A Worthwhile Investment In These Uncertain Financial Times
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May 23, 2009 8:45 am
Mood: Investing wisely!,
387 Views
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With the economy so volatile today, there is little that one can count on for a good return of our investment. This is an email I got and sure to be a sound investment.
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where neither thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:20
A new lawyer was given some advice by a brilliant, experienced attorney: "Have your name removed from the church roll, burn your Bible, and you will make your mark." Faced with a moment of supreme temptation for worldly success and wealth, the new lawyer walked away and invested nearly his last half-dollar in a new pocket Bible. Twenty-five years later the two lawyers met again, only this time the brilliant attorney was a wreck of a man with a matted beard and bloodshot eyes, begging his old acquaintance for a half-dollar. As the lawyer drew the coveted half-dollar from his pocket, he was reminded of the worthwhile, eternal investment he had made all those years ago.
In these uncertain financial times, it is clear that what we believed were sound investments here on earth can be lost in the blink of an eye. There is one investment, however, that can never be lost, destroyed or stolen. And just like the young lawyer who walked away from "making his mark," we need to turn away from what the world defines as a good investment and bank everything on God and our future with Him.
There are many things that money cannot buy. money can buy: A crucifix but not a Savior. A church building but not heaven.
Amen and Amen!
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Please Pay Tribute To Live Soldiers Here, For Memorial Day
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May 22, 2009 5:33 am
Mood: Blessing a soldier,
515 Views
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"ANY NATION THAT DOES NOT HONOR ITS HEROES WILL NOT LONG ENDURE"
President Abraham Lincoln
The origin of Memorial Day began in May, 1868, as Decoration Day. The purpose was to decorate the graves of dead soldiers with flowers. It transcended to Memorial Day in 1971, with the last Monday in May to be the day we pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Since the late 1950's, the US 3rd Infantry Brigade has been placing small American flags at the 260,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery on the Thursday preceeding Memorial Day and patrol 24 hours a day, through Monday, to ensure that the flags remain standing.
Although it's been traditionally a day to recognize and honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers, today I'd like to honor the efforts of the many thousands of soldiers, who risk their lives daily to preserve our freedom, those who are still alive. I know of one, in particular. His name is Jarrod, he's my Baby's (AlanB2) 30-year old son. He's already had 2 tours of duty in Baghdad and will return for a 3rd tour in Afghanistan, in November. This blog is dedicated to him and his many comrades.
I will forward it to him, to share with his fellow soldiers, to let them know how grateful we are for their many sacrifices. Please feel free to add your own tribute and bless these young men and women by acknowledging their service.
Jarrod and friends,
Today, I send you my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for all you do to preserve and protect my freedom. I thank you for your selfless dedication and your courage. Most of us have no clue as to the many hardships you endure and the countless lives you impact by your acts of service and kindness. It will be my greatest honor to call you my son and I want you to know that my prayers will be lifting you up daily. May God bless and protect you all!
Please tell a soldier today that you honor him/her. We're so quick to praise those who entertain us, sports stars, and others. But, often, the ones who risk their life for us each day go unappreciated. Take a minute or two today, to let them know we love them and appreciate them. I'll send the blog and all your comments to Jerrod, via email, to share with all his fellow soldiers. To all of you reading, who have served our country, I honor you and thank you also! I pray your rewards are rich and abundant!
Happy Memorial Day and God bless America!!! Amen and Amen!
PS the pic is of a proud Papa and his son. Can you tell? lol
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Let's Release Guantanamo Terrorists In YOUR Back Yard!
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May 21, 2009 4:32 am
Mood: Not feeling very safe,
493 Views
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For the first time in our President's short tenure, he received opposition from both parties in his plan to shut down Guantanamo. It made my day to hear that both Democrats AND Republicans voted against the plan to close the holding facility for some of the world's most dangerous terror suspects. Where will we put them? Can we release them into YOUR backyard? How about putting them all together in a Federal prison? Or maybe we should let them go back to the countries they came from?
Wednesday, the Senate voted to give the controversial prison what appears to be an indefinite lifeline by setting up a roadblock for the President's executive order to close Gitmo by next year. I don't think the President was expecting this, but
Democrats and Republicans alike say they will not support shutting down the facility without first getting a detailed plan.
"Where are they going to be? How are they going to be imprisoned? How are they going to be tried and what are the rules regarding their release?" Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked. "Until that is done, I think it is a mistake to talk about closing Guantanamo Bay."
The vote mirrors steps taken in the House last week, putting the White House plan in jeopardy.
Last month, the administration requested $80 million to pay for relocating the 240 detainees currently at Guantanamo. That's all, only $80 million!
The administration also wants to send many of them overseas.
"We obviously are very hopeful that a number of nations will assist us in delivering on the president's commitment to close Guantanamo," secretary of state Hillary Clinton said. "And that will require the release and placement of a number of detainees."
But convincing other governments to take them becomes trickier if they cannot be transported to the U.S. to be imprisoned or tried.
Bringing terror suspects on American soil is a widely unpopular idea.
Even as the vote came down, the head of the FBI voiced concerns that terrorists could run finances and radicalize other inmates if they were transferred to maximum security prisons in the homeland.
The president is set to deliver a speech today that his White House press secretary says will lay out the framework of his plan.
Obama hopes his speech will be enough to convince the Democratically-controlled Congress to come on board and authorize the money to pay for his plan.
How about it? Would you like them in your back yard? What should we do with all of them?
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The Torture Of Terrorists-What Do You Think???
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May 19, 2009 4:05 am
Mood: I'm for it!,
458 Views
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I read an article yesterday, in Christianity Today, about a poll that was taken with white evangelicals asking the question, Is the torture of suspected terrorists right? The results of the research indicated that 62% of Christians, attending church, believe torture of suspected terrorists is "often" or "sometimes" justified. The research shows that people who attend church regularly were more likely to rationalize torture than those who do not go to church.
The writer of the article was somewhat amazed at the findings. His thinking was that Christians draw their faith, life, and identity from a Messiah who was the victim of political torture, and it seems ironic that we would agree with such tactics. He states that lurking behind this passive support of government torture is a utilitarian ethic that believes the ends justify the means—torture is justifiable if the information attained will save innocent lives.
He further states that, "When it comes to defending the lives of the unborn, most evangelicals utterly reject utilitarian ethics. Life is sacred, and all people—even the unborn—are created in the image of God. But this belief is put to the test when the life in question is that of a suspected terrorist. Do we really believe all human life is sacred or only innocent life? Are all people created in God's image or only those not labeled "enemy combatants"?"
If you would have asked me this question before 9/11, I may have agreed with him, however since then, my attitude has changed. From that day till now, I've been better able to relate to the Jews in Israel, that face daily threats to their very existence, from people all around them, whose purpose in life is to wipe them off the face of the map. I guess I would be part of the 62%.
What do you think?
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My Battle With "D" Today, Wanna Join Me?
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May 18, 2009 4:36 am
Mood: Fighting the "D's&,
511 Views
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The War Is On!!!
I awoke early today, for no reason, just couldn't sleep. As I lay in bed, thoughts came to my mind, negative thoughts. Have you ever noticed that the enemy makes a bid for your mind, very early in the morning, before you're completely awake? Is it because you are not quite alert, therefore more vulnerable to receiving those thoughts? Is it because if he can get to your mind then, it will impact how your day goes? I think that's why, because we're more susceptible first thing in the morning, and the enemy strikes, in hope of steering our day in a negative direction.
So, as I lay there, the thoughts that entered my mind were discouragement, despair, difficulties, dangerous, depression.......Do you see where I'm going with this? Light bulb moment!! They all start with "D".
In my over-analytical reasonings, I began to contemplate the letter "D", and how many negative words start with "D". Have you ever thought about it? Probably not, I'm a little weird that way, I tend to pick everything apart in my quest to know "why", lol.
Consider the following:
discouragement, despair, difficulties, danger, depression, despondency, dejected, deception, deficiency, darkness, doom, disillusionment, degradation, death, defeat, decay, dishonorable, diminished, discomfort, defraud, distraught, distrust, distressed, deplorable, deprive, detest, disadvantaged, derogatory, dismay, demonic, disgust, distorted, dissension, dread, doubt, disaster, discord, disobedient, desperation, disgrace, downcast, disappointing, diabolic, detrimental, despise, death, and DEVIL.
WOW!!! And that's just off the top of my head! Did you ever wonder why so many negative words start with "D"? Well, I did, lol. Of course, there is no answer to that question, but my thoughts continued to ponder the dilema.
As human beings, we are all subject to experiencing the "D" words. But, as Christians, we are not meant to abide in them. Jesus said, "there would be tribulation in the world, BUT, cheer up, I have overcome the world." We do not have to remain in the "D's".
So, just for today, I decided to wage a war on the letter "D".
My weapons include the following:
Divine, Deity, delight, delicious, decent, delectible, delirious, delicacy, defend, dauntless, declare, deep rooted, doctrine, develop, disciple, domain, dominate, dependable, dominion, diligent, diplomacy, dignity, devoted, depth, discover, denounce, decision, and declaration.
Will you join me today, and wage war against all the negative words that start with "D"? Please feel free to add your weapons to the arsenal.
May you be comforted today, in knowing that we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death", which means, we do not remain there.
By the way, the pic is a double rainbow, lol.
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To Encourage You Today!!!
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May 17, 2009 4:10 am
450 Views
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There are so many here, in the midst of trials, having gone through life's devastations and disappointments. Today, I want you to know that Jesus loves YOU! He really does and has given us tidbits of that love, for our consideration and contemplation. Please read the following and receive the manifestation of His love.
...Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27: 13, 14
"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and NOT for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."
Jeremiah 29:11
"When the righteous cry for help,the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles."
Psalm 34:17
"Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in EVERY circumstance and in EVERYthing, by prayer and petition, WITH thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And, God's peace shall be yours, the peace that passes all understanding, shall garrison and guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 4:6-7
God's Kind Care
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways, all our life through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, or peace without pain.
God has not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble, and woe.
He has not told us we shall not bear,
Many a burden and many a care.
God has not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
But, God HAS promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, and light for the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy and undying love.
No matter where you are, in the midst of trials, there is ALWAYS a way out, through Jesus and His Word. The Solution for every problem can be found there. Read it, believe it, and confess it. Then, be patient in His timing. And, until the Solution is manifested, KNOW that you are not alone, He is right at your side, closer than a brother, to walk with you, to the victory.
Amen and Amen!!!
Finally, also know that there are people here, with a heart to intercede on your behalf, myself included. I welcome the opportunity to pray for you and in agreement with you for the answers. Just leave a comment.
May God bless you with the knowledge of His word and the revelation of His love.
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The Decline And Fall Of BigChurch, What Do You Think?
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May 15, 2009 5:49 am
Mood: Sad,
1010 Views
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This month marks two years I've spent here at BigChurch. As I reflect on the time I've been here and the many friends I've made, I'm saddened by how many have left, mostly in the last 6 months or so. I've looked back on the over 500 blogs I've posted and most have had (until recently) between 500-800 views, many over 2000, and a few over 3000 views. But today, I feel fortunate to have 100 views. Why do you think that is?
Personally, I feel that the mass exodus began with certain new members that came on board, stirring up strife and division. It seems that every blog and comment made by these members was designed to create controversy and viewership by name-calling, hatefulness, and disputes. The quarrels and fights left many with heavy hearts, even those who weren't personally attacked were in search of a more peaceful, loving environment. Professed Christians attacking other Christians have contributed to the decline and fall of BigChurch. My Bible tells me this should NOT be so. There's enough persecution to be had by the secular world. How can we love the unlovely, as we are admonished to do, if we can't even love each other? Are we not instructed to edify and encourage the household of faith?
"I give you a new commandment, that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this, will all men know that you are my Disciples, if you have love one for another, if you keep on showing love among yourselves."
John 13:34, 35 AMP
I'm sure there are other factors too, such as the ownership of the website, by a pornographic publisher, and the many glitches that have plagued us recently, and perhaps even the unwanted ads that constantly come about. But, from what I've read by many and what I've heard from many, it's the constant bickering and strife. Who, in their right mind, would want to come to a place where malicious intent, judgment and condemnation, and animosity abound, on a daily basis? There are many other websites that censor this kind of hatefulness, and people are flocking to them.
"For, if we are in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and working, through LOVE."
Galatians 5:6
"If I speak in the tongues of men and even angels, but have not love, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing, a useless nobody.
Even if I dole out all I have and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love, I gain nothing."
I Corinthians 13:1-3
So, what do you think has led to the decline and fall of BigChurch? I will leave you with one final scripture for your consideration:
".....we should not deceive ourselves into thinking that we love God, while we hate others."
I John 4:20
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33
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Hi Honey, I'm Home!!!
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May 14, 2009 4:51 am
Mood: Happy to be home!,
527 Views
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It was wonderful to have a week off, spend time with family, and enjoy some cool weather in Nashville. The day I left to come home, it was 51 degrees in the morning! Wow! My last cool day until December, as it was 90 degrees in sunny Florida each day while I was gone.
I'm glad to see you all behaved while I was gone, I would have hated to come back and have to send you to bed without dinner, lol.  You know it would have hurt me more than it would have hurt you! 
Looking forward to reading all the posts I've missed, and I see some new faces here too. As soon as I play catch-up with work and put out a few fires, lol, I'll get back to blogging again. 
God was soooooo good to me, what a blessing it was to fellowship with my nieces and nephews, make new memories, and get a chance to have fun. My sister wanted to go to a casino, and I dropped some money into a slot machine and won $750!!! So, I ended up coming back with more money than when I left, how good is that? 
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Goodbye Everyone! May God Richly Bless You All!!!
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May 4, 2009 3:34 am
Mood: Missing you!,
718 Views
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Leaving early in the morning for a long overdue vacation, going to Nashville, Tennessee. I'll be back on May 13, but may check in while I'm gone, my sister has a laptop, lol. 
Looking forward to sleeping in, going yardsaling, and spending quality time with family. I'm going with my mom, it will be the first time in many years my sister and I were together celebrating Mothers Day with her. She just turned 72 and there may not be many more. What a blessing!
What? Did you think you could get rid of me that easily? lol 
NO WAY!!! I'll be back, but will miss all of you and will keep you in my prayers. I'll miss you too My Baby! Don't forget to take the trash out, water the plants and pick up my mail for me. 
I love you all, be good while I'm gone or else I'll send you all to your rooms without dinner!
Happiest Mothers Day to all my friends, God bless you! 
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To link to this blog (racefan4) use [blog racefan4] in your messages.
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