For a loving, ever-merciful Heavenly Father who continually shows me what "real love" looks like--through His children.
For wonderful friends--all over the world--who continually humble me when they call me "brother" and "friend."
For a precious grandmother--now in heaven--who loved me enough to make sure that I had a home, and when others abandoned me (as a small child) took me in, and raised me.
For a great job...a wonderful boss, and some of the most fun people I've ever worked with. Coyne American Institute is a truly great company here in Chicago (www.coyneamerican.edu)
For peace of mind, and stillness of heart---even when both have been shattered by outward circumstances.
For David, Michael, Timothy, Stephanie, Phil Jr, Christian, Sarah, Jonathan, Matthew, Mitch and Lisa, Kevin and Monica, Dianne, Kyella and Glenn. These people are so very precious to me...even though I've not given their last names. They are a small representation of many, many more people who mean the world to me.
For a wonderful home that I can now call my own.
For the promise of Christ to never leave me alone. I depend on that daily.
For Dr R Hollis Gause is my "father" in so many ways. He will never know how much he means to me.
For Reverend Leonard Kendrick--a friend for more than 30 years--who is also a father to me in so many ways. God knew that I would need more than one.
So what are you thankful for?
A serious mistake....what else is new from the Bush Administration?
President Bush has accepted the withdrawal request of his latest Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Ellan Miers.
In my opinion, this is a serious mistake.
It is definitely Ms Miers' perogative to request a withdrawal of her name from the nomination.
But the President should have insisted on her receiving a hearing from the Senate Judiciary Committee. After all, the hearings were set to open on Monday, November 7th.
I understand her desire to "keep the peace"--what little may be left.
Whomever the "new nominee" may be, I sincerely hope that Jim Dobson (Focus on the Family) will keep his "inside information" to himself...and not breathe a word to anyone for any reason.
After all, Dr Dobson is not the President of these United States.
At least, not the last time I voted, he wasn't on the ballot.
In my opinion, this is a serious mistake.
It is definitely Ms Miers' perogative to request a withdrawal of her name from the nomination.
But the President should have insisted on her receiving a hearing from the Senate Judiciary Committee. After all, the hearings were set to open on Monday, November 7th.
I understand her desire to "keep the peace"--what little may be left.
Whomever the "new nominee" may be, I sincerely hope that Jim Dobson (Focus on the Family) will keep his "inside information" to himself...and not breathe a word to anyone for any reason.
After all, Dr Dobson is not the President of these United States.
At least, not the last time I voted, he wasn't on the ballot.
A Brief Testimony
Just felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to share this brief account of God's gracious hand in my life:
About 20 months ago I began a severe bout of depression that I had never encountered before. I was using some prescription medication, but it seemed to have little effect on me--and the effect it did have wasn't for the better either.
Unresolved hurts, injuries, and disappointments were keeping me in emotional and spiritual bondage--and I was convinced that I could be "free" whenever I wanted to be--and that wasn't anything close to the truth. Only the power of Christ could set me free, and help me love and trust Him and those around me again.
I performed all my duties (at work and elsewhere) out of pure obligation--and all the while keeping the fact of my depression as quiet as I possibly could. I even participated in local ministry meetings, and other Christian functions without letting anyone in on the fact that I was devastated on the inside of my heart.
One Sunday morning, at the end of the morning message, my Senior Pastor's wife (Chrissy Toledo) sat down at the piano and began singing this song:
In prisoners' chains
With bleeding stripes
Paul and Silas prayed that night
And in their pain began to sing
Their chains were loosed
And they were free!
I bless Your Name!
I bless Your Name!
I give You honor, give You praise!
You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
I bless Your Name!
I bless Your Name!
Some midnight hour
If you should find
You're in a prison in your mind
Reach out and praise
Defy those chains
And they will fall
In Jesus' Name!
Before Chrissy ever finished singing the song, I found myself in the front of the sanctuary, spread out on the floor, weeping uncontrollably--knowing that only God Himself could heal the hurts that I had carried--or that carried me--for so long.
The "prison of my mind" was more than I could bear!
It was that very phrase, "some midnight hour if you should find, you're in a prison in your mind, reach and praise..." I just had to surrender the pain in my heart and mind to Him--and believe that He could bring me to a place of deliverance and trust.
I just felt the Holy Spirit wanting me to share this very personal account with all of you. You can find this song on the latest CD of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, "I'm Amazed....Live."
About 20 months ago I began a severe bout of depression that I had never encountered before. I was using some prescription medication, but it seemed to have little effect on me--and the effect it did have wasn't for the better either.
Unresolved hurts, injuries, and disappointments were keeping me in emotional and spiritual bondage--and I was convinced that I could be "free" whenever I wanted to be--and that wasn't anything close to the truth. Only the power of Christ could set me free, and help me love and trust Him and those around me again.
I performed all my duties (at work and elsewhere) out of pure obligation--and all the while keeping the fact of my depression as quiet as I possibly could. I even participated in local ministry meetings, and other Christian functions without letting anyone in on the fact that I was devastated on the inside of my heart.
One Sunday morning, at the end of the morning message, my Senior Pastor's wife (Chrissy Toledo) sat down at the piano and began singing this song:
In prisoners' chains
With bleeding stripes
Paul and Silas prayed that night
And in their pain began to sing
Their chains were loosed
And they were free!
I bless Your Name!
I bless Your Name!
I give You honor, give You praise!
You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
I bless Your Name!
I bless Your Name!
Some midnight hour
If you should find
You're in a prison in your mind
Reach out and praise
Defy those chains
And they will fall
In Jesus' Name!
Before Chrissy ever finished singing the song, I found myself in the front of the sanctuary, spread out on the floor, weeping uncontrollably--knowing that only God Himself could heal the hurts that I had carried--or that carried me--for so long.
The "prison of my mind" was more than I could bear!
It was that very phrase, "some midnight hour if you should find, you're in a prison in your mind, reach and praise..." I just had to surrender the pain in my heart and mind to Him--and believe that He could bring me to a place of deliverance and trust.
I just felt the Holy Spirit wanting me to share this very personal account with all of you. You can find this song on the latest CD of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, "I'm Amazed....Live."
You can also go to their website:
Praise His name today!
Psalms 34:4
Hispanics to Bush: "You owe us one..."
And all I have to say to that absolute "nonsense" is "Oh really?"
That is almost like me calling the White House and telling the President, "Oh by the way Prez, I endorsed such and so...and you owe me one..."
I was reading a rather lengthy article in the Chicago Tribune on Friday, and the author was quoting several well-knowns in the political world (mostly Hispanic, I might add), and they were carping about how President Bush had "let them down twice." This being, he let them down because he did not nominate a Latino for the nation's highest judiciary.
Well, couldn't just about every "group" say that someone in Washington DC owes them something?
What about all those "evangelicals" who voted for the current President because they thought he would "kowtow" to their ever-changing agenda?
Sometimes the "religious right" can be oh, so very wrong!
As much as I respect James Dobson (a good Nazarene by the way) and Focus on the Family
I am greatly disturbed when Dobson and those associated with him express their displeasure at someone they do not know (Harriet Miers, in this case)--and believe the President "short changed them."
George W Bush is the President of the entire United States.
Not just the "evangelicals."
And yes, I'm a Bible-practicing, Bible-believing Christian. But I don't believe the President "owes me anything."
That is almost like me calling the White House and telling the President, "Oh by the way Prez, I endorsed such and so...and you owe me one..."
I was reading a rather lengthy article in the Chicago Tribune on Friday, and the author was quoting several well-knowns in the political world (mostly Hispanic, I might add), and they were carping about how President Bush had "let them down twice." This being, he let them down because he did not nominate a Latino for the nation's highest judiciary.
Well, couldn't just about every "group" say that someone in Washington DC owes them something?
What about all those "evangelicals" who voted for the current President because they thought he would "kowtow" to their ever-changing agenda?
Sometimes the "religious right" can be oh, so very wrong!
As much as I respect James Dobson (a good Nazarene by the way) and Focus on the Family
I am greatly disturbed when Dobson and those associated with him express their displeasure at someone they do not know (Harriet Miers, in this case)--and believe the President "short changed them."
George W Bush is the President of the entire United States.
Not just the "evangelicals."
And yes, I'm a Bible-practicing, Bible-believing Christian. But I don't believe the President "owes me anything."
A Justice Harriet Miers?
President Bush has fulfilled his Constitutional duty in sending the nomination of Harriet Miers to the United States Senate for their consideration to fill the seat of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor--the first woman to ever sit on the United States Supreme Court.
Ms Miers has the confidence of the President of the United States of America.
But sadly some of the "Pharisaical" extremists don't have any confidence in the man they voted into the highest elected office of these "Nifty Fifty" United States.
This dear lady hasn't even had the FIRST hearing yet, and some of the modern-day Pharisees have already loosed a barrage of innuendo and presuppositions that have little, if any, truth to them.
Folks, you cannot have it both ways.
President Bush nominated, and we now have, Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr sitting as the Seventeenth Chief Justice of the United States. He, by all accounts, will do a superb job.
And hopefully so, for years to come.
But this lady--simply because she has refused to "kowtow" to the extreme fringes of the so-called "conservative right" of this nation--is being crucified before she ever has been heard.
From what I've read, I believe she is a stellar candidate, and will be one terrific Justice on the Supreme Court.
I'm personally glad the President did consult 80+ Senators, and listened to his wife as well. We do not need a bruising fight in this nation over such an important position.
From this point on, we should let the Senate Judiciary Committee do its job.
After all, we are paying them to do something other than take foreign trips and long vacations.
Ms Miers has the confidence of the President of the United States of America.
But sadly some of the "Pharisaical" extremists don't have any confidence in the man they voted into the highest elected office of these "Nifty Fifty" United States.
This dear lady hasn't even had the FIRST hearing yet, and some of the modern-day Pharisees have already loosed a barrage of innuendo and presuppositions that have little, if any, truth to them.
Folks, you cannot have it both ways.
President Bush nominated, and we now have, Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr sitting as the Seventeenth Chief Justice of the United States. He, by all accounts, will do a superb job.
And hopefully so, for years to come.
But this lady--simply because she has refused to "kowtow" to the extreme fringes of the so-called "conservative right" of this nation--is being crucified before she ever has been heard.
From what I've read, I believe she is a stellar candidate, and will be one terrific Justice on the Supreme Court.
I'm personally glad the President did consult 80+ Senators, and listened to his wife as well. We do not need a bruising fight in this nation over such an important position.
From this point on, we should let the Senate Judiciary Committee do its job.
After all, we are paying them to do something other than take foreign trips and long vacations.
Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr
Well friends and neighbors, the world has seen history in the making today.
John G Roberts Jr was confirmed by the United States Senate with a vote of 78-22 to become the seventeenth Chief Justice of the United States of America. He is the youngest (at age 50) to hold that exalted position sense the appointment of John Marshall in 1801--who was a whopping 45 at the time.
We Americans have EVERY reason to be proud of the way we have seen the peaceful transition of leadership and power in the nation's judiciary.
The highest court in the nation will take on a new look, and indeed embark on a new path--with Chief Justice Roberts leading the way. We are indebted to pray for God's wisdom to clothe him every day as long as he holds that position.
The resignation of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor--whom Justice Roberts was to originally replace--will be far more contentious than was this nomination and confirmation.
Being the graceful lady that she is, Justice O'Connor has consented to remain on the Supreme Court until her replacement has been nominated and confirmed.
Chief Justice Roberts, we welcome you. We salute you!
And most importantly, we pray for you!
John G Roberts Jr was confirmed by the United States Senate with a vote of 78-22 to become the seventeenth Chief Justice of the United States of America. He is the youngest (at age 50) to hold that exalted position sense the appointment of John Marshall in 1801--who was a whopping 45 at the time.
We Americans have EVERY reason to be proud of the way we have seen the peaceful transition of leadership and power in the nation's judiciary.
The highest court in the nation will take on a new look, and indeed embark on a new path--with Chief Justice Roberts leading the way. We are indebted to pray for God's wisdom to clothe him every day as long as he holds that position.
The resignation of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor--whom Justice Roberts was to originally replace--will be far more contentious than was this nomination and confirmation.
Being the graceful lady that she is, Justice O'Connor has consented to remain on the Supreme Court until her replacement has been nominated and confirmed.
Chief Justice Roberts, we welcome you. We salute you!
And most importantly, we pray for you!
"Commander in Chief"--I Liked it!
I'm probably the only person in the entire United States that has never seen a single episode of "Survivor" or "Fear Factor" or hardly any of the new "melodramas"--regardless of how slick their advance advertisements have been.
But I have been absolutely "enthralled" with ABC's new show, Commander in Chief starring Geena Davis.
I have waited all summer for this one....and it finally came to fruition.
Last night.
I think the plot was terrific, and the acting was superb.
Of course, being somewhat open-minded (others would call me a "flaming liberal"--but I'm really not anything close to that), I think the United States is well overdue a woman as the President of these "nifty Fifty."
Or at least in the role of Vice President.
I didn't vote for Geraldine Ferraro in 1984--and I think Walter Mondale made a colossal mistake in selecting her as his running mate. But I'm not sure he could have won that election regardless of whom he had selected for his VP mate.
But I do believe that now, 21 years removed, we are ready to have a strong, sensible, creative, and powerful woman in one of the top two slots in Washington DC.
So, who will it be?
And when?
But I have been absolutely "enthralled" with ABC's new show, Commander in Chief starring Geena Davis.
I have waited all summer for this one....and it finally came to fruition.
Last night.
I think the plot was terrific, and the acting was superb.
Of course, being somewhat open-minded (others would call me a "flaming liberal"--but I'm really not anything close to that), I think the United States is well overdue a woman as the President of these "nifty Fifty."
Or at least in the role of Vice President.
I didn't vote for Geraldine Ferraro in 1984--and I think Walter Mondale made a colossal mistake in selecting her as his running mate. But I'm not sure he could have won that election regardless of whom he had selected for his VP mate.
But I do believe that now, 21 years removed, we are ready to have a strong, sensible, creative, and powerful woman in one of the top two slots in Washington DC.
So, who will it be?
And when?
"Whatever Happened to Class"
A good friend of mine, Dr Stan Blevins (Senior Pastor, Highland Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX) wrote this almost ten years ago in their weekly church bulletin:
_________________________________
There is a difficult to define quality about people and society, that makes them concerned for the well-being of others and the country as a whole. Because it's hard to specifically define, it's sometimes called "class."
Americans used to have a lot of class. They were a people proud of their country, their community, and themselves. But somewhere in the last thirty or forty years, class has gone by the wayside.
Here are a few examples:
**When I was a boy we'd play on the lawn around the courthouse. Prominently displayed were signs that read, "$200 fine for spitting on the sidewalk." Yet today I constantly pull up behind someone in a pickup truck, stopped at a light, who opens his door and deposits the filth of his chewing habit in the middle of the street, often right where people must cross.
No class.
I'd favor restoring the fine system: "$1000 fine for depositing your germs in the middle of our community."
**It seems I often stop at a light and a vehicle pulls up beside me with speakers larger than the back seat. The sound is turned up as loud as it will go, blasting every person in every surrounding vehicle, not to mention anyone walking along the street.
How pathetic that our society has produced people so desperate for attention that they can only get it by making a public nuisance of themselves.
No class.
Perhaps there ought to be a fine for that as well.
I'll not go futher in detail, but one could pursue such issues as smoking in enclosed public places, cutting in waiting lines, being rude to customers, and the ever-present threat to sue.
No class in any case.
By the way, don't give me any of the popular baloney about "rights." Always remember that the rights of one individual end where they begin to intrude on the rights of another individual.
I liked our nation much better when we all had some class.
Let's each one do our part to restore what we can before it gets any worse.
______________________
Amen, Dr Stan, Amen!
_________________________________
There is a difficult to define quality about people and society, that makes them concerned for the well-being of others and the country as a whole. Because it's hard to specifically define, it's sometimes called "class."
Americans used to have a lot of class. They were a people proud of their country, their community, and themselves. But somewhere in the last thirty or forty years, class has gone by the wayside.
Here are a few examples:
**When I was a boy we'd play on the lawn around the courthouse. Prominently displayed were signs that read, "$200 fine for spitting on the sidewalk." Yet today I constantly pull up behind someone in a pickup truck, stopped at a light, who opens his door and deposits the filth of his chewing habit in the middle of the street, often right where people must cross.
No class.
I'd favor restoring the fine system: "$1000 fine for depositing your germs in the middle of our community."
**It seems I often stop at a light and a vehicle pulls up beside me with speakers larger than the back seat. The sound is turned up as loud as it will go, blasting every person in every surrounding vehicle, not to mention anyone walking along the street.
How pathetic that our society has produced people so desperate for attention that they can only get it by making a public nuisance of themselves.
No class.
Perhaps there ought to be a fine for that as well.
I'll not go futher in detail, but one could pursue such issues as smoking in enclosed public places, cutting in waiting lines, being rude to customers, and the ever-present threat to sue.
No class in any case.
By the way, don't give me any of the popular baloney about "rights." Always remember that the rights of one individual end where they begin to intrude on the rights of another individual.
I liked our nation much better when we all had some class.
Let's each one do our part to restore what we can before it gets any worse.
______________________
Amen, Dr Stan, Amen!
Unnamed and Unwanted....
I wrote this a few months ago. I wanted to share it here:
********************************************************
I recently heard someone give their testimony of God's faithfulness in their life. It moved me beyond what words can describe.
This person told of how his mother became pregnant as a teenager, and later abandoned him after his birth in the hospital of one of the nation's large cities.Many years later, he went to retrieve a birth certificate, and was startled at what he found.
The official document recording his birth labeled him "unnamed boy" and in the notations near the bottom, "unwanted, abandoned by the birth mother."All of his life he has wrestled with these "judgments" from the moment of his birth.
Even after he came to Jesus Christ for salvation, he still struggled with the issues of having been "unnamed" and then "unwanted."
I can identify with him in alot of ways.
Even though I was named at birth, I was later abandoned by the very two people responsible for bringing me to natural life. I have felt "abandoned" more than once since entering adulthood...yet I know these words are true:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Indeed, the Lord God, who spoke the universe into existence, and who sustains it by His own power, all by Himself, has called me by my name.
And I am His.
********************************************************
I recently heard someone give their testimony of God's faithfulness in their life. It moved me beyond what words can describe.
This person told of how his mother became pregnant as a teenager, and later abandoned him after his birth in the hospital of one of the nation's large cities.Many years later, he went to retrieve a birth certificate, and was startled at what he found.
The official document recording his birth labeled him "unnamed boy" and in the notations near the bottom, "unwanted, abandoned by the birth mother."All of his life he has wrestled with these "judgments" from the moment of his birth.
Even after he came to Jesus Christ for salvation, he still struggled with the issues of having been "unnamed" and then "unwanted."
I can identify with him in alot of ways.
Even though I was named at birth, I was later abandoned by the very two people responsible for bringing me to natural life. I have felt "abandoned" more than once since entering adulthood...yet I know these words are true:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Indeed, the Lord God, who spoke the universe into existence, and who sustains it by His own power, all by Himself, has called me by my name.
And I am His.
A Letter to President Bush
My precious friend, Philip C Morris, Jr--Senior Pastor of Parkway Church of God in Sevierville, TN recently sent this letter to President George W Bush. I want to post it here:
September 18, 2005
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Bush:
I honor you as our nation’s president and want you to know that you are constantly in my prayers, especially in light of the catastrophe involving Hurricane Katrina. I have heard you in recent days as you have addressed the nation and pledged to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. I commend you for your response to those victimized by this horrible tragedy. However, as a citizen of the United States of America and as a Christian, I do have some concerns about how our tax dollars will be spent in the rebuilding process.
There are many industries and businesses in the Gulf Coast that are worthy of rebuilding. Others, in my opinion, are not. I urge you to please spend our tax dollars wisely as you help to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
Rebuild schools, but not the scandalous New Orleans establishments.
Rebuild industry, but not the sex industry, which exploits women and teenagers.
Rebuild hospitals, but not the bars and brothels which promote alcoholism and promiscuity.
Rebuild businesses that will build up our communities, not gambling casinos that only take things away.
Rebuild people’s houses, but not the whorehouses of prostitution that are a reproach to any nation.
Rebuild government, but not the kind of corrupt government that enslaves people in poverty and turns a blind eye to injustice.
Rebuild health clinics, but not the abortion clinics that have massacred children with brainwaves and heartbeats.
The name “Katrina” means “pure and clean.” Please use our tax dollars to rebuild those pure and clean establishments that will better our nation, instead of the establishments of vice and corruption.
We are praying for you. We are watching you. Please only rebuild those things that you will be proud to leave as your legacy as a strong Christian president.
God bless you,
Philip C. Morris, Jr.
Senior Pastor
___________________________________
It's always reassuring to know that God's people are indeed "thinking Christians." Not just someone who will blindly follow any leader, regardless of their political affiliation.
Phil, I've always loved you. You are a precious man, a wonderful brother, and a tremendous pastor. Know your buddy in Chicago is 1000% behind you.
September 18, 2005
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Bush:
I honor you as our nation’s president and want you to know that you are constantly in my prayers, especially in light of the catastrophe involving Hurricane Katrina. I have heard you in recent days as you have addressed the nation and pledged to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. I commend you for your response to those victimized by this horrible tragedy. However, as a citizen of the United States of America and as a Christian, I do have some concerns about how our tax dollars will be spent in the rebuilding process.
There are many industries and businesses in the Gulf Coast that are worthy of rebuilding. Others, in my opinion, are not. I urge you to please spend our tax dollars wisely as you help to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
Rebuild schools, but not the scandalous New Orleans establishments.
Rebuild industry, but not the sex industry, which exploits women and teenagers.
Rebuild hospitals, but not the bars and brothels which promote alcoholism and promiscuity.
Rebuild businesses that will build up our communities, not gambling casinos that only take things away.
Rebuild people’s houses, but not the whorehouses of prostitution that are a reproach to any nation.
Rebuild government, but not the kind of corrupt government that enslaves people in poverty and turns a blind eye to injustice.
Rebuild health clinics, but not the abortion clinics that have massacred children with brainwaves and heartbeats.
The name “Katrina” means “pure and clean.” Please use our tax dollars to rebuild those pure and clean establishments that will better our nation, instead of the establishments of vice and corruption.
We are praying for you. We are watching you. Please only rebuild those things that you will be proud to leave as your legacy as a strong Christian president.
God bless you,
Philip C. Morris, Jr.
Senior Pastor
___________________________________
It's always reassuring to know that God's people are indeed "thinking Christians." Not just someone who will blindly follow any leader, regardless of their political affiliation.
Phil, I've always loved you. You are a precious man, a wonderful brother, and a tremendous pastor. Know your buddy in Chicago is 1000% behind you.
A Thought for Today...
From Max Lucado's Traveling Light
"You need only pause at the base of the Cross and be reminded of this: The Maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you. And that is a fact."
May we be constantly reminded of His love for us.
I know that I will need it today.
And all the other days as well.
"You need only pause at the base of the Cross and be reminded of this: The Maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you. And that is a fact."
May we be constantly reminded of His love for us.
I know that I will need it today.
And all the other days as well.
"Angry White Man" and "Hyphenated Patriotism"
Okay,
Yes, I'm not exactly singing the Doxology right now.
Here's why:
For the last three nights in a row, the Hispanics in my neighborhood have gone absolutely crazy after the sun has gone down.
Something about "Mexican Liberation Day" or something to that effect.
These "immigrants" have spent most of the dark hours driving like maniacs and honking their horns loudly for long periods of time, while waving the Mexican flag all over the street.
I'm the least "racist" person you will ever want to meet. But I'm also an angry white man.
If all these folks are so in love with "Mexico"--then please let's encourage them to return to Mexico--and the sooner the better.
We are in the United States of America. They came here of their own free will. So, now we should insist on these things:
1) You will learn to speak English, and you will use English in your dealings with commerce, every governmental agency, and in public life.
2) You will teach your children to speak English--first and foremost. Sure, teach them your native language--but if they plan on living here--in the nifty fifty--they will learn to speak English fluently.
3) You will respect "public peace" and "public decency." Period.
That includes my right to have a peaceful neighborhood, devoid of your stupidity and "hyphenated patriotism."
Yes, I'm angry...and I should be.
So should every other person who lives in this country, and wants to be an American.
Yes, I'm not exactly singing the Doxology right now.
Here's why:
For the last three nights in a row, the Hispanics in my neighborhood have gone absolutely crazy after the sun has gone down.
Something about "Mexican Liberation Day" or something to that effect.
These "immigrants" have spent most of the dark hours driving like maniacs and honking their horns loudly for long periods of time, while waving the Mexican flag all over the street.
I'm the least "racist" person you will ever want to meet. But I'm also an angry white man.
If all these folks are so in love with "Mexico"--then please let's encourage them to return to Mexico--and the sooner the better.
We are in the United States of America. They came here of their own free will. So, now we should insist on these things:
1) You will learn to speak English, and you will use English in your dealings with commerce, every governmental agency, and in public life.
2) You will teach your children to speak English--first and foremost. Sure, teach them your native language--but if they plan on living here--in the nifty fifty--they will learn to speak English fluently.
3) You will respect "public peace" and "public decency." Period.
That includes my right to have a peaceful neighborhood, devoid of your stupidity and "hyphenated patriotism."
Yes, I'm angry...and I should be.
So should every other person who lives in this country, and wants to be an American.
40 Best Christian Places to Work....
From a February Issue of Christianity Today, I found this list...and I think it is very interesting indeed.
What makes a "great place" to work? And particularly one who exalts the name and power of Christ in the labor environment?
Maybe we should ask these people. Here's the list:
Small Service and Product Organizations
Christian Medical and Dental Associations • Bristol, Tennessee
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities • Washington, D.C.
Whitehead, Phillipi & Harris • Penndel, Pennsylvania
The DeMoss Group • Duluth, Georgia
Large Service and Product Organizations
Evangelical Christian Credit Union • Brea, California
Association of Christian Schools Intl. • Colorado Springs, Colorado
DaySpring Cards • Siloam Springs, Arkansas (tie) Shepherds Ministries • Union Grove, Wisconsin
Small Missions and Parachurch Organizations
Medical Ambassadors International • Modesto, California
New Mission Systems International • Fort Myers, Florida
Team Expansion • Louisville, Kentucky
Partners International • Spokane, Washington
Large Missions and Parachurch Organizations
Coalition for Christian Outreach • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SIM USA • Charlotte, North Carolina
Bible League • Chicago, Illinois
International Bible Society • Colorado Springs, Colorado
Small Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Phoenix Seminary • Scottsdale, Arizona
Beeson Divinity School • Birmingham, Alabama
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary • Springfield, Missouri
Denver Seminary • Englewood, Colorado
Medium Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Dallas Theological Seminary • Dallas, Texas (tie) Multnomah Bible College and Seminary • Portland, Oregon
Western Baptist College • Salem, Oregon (tie) Bryan College • Dayton, Tennessee
Large Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Whitworth College • Spokane, Washington
Spring Arbor University • Spring Arbor, Michigan
Moody Bible Institute • Chicago, Illinois
Cedarville University • Cedarville, Ohio
Small Media Organizations
Howard Publishing • West Monroe, Louisiana
Paraclete Press • Orleans, Massachusetts
InterVarsity Press • Westmont, Illinois
Far East Broadcasting • La Mirada, California
Large Media Organizations
Group Publishing • Loveland, Colorado
Zondervan • Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tyndale House • Carol Stream, Illinois
Multnomah Publishers • Sisters, Oregon
Private Christian Schools
Covenant Christian High School • Indianapolis, Indiana
Christian Heritage Academy • Northfield, Illinois
High Point Christian Academy • High Point, North Carolina
King's Way Christian School • Vancouver, Washington
What makes a "great place" to work? And particularly one who exalts the name and power of Christ in the labor environment?
Maybe we should ask these people. Here's the list:
Small Service and Product Organizations
Christian Medical and Dental Associations • Bristol, Tennessee
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities • Washington, D.C.
Whitehead, Phillipi & Harris • Penndel, Pennsylvania
The DeMoss Group • Duluth, Georgia
Large Service and Product Organizations
Evangelical Christian Credit Union • Brea, California
Association of Christian Schools Intl. • Colorado Springs, Colorado
DaySpring Cards • Siloam Springs, Arkansas (tie) Shepherds Ministries • Union Grove, Wisconsin
Small Missions and Parachurch Organizations
Medical Ambassadors International • Modesto, California
New Mission Systems International • Fort Myers, Florida
Team Expansion • Louisville, Kentucky
Partners International • Spokane, Washington
Large Missions and Parachurch Organizations
Coalition for Christian Outreach • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SIM USA • Charlotte, North Carolina
Bible League • Chicago, Illinois
International Bible Society • Colorado Springs, Colorado
Small Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Phoenix Seminary • Scottsdale, Arizona
Beeson Divinity School • Birmingham, Alabama
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary • Springfield, Missouri
Denver Seminary • Englewood, Colorado
Medium Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Dallas Theological Seminary • Dallas, Texas (tie) Multnomah Bible College and Seminary • Portland, Oregon
Western Baptist College • Salem, Oregon (tie) Bryan College • Dayton, Tennessee
Large Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
Whitworth College • Spokane, Washington
Spring Arbor University • Spring Arbor, Michigan
Moody Bible Institute • Chicago, Illinois
Cedarville University • Cedarville, Ohio
Small Media Organizations
Howard Publishing • West Monroe, Louisiana
Paraclete Press • Orleans, Massachusetts
InterVarsity Press • Westmont, Illinois
Far East Broadcasting • La Mirada, California
Large Media Organizations
Group Publishing • Loveland, Colorado
Zondervan • Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tyndale House • Carol Stream, Illinois
Multnomah Publishers • Sisters, Oregon
Private Christian Schools
Covenant Christian High School • Indianapolis, Indiana
Christian Heritage Academy • Northfield, Illinois
High Point Christian Academy • High Point, North Carolina
King's Way Christian School • Vancouver, Washington
"Evangelicals and Catholics Together"--Eleven years later
http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html
I recently finished reading the marvelous "festschrift" edited by Chuck Colson and Father Richard John Neuhaus. I have renewed respect for my Catholic friends who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ to the best of their knowledge and ability.
We have much in common--and many differences.
We must acknowledge and respect both!
I recently finished reading the marvelous "festschrift" edited by Chuck Colson and Father Richard John Neuhaus. I have renewed respect for my Catholic friends who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ to the best of their knowledge and ability.
We have much in common--and many differences.
We must acknowledge and respect both!
Pastor Travis Johnson...visit his place!
Here's the link:
http://pastortrav.blogspot.com/
Travis and I have a "history." He was my single's leader at the North Cleveland Church of God in the late 90s. He has been a friend now for a long time. And he's got a wonderful wife.
Visit his "place" and take a look around. Tell him that Phil Hoover, in the Windy City, sent you.
http://pastortrav.blogspot.com/
Travis and I have a "history." He was my single's leader at the North Cleveland Church of God in the late 90s. He has been a friend now for a long time. And he's got a wonderful wife.
Visit his "place" and take a look around. Tell him that Phil Hoover, in the Windy City, sent you.
God bless WALMART.....
The WalMart Corporation really does look out for their associates. This is from their website, www.walmart.com:
Initially, more than 34,000 Wal-Mart associates were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Our goal is to help associates get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. The Wal-Mart Emergency Information Line, established to answer associates questions and concerns, has fielded more than 12,200 calls.
Any displaced associate can come and work in any other U. S. Wal-Mart store.
Displaced associates are eligible for up to $1,000 from our Associate Disaster Relief Fund if their homes were flooded or destroyed. We have already provided cash assistance to more than 6,100 associates.
The on-line Emergency Contact Service placed on walmart.com and samsclub.com for use by associates and the public to locate and communicate with their friends and family members has received more than 9,600 postings and more than 960,000 hits.
_______________________________________________
How many other large companies have made such offers to their displaced employees?
Initially, more than 34,000 Wal-Mart associates were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Our goal is to help associates get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. The Wal-Mart Emergency Information Line, established to answer associates questions and concerns, has fielded more than 12,200 calls.
Any displaced associate can come and work in any other U. S. Wal-Mart store.
Displaced associates are eligible for up to $1,000 from our Associate Disaster Relief Fund if their homes were flooded or destroyed. We have already provided cash assistance to more than 6,100 associates.
The on-line Emergency Contact Service placed on walmart.com and samsclub.com for use by associates and the public to locate and communicate with their friends and family members has received more than 9,600 postings and more than 960,000 hits.
_______________________________________________
How many other large companies have made such offers to their displaced employees?
Operation Compassion: I know these people....
http://www.operationcompassion.org/news.cfm?sid=1826
This organization is the compassionate ministries of the Church of God, Cleveland TN.
I know these people personally and very well, at that.
Please feel free to contribute to them, as generously as you possibly can!
This organization is the compassionate ministries of the Church of God, Cleveland TN.
I know these people personally and very well, at that.
Please feel free to contribute to them, as generously as you possibly can!
You can help...Here's how.
All of these agencies are bona fide emergency relief services. Please feel free to give generously to any or all of them:
FEMA listed the following agencies as needing cash to assist hurricane victims:
* American Red Cross, 800-HELP-NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.
* America's Second Harvest, 800-344-8070.
* Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171.
* Catholic Charities USA, 800-919-9338.
* Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.
* Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818.
* Church World Service, 800-297-1516.
* Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998.
* Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522.
* Mennonite Disaster Service, 717-859-2210.
* Nazarene Disaster Response, 888-256-5886.
* Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348.
* Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283.
* Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
* Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, Ext. 6440.
* United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583
* Avoid Katrina-Related Scams and Hoaxes (Security Fix Blog)
FEMA listed the following agencies as needing cash to assist hurricane victims:
* American Red Cross, 800-HELP-NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.
* America's Second Harvest, 800-344-8070.
* Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171.
* Catholic Charities USA, 800-919-9338.
* Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.
* Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818.
* Church World Service, 800-297-1516.
* Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998.
* Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522.
* Mennonite Disaster Service, 717-859-2210.
* Nazarene Disaster Response, 888-256-5886.
* Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348.
* Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283.
* Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
* Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, Ext. 6440.
* United Methodist Committee on Relief, 800-554-8583
* Avoid Katrina-Related Scams and Hoaxes (Security Fix Blog)
Hurricane KATRINA...what a mess!
Here's a link to the Washington Post story from this morning:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/31/AR2005083100724.html
This will turn out to be one of the most costly and destructive of any natural disaster in recent memory. The people of southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi have a long road of retrieval, renewal, and repair.
Let's do everything we can to help them. That includes prayer.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/31/AR2005083100724.html
This will turn out to be one of the most costly and destructive of any natural disaster in recent memory. The people of southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi have a long road of retrieval, renewal, and repair.
Let's do everything we can to help them. That includes prayer.
This one "takes the cake..."
Of all the idiotic things our Federal Government attempts to do, this one certainly takes the cake for supreme stupidity. Read on:
The Air Force's new guidelines for religious tolerance will discourage public prayer at official functions and urge commanders to be "sensitive" about personal expressions of religious faith, according to a draft obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
The draft directs chaplains to "respect the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs."
The guidelines, which would apply to the entire Air Force, were drawn up after allegations that evangelical Christians wield so much influence at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs that anti-Semitism and other forms of religious harassment have become pervasive.
An Air Force task force concluded that some students and staff at the school have the perception that the academy favors evangelical Christians and is intolerant of those who do not share their faith.
The draft was provided to the Associated Press by Mikey Weinstein, an academy graduate and persistent critic of the school's handling of religion. Air Force spokeswoman Jennifer Stevens confirmed the accuracy of the draft and said it was expected to be officially released later Monday.
The draft does not ban public prayer outright and says short, nonsectarian prayers may be included in special ceremonies or events, but only to lend a sense of solemnity and not to promote specific beliefs.
Nor does it bar personal discussions of religion, including discussions between commanders and subordinates. It cautions Air Force members "to be sensitive to the potential that personal expressions may appear to be official expressions."
The draft states that members of the Air Force "will not officially endorse or establish religion, either one specific religion, or the idea of religion over non-religion."
It also says that "abuse or disrespect" of Air Force members based on their religious beliefs, or lack of such beliefs, is unacceptable.
*****************************************
Funny, but in my ten years of military service--Air Force, at that---not once did I see anyone "disrespected" or "abused" because of their religious beliefs, or lack thereof.
The absolute insanity of our government officials astounds me sometimes.
As well it should.
The Air Force's new guidelines for religious tolerance will discourage public prayer at official functions and urge commanders to be "sensitive" about personal expressions of religious faith, according to a draft obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
The draft directs chaplains to "respect the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs."
The guidelines, which would apply to the entire Air Force, were drawn up after allegations that evangelical Christians wield so much influence at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs that anti-Semitism and other forms of religious harassment have become pervasive.
An Air Force task force concluded that some students and staff at the school have the perception that the academy favors evangelical Christians and is intolerant of those who do not share their faith.
The draft was provided to the Associated Press by Mikey Weinstein, an academy graduate and persistent critic of the school's handling of religion. Air Force spokeswoman Jennifer Stevens confirmed the accuracy of the draft and said it was expected to be officially released later Monday.
The draft does not ban public prayer outright and says short, nonsectarian prayers may be included in special ceremonies or events, but only to lend a sense of solemnity and not to promote specific beliefs.
Nor does it bar personal discussions of religion, including discussions between commanders and subordinates. It cautions Air Force members "to be sensitive to the potential that personal expressions may appear to be official expressions."
The draft states that members of the Air Force "will not officially endorse or establish religion, either one specific religion, or the idea of religion over non-religion."
It also says that "abuse or disrespect" of Air Force members based on their religious beliefs, or lack of such beliefs, is unacceptable.
*****************************************
Funny, but in my ten years of military service--Air Force, at that---not once did I see anyone "disrespected" or "abused" because of their religious beliefs, or lack thereof.
The absolute insanity of our government officials astounds me sometimes.
As well it should.
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