems, Lord.Burden

Government, take back the money!

You would think that a company like AIG, which was about to go under, would have the common sense to watch their spending after the government agreed to bail them out with $85 billion to keep them from collapsing. Apparently, the executives in that company see it as a 'give away', and they don't have to protect what they have.

AIG executives spent $500,000 at an exclusive resort just days after the U.S. government agreed to spend $85 billion to protect the giant insurer from collapse, according to Rep. Henry Waxman, the California Democrat who chairs the House Oversight Committee.

This is going on while the average taxpayer is losing money on their 401K's, losing their jobs and their homes. Apparently, the average Joe doesn't matter to these executives, just as long as they continue their high living! They need to get a grip! This nation is in a crisis!

Last month, the taxpayers bought out AIG in an $85 billion bailout. This was a direct result of the mistakes made by Mr. Cassano. Yet even today, he remains on the company payroll, receiving $1 million a month.

The federal bailout occurred on September 16. Less than one week later, AIG held a week-long retreat for company executives at the exclusive St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, California. A photograph of the resort is on display.

Rooms at this resort can cost over $1,000 per night. Invoices provided to the Committee show that AIG paid the resort over $440,000, including nearly $200,000 for rooms, over $150,000 for meals, and $23,000 in spa charges.

Average Americans are suffering economically. They are losing their jobs, their homes, and their health insurance. Yet less than one week after the taxpayers rescued AIG, company executives could be found wining and dining at one of the most exclusive resorts in the ation.

If the government buys out a company, the executives need to be removed and put in some reliable people in their place. When a company like AIG just blatantly refuses to buckle down and reduce unnecessary expenditures (of which these were), they need to just collapse! With the same people in the driver's seat, they will never be a truly responsible company.

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: AIG, Bailout, Irresponsibility, Government

Burning the house down

The following video was spammed on YouTube and taken down. Everybody needs to see the truth before they vote in the upcoming election on November 4th. The health of our nation depends on knowing the truth and making the right decision.

Check Jesus at the door

In this world of problems, it really angers me to hear that a governor in the United States would actually tell a Chaplain that he could pray but he could not invoke the name of Jesus in that prayer. But that is what the Governor of Virginia did to the state troopers chaplains for the state of Virginia.

Gov. Timothy Kaine of Virginia has affirmed his support for a new statewide policy under which state troopers serving as chaplains will not be allowed to pray "in Jesus name," explaining that he can pray "without mentioning Jesus."

"I would never do anything to inhibit anybody's religious worship. It doesn't diminish my ability to worship my God, to pray to the Father or the Lord without mentioning Jesus Christ," he said.

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

Scripture plainly tells us that we cannot reach the Father unless we go through Jesus Christ, His Son. He is the mediator between man and God. Christ is how our prayers reach God. How can we, as Christians, check the name of Jesus at the door simply because someone tells us that it might offend others? To me, this offends the person praying as much or more than it would offend those hearing the prayer. It offends me to think that this Governor would support a policy that keeps these Chaplains from expressing their heartfelt belief in Jesus.

Six Chaplains turned in their badge and lost their job. They are no longer permitted to serve as Chaplains unless they agree to this policy.

On November 1, there will be a 'Stand up for Jesus' rally brought about to protest the move that made the 6 Chaplains to decide they had to resign. There were only 17 chaplains for the troopers before this move. The rally is headed by a coalition of pastors from different churches and denominations. This rally will be held at Capital Square Bell Tower at Richmond, VA, which is in earshot of the Governor's mansion.

Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, the former Navy Chaplain who lost his career because he refused to not pray in Jesus name, "won a victory in Congress allowing other chaplains to pray as their conscience dictates."

Klingenschmitt said the chaplains "were given direct verbal orders to stop praying 'in Jesus name' … [and] faced with a choice between disobeying orders and violating their conscience by publicly denying the name of Jesus Christ, they resigned."

That's exactly what persecution is, he continued.

The governor's response was "degrading and insulting to me, to the chaplains, to the 86 pastors, and to our faith," Klingenschmitt said.

What is your impression of this situation? Do you think this is wrong? If not, why not?

Technorati Tags: Jesus, Virginia, Governor Timothy Kaine, Chaplains, State Troopers

The upcoming election

I know we all have probably been obsessing about the debate between Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden tonight. And we know this could have an effect on tomorrow’s polls leading up to the election on November 4th. As I was reflecting on all this, praying for things to go smooth, the Lord reminded me of a scripture that I am sure most of you can quote:

Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."

We see the outward appearance of these candidates, not their heart. God sees every aspect of them, their lives, their thoughts and, more importantly, their intentions in the future. It seems very scary for you and I, but just a ‘piece of cake’ for the Lord. In other words, He doesn’t want us to obsess over the election. He wants us to pray and then trust Him to know what this country needs. We all have our preferences in this election. We all see things we don’t like and feel we could never put up with. But our hands are tied with the exception of voicing our opinions and praying for the best to come to our country in the way of a President who is on our side.

Again, in the view of this upcoming election we would do good to remember what is said in the following scripture and do those things that we are told to do. And, then, perhaps our prayers will be answered.

2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Technorati Tags: Election, Vice President, Sarah Palin, Joe Biden

Paul Newman dies at the age of 83

America has lost a great actor and man. I enjoyed seeing Paul Newman in so many films, especially Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with Robert Redford. I also liked Cool Hand Luke. Anything he acted in was good. I just think he was a fine actor an a very likable man.

Paul Newman also took up auto racing in his later years.

In the 1970s, Newman, admittedly bored with acting, became fascinated with auto racing, a sport he studied when he starred in the 1972 film, "Winning." After turning professional in 1977, Newman and his driving team made strong showings in several major races, including fifth place in Daytona in 1977 and second place in the Le Mans in 1979.

"Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood," he told People magazine in 1979.

Among his other accomplishments was his company Newman's Own and his camp for cancer-stricken children.

In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

In 1988, Newman founded a camp in northeastern Connecticut for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He went on to establish similar camps in several other states and in Europe.

Paul Newman has been married to his wife, JoAnn Woodward since 1958. They are one of the longest-lasting married couples in Hollywood.

Technorati Tags: Paul Newman, Death, JoAnn Woodward

Run to the secret place

In this day of trials, especially with the problems in our economy, we wonder how we will ever survive. The gas prices are higher than they’ve ever been and groceries are going the same way. We are faced with perhaps the inability to pay our bills, fill our tummy’s, or even save for a rainy day.

Wall Street is having a break down. Banks and mortgage companies are going belly-up. And now the government is asking the taxpayers to fund a proposal of $700 billion dollars to bail out these institutions. If the companies had not been so inept in running the business, we would not be where we are today. Or, if the government had paid attention when congressmen/congresswomen brought the problem with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the forefront, things would be different.

While we, as Christians, are in the public sector as taxpayers, we should not be secular in our thinking. While the secular public is rolling over ideas to ‘fix’ the problem, we Christians should be turning toward our ‘secret place’ in the Lord.

Psalm 91 states it very plain. He is our refuge and fortress and we should put our trust in Him. If we dwell in the ‘secret place’ of the most High we shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We should not be afraid of the terror that come our way or worry about the problems that now face our nation. We do think about them, rightfully so. But these problems should not be in the forefront of our minds. We should be resting in the promise of God that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5). Sure, we are going through some treacherous times right now and it is upsetting. But we should learn to pray and turn these things over to the Lord who tells us to cast all our cares upon Him. (I Peter 5:7).

2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

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Our America

Copyright Graphics by Irene

I am proud to be an American. There is no better country to live in than our own USA! When you are a citizen of a country, you should be happy to tell others that you love your country. That's why am not ashamed to say I am glad to be from the 'land of the free, home of the brave' .... America.

A friend of mine is starting a new series entitled "The American Dream". You will find this series over at Nanna's Reflections. Right now, she has up the first article, asking you to talk about what The American Dream means to you. Why not go by, read her post, and leave your thoughts as a comment for her. You may become a regular reader of her blog.

Proud to be An American by Lee Greenwood - Lyrics

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Psalm 139

Psalms 139

1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Troubles hampering your life?

Lately, we have been experiencing all kind of trouble with the provider of our DSL service. Our DSL is up and down, off and on, and it is very frustrating. We can have a page up and try going to another and it throws us up a page showing we are not connected to the Internet. Takes time for it to reset and sometimes we have to do it numerous times. We have called them time and time again, only to be told it is ‘okay on our end’. You would think they would try and find the problem, since it isn’t in our inside lines.

Now, we have been having trouble even in our phone lines (same provider) as have all our neighbors. There has been a roaring on our phone for many days. People complain when we try to talk to them on the phone. They are getting the same roaring on their end of the phone and they don’t want to talk with you. My daughter even said she hears her voice in the feedback. I, too, have experienced this when calling home from my cell phone.

These troubles seem to be detrimental to our every day lives. But, are they detrimental to our eternal lives? I believe all our every day worries are nothing compared to the trouble we will be in if we come to the day of judgement and have not given our lives to the service of the Lord. When we appear before the Lord on judgement day, will we hear ‘well done, thy true and faithful servant’, or will we hear, ‘depart from me, you workers of iniquity’?

Now is the time we need to decide whether we are really followers of the true God, or are we separated from Him and eternal rest because of our way of life. Do we truly adhere to His commandments?

Matthew 22:37, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

Matthew 22:37 is the first and greatest commandment. And, if we do not hold to this one, then we are, for all spiritual purposes, lost. Where do you stand today? Are your troubles overflowing into your life where you are unable to separate them from your spiritual life? Are you constantly worrying about tomorrow rather than living for today, keeping your eye on Christ and His promises?

Our problems could be to the detriment of our souls, truthfully! Problems can get us into all kinds of trouble. I remember old folks saying things such as ‘it can cause you to lose your religion’ – in other words, the enemy is out there to destroy your faith. And, if he can get you off into secular thinking and out of the realm of faith, then he is on the way to having you in his corner. Don’t give into the enemy; keep your eyes on the Lord and remember it is HE who has the last say. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

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