Just A Song Before I Go

Actually, I'm not going far-just away for the wknd. Rest and relaxation at last. le will be back soon; be sure to tell her of what a fun time we've had.
Once more, thank thee to Meg at Cute Overload for posting the reclining feline. Let me encourage everyone to visit Hot Air dot com if they want to experience many meetings of un-like minded peoples.
They have a post going about whether Mormons like Mitt Romney are Christian. I know the answer, but I don't want to spoil it for you.
Have fun, y'all.

Shar Pei Bunnies and Katie

It’s just cool. Summer is winding down, the leaves are getting ready for the ‘leaf-lookers’, and I saw an ostrich today named Katie.
Katie’s head is about 6.3 feet from her feet, and her body about the same size as our washer/dryer. That is one big bird.
And the bunnys. Each weighed about 30 pounds, mostly skin. They looked like chocolate bunnys which had been put in the microwave for a few too many seconds. Each completely covered the area of the floor of their cages.
There were many other animals; goats, shoats and a pot belly pig who looked like he was wearing a dark dungaree jumpsuit.
It was a nice day at the county fair. I saw people from my past and present, watched lumberjack and cowboy exhibitions, saw some beautiful horses and quite a few very creative 4-H projects.
Things have changed- the County Fairground now stands where the city dump used to litter the landscape.
When I was in 4-H, we never would have made a project out of “Legos”, but there were a few of those today.
In my youth we never had signs all over the fair warning people not to touch the animals due to possible e-coli infection. Back then, animals that didn’t ribbon were bbq’d on th…just kidding.
But many things have remained the same. Cotton candy, hot dogs and people out having a good time
as a community.
Community. What a great word. Have you ever been looked down upon by an ostrich?

Praying To The Right God

Don't be alarmed. I haven't succumbed to the siren call of Mariology. This photo shows someone presumed to be Mary praying to God. Note that, please. I’m sure that while she was on Earth, Mary did pray, and I believe that now she is in Heaven in God’s presence with all of the rest of God’s people.
But it would be pagan, evil and wrong to pray to Mary, or, as some Catholics like to explain it, (as if it doesn’t mean the same thing) ask Mary to hear their prayers and pass them on to God.
Mary was full of Grace. But she was never God, never part of the Trinity, never someone to whom prayers should be addressed. She was a sinner saved by Grace, just like the rest of us who belong to God.
While I’m on this subject, it is also wrong to pray to ‘The Man Upstairs’, ‘The Big Guy’,
or any other limited man-made construct of God. God is God. Our Creator, our Savior,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit triune in a way which we cannot understand or decipher.
God is the only One to whom our prayers should be addressed. And He is the only One capable of answering our prayers. You should be thankful that He does, that He has our best interests at heart while His Creation moves forward towards the Day of our Lord’s return to Earth, which will put an end to sin and death, war and destruction. It may seem like I’ve moved far and away from where this post started, but actually, no. It begins with a picture of someone praying to God. Let’s do the same. Pray that the Lord will return quickly, and find us with oil in our lamps, wicks trimmed and ready to be lit. Amen.

Sit Boy! Sit! Good Dog!

This is more of a quick test posting-foolishness will resume soon-check out Cute Overload in the mean.

Are you Going To Finish That Halal?

One if the journalist/watchpersons on the wall I greatly admire and respect is Debbie Schlussel. In her home state of Michigan she keeps a wary eye on the Islamic daily ‘troubles’ (as they used to call them in Ireland).
Debbie has a new article up about the Brit National Health Service protecting Muslims from themselves. To wit: Next month, during Ramadan, while Muslims are fasting, no food is to be seen on the desks of workers, no tempting chips left in the lounge, no food to be left in sight so as not to tempt Muslims to break their Ramadan fast.
Here’s the heart of one of the MANY differences between Christians and Muslims.
If a Christian is tempted, he says “I am weak, Lord, please forgive me.”
If a Muslim is tempted, he can say, “I am weak, but it is their fault for leaving the food right out there where I can be tempted.”
A Christian recognizes his faults and weaknesses, and accepts responsibility for his actions, as there is no fooling God, or ourselves.
A Muslim can claim innocence even in raping a woman, as ’she was uncovered, and is guilty of tempting me’.
This is one step from madness.
However they do it in Saudi Arabia, in Britain, or the United States, or Canada, we should not adapt our behavior one iota for fear of offending the sensibilities of Muslims.
Eat where you want, what you want, during Ramadan.
Wear what you want, where you want-it’s still a Free Country, isn’t it?
Go to the church you want, wherever you want, or don’t go-there is no compulsion under
our charter.
And of course, if you decide to live a life in deference to Islam, that is up to you…but don’t be offended if I don’t join you.

I Think Bill Is On The Right

I know, I know-there is a lot going on in the world much more important than a TV gameshow, but I thought that this was a fun notable event.
In my careers I’ve often worked afternoon/midnight shifts; with my mornings open I’ve enjoyed watching ‘The Price Is Right’.
When Drew Carey was announced as the new host, I thought that the producers chose well-Carey is funny, personable, and I think he sort of resembles Bill Cullen, the first Price Is Right Host.
Hopefully contestants will be playing “Plinko” for many years to come.
Drew Carey, come on down!

Wednesday Thoughts Random

It’s been awhile since I did a Random Thoughts post. These past few weeks have been so scattered that…see? There I go again.
**********
I’m a Baseball fan, and it was great to see Barry Bonds hit #756 last night. There will always be controversy, but I think Bonds is a great player, and I am happy for him and for Baseball, which has seen quite a few ’records’ and personal bests this season. My team, the Atlanta Braves, beat the Mets last night, so it was a great day for me.
*************
We had a church picnic this past Sunday, and it was wonderful-great friends, a beautiful day at a lake, and the best part-two recent converts were baptized. I can’t really explain the feeling, but it was Joyous-as they were being baptized, I felt happy, brimming with Joy. I could see it on the other faces also-a Blessed, wonderful day. I know that the two who were baptized are just starting on the journey with God which began for me nearly 30 years ago-I know that they will have struggles, but those can never compare to the Joy of knowing God.
***********
Some others who know that Joy are the Korean Christian workers in Afghanistan being held by Taliban.
I just checked-I had heard that two of our brothers had already been martyred out of the 23 being held.
The Taliban do not realize that they are holding prisoners who are very precious to God. I continue to pray that the Koreans might be freed, but more than that, I pray that God may be glorified by their witness. If they live, they live for Him. If they die, they go to be with Him. I don’t believe that the Taliban will be able to hold the Christians for very long without some of the Taliban being convicted and possibly converted.
God is in charge, and nothing happens that He does not make to happen or allow.
**********
I know that these thoughts are supposed to be random, but God allowing events to happen brings me right to what’s left of Politics. No! Don’t stop reading! Please! I know I used the “P” word, but this will be brief, I promise you.
“Pray now for the government leaders you want, pray later for the government leaders you got.”
If in your daily life you live by a moral code which does not condone lying, don’t accept lies and Liars simply because it’s Politics. Rather than lowering your standards, demand that Politicians raise theirs.
**********
I watched “300” the other night, and it is an amazing movie. How much of it is true is known only to God.
But it was a startlingly visual experience. Good men died to keep others free. How very relevant.
May God keep you and Bless you.

Full Tilt Boogie

23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

There was once a Christian who set a record for number of days lived without sinning-3. Of course, he was in a coma all three days, but it still counts.
In a way, Christians are defined by their failures-we try to live holy lives and often make an unholy mess. Then we are reminded that God is perfect; as good as we try to be, in these carnal bodies we will never measure up, never be as holy as God. But God is working in us, perfecting us, drawing us closer. He would not expend the effort if it were impossible for us to become more sanctified, more holy.
So, steady on, Christians!

6For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Amen!

Who Is Adequate For These Things?

“14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 2 Cor 2:14-16

We stink. And I love it. May we ever be a ‘fragrance of Christ to God’. To both those being saved and to the lost. I am ‘enjoying the aroma’ when I read the Word, worship, hear sermons about the Love of Christ. When singing in church, not only is God worshipped, but we Christians are blessed, are lifted up; we enjoy the ‘fragrance of Christ to God’.
And not only in church, but everywhere (in every place as mentioned above) we gather and talk, encourage and share among other Christians what God has done for us. It is Sweet.
And yet there is the essence of cold clay evident in us also. By being alive to Christ, we have put to death the old man, the old nature, and to those who are perishing, that is their entire existence. That nature is all that they have, and to hear that it need be put to death brings condemnation upon them for the very reason we rejoice: Christ, Who died for us, rose again and has redeemed us from Sin and Death.
It is no wonder that those who are perishing put up such defenses as they have to keep from hearing the Gospel or facing God. I know that I put up those defenses as an unbeliever, but Christ’s Love broke through
just like in the Keith Green song.
“The aroma from death to death.” One doesn’t have to be a goth Marilyn Manson fan with tats from ankles to eyebrows to embrace Death. Just go on living your life as if God has no part in it. Be your own man or woman-no Christian, no Book, no God is going to tell you how to live!
If Christians make you nervous, if being around Christians makes you uncomfortable, if hearing the Gospel expounded makes you grimace and want to cover your ears…I’ve got some Good News for You.
You don’t have to remain an enemy of God. The fragrance you can’t stand now could someday be as sweet to you as honey.
Jesus Christ made it possible for you to be restored to a right relationship with God; it is a Gift, which you cannot earn or achieve on your own. Freely you can receive what was bought at a great price.
And that is the ‘sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him’. To know Him is to Love Him. And to know Him is to be Loved by Him. Sweet indeed.

Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?

<sup>1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:1-2, 5-7

This is one of the hard sayings that messes some people up. Not all governments are good, but we are to be in subjection to the government we have while striving towards the government we desire.
Hitler, Hussein and a thousand and one tinpot dictators before them have governed peoples who, by the Grace of God, eventually were freed from their servitude. Chavez, Castro, Kim Jong-il are next on the list to be deposed-but things might get pretty ugly between now and then. We are not excused from obeying the government we live under-we can only pray that God will deliver us from evil governments, specifically those in opposition to God and, by extension, His creation, those made in His image. Humanity. Us.

Tyrants don’t accidentally subjugate peoples, and, wicked as the heart of man is, it doesn’t explain all the evil in the world. Remember that we are involved in a spiritual war:

“12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14“Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

20Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. 21“However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.”
Daniel 10:12-14, 20-21

Fallen angels (the prince of the kingdom of Persia, the prince of Greece) in conflict with Holy angels (Gabriel, Michael) were doing battle in Daniels time. They may not be eternal beings, but there is no reason to think that they have disappeared.


“12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12

I think that the princes (principalities) of Daniels time have been wreaking havoc on this Creation since the Fall, and I believe they are still at work today.
If you have been looking at the conflict of Civilizations in purely physical terms, consider the spiritual element. I believe the Bible from Gen to Rev. I believe that this is indeed a spiritual battle as well as a physical one. And I believe that we ‘haven’t seen nothing yet’.</sup>

Psalm 94 A

Compgencontso~

Your love
Love Love
Has a fatal error.

All your barn
Barn Barn
All your barn
Are belong to us.

Would you like
Like like
To send an error report
To Microsoft?

Our love will shut down
In 5..4..3..2.…

Ban..Ban..Banjo, please.

All your barn
Barn Barn
All your barn
Are belong to us.

What Do You Call a Duck In A Barber Shop?

What Can I Say?

9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?
10 “I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.
Jeremiah 17:5,9-10

“Winning the hearts and minds…”
Hearts and minds. The heart, being deceitful, can get you to believe things which are not true, and to believe them with such passion that the mind doesn’t even stand a chance. For someone to win both hearts and minds, their emotional appeal must also stand after being scrutinized critically.
I received a letter from an attorney who wants to be my state Senator. He appeals only to the heart, suggesting that I should be outraged at the abuses perpetuated by this Bush administration. As it is hard to tell the difference anymore, the attorney is a Democrat.
Among his emotional points:
“I have seen our country entrenched in a war we should not have entered, U.S. Attorneys fired for doing their jobs, veterans unable to get treatment for wounds received in defense of our nation, the erosion of human rights.”
See what I mean? That type of stuff works on the level of emotions, not rational thought. It’s on the same level as “DWB-Driving While Black”, emotional shorthand for racist police harassment.
Politicians (and attorneys, and salesmen, writers, political pundits, bloggers, news readers and editors, ad-some-more-nauseum) can make entire careers out of misrepresenting or fabricating facts. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trumpets lies and insane rhetoric against Israel and the United States, echoed by Hugo Chavez, and they continue to find willing hearers as they make emotionally charged lies which, if looked at critically, lose all credibility. But they and all other liars who play upon the heartstrings with emotional rhetoric are in big trouble:

“I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.”
There are going to be a lot of people who wish they could change the result of their deeds.
And I include Christians in this also. They may be saved, but they use the Grace God has given them to exploit the emotions of both believers and unbelievers.
As I’ve written before, I was in Pentecostal churches for years, though I am now a Baptist. I have seen emotional appeals which tug at the heart but don’t stand up well under critical scrutiny. Some teachings were simplistic, and ‘Worship’ was an emotional buffet with everyone stuffing themselves on ‘feelings’.
As has been stated many times, emotions are supposed to ‘season’ our lives, making life taste better, be more enjoyable. If a person lives a life led by their emotions, they are a train wreck in progress, constantly in crises. Their heart, deceitful above all things and desperately sick, rules and ruins their lives.
Where the scripture says that the Lord searches the heart and tests the mind, I believe it means that the Spirit of God, working in us, keeps us honest with ourselves and each other. He searches through my heart and finds something I believe on an emotional level:
“Doug, is this an honest emotion? Does your mind tell you that it is critically true?”


“No-I wish it were true, but I know it isn’t.”
“What do you do with this emotional belief, Doug?”
“Sigh. Toss it out.”
Be honest in all your dealings with man, and God will be honored.
If your heart tells you one thing, and your mind another, ask God to show you what is true.
And stick with it, even if the entire world tells you that God is wrong-God is not wrong; my heart and mind agree on that truth.